S48, E1: Air Sign vs. Air Sign

Season 48 came out fighting with strong personalities and game play!  Episode one proved there’s no one right way to play the game, as contestants brought a variety of strategies to the table:

• Sai came out swinging, aggressively searching for (and finding) an immunity idol, forming alliances, and targeting Stephanie. It worked (so far).
• Stephanie focused on building genuine relationships. It didn't work.
• Kamilla recognized her own vulnerability and opted to create chaos to distract from her weaknesses, making Charity her first target.
• Thomas is playing a quieter game, forming strategic alliances first with Bianca and then with the California girls.
• Justin and Kevin navigated the middle ground before finally choosing a side.
• Eva is putting her full trust in Joe, who seems equally committed to sticking with her for the long haul.

It’s too early to predict which strategy will stand the test of time, but one thing’s certain—Season 48 is shaping up to be an entertaining season!

Takeaways

• Lagi dominated the first two challenges and looks to be unstoppable.
• I would be scared to play with Sai. She is strategic, driven, and impatient—traits that make her a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t want to be in her crosshairs because she seems ready to turn on allies at any moment.
• It is crazy how quickly players must extend trust to people they just met. How do you even practice reading people that fast?
• Charity likes her steak medium-well? Time for her to go.
• Kamilla named "Holes" and "The Departed" on her most-watched movies. What?
• Thomas never imagined he’d be in an all-male alliance. Shauh-in’s reply, “Me too, bro, to be honest,” was hilariously ironic. That screams "all-male alliance."
• I admired Kyle in Season 47, and Joe might just be his match. His kindness and support for Eva were touching, but will his loyalty come back to bite him later?
• Did anyone else catch Jeff’s stumble during the immunity challenge at the 1:04:28 mark? How often does that happen? I want bloopers!
• Vula’s puzzle was a disaster, overshadowing the impressive comeback by Kyle and Stephanie.
• I’m seriously considering a new drinking game: take a shot every time they bleep “f***.” Episode one alone might’ve set a record. "What the f***, Jeff?"
• Was this Survivor’s first Zodiac battle? No clue what my element is—Diet Coke, maybe?
• David is giving off major Rome vibes, questioning if he’ll be seen as a hero or villain. My money’s on villain.
• Fun fact: 49% of Survivor winners and 45% of the finalists were part of the first losing tribe. It's not over for Vula.

David Quotes

• "Kyle seems like a sincere guy, but he's no me." 
• "A luxury I don't need right now is a shirt."

Quotes of the Episode

• Sai: "These hoochie mama's are just playing the 'get to know you' game.'"
• Kamilla:  "I'm doing it right now by throwing Charity under the bus, and I have been reversing that bus and running her over and over and over." 

Questions

• Will Justin and Kevin regret picking Sai over Stephanie?
• Will the other tribes find their idols?
• How many more pullups will we see David doing?

Steve has spoken.