S48, E6: Drop Your Buffs

Season 48 is shaping up to have one of the best casts in recent memory. I’m starting to feel like this group is a throwback to the classic Survivor days. The new-era tribes have been fun—but maybe a little too fun. Let’s be honest: could Yam Yam, Maryanne, or Erika really hold their own against legends like Tyson, Parvati, Tony, or Sandra?

I've talked about how Simi Sai gives off serious Boston Rob vibes with how laser-focused she is on the game. But honestly, the whole cast has that old-school energy in their own way. Joe, Kyle, David, Kamilla, and Shahin all bring strong, unique perspectives, and Star is really starting to come into her own. Even Cedrek, who’s been a bit of a weak link so far, has the potential to be the Cochran of this season.

Well done, Survivor casting—although maybe not so well done, because I’m still waiting.... 

Takeaways

• Simi Sai started on fire this episode, confronting Cedrek: "You continue to lie." After pulling in four votes at tribal council, I can’t wait to see her reaction next week.
• Drop your buffs! This is when the game kicks into overdrive.
• David, Joe, and Eva are trying to form a strength-based alliance to avoid getting picked off as shields. I’ll be amazed if it actually works—David’s already questioning how much he can trust Shauhin, and Kyle is secretly aligned with Kamilla. The cracks are showing.
• I’m still not sure how Charity lost the advantage to Simi Sai, but I doubt it would’ve changed anything—Charity wasn’t winning that challenge. 
• The challenge itself was one of the most competitive yet: well-balanced, high energy, and filled with lead changes. Cedrek, however, slowed his tribe down significantly trying to get up the wall. Ironically, that might work in his favor long-term—he confirmed that he isn't a physical threat.
• Survivor keeps mixing things up, and I’m here for it. I used to like it when only half the tribe was eligible for elimination, but this week’s return to everyone being on the chopping block opened the game to more possibilities.
• Charity and Simi Sai were the first to float Eva’s name; in return, they got all but one of the votes. Lesson learned: don’t mess with Eva?
• I loved how Star approached Cedrek after the challenge loss. Her “We’re not doing that” response to his tears might’ve sounded cold, but honestly, it came off as tough love—a surprisingly supportive moment.
• In the end, it looks like Charity was voted out to chip away at the Civa 6, but I still don’t get it:
• Why was everyone so against her? There’s an intangible element to trust; clearly, she didn’t have it.
• How was she so blind to the vibe? She didn’t even suspect her name was in play.

Quotes of the Episode

• Kyle: "This is a game for a million dollars. You can't be honest about everything."

• Charity: “This is a game, this isn't who I am.

• Jeff: "That is a lot of pole you are balancing."

Questions

• How will Simi Sai convince them to keep her around since she doesn't have an alliance?
• After being blindsided by Charity's exit, how will happy-to-be-here Mitch respond?

Steve has spoken.