Homeboy's REALLY, REALLY good at this game!
At the beginning of this episode, I was slightly annoyed with Shane’s arrogant demand of an apology from David for exercising his right to cast a vote that differs from what he promised Shane originally. Cat calling the kettle black much? As a player, I get that that’s all strategic but as a viewer, it was laughable.
That did not shake my adoration for Shane even slightly as he continues to display his Survivor prowess. You’re wrong Shane - Marian is not the best player - YOU ARE!! Finding ANOTHER idol (without a clue), using Graham’s paranoia/boredom combo to your advantage, playing with a long-term strategic view, taking some calculated risks and using your charming social skills is a special combination of sheer brilliance :).
Even if Shane does not win this game, he deserves credit for making this a riveting season. His fundamental strength (in my view) is his communication skills from a social perspective.
I was paying close attention to how he answered Nico’s questions at tribal council for example and the subtlety of his self-deprecating tone, his calm body language and the confidence with which he lies, is almost artistic.
Additionally, he does actually stick to his word in very considered and specific instances, just enough to win you over. He told Graham he would vote for Solly and he followed through. So Graham now trusts him more today than yesterday.
I am speculating that a new sub-alliance of sorts will now form between Shane and Graham which could substantially affect the trajectory of this game. Basically, homeboy is really really good at this!
From early on in the season, I warned that Solly and Zavion would be huge targets if they made it to the merge. Survivor history has clearly demonstrated this trend. During the immunity challenge, Zavion had the most coconuts deposited down his shoot (that’s a WEIRD sentence). Solly is also physically dangerous.
The difference is that Zavion had the numbers and has done well to ensure that his vote is still too important to get rid of him just yet. Solly did not have the numbers and so, despite the huge blindside, this was a sensible and logical strategic move.
I look at it this way ... Solly leaving was option 2. Strategically, Option 1 should have been to get rid of Shane but that was not possible because dude has got idols coming out of his ears ... uh, pants. So sorry Solly, but tag, you’re it bra.
In the midst of it all, I am loving Graham’s new found dark side. There are typically two kinds of winners of this game - those who don’t ruffle any feathers and float through so that in the end they can say: “I played a clean game and it got me this far.”.
Then, there are those who can point to big moves and in the end say: “I took risks and I truly outwitted, outlasted and outplayed you all”. Graham is apparently gunning for the latter and his timing is perfect.
In contrast, the “floaters”, Vel, Buhle and Moyra, are just chilling and letting everyone else around them throw grenades and take bullets. It’s not a very entertaining way to play this game (for the audience) but it is an effective way to get far in this game.
I personally believe that there is nothing wrong with flying under the radar. Would you rather be a “player” and end up where Marian is or would you rather be Moyra for instance? Everyone basically handed Moyra immunity ... and a mystery prize I might add!!! (My guess is car keys :)).
On his hunt for a 3rd immunity idol, Shane reminded us of the infamous Russell Hantz who is a legend of a player. Russell has made it to the finals numerous times but he has never won. Players like Russell, as fantastically diabolical as he is, cannot win this game.
Russell Hantz has told Jeff Probst that if the public could vote, he would have won every time. That is probably a true statement. The problem is that that is not THIS game.
Survivor would not be Survivor if the public decided the winner because the whole point of the game centers on the SOCIAL strategy. That is how Mark Burnett designed the game and Russell has always chosen to ignore that crucial element.
You cannot win Survivor without regard for the social aspect of this game - point, blank, period. Out of interest, my favorite player of all-time is Boston Rob. Why? He is a ruthless, scary, double-crossing, conniving nightmare but he’ll make you believe that he loves you. Being an unapologetic villain might get you to the jury. Being a villain that nobody thinks is a villain? That gets you a million bucks. True story.
Back to my SA peeps - my biggest mystery at the moment is still Altaaf. He explained last week’s Sivu vote by saying that the vote changed at the last minute (which put Graham in jeopardy), then he sabotaged Graham at the immunity challenge but then at tribal council, he asked Corne to try and help to save Graham with the salvation cup.
Altaaf is playing a confused game and in the process he is confusing Graham which is sowing seeds of doubt in Graham’s mind. Is it possible that the stress from this game is weighing on Altaaf and the fatigue is finally beginning to set in for him? Get your head back in the game brother! Splintering a tight alliance for no good reason is a BAD MOVE.
As the jury starts to build and take shape, alliances will be tested and most will crumble. In the end, there can still only be one winner. It is exciting and can be gut-wrenching all at the same time!
Even though I am seemingly picking apart everyone’s strategy and giving my thoughts, it’s not meant in a critical way. I am mindful of how tough this road is. Survivor is WAY harder than it looks on TV!!!
For those of you who don’t know, we only get to see between 1 and 1½ hours of 48 hours per episode.
In the midst of all this game play, it is so difficult to convey that there are a multitude of other emotional factors playing a role - missing home & loved ones, not sleeping at night, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, sand crabs, and sand flies, rats chewing on your fingers and ears in the middle of the night in the dark, the hunger, being wet ALL the time (because you are constantly in and out of the water or being rained on so therefore the smallest scratch cannot heal because it stays wet).
DESPITE fighting these elements hourly, you have to stay of sound mind and keep your strategic hat on at all times. It is physically and mentally EXHAUSTING! So kudos to you all ... and keep on keepin’ on.
Twitter:
@AmandaHoosenFacebook:
Amanda Hoosen Instagram: amanda51077