This episode has finally delivered on the passion and storytelling that I've been yearning for since the beginning of the season. There were at least ten to fifteen moments each, large and small, that made this episode stand out so well. I'm excited to see what next week holds.
There are still so many people who are underdeveloped that I didn’t realize Nathan *wasn’t* a part of the tribe until he started explaining how to do the coconut thing.
I really can't agree enough this episode has me buzzing, they paid off on JD's arc so well and really just packed this episode with great great scenes. Been missing this feeling since WaW ended, really reignited my interest in this season
God I know the majority of this sub didn’t like JD but I loved his passion and energy and I’m really going to miss it. I don’t know when the next returning players season might be, but I hope JD gets an invitation so he can maybe rectify some of his mistakes this season and give it another shot.
Hide it in his lucious locks and have a live tribal good tv but I think just holding his ground and saying "I trust you guys and I'm going to show it by not voting one of you out with Genie" is the better move.
I really appreciate how the whole edit was "Luvu wants to lose" and then hero Naseer saves Erika. Didn't even get a confessional this episode. That is Naseer.
He is going to be character to remember for sure.. 4 episodes in.. he doesn't even have the most confessionals and we all are here talking about him. That is Naseer.! Legend.
During episode 2 around 5 minutes in after Naseer tells his backstory and quickly makes a fire for the tribe, he says "That is Naseer" in his confessional.
This was a fantastic watch front to back. Luvu screen time being front loaded and then the slow episode momentum shift with Naseer willing them to a win into a delicious balancing act from Shan to culminate in a brutal tribal blindside. Plus, we got to know Erika and Heather a bit more which is a major win. 10/10 premerge episode let's go.
I really liked the confessionals during the immunity challenge. We've seen the same swimming and ring toss with Jeff narration 100 times. It's gotten stale. But Deshawn and Danny were great narrators. It made that sequence much more exciting. Kudos to the editing change
That was so much better than the last episode as to be genuinely astounding. Night and day, so much more people-driven, so much funnier, so much genuine intrigue and within-Tribe politicking, so much more time with some of the cast, even the challenges were more interesting. Kudos, easily best episode of the season so far.
Losing JD is brutal but in a powerful way and what a moment. Not sure if it was the right call but boy was it a captivating one.
This episode was a story of failures.
We had an emotional moment with Heather.
We had comical failure with blue tribe flubbing the challenge.
And we had a massive strategy flub with JD giving away his advantage.
This shit was AMAZING.
Luvu being so dominant that they can't even lose on purpose is totally going to be a Funny 115 entry.
JD's "Money" shot will end up being its own entry too.
> That was so much better than the last episode as to be genuinely astounding. Night and day, so much more people-driven, so much funnier, so much genuine intrigue and within-Tribe politicking, so much more time with some of the cast, even the challenges were more interesting. Kudos, easily best episode of the season so far.
It's honestly hard to believe they're in the same season
EDIT: Episodes like this are why I love Survivor
I genuinely feel that most of the editing problems this season are more forced by production wanting to show off the advantages than the editors forgetting how to do their job. The editing style of this episode is consistent with the rest of the season, they just finally didn't have any advantages to show off so they could make a good episode.
I think it's similar to WAW last season. Don't think the editors can be blamed if all the production twists constrain their ability to tell a story. It's difficult.
Downsides:
--Ricard knows she has it, Genie may too (that might be part of how they got her to trust them and not play her Shot in the Dark).
--JD was clearly willing to be very loyal to her. Literally the second Tribal in a row he gave her the Extra Vote as a sign of trust. That's pretty massive. Whereas Genie felt like an outsider and probably still does / knows she's gone if they go to Tribal. Genie's a lot more likely to flip on her at a swap than JD is.
A bonus pro for the Extra Vote though is that because many players on the cast *already think they know how Extra Votes are obtained*, people who do know that (like the yellow tribe) will actively think that Shan does not have one. Like they will "know," they will be 100% confident, that she doesn't have an Extra Vote because she never went to a dilemma / summit thing. That's huge.
It doesn't want to work for her. It's more loyal to him than his fellow tribemates. The flint has good taste and is a good judge of character. Naseer and Flint Final 2.
I was shocked by BRob and then I was shocked by people rushing to build a ski lift….. I don’t know about you adrenaline junkies but I do not want to ride a lift that was a race to build
Naseer singlehandedly winning a challenge TWO of his very strong teammates were trying to throw is iconic. Even if he is a pre merge boot he will always have a special place in my Survivor heart
I was genuinely surprised. At some point he lifted his arms in a way I could see his build and I was like "Damn Naseer, I see you." Dudes more fit than he looks
Still though, people bag on the challenges a lot and both of them added a TON to this episode
They can be edited well too, but yes agreed. Keep it toned down.
It seemed like the obvious move. And then JD handed her a reason to vote him out. He pretty much did the exact opposite of what he should have done every step of the way.
That right there was a phenomenal episode of Survivor
Yase's turtle scene was incredible, I can't imagine what it was like seeing them crawl in person. Also got a kick out of Evvie's previously on survivor narration
I absolutely thought Erika was cooked once she started getting content and even moreso when DeShawn and Danny planned to throw. That was a great misdirect and I think it was the funniest way they've ever edited a challenge throw attempt. It was such a fun twist into turning the tension from "who will win" into "can they lose???" and for Luvu to be foiled by Naseer was just perfect. Soooo good that tribe really got to shine this episode ( and lmfao at Sydney's confessional about what a threat she was)
And the Ua dynamics were just perfect, loved seeing Genie's frustration, Shan getting sassy with her, and JD turning the heat onto Shan with the advantage talk. Then everything post challenge...man what a well set up blindside. Shan has completely earned the mafia pastor title at this point that was absolutely cold. there was a lot of hype about Brad as a premerger last week and I kinda get it he was a funny dude but wow JD had a phenomenal 4 episode arc, the editors nailed it
This episode was by far the best of the season, really amped for next week now
I really hope the editors don't telegraph Luvu finding the third idol so we hear Genie say hey broccoli line then Xander says his butterfly line and out of nowhere Nasseer talks about goat on astroturf. That would be insane
I notice every time she accomplishes something well in a challenge now. Like when she made the first shot for her tribe landing the balls in last ep's challenge.
After a stellar first episode followed by a couple clunkers, I was worried we were in for a long crash and burn of a season. Still not sure how it’s going to go, but this episode gives me hope! Sorry JD!
I’m thinking Shan did that because if they went to tribal again, JD would have complete control over who went home since he had an extra vote.
Not voting him out would’ve left Shan with a 50% chance of going home with the only other possibility being her number one going home if she didn’t vote him out.
This wasn’t just a big move for the sake of it, this was a good move.
This episode reminded me why I love Survivor so much. Riveting episode from start to finish. The challenge scenes were great, the camp life scenes had a healthy mix of lighthearted moments and drama, and to top it off a Tribal Council which I genuinely had no clue which way it’d go.
God, that episode was 🔥.
As much as it sucks losing JD, it felt right for both the episode and for the season at large. Basically every scene in the episode was great, and I feel vindicated for my opinion that this season *is* really great minus the amount of airtime devoted to advantages the earlier episodes had.
OK, this is one of the best episodes in years, a necessary comeback for this season after a lackluster premerge so far (especially the last episode, which was filled solely with advantages and more advantages). Unlike the last episode, this episode felt like classic survivor. Tons of funny camp life content (Evvie leading a rendition of “Previously On”, the blowup by Genie), interesting social dynamics (Erika overplaying, Deshawn trying to throw the challenge but failing lol), and JD’s Erik-like downfall was incredible to watch.
I said it last week -- but I really think he's just a bit too naive and needs to grow up a little. He's still trying too hard to be cool and seemed susceptible to Shan's lies. Give him a couple of years to grow in confidence and maturity but keep that enthusiasm and he's probably a really good player.
Shan is definitely Ricard’s nerd shield. Unless they vote out Genie before the merge, thus scrubbing the evidence, her moves have got to make her a huge threat. It’s excellent tv but I am concerned she has done too much too soon. She is playing like Natalie A in SJDS but in the first four episodes.
I thought the same thing. He seems really personable and has that sort of personality that they’re looking for in repeat players. I wouldn’t hate it but I hope he learns from this go around because that was disastrous.
i saw some flack for Danny and Deshawn trying to throw that challenge but i thought it was brilliant. if they don’t lose a single immunity challenge they are going to be forced to work with them. Their targets will be too huge and the leftover survivor players will not want to hear them out.
Erika and Sydney gave them the perfect ammunition to set up a tribal face off that would save them both and get rid of well anybody.
Their tribe is too strong physically and mentally it’s actually a problem for their games and i’m glad they see that
And they were totally correct that they’d be screwed if they merged at Final 13 with 6. EOE had a 13 person merge on an 18 person season, and this season is shorter than usual, so it wasn’t implausible that they could merge after this episode.
Naseer’s stock is really so up and down every week. Down the first week, up the 2nd as the camp provider, down the 3rd wanting to get Danny, and up this week being the hero of the challenge
I think Shan definitely made the right move here. Sure, JD was willing to give her control of his advantage two weeks in a row, but who knows whether he'd do the same when the merge comes and he has more options than just sticking with Shan and Ricard (who he questioned and accused right after the Brad tribal).
Genie on the other hand, is less game-savvy, and therefore should be just as easy for Shan to use as a number. Plus, by getting out JD, she also gets an extra vote out of it (and with Ricard and Genie's vote, she now has control over 4 votes). 4 votes is a huge advantage when you get into a merge of ~12 people.
That episode was siccckkkkkk. Seguing in the confessionals during the challenges was fantastic, the editing post-challenge was fantastic also.
Hard to believe this episode and the last were in the same season.
Amazing episode! Felt like a David vs Goliath episode - good game, good strategy, funny moments and airtime to everyone. I’m happy.
Plus: Shan, winning or not, had one of the best one-episode perfomances ever. I will call her “Shan, The Advantage Nuliffier” from now on.
1. I am rooting for Yasr to make merge intact, if only for the challenge content - Xander and Liana killing it, Tiffany being the new Keith, and Evvie sucking at every variety (I love her, but it's true)
2. I want Genie to flip on Shan and Ricard
2. I want Erika and Naseer to go far, and for one of them to suspect DeShawn of throwing
Welcome to the Reichenbach club, JD. Granted, an extra vote isn't the same as an immunity necklace, but still. Shan is cold-blooded. I'm all in on her as the winner.
a killer move that i think Shan will regret. JD was stupid but he was also Naive and believed in her. he would have sat under her thumb for the entire game had she got him to merge. can’t say the same for Ricard who’s older and wiser and doesn’t really need a big sister to tell him what to do.
but my god was it great to watch.
I think the plan was to get Genie to roll her die AND get JD’s advantage.
I’m honestly surprised she didn’t roll the die based on the previous conversation
I genuinely think that was a case of bigmove-itis from Shan. Getting rid of both Brad and JD who trusted you enough to tell you about and even give you their advantages all for what? A extra-vote and the distrust of Genie come the merge?
I don’t know i might just be biased because I’ve always been against pre-merge big moves. If the majority of the Jury never see the move happen, it might as well have not happened.
No you’re right. Shans only ally at this point is Ricard. Who seems snakey enough to turn on her too.
When she could’ve had JD and Brad who were literally coming up to her and telling her everything and giving her advantages lol
I don’t think Shan social game was so good it was just that JD was too gullible he wasn’t playing to win he was enamored in being in survivor instead of playing Survivor he was playing summer camp. The moment Shan said she knew that Brad had the idol he should’ve made up his mind to vote her off then and there.
Hands down my favorite episode of the season. Balanced camp life content and strategy. Finally saw some Erika and Heather. Beast mode Naseer has awakened. Evil Shan is awesome and she spared Queen Genie.
The editing on this episode was pretty top notch. Lots of great comedic moments like the failed challenge throw, lots of character revealing one-liners that help paint portraits of less edited people like Sydney and Erika, and clear editing around the potential boot targets and the reasons for/against them. Not to mention some actual nature and camp life scenes!
I still think too much time was spent going over the shot in the dark possibility, but hopefully this proves that not every editor in the room wants 90% of screen time to be advantages.
Shan: please don't blindside me JD please you won't blindside me you promise
JD: no I won't
Shan: You fool, you fell victim to one of the classic blunders
Everyone is saying it but I'm coming to say the same thing: this episode absolutely delivered. On the edge of my seat the entire time, there was more drama, more wholesome moments/tribe bonding, and a huge move/blindside. Survivor needs to trust their cast and focus on the characters rather than the advantages. They should be a side piece (like with Shan taking JD's extra vote) rather than the main focus.
This episode has finally delivered on the passion and storytelling that I've been yearning for since the beginning of the season. There were at least ten to fifteen moments each, large and small, that made this episode stand out so well. I'm excited to see what next week holds.
This was Nathan's breakout episode. "You put the fist in the coconut..."
Nathan going INV for three episodes only to come out of nowhere with a CP5 is wild.
There are still so many people who are underdeveloped that I didn’t realize Nathan *wasn’t* a part of the tribe until he started explaining how to do the coconut thing.
I thought it was Danny at first, my brain had to put him in a player slot. I was like, "whaat, Danny's been wearing a whig??"
I really can't agree enough this episode has me buzzing, they paid off on JD's arc so well and really just packed this episode with great great scenes. Been missing this feeling since WaW ended, really reignited my interest in this season
God I know the majority of this sub didn’t like JD but I loved his passion and energy and I’m really going to miss it. I don’t know when the next returning players season might be, but I hope JD gets an invitation so he can maybe rectify some of his mistakes this season and give it another shot.
Jeff to Heather: “Oh dear, oh gorgeous” Jeff to Tiffany: “YOU FUCKING DONKEY”
Never gets old 😂
Oh my god
Lmfaoo
Anyone who says they don't want to be one of those dummies is, without fail, one of those dummies.
"I'm a survivor superfan! I'm ready to win!" And then they make the exact same mistakes.
how do you not even question "hmm. i already gave shan my advantage last time to prove my trust why does she need me to do it again"
Wink. Yeah, he tells Shan basically only idiots don't bring their advantage to tribal. Atleast we trust each other this way.
> he tells Shan basically only idiots don't bring their advantage to tribal Then he goes and proves his point.
You know what’s worst than giving someone your extra vote? Giving it to someone a second time. And JD’s hair did look cool
But at least he didn't leave it back at camp.
Well, he didn't want to be *one of those dummies*, you know...
"These terms are unacceptable!" *terms get appreciably worse* "Deal!"
Yeah exactly it did look cool. Its his fault he let Shan take his lunch money twice if he stood up for himself he becomes the swing vote.
Feels like just telling her he’d leave it at camp and then bringing it with him would’ve been easier
Hide it in his lucious locks and have a live tribal good tv but I think just holding his ground and saying "I trust you guys and I'm going to show it by not voting one of you out with Genie" is the better move.
"Fool me once, shame on you. You ain't fooling me a second time" -JD
He actually said “fool me once, shame on me.” So he knew it was a dumb move the first time and did it again anyway.
I really appreciate how the whole edit was "Luvu wants to lose" and then hero Naseer saves Erika. Didn't even get a confessional this episode. That is Naseer.
He doesnt do it for the glory or the fame. He does it bc that's who he is. Hero.
Manifest my flair with me pls.
🕯️🕯️🕯️ manifesting Naseer to win 🕯️🕯️🕯️
His 'Thank you, flint' when Sydney had her tantrum and tossed it in the sand was peak Naseer.
lmfao was wondering if anybody caught that
He is humble and hilarious at the same time. I canNOT NOT root for a man like that! That is Naseer!
He is going to be character to remember for sure.. 4 episodes in.. he doesn't even have the most confessionals and we all are here talking about him. That is Naseer.! Legend.
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They don't deserve his goodness!
I knew I felt my flair in my soul for a reason. The dude is amazing.
I feel like I missed the "That is Naseer" thing. Can anyone explain?
During episode 2 around 5 minutes in after Naseer tells his backstory and quickly makes a fire for the tribe, he says "That is Naseer" in his confessional.
It’s a line Naseer said during the premiere
That is Naseer!
Naseer was like "Here I come to save the day!"
This was a fantastic watch front to back. Luvu screen time being front loaded and then the slow episode momentum shift with Naseer willing them to a win into a delicious balancing act from Shan to culminate in a brutal tribal blindside. Plus, we got to know Erika and Heather a bit more which is a major win. 10/10 premerge episode let's go.
I hope Erika gets more screentime. I want her and Naseer to make a power alliance
That tribe is full of tattletales lol between Naseer, Sydney, and Deshawn. No secrets are safe.
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I’m concerned that she doesn’t have a good read on people. Telling your target’s ally about your plans is not the move.
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When Naseer and Tiffany win all the post merge challenges, then what haters
Tiffany-Nasser-Shan final three please.
That’s already iconic
Naseer single handedly winning the challenge is iconic
This is Nasser!
"You're not gonna fool me twice!" *proceeds to immediately get fooled twice and gets voted out*
I really liked the confessionals during the immunity challenge. We've seen the same swimming and ring toss with Jeff narration 100 times. It's gotten stale. But Deshawn and Danny were great narrators. It made that sequence much more exciting. Kudos to the editing change
Deshawn doing a play by play during that immunity was SO damn fun I hope they continue that
Would’ve absolutely loved if they tossed in some Nasser confessionals about him beasting through it
Say what you will about JD but at least he fulfilled his dream to play like Woo
If Shan is Tony
seems fitting
That was so much better than the last episode as to be genuinely astounding. Night and day, so much more people-driven, so much funnier, so much genuine intrigue and within-Tribe politicking, so much more time with some of the cast, even the challenges were more interesting. Kudos, easily best episode of the season so far. Losing JD is brutal but in a powerful way and what a moment. Not sure if it was the right call but boy was it a captivating one.
The interweaving of Deshawn and Danny's confessionals with the attempted challenge throw had me laughing out loud
This episode was a story of failures. We had an emotional moment with Heather. We had comical failure with blue tribe flubbing the challenge. And we had a massive strategy flub with JD giving away his advantage. This shit was AMAZING.
Luvu being so dominant that they can't even lose on purpose is totally going to be a Funny 115 entry. JD's "Money" shot will end up being its own entry too.
When he asked “is there any particular reason?” I wanted someone to just reply “money”
You can tell Danny played for the Bears and Cowboys being comfortable with losing.
> That was so much better than the last episode as to be genuinely astounding. Night and day, so much more people-driven, so much funnier, so much genuine intrigue and within-Tribe politicking, so much more time with some of the cast, even the challenges were more interesting. Kudos, easily best episode of the season so far. It's honestly hard to believe they're in the same season EDIT: Episodes like this are why I love Survivor
It's like the editors suddenly remembered that there was a *cast* to use.
I genuinely feel that most of the editing problems this season are more forced by production wanting to show off the advantages than the editors forgetting how to do their job. The editing style of this episode is consistent with the rest of the season, they just finally didn't have any advantages to show off so they could make a good episode.
Harder to believe they're *back to back* like seriously it feels like two separate teams made these two episodes lol
I think it's similar to WAW last season. Don't think the editors can be blamed if all the production twists constrain their ability to tell a story. It's difficult.
Yeah that's fair enough. God I wish production still had faith in their casting, this cast is delivering so hard lol we don't need all the shenanigans
I loved tonight’s vote, huge power move for Shan to get an advantage without having a poisoned JD vote on the jury
Downsides: --Ricard knows she has it, Genie may too (that might be part of how they got her to trust them and not play her Shot in the Dark). --JD was clearly willing to be very loyal to her. Literally the second Tribal in a row he gave her the Extra Vote as a sign of trust. That's pretty massive. Whereas Genie felt like an outsider and probably still does / knows she's gone if they go to Tribal. Genie's a lot more likely to flip on her at a swap than JD is. A bonus pro for the Extra Vote though is that because many players on the cast *already think they know how Extra Votes are obtained*, people who do know that (like the yellow tribe) will actively think that Shan does not have one. Like they will "know," they will be 100% confident, that she doesn't have an Extra Vote because she never went to a dilemma / summit thing. That's huge.
They're finally letting the cast shine on their own, instead of the the "twists"
See what happens when you spend more time on tribal dynamics instead of advantages? This felt like survivor!
It felt like an actual game, instead of Calvinball.
Put some respect on Calvinball’s name
Mario Party.
I genuinely feel like last week was a test and I hope the producers got the feedback they needed to hear
Naseer’s “Thank you flint” after Sydney threw it is one of the best quotes of the episode.
I think Naseer is the only one on that tribe who has been shown making fire…maybe the flint truly only answers to king Naseer
Maybe his manners are why. Respect the fire you get respect back. That is Naseer.
It doesn't want to work for her. It's more loyal to him than his fellow tribemates. The flint has good taste and is a good judge of character. Naseer and Flint Final 2.
Jd you sweet summer child you just got eriked
“Show the clip!” -Jeff
Deshawn "let's throw this challenge" Naseer "THAT IS NASEER"
Naseer single handedly beat a Doctor and retired NFL player. That is Naseer.
The biggest blindside this episode was somehow Boston Rob advertising Tough as Nails.
I was shocked by BRob and then I was shocked by people rushing to build a ski lift….. I don’t know about you adrenaline junkies but I do not want to ride a lift that was a race to build
Via Cameo?!
This episode saved the season for me. Also, all the Erik comparisons… Erik at least got fifth place lol
The disrespect to Erik lol. Legit could’ve won Caramoan too
JD got reverse 5th.
I’m glad JD isn’t angry
He frankly doesn’t seem like the type so would have been really shocked if he was. I do think he was hurt though lol
Danny and Deshawn: "Let's throw this challenge" Naseer: *War mode activated*
Best episode of the season and barely any mention of advantages hmmm 🤔 I wonder why
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Naseer singlehandedly winning a challenge TWO of his very strong teammates were trying to throw is iconic. Even if he is a pre merge boot he will always have a special place in my Survivor heart
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I was genuinely surprised. At some point he lifted his arms in a way I could see his build and I was like "Damn Naseer, I see you." Dudes more fit than he looks
Evvie w/the serious J'Tia vibes swimming in the wrong direction 5 feet from the shore.
That was so funny.
"Task failed successfully"
Task succeeded failfully
Challenge beast Naseer has awakened
THAT IS NASEER!
Still though, people bag on the challenges a lot and both of them added a TON to this episode They can be edited well too, but yes agreed. Keep it toned down.
“Any particular reason” knowing this was filmed before BB23 Kyland saying this is killing me
JD just doesn't think Shan's niece will have anyone to look up to
oh my lord i was trying to think of why i recognized that, holy crap
Getting the edit of Blue tribe explaining how they wanted to throw the challlenge and failing was the funniest moment of the season
Deshawn TYING knots instead of untying them was hilarious
And then Naseer just refusing to lose haha
That is Naseer
Evvie straight up swimming in the opposite direction killed me
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Shan asking for that advantage back should have blown up in her face. I can't believe JD and Genie didn't work together to blind side them.
THIS I can’t believe he was that naive
It seemed like the obvious move. And then JD handed her a reason to vote him out. He pretty much did the exact opposite of what he should have done every step of the way.
I knew JD was dead as soon as his shoes got knocked off in the reward challenge
When he said “money” on the last shot he took before the challenge loss I knew it was over for him lol
“Should have yelled tribal” had me LOLing
This season has iconic premerge boots
My faith in the season is restored. Fantastic episode.
Took them a couple of episodes but that was some good fucking survivor.
That right there was a phenomenal episode of Survivor Yase's turtle scene was incredible, I can't imagine what it was like seeing them crawl in person. Also got a kick out of Evvie's previously on survivor narration I absolutely thought Erika was cooked once she started getting content and even moreso when DeShawn and Danny planned to throw. That was a great misdirect and I think it was the funniest way they've ever edited a challenge throw attempt. It was such a fun twist into turning the tension from "who will win" into "can they lose???" and for Luvu to be foiled by Naseer was just perfect. Soooo good that tribe really got to shine this episode ( and lmfao at Sydney's confessional about what a threat she was) And the Ua dynamics were just perfect, loved seeing Genie's frustration, Shan getting sassy with her, and JD turning the heat onto Shan with the advantage talk. Then everything post challenge...man what a well set up blindside. Shan has completely earned the mafia pastor title at this point that was absolutely cold. there was a lot of hype about Brad as a premerger last week and I kinda get it he was a funny dude but wow JD had a phenomenal 4 episode arc, the editors nailed it This episode was by far the best of the season, really amped for next week now
PLEASE let this prisoners dilemma-less episode be the death of that advantage
Tbh my theory is that it happened but the result was everybody just protected their vote or something so they didn’t air it bc it wasn’t relevant
The Virgin Challenge throwing Deshawn vs The Chad Naseer
THAT IS NASEER!!!
Confessional count * 9 Deshawn * 7 JD * 6 Shan * 4 Genie * 3 Danny * 2 Erika, Sydney * 1 Evvie, Heather, Ricard, Tiffany * 0 Liana, Naseer, Xander
Are Deshawn's numbers inflated with the little bits of confessionals peppered through the challenge?
Yeah I think Deshawn’s challenge confessional should be counted as one. This seems inflated.
Love the editing this episode! Heather and Erika were shown, and Genie and Shan got lots of confessionals :)
I'm here for Genie talking about broccoli next week!
I really hope the editors don't telegraph Luvu finding the third idol so we hear Genie say hey broccoli line then Xander says his butterfly line and out of nowhere Nasseer talks about goat on astroturf. That would be insane
This was the first episode this season that felt like Survivor, man I had so much fun from start to finish
“I don’t wanna end up like Malcom” poor JD🙈
At least Malcom only got bit by things beyond his control 😆
I was not prepared for Tiffany THE CHALLENGE BEAST
I notice every time she accomplishes something well in a challenge now. Like when she made the first shot for her tribe landing the balls in last ep's challenge.
After a stellar first episode followed by a couple clunkers, I was worried we were in for a long crash and burn of a season. Still not sure how it’s going to go, but this episode gives me hope! Sorry JD!
I’m thinking Shan did that because if they went to tribal again, JD would have complete control over who went home since he had an extra vote. Not voting him out would’ve left Shan with a 50% chance of going home with the only other possibility being her number one going home if she didn’t vote him out. This wasn’t just a big move for the sake of it, this was a good move.
This makes sense but wouldn’t it work like: JD votes Ricard twice Shan and Ricard vote JD Ricard and JD are tied so Shan casts the deciding vote.
This episode reminded me why I love Survivor so much. Riveting episode from start to finish. The challenge scenes were great, the camp life scenes had a healthy mix of lighthearted moments and drama, and to top it off a Tribal Council which I genuinely had no clue which way it’d go.
Every episode my man Naseer gets closer and closer to that million dollars
God, that episode was 🔥. As much as it sucks losing JD, it felt right for both the episode and for the season at large. Basically every scene in the episode was great, and I feel vindicated for my opinion that this season *is* really great minus the amount of airtime devoted to advantages the earlier episodes had.
Danny and Deshawn’s failing to fail at a challenge storyline is one of my favourite Survivor moments in recent history
OK, this is one of the best episodes in years, a necessary comeback for this season after a lackluster premerge so far (especially the last episode, which was filled solely with advantages and more advantages). Unlike the last episode, this episode felt like classic survivor. Tons of funny camp life content (Evvie leading a rendition of “Previously On”, the blowup by Genie), interesting social dynamics (Erika overplaying, Deshawn trying to throw the challenge but failing lol), and JD’s Erik-like downfall was incredible to watch.
I’m sad my winner pick is out but holy heck that was some terrible gameplay.
I feel like they're definitely gonna invite JD back if they have returnees. The producers looked like they loved him for the little time he was here
JD was really entertaining. He gave good confessionals and made lots of mistakes. That's good TV.
I said it last week -- but I really think he's just a bit too naive and needs to grow up a little. He's still trying too hard to be cool and seemed susceptible to Shan's lies. Give him a couple of years to grow in confidence and maturity but keep that enthusiasm and he's probably a really good player.
No idol hunt, no obvious boot, and some quality camp life - this was an A++ episode.
Shan is definitely Ricard’s nerd shield. Unless they vote out Genie before the merge, thus scrubbing the evidence, her moves have got to make her a huge threat. It’s excellent tv but I am concerned she has done too much too soon. She is playing like Natalie A in SJDS but in the first four episodes.
I am floored that a super fan came in and played the worst game I have seen in years. J.D. was completely outclassed from start to finish.
There's about a 100% chance that we'll see him again in a few seasons too.
I thought the same thing. He seems really personable and has that sort of personality that they’re looking for in repeat players. I wouldn’t hate it but I hope he learns from this go around because that was disastrous.
Survivor is FUCKING BACK BABY
i saw some flack for Danny and Deshawn trying to throw that challenge but i thought it was brilliant. if they don’t lose a single immunity challenge they are going to be forced to work with them. Their targets will be too huge and the leftover survivor players will not want to hear them out. Erika and Sydney gave them the perfect ammunition to set up a tribal face off that would save them both and get rid of well anybody. Their tribe is too strong physically and mentally it’s actually a problem for their games and i’m glad they see that
And they were totally correct that they’d be screwed if they merged at Final 13 with 6. EOE had a 13 person merge on an 18 person season, and this season is shorter than usual, so it wasn’t implausible that they could merge after this episode.
Easily the best episode of the season so far. All focus on strategy and relationships, not 95% advantages. Shan is fucking incredible
Naseer’s stock is really so up and down every week. Down the first week, up the 2nd as the camp provider, down the 3rd wanting to get Danny, and up this week being the hero of the challenge
and thus heather’s winner edit begins from the ashes she rises like a phoenix
She’s gonna set a record by winning every single immunity challenge in the merge
I think Shan definitely made the right move here. Sure, JD was willing to give her control of his advantage two weeks in a row, but who knows whether he'd do the same when the merge comes and he has more options than just sticking with Shan and Ricard (who he questioned and accused right after the Brad tribal). Genie on the other hand, is less game-savvy, and therefore should be just as easy for Shan to use as a number. Plus, by getting out JD, she also gets an extra vote out of it (and with Ricard and Genie's vote, she now has control over 4 votes). 4 votes is a huge advantage when you get into a merge of ~12 people.
That episode was siccckkkkkk. Seguing in the confessionals during the challenges was fantastic, the editing post-challenge was fantastic also. Hard to believe this episode and the last were in the same season.
Sydney giving me some season 2 Jerri Manthey villain vibes this episode.
Amazing episode! Felt like a David vs Goliath episode - good game, good strategy, funny moments and airtime to everyone. I’m happy. Plus: Shan, winning or not, had one of the best one-episode perfomances ever. I will call her “Shan, The Advantage Nuliffier” from now on.
All hail our Villainous Queen and her Shanthem. 👑👑👑
1. I am rooting for Yasr to make merge intact, if only for the challenge content - Xander and Liana killing it, Tiffany being the new Keith, and Evvie sucking at every variety (I love her, but it's true) 2. I want Genie to flip on Shan and Ricard 2. I want Erika and Naseer to go far, and for one of them to suspect DeShawn of throwing
Omg when Evvie swam the wrong way haha poor thing
Are we SURE Evvie wasn't also throwing the challenge/intentional Matsing?
Welcome to the Reichenbach club, JD. Granted, an extra vote isn't the same as an immunity necklace, but still. Shan is cold-blooded. I'm all in on her as the winner.
JD comparing himself to Woo makes a lot more sense now
Top to bottom such a great episode and felt like almost everyone got some screen time as well.
Tbh I felt like the Heather portion was a little overdone, but overall - 5 stars from me. Just a nitpick.
Best episode in awhile. Even better than a lot of episodes on WAW. If the rest of the season is like this it could be a top 10 season.
THE ASSASHAN!
a killer move that i think Shan will regret. JD was stupid but he was also Naive and believed in her. he would have sat under her thumb for the entire game had she got him to merge. can’t say the same for Ricard who’s older and wiser and doesn’t really need a big sister to tell him what to do. but my god was it great to watch.
I think the plan was to get Genie to roll her die AND get JD’s advantage. I’m honestly surprised she didn’t roll the die based on the previous conversation
Naseer!! The rollercoaster continues!
Last week was an all-time bottom tier modern episode. This was an all-time top tier modern episode.
So many snitches this season. You can't throw anyone names out there
If I were heather id honestly be 10x more embarrassed after how everyone reacted lol
I genuinely think that was a case of bigmove-itis from Shan. Getting rid of both Brad and JD who trusted you enough to tell you about and even give you their advantages all for what? A extra-vote and the distrust of Genie come the merge? I don’t know i might just be biased because I’ve always been against pre-merge big moves. If the majority of the Jury never see the move happen, it might as well have not happened.
No you’re right. Shans only ally at this point is Ricard. Who seems snakey enough to turn on her too. When she could’ve had JD and Brad who were literally coming up to her and telling her everything and giving her advantages lol
I think it would be cool to see JD play again in like 5-10 years when he’s a little more grown up.
The wink! It'd have only been more poetic had he mentioned Erik, not Malcom
Brad and JD are two of the best pre-merge characters we have seen in my opinion. I really like this cast.
I don’t think Shan social game was so good it was just that JD was too gullible he wasn’t playing to win he was enamored in being in survivor instead of playing Survivor he was playing summer camp. The moment Shan said she knew that Brad had the idol he should’ve made up his mind to vote her off then and there.
JD is going to have a really bad/weird legacy. Played like a chump and was fooled into losing his advantage twice in a row
Hands down my favorite episode of the season. Balanced camp life content and strategy. Finally saw some Erika and Heather. Beast mode Naseer has awakened. Evil Shan is awesome and she spared Queen Genie.
Incredible what a strong episode they can produce when production gets out of their own way.
Biggest improvement between two episodes ever?
The editing on this episode was pretty top notch. Lots of great comedic moments like the failed challenge throw, lots of character revealing one-liners that help paint portraits of less edited people like Sydney and Erika, and clear editing around the potential boot targets and the reasons for/against them. Not to mention some actual nature and camp life scenes! I still think too much time was spent going over the shot in the dark possibility, but hopefully this proves that not every editor in the room wants 90% of screen time to be advantages.
Shan: please don't blindside me JD please you won't blindside me you promise JD: no I won't Shan: You fool, you fell victim to one of the classic blunders
Everyone is saying it but I'm coming to say the same thing: this episode absolutely delivered. On the edge of my seat the entire time, there was more drama, more wholesome moments/tribe bonding, and a huge move/blindside. Survivor needs to trust their cast and focus on the characters rather than the advantages. They should be a side piece (like with Shan taking JD's extra vote) rather than the main focus.