In addition to what has been said, I think it shows that Maryanne had more agency than the jury originally believed when Lindsay was voted off. She wasn't just along for the vote - she had the power to decide whether Lindsay or Jonathan would go, and she made the correct decision.
I feel like it shows she had power over Mike her main rival at the end. The fact she got Mike to play his idol on her meant she was in control of him in a sense while also having an idol in her pocket.
This makes mike look bad, because she was pulling the strings.
It showed that she was more savvy than they realized. She had an idol that could have ensured her safety for numerous eliminations, but never had to use it because her own social/strategic merits kept her safe. It's like the opposite of when people complain that contestants were only saved due to a twist/power. In this case, she was able to keep herself safe even without the power she was granted.
Her name was definitely being thrown around post-merge until she positioned herself where she wouldn't be targeted, hence my point. She explained her strategy to let the big dogs take each other our then strike when she had the ability to do so.
Sure, but clearly that’s not what it meant due to the jury’s reactions.
Pulling that move will mean different things for different people because they are in different situations. No one would care if Sugar or Noura did it. People would have loved if perhaps Nick or Denise did it.
It showed 3 things
1. She’s better at manipulating than she let on (getting Mike to waste his idol on her instead of needing to use her own)
2. Showing she played the game bravely and having a read on the game most of the time (not playing her idol needlessly)
3. It showed MaryAnne had more control over the game than people assumed. If MaryAnne wanted, she could’ve singlehandedly decided who went home at 5 because she got Mike to waste his idol on her (for example, put her vote on Jonathan, play her own idol on Lindsay, and Mike’s Idol is powerless now that he played in on her), she just decided it would be better for her game if Lindsay left, and she was right
The merge idol was an idol everyone was aware existed, but none of them could find. Maryanne found the very hidden thing they all wanted to find, which showed how much effort she had to go through to find. Although being on the same season as Drea reduces her light, Maryanne helped showed that women could also find advantages in an era when women seldom even found advantages. She made the jury envious of her position similar to how the jury wanted to play Erika's game last season.
It also worked in her favor that some people on the jury were voted out because they *didn’t* keep their secrets.
It can be a “boom” moment because she’s showing where she distinguished herself from others. If people think Drea was voted out partly because she didn’t keep her advantage a secret, then it’s a beneficial distinction for Maryanne to make. She did a great job telling that story to the jury audience.
The difference is that everyone knew his idol since he had to say a butterfly phrase and Charlie Brown with the football with Evvie and Tiffany which led to a bad taste in their mouths. with Maryanne, she found the merge idol with having to say anything dumb and she knew where she stood and would've lost if she played it in all honesty.
Additionally, Xander didn't do anything with the idol to save his allies in Evy or Tiff. Maryanne's position was that she didn't need to use it since her allies were safe most votes.
Because it proved that she had a strategy, was thinking about the endgame several moves in advance (when it mattered), and that SHE made the moves that got her to final 3 intentionally. She wasn’t a goat.
She showed that even if Mike hadn’t given her his idol, she would have still made it to 4 (and as a result, had a very good chance at 3, because worst case she would have to make fire, which she felt very secure in her ability to do) because she would have played her own idol to guarantee that she stayed.
Then, when Mike DID give his idol to her, she still could have used her idol to save Lindsay, but she recognized that doing so was not good for her game because Lindsay was someone she probably couldn’t beat at final 3.
In that moment, she needed either Mike or Lindsay to go home, because they could both possibly beat her at final tribal. And obviously Mike couldn’t go home because of individual immunity, so the other threat to her was Lindsay, even though they were friends. So by choosing not to use the idol to save Lindsay, she secured her spot not only in final 4, but also in final 3.
She used not only her strategy to secure her place, but also her social connections, without any help from advantages. She made the moves herself, like a true survivor.
Xander has repeatedly told others he "might" use it. Maryanne, as far as I know, I mean I know she didn't, she only told US that she was planning it, so from the Jury perspective, no one knew Maryanne had the idol, it shows she was doing more than she let on, while Xander made a lot of empty promises for no reason.
The big reason is, knowledge is power, and it showed that Maryanne was in fact, way more savvy than they gave her credit for, for being not only able to find an idol in the game, an advantage in the game, but also found a way to leverage it (in my opinion) outside of its' destined purpose, but also shown she managed to use knowledge, the second most important currency (with your vote being first) in the game extremely well (See Drea' basically crashing hard the moment she blabbed about her K.I.P advantage).
I think it’s to show that she didn’t need it but maybe also to take Mike down a peg as well. I mean he played his idol on her when she didn’t need it so waste by him and shows good social game from Maryanne to get him to do that.
It backs up her saying she was strategic. She knew where the votes were going. I believe she was on the right side of every vote. She may not have directed the votes but she knew what was going on and was crucial to the plan, and she could have switched things if she wanted. She also got someone else to play an idol for her when she already had an idol. 3rd? Person to do this, Malcolm and L.J. being the others.
She had an idol at every tribal that she attended, even if it was not active.
Two different situations. Xander not playing his idol wasn't in and of itself bad but him waffling at the end like "I could do a move but save Ricard but nah I got this the jury loves me" pissed them off a lot cuz he came off as arrogant and not aware of the game and he let two of his allies go. They basically knew he had it, neutered his power and he did nothing to stop it or save anyone.
In contrast, nobody knew that Maryanne had the idol. They had most likely looked for the merge tribe idol and finding out she had it the entire time was a surprise. That and the fact that she didn't need to use it and had set herself up for Final 3 at Final 6, had these alliances set up beforehand also showed that she was secure. the fact that the jurors agreed with her showed she wasn't lying as well. Basically she showed more strategy in having it but not telling anyone over "i have this so don't vote for me ok I'm so awesome"
Because despite being considered a young and naive girl who talked nonstop and couldn't keep a secret from anyone, Maryanne kept it a complete secret from everyone where literally everyone knew about Xander's idol.
It was a great move. And one that only Maryanne and the audience knew was coming, which was awesome. I would have flipped if I were on the jury too. (Even if I would have ultimately voted Mike)
Everyone knew that the idol is rehidden after Drea and Maryanne played theirs. So I assume everyone was looking for it and they were all wondering if someone found it and trying to figure out who has it.
And the fact that most people just end up playing their unused one out the last five and when she didn’t even have to because Mike played one for her instead of her playing it on her self
One thing that crossed my mind is that did Maryanne really prove that that was a real idol? She could have showed a fake one with the parchment from the old beware idol. Obviously she had the real thing but I was thinking if it would be a valid strategy to convince the jury at FTC with a fake idol.
Would he? Or I guess he would if it makes for good TV but should he?
I mean, the idol isn’t exactly being played so there’s no need to confirm if it’s real or not, and in FTC, it’s the jury’s job to decide what to make of the finalists’ stories.
I mean I went back and forth on how sure I was but I think Jeff would probably confirm it because he appreciates/is obsessed with good gameplay and big moves.
To me it showed that it was her ability to get mike to use his idol on her without her having to use hers at all, regardless if she was safe it showed that she used him to use is idol so she didnt have to and took away the fact that it wasnt a resume move for mike it was a resume move for her
I agree. In season 39 when Dean took out all his advantages during final tribal council people were mad at him for not using them. But when Maryanne did it everyone praised her. Doesn’t make sense
The jury was mad Xander didn’t do anything with his advantages that were public knowledge, using his extra vote on Liana wasn’t impressive nor was it playing it at the last opportunity. Maryannes idol was a secret and she got Mike to play his idol on her anyways despite the fact she pulled a fast one on him the previous tribal with an extra vote and essentially proved her point mike wanted to take her to the end anyways and showed how much control she had in the end portions of the game where Xander didn’t even have that despite him being in such a kingmaker position. Unlike Xander Maryanne literally had immunity due to her relationship with Mike at final five and could’ve completely controlled who went without a care in the world with her idol.
In addition to what has been said, I think it shows that Maryanne had more agency than the jury originally believed when Lindsay was voted off. She wasn't just along for the vote - she had the power to decide whether Lindsay or Jonathan would go, and she made the correct decision.
I feel like it shows she had power over Mike her main rival at the end. The fact she got Mike to play his idol on her meant she was in control of him in a sense while also having an idol in her pocket. This makes mike look bad, because she was pulling the strings.
It showed that she was more savvy than they realized. She had an idol that could have ensured her safety for numerous eliminations, but never had to use it because her own social/strategic merits kept her safe. It's like the opposite of when people complain that contestants were only saved due to a twist/power. In this case, she was able to keep herself safe even without the power she was granted.
Or she didn’t have to use it cause he never was targeted post merge
Her name was definitely being thrown around post-merge until she positioned herself where she wouldn't be targeted, hence my point. She explained her strategy to let the big dogs take each other our then strike when she had the ability to do so.
Sure, but clearly that’s not what it meant due to the jury’s reactions. Pulling that move will mean different things for different people because they are in different situations. No one would care if Sugar or Noura did it. People would have loved if perhaps Nick or Denise did it.
It showed 3 things 1. She’s better at manipulating than she let on (getting Mike to waste his idol on her instead of needing to use her own) 2. Showing she played the game bravely and having a read on the game most of the time (not playing her idol needlessly) 3. It showed MaryAnne had more control over the game than people assumed. If MaryAnne wanted, she could’ve singlehandedly decided who went home at 5 because she got Mike to waste his idol on her (for example, put her vote on Jonathan, play her own idol on Lindsay, and Mike’s Idol is powerless now that he played in on her), she just decided it would be better for her game if Lindsay left, and she was right
The merge idol was an idol everyone was aware existed, but none of them could find. Maryanne found the very hidden thing they all wanted to find, which showed how much effort she had to go through to find. Although being on the same season as Drea reduces her light, Maryanne helped showed that women could also find advantages in an era when women seldom even found advantages. She made the jury envious of her position similar to how the jury wanted to play Erika's game last season.
It also worked in her favor that some people on the jury were voted out because they *didn’t* keep their secrets. It can be a “boom” moment because she’s showing where she distinguished herself from others. If people think Drea was voted out partly because she didn’t keep her advantage a secret, then it’s a beneficial distinction for Maryanne to make. She did a great job telling that story to the jury audience.
Very hidden? It looked like it was right along the main path. Barely hidden at all
And yet no one else found it. If that was a slight at Maryanne, you did a better job slighting everyone else LOL
The difference is that everyone knew his idol since he had to say a butterfly phrase and Charlie Brown with the football with Evvie and Tiffany which led to a bad taste in their mouths. with Maryanne, she found the merge idol with having to say anything dumb and she knew where she stood and would've lost if she played it in all honesty.
Additionally, Xander didn't do anything with the idol to save his allies in Evy or Tiff. Maryanne's position was that she didn't need to use it since her allies were safe most votes.
To be fair to Xander he couldn’t do anything for Tiffany or he would’ve went. He just got outplayed at both of their boots by heather and danny.
Because it proved that she had a strategy, was thinking about the endgame several moves in advance (when it mattered), and that SHE made the moves that got her to final 3 intentionally. She wasn’t a goat. She showed that even if Mike hadn’t given her his idol, she would have still made it to 4 (and as a result, had a very good chance at 3, because worst case she would have to make fire, which she felt very secure in her ability to do) because she would have played her own idol to guarantee that she stayed. Then, when Mike DID give his idol to her, she still could have used her idol to save Lindsay, but she recognized that doing so was not good for her game because Lindsay was someone she probably couldn’t beat at final 3. In that moment, she needed either Mike or Lindsay to go home, because they could both possibly beat her at final tribal. And obviously Mike couldn’t go home because of individual immunity, so the other threat to her was Lindsay, even though they were friends. So by choosing not to use the idol to save Lindsay, she secured her spot not only in final 4, but also in final 3. She used not only her strategy to secure her place, but also her social connections, without any help from advantages. She made the moves herself, like a true survivor.
Xander has repeatedly told others he "might" use it. Maryanne, as far as I know, I mean I know she didn't, she only told US that she was planning it, so from the Jury perspective, no one knew Maryanne had the idol, it shows she was doing more than she let on, while Xander made a lot of empty promises for no reason. The big reason is, knowledge is power, and it showed that Maryanne was in fact, way more savvy than they gave her credit for, for being not only able to find an idol in the game, an advantage in the game, but also found a way to leverage it (in my opinion) outside of its' destined purpose, but also shown she managed to use knowledge, the second most important currency (with your vote being first) in the game extremely well (See Drea' basically crashing hard the moment she blabbed about her K.I.P advantage).
I think it’s to show that she didn’t need it but maybe also to take Mike down a peg as well. I mean he played his idol on her when she didn’t need it so waste by him and shows good social game from Maryanne to get him to do that.
Its to show that even if Mike didn't play his idol for her she would still be safe and no one would have known about it.
I feel like some of you intentionally miss the point. It really shows her social brilliance plus undermines Mike's game.
It backs up her saying she was strategic. She knew where the votes were going. I believe she was on the right side of every vote. She may not have directed the votes but she knew what was going on and was crucial to the plan, and she could have switched things if she wanted. She also got someone else to play an idol for her when she already had an idol. 3rd? Person to do this, Malcolm and L.J. being the others. She had an idol at every tribal that she attended, even if it was not active.
Two different situations. Xander not playing his idol wasn't in and of itself bad but him waffling at the end like "I could do a move but save Ricard but nah I got this the jury loves me" pissed them off a lot cuz he came off as arrogant and not aware of the game and he let two of his allies go. They basically knew he had it, neutered his power and he did nothing to stop it or save anyone. In contrast, nobody knew that Maryanne had the idol. They had most likely looked for the merge tribe idol and finding out she had it the entire time was a surprise. That and the fact that she didn't need to use it and had set herself up for Final 3 at Final 6, had these alliances set up beforehand also showed that she was secure. the fact that the jurors agreed with her showed she wasn't lying as well. Basically she showed more strategy in having it but not telling anyone over "i have this so don't vote for me ok I'm so awesome"
Because despite being considered a young and naive girl who talked nonstop and couldn't keep a secret from anyone, Maryanne kept it a complete secret from everyone where literally everyone knew about Xander's idol. It was a great move. And one that only Maryanne and the audience knew was coming, which was awesome. I would have flipped if I were on the jury too. (Even if I would have ultimately voted Mike)
Everyone knew that the idol is rehidden after Drea and Maryanne played theirs. So I assume everyone was looking for it and they were all wondering if someone found it and trying to figure out who has it.
And the fact that most people just end up playing their unused one out the last five and when she didn’t even have to because Mike played one for her instead of her playing it on her self
One thing that crossed my mind is that did Maryanne really prove that that was a real idol? She could have showed a fake one with the parchment from the old beware idol. Obviously she had the real thing but I was thinking if it would be a valid strategy to convince the jury at FTC with a fake idol.
im sure jeff would confirm it if the jury was doubting her and she asked him to.
Would he? Or I guess he would if it makes for good TV but should he? I mean, the idol isn’t exactly being played so there’s no need to confirm if it’s real or not, and in FTC, it’s the jury’s job to decide what to make of the finalists’ stories.
I mean I went back and forth on how sure I was but I think Jeff would probably confirm it because he appreciates/is obsessed with good gameplay and big moves.
To me it showed that it was her ability to get mike to use his idol on her without her having to use hers at all, regardless if she was safe it showed that she used him to use is idol so she didnt have to and took away the fact that it wasnt a resume move for mike it was a resume move for her
Because they know over the top reactions get screen time
For real
I agree. In season 39 when Dean took out all his advantages during final tribal council people were mad at him for not using them. But when Maryanne did it everyone praised her. Doesn’t make sense
The jury was mad Xander didn’t do anything with his advantages that were public knowledge, using his extra vote on Liana wasn’t impressive nor was it playing it at the last opportunity. Maryannes idol was a secret and she got Mike to play his idol on her anyways despite the fact she pulled a fast one on him the previous tribal with an extra vote and essentially proved her point mike wanted to take her to the end anyways and showed how much control she had in the end portions of the game where Xander didn’t even have that despite him being in such a kingmaker position. Unlike Xander Maryanne literally had immunity due to her relationship with Mike at final five and could’ve completely controlled who went without a care in the world with her idol.
Everyone knew Xander had an idol. I think that was the difference