Whether or not Tai is doing it on purpose, he has just taken the game to a whole new level. Last week’s episode of “Survivor: Kaoh Rong” featured a massive “non-move” by everyone’s favorite gay gardener, when Tai decided against using his Idol to combine for a “Super Idol” that would have saved former NBA player Scot Pollard. The move was a massive blindside that sent Scot out of the game, and also flushed Jason’s hidden Idol, which he had given to Scot prior to Tribal (per Survivor rules, you cannot hand off a hidden Idol in your possession once you are voted out). Scot’s exit means that we are down to just seven remaining players: Tai, Aubry, Joe, Cydney, Michele, Julia and Jason. One of them will be the Sole Survivor, and we’re only a few weeks away (May 18th is the Finale, to be exact) from finding out who.
But there is still a lot of game to be played, and don’t expect Jason to just roll over and die following Tai’s betrayal. And judging by the synopsis of this week’s episode, there is definitely much more drama on the way. Here it is:
Episode 11 – “It’s a ‘Me’ Game, Not a ‘We’ Game”– One castaway holds the key to individual immunity and guarantees themselves a shot at the final six. Also, after a shocking tribal council, a fractured alliance may not be able to be restored, on SURVIVOR, Wednesday, April 27 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Analysis. With a press photo showing Joe, Tai, Michele, Aubry and Cydney putting their hands together in a circle, it appears that not only Jason, but Julia, is on the outside of things. Julia has been seen as “playing all sides” this season, so it comes as no surprise that she is now on the outs. But if you put that photo together along with the episode description of a “fractured alliance” not being “able to be restored,” could this foreshadow that things are going to flip again this week? If that’s the case, is there any doubt that Tai will be the one doing the flipping? Maybe this synopsis is referencing last week’s Tribal?
Jason just went from being king of the mountain to being public enemy number one, but his new powerless position might just be the perfect spot for him this week. The other players could see tonight as an opportune time to get out a strong player, such as Cydney, and flip the game on its head once again. Jason is the easy target, but that doesn’t mean he’s the obvious vote. These players may also see Jason as a key person to align with at this point, since Jason has no one to turn to really other than Julia. And if they sit against Jason in the end, they know that he most likely won’t be getting a lot of votes, other than Scot’s.
Tai now has the only Idol left in the game, and you best believe that Jason will be gunning for the guy who blew up his game. If Jason and Julia are able to get together, even for one vote, with a shrewd player such as Aubry or Michele, Tai could be the one who sees himself on the receiving end of a blindside tonight. Let’s not forget that Tai also possesses a “second vote” advantage that he must use at one of the next two or three Tribals, so all of these reasons make Tai a huge threat to go home…but also puts him in a great position should he play his cards (and his idol) correctly.
Will Tai get blindsided tonight? Will he use his advantage or play his Idol? Or is it too obvious that Jason or Julia is going home tonight? Sound off below!
Make sure to check out the all-new episode tonight on CBS and come back here later for my full recap, analysis and of course, my exclusive interview with the eliminated castaway(s) tomorrow!
Important Note! Be sure to subscribe to this column (above) or follow me on Twitter, @tomsantilli. This week – and every week throughout the season – I will post an Episode Preview article (like this one) every Wednesday morning. Then after the episode airs (usually by around midnight EST), look for my full episode recap as well as my analysis of what just happened in the episode. Finally, you won’t want to miss my exclusive one-on-one exit interviews every Thursday afternoon, with the person who was just voted out. Following me on Twitter or subscribing (where you would get email alerts every time a new article posts) are the best ways to stay tuned-in with all things Survivor as we progress through the season…and thanks for reading!
