So we are nearing the end of Survivor: Tocantins and this game keeps getting interesting with some real jaw dropping moments (the mind boggling immunity challenge) and the much loved auction.
This week, I’m only going to highlight three moments from this episode- Debbi starting to play this game too late, the emotional and endearing auction and not forgetting Stephens flawless and genius way of winning immunity.
How do you put a price on love?
Some memorable past items won at auctions…Amber bidding over 300 dollars on a mystery item that turned out to be water, Christie saving her money till the end and bidding on letters from home, Danni buying a clue for help in the next immunity challenge which helped her slide to the finals and win, Parvati soaking in a bubble bath and eating chocolate cake, the infamous cookie war between Randy and Sugar, and not forgetting Erik licking chocolate cake off Cirrie’s fingers for $40…memorable as those are, this Survivor Auction is my favorite...
Taj’s bidding moment was special. For a loved one message, everyone pools their money to Taj. This says a lot about this group of players. Ignoring strategy, they are united and have a deep connection with each other. Also, there aren’t many truly devious villains left in this game. Taj’s reaction when Jeff reminded her that her husband said- “see you back at camp” was truly memorable and beautiful.
Jeff gives Taj a choice and there was a slight sense that he was asking her if she was willing to forgo a visit from her husband in exchange for the rest of the castaways. A choice that I am certain Taj would have chosen without hesitation- sacrificing love to spread more love. Thankfully, Taj got to meet her husband on Exile Island (who can make fire quicker than anyone I have seen on Survivor). On the side note, Coach tells his brother that he is running the game…all I can say is that this is a bit delusional.
The wizard’s magic
I was in awe at the way Stephen tackled that immunity challenge- pure logic and brain power certainly goes a long way. Add to that the ability to remain cool under pressure and there’s no mathematical problem that you can’t conquer. Coach was right in continuously referring to Stephen as The Wizard (remember- “be the wizard Stephen, be the wizard”) because he is beyond exceptionally intelligent. This was shown during this challenge, and if you take a closer look at what is happening around camp- Stephen is the mastermind that is in control of this game. If he makes it to the finals and demands respect for being the brains behind the alliance of The Jalapoa Three with Erinn, he will win this game. If he and JT are in the finals together, it will be a classic case of “The Country Mouse and the City Mouse”, or “David and Goliath”.
Fighting a losing battle
Debbi is growing slightly annoyed with Coach not letting things go and she is gunning for him. She realizes that being with Coach may be holding her back. “I need to step up”…about time Debbi, but it’s too late. She wants to align with JT and Stephen, who are weary at how strategic Debbi has become, to take out Coach. The problem is that Debbi is likable enough by the jury to win the game and she has nothing to offer JT and Stephen that they don’t have. If Debbi played just as aggressively from the start, she would probably still be in this game. Her best move would have been to possibly try and create a rift amongst the Jalapoa’s by opening their eyes that their allies are threats to win this game. Also her plan of voting for Coach is narrow ended. Even if she did succeed in convincing them to vote out Coach, she would definitely be voted out next, unless she wins immunity.
One week left until the grand finale that guarantees an action packed show down. Next week gives us some really great Coach moments that are not to be missed.
PS: After a long wait, American viewers finally get to see the much anticipated premier of Survivor Season 23: South Pacific this Wednesday. And our favorite Coach returns for a third time with Ozzy…interesting matchup… I can’t wait to see how this turns out…
Until next week….
