There’s nothing more disappointing — more frustrating, even — than watching a Tribal Council with just three participants.
In Wednesday’s episode of “Survivor,” that’s exactly what happens after this week’s immunity challenge finishes in (what else?) a puzzle that Ori, Jelly, and Devin just can’t crack. Back at camp, Ori does what he can to try and convince Jelly and Devin that they should aim their hypothetical pistols at each other, but at the end of the day, those dialogues turn out to be dead ends for the personal trainer from Spring Valley, N.Y.
After Devin suggests they all use their Shots in the Dark and let fate run its course, Jelly reveals her immunity idol, which more or less takes her name off the table. At Tribal Council, knowing the odds are stacked against him, Ori reaches for his Shot in the Dark, but the scroll he pulls reveals: “NOT SAFE.” He’s then a sitting duck, and Jelly and Devin begrudgingly and sadly vote him out of the game. What a bummer the helicopter alliance was forced to turn on one another so soon. These teeny, tiny little Tribals need to stop ASAP — so let’s preemptively thank the “Survivor” Gods for next week’s merge!
Watching the Savu three play around at camp together was a joy to watch. From Devin giving Ori modeling and runway tips, to Devin and Jelly’s day off together, it was nice the episode managed to save some runtime for those happy moments. But I can’t help but wonder what could’ve been for Ori had he dug his heels in and sided with Alexis last week. If he had kept his Day 1 ally close, maybe he wouldn’t have been taken out by another pair of players who have been allies since the very beginning. But you know what they say about hindsight.
Drama’s afoot
There’s trouble in paradise for the Loverboys! After last week’s Tribal Council, Eric and Kilby have a lovers’ quarrel about how the Linnea elimination went down. Eric says Kilby’s move was the “biggest betrayal I have ever felt.” (Like, ever?) Eric also believes Kilby is “the most dangerous player in this game.” The Kilb-ster did go for broke last week, but whether he can keep that momentum up heading into the merge remains to be seen. Will he have enough allies to make future maniacal moves with? Time will tell.
Meanwhile, everybody’s favorite brody Brady, gives us the best baby penguin impression the “Survivor” community has ever seen. Of course, he’s poking fun at Maggie through his rising frustration. Maggie, meanwhile, is peeved that the Toka guys are prioritizing time and energy to build a sack swing instead of finding food, but I have to side with the guys on this one — the swing looks fun! C’mon, Maggie, live a little! (She’s hungry. I get it.) Attempting to use the hammock as a fish net is… a choice. But hey, anything’s worth a shot when you’re starving in the middle of the South Pacific. My point here: More Maggie and Brady! Send them to Exile Island together! Tether them together! Just give us more, more, more of this budding rivalry and dynamic odd couple. (It makes me even more excited for the merge. Who’s gonna fire the first shot?)
Also, what is the deal with Mr. Yankees himself, Mike? Nobody wants to work with him. They barely seem to respect him. Brady mentions that Mike doesn’t give them anything — no information, no strategy, nada! I do wonder what the disconnect here is. Even Kristin, who’s also on the outs on this swap tribe, doesn’t seem to want anything to do with him. It’s worth noting that Mike isn’t feeling the love either. He’s annoyed that Brady keeps interrogating him, and he’s ready to flip to the original Savu ASAP. Looks like next week, he’ll finally have the chance.
Journeys are sooo back!
You can call it what you want, but Ori, Sharonda, and Kristin’s totally-not-a-journey “summit” was as believable as the time ET dressed up as a woman. Thankfully, this boat ride doesn’t lead to any lost votes, but it does lead to a unique decision. Two players (Ori and Sharonda) wind up bringing a plate of ribs and corn back to their tribes, while one person (Kristin) is forced to stay behind at Exile Island. However, Kristin earns a tethered idol. She can’t play it on herself; she can only play it on Ori or Sharonda moving forward.
That is, until Kristin gets to Exile and the other shoe drops. If Sharonda and Ori find themselves voted out of “Survivor 51,” Kristin’s idol becomes untethered — a fully powered idol. (And hey, look at that — Ori’s toast!) Spiffy little twist here — but this “journey” still ain’t a “summit,” Probst! (Sidebar: How great was it seeing clips from Kristin’s former audition tapes, some going back 25 years?)
Alright, “Survivor” fans, now it’s you’re turn! What did you think about this three-person Tribal and the return of the journey/summit? Go full tilt boogie in that comments section, and be sure to hit TVLine Thursday for our exit interview with Ori!