1) Switching from two tribes to three can be a game-ender
I understand the thought process behind splitting the tribes in to three, as it can make for a more exciting post-merge game and it can be an easy way to ensure that each character is visible in the episodes. But being on a tribe of just six people this early in the game can be a death-sentence.
It's really easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the numbers in a tribe so small. And it's even easier when there's a tribe swap and the other five people are from the other tribe.
Life isn't fair and neither is the game of Survivor, but this twist screws quite a few players, and hopefully it doesn't come at the expense of some of the show's headliners (more on this later). Troyzan, Caleb and Hali are by no means the stars of the season, but others, such as JT and wait for it... Sandra, could be in trouble (more on this later).
I also won't be surprised if this isn't the last tribe swap of the season. We could see a 2-3-2 tribe format, because at the end of the day Survivor is just one 39-day playoff series, right?
2) Trozyan was the star of the night
When a castaway cries, it's normally a good or terrible sign for their life in the game. Troyzan finding a clue to the idol was a semi-touching moment, and assured that the next time the green tribe (we'll just call them that for now) goes to tribal council will be at least interesting.
The actual action of Troyzan stealthily snagging the idol was hilarious. By far the funniest thing to happen yet this season, and a good job on his part. No one caught him. His tribe wins immunity, he buys time and finds himself an idol. Great night for Troyzan.
And good on the green tribe for not losing the challenge. You wanna talk about getting screwed? Look no further than the tribe that barely got any food and tools and had to start a new camp from scratch.
3) Challenge idols are back
I like the concept of challenge idols and having to make some form of sacrifice in order to obtain an idol. It makes idols a lot more interesting.
It appears you have to find a clue before an idol is planted in a challenge. I like that.
I personally think that they only planted one idol clue in the episode. The show probably wants to capitalize on on the drama of having a player after a challenge idol, and my guess is that the show doesn't want to burn the premise out after just one episode. Besides, if there were three people looking for idols in the same challenge, it might be a little too chaotic and difficult to follow. So the green tribe, being the new, underprivileged tribe got the first clue. Otherwise, I would think JT would have come across a clue in his not-so-subtle search.
4) JT, a 'hero' again
JT's valiant attempt at looking for the idol left him empty-handed while those conspiring against him started planning his burial. But he bounced back tremendously, leading his tribe in catching two goats and passive-aggressively convincing his tribe to let them go. JT and Malcolm really got a nice hero edit here, appearing as two southern gentlemen that don't want to harm innocent animals, and I think this is the start of something.
Malcolm has been clear about wanting to keep physical threats around for his own protection, and what better threat is there than former winner and challenge beast JT? Malcolm can get all that he wanted from Tony, without the craziness, in JT. And I don't see why JT and Malcolm wouldn't get along, they seem to be two very like-minded guys. If it happens, can we call this the "GOAT alliance"?
5) Sandra might be in danger
While Malcolm and Aubry voted in the majority in Tony's elimination, the show depicted them being more in the Tony camp than the Sandra camp. Couple in the fact that Michaela wants it to be known that she is a competitor and she hates losing, and the three former Mana tribe members could vote with JT and turn the tables on Sandra.
I know that Sandra is Sandra, but her willingness to eat a baby goat and a mother goat without any conscience could serve as a symbol for her cut-throat-ness to her tribe mates. None of them want to be the innocent goats led to the slaughter. She was outnumbered 5-1 in the goat decision. Could this foreshadow the slaying of the GOAT?
6) Another strong showing from fringe players
Once again, some of the castaways that fans deemed unworthy of returning showed some potential. Maybe the producers knew something about bringing back Troyzan, Brad and Hali?
Culpepper played a notoriously aggressive game his first time out, but now he's looking like a seasoned vet. Though the tribe is much weaker losing "Beastmode Cowboy" Caleb, Culpepper prevented a Kaoh Rong power alliance. I don't believe Sierra when she says that her and Hali have "no relationship at all" from being on the same season, but I do think their ties don't run as deep as three players from the same season in a tribe of six. Culpepper did a good job of subtly turning Tai against Caleb, while not being demanding. I like where his game is going thus far.
Though Hali finds herself at the bottom of a weak tribe, she displayed some of her abilities as a prospective attorney, providing a sound, logical argument while keeping her cool. She might be able to slither her way in to an alliance with Brad and Sierra, if they can win a challenge or two and buy her some time. Or maybe she'll stumble upon an idol clue on the shore.
Despite a boring vote, episode 2 brought a lot of excitement, thrills and high quality camp scenes.
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