Board 8 > Naomi's Survivor: Redemption Island Analysis Topic

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Episode #5: "We Hate Our Story"

In the recap...

...by Day 10, Rob and Russell were running in opposite directions.
Rob found a HII, and even though Ometepe had lost 3/4 challenges, he held blind allegiance over everyone except Kristina and Phillip.
Russell could only get 2 to trust him. He also couldn't find an idol.
The rest of Zap was so against Russell, they agreed to throw a challenge.
Russell battled Matt, where Matt not only defeated him, but reduced him to tears.
Rob's position kept getting better, when he got his tribe to vote out his biggest opposition in Kristina.


OMETEPE
NIGHT 11

The tribe returns to a wet camp after having just voted out Kristina.
Phillip tells us that Kristina just got voted out, and he's not surprised. Rob has his alliance and is controlling everything, and Phillip is on the outside. He says he has a lot to offer, and soon a couple people are gonna have to start realizing that.
Phillip bunks next to Rob, saying "You and I are going to be real good buddies tonight."


OMETEPE
DAY 12

We open to Ashley and Andrea etching something into a tree.
Rob is telling Grant about Phillip being a nuisance last night, how he was digging his knee into his back.
Rob tells us how much of a nuisance Phillip is to the tribe. We see Phillip aggravating both Natalie and Ashley. Rob tells us that he thinks maybe Phillip needs to stay because of this.


Shortened opening credits.


We return to melodic peaceful music with a manta ray swimming through the ocean.

ZAPATERA
DAY 12

Dramatic music interrupts with Julie, Mike, and Steve shown being tossed about in the oceans waves.
Steve tells us that everything is coming together in the tribe. We see Ralph catch a fish and everyone in the Zap 6 is out fishing. Steve continues to tell us that his vision would be to reach out and bring in Stephanie and Krista. (8-person alliance in an 8-person tribe, alright!) He wants to keep them feeling safe so that they'll want to stick with Zapatera come the merge.
Mike reads tree-mail.
Stephanie and Krista pick the right tiles and get to go to the duel.
Julie tells us that with Russell gone, Steph and Krista aren't a threat. She says that the Zap 6 don't care, that Steph/Krista are just "pawns" in the game. "They can't do any damage to us."
Stephanie tells us that she wants to send a message to Ometepe that both her and Krista are ready to flip. She wants to cause havoc and chaos and 'craziness' at the merge.

REDEMPTION ISLAND
DAY 12

Matt and Kristina enter. Rob, Grant, Krista, and Stephanie are watching.
Challenge begins, lots of reaction shots of Rob to Matt.
Matt says to Rob: "You rascal, voted me out. I still don't know why. If you want to explain to me why while I'm working, that might calm me down or something."
Jeff: "Why'd you vote him out, Rob?"
Rob says: "It doesn't take one person to vote someone out, Jeff. You know that."
Matt wins!
Matt say that he told both Grant and Rob he wanted to go to the top 3. He hopes he'll be back in Ometepe.
Stephanie says that she wishes she felt the same about her tribe, because there's a clear division in Zap. She says that her tribe may think they have the numbers, but she also thinks that yellow (orange) might look good on her.
Rob says it doesn't hurt if they're telling the truth.
Stephanie says she's telling the truth.
Kristina leaves the game.
As Rob and Grant get up to leave, Rob whispers to both Krista/Steph "Hang in there."
Stephanie tells us that she didn't just plant a seed in Rob's brain, she planted an entire tree.

(I have a good feeling that Stephanie will NOT be going home next, based on this segment. So much was put into this, all from Stephanie, with Rob's subtitled line and then Steph's confessional. It's gonna be important.)


OMETEPE
DAY 12

We open to see Ashley and Natalie complaining about the rice. We see Andrea chopping something with a knife.
Phillip tells us that Rob and Grant went to the duel, so it's a funny day for him. He tells us he can't leave an impression on the girls in the camp so it's frustrating. He says that the girls remind him of crabs, particularly Natalie and Ashley. We see crabs scuttling about, hiding in their holes. He says that Andrea is more approachable, but she's cautious. She doesn't want Rob or Grant to know that she's talking to him.
We see Phillip and Andrea cooking something, while Natalie and Ashley are sitting on a log behind them.
Ashley tells us that she misses Rob and Grant, she thinks of them as brothers. She says that they have to fake it to make Phillip and Andrea feel part of the group. A lot of faking.
Andrea tells us that her relationship with the girls is slightly frustrating as they don't do much. We see the three of them bathing under a waterfall (reminiscent of the 3 girls in the Amazon). She tells us that it's agitating because she wants to keep getting stuff done, but that she also has to hang with them so that they feel like they're a group. She says they're superficial, and we then see Natalie and Ashley lying on the beach discussing their skin. Andrea tells us that everyone feels safe, but if she could have it her way, she'd get rid of the two girls first over Phillip. She says she can't bring this up because then she'll go on the chopping block instead.
Phillip sits down next to Andrea and tells her she has a good shot at winning. He says he likes her a lot, and that she's the best female worker. Andrea says she appreciates it. She says it's frustrating because there's a lot to be getting done, but that you have to play the social game as well. Phillip says he's stuck socially, and that he has no connections. Andrea wonders if he's ever plotted to get rid of her. Phillip says he never has (ever). Andrea says it's hard to trust anyone out here. Phillip says he has no control, that Rob and Grant and everyone are pulling the strings. He says that nobody sleeps next to him so he has no one to talk to. He says she had Matt to talk to, and she says that Matt's 'long gone'. Phillip says that he's never had anyone. Phillip pitches the idea that if Matt were to come back, the three of them should be in an alliance. Phillip says that he feels like he's just waiting for his time to get backstabbed by Rob.

Phillip tells us that he really connected with Andrea today, and that it may hold something in the future for the both of them.
Rob and Grant return from the duel, joking about Kristina winning.
Phillip continues on to tell us that he views Rob as a dictator, and he himself as a Lord, and that he's waiting for his time to strike.


ZAPATERA
DAY 12

We open to a first-person camera view walking to camp, only to then be shown Stephanie saying she doesn't want to go back.
Stephanie tells us that Redemption Island is beautiful [sic]and that Rob heard her loud and clear. That Rob told her to hang on (frog shot), and that that's what she and Krista are gonna do. They're gonna hang on.
Stephanie and Krista decide not to tell their tribe about their scheming with Ometepe. Stephanie believes that Rob is gonna feel like his head is on the chopping block since Russell was ousted. She wants Rob to continually "add two" to his numbers, because she and Krista are going with them as soon as they can. They just need to keep winning challenges to remain in the game.
Stephanie tells us that this is the best possible thing for her and Krista right now, because her head is on the chopping the block.


ZAPATERA
DAY 13

We open to see Steve talking to Mike about how you gotta put the team above yourself, and how he's always been successful that way.
Krista tells us that since Russell has left, there's been no talk of strategy. It's all 'lovey-dovey', and that there's no game talk. She says that once the game makes them talk, they're gonna be disappointed.
We see David chopping food, then we see the other Zap 6 lounging in the shelter.
We get an up-close of Stephanie saying how an easy to avoid hanging with them is to prepare the meal.
Mike tells us that Stephanie and Krista are distanced from the tribe, that they're conspiring together, but that there's no real risk that's gonna factor in at this point.
We hear from the tribe saying how confident they are that they're gonna win today.
Julie tells us that she feels the tribe is overconfident, and that she hopes throwing the challenge won't come back to bite them. She believes in maintaining momentum, and that right now it's all kinda bad karma.
We then see Mike accidentally put the fire out in their camp.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Challenge is described.
Pre-challenge, we get into the Zapatera huddle.
Sarita tells us that Stephanie was gonna be the caller, the puzzle-handler, because she's loud and bossy. She'd be great for that.
David quickly quizzes Stephanie on the puzzle formation.
David tells us that he's not the greatest at puzzles, but that he's probably better than Stephanie. He says that Sarita was trying to give everyone a chance, but the bottom line is that this isn't a pee-wee soccer league.
We then see Ometepe's huddle, with Rob saying that he's gonna direct Grant, and everyone's gonna follow him.
Rob tells us that he's good at puzzles so they have to win.

In the challenge, several things worth noting:
Ralph couldn't follow Stephanie's basic instructions. Ralph is essentially deaf, dumb, and blind.
Stephanie told her tribe to shutup.
Steve wished David had done the calling, saying Stephanie wasn't smart enough for this.
Ralph says they should have had David do the calling.
Mike says that David should have done the puzzle.
Stephanie is shown crying.
Julie tells us that even though they lost, they really won. It's between Krista and Stephanie.


OMETEPE
DAY 13

We open to see a bunch of animals eating, followed by the tribe eating their reward.
Ashley tells us that she can't even choose a favorite sweet.
Phillip tells us that we get to see his beautiful teeth for at least one more episode.
Ashley tells us that she wouldn't trade a dozen donuts to give Phillip a massage.
Grant tells us that he found the idol clue in the coffee beans. He hands it to Rob.
Rob tells us that Grant helped him sneak the clue off in a "well-choreographed football play."
Rob gets the clue and has Grant go return to camp. Rob runs off with the clue in hand. Grant returns to camp.
Rob tells the camera what he's gonna do now.
Rob tells us that today is a good day. His tribe won, he was handed the new idol clue by Grant, and he got to hide it from Grant as well.
Rob and Grant go over the clue, Grant asks Rob if he found the idol, Rob says he didn't.
Rob and Grant go off and decide to bury the clue.
Rob tells us this is really all for nothing, because he already has the idol. He did this for entertainment. "You gotta hustle to make a dolla."

ZAPATERA
DAY 13

We open to see a mother turtle burying her eggs in the sand, protecting them from the vultures around.
We then transition to the Zap 6 alliance discussing matters on the beach. They all say Stephanie did her best. Sarita defends her, saying that David doesn't work well under pressure. David argues back saying that he's used to being under pressure. He ends up cutting Sarita off by saying that there are no 'buts' and that from now on he's the one doing all the puzzles.
Steve tells us that it was absurd of Sarita to think Stephanie would be a better choice than David at puzzles. He says that he's more disappointed in the whole team because nobody stepped up.
Mike is shown talking to the rest of the tribe, saying that they need to string together some wins because they're only up by 1.
Mike tells us that both Stephanie and Krista made their bed next to Russell, that he can't trust either of them, and that with Stephanie's floundering at the puzzle, she may be first to go.

We see Julie and Sarita walking and talking on the beach. Julie asks Sarita about Stephanie, Sarita says that she doesn't trust Steph. Julie says that doesn't want to even waste her breath on Krista.
Julie tells us that both Stephanie and Krista have targets on them, but that Krista has the bullseye.
Sarita says that it's Stephanie, Krista, and David that she doesn't trust.
Sarita tells us that if it was up to her, she'd send David home tonight. However, Steph and Krista played their hands too early, and are now two dead ducks waiting to get shot.

Krista asks Steph if there's anything they can do. Stephanie says "With these dumbass people? No." Stephanie says that Steve doesn't do anything around camp, so why not get rid of him instead? Krista says that eventually this is all gonna come back and bite the Zap 6 in the end.
Krista tells us that neither her nor Stephanie are scrambling. She says that the Zap 6 are so locked-tight in their comfort (yawning shots of the Zap 6) that all they're thinking is 'let's just get through this one and then we're safe.' She says that none of them are thinking about what'll happen if after this vote they all make it to the merge. They aren't thinking about who you want to be sitting next to when the votes come down. She bets that none of them are gonna make it to the end, and that she just wishes she would be around to see it.


TRIBAL COUNCIL

Jeff asks Krista about the alliances, and she says that it's still 6 v 2. She says that there's been no gameplaying, it's like The Brady Bunch went camping and they invited the two neglected step-children to come along.
Jeff asks Sarita about Krista's comments, Sarita says that they've been playing so fast and furious that they unseated one of the best players ever (Russell), and they want to take that all the way.
Krista says that playing the game means you don't stick with 6 to the end. You eventually have to cut each other loose. She says she's not here to sit around the campfire, but is here to play.
Mike interjects by saying that she hasn't played strategically because she hasn't reached out to anyone, she hasn't developed that trust. She's been abrasive.
Krista wonders what she's supposed to say, to maybe vote out Stephanie?
Mike says that maybe she should go talk to people, form bonds, and instill trust.
Jeff mentions sub-alliances within the Zap 6, and Krista says that some exist: Mike/Steve, Julie/Steve, Sarita/Ralph, and then there's David. She says that someone should jump on her and Stephanie's two, because then there's a big four there.
Jeff asks Mike about the trade-off to having the people who are going home know they're going home, and Mike says that yeah, it's unavoidable, but that Krista has no idea how much talk of strategy has existed between the Zap 6 of them, and she's the odd man out.

Jeff asks Steve about keeping either Stephanie or Krista, to which Steve says that he wishes David would have made the calls today at the challenge.
Jeff asks Stephanie about if she should go home, and Steph says that she hopes the Zap 6 realize her worth and decide to keep her.
Jeff asks Krista about whether it'll be her or Steph, to which she says that it's just an either/or, and a matter of who goes first.
Stephanie says that they still have Redemption Island to save them.

Krista gets voted out 6-2, with the other two votes going to Steve.
We see Stephanie whisper "Hang in there" to Krista, who then whispers back "You hang in there."

Jeff leaves them saying that the good news: easy vote, and the bad news: what kind of damage did Krista do to the alliances within the tribe.



- The Tribes -

As if this hasn't been stated enough, Zapatera did not come out of this episode looking good. We saw how their tribe was managed through the eyes of Stephanie. We watched as the Zap 6 alliance became overly comfortable, made the wrong call, talked over each other, and ultimately were left exposed by the end of TC. They are the vultures feeding on the baby turtles in Steph/Krista. None of these are traits you want to be associated with in Survivor.

Ometepe had less a narrative and more a collection of individual stories to tell - between Rob, Phillip, and Andrea, and then the superficial Ashley/Natalie, and Grant. They can still work together though as we saw in the immunity challenge.


- The Characters -

It's rather easy to tell who isn't gonna win this season at this point, as I've eliminated most of the cast.

Krista won't be coming close, as she's losing next week to Matt in the duel. Barring some sudden change in editing, Matt is coming back into the game whenever that event is to occur. Much like Probst, Krista damned her tribe's chances as she walked out, reinforcing the notion that they'll fall. Too bad she won't be around to see it.

Julie doesn't have a dime bag's worth to her edit. She exists to remind us that karma is gonna come back to bite her alliance in the butt at some point. She's all about the challenges, and little else.

It boggles my mind for people to think that Sarita still stands a chance at winning at this point. We saw her confidently make the wrong call and then argue with David. She fed into the vulture edit as Krista/Steph were going home. This is the most she's gotten in any episode, and we're over 1/3rd of the way through the season. This is not a winner.

For that matter, Mike isn't winning either. He's correct in his analysis of Krista's gameplay, and he certainly knows how to play, but the edit is reinforcing that he's playing to a fault. He tells us that neither Krista or Steph are factors to consider, that both of them have to go. There are no long-term prospects in his edit, he's simply been narrating this entire season on Zapatera's end.

Steve had more meat in this episode, but none of it told us much about his chances. We never hear about Steve - only until it's time to paint him in a negative light by Stephanie. He's a team player and wants to succeed, but his edit has no potential.

So long to Ralph as well. The guy remained rather invisible this episode, only being shown as someone who can't follow simple instructions, then wanting David to do the puzzle, and then having a pairing with Sarita. He is a character only good for when he's necessary; there is no care to his edit now that Russell is gone.

Sadly, David won't be winning either, as he's not so much an outsider to the Zap 6 as he will be a contributor to their downfall. His brash reaction to Sarita was not positive or professional, and that's all we really got of him. He is more on the outs than anyone else though. He's being established as a possible pauper to the ruling class in his alliance. I foresee him breaking away in the future.

Grant willingly gives Rob his edit, just as he did the idol clue. Grant is being mislead by Rob and is eating it all up, and we're supposed to see him as Rob's secondary. We would hear more from him if he were really a major factor down the road, but we don't, because he won't be. He's like a Benry.

Ashley not only has little of an edit, but she's now considered to be spoiled, a princess almost. Negatively-tinged for the first time, we watched her lay around and talk about how fake she is (in more ways than one!) This is less an edit about her character and more a constructed edit for us to dislike her. She has no chance to win - now we have little reason to root for her either.

Phillip is a bit trickier because at first he was a total write-off, but now he's been shown to have a lot of insight and colorful commentary on his situation (though he's still not winning). We're getting inside his head, and it's for the better of his chances. The problem I have with Phillip is that his story arc is seemingly reaching a resolution in that he went from underestimating Rob, to following Rob, to now planning to overthrow Rob. The problem is that Rob isn't leaving soon, and nobody likes Phillip on his tribe - Andrea hardly counts. Phillip will go if his tribe loses immunity, and the edit is preparing us for that. We're getting a dissenting Phillip who's gonna kick his way out. He's gonna wait for a moment to strike, but his moment will come too late. I don't believe he will usurp Rob's role as leader or even get Rob voted out, but instead will be the next to go on Ometepe.

As much as I like Stephanie, she's not winning either. She serves to help us dislike the Zapatera 6, as we're seeing that side of the game through her eyes. Her chances seem all too obvious that she'll be the next to go on Zapatera, and I'm sure she will be, but I have to wonder why so much emphasis was placed on her and Rob communicating with one another - "Hang in there" was repeated often throughout the episode, and we the audience sat back and thought the same.

Natalie really has such little to her edit, and this episode put her in a negative light. The upside is that Ashley took the brunt of the negativity, the downside is that it was still negativity. Is she gonna be like Jenna Morasca? The waterfall scene was eerily similar. Natalie hasn't broken through as a character though, and so I have to wonder what's gonna happen with her. She's a princess in Rob's dictatorship. Will she make big moves? Will she break away from Rob's shadow? I still foresee her in the final 3, as her episode 2 edit was manipulated to tell us that she's getting there. She has potential with her edit, but the negativity this episode told us very little about her. If she's to be negative, we're gonna have to respect her at some point, otherwise she's simply royalty that will have a case for losing, and not the opposite.

Matt could possibly be the winner this season, but it's difficult to estimate since we can't entirely factor in how much RI is supposed to show him. The clear fact that he's winning is good, combined with the positive edit and his longevity with several ties to players still in the game (Rob, Grant, and Andrea). It's pretty clear that he's coming back into the game, so it's really just a matter of when. A lot of what was said at the duel this episode was cut out most likely to leave the outcome of his return a big mystery. Who's gonna do what when he gets back? Rob is handling Matt in a very reserved way, and I'm not sure if it's for the better of one or the other's chances. Matt wants to help Rob, but will Rob let that happen? Something tells me it won't.

Rob controls this game, but just like last episode we saw slivers of a possible losing of that control. Phillip is going to try and take that away from him (though I don't see him succeeding). Rob is now playing for entertainment value as well. This is his game to lose. Still a contender to win, but he's not my #1 yet.

I would bet on Andrea as my #1, much like I'd bet on Natalie reaching the final 3, or the Zap 6 falling at the merge. Andrea was shown to be possessing qualitative traits - hard-working, cautious, and likable, clearly contrasting to the other two girls on her tribe. She's as well aware of her situation and her position in line. She has longevity in Matt, has connected with Phillip, and hasn't been established as a boot at this point. She'll be good to go far.


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Great Analysis as usual.

At this point, I would be very surprised if Andrea doesn't win this season.

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The moment you lay your sword against the tree while you go take a leak, is the moment your sword ends up in your back mid-stream. -Jeff Probst

Thanks!

This is the first episode where Andrea is leading the pack, so I wouldn't hold my breath just yet, but she still looks pretty good compared to most of everyone else.

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Rob says: "It doesn't take one person to vote someone out, Jeff. You know that."

I absolutely love this line.

I think Ralph and Stephanie still have a bit of a chance, but that could be me just lking them from earlier episodes. Ralph is dumb, but so was Fabio... I guess there's a difference since Fabio was likeable dumb though >_>;

And Stephanie... I just hope there's a merge for her and some dynamics change.

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Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

Who are your guys' favorites right now?

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I can't really disagree with anything you said, except that I don't think Stephenie will be the next to go from Zapatera. I think she will be fundamental in their downfall at the merge if they keep winning, or she will replace someone else in their alliance of 6. Because if they go into the merge with 6, they have at least an equal amount of people as Ometepe, and they have been putting a lot of emphasis on stephanie and how she wants to flip and they keep showing the Zapatera people talking about how she isn't a threat and they aren't worried about her.

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I'm "kind of a big deal".
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/princess_anri/CylcoandAnri.png

Favorites to win? Rob and Matt.
Favorites in terms of who I like? Rob and Stephanie (dat ass).

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"I can't possibly think of anything less intimidating than the New York Jets." - lovethejuice
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Yeah, on one hand, I do think she'll make the merge (whenever it is). I'm sure she'll flip as well. On the other, I could see her getting booted next, just to vilify the Zap 6 even more. But I think she'll stick around a bit longer.

I've been contemplating who's gonna get booted next. I have a feeling Ometepe will be losing next weeks immunity, and will send Phillip home. I can't see any other feasible options for Ometepe, though it would make sense to boot Andrea. But the edit doesn't support that whatsoever. If Zapatera were to lose, I feel like it'd obviously be Stephanie, but with how much emphasis was placed on the 'cracks' and sub-alliances within the Zap 6, as well as Rob's connection to her flipping, it's hard to believe she would go.

And if not her, then who? If the Zap 6 are cracking, perhaps David gets the boot for being the odd man out, the one who became flustered easily. He was targeted by Sarita, and Julie is aware of it as well, so it's something to consider. Or maybe Sarita goes, for having such an unsurmountable backlash from everyone else in her alliance about her decision to have Stephanie be the caller. Just about everyone disagreed with that. She's also the only person within the Zap 6 to target another member - so much for team unity? Or... maybe Steve? He was told to be worthless and overrated by Stephanie. We heard that for a reason, for whatever reason, he's to be seen as weak.

But yeah, I think it's more likely that we'll be seeing Steph lasting until the merge

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Yeah, I think next week is Phillip even though it makes more sense for Rob to go for Andrea, I think that the others really want Phillip gone and judging from the preview, Phillip seems to be gunning for Rob, so maybe Phil is the better target anyway. If it is Zapatera, Steph, Steve, Sarita, or David are the possibilities I was considering as well.

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I'm "kind of a big deal".
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/princess_anri/CylcoandAnri.png

Favorites to win: Rob/Andrea/Matt, obvious picks

Favorites I like: Rob, Philip, Stephanie. Rob has been the central point of Ometepe the whole season so far, and I like how they portray that he's even trying to challenge himself cause his tribe is a bunch of amateurs. Philip reminds me a bit of Coach (I'm sure someone has said that before), and is just wacky. Stephanie is no Alina (I'm so shallow) but her attitude and spunk (that the right word?) is entertaining in contrast to how much I don't like the Zap 6 (I really hate Julie).

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Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

Personal favorites (the ones I like):

Andrea-So aware of her situation which is vital to surviving when you aren't in the majority (and I guess even when you are).

Stephanie-She has that indescribable fire that is entertaining to watch

Rob-His play speaks for itself so far.

In terms of who I think will win: To me Andrea seems to be the obvious choice, but maybe too obvious. My non-obvious pick would be Natalie, as the game goes on she is going to be viewed as a non-threat and that could somehow give her the latitude to sit behind Rob and use him as a shield of sorts and make something happen gameplay-wise. (At this point I can't really explain it properly, but I could definitely see it happening).

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If Russell Hantz were a Pokemon trainer, he would be constantly calling saying that his Rattata was in the top percentile of Rattata.

GTM, I never commented on your thinking about Ralph or Stephanie.

Ralph won't win because he's deaf, dumb, and blind. He's invisible when he shouldn't be, and he's receiving no special care to his edit. As well, he's in the Zap 6, an alliance that has no chance of winning. It's kinda sad to see an entire tribe have no shot, but it's a small price to pay when building a story. A lot of viewers still think some of them have a shot though, but they don't.

Stephanie is a different story, a hyper and dismissive character that's condemned by a poor game. At the latest Tribal Council, Mike stated, “How about go form a bond? That’s strategy.” Earlier, when Krista asked if there was anything they could try to do, Stephanie answered, “With these dumbass people? No.” That's a Russell line, condemning her just as it did with Russell and Krista for not using the game strategy of building relationships. She predicts chaos and craziness at the merge because of the Zap 6 complacency - and she'll probably get that, but she's not gonna win. This episode used Mike and her own words to call her on her lack of a social game, the same factor that sunk both her former allies.


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here's my response to that

;(

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Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

Krista is an idiot. She talks about how they aren't really playing the game but than she does nothing to help her cause. If she had just gone to the Zap 6 and told them about Steph's comments to Rob at RI she almost certainly would have survived this week, and I could easily see her leapfrogging David in people's minds as the target after that.

It was such an easy and obvious play but she didn't even consider it (at least from what we saw).

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All the proteins, vitamins, and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus 15% alcohol.
[Browncoat] ~Board 570901~ (Maniac64 at work)

Krista and Stephanie FRIENDS 4EVA

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Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

up

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“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." -Winston Churchill

Not sure if Phillip is staying or leaving this week. The more I think about it, the more I see him staying.

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Ometepe will win the challenge again.

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"I can't possibly think of anything less intimidating than the New York Jets." - lovethejuice
http://i52.tinypic.com/334qmms.png

No matter who wins, someone I like is going to go =(

i.e. not julie

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Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

up

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Stop being dumb and start being awesome. -LiselTestify

From: DarkFalconX | Posted: 3/24/2011 7:21:00 PM | #128
up

x2

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Most marriages don't last as long as the love affair between Zelda and GameFAQs. - Sir Chris

Thanks! I was about to bump this myself.

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In honor of Stephanie's send-off, I'm using the closest Survivor account I have to someone like her.


Episode #6: Their Red-Headed Steph Child"

In the recap...

...Matt so far is the only one to find redemption at Redemption Island.
At Matt's old tribe, Phillip is driving everyone crazy, so Rob considered keeping him around for a while.
Zapatera threw a challenge and since have looked like they've lost their mojo and are bickering amongst themselves.
And even though Sarita was wearing thin on her tribemates, the bigger targets were Krista and Stephanie.
Everyone voted Krista but Steph, and now Steph has to scramble to avoid RI.

(Note that Ometepe was referred to as 'Matt's old tribe' - instead of their actual name. Good for Matt.)


REDEMPTION ISLAND
NIGHT 13

Krista tells us that Matt has such a refreshing, positive attitude, that even just talking to him for the first 5 minutes does it seem like he has more substance than half the people she was with on Zapatera. (oh the joy the editors have)
Matt and Krista bond while talking about God.
Matt tells us that he quickly realized Krista is here for business.
Matt tells Krista that she's not gonna get by sneaking under the radar, and she returns the remark. (another included remark telling us that Krista wasn't gonna get by with her UTR edit - which she didn't - and that Matt isn't gonna get by going UTR either)

ZAPATERA
DAY 14

We open to see Stephanie looking miserable, followed by four of the Zap 6 standing by her staring at her.
Sarita says to Steve that it sucked to see his name come up at the last TC. Steve says he just needs to place his faith in people.
Steve tells us that the TC got ugly, and that to his surprise he received two votes.
Steve asks Stephanie why she voted for him, she says because he doesn't have enough to give - though he's trying to dig deep.
Stephanie tells us that she was trying to be delicate, because even though she wants to talk, she can't just go around bashing people, as she doesn't want to go to RI.
Steve tells us that it's crazy because he comes from 13 years in the NFL, so he's gonna have to dig deeper.
Steve tells Stephanie it was a poor move on her part, and she says that's okay, it's just his opinion, and she doesn't care for it.
Steve tells us that she's basically tightening the rope around her neck. If they go to tribal next, she's out.

(Interestingly enough Steve was correct in his assessment. It was a poor move and Stephanie did go home next)


Shortened Opening Credits

OMETEPE
DAY 14

We open to both Natalie and Ashley laying on the beach, with Natalie grooming Ashley. (This is quite gross)
Ashley tells us that they had a spa day. That all the others are doing something, but that she and Natalie aren't doing much of anything. She tells us that she's worked hard all her life, so why not make herself comfortable? Both she and Natalie are "hanging." (both literally and editing-wise)
Andrea asks to get braided, and then Grant and Rob join in on the hanging-outs with Natalie and Ashley.
Phillip shows up and says that he wants the girls to check on the fire every half hour. Andrea says she does that, and Phillip says he knows. They all agree to do that and he walks away.
Phillip tells us that if he goes to RI before Ashley and Natalie, then there's something wrong with this game. He says that they're all about beauty pageants, and that they never got off their butts and give him credit for anything. He says that both of them must go, because the pageant is over.


REDEMPTION ISLAND
DAY 14

Matt and Krista receive Krista's Bible.
Krista tells us that it was nice to get her Bible, that you get strength and guidance from the Lord that you can't get anywhere else, and it's nice.
Matt and Krista say a prayer together.
Matt tells us that Krista is different from the others because he can connect with her due to their beliefs. It makes it more difficult to compete with her.

The challenge is explained.
Matt comes from behind to win.
Krista is eliminated.

Krista says that it's now a reality that she's out, and that it's really emotional.
Before leaving, Krista hands Matt her Bible. Matt is happy to receive it. Matt says that he didn't have his, so it was nice of her to lend hers.
Krista says that Matt is an extremely strong believer, and that it may be one of the reasons he's doing so well.
Krista leaves, telling us that it was God's will that decided the challenge, and thus it was her time to go.
Matt tells us that he can't explain how much it meant to him for Krista to leave him her Bible, as the book just breathes life.
Andrea tells us that Krista gave Matt her luxury item, and that because of that her whole image of Matt changed. She says that she had a good bond with him, but that he had a good bond with Krista as well, so even though initially she wanted him to stick around, he could also be very dangerous.


ZAPATERA
DAY 15

We open to see a baby turtle crawling to the sea, only to then get hit by the current.
Sarita is shown pawing at her tooth, saying it hurts.
Julie tells us that Sarita thought she had a cavity, and that she's kind of a drama queen princess.
Ralph tells us that Sarita is trying to be too fancy of a girl for this game. She was cleaning her mouth with a dirty stick and maybe got an infection - that's an easy way to take yourself out of the game.
Julie and Mike are shown talking about how high maintenance Sarita is.
David is shown talking to Stephanie saying that she needs to find a way to unseat Sarita. He says that if it's him and the 5 of them then he's gonna shoot himself.
David tells us that Stephanie is a strong contender, and that Sarita is unquestionably the weakest person on the tribe. He says he would sacrifice Sarita for Stephanie.
David preps Stephanie a bit on what she needs to do, and Stephanie questions why she didn't learn this sorta stuff in school.

OMETEPE
DAY 15

We open to see Phillip gathering wood, walking into camp saying "storm clouds are gathering."
Phillip tells us that he foresees a storm coming, that they need to get wood, that this is the calm before the storm. He says he's been frustrated with Natalie and Ashley.
Ashley is shown saying that Phillip didn't ask her, he told her, and she doesn't appreciate that.
Phillip continues on to tell us that he gets no credit, and he's not gonna stand for it.
We see Rob and Grant talking, with Rob wondering why Phillip cares what they're gonna do. He says that the girls are young, what could they really do?
Phillip is shown complaining to the tribe about how they do nothing, and Ashley asks him why he talks a certain way to the girls. They get into an argument. Phillip says that the boys pull their weight, as does Andrea. He compliments Andrea and bags on Ashley and Natalie. Ashley argues back some more.
Ashley tells us that Phillip is mental and that she's done with him.
Rob tells us that this is gonna fracture the tribe, and the best thing they can do is keep winning, so he needs to put a rest to this debacle.
Rob talks to Phillip on the side about keeping the peace.
Rob tells us that he had to be the peacekeeper, and that Phillip was right, the girls do nothing, but at the same time he wants them to annoy people so that he won't need a reason to right their names down for a million dollars at the end.


ZAPATERA
DAY 15

Stephanie tells us that the first thing she needs to do is talk to Steve and apologize, despite her reluctance.
Stephanie apologizes to Steve.
Steve tells us that Stephanie took a moment to either play the game better, or just trying to win him over from the heart. He says that he wants to believe in people until they got stomped on.
Stephanie says she wanted to write down Sarita's name. Steve admits that Stephanie is stronger than Sarita.
Stephanie tells us that it would be nice if she could prove she's worth more than Sarita in this next challenge. She wants to bring Sarita down and bring herself up.


IMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Jeff asks Mike about where the animosity between the tribes stands. Mike says that both tribes want to win.
Jeff asks Phillip about the rivalry, Phillip says he's feeling it. Says he's using both animals.
Jeff asks Steve what he thinks about that. Steve motions to his forearm.
Phillip says he caught that. (Yay provoking Phillip!)

Ometepe wins 5-0.
Steve tells us that the decision tonight is vital, that he's gotta have a winning team with a right attitude, not lip-service like Steph, or uptown-girl like Sarita.

REWARD TRIP

We open to the statue of Christ, with the tribe walking in on a vast array of foods on a table.
Ashely tells us all about the food.
The tribe commiserates and rejoices. Rob asks who the statue is, everyone says it's Jesus "watching over us today."
Rob begins looking for the clue.
Rob tells us that he spots the clue right away, but that he doesn't need to reach for it because he doesn't need it. He'll let someone else grab it. He tells us Grant grabs it.
Rob and Grant go off to read the clue in private. Rob leads Grant on in searching for it (again).
Phillip shows up on the scene proclaiming he saw the clue.
Rob tells us that Phillip showed up and was like the principle back in school busting them.
Phillip tells us that he's in an alliance with Rob and Grant, that he's nicknamed the alliance and delegated roles for the 3 of them. He says that today both of them tried to hide the clue from him, and that they better not underestimate him when he's been provoked. He says that if you make an alliance with him, you better adhere to it, because he's all about integrity. Phillip speaks about his service in the military, then on America's behalf, but then tells us that he could dwell in a place of negativity because of this, but he's not gonna do that, he's gonna smile and then strike at the right time.


ZAPATERA
DAY 16

David tells us that tonights TC should be interesting. He's lobbied for Steph to stay and Sarita to go. He says Sarita is more the 'team mom' and not a member of the team, and they need someone who can contribute on the field.
The tribe talks about how bad the challenge was. They got smoked.
Sarita tells us that she thinks David and Stephanie are trying their damnedest to swap Steph for Sarita, but Sarita isn't gonna go campaigning because she's loyal and her tribe knows that.
Stephanie talks to Julie about how Sarita is the weakest. Julie says the guys like Steph more, but that they trust Sarita more. Steph says that if they don't have numbers, they'll get wiped out. Steph just wants to prove that she's worth keeping. Sarita then walks by, and Julie tells Steph she's a strong woman in a little package.
Stephanie tells us that if they don't keep her, they're gonna lose every single challenge. She says that Steve and Julie are noticing that, and that David's on her side, and that it ain't over yet.
The Zap 6 (sans Sarita and Julie) are shown on the beach, and David says he's sick of losing, and that they need to focus on winning - trust comes later. Julie arrives and says that Steph is better in the challenges, but that she has more trust in Sarita. Steve gives them both a 1/10. David disagrees, says that all he cares about is winning.
Mike says that they have to weigh that if Stephanie goes home, Sarita is gonna be in the next challenge. He says that Sarita is cruising, and that if Stephanie can prove she's trustworthy, he's not totally opposed to keeping her around.

TRIBAL COUNCIL

Jeff asks David to take him back to the challenge they threw. David says that they're paying the price.
Jeff asks Ralph about the challenge, because they got destroyed. Ralph says that if he had been shooting, he could have done a little better.
Jeff asks Sarita why they sat her out. Sarita says she'd have liked to be out there, but then Stephanie interrupts and says that Sarita was shaking in her boots to do a contact sport. Stephanie says that she doesn't think Sarita is that good at challenges.
Jeff asks about the boots comment, and Stephanie says that Sarita couldn't do the challenge, and that she herself was the opposite, she didn't care, she wanted to get out there and compete.
Sarita says that she didn't want to say she could do something and then not perform.
Jeff comments saying that Sarita basically said she was glad she could sit out so that she couldn't be a goat.
David interjects and agrees, saying that Sarita knew she was the worst, so by sitting out, she knew she wouldn't have to worry about having a part in the failure.
Sarita remarks that she's not saying she's not good - she would have been fine if she were out there.
Stephanie calls bulls***.
Sarita says that it was horrible to watch that loss.
Stephanie says she doesn't buy it. She says that Sarita doesn't wanna be here.
Sarita says that's not true. That Stephanie is way off base. They both disagree with each other.
Jeff asks Steve if the spunk in Stephanie is worth keeping around. Steve says that the pro's of Stephanie are that she's a warrior and works hard, but that Sarita is trustworthy, though he'd like to see her pickup the slack around camp and in challenges. She's a bit of an uptown girl that hasn't gotten her footing out in the wilderness yet.
David comments saying that two of those positives sounded like negatives to him. He says that the problem with the tribe right now is that they're placing importance in trust when trust isn't something that's necessary right now. He says trust will come with time, but winning is what matters right now.
Jeff asks Ralph about that, and Ralph says it sounds pretty good.

Sarita votes Stephanie, commenting on how maybe if Steph thought more about her actions and how she fit in, she'd still be around.
Steph votes Sarita, saying she'll kick her ass on RI.
David votes Sarita, saying he made the best argument he could for Stephanie.

Stephanie gets voted out 5-2.

Jeff leaves them saying how they went with someone they think they can trust over someone who can compete in challenges. They'll see soon enough if they made the right call.

Stephanie is shown on RI telling Matt not to align with her tribe, as they're not nice people. She says that if she wins, she's obviously not going back to them.

- The Tribes -

On Ometepe, Rob is shown as the glue holding the tribe together, while Phillip is breaking them apart. We still have the lazy girl duo, Grant being misled by Rob, and Andrea 'just fitting in'. Phillip has become a lightning rod, but Rob is there to prevent that as best he can.

Zapatera is still crumbling away, watching as their big alliance breaks apart before our very eyes. David dissents, everyone agrees Sarita sucks but is trustworthy, and Stephanie is a goner. This episode was critical to Zapatera's chances come the merge, as we now see how they won't get along when togetherness is asked.


- The Characters -

THE ZAP 6 (aka "The Tribe that Won't Win")

Mike is the narrator who will remain neutral up until he's ousted. He's not the biggest fan of Sarita but cares more about her trust.

Ralph thinks Sarita is ridiculous for her actions. Either way he's not winning at this point. He had little relevancy despite his tribe going to TC, was only shown at the beginning to tell us about how Sarita was dumb.

Julie only showed up once as well, kicking off the 'Sarita sucks' bandwagon. Julie has no chance, but is still shown to have a valued opinion amongst her tribe.

Sarita stood no chance before this episode, and after this episode... well, her chances are still without a pulse. She was bashed by her entire tribe last episode for her decision to not have David do the calling, and now we see her entire tribe calling her out on being a sucky player who has yet to find her footing. This notion that she wasn't a quality player was constantly reinforced, and never did we see her prove to us otherwise. She may very well be the next to go, if it isn't...

David, the man dissenting against his 6-person alliance. Is David now 1v5? If it weren't for the fact that Sarita looked so bad, I'd say yes. However, because we were constantly shown how bad Sarita was, it was enough for me to conclude that David wasn't in the wrong. The only problem is that his tribe values trust, and Sarita was kept because she's trustworthy. Due to this, David may not have a leg to stand on. I foresee David getting the ax if his tribe is to go to TC next. He told us he'd shoot himself if he was left with the other 5, and... well...

Steve has been eliminated from contention for a while now, but he still had an okay episode. We heard from him numerous times, between telling us that Stephanie would be the next to go, to saying that Stephanie may just be playing a better game when she apologized, to actually defending Stephanie on some level toward the latter portion of the episode.

Stephanie, sadly, won't be beating Matt in the duel. I don't want to overlook her edit, but Matt has many more connections and open-ended plot holes left to fulfill than Stephanie. Stephanie fulfilled her purpose: she made her tribe look terrible, altogether ruining any of their chances at winning this season. With her gone, we are now leaving Camp Zap and shifting to Camp Rob. She said in episode 1 that if they made the merge she'd be golden, but that's not gonna happen now. Mike was right when it was told that she played the game the wrong way. She received the most airtime of her alliance, and for good measure: she would outlast both of them, but still not go on to win.

Ashley is negative, prideful, superficial, lazy, and bratty. (Like she ever stood a chance at winning anyway.)

Grant is Rob's second-hand man, and is a beast in challenges, but because we never hear from him, and all we ever get is him being duped by Rob, it's enough to know that he'll make it far by Rob's side, but will not win.

Natalie's edit is mitigated by Ashley's presence to some extent. Ashley receives the blunt of the negativity while Natalie sits behind her. I have a lot of problems with Natalie's edit though. 1) If she's gonna be an under-the-radar player, she currently has the worst edit for a winner in Survivor history through the first 6 episodes of a season. Natalie W. and Bob had better edits than her so far. 2) Natalie is getting no confessionals and her only quality one came when she mentioned sticking with Rob and making big moves in Episode 2. There is literally no insight into her game. There is no personal touch. 3) She's a negative character. Under the radar and negative? Ouch. Natalie is probably getting the edit of a character who gets to the end and in fact doesn't win, but loses.

Phillip is still a major distraction, obsessing over how two girls dislike him. There was a connection between Stephanie saying how she "never learned this in school" in regard to sucking up to people she disliked, only to then have Phillip tell us he's not gonna stand for the way Ashley and Natalie give him no credit. Phillip isn't winning obviously, but I still have to wonder how far he gets. He talked about suddenly having an alliance with Rob and Grant - there was a disconnect between this episode and the last, where he told us he held no power whatsoever. It seemed he was completely on the outs, but now he acknowledges an alliance? Strange. Why we heard from him about that (as well as the HII) seemed troubling for the mastermind of Rob and his minion Grant.

As well, this episodes edit of Rob was very similar to his episode 5 edit. There were more hints that he's gonna use Phillip as a goat - first in the recap, then later in a confessional. We are still reminded that Rob is the puppetmaster. What I found to be intriguing was him not recognizing the obvious statue of Jesus looking over them on the reward trip. If it's any indication, that symbol pointed to...

Matt, and his eventual return, in that he is the religious and positive man of the season. Matt is all about his religion and the challenges on RI. He's the hero of the season, though I find it troubling that his edit isn't venturing any farther than that. I think that what was said in the recap about Matt being 'the only person so far to find redemption on RI' was significant - perhaps that is really Matt's story.

Andrea had a mere two sentences and one confessional, but her single confessional told us a lot. She is now shown to be aware of the threat Matt poses - despite being on his side. The edits intent is to keep her hidden, despite her being more visible to those of us who are breaking apart each episode. As well, she is once again separated from the other two orange women of Natalie and Ashley when Phillip asks them to tend the fire, and she says she does, to which Phillip says he wasn't singling her out. Phillip: “…the boys… pull our weight... and so does Andrea…” Andrea looked very good this episode. If there's anything we need to consider, it's that her story is hidden: there are clues where Andrea's story will go, but it's unfolding at a slow, steady pace. The consistency is there though, and I like what I'm seeing, and if this continues, we're probably looking at the winner.


--
~*~*The Acid Pixie Strategist of Survivor*~*~

So basically at this point the winner is mostly likely Andrea, with a little possibility of Rob. Everyone else is not looking good.

--
"berttyer not post anymore or i might bet BANNED like somge other stupid forums racist against durnk plepole"
-gingerbreadcorpses

If it isn't Andrea, it'll be Rob. And if it isn't Rob, it'll be Matt.

--
ziggie ziggie wop wop

"In honour" what is this

--
Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

I'm American, I don't care to add extra letters!

--
ziggie ziggie wop wop

From: GTM | Posted: 3/26/2011 3:51:32 PM | #141
"In honour" what is this

I'm not seeing the problem, but if this is aboot the spelling of honor then I can't help you there.

--
The moment you lay your sword against the tree while you go take a leak, is the moment your sword ends up in your back mid-stream. -Jeff Probst

I didn't even notice the spelling, honestly >_>;

It should be IN MEMORY OF

--
Giant Turtle Monster - Gold Teeth Man - Ground Test Missile
Member of the merSHINEsess Nation since 7/15/09

XD woops

--
ziggie ziggie wop wop

From: GTM | Posted: 3/26/2011 4:02:44 PM | #144
I didn't even notice the spelling, honestly >_>;

It should be IN MEMORY OF

lol, sorry just had to throw that joke in there. You are absolutely right it should be in memory of.

--
Stop being dumb and start being awesome. -LiselTestify

Steve will win.

What? No! I'm not saying he'll win so I look good in Fantasy >___>

--
"Stop being so impatient. Let's just wait for CJayC to put up the Quotes Contest bracket and decide based on those results." - Ngamer, 11/18/2010

If it isn't Andrea, it'll be Rob. And if it isn't Rob, it'll be Matt.

Yeah, I really can't see anyone else winning at this point. I think Natalie has a small shot if Ashley gets eliminated soon, but only because we have already seen the "lesser focused" spoiled brat win before in Amazon. I think her chances are veryyyyyy slim, but I wouldn't eliminate her yet completely....but man, like you said, her edit would just be AWFUL for a winner.

--
I'm "kind of a big deal".
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/princess_anri/CylcoandAnri.png

I would absolutely love for Andrea to be the winner. So sneaky~

--
~Acting on Impulse~
Black Turtle still can't predict the winner.

I'm absolutely liking Andrea more and more every episode. While she chills with the 2 useless girls, she also pulls her own weight. She's criticized their behavior but still hangs out with them and gets along. She not only has been acknowledged and complimented by Phillip but he approached her about possibly working together at some point. An Andrea+Phillip alliance would be very pleasing to me. If the two of them could get Grant to turn on Rob (with Matt's help upon his probable return) and then get rid of the dumb girls, I could easily see a final 3 of Andrea, Phillip and Grant, with the guys embarassing themselves in front of the jury (Phillip talking all crazy and getting weird looks and Grant pulling a Mick and really having nothing to say) and Andrea winning it all.

I don't see Zapatera fitting in to anything at all. I see them further dwindling and then walking out one at a time after the merge like lambs to the slaughter. Robfather keeps Omatepe united before Andrea and co. backstab him once the Zaps are history. A few may linger as non-threats but I don't think any of them will be relevent.

My prediction: Next 7 to go are Zaps and Rob in any order with Matt coming back at some point. Andrea, Matt, Phillip and Grant taking charge as the dominant alliance at some point during that. Spa girls get peaced out after the bigger threats, with Matt also getting cut loose. Andrea wins over Phillip and Grant in the end.

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RIP Caelus, 8/1/01-2/28/11
The old account had to be retired :D