Operation: Italy (S47: Episode 12)

Holy cow!! That episode could've gone in so many different directions, and the one we got was just about as good (and fun) as it gets! Let’s dive in!

Operation: Italy enjoying their "tierra-misus" and margarita (pizzas...sorry, Teeny).

Even though she was in the majority alliance, Caroline gets the boot after an Andy flip! Was this move fun? Absolutely. But was it a good move for Andy? I’m not so sure…

Even though Andy was in the majority alliance, and he could’ve coasted to the top 5 without breaking a sweat, he was clearly at the bottom, and really seen as a goat to take to the end. So, he really did need to make a bold move here. But does this move actually increase his chances of winning and earn him the respect he’s been craving from the jury? I’m still on the fence.

I’ve been saying for weeks now, "Oh sheeeeettttt, is Andy getting a winner’s edit?" But the more I watch, the more I think he’s getting the perfect loser edit. Even with a move as brilliantly executed as "Operation: Italy," I fear that most people in the game either don’t like him, don’t understand his moves, or just see him as a goat. The real nail in the coffin for me was Sierra’s one-liner after Caroline’s torch was snuffed: "Andy flipped again!" I think the jury mostly sees him as a flipper, and that’s a tough narrative to shake this late in the game (ahem, Tai in Kaoh Rong, Cochran in South Pacific, Penner in Cook Islands). But hey, not all great moves have to be game-winning to become legendary. The fact that we got an entire episode named after this move—and it was as crazy as Erik giving individual immunity to Natalie and the Black Widow Brigade—means Andy (and Genevieve and Sam) will likely have the move of the season!

But who did this move actually benefit? I think it made Rachel’s path to the finale a lot cleaner. She leaves Episode 12 still with her Block-a-Vote advantage AND an idol. She also doesn’t have to blindside a member of her "underdog alliance" and can stay loyal to someone like Sue, who really values loyalty above all else. I also think this buys Genevieve (and Sam, to some extent, but more Genevieve) another week to work their magic and continue building their resumes. Unlike Andy, they’re already seen as threats, so their narrative is a lot easier to pitch to the jury.

I really think this sets up our two-part finale perfectly—it makes the upcoming immunity challenges some of the highest stakes we've seen all season!

I also have to say, I think I’m officially out on Teeny. I get it, you're hungry, you're upset, and you want those letters from home... but gaslighting Genevieve? Not cool. And the whole "anti-hot" people trope? Definitely not my vibe. It’s looking like a tough road ahead for Teeny as we head into the finale.

Caroline tho... I honestly feel like her exit was the perfect way for her to go. (Although, part of me really wished Sue had played her idol correctly for her! That would have been NUTS!) In a weird way, I almost think Caroline was happier being voted out as a threat than actually winning the game:

FINALE BONUS!!

There are six players left in the game:

Rachel, Genevieve, Teeny, Sue, Sam and Andy.

Below are three (kinda four) potential options for your Finale Bonus. You may only select one option. Your bonus selection must be submitted to survivorvukelulu@gmail.com by Wednesday, Dec 11th, 7:59:59 PM ET. If you do not submit an emailed prediction or you choose not to play the Finale Bonus, you will earn your standard episode points with no penalties. Late email predictions will not be considered.

• OPTION #1: Of the remaining six castaways, make a prediction of who you think is going to win it all! If you guess correctly, you will earn a bonus +20 points. You can select from any of the remaining six castaways - Andy, Genevieve, Rachel, Sam, Sue, or Teeny. Your selection does not need to be someone who is currently on your tribe. For this option, you should not select a castaway that you've already deemed as your Sole Survivor - This option is for you if you'd like to bet on another player. There is no penalty for guessing incorrectly. 

  
  

• OPTION #2: IF your Sole Survivor is still in the game and you want to double down on your Sole Survivor pick, you will earn a bonus +40 points if they end up winning. These bonus points are on TOP of your guaranteed +60 points for your tribe member coming in 1st place AND the +75 points for your Sole Survivor winning. There is no penalty for guessing incorrectly. 

  
  

• OPTION #3A: Do you want to go BIG and take a risk? In order to play this option, you will need to risk all of your standard points from the final episode on December 18th (next week). If you are able to correctly guess the boot order of the players who are still in the game for the final episode on December 18th, you will earn a bonus +200 points! (At this time, we don't know for certain how many people will be left in the game at the beginning of December 18th's episode. It is rumored that there will be 4 players remaining, but it is not confirmed, so final details of Option #3A will be based on however many players are left at that time. IF YOU CHOOSE OPTION #3A: YOU STILL MUST EMAIL US BY THE DEADLINE OF Wednesday, Dec 11th, 7:59:59 PM ET TO CONFIRM THAT YOU ARE CHOOSING OPTION #3A, BUT YOUR ACTUAL BOOT ORDER SUBMISSION DOES NOT NEED TO BE SENT UNTIL AFTER THE EPISODE ON DECEMBER 11TH AND BEFORE THE EPISODE ON DECEMBER 18TH. 

  
  

• OPTION #3B: THE BIG KAHUNA. THE BIGGEST POTENTIAL POINT EARNING OPPORTUNITY IN VUKELULU HISTORY. THIS ONE'S FOR ALLLLL THE MARBLES. In order to play this option, you will need to risk all of your standard points during BOTH FINALE EPISODES (December 11th AND December 18th). If you are able to correctly guess the boot order of the final 6: Jury Member #6, Jury Member #7, Jury Member #8, 3rd Place, 2nd Place, Winner, you will earn a bonus +400 POINTS! If even one player is not in the correct boot order, you will lose all points for the final two episodes of the season aka you will earn 0 points for the rest of the season. (If you're bottom of the pack or don't have any contestants left on your tribe, this option is for you! What's there to lose!?) Your email must clearly indicate who you think will be Jury Member #6, Jury Member #7, Jury Member #8, 3rd Place, 2nd Place, Winner (in that order).

***As a reminder, Coach Juju received an advantage during the Vukelulu Auction. The advantage states that if she chooses to do OPTION 3 (A or B), she will be allowed to submit TWO different guesses for the boot order -- doubling her chances at the huge bonus points. If she chooses not to play the OPTION 3A or 3B, she may transfer this advantage to another league member.***

VUKELULU TRIBE HEADING INTO THE FINALE (PART 1)!

This wasn't a major point-scoring episode for most of our league members, but once again, Ryan scored big (+99 points) as the only tribe still with four castaways. Trailing Ryan were Bryan J. (+66 points), who moves past Sarah T. into 4th place, and Connor W. (+64 points), who rebounds into the top 10, sitting comfortably at #9 as we head into the finale!

With Caroline's exit, Angela is the only league member to lose her Sole Survivor this week, leaving her with a tribe of one (...sorry for you!). Alyson Z., Anthony M., Coach Juju, Elizabeth, Rachael, and Tribemaster Liv also join Angela with only one contestant remaining in their tribes, while sadly, Survivor Pete becomes another fallen soldier, left with a tribe of zero. Luckily, all of youse guys have a chance at the finale bonus!

ENJOY THE TWO-PARTER! Get those finale bonus picks in!

- Tribemasters Brian + Liv