SEASON 40: WINNERS AT WAR (Episode 5)

Wellllll wellll wellllll... I know it's been a strange week for everybody. I told Jill that my mindset during all of this (in an attempt to stay positive) is that it's good preparation for being on Survivor some day. Hope you're all safe and healthy, and finding joy in the little things. Like Survivor Fantasy League updates. Let's jump in. 

Episode 5 was another DOOZY. For the first time this season, we didn't spend any precious time viewing footage from the Edge of Extinction. And while I'd love a little glimpse into the chaos Tyson is inevitably generating over there, I'm happy that we had some extra time this week to see strategy and drama from the players who are actually still IN in the game. 

Let's dig in...

• After last week's episode of Ethan's journey to 20 logs, I really thought they'd kick us off with something fun and light hearted this episode. Welp, I was wrong. 1 minute in and we're seeing TEARS. FROM YUL. Logical, mathematical, stoic YUL!!!!! While there was an element of this scene that felt a *bit* staged to me, I ultimately love that Yul is using his platform for good and showing another side of himself. And yes. Obviously I cried. If Yul cries, I cry. 

• TRIBE SWAP!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all knew it was coming. Things were getting far too easy for the Dakal tribe. Something had to change. I'm not always a fan of the 3 tribe situation BUT with players this good, they have to be pushed to higher levels of competition. (Plus the numbers worked out well)

• With the new Yara tribe, we had the pleasure of watching Ben, Boston Rob, and Adam stumble over each other's sentences at the water well with Sarah and Sophie while trying to explain who had betrayed who in the old Sele tribe. I could really see this budding Sarah/Sophie alliance becoming a longterm powerhouse in the game. 

• Over at the new Dakal camp, we saw Kim's position in the game potentially (finally) shifting in her favor!!!

• And oh.. what would the episode have been without the awkwardness of the new Sele tribe. Have you guys heard that Michelle and Wendell "kicked it"? See below for proof. 

• It was fun seeing yet another comeback during the puzzle portion of the challenge. It almost seemed like it could have been a blowout for Yara (especially with puzzle powerhouses Sophie and Rob on their tribe) but they just couldn't pull it off. Sele overcame the awkward vibes on their tribe and absolutely crushed that puzzle for the win. 

• I regret to remind you that the beloved Boston Rob was this week's blindside.

• Look, I know Rob can be controlling and demanding at times, but the guy is an absolute LEGEND. And he kinda feels like someone who would be my uncle or my 3rd cousin or something. So I'm just sad. That being said......... FREAKING FINALLY!!!!!!! I could not believe that AGAIN we were watching these incredible players be manipulated and mesmerized by the power that is Boston Rob. The fact that his power over them stopped them from strategizing at. all. is insane on a season like this!!! Major credit to Sarah and Sophie for finding that idol, trusting their guts, and going for it without the security of using their advantages. After 3 people left the game largely due to their connection to Boston Rob (Amber, Ethan, Tyson), it's about time the castaways went for their ACTUAL target (btw I'll admit I'd be way too starstruck to vote out Rob)

• The episode ends with Boston Rob giving his 2 fire tokens to Parvati (aka Nick Wilson's high school crush) leaving her with a total of 4 tokens!!! As the number of old school threats in the game starts to dwindle, I'm thinking these could really come in handy for Parvati who could easily be the next big target.

• Natalie's got her work cut out for her keeping that token lead on the Edge now that Tyson and Rob have arrived. But if anyone can do it, the CrossFit queen can. 

How'd we do?

This was a fairly ~low~ scoring week compared to last week. With no footage from the EOE, there were a solid handful of players who received zero points. Joyce was the big winner this week bringing in 40 points, and Brian's points trailed just behind hers at 38. This puts them both at the top our leaderboard with 221 and 225 points, respectively. Meanwhile, there were 6 of us who didn't even reach 20 points this week! Kath and Amanda brought in the lowest number of the week, each gaining 12 points from their tribes that only have 2 castaways left. This leaves them at the bottom of the barrel for another week. But as we all know, this game can change in an instant.  That's it for this week! I'll be watching next week's episode from this throne...