Survivor Smack Talk (S48: Episode 7)

We’ve officially hit the merge! Kind of. Technically, yes. But the first post-merge challenge still split the tribe in two, sending both groups to Tribal. So... merged pero liiikeee not really. 

As the episode opens, we find out that Sai changed her handwriting to cursive when voting for Cedrek at Tribal Council. It was a stray vote just for the sake of stirring the pot. And it worked. Cedrek remained confused, eventually blaming departed Charity for the cursive vote. If Sai has proven anything, it’s that petty is her specialty. 

This week’s immunity challenge was a classic grip-and-hold with buckets full of ¼ body weight.

In the end, the lactose lovers, Joe and David, were the last two standing, each winning individual immunity, and breaking the record for the longest time lasted in this challenge. David beat out Joe, meaning he and the other people on the purple team got a (sort of merge feast) reward. 

But the episode itself? A little dull. Sai and Cedrek going out felt inevitable. The entire season we've been gearing up for either this epic Sai/Cedrek/Mary showdown or joining of forces. Randomly splitting up the tribe for a double elimination allowed for zero payoff. No big shakeups, no surprises. Just a slow march to a predictable double boot. I really like most of the people who are left though, so if nothing else, that’s at least pleasant! Cedrek is officially the first member of the jury. 

Also check out the deleted scene of how the group decided on their new merged tribe name of Niu Nai.

HOW DID VUKELULU FARE IN A DOUBLE ELIMINATION?

Merge Bonuses have officially arrived! Check out the newly improved tribes. 

Joe brought in 25 points and David brought in 28 points thanks to their immunity wins. Only 4 Vukelulu members have both Joe and David on their tribes. Those who did (Gracie, Christie, Ror, and Aman) reaped the benefits! Gracie and Christie earned as high as 82 points while Tori earned a mere 16 points :/ 

Sai sadly earned a -5 points for her tribes due to Mitch's Block-a-Vote. ...Sorry for you!

Aman saw a nice middle-of-the-pack jump from 54th to 36th, while Alyson Z. suffered a fall from 8th to 21st. Gabe, Christie, and Tribemaster Liv all entered the top 10. Tiffany takes the lead for the first time this season after earning a solid 77 points this episode.  

No one had Sai as their Sole Survivor, but with the departure of Cedrek, Anthony M. has lost his Sole Survivor.  

Christina F. is left with only one tribe member remaining.

There’s still a long way to go, and if this episode has proven anything, it’s that shake ups in the league can definitely happen!

'Til next week!

-Your Tribemasters Liv + Brian