What About the Big Girls? (S43: Episode 9)

This season has been almost exclusively the Jesse/Karla/Cody show and this episode finally felt like we have some new people stirring the pot and bubbling towards the top.

First off, kinda a good move on Owen to blow up James' game? Sure, Owen did come off a bit whiny, "you didn't teeelllll me we were voting Jeanine" (no one needs to tell you anything in the game of Survivor), but he ultimately *spoiler alert* got what he was hoping for... Owen is still feeling pretty much at the bottom of the tribe, but time and time again we see these bottom feeders end up on top!

Noelle playing her Steall-a-Vote advantage to trick James into not playing his Knowledge Is Power advantage and then played the Steal as a smokescreen to knock James out was very clever, and so far her best move all game! Buuuuut this move got trumped for me by Sami who cued in Karla, strengthening his relationship with a power player and at the same time helping to remove two advantages from the game (both Noelle's and James'). The Sami/Karla duo is pretty interesting - I'm curious to see how far it will last.

Cassidy played her cards brilliantly this episode in owning her relationships/bonds that she's built thus far, but more importantly knowing when to pump the breaks. She, out of everyone left in this game, is playing like a classic modern Survivor winner (for better or worse). I really like that we finally got a little bit more of her backstory. It is, however, surprising that this character building was released so late in the season. It makes me think she's either out next episode or she's going to be a major player in taking out some of these heavier-edited players.

And finally we see sleeper hit Gabler being the one who is consistently in the know about where the votes are going. Gabler has had, out of everyone in this season, the most unique edit. I can't remember there ever being an archetype quite like him! Sure, I think just like how Cody/Jesse roped him in this episode "as a straight-shooter" is how most people have been working with Gabler, but I think he's smarter than he's leading on... His biggest challenge will be convincing the jury that he actually has been in control of his game.

My biggest WTF all episode is how Cody STILL hasn't asked for his idol back from Jesse. I get wanting to prove trust and loyalty, but homie! You gotta be careful with this one!

I really am enjoying this season so far. I think we got a pretty solid (MySpace) top 8, each with interesting ways to the end... And even though he was on my tribe THANK GOD we lost James...that vocal fry was really grinding my gears.

DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR VUKELULU...

Perhaps the biggest headline this week is after holding on for nine episodes, Christie becomes the first league member with a tribe of zero. So with that, Christie...the tribe has spoken. Thanks for playing!

The double elimination of James/Ryan proved to be a big hit for many tribes especially Tribemaster Brian, Gracie, and Coach Juju, who each lost both contestants AND their sole. In addition to the previously mentioned, seven other Vukelulu members lost their sole this week (James: Alex, Matt S., Robbie, Allie B., and Christie // Ryan: Rami and Jill). We also now have 11 tribes who are down to only one contestant: Producer Jim, Erin, Adam, Allie B., Amy, Coach Juju, Maggie, Bri, Mel, Seth and Sam.

On the complete opposite end of the league, our top earners were Rachael for the 3rd consecutive week with 87 points, Leigh with 82 points and Emily F. with 81 points. The artist formally known as Petra, Peach becomes the only league member with an impressive untouched tribe (featuring Cassidy, Cody, Jesse, Noelle and Sami)!

I wish I can say it's still anyone's game...but with only a few episodes left, and some bigger tribes of 4/5 contestants, we're starting to see who's pulling away from the pack......

Happy Thanksgiving, Tribe! We're forever grateful for each and every one of you! - Tribemasters Liv + Brian