Huh?
by Rich Glanzer
In the immortal words of Big Tom, "Huh?!?!?" Breaking down this week's Survivor is going to prove almost impossible, because fortunately, I have a higher IQ then that of one of the worms Boston Rob's brother ate. And while Boston Rob is having one of the most dominant Survivor seasons ever, he may have just made the game's biggest mistake.
Let's face it, there are at least 14 people each season that make some fatal mistake, whether it's how they play the game, or how they interact with fellow players. But for strategic purposes, I can't think of a bigger mistake.
Rob had it basically in the bag. He along with Amber and Big Tom were going to vote off Jenna. Then next week, he would have voted off Rupert unless the Bearded One won immunity. But Rob still probably would have been safe, because both Amber and Tom had alliances with him to the end, and neither one looked like they were going to break them anytime soon.
But assuming Rupert wouldn't have won, and Tom and Amber went to the final three, if either pulled off a miracle and beat Rob, then they still would have voted the other out!
Another reason this move was so moronic, is what if Rob does make it to the finals, and not against Amber? Then Lex, Alicia, and Big Tom can get their revenge for being lied to face to face, and Kathy can jump on the bandwagon as well. If he goes against Amber, which almost was a guarantee, then he had a good chance of winning because the jury may view Amber as riding along Rob's coattails.
Now, the game is obviously headed for a two to two split. Of course the way these No-Stars have been playing, anything is possible. Hell, Jenna may just decide to up and walk because the rain got a little colder.
But assuming we've seen the last of the quitting, here's how I think the final four will shake down. I think there will be a two to two split, and if Jeff Probst announces the dreaded purple rock will rear it's ugly head (that's where each person without immunity places their hand in a bag, and whoever picks the purple rock goes home) one of the Survivors will blink, and change their vote to stay in the game. For instance, if Rupert has immunity, and he and Jenna vote for Amber, and Rob and Amber vote for Jenna, then it's a two to two tie. So instead of taking a 33% chance they'll pick the purple rock, one of the players will change alliances, and vote their partner with two votes off.
I have a feeling, Rupert would be the only one not to change. Though Jenna maybe getting on his nerves, he will probably remain loyal.
My pre-Survivor prediction was Amber. I thought she'd ride someone's coattail and make it to the final two and then win it. However I don't really see her winning it anymore. I know she'd lose 6-1 to Rupert (Rob being the only person voting for her). She's probably lose 5-2 to Jenna (Shii Ann and Rob). And if she goes against her Survivor Boyfriend, I think she'd lose 4-3. With Rupert, Jenna, and Shii Ann voting for her, and Lex, Kathy, Tom, and Alicia voting for Rob. Yes Rob screwed over each of those players, but Amber basically lied to three of the four. And I think Rob would be rewarded for strong game play.
So who will win this ahem, All-Star edition? I have to go with Rupert. Luckilly for him, Rob was dumb enough not to get rid of him or his partner, yet man enough to not get rid of the only physical competition. If Rupert makes it to the finals, you could turn on the Sopranos (not that there's any action there anymore) because it's over. However I think he will win the next two immunities, and Rob and Amber will be the next two to go. Very stupid mistakes normally get punished.
And if Rupert wins he will be a very deserving champion. He has played this game better than anyone, and went in with the disadvantage of not knowing the players on a personal level. He has changed his style, to make him a little less of a threat, and isn't so domineering. He truly is, the best Survivor out there.
Random Thoughts:
On a personal note, I hope Rupert wins, because I ran a Survivor pool, and not nearly enough people paid me. Point being, my brother (who will be at the finale) has him, and I could short him again. I say again, because he won last time I ran it when not everyone paid him.
How funny was Rob describing Big Tom? When Big Tom first spoke, I was like, "Why aren't they putting subtitles on?!?!?" And then Rob said he cant understand a word he says. Rupert was funny too asking Tom to repeat himself.
Tom got played big time by Rob, trouble is, it's his own fault for not realizing he was third in that alliance anyway.
If Boston Rob doesn't win, it's probably because his brain was listening to his Red Sox hat.
What was Amber thinking telling everyone she got a car?!?!? However now she literally can drive on Rob's coattails.
I'm still laughing from four weeks ago, when Lex had that open mouth, "huh" look all over him when Kathy decided to keep immunity.
Speaking of Kathy and that immunity, how pathetic was it to have a male and female immunity?
Though I predict Rupert to win the next two immunities, Rob will be really hard to beat in anything physical. Or mental for that matter.
I'd venture to guess, Jenna really is that annoying in person.
Lastly, I hope this Sunday, is the last we ever see of an All-Star Survivor edition. May the show last 100 years, but once is enough. Unless Osten wants back in, now that was funny!
Questions and Feedback, Rich can be reached at rich@survivorskills.com
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