Survivor Philippines Episode 7 Insights: Dang Rain!

Before delving deep into this episode, I have to profess right here, right now that this is probably the best merge episode we've seen in a long time. Blindsides, alliances, strategy, idols... so much to cover! Shall we get started?

Image: CBS

The episode opens with both tribes reading a note from their treemail announcing that they have made the merge and they need 10 minutes to gather as many supplies as they can and bring it to their boat, wherein they will be taken to a new beach. Mad chaos ensued as castaways gather their personal belongings, carry all essential survival supplies, and in the case of Malcolm, dig his buried immunity idol. Both tribes seem to be pretty excited about making the merge, and most especially the Kalabaw tribe who are looking to get a new lease of life at the game in the hopes of seeping through the cracks of the dysfunctional family that is Tandang.

Everyone seems to be playing nice as both tribes make it to the new beach at the same time. Of course, the casual introduction and the merge feast were enough to keep everyone in a festive mood, but it is only a matter of time until the backstabbing ensues. 

Everyone seemed to break up in pairs or groups, some in the water discussing strategies, while others were walking off to the forest to seemingly collect firewood and water. But we know it too well. Malcolm and Denise, thankfully, solidified their alliance and I was ecstatic that Denise brought up the idea of working together with Malcolm. Of course, it was a smart decision for her knowing that his biggest ally in the game has Matsing's immunity idol so that will be their ace in the game. 

Involuntary Alliance

Image: Survivorfever.net

For a while there, Malcolm did a great job at keeping his hidden immunity idol a secret from everybody else, except for Denise. But Lisa, being the motherly figure that she is, was at the right place at the right moment when she started hanging everybody's clothes and stumbled into Malcolm's idol. 

Smart move for Malcolm to pin her down. I saw Denise's confessional video, though, and she described it in the best way noting that it was the "best worst case scenario" for them. I think that Lisa would be a great addition to their alliance, although Malcolm is very much aware that he'd have to work doubly hard to ensure that they don't beat him in the end, if they make it to a final 3. But that is a solid number for now, and with a merged tribe that's got a lot of loose ends and cracks, the 3 could be a magical number, especially if they remain solid.

The Drama Continues

The drama between RC and Abi-Maria won't let up. And I think the former members of the Kalabaw tribe are smiling at the idea. It is fairly easy to pit them against each other with that level of animosity. I have never seen anyone in the game of Survivor with such personal vendetta against the other person. Abi is just a loose canon, as she's always been, and the fact that she got more people on her side only makes her all the more confident without thinking about the backlash of her action. Is she playing to win? Or is she simply cool with outlasting RC? Don't know her real plan is at this point.

Double Immunity

Image: CBS

I had to give the challenge production team props for their idea at the challenge this week. It was original and fun to watch! I also liked the idea of having two immunity necklaces - one for the women and one for the men - because it is difficult for women to outlast men with this kind of challenge. Although by looking at how well Denise held up, I think she might've given Jeff and Carter some good competition. So, let me just take this opportunity to congratulate Denise for winning individual immunity. That was her first ever win in the game so far! And what a time to come? Maybe she can get her momentum going and I do think she has a sure shot of winning individual challenges because she is extremely athletic for her age.

One funny note about the challenge though: Probst's comments after Penner let go of the rope during the immunity challenge. Anyone whose seen Penner play before is aware that he and Probst can butt heads. Penner isn't one to be shy about letting others know what he thinks. So, when that exchange happened, I thought it was pretty funny. 

Also, Malcolm did a good job at letting go of the rope, too. He has been doing well in the past few challenges so it was a smart move to let go of the rope right after Pete and Penner did. Trying to fight for that immunity necklace will put a much bigger target on his back. Another brilliant move to let go knowing that he is temporarily safe and not needing the immunity necklace just yet. And with more men left than women, there will be several others like him that might be perceived as a challenge threat.

First Juror

I won't lie about it - I am bummed that RC got voted off. I hate seeing super competitive players get voted off but it was a smart move for the sake of the others left. I did not feel like she did enough scrambling to save herself, though. She could have built friendships and social connections, or at least try to get people to think about strategy from her standpoint. It was simply her or Penner and as the latter had the idol, it was over for her. 

It was an interesting move for Jeff Kent, though. I did not think he would go after Penner right after the merge happens. If he would've done that, he might be better of keeping Katie than Penner, then. Why not vote him off sooner when he was going to get him out the next time? I, for a while there, though he was going to use Penner's idol to his advantage. But now, he simply flushed it out and unless Penner can work his magic, his days are numbered.

Next week should be exciting. Penner has got no more idol on his pocket. And with no alliances left, he is on his own and that immunity necklace is the most valuable thing he could possess right now. What would happen to Skupin now that his closest ally is gone? Will he be the next target once the dust settles on Penner? I know - it's interesting! 

Check this space again to read about my new power rankings. It'll be interesting to assess how the remaining castaways fair in the competition.