Survivor Philippines Episode 4: And Then There Were Two…

Image: CBS

The fourth episode of Survivor: Philippines is over and done with but one thing remains the same: Matsing can’t get a freaking win! This was a loaded episode and I was somewhat hopeful that this is the best opportunity for the blue tribe to finally get one on the win column, but it seems as though their underdog story will continue for at least one more week.

The opening scene of Survivor Philippine showed us a pretty melodramatic shot at camp life in Matsing. For one thing, the miserable living conditions is only a pint-size glimpse into the miserable life they had to live out there, and that does not even take into account the frustration of losing four challenges in a row. I know – it’s already sparking debates as to whether or not Matsing is the worst tribe in Survivor history. But we’re only four episodes in. I still think Ulong earns the crown for that. It only looks worse because the 3-tribe format means there are only six people in the tribe. Or it could be that I am just hopeful that the Matsing duo (my favorite!) can stage the biggest comeback in the show’s history.

As mentioned above, this was a packed episode. Let us breakdown just what went down for the night…

1. Pete causes chaos. Who would’ve thought? Last week, Abi surprised us by finding the hidden immunity idol. This week, it’s the Pete show over at Tandang. He planted some chaos over at camp causing RC and Abi to turn on each other once again. This was actually a smart move on the part of Pete. By fueling the fire on that animosity going on between the two girls, it further breaks up that alliance causing Abi to trust Pete as her number one ally at this point. Smart move, especially when you’re aligning with the girl that has the hidden immunity idol. But as much as I’m impressed with Pete’s gameplay this week, he wasn’t the only one that impressed me over at Tandang….

Image: Survivorfever.net

2. Lisa starts playing. Finally! For a while there, I thought that Lisa had already mentally checked out of this game. But it seems like she has gotten over that breakdown stage and able to get her head fully into the game. I like how she plans on exploiting this rift between Abi and RC as something that she can use to take the heat off of her. We know it’s no secret her name initially came up as the first person on the chopping block in their tribe. It’s exciting to see that play out.

3. Men vs Women at Kalabaw. I don’t know how Jonathan pulled it off, but he has done a magnificent job of being the initial target on his tribe to being in the power alliance at Kalabaw. And thank you, for finally allowing us to hear Carter’s voice (and some of the women, after a long time). The gender split on this tribe is amusing to watch. It is always dangerous when the members of the same tribe are already thinking of turning against each other. If there is a merge soon, this is total chaos waiting to happen.

4. Idol hunt at Matsing. This scene involving Russell looking for the idol is humorous at best. His inability to find the idol, even with the clue in hand, is only representative of his poor gameplay this season. It meant survival for him and yet he could not figure out a clue. In his confessional, he even laughed off the fact that the clue was so vague. Of course, this is a game for a million dollars! Did he think that the producers will simply point him to the direction of the idol?! Here’s to hoping that either Denise or Malcolm find it next week, even with the clue going home with Russell.

5. Denise holds her own in the challenge. With only 3 castaways competing for the immunity challenge this week, basically all the females on both Tandang and Kalabaw had to sit out for the competition. Denise was the only female to compete in this challenge. Although editing might have downplayed the fact that she lost their lead in the final run, it is still a pretty decent performance for Denise knowing that she went up against two male powerhouses in Pete and Jeff. Okay, just one more reason to love Denise!

Image: CBS

6. Russell tantrum at end of IC. I get it. It’s frustrating. But to blame or question God for your inability to win? I refuse to comment further though because I don’t know what it is like to be miserable, wet, hungry, and then having to deal with the fourth loss in a row. I just felt like by throwing another tantrum that he did not give himself the credit that he and his tribe mates deserved.