Tribes do not generally like to lose challenges as it means one of them has to be voted out. In some circumstances, though they try to win, they can well afford a loss. The case of Zapatera throwing the third challenge for the purpose of getting rid of Russell is a rare example of a tribe losing on purpose.
Before the sixth challenge, Zapatera had won three, and Ometepe two. Zapatera could certainly afford a loss as they had one member (Stephanie) they would have preferred to keep for the numbers but could vote out without any diplomatic problems. Allowing Ometepe to draw level would not have been too damaging. In contrast, Ometepe's tribal dynamics were far more complicated, which suited Rob, but would have made it awkward the next time they went to tribal council.
In Ometepe, Phillip's relationship with Ashley and Natalie continued to deteriorate. Rob felt that unity was more important and did what he could to improve matters (but would have been fine with the girls not doing any work). They won the next challenge - whether unity or pure skill was responsible is debatable - and were safe for a while. At the reward location, of course another idol clue appeared, and Rob and Grant found it. Unfortunately Phillip caught them looking at it, and they were forced to share it with him and declare themselves an alliance called Stealth R Us.
What can we make of Stealth R Us? Good grief! This is one of the dodgiest Survivor alliances ever. Rob saw Phillip as a pawn, while Phillip continued to think he was Lord Phillip hoping to overthrow King Rob, even though they were in an alliance. Grant thought he and Rob were sharing the information on the idol, but only Rob knew the full truth, and was not telling anyone he had already found it. Phillip had previously formed some sort of alliance with Andrea, so he was certainly playing the game. Fortunately for them, they did not have to vote anyone out just yet, and did not have to endure a complicated tribal council.
The situation in Zapatera was far more straightforward. Only David seemed to support Stephanie, and despite Sarita being a clear liability, the tribe preferred to keep her and vote Stephanie out. Their excuse was that they valued loyalty to the alliance more than strength in camp and in challenges. It looks like David's reasoning was sensible and the others were not so wise. Their priority had to be not to lose too many challenges, and with Stephanie rather than Sarita, their chances would have been better. Now their alliance of six was still there, but for how much longer?
In Ometepe, surely Phillip or Andrea would be most likely to go next. Natalie and Grant are Rob's closest allies, so he would not want to vote them out. Phillip would be an easy choice which no one would complain about. But Rob might want Phillip to stay and continue to irritate people, which would mean Andrea should be next, especially with Matt still in the game as the inhabitant of Redemption Island. Rob could be backstabbed, but this would not be a wise move as the tribe would fall apart without him.
Thus, at the end of episode 6, the tribe numbers are equal for the first time since the first day. The stronger tribe appears to be Ometepe, but it might have some interesting backstabbing going on the next time they need to vote. For once Zapatera cannot afford to lose a challenge as they would be behind in numbers for the first time. Losing has nothing to do with "bad karma", they just have weaker players as they still have Sarita to handicap them.
Comments
I hope Phillip gets to jury.... it will be so funny :)
