Two more episodes, and one person from each tribe was voted out. These were straightforward votes from the dominant alliances, before the game of Survivor has really begun.
Savaii
The strong alliance in Savaii comprised Ozzy (with idol), Keith, Jim, Whitney, and Elyse. Ozzy made a significant decision to inform his loyal ally Keith, whom he felt he could trust not to tell anyone, that he had found the idol. However, Keith felt he could profitably share this information with Whitney - who was not supposed to tell anyone else. Despite their concerns about Ozzy's power, the five were obviously the main players, and could vote out anyone they wanted. This time it was Papa Bear, but of course they pretended it was Cochran, not him. Papa Bear knew it was coming, and had to make at least some effort to save himself. It was hilarious to watch him run away frantically in a desperate attempt to pretend he was searching for the idol, then return with a bulge in his clothing which suggested it might be the idol (and not something unmentionable), and a satisfied smile on his face.
No one had any qualms about voting out Papa Bear. His nickname (which he created for himself) was far less cool than "Cochran", and suggested that he was old, senile, and over the hill. The next target would surely have been Cochran; Dawn certainly looked more adept than him.
Jim felt that the alliance dynamics were more complicated than they appeared. Elyse and Ozzy were getting along far too well together. Now, he presumably did not know about the idol, or he might have acted more urgently. Ozzy was too good to vote out just yet, but the same could not be said for Elyse. Jim had to get people to help him, and they did not come more strategic than Cochran. This was possibly the turning point of the game for Cochran, and he approached Dawn to join in. A fourth would have been needed to join the rebel alliance, but there was no need for it just yet as Savaii won the next immunity challenge.
Upolu
Brandon could not cope with his inner conflicts. He had played deceptively, and had this deep dark secret of being the nephew of the notorious Russell Hantz. Rather disappointingly, he revealed his "true identity" so soon. He caused lots of drama in Upolu by gathering everyone together to discuss his argument with Mikayla, stressing that he was in an alliance, and she wasn't. And he told Edna in no uncertain terms that she was the lowest among the six allied people. Edna reacted by being as nice as possible, even walking on Coach's back, but succeeded in annoying Mikayla and Stacey.
Upolu lost the fourth challenge, and despite Stacey's good performance, she was the candidate for the chop. Coach appreciated that he was in a game of Survivor, and kept control of his alliance. He was concerned about Brandon's bizarre behaviour. Was it because it might affect tribe morale? Or undermine his control? Or weaken his alliance? Whatever the case, he must have felt at this stage that there was no need to get rid of Brandon.
Brandon broke down emotionally at tribal council. Having released the tension of being a Hantz, he wanted to bring respectability to the Hantz name, and apologised for his past behaviour. No problem, he did not get a single vote. Stacey got 7 votes, and voted for Edna.
Alliances at Risk
How will the tribal dynamics develop? Now that two outsiders from each tribe have been comfortably voted out, the alliances do not look as clear now as they ought to be. Each alliance started off in the majority, and voted out people of no consequence. According to the alliance rules, it would be straightforward for Savaii to vote out Cochran, then Dawn, and for Upolu to vote out Edna and Mikayla in some order. But Ozzy has looked a little powerful in Savaii, and Brandon appears a liability in Upolu.
In Savaii, Cochran, Jim, and Dawn must find a fourth person to help them vote out Elyse. Keith looks like a strong ally to Ozzy, and if Whitney is close to Elyse, she would not want to do the dirty deed. Cochran would have the greatest incentive among them to vote out Elyse, since the only alternative would be him. The fun should begin when Keith realises that Ozzy has both an immunity idol and an unnaturally close ally. He could rationalise that his loyalty is to Ozzy but not Elyse. Cochran will have hard work to do to persuade people he is not such a weakling, otherwise they might prefer to keep the tribe strong before the merge rather than worry too much about Ozzy and Elyse. It is not clear yet if Keith is a closer ally to Ozzy than Elyse. Does Elyse also know about the idol?
Brandon has done just about everything he can to weaken his position in Upolu. Can he really be sure that his alliance will protect him? Well, maybe it will, but not for reasons of loyalty. Who is the weakest? Probably Edna. She is also lowest in the alliance ranking. But Coach might want to keep her because she seems trustworthy. Mikayla is not even in the alliance, but she is strong enough to earn her membership, and could be accepted as a substitute for Brandon. There are certainly a lot of variables for Coach version 3.0 to consider as he plots his strategy. Why not even vote out one of Sophie, Rick, or Albert? That would preserve the hostility between Mikayla and Brandon, and the bond with Edna.
And let us not forget Redemption Island. The inhabitants are not out of the game just yet. We can imagine Christine warning the spectators at the duel to beware of Coach controlling the game. That would not only prompt Upolu people to ask themselves if this is really what they want, but also give away some intelligence to Savaii, who would have something to work on in preparation for the merge.
As usual Philomenia you covered all the bases...Brilliantly!!! Very enjoyable!!! This is what I most agree with great breakdown!!!
Brandon has done just about everything he can to weaken his position in Upolu. Can he really be sure that his alliance will protect him? Well, maybe it will, but not for reasons of loyalty. Who is the weakest? Probably Edna. She is also lowest in the alliance ranking. But Coach might want to keep her because she seems trustworthy. Mikayla is not even in the alliance, but she is strong enough to earn her membership, and could be accepted as a substitute for Brandon. There are certainly a lot of variables for Coach version 3.0 to consider as he plots his strategy. Why not even vote out one of Sophie, Rick, or Albert? That would preserve the hostility between Mikayla and Brandon, and the bond with Edna.
please plus back:)
http://www.tengaged.com/design/id-77290/playa