Another two episodes, and two people were voted out each time. These eliminations were straightforward, as they conformed with the rules. The former Savaii are now represented by Cochran, who has effectively become a member of the "family", and now the endgame is about to begin.
It was clear what the intentions of the former Upolu tribe were - to Pagong the former Savaii starting with the strongest opponents. After Keith, it was Ozzy to go as he was a clear threat.
Cochran was indeed one of the family, as he and the rest of the former Upolu sat out the next immunity challenge, leaving Dawn, Whitney, and Jim engaged in a desperate fight for immunity. He was indeed very safe, and the only question was whether Dawn or Jim would be next out. While it was clear that Jim was an obvious threat, it was also evident that Dawn's approach was more subtle, and Albert brought this up to the others. They decided that it was better to vote out Jim.
It was now time for Albert to think again. Were Dawn and Whitney mere extras or could they supply the necessary votes to strengthen his position? With him and Cochran they had four people, but one more was needed to turn the game. They only needed Sophie to join in the plot to vote out Edna. This was similar to the time when Savaii blindsided Ozzy and Elyse to vote out Elyse.
But Coach was not as blind as Ozzy, and sensing the danger he warned anyone against voting against the family. That was enough for them to abandon the plan. It was that simple. Now, while there were other former Savaii members in the game, Cochran belonged to the family, but he could expect to be the first to go once there were no more outsiders to vote out. He correctly predicted that the "twist" meant another tribal council was likely to follow immediately after Dawn was voted out; if Whitney were to win the immunity for that one, there would have been no time to fight to save himself. There was no help he could obtain to prevent this situation, since he would have been the only one at risk. So Cochran must have been shivering in his shoes as he watched Sophie and Whitney challenge neck-and-neck for the immunity necklace, which to everyone's relief was worn around Sophie's neck.
With the elimination of almost all of the former Savaii, the middle-game is now over, and the endgame begins. Now Cochran has found himself back in a familiar position of being a candidate for elimination. Unlike in the past, being a weakling should be to his advantage rather than disadvantage. While no one would really mind voting him out, the thinkers among them would have asked themselves what would happen after that. Albert and Coach appear to be the main protagonists, and see each other as the biggest threats. Albert and Sophie will probably team up, as will Coach and Edna. Rick, Brandon, and Cochran could go with anyone. Rick is not really playing the game, so he would stay for now. Cochran appears to be getting along with both Coach and Albert - which should be fine unless they decide to vote him out because of his unpredictability. According to the limited scenes of next episode, Brandon has been targetted. The other likely target is Edna, who has allegedly done little but is too close to Coach for most people's liking.
Omgggg Philomena first let me just say I'm sooo sorry I missed your last blog ...I was as sick as a dog!!!! Second I'm so glad to see you wearing my design!!! :DDD
Now...on to more important matters!!! hahah!!
Have you noticed that Coach has taken a page directly from Boston Rob's book in that he's basically playing the same game that Rob did to win!!!
Complete loyalty ... complete control ...complete power over them but with the same soft hand .. I think he scared the poop out of Albert and Sophie, securing the fate of Dawn and Whitney!! Neither of whom will stand much of a chance against Ozzie just waiting to pounce!!! He's in a very good place mentally and physically to do some major damage.... if not go to the end....witch would be highly improbable...!!!
Coach has to realize by now, it would be in his best interest to take Cochran and Edna w/him to the end ,,,because neither will garner many votes from the jury...
Brendon has really impressed me in the challenges, but his social game is completely lacking... and he's a loose cannon... so it doesn't surprise me that he will be one of the first targeted.... should be interesting.... Great blog as usual Girl.... you know I'm one of your biggest fans!!! So nice to read something with some content!!!< 33333
I'm surprised it seemed so easy for Coach to dissuade Albert and Sophie from turning against the family. Maybe Albert was in favour of a coup, but Sophie might not have dared, so that was the end of the plan.
As for who Coach or anyone else would like to take to the jury, it would be any two of Edna, Cochran, Brandon, and Rick, none of whom are exactly highly respected. Thus it might make sense to get rid of Albert and / or Sophie at some stage. And Ozzy would also need to be eliminated, assuming he returns.
