What a blindside! I have to commend Gabby for trying to make a big move. She knew the only way she could win was if she got out a big threat, and the only way to do that and not give Christian any credit was to get Christian out. It didn’t work, but I’d love to see her come back on a future season and play a more independent game. As for Davie, many people are giving him crap for wanting to keep Christian around…but this is now the second time Davie has kept Christian safe. The first time was with his idol when John went home, and the second was telling him he was in danger tonight. Davie is the only person who really has a case to beat Christian if he makes the end. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be here,” is a really great thing to say in the finals…so I think Davie’s move was good. And Angelina? Boasting to her mom about giving the tribe rice? CLASSIC. Let’s rank the final seven.
7. Alison Raybould- This whole episode was Alison/Gabby vs. Christian. Gabby is gone, so I assume Alison’s name will be the one Christian is putting down on parchment at tribal council. According to the preview, Alison is gunning for Nick…but Nick has an idol. I can see Alison being the victim of the pre-finale boot. Her edit has also been one of the smaller ones this season, and her main storyline consisted of her alliance with Gabby which is now finished. Looks like Gabby and Alison may be reunited sooner rather than later.
6. Christian Hubicki- Christian has no more idol, no more Mason-Dixon alliance, no more Gabby. It seems like he is on an island by himself. His only hope is to win immunity or find another idol. And let me tell you, based on his edit, I think it might just happen.
5. Nick Wilson- Nick has an idol, sure. But cutting ties with Christian could come back to bite him if he ever remains without an idol. Nick has not gotten his way at tribal council for a few times now, so he’s definitely vulnerable, and being mad about Christian isn’t going to help him. Nick and Christian probably need each other in the game to make it deep into the end, but Nick’s unwillingness to forgive and forget could hurt him in the end if he can’t get his head back into the game.
4. Davie Rickenbacker- Davie is playing one of the best under-the-radar games in Survivor history, and probably won’t get any credit unless he wins the game. I think he can make it to the end, and I even said above why I think he has a case to eventually beat Christian. He’s the reason Christian is still around. My only worry is that Davie is seen as one of the bigger threats…But right now, Davie and Christian are tight, and Davie is in the supposed four person alliance with Mike, Angelina, and Nick. Whatever way the wind blows, I expect Davie to stick around.
3. Angelina Keeley- At this point, it’s safe to say Angelina will make it to finale night. She’s been one of the bigger characters this season, and unlike Christian, her name hasn’t been tossed around for the past few weeks. Why? Because everyone knows they can demolish her in the finals. Angelina’s best move is to hope to be sitting next to Mike, Kara, or maybe Alison, who have made the least flashy moves. This is the first time I’ve felt confident that Angelina will be around to fight another day.
2. Mike White- Mike is playing the middle. Mike is in no danger. But right now, I think Mike stands zero chance of winning Survivor: David vs. Goliath.
1. Kara Kay- Think about how great Kara’s game has been. Her best friend Natalia gets voted out days into the game, her boy-toy Dan becomes the biggest target and gets booted with an idol nullifier backlash, and her buddy Alec is sent packing days after that. Yet, Kara has no votes to her name, has never been brought up as a target once, and is good enough in challenges where she can win them but not stick out as a huge competition beast. Christian confides in her, Alison confides in her. Everyone wants to include Kara in their plans, and nobody seems to worry about her flipping on them. Kara is one of the most dangerous players in the game, and nobody even realizes it. If she wants to win, she may need to make a flashy move at some point (soon), but I think Kara is the safest person here because she’s on nobody’s radar. Look at Michelle Fitzgerald from Kaoh Rong or Sophie Clarke from South Pacific. Both of them never really made themselves flashy players, but still stayed present enough in the game to feel like a part of the decision-making, and they ended up winning in the end because they were able to earn the jury’s respect. I know I’ve said a fair share of words about Kara, so I’ll end it here, but she’s in a really good spot right now.
Right now, anything could happen. I think Nick is safest because he has an idol, but if he plays that idol, I don’t know where his position in the game stands. He was on top for three weeks, but now, he sinks a little lower in the rankings. As for Kara, Mike, and Angelina, I don’t see them being on the radar this episode. It’ll probably come down to Alison vs. Christian, and possibly Davie if there is any sort of big shocker. Right now, I’m happy with a majority of this cast taking the victory in the end, which is really exciting! It’s going to make for a great finale.
1. Kara (+1)
2. Mike (+2)
3. Angelina (+4)
4. Davie (+4)
5. Nick (-4)
6. Christian (-3)
7. Alison (-2)
Biggest Rise: Angelina & Davie (+4)
Biggest Drop: Nick (-4)