Seeking Safety in Survivor 47 Episode 7
Sometimes, luck has to be on your side in Survivor
Survivor 47 increases its status with a legendary tribal council where formed plans burn to the ground. The new era of Survivor (seasons 41 to present) has presented various twists, but one that seems fairly consistent is the split group dynamics – and it makes its presence felt in Survivor 47 episode 7. Players in one group will be safe, while the other will go to tribal council.
What we’ve seen in previous immunity challenges, near and around the merge and making the jury phase, means the players are split into two groups before facing off for immunity. This challenge involves standing on a narrow beam, while holding a pole with a small circular platform where a ball must be balanced. As the challenge continues, players must move forward on the beam. If the ball drops at any point, you’re out. Last person standing wins immunity for their group.
Pre-Challenge Plans on Survivor 47 Episode 7
Before getting too far into the episode, it is important to note that there were some discussions that took place after last week’s vote out. Spoiler alert: Rome was sent home and Andy was the backup plan. Sol spoke to Andy on the beach after getting back from last week’s tribal council, and he discussed how Sam was okay with Andy being the backup plan.
On top of connecting with Sol, Andy also sat down with Genevieve who seemed open to finding a new number one ally. There was also a discussion about an all-women’s alliance coming together to pick off the men, which Teeny emphasized in private confessionals. And all of the newly merged conversations would have made for an interesting tribal council, but the immunity challenge twist changed any preconceived notions.
Although many things are unexpected, and many things cannot be planned for, it does appear that the split group dynamics seems like a routine in the new era. And despite its regular appearance, it does not fall short of creating absolute chaos when it comes down to making a final decision and casting votes. Plus, split immunity was not the only twist or advantage to come into play during this episode of Survivor.
Twists to Save the Day for One Survivor Player
As Teeny, Genevieve, Sierra, Andy, Sam, and Sol enjoy their victory reward, they feast on ribs, potato salad, corn on the cob, beer, and assorted soft drinks. It’s safe to say they were loving life and talking about strategy while filling their empty bellies. The other tribe was five-of-six strong featuring all remaining Tuku members (Kyle, Sue, Caroline, Tiyana, and Gabe), while Rachel’s seemingly stuck on the outs.
About that reward feast, it was clear advantages were also on some of the winning group’s agenda. As everyone seemed to be dealing with “food coma,” Andy was searching around the other tribemates as they rested, until Sierra called him out for looking. Something to the extent of “you find anything, Andy?” Obviously, that’s a red flag for Sierra who has never felt completely comfortable with him as an ally, and equally questionable for his newest ally in Genevieve.
On the flip side, Sol sees the same opening shortly thereafter as everyone is in a similarly tired state and seems to quickly notice something. Behind where he was sitting, nestled in a group of plants, a miniature scroll lies “hidden” in those green stalks. In this advantage, it tells him that he can give an advantage to one person from the losing group that’s going to tribal council. No, he did not read the note there; yes, he did wait until he was alone. A hidden advantage that stayed hidden; shocking!
This advantage is quite significant as it allows the receiver to choose between one of two advantages: block a vote or safety without power. Blocking a vote is as simple as it sounds, but safety without power means the person holding it can leave tribal council without providing a vote AND without being a target to be voted out. It’s also important because the winning group gets to watch the losing group during tribal council, so they will watch everything unfold.
Who Did Sol Give Power to in Survivor 47 Episode 7?
Before going to tribal council, Sol recognized how likable Rachel is and whether or not giving her the power benefits him long-term. He also sought the opportunity to potentially help someone and build bonds with individuals he didn’t know so well. Would it make sense to help someone that others viewed as a threat? Would helping any member of this losing group give him an advantage in the long run?
As the strategic talks carried on for Rachel and the other Tuku members after losing immunity, it was clear there were options that did not include her as the target. Gabe mentioned voting Caroline. Tiyana advocated for getting Gabe out. There were stories being told, but much like all things on Survivor, nothing ever seems certain.
This uncertainty was on full display during tribal council, and as host Jeff Probst tells them it’s time to vote, Rachel interrupts. She mentions how she found a scroll in her bag approximately 20 minutes before tribal council – and she was accepting safety without power. In this moment, she saves herself and leaves tribal council not having to worry about whether or not those conversations she had earlier in the day were genuine or completely leading her into a false sense of security.
This meant a brand-new discussion took place for the remaining Tuku members, with Kyle the only person with immunity. So, out of twelve total players, only four were up for elimination in Survivor 47 episode 7. That’s a befuddling moment for everyone, and in this case, after the players scrambled around whispering to one another, Tiyana drew the short straw. Despite how difficult the vote might’ve been, every other person ended up voting for her.
What would this episode have looked like if they didn’t split into two groups? What would have happened if they didn’t provide that incredible advantage where Sol essentially saves Rachel? The advantage, plus Sol’s poker face at who could’ve possibly played it for Rachel, was the big move of the night. It countered potentially an obvious vote where Rachel would’ve been dealt the ultimate bad hand in landing with a Tuku-strong random draw.
I’m not sure what happens next, but seeing the Survivor auction come back in next week’s preview is all I need to know I’m already excited.
