Survivor 48 Episode 3: What Just Happened?
Vote. Vote. Switch.
Survivor 48 episode 3 has befuddled the Survivor world. Oh, wait, is it just me? In a moment never seen before (to my knowledge), the latest episode has left viewers (or at least me) confused beyond all reason. Maybe it’s an overreaction from this armchair critique, but there is definitely a major lapse in trying to understand the final moments from tribal council.
Survivor 48 Episode 3: Tribe Continuity
Vula (green) tribe was first to be highlighted in the episode, where Sai was questioning her alliance. She played her hidden immunity idol in last week’s episode, but most of the votes were for Kevin. Sai understands she didn’t need to play her idol and is clearly annoyed by Cedrek and Justin. Also, she follows Mary around to (hopefully) prevent her from finding an idol. If you’re new to the Survivor world, if someone plays an idol, another one is typically hidden back into the jungle.
Yes, it was entertaining to see Mary try to outrun Sai. They were both playing the “hide and seek” game, but both seemed to appreciate how hard the other was playing. On the Civa (orange) tribe, David talks about the hard reality of living in a trailer outside of his father’s home. Despite him exuding a confident persona, he discusses in confessionals how he would love to take the next step with his girlfriend and raise a family, but knows financial hardships are a current reality.
On the flip side of Civa, Mitch and Charity further their bond by cementing as a tight duo. They also discuss wanting Kyle to be brought in, as well as David. They believe that Kyle and David’s physical prowess will offer them a shield further into the game. Kyle believes that his position, along with David, puts them in the middle to make a decision that best suits them down the road.
The Lagi (purple) tribe highlights the dysfunction for the “lowest ranked” castaway. From a viewer’s standpoint, it looks like five players (Shauhin, Joe, Eva, Thomas, and Bianca) are tight as they watch Joe build a massive bonfire and enjoy time around it together, without Star around. Star has a clue to unlock a word puzzle with an idol trapped inside, but she wants Eva out of the game. Eva tries to chat with Star to gauge whether there’s any chance of an honest conversation, while Star recognizes a “fishing expedition.”
Star relays this information to Thomas and Bianca, and they seem inclined to vote Eva out at their first opportunity. There are definitely cracks in what appears to be the strongest team early in the Survivor 48 season.
The Most Confusing Tribal Council in Survivor 48 Episode 3
“Surprise, surprise:” Lagi won immunity first. Civa won immunity second. Vula lost. It’s not surprising at all – and it has felt like the odds were always “ever in their favor.” Also, blindfolded challenges where one person is directing other players on an obstacle course is semi-cringeworthy to watch. Watching a person get smashed in the head, torso, groin, or whatever is as excruciating to watch as it sounds.
Let’s get to the tribal council shall we, but first we have to briefly discuss the “journey” Kamilla, Bianca, and Justin went on after the immunity challenge. Each player had to roll seven dice (at separate locations). If you roll a skull or flame, you set them aside. Each player keeps rolling until they reach either four flames or four skulls. If you get four flames, you gain an “extra vote” advantage. If you get four skulls, you “lose your vote” at the next tribal council.
Justin (and Bianca) both lost their vote, which means Justin did not vote in Survivor 48 episode 3. And a person’s vote was huge tonight. After Sai was chasing around Mary, she was particular startled by the fact that Mary was not running around after losing immunity. She was so concerned that Mary found an idol (even though she didn’t’), that she planned to vote for Justin. She even tells Cedrek that she’s going to have to do that to protect herself. If Mary has an idol, and she votes for Sai, Sai would want to play defense against that move.
With Justin not having a vote, that means only three people have an opportunity to vote. What’s even wilder is that Mary does not vote, because she uses her vote to play her “shot in the dark,” which gives her a 1-in-6 chance of earning immunity. And, guess what? Mary is SAFE! She earns immunity and only two votes are cast by Cedrek and Sai. Cedrek’s number one ally is Justin, so he votes for Sai knowing Sai is voting for Justin.
The vote is a 1-1 tie (1 vote for Justin; 1 vote for Sai), so they have to revote – and the castaways can only vote for Sai or Justin. Sai votes for Justin, while Cedrek votes for Sai. In this moment, once you’ve been voted for, you’re not eligible to vote in the tie-breaker. Ultimately, this means that Cedrek is the only remaining player left to vote.
In saying all of that, Cedrek has the control. He voted Sai (twice) to get to this point – and decides to vote Justin out. Yes, Justin didn’t tell him that he didn’t have a vote, but he even vocalized at tribal council that Justin was his number one after the revotes were read. This means he intended on saving his number one, but changed his mind (seemingly) in the last moment. “What…Just…I don’t get it.”
Wild. Still don’t understand. If you have thoughts on the latest Survivor episode, please share your thoughts with me.
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