Survivor: One World Review, Season 24, Episode 7,
“The Beauty in a Merge”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (ET) on CBS
Most this week’s fireworks come from Tarzan, who seems intent on irritating as many people as possible. When Jonas rightfully points out that he shouldn’t give away their plans to Michael, Tarzan throws a fit and threatens to quit the tribe. Since they’re now merged, this seems like a difficult plan. The way this season is going, nothing would be shocking. At Tribal Council, Jonas makes a last-ditch effort to save himself, which also raises the ire of the indignant Tarzan. His behavior is starting to feel a lot like Phillip Sheppard, but with less self-awareness. There is some good entertainment when he apparently washes his “poopy” underwear in the pot with Chelsea’s clothes. While Tarzan insists it’s just dirt, his claims fall on deaf ears. Another Survivor first! Although this behavior irritates everyone, going for the more capable player is the right strategy. Once they start praising Jonas at Tribal Council, it’s obvious he’s the first member of the Jury.
The reward challenge splits the new Tikiano tribe (meaning “year of the god” according to Troyzan) into two random groups. The winners receive pizza and special no-label beer. Players must dig a hole to crawl under an obstacle and then retrieve a bag of puzzle pieces. Leif goes first and gets stuck, which places his group in big trouble. They nearly catch up, but amazingly choose Tarzan and Jonas for the puzzle. Predictably, Christina and Troyzan finish first and join Jay, Alicia, Sabrina, and Chelsea as the winners. They also receive a “secret note” that reveals a second “hidden” immunity idol at camp. Troyzan wakes up early the next day and finds the idol without a problem. A note to future players: The idols are always placed inside holes in trees. Amazingly, Troyzan keeps this information to himself, which makes him a lot smarter than most players on this show. This kid could go far.
After Jeff reminds the players that individual immunity is what they crave, it’s time for the challenge. Each person holds a wooden disk and must balance a ball on it while standing on a perch. They add two more balls at a certain point until there are three on the disk. Predictably, Tarzan is basically out before the challenge begins. Jeff utters many unintentionally crude statements about balls, and it eventually comes down to a jittery Troyzan versus a motionless Kat. When she falters and steps off the perch, he wins immunity and is sitting pretty. Following the challenge, Jay makes good points about taking out the stronger Manono players, and Jonas is his target. The editing suggests that Tarzan might go because of the nasty shorts, but that seems unlikely. It will take little convincing to vote him out at any point in the future. It’s interesting to note who appears to hold the most power. Kim lies on a log like the queen of the beach, but her confidence may be short-lived. Jay and Chelsea seem to have bonded, and that duo may eventually want to blindside Kim because of her idol. It’s never wise to be at the top of an alliance (and possibly two) this early.
This episode again reveals the subtle ability of Michael to stir the pot while keeping his hands clean. After Tarzan gives away his plans, all it takes is a quick conversation with Jonas to induce chaos. Michael created a similar mess in the third episode by telling Colton about Leif’s deception. That move started a chain reaction that caused the guys to give up immunity and go to Tribal Council. He might not be a top contender, but Michael’s proving to be a more effective villain without all the histrionics. The editing isn’t really focusing on him, so it’s hard to say how that relates to his long-term prospects. After looking shaky early in the men’s tribe, Michael isn’t facing much danger unless the women band together. That’s always a possibility, so his strength could quickly become a liability in that situation.
Dan Heaton