Ryan’s Analysis: Survivor 44, Episode 6

Survivor 44: Episode 6 "Survivor with a Capital S" Gameplay Analysis

 "Bag."

-Carolyn Wiger

This was a pretty straightforward episode of Survivor, but it was still very fun.  I have a lot of questions about why Carolyn had a mace growing up, that's for sure.  In the meantime, we need to figure out who played well and who sucked.

Who Played Well:

Everyone knew Josh was going home (except Josh) and I think it was a good move for everyone.  It was definitely better for the original members of Ratu and Tika, but since everyone on Soka wanted Josh out as well, I'm going to assume he was simply incredibly untrustworthy.

Carson told everyone that his Idol expired, which was a good idea.  It helps get the target off his back.  I also like that he helped get Yam Yam and Carolyn back on the same page with him.  He was also incredible in the Immunity Challenge and single-handedly won it for his team.  His decisions to tell Kane that he was the backup vote was questionable and probably not a good call, but he played it off with Brandon well and had a strong night overall.

Due to his strong relationship with Carson, Kane managed to get the backup vote off of him and onto Yam Yam.  If Josh had had an Idol, Kane would have saved himself.

Finally, I liked how Yam Yam patched things up with both Carolyn and Josh in this episode.  He worked the social game well and his arch-enemy in the game was eliminated.  He's still in a bad spot, but he managed to survive.

Who Sucked:

The only person still in the game that I have here is Carolyn and it's pretty minor stuff.  It seems like she was left out of Yam Yam being the backup vote as she was the only person to vote for Kane.  She also came off as socially awkward and had a hard time making any connections with any of her new tribemates.  I did like that she patched things up with Yam Yam though.

As for Josh, I'm dying to know what he did that made the entire Soka tribe want him out.  Was it just because he's a bad liar or is there more to it?  Either way, nobody was willing to stick their neck out to save him.  I did like that he tried to patch things up with Yam Yam though.

Verdict:

Best Player of the Episode goes to Carson Garrett for telling his tribe that his Idol had expired, getting Carolyn and Yam Yam back with him, winning the Immunity Challenge, and for taking out Josh.

Worst Player of the Episode goes to Carolyn Wiger for her awkward social game and for not being clued in on the backup vote.

I love this cast and can't wait to see how messy things get in the merge.  It should be a fun ride!

I'm excited to see what happens next! If you liked this breakdown, check out my other write-ups at www.stacysbloggoingon.blogspot.com/.