This felt like such a good, wonderful, classic episode of Survivor . There was a reward challenge (remember those?) that had nothing to do with journeys or clues or hidden advantages. Speaking of which, none of the plotting about who to get out dealt with split votes, worries about idols or other advantages, or messy gameplay.
It was between two people when everyone went into tribal council, and it was hard to see which way the tribe would go, but when they all cast their votes, it made total sense. It was just a good, solid episode after last week’s absolute frenzy , and I was so glad it was back. The highlight for me is the rice negotiation that kicks off the immunity challenge.
While I think they should give these players at least a bit of food, the rice negotiation is one of the better traditions we’ve gotten in the new era. Why? Because the players make choices, and choices lead to consequences, and that makes for good television. Jeff tells everyone that if four players sit out of the “Balance Balls on a Disk While Balancing on a Beam” challenge, they get a big bag of rice.
Gabe tries to lower the number, but Jeff says no. Then Caroline offers that two people will give up their Shots in the Dark. (A note on plurality: it is not “Shot in the Darks” like Jeff said, just like it’s mothers-in-law rather than mother-in-laws.
) Jeff again says no. Then Kyle suggests they should all give it up, except Rachel, who used hers to no avail. I don’t understand why Sam.