Welcome to MoreWhatnot.com, my personal blog where I’ll be posting “Survivor” episode recaps all season long. For exit interviews with all of the eliminated players and the RETURN of the “Survivor” Power Rankings with Owen Knight, be sure to check out my YouTube channel!
Last Week: (Haiku form)
Tika in control
Idol played for no reason
Deniro went home
39 26 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog
Let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stands…
The Va Va Tribe (wearing black)
- Carolyn, 35 – Drug Counselor
- Carson, 20 – NASA Engineering Student
- Heidi, 29 – Engineering Manager
- Jaime, 35 – Yogi
- Lauren, 31 – Elementary School Teacher
- Yam Yam, 36 – Salon Owner
Post-Tribal Shenanigans
We start things off with a thorough explanation of why Jaime and Lauren didn’t vote against Tika. Just kidding. Why would we want to know that?
Everybody is sooper impressed by Carolyn’s idol move, even though she herself admits that it wasn’t necessary. I agree, but there is something to be said for holding an idol in secret for so long.
Right, Heidi?
However, now that the cat is out of the bag, Carolyn is telling everyone about finding the idol, the red “X,” Sarah finding the fake…and her threat level is creeping up. (Or, “Win equity” as Owen Knight taught me.)
The next morning, Carson catches Heidi sneaking off for an idol hunt. This encourages everyone to take a trip into the woods. But, they all end up empty handed.
Later on, it looks like Carson and Yam Yam are working with Lauren and Jaime, with Lauren having no problem throwing out Carolyn’s name for the next vote. Soooo, has this little foursome been working together already? Is that why Lauren and Jaime haven’t been targeting Tika? Because I’d have loved to have known that.
Carson lets us know that they have been working together, but a Ratu member is going home next.
Reward Challenge: The tribe will be divided into the two teams of three. Two blindfolded members will push one person in a giant ball (think Russell Swan’s worst nightmare) through an obstacle course. At the end of the course is a table maze. The person in the ball will have to instruct his partners to complete it. The winning team will receive a trip to the Sanctuary for massages and lunch.
Teams: Jaime is in the ball with Heidi and Carolyn vs. Carson in the ball with Yam Yam and Lauren.
Result: Not even close. Carson, Yam Yam, and Lauren are going to the Sanctuary.
At the Sanctuary
The trio is treated to a foot massage, which is my worst nightmare. I’m in the George Costanza camp where I feel guilty in massage situations.
Strategy is briefly discussed with Carolyn being the main focus. Carson lets us know that he’s lying to keep Lauren off of their scent, but Yam Yam seems to be seriously considering it.
Jaime’s Got a Pitch
Back at camp, Jaime’s taking the time to point out how difficult Carson will be to defeat in front of a jury. Carolyn nods and plays along, but she keeps telling us she can’t lose Carson yet. I feel like that’s the second time she’s said, “Yet.” I love her long-term planning.
Heidi is a woman on her own, but the final three she wants to work toward is with Yam Yam and Carolyn.
I’d certainly love to know why she doesn’t want to work with Lauren and Jaime. She says it’s because they voted for her, but in a way everyone voted against her last week.
The Sanctuary crew returns and Carolyn asks Yam Yam to burp in her nose. And he does.
That might be it. It might be time for me to cover a different show.
With that unpleasantness over, Yam Yam and Jaime have a serious talk about targeting Carolyn next. And, as much as I’d hate to see her go, Yam Yam needs a different story than, “I was one of the Tika Three.”
Immunity Challenge Time: The players will use two ropes to balance a ball on a disc. At different intervals, they’ll step further back. Last person standing win immunity.
Result: Lauren wins immunity.
Pre-Tribal Politicking
Heidi is considering working with Tika to target Jaime, which would allow her to hang onto her idol. But, she’s been lied to before.
Meanwhile, Jaime and Lauren are pushing Yam Yam to get rid of Carolyn.
Carson and Yam Yam discuss this plan, with Yam Yam making the point that Carolyn is super good at making fire. Good to know.
Tribal Time
The tribe brought everything from camp to Tribal for fear of being sent to another camp. That’s hilarious.
And it’s downhill from there. I’m so bored by Tribal these days.
Voting Time: No votes are shown. Although Yam Yam and Carolyn shared an odd look.
JPro tallies and returns. He asks if anyone has an idol or an advantage they’d like to play and…Heidi plays her idol for herself.
Alright, we’ve got one vote for Carolyn, one vote for Jaime, one vote for Carolyn, two votes for Jaime, and the thirteenth person eliminated from “Survivor 44” is…Jaime.
And they were right! The tribe is going to be taken to a new beach. Take that, production!
Verdict: Not a surprising elimination. It felt like Jaime or Lauren was going home if they couldn’t partner up with Heidi and her idol. And, I will continue to express my frustration with alliances that exist that we don’t learn about after the fact.
That’s why Gabler was such a disappointing winner. We didn’t get to see everything he was up to.
So, what if Lauren or Heidi pull this off? Wouldn’t that be a downer? We’ve seen next to none of their games.
Power Rankings Result: “Survivor 43” Finalist Owen Knight called it with Jaime in spot six while I had her in spot five. So, the current score is Team Holmes 78, Team Knight 94. Check out my YouTube channel for the full episodes!
 | Carson – I know we all think Carson is destined to lose the fire-making at final four due to the many shots of him looking at fire, but up until this point, nobody has run more alliances, had more conversations, or garnered as much trust as the Rocket Man. He may not win, but he played a great game. |
 | Carolyn – You really didn’t need to tell everyone about the X and the fake idol. Other than that, you’re doing great. Yam Yam – I think Yam Yam can beat Carson or Carolyn, honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of that trio wins over the others. However, I do feel like he needs a moment to hang his hat on. |
 | Lauren – Congrats on the immunity win, but I really don’t see how you win this thing. Tika making it to the end is a much better story than anything anyone else has done. |
 | Heidi – You’re not down here because of the idol play, although that didn’t help you much. It’s that I have no idea who you can beat in a final three. |
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