Survivor Recap: A Last-Ditch Effort Swings for the Fences — But Did It Work?
Talk about not going down without a fight.
On Wednesday’s episode of Survivor, things looked bleak for Sam and Genevieve, who were so clearly at the bottom of the pack. Instead of throwing in the towel, the duo became a part of something huge, thanks in part to a clutch reward victory and a little (OK, a lot) of help from Andy. “Operation: Italy” was hatched, but did it save them from trekking to Ponderosa?
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At the top of the episode, Genevieve tries and fails to paint Rachel as the biggest threat left (which I guess is the move, despite whether it’s true or not). Teeny isn’t buying it. And when G tells T that it’s not a slam dunk for them, they react defensively, calling Genevieve’s words a “threat.” Genevieve says Teeny uses emotions as a weapon (YUP). It seems there truly isn’t any love lost between these two because I’m not sure how much was there to begin with. Sad.
REWARD | The players compete for an Italian food feast at the Sanctuary, as Jeff once again makes grub sound insanely sexual. (Pizzaaaa. Cheeeeese. Margaritaaaaa.) After launching sandbags, retrieving some volleyballs and tossing them onto perches, Sam wins the challenge and the yummy lunch. He’ll also get a pillow and a blanket because he’s spending the night (party!) and getting a letter from home! Of course, he won’t be enjoying the goods alone. He chooses Andy and Genevieve to join him.
After rehashing the Kishan situation with Andy and Sam (both of whom were very curious about her non-emotional approach to the game), the trio gets their letters, which OBVIOUSLY leads to tears. Genevieve’s dad mentions her having new friends, which she doesn’t, she says. She deliberately chose not too, and the effects of that are finally starting to hit her. Sure, by not getting close to people, it makes them easier to vote out. But as Genevieve notes, it also makes it easier for them to vote her out.
Back at camp, Teeny is pissed, exclaiming that Sam just “quit the game” because of his reward picks. They know that Sam and Genevieve are going to work Andy hard, but even if Andy does flip, Teeny, Rachel, Sue and Caroline would still have the majority. Regardless, Sam is public enemy No. 1 — which yes, may be true — but it seems like Teeny might be getting just a wee bit hangry over the whole situation. But hey, go off, T! Regardless, the four women left behind all agree that they’ll be more than happy to go to the end together, and may the best person win!
But little do they know, something’s brewing over at that Italian festa and it’s called: Operation: Italy. Andy tells Sam and Genevieve that if they can raise suspicion that one of them has an idol, they can try to get the other four to split their votes. Then, if Andy flips, they can knock Rachel out before she has the chance to use her Block-a-Vote advantage. It could work, but will it?
Sam gives Genevieve his expired idol from Gata, and she gets to working on a fake idol, while Andy re-ingratiates himself with the others. He tries to make everyone suspicious of a hypothetical idol play, suggesting that they perhaps split the vote. But the whole shebang goes down the tubes should Rachel win back the immunity necklace…
…and that, she does! Rachel secures her spot in the Final 6, leaving Sam and Genevieve once again as sitting ducks.
Operation: Italy needs a new target, so Sam suggests Caroline or Teeny. Meanwhile, Genevieve is able to show Teeny the idol, who then tells us via confessional that their split plan is going exactly how they want it to. Sue reminds us that she has her idol — and it’s a real one too! She considers playing it for Caroline, while Rachel talks to Andy about potentially using her Block-a-Vote. Ahead of Tribal Council, there are a lot of possible factors up in the air. Will Andy make the move on Caroline or reclaim his status with the underdogs? Will Sue protect Caroline and will Sam get nailed after all?
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN | After Genevieve and Andy discuss their Sanctuary visit, Teeny says not being picked helped them come to terms with their placement in the game. Multiple plans are in place, but Teeny seems more than confident that the people they trust are locked in and that their plan will be the one to win out. Sam, meanwhile, plays his role, feigning helplessness and slivers of hope.
After the vote, Jeff calls for advantages and while everyone stares daggers at Genevieve, she doesn’t move a muscle. Rachel and Sue also remain seated. Operation: Italy… is a direct hit! The underdogs do, indeed, split their votes on Sam and Genevieve, leaving three votes (Andy included) to fall squarely on Caroline. (Read our Q&A with Caroline here.)
Were you rooting for Operation: Italy to work? Thoughts on that major blindside? Go full tilt boogie in the comments below!
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