Editor's note: As the action heats up on the CBS series "Survivor: Samoa," we thought it would be interesting to ask former contestant Erinn Lobdell, the third-place finisher on last season's "Survivor: Tocantins," for her insights on the competition. Erinn, who grew up in Waukesha and now lives and works Downtown, will provide analysis following each episode through the end of the series.
Things are really starting to heat up in Samoa. Every time you think that Foa Foa's goose has been cooked, the team manages to remain in control of this game. This is largely due to the two players that are quickly shaping up to be my favorites, Natalie and Russell. That's right -- I am officially pulling for Foa Foa. I generally don't like to take sides until the very end, but I can't deny that I cheer for them at all cost in challenges, or that I was jumping up and down during tribal council when not a single vote against Russell counted. I reveled in the sheer disbelief of the Galus as Kelly's torch was snuffed.
This week's blog will be dedicated to all things Foa Foa, starting with last night's most impressive player, Natalie. Thus far, she has been very sweet and played well socially. Her biggest move was aligning with Russell, who wants to take her to the end like a pig to the slaughter. Natalie is really starting to emerge as a player who can stand on her own, though.
Last week, she single-handedly orchestrated Erik's blindside. This week, she literally killed her own food in the wild. It may not have been a strategic move, but when it comes to jury votes, sometimes your personal journey can really work in your favor. I would definitely call a prissy southern belle killing rats for dinner a personal journey. Come to think of it -- in a Russell vs. Natalie final showdown, he wouldn't stand a chance.
Before we get to Russ, let me take a moment for Jaison and MickDreamy. They don't do much strategically but they are both smart, level-headed, athletic and loyal players, integral to Foa Foa's success. They're both cute, Mick especially. Let's hope they stay on our televisions for as long as possible.
Russell, everyone's favorite bad guy, is turning out to be downright likable. I think I like him so much because he is well prepared to play this game. We all know that I am a stickler for rules, and when becoming a part of the "Survivor" cast, you are given a set of rules the size of a phone book. I read it, Russell read it and I am willing to bet that no one else did. The book clearly states that if a hidden immunity idol is played before Day 35, a new one will be put into play. You hardly need Galu's secret clue to figure that out. Russell is pretty awesome, and he will probably find the next one. I think that maybe the producers could save themselves some time though, by hiding it in his shoe or under his pillow?
One could easily have called Russell finding his second idol and playing it to send home Kelly the play of the game. This is where I am going to have to disagree. Last night's best strategic move was done with such finesse you may have missed it, and that was kind of the point. Galu certainly did.
That vote turned the game on its head, proved that the minority tribe still has a little power and the whole thing was orchestrated by none other than fumbling, bumbling Shambo, the honorary, secret member of Foa Foa.
Apparently, this chick knows a thing or two about a covert mission. Galu has no idea that she is playing for the other team. She voted for Russell, knowing it wouldn't count against him AND used her bevy of bad acting skills to feign surprise and shock as Kelly went home.
Kelly was a mere casualty. She didn't necessarily need to go, but her eviction at the hands of Foa Foa was a shock to her tribe. It truly set the tone for the rest of the game, as though they were saying to Galu "We are here to win and will not be written off easily." In the coming weeks, Foa Foa will be a force.
