There were many topics to discuss about last week’s episode. There was the perfect storm of dumb luck, and freakish random events in the sequence that led to Maggie engineering Linnea’s exit. There was a firestorm of debate over whether or not Kilby’s move was good or bad for his long-term chances. There was more chatter about how/why we’ve seen 5 straight women voted out to start the game. But I want to focus on something much more compelling and controversial: Ori’s “sixth toe.”

Survivor has had its share of intriguing “digitary” story lines. In S20: Heroes vs. Villains, Rupert broke a toe in the very first challenge and toughed it out all the way to the final 6. (Did you hear that, Rob?) In S31: Cambodia, Jeff Varner dropped a huge puzzle piece on his toe. He had to visit Medical but stayed in the game. (Did you hear that, Rob?) In S44, Matt Grinstead-Mayle chopped up his toe pretty badly when he unwisely decided to climb up a rock and fell about 20 feet. He also dislocated his shoulder…and stayed in the game. (Did you hear that Rob?) He eventually left because of the pain in his dislocated shoulder, not because of his scraped-up toe. In S45, Dee and her gargantuan-sized big toe helped her win an endurance-based Immunity Challenge. In S46, Venus went on a lengthy rant after a challenge claiming her tribe ran over her toe with a cart after ignoring her shouts to “turn left.” She stayed in the game too.

I don’t think the lore of Ori’s toe will last nearly as long as these other podiatry legends. If you look closely, Ori’s “sixth toe” is actually the big toe of his right foot which is tucked under his left foot. I know, much ado about nothing, but at least I got in a few shots at the latest Survivor quitter. That brings me to this week’s Damnbueno Open Era (sometimes) random reference.

Elaine Stott

Most people (especially Survivor Producers) want to forget S39: Island of the Idols because of the ugliness that resulted in one player’s disqualification at final 6. Unfortunately, the controversy totally overshadowed two excellent games turned in by winner Tommy Sheehan, and 7th place finisher Elaine Stott.

Like Devon Pinto (who I wrote about last week) Elaine was a very smart player who came in with a plan of sandbagging her intelligence. Like some of her Survivor predecessors (Big Tom from S3: Africa, J.T. from S18: Tocantins, Nick Wilson from S37: David vs. Goliath), Elaine presented herself as an “Aw, shucks” dumb hillbilly. Carter is being perceived that way this season. Elaine did it convincingly, even asking Probst “What’s ‘extrapolate’ mean?” She added “These people are movin’ so fast, I can’t even see ‘em. They’re everywhere ... I ain’t good with words.” But Elaine, who was proudly from Kentucky, was no dumb hillbilly.

Early on, Ronnie Bardah identified her as a likable player and tried to get her voted out first from their tribe. He even tried to fool Elaine by pitching a partnership. Elaine saw through his ruse, saying in confessional, “From the minute I talked with Ronnie, I knew it in my gut he’s a weasel, and someone I find a little shady. I don’t trust Ronnie. He has to go.” With Sandra-esque speed and efficiency, Elaine rallied six votes to boot Ronnie, who never saw it coming. Elaine continued her “Aw shucks” act after a swap and fooled Lauren Beck, who said in confessional, “Honestly, I don’t know if Elaine has the strategic mind to be able to play us.” In fact, Elaine even fooled guest “Counselor” Boston Rob after making a visit to Island of the Idols to see Sandra and Boston Rob. BR said she was too impulsive. Elaine was the first (and only) player to clock Tommy as the season’s best player saying in confessional “All of Vokai is in for a rude awakening, and I think Tommy’s the biggest threat. He’s got close ties with everybody.”

Elaine endeared herself to everyone. Tommy gave her inside info on his tribemates. Elizabeth shared info about Island of the Idols with her. Dean invited her on an Idol hunt. She even lured Dan and Noura to her side. Elaine correctly realized she was still near the bottom with her Lairo tribemates, so when Missy got too aggressive with Karishma, Elaine took advantage of a split tribe TC to blindside Missy – the third time she manipulated the voting. Elaine wasn’t afraid to involve herself in conversations when she thought she was in trouble, going so far as to literally stick her head in the middle of a huddle at Tribal Council after Dean blew up Missy’s plan to blindside Tommy. Her physical game wasn’t bad either. She won individual Immunity once and finished second in another challenge.

But ultimately, her likability became a liability, and others realized if they sat next to her in the finals, they’d lose. At final 7, Elaine tried to save herself by warning Janet and Lauren that keeping the crazy and unpredictable Noura around would result in Noura taking their seat in the finals as an easy to beat goat. Her plea failed and they removed the well-liked Elaine instead. Then just as Elaine predicted, Noura ended up in the finals, and the women followed Elaine out of the game back-to-back. And also, as Elaine predicted, Tommy won the game.

If Elaine had any flaws in her game, they were the same as Cirie’s: 1) She failed to lock up a #1 ride or die partner, and 2) she stood out as too likable to sit next to in the finals.

So far this season, Carter has pulled off the “Aww shucks” strategy pretty well, but I don’t think he’s doing it intentionally.

I did notice something in my rewatch of last week’s Tribal Council that might be a hint of things to come. In the first reveal of the Dina Tribal Council votes, Probst read the second vote for Linnea, and she whispered “Am I good?” Cristian said “You’re fine.” Then when the third vote for Linnea was shown, both Linnea and Sharonda immediately looked at Cristian. My take is for that moment, they both suspected Cristian may have betrayed them. Sure, it could be nothing, but if Sharonda has to make a choice between saving Cristian or sticking with the Helicopter alliance later on, you can tell people I saw it coming.

What will Sharonda do when she sees she also lost trusted ally Alexis? Did Kilby move himself to the top of the Dina hitlist if they lose Immunity? Will Thien An get another confessional? Will someone chip a toenail and tough it out and stay in the game so I can mock Rob some more? Let’s find out.

And away we go…

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This return to camp will be uncomfortable. If I’m Lewis, I keep my mouth shut and don’t stir up any more trouble. They should be furious with Kilby. This is like letting the other team’s manager scream at the umpire. You can just sit back and watch the rest of the calls go your way.

Well-played, Lewis.

Eric gives Kilby a new nickname: “Chaos Kilby.” I wonder if Kass took a trademark on that phrase? She is a lawyer, you know.

Eric in confessional: “Lewis I understood. Kilby, I did not. I’m so angry. I opened my heart and soul to this guy.” Say goodbye to an ally, Kilby.

Kilby to Eric: “I trust you more than I trust Lewis.” Eric is a fool if he buys that line.

I wonder who leaves if Savu loses Immunity. I can see a scenario where any of the three of them could go. Jelly could be fooled into holding onto her Idol just the same as Devin could be fooled into holding onto his Extra Vote.

I’ll give Devin his flowers. He did a good job teaching Ori how to walk like a model.

Mike tells Kristin they’re the two most likely to get booted ... then he goes on an Idol hunt with her??? Dude, don’t you know if she finds the Idol, that seals YOUR fate???

Hasn’t she already shown you how much smarter she is than you are?

Why does Brady feel like every other player in the game has an obligation to give him something to prove their loyalty? Does he truly believe these people are working FOR him instead of WITH him?

Mike sees Brady as a high maintenance ally. Isn’t that what people said about Joe Hunter each time he played?

Kristin: “Mike is on the bottom. Why he thinks in any world I’d be interested in aligning with him ... I don’t know what he’s thinking.” Now would be a great time for a belly-busting quote from Thien An.

Mike gives a Survivor death quote: “Either I’m going home next, or I’m winning this whole thing.” I don’t think he’s winning this game. This feels more like a visibility spike. If he doesn’t go home tonight, I’d say next week he’s gone for sure.

Kilby probably earned a ton of trust from Lewis while completely destroying trust from Eric, Sharonda and Cristian. And who does Kilby have from the original Toka? Carter, Maggie and Thien An only voted with him against Patt to destroy the five-person alliance, not because they valued Kilby so much.

Sharonda, Eric, and Cristian talk how much they don’t trust Lewis and Kilby ... but sit idly by while those two are out Idol hunting? Did any of them think there could be an Idol for the new Dina camp?

Cristian is the only one who realizes the displays of loyalty by the original Savu can only hurt them. And he doesn’t even know Alexis is gone yet. I don’t know if his pitch to Lewis will work, but he’s smart for trying.

They have to pick someone to go to this “summit?” If I’m Sharonda, Eric or Cristian, there’s no way I’m leaving it up to a random draw which gives Lewis or Kilby a shot at an Advantage. I suggest we draw straws and rig it like Lauren did in Season 44 when she wanted to go on a Journey.

And that’s exactly what Cristian does!! Mad props to you, my man!

Sharonda is going, and she doesn’t look happy about it. But this could be a chance for her to build Devin Pinto-esque connections.

Thien An and Maggie shoot down Mike’s request by insisting they vote on it. This reminds me of S19: Samoa when the men on the tribe conspired to “vote” Shambo the tribe’s new leader after Russell Swan was medevaced. They all wanted to make sure Laura didn’t get any power.

I see two plates of food and a note. This reminds me of the Journey choice given to Austin, Kellie, and J.Maya had in S45. Austin was holding some Advantages and just wanted the sandwich, but the women pushed hard for the Advantage Amulets ... when eventually turned into an Idol for Austin.

Hmm, a “Tethered Idol” in which the Idol holder can only play it for the other two present. In the words of Devon Pinto, “This is NOT an Advantage,” I think. It’s pretty much worthless for whoever holds it outside of maybe giving incentive to the other two to keep you around. But that’s not gonna last until final 5. It actually gives the Idol holder incentive to remove the other two BEFORE final 5.

I think Sharonda waiting until Kristin volunteered was smart, but if both Ori and Sharonda make it to the Jury phase, what does she do? She could throw away one Jury vote by saving the other player. I have to think about this one some more. Does Kristin have the option of not playing it at all? I wonder if Ori and Sharonda will tell the full truth about this? If they do, that could put Kristin in a lot of trouble. If you want to vote out Ori or Sharonda, Kristin is now an obstacle in your path.

Ahh, and then comes the twist. Kristin has a secret incentive to get rid of Sharonda and Ori now.

Hmm ... we get an extended look at Kristin’s many audition videos. Something tells me she’s a lock for the final 5 now. But people already know how good she is at making fire. Why would anyone give her a shot at it?

Wait, now Jelly is saying Ori is not her type? Is she saying that just to make Devin feel more invested in her? If Devin says in confessional he’s gonna have to cut ties with her, that plan backfired.

Ori brought the food back for his tribe? Hmm ... I might have eaten half of it first. They’re not gonna know how much food I got. But it sounds like he didn’t tell them about Kristin’s ability to save him if she wants.

Sharonda also brings the food back, but she has to share it with more people. But she lies and says Kristin went to Exile because of a random draw. Lewis knows there’s more to it, but until he can talk to Ori or Kristin, how is he gonna find out? Why would either of them tell him the truth?

Survivor is so much more fun to watch when the players can figure things out for themselves instead of being forced to make decisions. I love the “Outwit” part of the game, and this episode is providing a lot of that.

I don’t blame Maggie for not wanting to goof around with the guys when they don’t have any food, but she’s ignoring a basic rule of Survivor. If most of your tribe wants to goof off, be a goof off. I remember in S28: Cagayan, Brice’s tribe built a cornhole game on the beach. Brice had no interest and walked off by himself. Guess who got voted out next? Thien An played this much better than Maggie did.

Brady thinks Maggie is digging a path out of the game for herself. I’m thinking Brady doesn’t have the relationships to get it done on this tribe. Thien An has the most influential voice.

Maggie is smiling and nodding at Lewis and Kilby a little too brightly as they arrive for the Immunity Challenge. Some players have gotten themselves voted out for similar signaling.

Kilby calls himself an “underdog.” If I’m Sharonda, Cristian, or Eric, I consider throwing the challenge just so I can vote him out. But I guess they can’t do that when Sharonda and Eric sit out ... unless Cristian decides to do it himself.

I’m pretty sure we’ve seen every part of this challenge before. I was wrong a couple of weeks ago with the vertical spinning puzzle. I thought it was totally new, but as Jeff Pitman pointed out, it was used in S28: Cagayan.

Eric: “Come on Dina Divas!” Sharonda’s side eye has been cracking me up all season.

Wow, Devin and Jelly are not making any throws, forcing Ori to do all the work. He’s gonna be exhausted when they try to assemble their puzzle.

Cristian is definitely trying his best. He knocked off the last puzzle piece and was first to pull off his buff for a visual guide.

Right about now, the three Savu are wondering how much Alexis could have helped them on this puzzle.

This was a blowout. So much for the Helicopter alliance. I’m guessing Devin gets blindsided after thinking he has convinced Ori to boot Jelly, and Ori will tip Jelly off about Devin’s betrayal. She should play the Idol. The guys don’t know she has it.

Wait, Devin and Ori both volunteer to play their Shot in the Dark? What kind of sense does that make? What happens if none of them picks right?

Jelly tells them about her Idol. What was the point of doing that? Now she has to tell Ori she’s voting for him. Right about now, Ori wishes he stuck with Alexis.

Ori to Devin: “When do you put your game first?” I would tell Devin “How deep can your trust be when she didn’t tell you about her Idol?”

Devin’s dedication to “Weaponized honesty” has been nothing but bad for Jelly’s game. She never should have told him she has an Idol. She gave him time to think of a way around it. If she doesn’t play it, he can knock her out with his Extra Vote.

Jelly backed herself into a corner. She has to play her Idol now. It’s the only way to be certain. If she holds it, and Ori’s Shot in the Dark hits, Devin has no choice. Her best play was to keep her mouth shut about her Idol, let Devin feel he could keep his Extra Vote, then boot him.

Ori is not safe, and Jelly holds on to her Idol. Now she’s stuck with Devin. Even though they’ve got an Idol and an Extra Vote, I can’t see anyone not taking multiple shots at them. Sharonda has to cut ties with them too. But Kristin is gonna be happy about this. Nobody can fact check Sharonda’s lie about her three-person trip now. I don’t think Kristin has any incentive to come clean.

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Recap

There’s not much I have to say about Ori’s game except that I don’t think he gave himself enough options. He was pulled into the Helicopter alliance on day 1, and it appeared he only tried to strengthen ties with Sharonda on original Savu. Sure, he was well-liked, but I don’t know that he made any other solid alliances. Alexis was more dedicated to Sharonda and Linnea than to Ori. And he straight up refused to vote for Ana when those women asked him to. That likely bought him seat #6 in that majority group. What kind of loyalty do you give to someone who won’t vote with you?

Ori needed to play it like Devin and Jelly didn’t exist when he was on original Savu. At a minimum, that would have been a decent backup plan. It didn’t appear to me that he had any backup plans. Ori didn’t play badly, he just didn’t play enough.

With the merge next week, I think it’s very clear that Devin will be the likely target. He’s already been identified as a social threat. Lately, the merge vote has gone to the person whose departure will cause the least amount of blowback. Then again, many people know he’s got an Extra Vote. And if his big mouth continues to spill damaging information about Jelly, people will find out about her Idol too. So, if they don’t take a shot at Devin or Jelly, that probably makes Mike the safest boot. He’s the least connected, and most know he’s completely unarmed.

What do you think? Was there any other way for Ori to save himself? Did Jelly make the right call? Will she turn against Devin since the three-member Helicopter alliance has little chance of succeeding? Let me know in the comments.