1. At the end of the day, Pete will be remembered as a good player and one that just made a few too many mistakes. When Tandang was seemingly on top of the world, Pete looked like he was a lock to make it to the end game. Ultimately, this didn’t happen simply because Pete relied to heavily on people that he didn’t work with at the beginning of the game. He got too comfortable.
2. The relationship between Pete and Malcolm was fascinating to me. When Lisa broke Malcolm’s trust and told Pete that Malcolm had an idol, he ran back and told his running buddy about it. I thought that this meant that they were close. When Pete’s back was against the wall, however, he had no problem throwing the Matsing remnant under the bus. Even though he failed with this strategy, it was still interesting that he thought his best move was to go against his former friend whereas I think trying to get someone else eliminated (Penner perhaps?) might have been more effective.
3. In terms of how the show is being presented I think that the only people who can be considered as receiving the winner edit are Denise, Penner, Skupin and maybe Lisa.
4. Abi will be remembered as one of the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) female villains of all-time. The entire scene with her at tribal council about how she misunderstood her other tribe members because of cultural differences was fascinating to me. These are the kinds of instances that have been missing from the show. It’s reminiscent to the great scene that Russell had with Denise before he left. The reason Survivor works is because it is a study of the interaction between strangers. That’s why we loved all the scenes with Richard and Rudy when the show first started. They need to do more of this.
5. I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely loving Skupin playing with some strategy this season. I remember back when Survivor: The Australian Outback was airing, people thought that he was only good at killing pigs and falling into fires. I love seeing how his game has evolved. He is still who I am solely rooting for.
6. Come on Jeff and Mark. We need RC and Angie back. Where’s the stupid outcast twist when you need it?
7. I have honestly felt like this season is just one big audition to see who is coming back for an all-star season. Anyone else feel the same way?
8. I think the time to cut Jonathan Penner is now. He is easily the best strategist this season and I feel like if they don’t cut him now, he will sail his way to an easy victory. With that being said, his boneheaded move to not join the new final four alliance when Mike and Lisa were pitching him was absolutely inane. While I understand that he didn’t want to give his word to a pact when he might break it, Survivor 101 dictates that you join any alliance that you are approached for.
9. Who is Carter again?
10. I am still really glad Jeff Kent is gone.
