It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to one of the greatest players in the history of Survivor.
Redemption Island is proving to be one of the most exciting seasons of Survivor. Right from the beginning of each episode we are on the edge of our seat.
This week we were in for probably the most historic (even though it was only the second) Redemption Island battle ever. Survivor pro Russell Hantz fighting to survive against newcomer Matt. A simple challenge. Set up dominoes on a bunch of ramps, knock them down and send a ball rolling. Simple but full of drama. Will they fall too soon? Will they have put enough in place? Will it stop once it starts?
Matt was first to give it a go. His falling dominoes stopped short of the goal. Then it was Russell's turn. His dominoes fell, would they make it all the way... no. Back to the beginning. By now Matt was set up again. He knocked over the first domino. Down they went. All the way to the end and his ball rolled to the goal.
Russell was beaten.
Wow.
Then came even more drama. Russell Hantz, the ultimate villain broke down, sobbing. Now I don't care if you are a cynic, I thought it was touching. Russell had played the game of Survivor full out. Two seasons back to back and then this season. He may have had a high opinion of himself, but he was not totally wrong. He knew how to play the game. It was nice to see the flood of emotions overtake him. Even Sarita seemed to be affected.
Then Russell gained his composure and left the game in only the way Russell Hantz could. He laid bare the plans and alliances of the Zapatera for all to see. He exposed that they threw the challenge in the previous episode. He brought to light that Ralph had an idol. I hope this information comes back to haunt them.
So good-bye Russell and thanks for all the great television you have given us.
One thing to be thankful for is that we still have Rob to watch. And Rob is playing very well indeed. His search for the immunity idol was classic. He said sarcastically about the clue he had, "What a great clue". He had figured it must be on one side of the camp so he made up some lame game for the tribe to play (Phillip and Kristina were off watching the Redemption Island challenge). Then he faked some intestinal problems in order to get away and search for the idol. It took him a while but he found it.
Then came the immunity challenge. I would have liked to see Ometepe win, just to spite Zapatera, however at least by Zapatera winning it kept Stephanie (one of my favourites) safe.
It was great to see Kristina try to stir up trouble by mentioning the idol. Rob played this brilliantly. "So she thinks one of us has it. Or maybe she has it." He did not let anyone know that he had it. That is the way to play with an idol. So he got the tribe to split the vote, even though he knew they didn't need to, and Kristina is off to Redemption Island.
Again, I have to say that I am sad to see Russell go, but this is one exciting season of Survivor.
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