Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains - the Ship is Sinking

There's something about a double Tribal Council and double elimination that really packs an adrenaline rush into this episode of Survivor Heroes vs. Villains. I've said it before and I'll say it again, challenges are great to watch, but watching these players strategize and exchange some vicious remarks in between, makes for a gleeful hand rubber. Let's start things off by saying "I told you so". Don't mean to pat myself on the back, but I love it when my recaps are so prescient. Jerri basically echoed the sentiments on my last recap when she said Candice had to be the next to go. If she flipped so easily over to the Villains, then who's to say she won't play both ends down the middle and flip back? Toss her. And that's exactly what they did. Of Course, Rupert's sleight of hand proved a nifty psychological tactic. After losing the immunity challenge, Rupert was dejected, knowing his time in the game was coming to a close. Before heading off, Jeff reads a clue to another hidden immunity idol, and back at camp, ain't no one standing on ceremony as everyone immediately scrambles to find a newly hidden idol. With this crowd, there's no dissembling or even a hint of subtlety. Everyone's out for blood and they don't care who knows it. Well, except maybe Colby, who wouldn't mind another rerun of Treasure Island.

Sandra in her ever sneaky way, finds the idol and decides to keep it all for herself, telling no one. But Rupert not giving up, puts a rock in his pocket to make it look like he found the idol. On his return to camp, Russell immediately observes Rupert's new bulge (no, not that one) and deduces he has the idol. Finally, Rupert plays the game. The immediate counter attack from the Villains was to split the vote between Rupert and Colby, so the idol gets flushed out and one of the boys go. But wouldn't you know the girls want Candice out instead? Instead of splitting the votes with Colby and Rupert, they're split between Rupert and Candice. All Rupert and Colby need to do is add their vote for Candice... and voila, Rupert's ruse bears fruit and the revenge is served cold and sweet.

Does it get any better than this? Oh hells yeah!
Russell didn't exactly want Candice gone yet and he expressed his adamant disapproval. Securing individual immunity first, Russell gets to work on his new plan. The diad of Danielle and Parvati proves to be too powerful, and Russell knows that in order to gather Parvati closer and make her completely loyal to him, Danielle must go.

No sooner does Russell try to pit Danielle against Parvati does it backfire and blow up in his face. Parvati and Danielle essentially clear the air and reestablish their alliance. But make no mistake that Russell's will is indomitable. He secures two easy votes for Danielle from Colby and Rupert. (As long as it's not them, it's a no brainer!) And then he begins to work Jerri as subtly as a sledgehammer. But no one ruined Danielle's game more than Danielle herself. The stress of the game made her crack and she begins to cry. I'm not saying the crying jag exactly did her in; she held her own against Russell's verbal assault. No, what really sealed Danielle's fate from a secure alliance to a walk down Ponderosa Way were the following words: "I'm closer to Parvati than you think". Even Parvati's reaction seemed to say, "I can't believe you just said that." The camera kept cutting to Jerri's face and the more Danielle revealed this sub alliance, it made Jerri smell blood. All Russell needed to do was deal the final blow by mouthing to Jerri "Danielle". And Danielle was ousted, 4 - 3.

It looks like Rupert and Colby are allowed a reprieve. Though next week's promo suggests Russell will flip his alliance to the two remaining heroes, I hope Rupert and Colby have enough sense to realize that Russell's word is no more substantial than vapor. Russell knows better to align with two guys who could easily win the million dollars up against him any day. I see a red fish somewhere....

Analysis
The fallout from Candice's ouster lead Russell to worry that his control in the game was slipping. Russell truly is a crazy, unpredictable player. He would go out on a limb to jeopardize his position in a dominating alliance, if it means control of the game is firmly back in his hands. But in hopes that Danielle's absence would cement Parvati closer to him, Russell has revealed a fatal miscalculation and his Acchilles Heel. If Russell makes it to the end of this game, make no mistake he will lose again as he did in Samoa, precisely because Survivor means relinquishing control of the game at the Final Tribal Council and placing it firmly in the hands of the jury. Russell can play a mean game, a truly masterful endgame, but along the way he makes so many enemies, concocts so many double dealings, bullies and lies with carefree abandon - all in the name of control - that he fails to understand the million dollar prize will always elude him exactly for these overly aggressive actions.

As for his Acchilles Heel, Russell keeps underestimating women and he's sorely underestimating Parvati. Again. He's so obsessed with keeping Parvati close to him that he doesn't even consider the option to cut her off. This demonstrates a severe flaw, even reveals a psychological insecurity about Russell. He's drawn to pretty women and he likes the idea of a pretty woman needing him. However, Parvati is not happy with Russell's machinations. Rest assured she won't run back to Russell as he suspects Danielle's leaving will do. I think Parvati will have other plans.

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Survivor Heroes vs. Villains Recaps:

Episode 1 - Recap - Sugar Boobs

Episode 2 - Recap - Another Hero Bites the Dust

Episode 3 - Recap - Randy gets Rooted Out

Episode 4 - Recap - I'll Have One BlindSide to Go

Episode 5 - Recap - Are You Seriously Keeping the Gimp?

Episode 7 - Recap - Robbed!

Episode 8 - The Dragonslayer is Slain

Episode 9 - Recap - Love Notes and Idol Business

Episode 11 Recap - I'll Naked Jell-O Wrestle you For that Clue