I Will Survive, Episode 8

**Spoiler Warning**
Do not read this post if you haven't yet seen this week's episode of Survivor.



…you've been warned!




Poor Austin, we really liked him. As it turns out, Shane refered to Austin as the "Creepy Christian," to which Austin said "Hey, at least he recognized I was a Christian." He did try to play it with integrity and he just barely made the jury. I'm almost convinced that you have to buy into the "it's just a game" concept, at least a little, or you'll never be able to compete with the soulless Machiavellian ne'er-do-wells who "stab you in the back right to your face." If you're not willing to make that compromise don't expect to sail right through.

The former Casaya tribe is rock solid! How?! Why? I'm convinced that up to this point everyone in Casaya thought they could beat most of their own tribemates easier than they could beat the La Nina tribe members. All six must think they can make the top two or three and Casaya's dysfunction might just allow that.

I think that's the key to why Danielle didn't flop. She couldn't have received a better offer, but she may feel she can come back to that later. That said, I'm glad that Terry didn't have to give away his immunity idol yet.

Bruce, after saying "I won't betray you" and declaring his undying respect and devotion to Terry, betrayed them. Yet Austin revealed in interviews that Bruce and Danielle were close and Bruce allowed her to make the call. Danielle thought better of it and Bruce stayed loyal to his original pact.

Bunch of loons.

Random Observations:

• As shown in other seasons, Survivor is not a game for younger men and older women. This season, 3/4 of the young men and older women are gone, while the 3/4 of the older men and the younger women are still in. I think it's a matter of being perceived as too much of a threat or too much of a liability.
• Sally has been completely loyal after the merge; most of us had her pegged to jump ship and figured it was a mistake to pick her over Ruth Marie. Well… nevermind.
• Aras is in a good position. He appears to have total control over Casaya and certainly could make a move in coming weeks to reach out to Terry and Sally (assuming they're still there). I was shocked that he came that close to leaving this week and I agree with Terry, he's the biggest threat.
• Terry might make the final four by never using but just holding that immunity idol. It's not the most interesting strategy ever but your enemies do have to sacrifice someone of your choosing to get you in this case.