Survivor: Philippines Recap ~ Matsing’s Death Bed

Hey Survivor Fans, let’s skip the obvious for a moment which is the Matsing tribe and go straight to the shows title: “Create a Little Chaos.” Pete from the Tandang tribe did just that, when he took the idol clue that Abi had told him about and dropped it in RC’s bag which had spilled all over the bed at Tandang camp. He created a firestorm of sorts. Abi, who just might become one of Survivor’s biggest villains with her Brazilian temper, went off on RC. RC is so confused. She knows she’s been played but not by who. Did Abi put it there to jeopardize RC with the tribe? As far as she knows Abi is the only one who knows where they hid the clue? Everyone is mad at RC and no one trusts her. Looks like she’s totally on the outs. Pete’s clever ploy really shook things up at Tandang. He’s the youngest member of the tribe and is now touting that he has complete control. Don’t get too cocky Pete, your tactics are entertaining but you know how things change on a dime in Survivor!

Well now to the obvious. Russ, Denise and Malcolm know they have no choice but to win the challenge. Their tiny tribe of three needs a win. They try to buoy themselves up and get psyched for the challenge but the ever lurking “who’s going home?” is really the main focus of their thoughts. Who are they going to get farther with in the game?

Pete, Tandang

The challenge is really cool, I liked it. Each person must carry pots of rice on the end of a long pole, over their shoulders and walk through an obstacle course. They must then place the rice pots on stands. After all pots are in place one person must use a wrecking ball on a rope to knock off and break all the rice pots. Since Matsing only has three members the other tribes must sit out 3 players. Matsing is composed of 2 men and 1 woman. A lot of fans are wondering why the other tribes did not have to play at least one woman on their team, but the game proceeded as the other tribes sat out all of their women and only men competed. Malcolm started off for Matsing and did a great job. Russell was finally able to complete his part of the challenge without too much trouble. Denise lost ground but her strength was impressive. In the end Malcolm couldn’t crack the pots as fast as the other tribes and Matsing lost again.

Russell Swan, Matsing

Russ has yet another hissy fit and Jeff P. calls him out. Russell just can’t understand why this is happening to him. He’s used to winning. Jeff puts Russell in his place by telling him he’s not a super hero or an allstar football player headed to the hall of fame, he’s just a man. I think Russ is a nice man but he definitely has delusions of grandeur. With bubble bursted Matsing goes back to their camp.

Back at Matsing camp Denise and Malcolm discussed if Russ was going home. It had always been their plan but who knows in Survivor. They wanted him to feel like Denise was going home. Denise talked to Russ and asked who he was voting for. Denise manages to get Russ to vote for Malcolm. Russ thinks he has a chance but is not sure.

Tribal council is congenial as they all are kind to each other. Malcolm had stated earlier in an interview that Russ had met his low expectations. Russ has played as someone who has passed the buck continually this season. It’s always someone else’s fault but never Russ’s, even when he did poorly at challenges.

Russ is voted out in an anti-climactic Tribal Council. Denise and Malcolm are both strong players socially and physically and in my opinion made the best move.

But more importantly, what happens next week? Jeff pays a visit to Kalabaw camp. Does this mean that Jeff is going home? Survivor only pulls players when their injury is life threatening! Or is the edit just throwing us off? Does something happen to Mike and Jeff really goes to Tandang? Jeff Probst states that this is a game changer!!! What about the turmoil at Tandang? Hopefully we can focus and get to know the other tribes a little better now that Matsing is down to two members.
I really am excited for next week.

Until then, outwit, outlast, outplay!!!

ed note: Unfortunately Russell was unavailable for an interview with Yakkity Yaks.