The trailers for this coming episode felt more open and up in the air than the rest this season. Preview of the family visit aside, as a result of the blindside last Tribal, we’re being launched into new dynamics amongst the remaining eight players in the game. As the episode description also suggests, I don’t see the Mason-Dixon alliance working together anymore moving forward. Since their brief reunion at the merge, we haven’t seen much one-to-one level connection between Christian and Nick.
Although the latter was left blindsided, I think this crack will be more detrimental to Christian. Nick has a loyal partnership with Davie and a hidden immunity idol that only the two of them know about. Angelina also seems more willing to work with them than the other side, which is comprised of the Goliaths who turned on her. Moreover, I have a feeling Mike’s loyalties aren’t reliably fixed against them either – Davie and Nick might very well be able to pull him over. I predict that we’ll see these four forming some sort of alliance.
On the other hand, Christian has been prominently elevated as a threat in the game, socially as well as in challenges. His individual immunity win last week probably confirmed to others that he needs to be taken out. I think it’ll be simple for Nick to rally others against Christian, whether as a temporary voting bloc or not. Furthermore, being “dead to [Nick],” I’m sure that Christian’s idol will be common information around camp in the next episode.
This week was also the first time the preview trailer left me in shock. I would have never expected Gabby turning on Christian at all. The trailer showed Gabby discussing a plan with Alison and Kara, and then a confessional stating (quite confidently, I feel?) that she wants to take out her number one ally, Christian!
While it’s definitely clear that it isn’t wise for anyone to take Christian to the end, I personally feel like Gabby’s move is coming a little too early. As mentioned, I don’t think Mike’s position is strictly aligned with her despite the Carl vote. She might not hold the numbers to the end, and eliminating her number one ally now just seems a little hasty. Perhaps her plan proposed to Kara and Alison spans a few tribal councils?
That being said, I think the previous tribal cemented the relationship between the three women, I predict they’ll be working together for the remaining portion of the game. The subtle but deliberate mentions of an all-female alliance and wanting women to find idols lead me to believe that we’ll see women outlasting the men. I can’t say for sure at the moment, but the coming episode would probably give us more insight into the shift in tribe dynamics.
At the same time, I’m also toying with a speculation that the remaining men take out each other – Nick vs. Christian, for example – and leave the women safe from elimination util it’s perhaps too late. After all, female power need not be represented solely and overtly in the form of making big moves.
Final Thoughts
To end off, I think we’ll definitely see a split between Christian and Nick. Plans will be made to get Christian to flush his idol, and I’m quite sure Christian will play it. My winner prediction since the premiere has remained as Gabby, but I think the next episode will really determine her chances and prospects for the final three episodes of David vs. Goliath.
We’re reaching the end of the season! Who do you think will win? Let me know in the comments.
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The move for Gabby is to take out Christian, or at least flush his idol. They’d all be fools not to go along with her.
But there’s simply no way that Christian isn’t going to the final episode. So he either plays his idol and saves himself, or finds a way to blow up Gabby’s plan. I can definitely see him making Alison a target. I’m thinking she goes home. We’ll see though, it should be great!