Next Time On Survivor: Kaôh Rōng – Episode 8

Next Time On… Survivor is a little blog I’m doing here on Inside Survivor, predicting the events of the next episode based on hints from the previous one as well as the preview trailers and commercials.

100-percent spoiler free speculation! Let’s do it!

Disclaimer: This was for last week’s episode. Updated late due to a holiday.

Part 1: Previously On… Survivor

A triumphant return last week was not. I don’t think I’ve misread a commercial like that since I was a preteen. Apologies to my friends and family in advance.

1. The remaining Brains will be at the core of the majority alliance on the merged tribe. “Shoving geeks in lockers,” isn’t happening anytime soon.

Grade: Wrong, wrong, wrong. They were in deep trouble before the medevac, and they are still in trouble now. F.

2. Cydney will remove herself from Jason and Scot.

Grade: Apparently I called this one a week early based on the preview for next week. I’m gonna give myself a D for now because conflict is brewing.

3. We will have a medical evacuation, and it will suck. If we still have Tribal, Nick will be voted out.

Grade: All right. So, I completely misread the previews. Yes, a medevac did happen, but it was not who I thought it was going to be. I wrote last week’s blog on a 10-hour plane ride, and I hadn’t had the chance to see that episode’s press photos. Had I seen the doctor in those pictures, I probably would have retracted my statement and not sent a dozen Twitter followers on an incorrect hunt for spoilers! I was under the impression that Tai would be pulled from the game at the challenge. I thought Probst would notice how cut up he was and hold him back. There was a moment in the preview where he was the only face not seen too. My bad. That said, we did still have a medical evacuation, and it did suck. At least Neal is the king of Ponderosa! I’ll give myself a C.

4. As the last one incorporated Scot’s background as a basketball player, the next reward challenge will incorporate Debbie’s background as a part-time model.

Grade: Ah, dang it. It was her background as a waitress, not a model. So close. Another D.

Part 2: The episode where the audience gets blindsided

The end of the 30-second preview for this week’s episode goes as follows:

“And what these castaways do at Tribal Council… will blindside… you!”

Let’s see if I can change that. The name of the episode is “The Jocks vs. The Pretty People,” but the situation being presented to us by Jason in the opening of the preview is a united Brawn and Beauty coalition prepared to take out the remaining Brains.

In the most basic sense, this implies that Jason, and by association, Scot may not be aware of the scheming going on around them, which isn’t too hard to believe. Remember, before she had a total meltdown, Jenny had a plan to take out Jason that I believe could have succeeded back when we still had three tribes.

Cydney is the key here. During the teaser from the last episode, we see Cydney freaking out at Jason over an unknown question. She makes it clear in a confessional that she’s willing to “blow the whole game up” if she gets irritated. In the commercial, we see her talking with Michele, Julia, Aubry and Debbie who she has previously spoken highly of. And at the end of the preview, Cydney says in a confessional: “If it backfires, oh well.” Everyone mentioned here is a woman too, and I’m sure we’re all aware of the all-female alliance theme that has continuously popped up throughout the season.

Of course, the gender numbers are currently equal, so the five girls would have to pull in at least one of the guys. It wouldn’t shock me if Nick, who is close with Michele, went along with her plan if the name of the episode were any indication. Likewise, Joe is likely going to stick with Debbie and Aubry, so if they are planning on taking out Jason or Scot, Joe will probably go along with it.

But, in all honesty, this wouldn’t be hugely surprising. The all-female alliance idea has been mentioned a dozen times, and Cydney very openly disputes with Jason in the teaser, so where is this 4^th wall breaking blindside? I believe it comes down to the hidden immunity idol Jason has in his pocket… as well as the one Tai has in his.

Part 3: Idol-mania

Cydney knows that Jason has an idol. But who knows more than Cydney? Scot. Scot knows that Jason and Tai both have idols, and he knows about the special power the idols have. Tai was previously on the outs with the Beauty tribe, so it would be somewhat expected for him to stick with Scot, his new ally.

Here is what I think is going to go down: Cydney will be brought into a mostly-female alliance set on taking Jason out. Cydney will inform the new alliance about his idol and suggest they aim for Scot instead. Looking for that extra number, Debbie will reach out to Tai who she believes is on her side. She will tell him to vote for Scot. Tai, who previously resented Debbie’s aggressive, finesse-less approach, will tell Scot he is in danger. Scot will convince Tai to give up his idol and will ask Jason to do the same. With both idols in his pocket, Scot will be able to save either himself or Jason (in case there’s a split or switch-up) after the votes have been read. In turn, they will vote out a Beauty member for the rebellion.

Or I am completely wrong.

Part 4: Wrap-Up

I’m looking for some redemption this week!

1. The foreshadowed all-female alliance will be formed with a few male players (Nick, Joe) playing supporting roles.

2. Scot will possess a super idol at Tribal Council and will use it for either himself or Jason.

3. Michele will be voted out as a result of the idol play.

That’s all for this week, but feel free to tweet me @JacobDerwin if you want to tell me how wrong I am. Thanks for reading!

• Season 32
• Survivor Kaoh Rong
• Next Time On Survivor

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