"Survivor 46" Episode 12 Recap - Return to Sender?
Will the letters from home break up the show's longest alliance?
Every Wednesday after the “Survivor” episode airs you’ll find a full recap along with individual player grades right here. The next day I’ll have an exit interview with the latest castaway on my YouTube Channel. And…get this…every Monday we’ll have the “Survivor” Power Rankings where me and my All-Stars (Frannie Marin and Owen Knight) will square off against the Reba 4 (-Dee, +Kellie)! That too is available on my YouTube Channel.
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Last Week: The cursed immunity idol claimed another victim in Hunter Tiffany Venus.
39 26 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” blog…
Alright, let’s check out where the tribe currently stands…
The NuiNui Tribe (wearing red)
Ben, 36 - Musician
Charlie, 26 - Law Student
Kenzie, 29 - Salon Owner
Liz, 35 - Marketing Strategist
Maria, 48 - Parent Coach
Q, 29 - Real Estate Agent
Post-Tribal Shenanigans
When we get back to camp, we learn that Ben accidentally voted for Kenzie. Oh…that wasn’t in case Venus played an idol? You know, like the one she was hinting to Charlie that she had?
Between Ben’s accidental vote and Maria’s food-buddy meltdown, this cast is unforced error central.
Ben apologizes, but Kenzie doesn’t believe him. She makes the point that it’s either a dumb lie or a dumb truth. Well, as long as we all agree that it was dumb to admit it.
Meanwhile, Maria is very upset that Venus dragged her name through the mud. But, she’s proud of her resume and if everyone isn’t trying to get her out, that’s their mistake.
Later that night, we learn that Ben’s night terrors are getting worse and are dredging up memories from his past. Fortunately, Kenzie has his back even though he accidentally voted for her.
And after all of that, we get some good news as Liz has finally gone to the bathroom.
Quick Aside: This is my job. I get paid to do this.
Another Quick Aside: Wouldn’t it be funny if Liz went on an immunity tear after that?
Reward Challenge Time: The players will race through obstacles while retrieving a ball. The first person to maneuver that ball through a maze will win a trip to the Sanctuary for an afternoon of Chinese takeout.
Result: Everybody gets to the end, with Charlie picking up the win. Before Charlie gets to choose lunch buddies, he’s told that the reward will include letter from home. He goes with Liz and Kenzie because they didn’t get pizza.
Maria is very upset…but…she didn’t pick Charlie for pizza…and she just ate…
But, apparently the letter from home trumps all.
At the Sanctuary
Charlie feels bad about not taking Maria on the reward, but he thinks their Malcolm/Denise bond will help them overcome it.
We even learn that Charlie and Maria had a pact where neither one of them will take the other on reward. Smart.
When the letters arrive, we learn that Kenzie’s fiancé moved their wedding so she could be on the show. Aww…and they just announced that they’re pregnant (in real time, not on the show).
And Charlie’s girlfriend sent him Taylor Swift quotes because…of course.
When they finally get around to talking strategy, they all decide that Maria needs to go next.
Back at Camp
Maria is not doing well without her letter. She even says that a part of her has died. But, she’ll use this to drive her in the next challenge.
And in other news, Q found himself an idol. I can’t think of more entertaining hands for it to fall into.
He debates telling Maria about it and then immediately does. They decide to target Liz next, although Q is worried that Charlie might be partnering up with his new lunch buddies. Maria doesn’t think that he would…buuut…maybe they should target Charlie first just in case.
Hey, Denise and Malcolm turned on each other eventually.
Immunity Challenge Time: The players will race up a tower then jump into the water. They’ll race over obstacles then complete a dolphin puzzle. The first person to finish the puzzle will win immunity.
Result: Maria wins immunity!
Post-Tribal Shenanigans
With Maria now safe, the popular vote seems to be pointing toward Q. Q makes a push to get rid of Charlie, but Liz and Kenzie aren’t interested.
Charlie is worried about voting out Q without Maria’s consent. So, he decides to let her in on the plan.
Uh oh…
He approaches her with the idea of getting rid of Q and she pretends to be into it.
As we head into Tribal, Charlie doesn’t seem concerned at all. So, Liz and Kenzie didn’t tip Charlie off?
Tribal Time
Ugh…everything is vague and boring.
Voting Time: Charlie, Kenzie, Liz, and Ben vote for Q, Q and Maria vote for Charlie, and the rest of the votes are…oh wait…that’s all the votes.
JPro tallies and returns. He asks if anyone wants to play an idol or an advantage and…Q does not!
Four in a row?!
We’ve got one vote for Charlie, one vote for Q, one vote for Charlie, two votes for Q, and the thirteenth person eliminated from “Survivor 46” is…Q.
Verdict: “Survivor 46” is soooooo weird; alliances are a mess, idols are cursed, people like Q and Venus (who I don’t think can win) are voted out. Right now I feel like this is a case of interesting characters/mediocre season.
A: Charlie - As we head into the last episode, I’m really grading based on who can beat who. Each player can beat whoever is below them, but will probably lose to anyone above them. Charlie has the social game, a few immunity wins, and now that he’s outsmarted Maria, he should be able to best her if they both get to the end.
B: Maria - The only real knock on Maria up until this episode was pizza-gate. I think Charlie is the only person who can beat her.
C: Kenzie - She might not have the game chops, but she is really likable. And having Tiffany on the jury won’t hurt her chances.
D: Liz - I think Liz’s chances of winning went out the door with Q. There just aren’t enough people left that she can beat.
F: Ben - I like Ben as a person a lot, he just doesn’t have much to hang his hat on. He’s probably the only no-vote finalist.
Welp, that’s it! Check out my exit interview with Q on YouTube tomorrow. And, don’t miss the “Survivor” Power Rankings this Monday.
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