Review: Survivor, "Loyal to the Soil" | Season 47, Episode 10
I pledge allegiance / to the bag / of Miracle-Gro
When we reached the pre-merge, Rome was probably doomed no matter what he did, if we’re being honest. However, he no doubt shortened his odds by playing so aggressively. He didn’t just tell people what they wanted to hear when approached; he was playing chaotically as though there would be no consequences.
I thought about this when we begin this episode with Andy’s self-positioning at the center of the game. On the one hand, it’s nice to see a player who had seemingly no pathway in the game have a new lease of life, especially given how Charlie Brown-ish he’s been throughout. I like Andy, and seeing him confidently playing the game is something that enriches the season.
On the other hand, though, I am terrified by how Andy plays the aftermath of Sol’s exit. He’s not wrong that he has lots of options, but the montage we see has him approaching so many people and suggesting that they’re his top ally. It’s true that the three remaining Gata members have become really useful numbe…