by Gina Scarpa

 

Let's hope we can get through this week's episode of Survivor: Nicaragua without anybody else quitting because they can't handle it out in the elements (or because, deep down, they knew they had no shot at winning). Kelly and NaOnka's semi-surprising exit on last week's episode hurt Sash's game more than anyone. On one side of things is Chase, Holly, and Jane and on the other is Benry, Fabio, and Dan. Actually, Sash has become quite valuable. One of those alliances needs him as their swing vote to keep the numbers on their side.

 

This next reward challenge is one of my favorites that Survivor does - it combines many of the challenges they've already faced into one badass obstacle course. There are checkpoints along the way where some are eliminated and some move on. Chase, Jane, Benry, and Holly are the first to make it through and continue playing. Chase and Benry perform extremely well in the next round and duke it out for the win in the finals. It all comes down to a ring toss and Chase dominated. I know the guy's athletic but I've never seen him perform like that!

 

For his reward, Chase gets to go to a private resort with a meal and a shower. He gets to bring two people along and choose Holly (no brainer after she gave up the last reward) and Jane (no brainer because she runs his game). That means he went back on his word earlier in the episode when he promised to bring Sash should he win the next reward. I'm not sure why Sash was trying to align with Chase anyway. It's been clear for weeks where his allegiance lies first and foremost.

 

As if Sash's luck isn't running out as it is, he can't seem to bond with the guys back at camp. He asks for their strategy (as if they're going to tell him) but doesn't come across like a trustworthy player to team up with. However, it's in their best interest to bring him along for the time being for the sake of numbers.

 

Speaking of numbers, Chase realizes that he probably lost his by not taking Sash along. He has made a series of mistakes along the way, for sure. It's good that he recognizes that because it means he's not a complete idiot but hindsight only is worth so much when you're sitting on the jury instead of at the final tribal council.

 

Back at camp, Benry says he'll vote out Fabio in order to save himself and Sash runs to Chase, looking to secure his place in the game.

Sash is playing a really sketchy game and most definitely can't be trusted.

 

In this next immunity challenge, players must maneuver around a post tangled with rope to release enough to get them to a bag of gold coin puzzle pieces across a playing field. Benry, Sash, and Fabio are able to get to it first and move on to the final puzzle round. By watching Sash, Fabio is able to stay in the race while Benry falls out of it. Sash ends up winning immunity, further solidifying himself as a very important player at this point in the game.

 

Afterwards, Sash admits in his interview that he's been sandbagging challenges in order to not appear to be a big threat the way that Benry has. Fabio has a feeling that it could be him and looks for some reassurance from Sash. Unfortunately, Sash seems to have chosen Chase's side as the alliance to side with but I have a feeling that decision is going to cost him big time. In order to throw Fabio off, the tribe tells him that it'll be Holly going home at tribal.

 

At tribal council, Fabio is clearly convinced that he's safe tonight.  When the votes are read though, it seems there has been a change of plans.  In a pretty crazy blindside, Benry is sent packing without any warning!  What just happened?

 

Survivor: Nicaragua airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS.

 

(Image courtesy of CBS)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa

 

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