By Andy Sloan

 

With the Jury-phase of the game finally kicking in, every decision you make could be a $1 million gamble. Welcome back to Reality Wanted's Survivor Recap, where like Hali, I would also leave my kids with Rodney over Dan. But hey, I'm from Boston and don't even have kids to begin with.

 

Last night we saw changing strategies, confrontations and a hunt for the hidden immunity idol. It all ended with yet another #Blindside graphic playing at the bottom of our televisions. Without further adieu, here are Episode 8's TOP FIVE TAKEAWAYS!

 

Rodney... SMH
If there's one thing you can't argue with Rodney about, it's that he keeps it real. Love it or hate it, you'll probably find yourself shaking your head at some of his actions.

 

It all started last night with #SalamiGate. Shirin wanted the skin on her Salami, Rodney didn't, leading to an unnecessary, yet comical dispute between the two. The Salami drama then segued into another Rodney moment following the reward challenge.

 

Joe won a zip lining & pizza picnic reward and chose 4 others to come with him. Rodney of course was not on the list after calling out each alliance and practically saying that whoever he picks doesn't change anything. Pretty much that Joe's still going home.

 

Rodney's antics may make short term waves but ultimately people see him as a shield to bring to the end. He creates drama, people want him out and they probably won't vote for him, right? Actually no! Despite offhanded comments, Rodney has rallied a troupe and it'll be interesting to see if his alliance comes to fruition when the numbers dwindle.

 

A Clue in the Mouth is a Shot in the Foot
At the reward, Joe spots a hidden immunity idol clue in Carolyn's soda! First off, spot on find and LOL at Carolyn for unknowingly handing Joe the clue. HOWEVER, lets just think about this alternative for a second. Joe doesn't notice the clue, Carolyn finishes the soda and chokes on a hidden immunity idol clue. What a way to go! Death by hidden immunity idol clue.

 

Anyway, Tyler notices Joe almost choke on the clue, but he keeps it to himself. Tyler is slowly becoming a force in this game. He's calculated, keeps his options open and thinks long-term. Right now him and Carolyn are very strong underdogs!

 

Back at camp, Joe eventually shares the clue with Tyler, only for Mike to notice the interaction and approach Tyler himself. Joe tried to gain an ally, but ultimately Tyler had no choice but to spill the idol beans to Mike. Was that the right move to not make waves? Definitely. Am I personally mad Tyler did that? Yeah a little bit.

 

Idol Dash
It's a mad dash for the immunity idol. We have Joe following the clue, Mike, Tyler, Carolyn and Dan looking for Joe and Will looking some speaking role on this show.

 

In the end, the editors give Mike a "hero" edit, leading to him finding the idol and keeping his lips sealed to the rest of the tribe. I'll save you the dramatics that the show blessed upon us and skip to the next section.

 

Dan (not) the man
If you saw the episode, then you must have some opinion on the conversation between Shirin and Dan. Dan was rude and blunt in the way he spoke to Shirin both to her face and in the interview sessions.

 

First off, the music for the entire segment was offsetting, creating a serious and uncomfortable tone. In short, Dan called Shirin "another fan who can't do basic math," highlighting Shirin's choice to side with the minority over the majority.

 

Shirin may be crazy, dorky and unbearable to live with, but what honestly has Dan done? He's riding Mike's coattail and screwed up the alliance he had with Sierra. Then Dan goes on to say, "for the love of God just slap her and shut her up," in regard to Shirin. You're not making a great name for yourself Dan the man. Get your act together.

 

At the immunity challenge, Dan claims he solved the slider puzzle TWICE. Not once, but TWICE. He was wrong both times and I definitely went to commercial break concerned for his vision.

 

Merica Loses Their Lawyer
Joe proves unstoppable at the immunity challenge, winning his third individual challenge in a row. However, like Rodney said before, it's still 4 against 7 and the no collars need to hustle.

 

Back at camp, Hali, Jenn and Shirin approach Sierra for a possible all girls alliance, while Shirin later talks with Tyler to convince him to take out Dan.

 

Both are solid arguments. Sierra hates Dan, so why would she want to align with him? Tyler's very calculating, so this could be the time to take out a Blue Collar while the numbers are still there to do so.

 

In the end, it's Mike's call and Hali gets the boot. While the No Collars may have lost a number, the jury has gained it's first member.

Make your way on over to my exclusive interview with Hali to see what she has to say about her game, alliances and what happened leading up to her elimination.

 

But for now, drop a comment a below with any feels you want share and I'll see you back next week!

 

Photo credit: CBS