Last night, Jonny and Kodie came over to hang out. While the main purpose of the visit was to chow down on some McDonald’s and then relax in the hot tub (we’re fun and ironic that way), we sat down and watched the penultimate episode of Survivor Samoa. No disrespect to Brian, but watching Survivor with an uber fan like Kodie makes it far more enjoyable, especially when they can recite obscure Survivor facts at the drop of a hat.

From the onset of the episode, you knew it was going to be all about SHAMBO’s hair. First we get a shot of Brett massaging her ratty mullet, then the next morning Shambo talks about wanting to cut her hair. Russell can’t stand her hairstyle and is almost inclined to vote her off so that he doesn’t have to look at that bushy hair anymore. Apparently, according to Russell, Shambo uses her bird-nest type hair to stash away food like bananas, coconut, peanuts, etc… Haha.

While Shambo and Russell discuss superficial things like hairstyles and grooming, Brett and Nathalie bond over being “prayer warriors” and recite bible proverbs and psalms to one another. I swear if I ever make it to Survivor or any reality competition show, I’m going to brush up on my readings to use as part of my strategy.

Click on the picture above to view the Survivor: Samoa Season 19 Gallery.

REWARD CHALLENGE
After last week’s two immunity challenges, we’re treated to a reward challenge this week. While I moaned and complained for the first half of the season that most of the earlier challenges were rehashes, I’m happy to report the past few challenges have been new and innovative. For this never-before-seen competition, we have a whackload of coconuts resting on web comprised of a series of overlapping ropes. The purpose of the game was to remove the ropes one by one without releasing too many coconuts in the process. First team to release over 100 coconuts would lose. Nathalie and Russell are chosen as captains after picking colored rocks. Nathalie immediately picks Brett first which causes Russell and Shambo’s spidey-senses to go off. Russell then picks Jaison and Shambo for his team, while Mick joins Nat and Brett. Here’s a hilarious exchange between Probst and this year’s sweetheart.

Probst: What do you call that hair, Shambo?
Shambo: (laughs) Shambolicious, baby
Probst: How long have you had it?
Shambo: Since 1986.
Probst: 23 years. That’s commitment for a hairstyle
Shambo: You don’t mess with perfection, baby.

After an early lead (because of the power of the prayer warriors, Nathalie, Brett and Mick end up losing the game after Nathalie drops 58 coconuts during one turn. A number correctly predicted by Shambo, even before Nathalie took to the ropes. Maybe its true what Shambo said last episode about having special vision predictions. In the end, team yellow wins the Samoan feast and a comfy night sleep.

POST REWARD
As I was watching the token “have-a-feast-with-the-locals” reward, I was reminded that we haven’t had the friends and family visit yet. Did Burnett have to do cutbacks and eliminate this time honored Survivor tradition? I hope not, and cautiously optimistic it still might make it for Sunday night’s finale. As usual, the winning survivors state they enjoyed partaking a feast with the indigenous people, appreciated the once in a lifetime opportunity, and declared it the best reward ever while butchering traditional dance moves, etc… you know the drill.

Meanwhile back at Aiga, the losers decide to prepare a snail feast of their own- yummy. They solidify this kumbaya moment with a hands-in-the-middle type cheer. Smart move on Brett’s part to work the nice guy angle. After weeks of silence, Brett’s finally playing the social game and trying to lure them in with his bible prowess.

When the survivors are reunited, Russell talks with Nathalie to see if their final three pact with Jaison is still intact. Nathalie assures Russell they are and squashes and concerns he might have. The two then talk about voting Mick or Brett depending on who ends up winning the immunity challenge. We then hear Nathalie’s confessional about two heads being better than one”. Haha, I love Nathalie but Russell has been accounting for at least one and three quarters of those two heads she speaks of.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Being the last true Galu standing, Brett realizes losing this challenge is not an option. The survivors have to count various items and run back to a combination lock contraption. If they correctly count the number of shrimps, pigs, lobsters, etc. at the six stations, they form the combination for the lock which releases a bar. Whoever breaks their tile with the released bar wins immunity and guarantees them a spot in the final episode. After another neck-and-neck race with Mick, Brett wins and spoils the plans of the Foa Foa Four.

SCHEMING
Upon arriving back to camp, Jaison tells Russell they have to vote Shambo off because they need Mick as he’s their best chance to beat Brett during the challenges. As they finish up their conversation, Shambo walks over and senses the tides are turning her way, even though Russell tells her that Mick is their target.

Mick, as well, is feeling uneasy about tonight’s vote, especially after hearing Russell talk smack about Shambo. Up until that point, he had never heard Russell talk negatively about Shambo. Mick feels he’s being manipulated and thinks he’s been thrown off by Russell’s real intentions, which is completely true. Before heading to tribal, Russell can’t decide between voting off Shambo or Mick, even though he has three solid reasons for keeping Shambs but only one for Mick.

TRIBAL COUNCIL
Wow, did you see the amount of lip gloss Monica was sporting tonight? I guess after being deprived from make-up for thirty-something days, Monica is making up for loss time. Since we’re on the topic of the jury, Erik looks like he’s gaining the weight back he lost during the game. There must be some good grub over at loser lodge.

Even though, Probst and the Aiga members talk about Shambo’s unlikeliness of garnering any votes from the jury, they vote her out unanimously. Considering, how smartly Foa Foa’s being playing this game up to this point, I can’t believe the stupidity they showed in not voting Mick off. Speaking of stupid moves, even though he wasn’t on the chopping block, Russell chose not to use the hidden idol. His rationale, he felt confident and wanted to keep it as a souvenir. Cocky or stupid? You decide.

With only five survivors left, who do you think will take the prize? Will Brett keep his winning streak alive and take the “Sole Survivor” title for himself? Do you think Shambo will cut her signature locks for the reunion show on Sunday? Let me know your thoughts below.

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