The merge episode delivered yet again. Just a fantastic episode that also provided our biggest fantasy output of the season. The “making the merge” points accounted for a good chunk of that, but we also had an idol find and of course the first individual immunity challenge. And we should have the first individual reward challenge next week so we’ll have those to look forward to from here on as well.
Matt Points coming into this week: 9 Wendell: 1, made the merge Jacob Sebastian: 1, made the merge Stephanie J Winner pick: Wendell Episode 8 points: 2 New total: 11 Wendell is in a pretty good spot but could be emerging as too much of a threat. His edit has been great, however, so if you buy into the “Winner’s Edit” theory, you’ve got like his chances. Sea Bass is Sea Bass. He’s just kind of hanging around, which he should continue to do for a few more episodes at least. Hopefully he can add in a few challenge wins along the way.
Maddie Points coming into this week: 6 Domenick: 1, made the merge Desiree: 1, made the merge Michael: 1, made the merge Chris: 1, made the merge; 2, found an idol; 7, voted off, finishing 13th; 10 total Winner pick: Wendell Episode 8 points: 13 New total: 19 Lost her first player of the season in Chris, but still has three strong players remaining. You’ve got to think Dom and Michael will win at least a few challenges between them. All three are legit threats to win, though Des might be on the outs there if she doesn’t start making some moves soon.
Chris Points coming into this week: 5 Brendan Laurel: 1, made the merge Chelsea: 1, made the merge Morgan Winner pick: Kellyn Episode 8 points: 2 New total: 7 Laurel could be a sneaky winner, if she continues to be overlooked among all the other, more obvious threats. Chelsea…well, Chelsea should just focus on enjoying her time on the island. She’ll probably be there for a while.
Mary Points coming into this week: 7 James Kellyn: 1, made the merge; 1, won Individual Immunity; 2 total Jenna: 1, made the merge Donathan: 1, made the merge Winner pick: Kellyn Episode 8 points: 4 New total: 11 In a strong position with three players still left, though only Kellyn should be considered a contender to win. Donathan could pull it out if enough things break his way, but it’s a long shot. Jenna is in the same spot as Chelsea. She’s just kind of along for the ride at this point.
City Points coming into this week: 6 Libby: 1, made the merge Angela: 1, made the merge Stephanie Bradley Winner pick: Libby Episode 8 points: 2 New total: 8 We’ll see if Libby’s edit changes at all in the next episode. I’m not really too worried about her (or anyone else’s) lack of screen time in the merge episode. It was so focused on the Chris/Domenick feud that everything had to be centered around that. I see her in a similar spot as Des; the potential is there but she needs to start showing something, and soon. As for Angela, she rounds out my bottom three along with Chelsea and Jenna. Unless she strings together a timely immunity run, I just can’t see a path that ends with her winning the game.
