Survivor Heroes vs. Villains: How not to use an immunity idol for someone else

The Heroes of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains didn’t seem to really think giving Russell Hantz an immunity idol through, and it cost them.

During the tribal phase of the game, Survivor does its very best to keep its tribes separate, usually only explaining things when absolutely necessary. This is why getting a chance to interact with people on the other tribe is a careful game of cat-and-mouse trying to get information out of each other, and why tribal switches and merges can be so fraught, because it’s very difficult to know exactly what’s going on in that other camp even when you do get information from someone.

One would think that experienced players such as J.T. would have that in mind, but apparently not. That concept of the ladies’ alliance on the Villains was just too strong. But first, we have to get through a challenge.

The Villains didn’t have anyone left who had played the head-to-head balancing in a frame with small footholds challenge. They did have five women, all of whom agreed that they should play because of their foot size, so Russell didn’t play and had the chance to make pleading gestures at J.T. Everyone made it down to the last stage, but then the Heroes started dropping.

The Villains went to the Outback Steakhouse reward without having dropped a single point. There was some light mockery of the Heroes, a hidden idol clue for Parvati that she shared with only Danielle (then found the next day), and, of course, plenty of food.

While that was happening, J.T. proposed giving his hidden idol to Russell to take out Parvati. Amanda seemed to be the only person who thought that this was maybe a bad idea.

Over the years, a lot has been written about this moment, including by yours truly speculating that J.T. might not have gone to the jury when he did if he hadn’t tried this, but … look. This is a supremely bad idea, even if you’re completely certain that your suspicions are true! Even J.T.’s confessional made it sound as though he himself was a little uncertain.

As the Villains lost the immunity challenge, which involved moving puzzle pieces through a water obstacle course, the Heroes probably thought they would not see Parvati again after that challenge.

Meanwhile, speaking of Parvati, she did her best to shift things to Sandra over Courtney. For a second, it even seemed like it would work. However, Courtney snagged five votes to one for Jerri.

Yes, even Sandra voted for Courtney.

Quick notes:

• As noted by Jeff Probst at the reward challenge, Amanda crossed the 100-day mark here, and at the time, that was a huge milestone.
• Colby dropped the words “Survivor History” to name the episode.

Next: Ranking the first 33 winners of Survivor

When we return to Heroes vs. Villains, it’s time for a merge and Russell to do some explaining.