Survivor David vs. Goliath merge: Alliances and duos to watch

With the merge finally arriving, it will be interesting to see how alliances hold up at the end of the Survivor: David vs. Goliath merge episode.

The merge is here and it’s never been more important to have a strong social game for the 13 remaining Survivor: David vs. Goliath players. It requires more social tact than strategic acumen to introduce yourself to others you’ve only seen on others tribes for weeks and befriend them enough to vote on your side, as it’s crucial to make an alliance (or a voting bloc) at the first individual tribal vote.

What helps is having friends and partners before the merge, even though they might not be as strong of a bond through to the end. Not only that, but duos and trios often end up being the key decision-makers of larger alliances, helping dictate the first votes before controlling the final stages of the game.

Let’s take a look at some of the important Survivor: David vs. Goliath alliances and close duos ahead of the merge episode.

Mason-Dixon Line

One of the first ever strong alliance duos was the Mason-Dixon Line consisting of two players not on the opposing sides of the actual historical line. Accuracy is not important; Christian and Nick working together and becoming the key swing votes to get out Jessica was way more important.

One of the underlying question marks was whether or not Christian would side with Gabby over Nick. Now that we’ve seen Nick get close with another alliance duo, the public defender now has options, too. Though they could be the ringleaders of a majority alliance, we could easily see them as fallen brothers down the line if push came to shove.

The “Nerdmance”

When the Davids were all off pairing off, it seemed like Gabby and Christian was the duo that most naturally fit together. One’s a robotics physicist while the other is a technical writer for mechanical devices. Both were solidly geeky, strategic and intelligent, forming what might be the best puzzle-solving duo the show has ever seen.

The partnership has remained strong for all 17 days of Survivor: David vs. Goliath so far, but it’s been shown decidedly more one-sided, with Gabby relying more on him to keep her level-headed. He attests that she helps balance him out when he’s at his worst, too, but with so many people targeting Christian either for support or as a vote target at the merge, it could be Gabby returning the favor by whipping the vote to save him.

The Brochachos

Ever since the tribes swapped from David and Goliath, the Brochachos have been the dominating force of this game. Not only have they spearheaded every section of the individual parts of the Immunity and Reward Challenges, but their partnership has symbolized the meeting of the minds; David and Goliath coming together in harmony.

That partnership might be a bit too harmonious, though, as it’s been so obvious to the Tiva women that it’s forced them together almost out of necessity to take out one of them. Furthermore, technically Alec is one of the Brochachos, and his presence coming into the picture will be a huge curveball into that dynamic. Three’s company, as one show says, and Christian’s role in three different partnerships or alliances speaks volumes.

Goliath women’s alliance

Though it hasn’t worked out well for the Goliath women so far (look no further to the woman on the left, Natalia, voted out of the game), we’ve been reminded subtly in the edit of the bond Angelina, Alison and Kara share with each other. Being separated by tribes makes it near impossible to show their shared content, but look at Angelina and Alison sharing glances after every vote-out.

The establishing scene of the Goliath’s women alliance hasn’t come to fruition yet for a vote, and considering how impeccably strong the Survivor: David vs. Goliath edit has been so far, I believe we will see it sprout here. Remember the connections; Kara has Alec and Angelina has John, as well as Alison. That could be enough of a factor to pin the target on Dan should a Goliath threat need to go home.

It’s such a messy merge that I’m not sure what comes of that group, if at all. It wouldn’t have made the episode 3 edit if it didn’t have a purpose.

The Rockstars

While Nick said he was going to go off and make alliances with almost everyone, only two of three stuck. We’ve already covered the Mason-Dixon line, and we don’t know whatever happened with his partnership with Elizabeth (maybe she’ll be mad he helped vote out Lyrsa). However, the most balanced duo in Survivor: David vs. Goliath so far has been The Rockstars.

Mixing the charm of a secret alliance with the naming conventions of Big Brother, Nick Wilson and Mike White work well together. They’ve shared ideas on voting targets, and have each come out victorious on who to vote out while maintaining tranquility at camp. Nick saved Lyrsa once and Mike saved the Goliaths once, while both aim to work both sides of the aisle.

The Rockstars will likely take on the roles of lobbyists at the merge; working both sides to get their task done, no matter the cost.

Alec Merlino’s Wild Ride

While it’s arguable that you don’t want to make a big splash at the most dynamic portion of Survivor, it’s a hundred times better to make a big move at the merge than at the first vote testing beginning tribal lines post-swap. Alec Merlino has proven that he’s willing to take risks rather than play things safe, and that makes whoever he touches vulnerable by osmosis.

I’m convinced he’s a ticking time bomb at this merge, but he’ll be one that players pass around like a hot potato. He has the distrust of the Goliaths already, and he goes one step further by going straight to Christian in an attempt to become yet another secret partnership. Does Christian not have it good enough as it is?

His apparent, obvious ties to the Brochachos, his early challenge performances and his mad dog style of gameplay make Alec Merlino an interesting player in whatever duo or partnership he tries to make with Christian, Davie, Dan, John or otherwise.