Survivor David vs. Goliath power rankings: Episode 9 resets the game

2. Alec Merlino

I’ve already talked about how Alec Merlino’s gameplay has changed my pre-conceived perception of the kind of player he is before the start of the season. We’re seeing at the merge just how impactful he has been in shaking things up within the game, and he’s in the middle of the action even when he isn’t orchestrating the blindsides himself.

Rarely do you have a player willing to cross over to alliances and provide information while playing into the majority’s wishes. He helped set up the Final Six Strike Force Alliance in the first place, especially when trying to reach out to Christian and work with him on the down low. That’s why he provided Nick with the information necessary to protect him if need be.

By doing so, Alec’s betrayal isn’t as obvious to the Goliaths, hiding his threat level. However, for his long-term winner chances, he’s drastically tanked his ability to gain the respect of the Goliaths, and he’s not that close with the Davids to the point that he’s earning jury votes over others like Christian, Nick, Gabby or possibly even Davie.

Despite all of that, when it comes to immediate voting targets, Alec is not part of that discussion. The players who suggested keeping an eye on Alec, such as Angelina, are the ones others want to vote out right now.