Survivor Edge of Extinction episode 6: Challenge review

The second half of yesterday’s Survivor: Edge of Extinction episode showcased who the physical threats are coming into the merge.

Neither of the challenges in episode 6 of Survivor: Edge of Extinction could compare to Lesu’s phenomenal comeback. That being said, the last two challenges of Wednesday’s double episode saw some physical threats emerge who can go on an Individual Immunity run.

Reward Challenge

The sandbags are back in this typical Reward Challenge format. First each tribe has to make their way over a series of obstacles to release the sandbags. After the castaways get all of their sandbags into a small square area, they can start throwing them at their two targets which require multiple hits before releasing a flag.

The first two tribes to release their flags wins reward. The winner receives coffee, tea, cookies, pastries, while the runner-up earns iced coffee and cookies. I liked the idea of the screw-style targets that slowly rotate as a sandbag makes contact, but overall, nothing special here. Once again Kama killed it and Manu wasn’t too far behind. You can watch the challenge again below.

Reward Challenge Takeaways

Julia helped her tribe get an early lead after uniting the knots to the sandbags in record time. Joe is still the same Joe, as his incredibly accurate arm hit each target back and forth like he practices this every day. Gavin threw well too, nearly catching up to Joe. And then we go to Lesu, where Wardog’s efforts lead us to question if he could hit a tree from a forest.

Right before Joe won, I think it was Julia who cheered on “do it for Sierra”. For those who aren’t aware, Joe is dating former two-time Survivor castaway: Sierra Dawn Thomas.  Is the edit foreshadowing Joe making it to the family visit?

Reward Challenge Rankings:

Creativity: 2/5

Difficulty: 2/5

Entertainment Value: 2/5

Immunity Challenge

Even though this is an Immunity Challenge, the quality feels more Reward type. The tribes have to maneuver a bag attached to a rope around a bamboo frame. Once it’s free, they will use the ball inside that bag to catch a hook that drops a cage door. Two members from each tribe will then work on a slide puzzle, and the first to solve it wins Immunity.

You can’t go wrong with a slide puzzle, but the first obstacle course portion felt unoriginal and boring. It’s no shocker that Kama won their sixth Immunity Challenge, sending the other two tribes to a joint Tribal Council. Here’s the video of the challenge.

Immunity Challenge Takeaways

Nothing summed up this season more than the rope toss part of this challenge. Each tribe had to hook their rope-and-ball to release a gate. Joey Amazing conquered this stage in mere seconds, highlighting Kama’s dominance. Gavin wasn’t too far behind, showing Manu’s strength. Then, we have Wardog who took a little while to figure it out. Even when he hooked his rope he was confused about what to do next, which is a perfect representation of the Lesu tribe always finding themselves behind.

We all know that Joe is a monster threat coming into the merge, as he can’t hide his incredible athleticism. However, Julia’s physical ability has gone completely under the radar. Throughout the season she’s been doing the little things right, and this week she stepped up big, especially in the slide puzzle. Once Joe is taken out of the picture, Julia is a serious threat to win Immunity.

Gavin and Eric continue to prove their strength in the physical parts of challenges, although their puzzle-solving skills haven’t been up to par.  Although Lesu’s performance has been dismal as a team, they have players who can thrive as individuals. Both Lauren and Kelley are athletic enough to win challenges, plus David could fare well in mentally focused challenges.

Immunity Challenge Rankings:

Creativity: 1.5/5

Difficulty: 2/5

Entertainment Value: 2/5