Survivor Edge of Extinction: Three stories to watch in episode 13

With just two episodes of Survivor: Edge of Extinction left, there is still a lot that has to happen before Probst crowns a champion.

Warning: This article will discuss promos from episode 13 of Survivor: Edge of Extinction, that contain scenes from tonight’s episode.

After a crazy turn of events last episode, there are four women and Gavin left, up against one determined news anchor. This might also be the night where we’ll finally see a castaway return from the Edge of Extinction. With a lot of Survivor to go through in just two episodes, here are three storylines to watch for tonight.

1) Rick needs an idol or an immunity necklace to survive

Not only was Devens the openly discussed target last week, but the episode 13 promo portrays him even more on the outs. It has become so clear that Rick is next to go that he’s resorting to fooling around and possibly sabotaging camp life.

If he claws his way to the end, it’s hard for me to see the jury not voting for him. The problem is getting all the way to the end. Rick needed an idol to survive last Tribal Council, and he’s going to need another one or an Immunity Necklace to survive again.

Based on the press photos, the Immunity Challenge isn’t the usual balancing-in-one-place concept. It’s more of an obstacle course challenge with some type of word puzzle at the end. Unlike last Immunity, this is one Rick can win. He’s already proven he can master a puzzle, and his competition isn’t too challenging.

2) Who will return from the Edge of Extinction?

There’s still a ton of uncertainty on when the eliminated castaways will get their shot to return. The teasers haven’t shed any light, although several clues point to tonight’s episode as their opportunity to reenter the game.

The question then centers on who will return. Joe, Chris, and Eric stand out as the biggest physical threats, but chances are the challenge will come down to a final maze or puzzle like last time. In that case, Aubry, David, and Wentworth have a legitimate shot, and they have solid enough edits to back it up.

Whoever returns will almost certainly be the biggest target. That returning castaway might just be the source of the title episode quote “Idol or Bust.” This will also give Devens a possible extra life as the crosshairs may shift off of him for once.

3) Can Lauren build a winning resume?

Lauren might be the best positioned player out of the six remaining castaways. A Hidden Immunity Idol this late in the game is invaluable. Plus, there are other threats including Rick, Aurora and the Edge of Extinction returnee who will probably be targeted before her.

She’s atop our power rankings for a reason, but does she deserve to win? At this point, I find it hard for me to think of one or two key strategic moves that Lauren made on her own. Victoria and even Julie have taken control of this game at one point or another.

Tonight’s episode will give Lauren another opportunity to better her resume while she can still operate without being the main target. The exact same can be said for Gavin. We’ll have to see if Lauren or Gavin can make something happen tonight.