As Survivor SA: Island of Secrets is drawing to a close, is there anything that can halt the powerful Amigos alliance from taking it all the way?
The one-sided game continues on Survivor SA: Island of Secrets, as Rob and his Amigos are picking off the biggest threats one by one. Mike was one of the few castaways who recognized Rob’s dominance and at least tried to make a move on him. With Mike now on the jury, for the first time in this post-merge game, the Amigos are in the majority.
Although Durão and Laetitia are still in it, the focus has shifted to the three original Sa’ula members. Thanks to Mike’s efforts at the last Tribal Council, people started to clue in on the tight bond of that Day 1 Sa’ula group. However, it’s basically too late to act now, as Rob, Steffi and Nicole have control of this game. Here’s how the Final Five rank heading into the penultimate episode.
5) Durão Mariano
It was hilarious to watch Durão and Mike openly discuss their doomed fates during last Tribal. He’s played a solid social game, but nothing compared to that of Rob and Nicole. Even with his big realization of Sa’ula’s domination, Durão is too late. He either has to surprise everyone and go on an Individual Immunity run, or somehow convince Rob or Steffi to drag him to the end.
4) Laetitia Le Roux
Steffi had good reason to be disappointed in Laetitia revealing her idol find to Rob. It might not end up being that much of factor, but that was Laetitia’s opportunity to make a big move. Her decision to spill the beans to Rob and Steffi indicates that she’s satisfied with making it to the end and not winning. That said, given the bitterness of the jury, you never know what could happen if a non-Sa’ula player makes it to Day 39.
3) Steffi Brink
As much as I love Steffi’s gameplay of late, this next Tribal Council will prove to be a challenging one for her. I say that because three of the five remaining players are holding Hidden Immunity Idols that they have to play at the Final Five Tribal. That leaves just Steffi and Durão vulnerable, making the Immunity Challenge crucial for Steffi.
Besides Rob, the only other castaway playing an impressive game is Steffi. She’s shown her strategic prowess on top of her ability to perform well in challenges. If she makes it to Day 39, Steffi could win it all, and I feel like Rob is starting to pick up on that fact too. As a result, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob decided to blindside Steffi if she doesn’t win immunity.
2) Nicole Capper
Out of the five remaining players, Nicole has to be the most underrated. Although I still value Rob and Steffi’s level of gameplay more, Nicole has shown her ability to manipulate her social bonds. A perfect example is with Mike.
Over the past few episodes, Mike has mentioned in numerous confessionals and conversations that he’s close with Nicole and could use her as a number. It was only until this last Tribal that Mike came to the realization that he never had Nicole in her pocket. That’s a testament to Nicole’s strength of building genuine relationships. She might be a longshot to win and the jury has lost patience with her, but Nicole is still dangerous.
1) Rob Bentele
Congratulations to Rob for securing his spot in the Final Four with ease! Who would have thought that such a big threat could skate towards the end without even using his idol so far? The way he has manipulated his social bonds with Mike and Durão has been nothing short of amazing.
Now that Mike is out and Durão is powerless, Rob has shifted his focus to securing Laetitia. Taking her on the loved ones visit cemented that relationship, so much so that Laetitia revealed her idol to them, even after she claimed that she would keep it to herself. With Rob’s social and physical dominance, it’s hard to picture anyone else winning this season.