This week's episode of Survivor 47 episode 12, aptly titled "Operation: Italy", had one of the most jaw-dropping strategic moves ever.
A minority voting bloc with no hidden immunity idols, no advantages, and no real agency in the game just managed to pull off one of the biggest blindsides ever. The trio of Andy Rueda, Genevieve Mushaluk, and Sam Phelan have etched their names in the annals of Survivor with this move.
Is this the greatest tribal council move of all-time?
The genesis of Operation: Italy
"Operation: Italy" was conceived during a reward feast enjoyed by Sam, Genevieve, and Andy after Sam's challenge victory. Over plates of Italian food, Andy proposed a plan to target the opposing alliance of Christine "Teeny" Chirichillo, Rachel Lamont, Sue Smey, and Caroline Vidmar by convincing them that one of the feasting trio had an immunity idol.
Coming back from the reward challenge, the trio executed the plan to perfection. Genevieve crafted a fake immunity idol and planted the idea that it could be played. But the real MVP was Andy, who convinced the other four tribe members that he was still part of their alliance, and pushed for the idea that they needed to split their votes to get rid of the idol. His stroking of paranoia helped convince the majority to split their votes, which was the only way this plan could have worked.
The plan hit a minor snag when their initial target Rachel won immunity, but the Operation: Italy agents pivoted their target to Caroline. At tribal council, the vote was split perfectly as planned, and Caroline went home with a vote of 3 (Caroline) - 2 (Sam) - 2 (Genevieve).
An all-time legendary manouever
What made this move legendary was the lack of advantages or actual idols—it relied solely on strategy, deception, and execution. Fans took to social media to hail it as a masterclass in Survivor gameplay. Survivor podcaster Shannon Gaitz described it well.
How does Operation: Italy compare with the all-time moves
Without a doubt, Operation: Italy is one of the top moves of the new era (Season 40 onwards). It is so refreshing to see a Survivor blindside without immunity idols or advantages. The move harkens back to the older seasons of Survivor of good old social gameplay.
In no particular order, it would go into the top five moves of Survivor all-time, especially if one of the trio end up winning this season. They can be compared with these all-time moments.
1. Parvati convincing Erik to give up immunity (Season 16: Micronesia)
Parvati Shallow and her alliance of women (who gave themselves the name 'the black widow brigade' masterminded Erik Reichenbach's shocking decision to give up his immunity necklace, only to be blindsided moments later. This move gave us one of the most iconic moments of Survivor, and there has never been another player who has given up his immunity necklace since.
2. Cirie Fields’ 3-2-1 Vote Split (Season 12: Panama)
Operation: Italy is most reminiscient of this move by Cirie Fields. Cirie Fields' iconic 3-2-1 vote split is a prime example of her strategic brilliance. At a critical juncture, Cirie found herself in the middle of two alliances. With six players left, the dynamics were fluid, and Cirie identified an opportunity to gain control of the game.
She orchestrated a vote split that required precision and trust. Cirie convinced two players, Danielle DiLorenzo and Courtney Marit, to vote for Shane Powers, while simultaneously persuading Aras Baskauskas and Shane to target Courtney. This ensured a split vote: three on Courtney and two on Shane. Finally, Cirie cast the deciding vote for Courtney, sending her home with a 3-2-1 result.
3. Richard Hatch’s Deliberate Loss at Final Immunity (Season 1: Borneo)
We also have to give kudos to the OG, Richard Hatch. Richard Hatch’s decision to intentionally lose the final immunity challenge in the first season of Survivor was one of the most audacious strategic moves in Survivor history and holds up against the test of time. At the final three with Rudy Boesch and Kelly Wiglesworth, Richard recognized the importance of perception and jury management.
By stepping down from the endurance-based immunity challenge, Richard avoided having to choose between Rudy, his closest ally, and Kelly, a potential rival for the jury’s favor. Instead, he let Kelly win and decide whom to bring to the Final Tribal Council. Kelly ultimately chose Richard, believing she had a better chance against him than against the well-liked Rudy.
Richard’s gamble paid off as he outwitted Kelly during the jury questioning, becoming the first person to win the title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million prize.
How does Operation: Italy compare?
Operation: Italy certainly ranks as one of the most impressive moves in all of Survivior history. In recent years, most blindsides have involved an advantage or an immunity idol. Other moves were more in-camp gameplay, like Tony Vlacho's spy shack and “Boston Rob” Mariano’s Buddy System.
The facts that the odds were so impossibly stacked against the three members, with no real leverage, makes this one of the greatest moves ever.