It's absolutely no secret that by this point in the game in Survivor 48, we've been set up to categorize this season's players into two groups: the brains and the brawn.
And the narrative that David Kinne established pretty early on is that the brains are villainous for using strategy and deception to win the game, and it's finally time for the brawn to uphold their mantle as heroes and take back the title of Sole Survivor.
The stereotypical undertones of that statement aside, it has seemed to be the guiding light of the overall story this season is evolving into. And with new sneak peek photos from this week's episode, "Welcome to the Party," Survivor 48 episode 9, I can't help but wonder if there's a reason for it.
First look photos for Survivor 48 episode 9
Since the official merge, we've seen two immunity challenges that are 100% reliant on physical strength: First, "Wrist Assured," the sand bucket endurance challenge designed to test upper body strength. Then, the final boss of the obstacle course was "Get a Grip," also an endurance challenge where contestants clung to a pole indefinitely.
And in newly released photos, it looks our castaways will be competing in "Crocodile Rock," another endurance-only challenge.
While I understand that historically individual immunity challenges are set to physically test limits, there's also occasionally an element thrown in to offset the physical strength side of things.
Like during the individual portion of the earn the merge challenge, yes, "Over-Extended" is physical with having to hold a pole, but the task is more about balance and concentration. There are also iconic challenges, such as "A Bit Tipsy," where players have to stack the word "immunity" in blocks while they balance on a rope-controlled table. The entire challenge tests your body, but it's still focused on the mental element.
If we keep seeing endurance-only challenges, it feels like the season is then definitely moving the game in a very specific direction.
Does Survivor 48 want a winner who is only physically strong?
My prediction is no. At the end of the day, it's still outwit, outplay, outlast. They want a well-rounded player who plays the game fully.
But, will that person be physically strong? Yes.
Survivor wants stand-out players so they can have outstanding winners. They want the nation cheering when the votes are read and the title of Sole Survivor goes to someone who won immunity challenges but also orchestrated a great blindside. Someone who had to turn on an ally but did it with an incredible hidden advantage play. Someone who won us all over with a heartfelt story, which meant we loved witnessing their deceptively strategic side, too.
Because that's the dynamic world of Survivor fans know and love. And that's what I'm rooting for in a season 48 winner.
Going into episode 9, there are a few players who have more power than others, but in the larger picture, I predict we could see one of these three taking home the $1 million:
- Eva Erickson
- Kyle Fraser
- Shauhin Davari
Tune in this Wednesday at 8 pm ET on CBS and Paramount+ to see how things unfold in the latest episode of Survivor 48!