Rachel Lamont's hidden immunity idol could be the biggest difference maker in Survivor 47
By Gerald Ng
On Survivor 47, hidden immunity idols have created dramatic moments and bold gameplay. But this season, Rachel Lamont holds a secret advantage that could reshape the game.
She is the only player who has a hidden immunity idol that no one knows about, making her position in the game even more fascinating.
The hidden immunity idols have not played a significant role at the tribal council this season. However, Rachel’s secret idol could quietly alter the course of Survivor history.
This season, immunity idols have not been as impactful as previous seasons. Pre-merge beware hidden immunity idols came with significant caveats. Their validity increases based on the number of clues found, and players eventually elected to select hidden immunity idols with power in either one or three tribal councils.
Early on, Gabe Ortis played the season's first hidden immunity idol which he found in Tuku's camp. However, no votes were cast against him. In the Gata tribe, Rome Cooney played an idol during the Gata tribe’s first loss. He received only one vote during the tribal council.
The trio of Teeny Chirichillo, Caroline Vidmar, and Andy Rueda also decided to get rid of the combined immunity idol from their shared journey to get the targets off their back.
Sue Smey’s immunity idol isn’t a secret
Another active idol belongs to Sue Smey, but it’s far from a mystery. Caroline Vidmar, her closest ally, knows about it. While they’re aligned now, the game’s fluid nature means that this information could easily spread. It would be interesting to see how it unfolds this week, as Caroline kept Sue out of the decision to vote out Gabe Ortis. If Caroline feels threatened or sees an opportunity to flip the game, Sue’s idol could become a target for discussion.
Historically, shared idol information has often led to blindsides. If Sue isn’t careful, the idol she holds could make her a bigger target rather than protecting her.
These moments highlight a key difference in Rachel’s situation. Unlike previous players, Rachel has kept her idol a secret. The element of surprise could give her a powerful advantage as the game progresses.
How Rachel’s secret idol is a game-changer
Rachel’s hidden immunity idol is in a category of its own. Unlike Sue’s idol, no one else knows Rachel has it. This allows her to use it strategically without worrying about her name coming up in pre-tribal conversations. The ability to pull off a surprise idol play is rare and could make Rachel a key player in the endgame.
In past seasons, secret idols have been instrumental in turning the tide. Players like Ben Driebergen in Survivor 35 used secret idols to flip tribal councils that ultimately landed them the title of Sole Survivor. Rachel now has the potential to follow a similar path if she plays her idol wisely.
The presence of multiple idols always creates tension in Survivor. In recent seasons, where players are more strategic and aware, successful hidden immunity idol usage has been few and far between. This is why Rachel's secret has the potential to be the biggest move of the game this season.
With the finale approaching, Rachel is in a unique position. Her secret idol could provide the leverage she needs to survive critical votes. However, she will need to maintain her composure and avoid drawing attention to herself.
The game’s unpredictability means anything can happen. Players like Kyle Ostwald and Sam Phalen, who have shown strategic prowess, might still uncover Rachel’s secret. But for now, Rachel holds a card that no one else knows exists—a hidden immunity idol that could make all the difference.
The hidden immunity idol is one of Survivor’s most powerful tools. Rachel's ability to keep her idol a secret could set her apart from her competitors. While other idols this season have created drama, Rachel’s could quietly deliver one of the season’s biggest surprises.
Will Rachel’s secret idol propel her to the end? Or will the weight of secrecy lead to her downfall? Fans are eager to see how this twist plays out in the upcoming episodes.