Alliances have always been a part of Survivor, but the alliance that has emerged between Joe and Eva is far more than just a pact to help each other in the game. It’s an alliance that transcends the game and one that has become a true highlight of the latest season.
In the Survivor 48 premiere, we see Eva pull Joe aside and open up to him about having Autism and how it’s something that she isn’t looking to advertise to the broader group out of fear that it could be used against her. Eva confided in Joe and let him know that she felt a strong connection with him immediately and was hoping that he could be her person in the game to look out for her. Eva walked Joe through the struggles that she has when she gets overstimulated and identified the signals that she’s experiencing an episode, walking him through what he can do to help her in those situations if he notices any of the signs she pointed out.
Joe was overcome with emotion and it was clear that Eva picked the right person to confide in as Joe’s fatherly instincts kicked in and he made it clear to her that he’d look after her in the game and have her back. And it didn’t take long for Joe to prove to not only Eva but to all of us at home that he is absolutely loyal to Eva and wants to take her far in the game.
In the second episode, Star told literally everyone in the tribe about finding her Beware Advantage and began making it clear that Eva was her target.
When Joe caught wind of Star wanting to target Eva, he could have easily gone with the group and betrayed Eva. However, Joe fulfilled his promise to Eva and made it clear in his confessional that he’s going to find a way to take her with him in the game. Joe told Ava about Star’s Beware Advantage and how she thinks it’s everyone against Eva, to help make sure Eva is aware of what is going on behind her back. In doing so, he made it clear, he’s going to fulfill the promise he made to look out for Eva in this game, and in doing so he further cemented his status as one of our favorite players this season.
Alliances are nothing new to the game of Survivor, but the dynamic between Eva and Joe goes beyond the game and it’s clear that the pair have connected on a personal level. Joe is prepared to be the rock Eva needs in this game and the ultimate ally in having her back within the game.
Fortunately, things have gone rather smoothly so far, but should Eva have an episode, we just know that Joe is going to quickly leap into action to help anchor her and when that moment comes there is no doubt in my mind that it’s going to be one of the most emotional moments of the season. Seeing how protective Joe is of Eva already and how quick he was to step up and be there for Eva upon her opening up about her Autism, has been so special and we commend Eva for taking that leap of faith in confiding in Joe at the start of the season as this was likely not an easy thing for her at all.
It’s unclear how far exactly Joe and Eva will make it in Survivor 48, or what hardships they might face both as solo players and tribemates, but the one thing that we know is that we are going to be absolutely gutted when the moment comes when one of the two are eliminated at Tribal Council. When that moment comes, it’s going to break our hearts regardless of who goes home.