Who could have seen this relationship forming? Sam Phalen and Genevieve Mushaluk have formed one of the stronger personal connections in the game. Their unlikely bond started as they had to collectively fight their way up from being on the bottom since the tribes merged. Unfortunately, they both knew one of them was going home at the final five.
Deleted scene shows one final bonding moment before tribal council
In a deleted scene, we see Sam calling Genevieve over to have one final talk along the beach. Sam admitted to Genevieve that moments before, he had told Teeny that Genevieve's immunity idol was fake. Admittedly, he did that to ensure his own safety in the game.
Surprisingly, Genevieve was very understanding. "I wish there was a way for both of us to be here tomorrow but I understand your position because if they think it's real they'll put votes on you. You do not have to worry like that is the best move for you and if there wasn't like a a reasonable chance of us both getting there you have to do what is right for you "
Sam then explains in his confessional that he has a real bond with Genevieve, and that made this decision more difficult. "When somebody bonds with you in this game and becomes a friend to you in this game you don't want to burn them and it's mainly because I know Genevieve's story out here I know the sort of emotional roller coaster that she has been on and I think I'm the first person that she has genuinely trusted in this game since the beginning."
He also told Genevieve that his initial plan was to go to the final four together and have a showdown at the fire-making challenge. That way, he would "be able to say winner wins the million bucks and I'm happy either way but Rachel won't lose."
They then shared one final fist bump and a very cute "good game, you suck" (in-jest) exchange.
Sam and Genevieve's unlikely bond
Sam and Genevieve's unique friendship started out of necessity. Pre-merge, Sam was running the show in Gata with Genevieve doing the same in Lavo. However, their fortunes changed after the merge. After Sam lost his close ally Sierra Wright and Genevieve became a major target after the Solomon 'Sol' Yi vote, and both of them had to work together to plan a potential way to get out of the bottom. The shared struggle helped them form a strong alliance, and going on the reward challenge last week and successfully executing Operation: Italy strengthened that bond.
In this week's episode, Genevieve initially planned to pick Sam after winning the final six reward/immunity challenge, but he refused. He asked Genevieve not to choose him and gave up the spot to Christine "Teeny" Chirichillo and Sue Smey. That move showed that he was convinced that their relationship is secure.
Rachel Lamont winning the immunity challenge ruined their plans
In the immunity challenge, they had to stack balls and stands while standing on a balance beam. When Rachel Lamont narrowly edged out Genevieve to win the challenge, the writing was on the wall. The entire episode was foreshadowing a showdown between Rachel and Genevieve, and it was apparent that the immunity challenge had huge stakes.
The moment Rachel won, Genevieve knew it too. "I'm incredibly bummed. Had anyone else won, she would be going home tonight. And now that is not happening"
While the Sam and Genevieve relationship had to come to an end, Sam still has the chance to win the title of 'Sole Survivor' having made it to the final four. Can he topple heavy favorite Rachel in the next episode. We will find out in the season finale next week!