Survivor 41: Episode 12 "Truth Kamikaze" Gameplay Analysis

 "This is Xander candy."

-Xander Hastings

Survivor 41 gives us another really solid episode.  This is what the average episode of Survivor should be. Straightforward, with interesting character dynamics, limited focus on Idols and advantages, and two clear people on the block with good reasons for each to go home.  It's great!   I love it!  Now, let's take a look at who played and who sucked.

Who Played Well:

Let's start with Deshawn, who had a great first 95% of the episode before running into some issues.  I really liked the various conversations he had with the rest of the contestants over the course of the episode.  It felt like he bonded with people emotionally and strategically.  The alliance he made with Erika and Xander may be what carried him through.  It's hard to say for sure.  I also like that he was willing to vote for Danny.  The truth bomb he dropped at Tribal Council wasn't great.  He would have been better served doing something with that information before Tribal Council, not during, but it was overall a net positive episode for Deshawn.

The vote for Danny was a good movie for basically everyone left in the game.  Since Ricard was immune, I think Deshawn or Danny would have both been good options and it seems like the jury likes Danny, so props to Heather, Ricard, Xander, and Erika for taking him out.  Though I will say, Erika was a little too trusting of Deshawn and could have done a better job of defending herself in Tribal Council, but still a net positive episode for her.

Finally, I want to give props to both Ricard and Xander.  Ricard for winning Immunity and looking through Danny's bag for an Idol and to Xander for making it to the Final 5 with his Idol.

Who Sucked:

Out of everyone who survived the vote, I don' t think anyone had a net negative episode.

As for Danny, he was in a really tough spot and there wasn't much else he could have done to avoid going home here, besides trying to throw Deshawn under the bus.  Also, he shouldn't have told anyone he played for the Dallas Cowboys.  Telling someone that can only hurt you in the game.  He seems like an awesome dude though and I'm bummed to see him go.

Verdict:

The Best Player of the Episode goes to Ricard Foyé for winning Immunity, searching Danny's bag, and eliminating Danny from the game.

I'm not going to give out a Worst Player of the Episode this time.  I only give this award to people who survive the episode and I don't feel that any of the Final 5 had a net negative episode.

Now it's time for the finale and I am pumped to see how this season ends.  I think Ricard will win it.  I'm calling it now.