Grid Effect

We didn’t get to do the standard play by play recap that we did for the premiere and the sophomore episodes this season because we were eating during last night’s airing. We did record it and we could go back through and do the same exact thing from the past two weeks, but we are not going to. Mainly because it is Friday, we are tired, fatigued and just having a generally shitty week in which everything works at about half the rate it should. So our summarization is going to be whatever is more convenient for us. Sorry.

We always take issue with the tribal mix-up, especially one that comes about prematurely, and especially one that lands an odd number of players on each team, guaranteeing that both teams have an uneven balance of members from the two original tribes. In other words, it delves into even more predictability when obviously everyone is looking to stay in a majority of some kind. And when the majorities are already pre-determined, there isn’t much left to the imagination.

I mean, just look at last night, the suspense was whether or not Jacquie from the old Kota tribe or Kelly from the old Kota tribe was going to be voted off. The only advantage to the viewer here was one of the two indiscriminate blonds was going to be getting the axe. And even then, you knew they were going to look out for their own best interests, lest you think even less of GC, Crystal and Matty.

(We actually have a high opinion of Ken, despite his social ineptitude. Did you see how frightened he was speaking to Jacquie, he might as well just curled up into a ball and put his back to her so she wouldn’t talk to him anymore).

Ultimately, it was the smarter move to get rid of Jacquie instead of Kelly, despite how much more Jacquie deserved to be their based on the challenge. And whether they know it or not, they just crippled the strongest alliance in the game whose remaining members are now all on the new Kota. Additionally, Kelly is severly lacking options. She has no choice but to join their alliance and stick with it if they show some loyalty, especially after that miserable performance at IC.

Other ramifications from this ouster: We imagine this helps to solidify Bob’s position as they are going to need to pick up a fourth. And while it helped his cause getting on the same team as Marcus, Charlie and Corrine, its just another assist his way when Jacquie gets eliminated. Oh, and that means they are acquiring Sugar, which means she will be with Ace, which means the idol will come into play sooner than expected because this tribe looks exceptionally weak. The downside to all of this means that Corrine, being in the majority split on Kota, will probably be around for awhile.

Other notes from last night:

-Speaking of which, it is really distracting watching this series with Kelly, Jacquie and Corrine just radiating off the camera. Kelly is a putz and Corrine is a spoiled bitch I have nothing but contempt for, but she is definitely eye-catching. Naturally, the only cool person amongst the three is the one voted out. What a waste. I mean, how many more times is Kelly going to get to tell us she is in retail before they send her packing?

-In case you wanted a breakdown of what the teams look like post-shake up, here you go:

Kota: Corrine, Charlie, Marcus, Bob, Randy, Suzie & Dan

Fang: Ken, Matty, Crystal, Ace, Kelly, GC & Jacquie (voted off and will be replaced with Sugar)

-Sugar is about to witness her reign of giddy terror come to an end here when she gets back to camp. As she has been fortunate enough to go to exile “island” twice, the second time after finding the idol and enjoying the fruits (literally and figuratively) of Gabon. Even if her and Ace can ascertain who the four original Fang members are going to vote off and use the idol to their advantage, they would still be outnumbered 4-2 at the next tribal council.

Back later tonight/tomorrow afternoon with a Mad Men recap. I will make an attempt to be a little more comprehensive than last week. I promise.