Survivor
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Its the penultimate episode!
Next week is theSurvivorfinale, which means its time for some final predictions.
More importantly, which players will pop star Sia name her favorite contestants of the season?
Before I share my predictions, heres a brief recap of this weeks episode.
It starts with reactions to Deshawns memorable speech and Lianas exitlast week.
We see Deshawn have one-on-ones with Heather and Erika, unpacking what his testimony meant to them.
Erikas second-guessing indicates what a modernSurvivorplayer looks like.
As Erika says in this episode, hopefully a woman can still win and she will be that woman.
She wins the reward challenge alongside Deshawn and Xander.
They agree to a final three, though its unclear how genuine all three players are about this alliance.
First, someone has to go, and the target is on Ricards back.
Unfortunately, hes just too good and wins at the immunity challenge.
This is his third solo immunity win.
Its the most of any player this season and further evidence its his game to lose.
Because Ricard is immune, tribal council becomes a battle of Danny vs. Deshawn.
The man is messy!
Both Ricard and Erika are unhappy with his antics and make clear hes essentially turned himself into a target.
But the vote still goes to a 3-3 split between Deshawn and Danny.
In a revote, Danny goes home.
Theres still a ton of gameplay before a winner is crowned.
Ricard
Among the remaining resumes, hes the most hirable.
Ricard has three individual immunities and a major blindside in Shans exit.
Plus, Shan already publicly backed him, which could mean shes advocating for him on Ponderosa.
Erika
If Ricard is eliminated in the remaining two immunity tribals, do not count out Erika.
The runway for Erika to land a victory is long.
She has one immunity win under her belt, which is more than Deshawn or Heather has.
Plus, theres her memorable hourglass smash and execution on the Shan blindside.
Shes great at carrying out a plan, which not every player can claim.
Plus, everyone keeps saying how smart of a gamer she is.
For Erikas game, shell likely want to get Luvu back together.
Though shes concerned about differentiating herself from Heather, I think the jury will see their gameplays as different.
I think it just might be her.
Xander
Xander is the underdog who could come out on top.
Even though hes always been a physical and strategic threat, he remained at the bottom until Shans exit.
Certainly, his fake idol play toward Liana is a point in his direction.
He also has an individual immunity and the ability to say he never used his idol.
Then theres his strategy by keeping Ricard around as a shield.
When everyone targets Ricard, theyre not targeting Xander.
Feasibly, Xander has two more chances to take Ricard out before eyes turn to him.
The question is can he take out Ricard before Ricard turns on him?
Deshawn
It seems like Deshawn mightve blown his odds this week.
He even says at tribal, Its going to be a tough road to get to the end regardless.
Xander even called it a truth kamikaze while voting.
Deshawns had an up-and-down season.
Deshawn doubles down whenSurvivoris a game of mobility.
But his biggest blow came from Tiffany.
Watching Danny leave this week, she said to Evvie, I didnt want to see him go.
All this said, Deshawn has been a huge presence the second half of this season.
If he can snag an individual immunity win (or two) next week, theres a path forward.
Sia Award: Shan or Danny
The easy answer for a fan-favorite is Shan.
I wouldnt be surprised or disappointed to see her get Sias honor.
She played with integrity, honesty, and skill.
Shan is a newSurvivorgreat.
Theres also a case for Danny.
They were both personable players who won individual immunities.
Specifically, Danny was humble and honest.
He brought mature masculinity that wasnt staunch or toxic.
He appeared level-headed and thankful for this experience.
I enjoyed the energy he brought to the show, and it should be rewarded.
