Okay... I was thinking about this season this morning. I was thinking how as it currently stood, it probably wasn't going to be a top 5 season for me. After tonight, that may have changed. This has to be one of the best episodes ever. Unfortunate result, but fantastic episode. My thoughts...
1. That was a great family visit. I'm not going to go as far as some, saying it's the best ever, but it was definitely up there. It was a nice way to pay respect to these players who have given so much. And that was a good EoE scene - without a doubt the best one ever. So many great stories coming full circle. Tyson in 18 being an arrogant guy who liked seeing others cry to having a family of his own and doing a great job at being a father. Rob and Amber having their kids come out and see where their family all started. Kim played her first time as a recently divorced woman, and now she has a family. Jeremy with his Val moment in 31, to now having that boy on the beach, along with another one. So great.
2. If you didn't catch it, you need to go back and watch. But during the credit when the jury went and hugged Jeff. That was awesome. It showed how much the show respects the players, and how much they respect Jeff and the show.
3. That rope seemed longer and like it had a lot more slack than previous times they've run it.
4. Who would have thought Tony would finally win his first individual immunity on that challenge?
5. Jeremy was 100% the target. If it wasn't, the other group would not have had to huddle. Wise of him to leave. And he was able to show exactly where the lines are drawn. And Sarah would have stolen a vote anyway, so they still would have had the numbers. Shannon Guss (formerly Gaitz) asked a good question. What happens if Sarah stole Jeremy's vote, then Jeremy bailed Tribal Council?
6. I hate that my favorites are mostly on the side without the numbers all the time. Kim, Michele, Jeremy, Tyson, and Denise are some of my favorites. But I also love Sophie. And Tony. It's heartbreaking during most votes this season.
7. Kim was so calm and collected during a crazy Tribal Council. Bold of her not to play her idol on herself. I was begging her to play it on herself.
8. Why wouldn't the majority have cast 3 votes for Tyson and 3 votes for Denise? The 4-2 split doesn't make sense. Do I have that wrong?
9. I kind of hope Tyson comes back again and stick it to them. But I also know that nobody should come back in at the final 6 and have a shot at winning. Especially when Tyson was voted out twice.
10. Sarah is a great player. I don't think she gets enough love, but I honestly think she's one of the best players ever. I don't think it translates on TV, but she is always making the right moves and knows exactly what's happening. Sarah and Sophie are an incredibly dangerous duo. I think Sarah will get the credit over Sophie, so Sophie needs to cut Sarah at some point. I'm not sure that will happen, though.
11. Did anybody catch that original Russ Landau music during Jeremy's family visit? That was so nostalgic for me, and I loved it. I miss Landau and the music he brought. It was classic. We barely get any of that anymore.
Here are my updated tiers for who could win if they get to the end:
Front Runners: Jeremy, Sarah, Sophie
Strong cases, but would have a hard time against the others: Michele, Denise, Kim, Tony
Probably not: Ben, Nick
