Surviving Samoa, Episode 8: “You Have to Be Able to Outwit Them”

Last week, Liz’s luck finally ran out and she was sent packing mostly for not being trustworthy enough and for outwardly questioning Russell. Unfortunately for her, this took place just one episode before the merge, which will hit tonight. The previews make it look like now that Galu has to do some real scheming, they are going to plot against each other instead of taking out the Foa Foa minority. This could play right into Russell’s hands, and we know he’s definitely going to try to make that happen. So let’s get right to it and find out!

We begin once again at Foa Foa, as they return from Tribal Council. Jaison says if they need “rah rah,” he can be “rah rah.” Yay, team. He adds to us that they’re in a horrible position going to a merge. Talk about stating the obvious.

Russell says there is a possibility that there will be a merge. When it happens, they should split up and talk to different people on Galu, with the hope that at least one of them will work. He tells us that they need the merge and have plans on how to handle it by working as a team. There is segregation on Galu, but unity on Foa Foa, so he’s not really nervous about going in as a minority. “I’m too good for this game. I’m too sly.” He just needs to make sure his Russell seeds have been firmly planted in all the “dumbasses’ heads” so they can stir things up on Galu.

Speaking of Galu, that’s where we head the next morning. Laura tells us there has been a lot of tension since her return from Foa Foa. Shambo clearly doesn’t like her, she says, and then we see a scene of Shambo pointing out that Laura has lost her canteen. They gripe at each other a bit and Shambo offers to take a walk so they can work things out between them, but Laura says she doesn’t need to work anything out. Laura rambles on about how the canteen incident turned into something bigger that she didn’t even understand (you now know how all married men feel, Laura).

Shambo does pull her aside and tells her it seems like there is a power struggle going on and she doesn’t like it. There’s a “90210 young thing” going on. Laura turns it around and says if that’s what Shambo is feeling, “that’s on you.” Shambo tells us the argument isn’t about a canteen, but about how Laura treats her on a regular basis. It’s like the popular girls in high school who are snobby to those outside their circle. “I’m done with her. I have no use for her.”

Erik tells us that everybody knows Shambo is crazy, so if somebody gets in a fight with her, that person is the one who looks bad. It means you’re as crazy as Shambo is, except if you’re not then you’re “just being a bitch.”

We jump back to Foa Foa, where treemail has arrived. Doesn’t look like a merge, but rather a reward challenge. Just in case, though, Russell decides to take the immunity idol. He also tells us that even though they only have four, there is a lot more than the physical game. “You have to be able to outwit them. That’s the most important thing of the whole game.” I gotta say, Russell nailed it.

The two tribes head down the beach toward each other, with a treasure chest between them. They open it and find… blue buffs and a note! “You are now one tribe.” Applause all around. They will be heading to Galu’s camp after a feast on the beach.

And what a feast it is! They start digging in after screams of joy. There is chicken, cheese, fruit, bread, dessert, drinks of all shapes, sizes, and alcohol content. They’re all thrilled.

And then the splitting off begins. Natalie talks to Dave, Jaison talks to John, etc. Russell tells us things are about to change and he doesn’t think Galu has any clue. He’s looking around and already seeing the Foa Foa plan in action – get with them, bring them under your wing, and connect with them. He can already see that he’s going to rule in this kingdom – and as evidence for being a king, we see Monica feeding him grapes!

Later, the newly-merged tribe arrives at Galu’s camp. Natalie loves it because they have blankets, pillows, etc. She says Laura took her under her wing and Natalie is using that relationship to find out where the cracks are in Galu. Padawan Natalie has learned well from Master Russell.

They need to pick a name. Brett suggests Aiga, which is Samoan for “extended family,” and it passes unanimously. In other news, Erik says Foa Foa has nothing going for them except a new beach – they’re starting over on Day 2 while he’s on Day 19. Plus, he has the hidden immunity. If they think they’re going to act like the “extended family” of their tribe name, forget it – he wants to know what’s Samoan for “get the hell off my island.” Heh.

The following day, Russell tells us he has tricks up his sleeve. On Day 1 at Foa Foa, he was very aggressive and went to everybody right away – and it worked. Here, he’s going to do the same strategy but he also has the immunity idol to help sway them to his side.