Survivor: China, Episode 10 MVPs – I’m Gonna Say It Like a Man and Make You Understand

This was a great episode of Survivor. There have been many times when I’ve watched someone completely dominate a season of Survivor, and I’ve been frustrated at the fact that the other players don’t see that they are obviously going to lose to them. I remember screaming at the TV, “For the love of Yoda, vote out Boston Rob,” and “Brian is playing all of you morons. Get rid of him while you can!” Week after week, that person would pull the strings, and no one would take him out. Finally, I’d throw up my hands and say, “You know what? I hope Brian does win Thailand. Everybody’s stupid enough to keep him around, he deserves it.”

In this episode of Survivor, that did not happen, and it was all thanks to the efforts of our Most Valuable Player, Amanda. Amanda was so awesome in this episode that I was moved to song. That song, specifically, was “Amanda” by Boston. So many of the lyrics were appropriate.

Amanda took a look at the situation around camp and thought, “It’s now or never! Tomorrow may be too late!” After all, there were only a few more opportunities for James to use those hidden immunity idols, so smart money would be that he’d play them, just to be on the safe side, sooner, rather than later. And that’s assuming that James would never win individual immunity, which, from the looks of him, seems unlikely.

She approached Todd, her most valuable ally, and the person whose approval she’d need to move things forward. Channeling Boston, she might have said, “I’m gonna tell you right away, I cant wait another day, Amanda! I’m gonna say it like a man and make you understand, Amanda!” And Amanda did make Todd understand. It really can’t wait another day, and tomorrow may be too late.

Quickly, the other key players were convinced. Peih-Gee, looking after her own self interest and unaware of the plan, approached Amanda about voting out James. Amanda once again heeded the wise song lyrics of Boston. That is, “I’m gonna take you by surprise and make you realize, Amanda!”

The only way to get rid of James would be to completely blindside him, otherwise he’d just grab one of his idols off the stack and play it. She told Peih-Gee not to worry about it, but made it clear that she didn’t want to be seen talking to her. After all, if James had any inkling that something was amiss, he’d just play the idol and stay in the game.

The beauty of Amanda’s plan too was that if it didn’t work and James did play the idol, she’d still be safe. Either Peih-Gee or Todd would have gone (I don’t know how they’d have broken that tie of 1 vote each). It would have been a shame for Amanda to lose Todd, but at least she’d continue to be in the game.

Amanda is playing incredibly smart. She comes up with solid strategy, reins in Todd when he gets carried away, and best of all, doesn’t have the reputation of being devious. So Amanda, congratulations on your MVP award. Keep it up, and I may find myself singing “Mandy” next week.

Betsy Wasser is the Associate Editor of Reality News Online. She can be reached with comments at betsywasser@gmail.com