Survivor: Pearl Islands, Episode 10 MVP – Schemers’ Week

I said last week that if Rupert were to go in the next few weeks I would be rather shocked. Well, here I sit, in a state of shock. I seriously didn’t see this one coming and that is what is so great about this season of Survivor – at least in my eyes – is that we have no idea who the next one going could be. I have to say that they made a smart decision by voting Rupert out this week because he is such a threat to win, as was noted in several previous articles, including Why Rupert Lost. But who was our MVP this week? Was there an honorable mention? Oh, and who do I think is next on the chopping block? All this and more in this week’s MVP article!

First, I would like to start with an honorable mention. At first, I was going to give it to Sandra because I think she made a smart decision when she voted for Jon. I do believe that she had an inkling that Rupert might be the one going because she stated that she knew Jon and Burton were up to something and Sandra is no fool. Also, she was aware that Jon had worked to have Rupert removed once before so there was nothing stopping him from trying again. I believe Sandra, knowing that Rupert was probably going to be voted out, went for Jon instead. That way, she knows Christa will go before her, while she doesn’t have to worry about Rupert being pissed at her for voting for him – because she didn’t. I think Sandra is actually in a better position than we all think. However, she is not the honorable mention this week because that title is going to Jon.

Jon was instrumental in getting Rupert kicked out this week. First, he approached Burton and made sure that he was feeling the same way. Then, he made it a point to have a chat with Tijuana and Darrah in order to let them know what was going down. Lastly, he took advantage of the time he had with Lill so he could make sure she knew exactly what was going on and how to talk to Rupert and the other women in case they had any questions. I have to say that Jon is playing this game very well at the present moment and is also in a very good position. He has his choice as to which team he wants to join: Sandra & Christa, Darrah & Tijuana, or Burton & Lill. If he was smart, he would choose to side with the last team because chances are that nobody on the jury is going to want someone from the Outcast tribe to win the game. So for his perfect strategy that he displayed this week, I have chosen Jon as the honorable mention.

Choosing the MVP wasn’t very tough this week. From the moment the episode began, we got shots of Burton scheming and plotting, teaming up with Jon, in order to make sure that Rupert would be the next to go. I chose Burton as the MVP because not only did he orchestrate the ouster of Rupert, but he was a force to be reckoned with during the challenges as well. Even with Lill as his partner, he was still able to win the reward challenge. That’s not a crack on Lill, but she isn’t exactly the most fit person still in the game. Burton also excelled during the immunity challenge, where he was able to knock Rupert out of the competition, making sure that he would be the one voted out that evening. Funny how fast the tables turned from last episode where it seemed like Rupert might be unstoppable because of his tendency to win every challenge. Basically, I chose Burton as the MVP because I think had it not been for him reassuring Jon that he would go along with the plan, Rupert would still be on the island. Besides that, Burton is a true competitor that I don’t think everyone fears as much as they did Rupert, making him less likely the next to go.

And that is that. I chose Burton as the MVP and Jon as the honorable mention. It is a little tough for me to pick who will be the next to go because there are so many possibilities. However, after some thought, I do think that it will be Christa because so many people have said how annoying she is; I guess I just don’t see it. Look at Burton to continue the MVP streak as I don’t think he has fully hit his true high moment yet. I don’t know about Jon, though – it all depends on which side he decides to take next week. We know the way he works, so depending on his decision, I’ll either be calling him an MVP, honorable mention, or an idiot. Either way, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

Phil Kural is a senior at Temple University, and can be reached at pkural@temple.edu with any MVP suggestions.

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