Survivor: Vanuatu – Advice for the Remaining 12

In the latest episode of Survivor, everything got shaken up – from the land to the tribes. As in Survivor: Thailand, there was a draft, but this time it was initiated by mutually appointed leaders of the tribes, allowing for the potential to leave the tribes unbalanced. They were, creating a situation where some Survivors are stuck in a bad position not of their own making.

As this was the most important decision in the entire episode, I want to examine the choices made by both Scout and Lea. Lea actually had two choices - to pick or to choose. For this, he had to examine the tribal history of both teams. Since it is apparent that John K. gave away what he knew about the Yasur political situation for no gain, Lea had to have a pretty good idea of what the women's political situation was (as well as firsthand knowledge of the men's). Still, interviews also showed John K. blabbed too much about the men's situation. All things being equal, Lea made the right choice in allowing Scout to divide, and then select himself.

Did Scout choose correctly? Maybe. The biggest potential problem is that the tribe she ended up with contained two men who weren't exactly challenge winning machines. Then again, she got the stronger women on her tribe, so it may all balance out. Lea certainly picked the right tribe – a male majority situation, even if John K. was left out of their earlier alliance.

More importantly, Yasur set the tone at the last tribal council, eliminating Travis. It probably spells doom for Rory, and either Julie or Twila since battle lines have been drawn among traditional tribe / gender lines.

So, with the new situation, what is the advice for the remaining 12?

Lopevi

Lea: Nice job in picking your tribe, and in the challenges. As the chief, you got to pick your allies, and make the right decision. Your single biggest challenge is getting John K. as a tight ally of the men. Yasur made it easier to do since they kicked off a man, and he may need you for political protection at this point. Best advice - if you go to tribal council, kick off Twila. She's a sure ally of the women's alliance; Julie isn't.

Twila: You are actually one of the biggest losers of the tribal swap. The tribes are not integrating into new units, and both you and Julie are vulnerable if Lopevi goes to tribal council. For now, you need to concentrate on your strengths - hard work and fitting in with the men. It's the usual advice for people in problem situations - buy time and things might change.

Julie: In the previews, it was suggested you take off your clothes. Good or bad idea? Well, since Yasur set the tone of the game with their elimination of Travis, you better make sure one way or another that Twila is the primary target. Taking off your clothes isn't a bad way to do it. Neither is challenge performance. If Lopevi returns to tribal council, it's probably going to be you or her. Use what you've got to advance yourself at her expense.

Chris: Be very glad you have political protection, since your challenge performance is quite mixed at this point. Dropping the marker made things harder on your tribe, though you did come through at the end. Still, don't goof around like you did at the end of the challenge - remember John from Thailand and his jokes about the water hole? He may have thought it was funny all the way up to the point where he got voted off first.

Chad: You may have the best position of any of the men in the game right now. You are in a male dominated tribe, with Chris drawing attention to himself (in a bad way) during challenges, and Lea saddled with the leadership role, which makes him a target. Right now is the time for you to be a quiet soldier and ally, gaining all the benefits without getting much of the heat.