Survivor fans, we are a splintered nation.  As evidenced by the reaction to last night's excellent Survivor: Gabon episode, you are either with Sugar or you're against her.  Perhaps “against her” is a harsh qualifier – personally, I don't think she's the dullest bulb in the world, but I also don't believe Sugar is some kind of secret mastermind like some are purporting her to be.  Sugar, since the first episode, has struck me as a drama queen, someone who likes the camera and takes advantage of the moment when that camera is on her.  This whole “maybe she's smarter than she looks” sentiment is misguided.  More appropriate is the “maybe she isn't as terribly dumb as she sometimes carries herself.”  It's not like Sugar had to concoct some sort of genius strategic plan last night.  She had to decide between two people to vote for and, even with that simple decision, she was conflicted until the last moment. 

So, please, let's stop this whole Sugar is a genius talk.  Her crying while voting, milking her screen time for all its worth, is kind of adorable in a “oh, the puppy wants attention” kind of way.  Sugar, the pawn that she is, will continue, for at least one more week, to be an important figure.  She can alternate back to the other alliance if she so chooses.  She knows Ken is a sneaky little dude whose ego is growing exponentially by the day.  The second he gets caught in one of his lies it opens the door for Sugar to rightfully switch allegiances.  If Sugar is truly smart, it might be a good decision to simply remain a swing vote for as long as she can.  Remember, she still has that immunity idol.  Sugar is in a good position.  Whether she remains there or not is completely up to her.

Another fan sentiment that I'm getting tired of is the hailing of Crystal and Ken as master game players.  Yes, they've been blind-siding people with regularity lately.  It has worked thus far, but something you can't get back in Survivor is personal credibility.  They've both made it perfectly clear to everyone in the game that they are not to be trusted.  This will hurt their ability to interact with their tribe-mates for the remainder of the season.  Ken, especially, has become a liar/manipulator of epic proportions.  He's completely unsubtle about it too, just making stuff up about Charlie and Ace.  He will get caught, and his elimination will come sooner than some of his supporters would like to believe. 

I don't want everyone to get the impression that I'm in the tank for Randy and Corinne.  Their combined arrogance isn't flattering, and they currently find themselves in an ugly situation.  Randy might be an effective player when in a power position, but I don't see him being anything but abrasive and annoying now that his alliance lacks the majority it once had.  He will not make amends, and his quasi-racist accusations at last night's tribal council aren't going to endear him to anyone. 

Randy will be the next castaway voted off if Sugar sticks with Ken and Crystal.  I suppose Matty is a candidate to switch sides, but there's no reason for him to do so now, while they have the old Kota castaways on the run.  All signs, then, point to Randy's imminent departure.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of CBS)