Survivor

I should have seen it coming. In a season packed with more blindsides than Survivor has ever seen, even the finale was a shocker. From the beginning, Amanda was a frontrunner. She had played a decent game last season in China, but rode Todd’s coattails throughout much of the season. After finishing as runner up, she headed right back out to compete in Micronesia. After Ozzy’s blindside, Amanda kicked her strategy into high gear, playing a very physical and aggressive game. Even as James said at the final tribal council, Amanda had the game in the bag. Last night, though, viewers were shocked as, once again, Amanda finished second while Parvati was named the winner of Survivor: Micronesia.

As Amanda said about Parvati’s strengths, she did play a very social game. She kicked off the season in a 5 person alliance with Ozzy, Amanda, Cirie, and James, who she cuddled up with right away. When the tribes were switched up, Parv saw a golden opportunity to team with women and take that alliance to the end. She was instrumental in voting out Ozzy, shocking viewers and her fellow players. As the pivotal person in her all female alliance with Alexis, Natalie, Cirie, and Amanda, she picked off the men one by one until only women remained. In forming a solid relationship with Amanda from day 1, she ensured herself a spot in the final two after being the first one out at the last immunity challenge.

Taking a look at the votes, I suppose I can see why Parvati won. Cirie voted for her, because Amanda didn’t take her to final two. Alexis voted for her, because it was Amanda's immunity idol that got her eliminated. Jason, Natalie and Eliza voted for her, because they most likely had more respect for her game, as opposed to Amanda. When it’s all broken down and examined, Amanda didn’t play as clean of a game as I had thought. I never thought I would say this but I guess Parvati did deserve the million.





- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of CBS)