Survivor
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This season introduced a diverse and competitive group of players with big, bubbly personalities.
Looking back on this season, it really has been Maryannes story.
Her enthusiasm and eccentricities were on display from the moment she hit the beach.
Using her outsider status to her advantage, Maryanne hid behind the more vocal threats that underestimated her.
She let them cannibalize each other while she found idols and secured social bonds.
This allowed her to plot and observe until it was time to strike.
Maryannes move last week sets her up in good stead for the finale.
But it comes with a risk.
So all eyes are on Lindsay for the next vote.
Its another do-or-die situation.
Lindsay must win the immunity challenge or shell be voted out.
And it looks like shes going to pull off another miracle.
She earns the games final advantage, giving her a head start in the challenge.
Lindsay is now a sitting duck.
Her only hope is to appeal to Mikes sense of loyalty.
Maybe hell play his idol for her?
After all, he previously said he wanted her at the end.
But Mike says a lot of things and makes a lot of promises.
He tells Maryanne, Lindsay, and Jonathan at various points that hed use his idol for them.
Lindsay essentially resorts to groveling not the greatest look, but desperate pleas have worked in the past.
His hands are tied.
Thats where Maryannes opportunity arises.
As a fan of good TV, of course, I was rooting for Maryanne to make a move.
It has to have long-term benefits.
Maryanne might have received gratification in the moment, but shed potentially be ruining her chances of winning.
Lindsay was a much bigger jury threat to go up against at the final tribal.
Yes, you read that right.
This is my Miss America moment, the pageant director says as he enjoys a rare moment of control.
Its kind of fitting that the final spot comes down to these two guys.
Hell, I probably wouldnt have guessed this configuration at the start of the finale.
Romeo, Maryanne, and Mike are very different personalities and players.
They each started in different tribes.
And each has their own story of how they made it to the end.
An emotional Romeo talks about how he didnt come into the game wanting to play from the bottom.
But that was the hand he was dealt.
He is complimented for his social skills and ability to connect with multiple people.
And he talks of how proud he is to show his kids that they can do anything.
However, he comes a little unstuck when confronted about his so-called honor and integrity.
He does eventually concede and defends his position pretty well.
But its Maryanne that steals the show.
She has a bunch of great answers to tough questions like this.
But her crowning moment is the reveal of the idol that she never needed to use.
Her name was practically etched into one of the final tribal seats.
She wanted to keep Lindsay but knew shed potentially be giving up her shot at the title.
Maryanne claims victory with all but one of the eight jury votes.
Its a feel-good ending to a stellar season ofSurvivor.
Until next time, the tribe has spoken.
