Episode 08 - "Hearts" not compatible with "$$"

First, I want to apologize for the mistake I made in thinking that the jury began last week - when in fact, there was one more person to go until the jury started. But since no one really reads this blog, I figure I'm safe in making all the mistakes I want :)

OK, I don't know about you, but in terms of "the game", this past episode was the best yet in Survivor Guatemala. I have a few items that I wish to call attention to:

First, I am shocked that Steph & Rafe aren't holding to their original alliance with Gary. We know this to be true from the one-on-one conversation that Rafe had with Gary when Gary said something like, "the RIGHT thing to do would be to vote of Jamie." To which Rafe replied, "but where would that leave US?" And then Gary responded, "you'd still be in power." So we know that Gary is no longer aligned with Steph and Rafe - although he may be the last in line to be voted off after Bobby John and Danni.

Was anyone else surprised to see that Cindy didn't vote for Jamie? She must know that she's the first to go after BJ, Danni & Gary and she must have realized that she had a chance to be integrated with BJ, Brandon, Danni & Gary. Plus the fact that she gave the big speech during tribal council about "having a heart" and all that crap, only to go with the majority vote.

I also can't wait to see if BJ or Jamie finally lose their cool and throw a punch at each other - because the rules of Survivor explicitly state that there can be NO physical altercations. If someone assaults another person, they would be immediately taken out of the game.

I'm now convinced that starvation and boredom really can make someone go crazy - in a big way. Case in point - Jamie. This guy is a perfect example of how strenuous circumstances can bring out the worst in people. I was watching a documentary recently on the Donner-Reed party and how their experience starving in the mountains during one of the worst winters in recorded history brought out the best in some people - and the worst in others. Jamie and Judd for that matter are examples of the latter. And to be quite honest, I'm not liking the smugness that Stephanie has been showing recently and I really do think she will go soon - now that physical competence is a huge liability.

As for Rafe, against his better judgement, he didn't end up voting for Jamie - which only means that risking his equity in the Steph alliance was worth far too much to cast a vote based solely on principle. I'm certain that he & Steph had a discussion where it was discussed that Jamie will go soon - just NOT YET.

In my mind, the probability of Rafe getting to the end just increased. He is not considered a physical threat (although he may kick it up a notch now that individual immunity is at stake). And he is part of a very strong alliance, as was evidenced in this past episode.

Rafe's current odds for the win - 75%