LAST EDITED ON 02-27-04 AT 09:10 AM (EST)

Quick impressions right after watching this but needing to go back. First thread here:

http://community.realitytvworld.com/boards/DCForumID2/4813.shtml

I'm more interested in the parallels of the two tribes now because I felt the dissolving of Saboga brought the tribes, not the individuals more into focus.

Chapera WOW, their goal is TO WIN, period. Throughout the game, comments of kicking butt, even the way they built their shelter and boat (Taj Majal) all the way and to the hilt. The challenge was very indicative of their collective persona. Rob IMMEDIATELY planted himself ready to battle Ethan, ready to battle Colby. They are playing offense

Whereas Mogo Mogo almost self admitted their skating their way, i.e. per Colby NOT TO LOSE. They are very content in coming in second which raised my eyebrow. Colby even said the raft they built was done based on laziness and exhaustion. At the challenge they changed courses, avoided the confrontation, Kathy plain SAT down (symbolism at its best) They are playing defense, pure and simple.

That won't cut it in this game. Mark Burnett is not a big fan of playing NOT to LOSE, he wants you to PLAY to WIN.

Some interesting observations.

KO posted this is another thread (shame KO, it would have been perfect in here) which struck me as well with Jenna's forlorn shot by herself waiting to get selected last. Jenna is a little tigress; being picked last is only more "stuff" she needs to fight more. Her insight of how she worked very hard until now only for it to be for naught just tells me how she is very aware of what she needs to do. She is NOT living paranoid minute by minute (like prior winner Ethan) but contemplating her position.

Another interesting observation was the lack of interaction between good friends from S3, Ethan and Lex. The fact that Colby has now FINALLY be shown playing this game only tells me that he is being set up for a fall; the fact that Lex was very quiet with regard to Ethan also tells me that there is something there. Colby's spike in face time (should he leave soon) will further my notion of this pattern that those who are not who they used to be are not being invested long by Mark Burnett. If this is the case, Colby (with his sudden overly confident gameplay) Ethan (with his 50/50 chances running low and prior winner status) and Jerri (her sympathetic edit but now a touch of the old Jerri flashing here and there) are not meant to stay and I have already posted ad nauseum that Sue's lack of story is indicative she is not being invested in as well.

Tom and his (again) non threatening, seemingly hick act is covering for a very astute player. Interesting that Rob has it in for the "pretty boys" (watch the showdowns continue ) but I actually notice a chink in Tom's alcohol coated armor when Rupert arrived. If "pretty boys" are Rob's sore spot, Rupert will be Tom's. The BIG BOY battle may just be beginning

Considering the blow up we now know for sure is Sue and the mere fact that her story has been invisible until this point does not bode well for her. With the addition of Rupert and Jenna, Sue is completely expendable and if I were Alicia I would also be careful where I tread as well. Jenna, while a big mouth, does have the methods to keep it under lock and key whereas Alicia? Not sure if she is capable plus she is a walking target just by her physical appearance. Tom, Rupert and Rob like their women pretty and sweet, Alicia needs to be careful as she is a dangling fourth and Rupert and/or Jenna are very willing and able to take over that spot.

ETA: Rich's notable quote paid off

Quote: So I’ve really got to push and probe and stir the pot a little. I’m a big ass target, but is doesn’t matter what I do. I’m just gonna keep shaking things up a little bit.”