Just floating a theory that the reason why we haven't seen anything about the IC this week is because the RC is just the precursor to the merge. After all, if the other tribe loses all their stuff life will be pretty tough. BUT, if the winning tribe takes all of the losing tribes stuff over to their camp, perhaps while they are celebrating their victory the other tribe comes walking up and BAM - surprise merge.

Would be an interesting way for MB to mix it up and keep everyone guessing. Maraamu can't make it much longer with 4 and it would be almost impossible with three.

On the other hand, I think it's a pretty big stretch and there has been no real promotion of a "shocker" this week - which would be more consistent with the past. But, it is something to think about. It would definitely end the innocence.

Any thoughts?

• RE: Is this week for individual immunity? Early merge theory,SurvivinDawg, 02:31 PM, 03-26-02
• RE: Lack of footage of IC,SPRocket, 02:33 PM, 03-26-02
  • RE: Lack of footage of IC,I_AM_HE, 05:06 PM, 03-26-02
• "Raid and Stay",pakooga, 05:08 PM, 03-26-02

I like this idea. Along with the title "End of Innocence" meaning that "pristine" Rotu is no more, this idea is excellent.

It might also explain Rob voting with a different color buff (I couldn't tell the color, but I'm guessing the merge color is a dark red/crimson/magenta range color).

*** Contradictions don't exist. If you are faced with a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong. -- Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

Everyone seems to agree that this next IC needs to be cerebral instead of physical or Maraamu is toast, and with the lack of footage, and thus vidcaps, I'm guessing that instead of an early merge, we'll see some sort of survivor quiz.

There's been a quiz in every season of the show, alternating between RC and IC, and for the past two seasons, it came before the merge:
Pulau Tiga: "Survivor Quiz Show" (RC) -- Ep. 11
Australia: "True or Falls" (IC) -- Ep. 4
Africa: "Africa 102" (RC) -- Ep. 6

I think a quiz is the perfect cerebral challenge that we need in order for Rotu to dump one of the self-described "alpha males."

i agree that a mental challenge would be in order...but the last IC was mental too. so i somewhat doubt it

the idea of an early merge, IMHO, is simply lame. there would be absolutely no purpose to raiding the other camp if that werethe case. no, MB will want the consequences and bitterness over this move to play itself out before he makes another

Perhaps the winning team gets to raid the other camp taking all belongings and MEMBERS for an early merge. Just a thought.