Russell's alliance on Day 1 was with Natalie and Ashley. He booted Ben, though reluctantly. He also considered booting Jayson.
He didn't consolidate anything with Jayson and Mick until he had something over them., namely the idol. Russell didn't show Natalie and Ashley the idol because he didn't need to. They were already under his "protection."
I wouldn't say Russell was ever in an alliance with Coach and Jerri. He simply used them to make a move, and they used him to advance further, or so they thought. John, same thing.
Day 1 alliances for Russell: Ashley/Natalie, Parvati/Danielle, Krista/Stephanie.
True, necessity had something to do with it, but it would be pure naivette to believe this is coincidence.
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