LAST EDITED ON 04-18-11 AT 11:34 AM (EST)I hope this weeks conflict is indeed a TC/voting showdown between Phillip and Steve and not a plot-line diversion showing us yet one more reason why Phillip is the sacred goat.
Well, racism is a touchstone issue, and in this case they decided they wanted to telegraph the conflict to the audience in advance. It could be resolved amicably. If it doesn't that may only be because "buddy system" prevents Phillip and Steve (or whoever) from hashing things out between themselves. (Note to self: Check press photos when they are released, hope the guys who do the timestamp analyses are all over it ASAP.)
Regardless, the division between the two tribes remains. Phillip is only at risk if the majority of Ometepe decide enough is enough, but he is directing all of this (it seems) at Zapatera. Even without an amicable resolution, Rob has a knack for talking Phillip down from the ledge, a calming influence, when he elects to employ it.