Great read as usual, Michel!

I see we're on the same page with Corinne!In my post above I noted as well that she was rather one-note with her alliance-won't-flip comments amongst her confessional disdain for Philip. I also noted how it would be ironic if they kept Michael over her. The only thing that puzzles me is game-wise it would be rather impulsive for Philip to make this move next episode. While, he may think he's following BR rules in swapping out his 6th in his alliance (Corinne for say Michael or Julia, like Boston Rob did ousting Matt for Philip) - Boston Rob didn't have to maneuver with a tribe swap. It would be very risky for Philip to get rid of Corinne next episode, as he would be putting a lot of faith that Andrea & Malcolm would come back into the fold come merge time. This could be yet another area where Philip is thinking he's as good as Boston Rob, but simply isn't. It would be a risky move getting Corinne out just yet, without Philip getting full assurance from his other alliance members. He's likely getting it from Cochran & Dawn, and perhaps he feels like his connections to the Bikal fans, as well as previous Bikal faves, are strong enough.

Still, it could put him in a precarious position. It was noteworthy that he said his "superior man" speech, and that he would wait to eliminate Corinne. Will he be successful in doing so at the right time? I also picked up on the possible misstep made by Corinne at TC in talking about switching out a few of her alliance mates if her circumstances were different. There's a chance it might not be too damaging, as we have seen such things said before at TC, like with Chelsea & Sabrina regarding their alliance in One World (which they were not punished for). Although we did see a cut to Philip at TC right after Corinne said this. Is Corinne too comfortable in her alliance (like Alex was to Rob) that she is unnecessarily vocal about things that could get her in trouble - possibly. Rather likely - this is Philip we're talking about!. A few comments like this from Corinne, and the deluded "superior man" may actually get agitated enough to think he's waited long enough to give her the ax, when indeed he would benefit more in keeping her along (as we are hearing from her that she'd remain loyal).

In other news, I do believe Cochran is looking the best to take it all the way - far better than any other players right now. Dawn is being set up for endgame too. I don't think it's bad that we haven't seen her interact with the Bikal fans as we're already getting other editing confirmation that they are not integral to the story. Matt is already gone, and likely another one of them too before the merge & jury formation. Perhaps it feels like she's missing something to her edit as she will be a loser at FTC. As for Andrea, I think she's receiving the next best edit after Cochran. Her confessionals have been substantial and consistent, and we're certainly seeing that her head is in the game. I don't necessarily feel that she's buying Malcolm's lie about the idol. Sure, we didn't see her question his response afterwards, but this may come up again in an episode or two. I think Andrea is shrewd enough to know not to take Malcolm's response at face value - it was actually good for her to bring it up, and play along with him no matter what his response.

Last note, yes, each of the fans look helpless right now, at least in terms of endgame. Each of the remaining five had some kind of editing manipulation this episode to allow us to lose some hope on their chances. Too bad