Thanks for singling out the Brenda/Phillip pic, got me thinking "Let's try to see things from Phillip's perspective." (From his previous season this is something I am extremely reluctant to do.)

Whatever else Phillip may be, he isn't dumb. He knows he needs a solid alliance and people he can trust when they get to the merge. He also knows there is a crack in his alliance, Andrea (Phillip-approved even) is moving to position herself above Corinne. This is dangerous, but Phillip has to work his options.

There are three people in the tribe not solid in the Stealth alliance. Of those, we know there is something about Erik that Phillip likes. We know that Phillip put Brandon way down in the scheme of things, even told Brandon as much, and Brandon reacted negatively to that. Frankly, this is one thing I don't hold against Brandon, Phillip was pretty condescending (and annoying) while putting Brandon in his place.

We have no idea what Phillip thinks of Brenda.

Of the three non-Stealth in Bikal, Brenda is actually the smartest and best player per previous seasons. Phillip may be recruiting her as a replacement member of Stealth.

Personally, I think they should get rid of Brandon next time they go to Tribal, but Probst's tease about ep 5 makes me think they keep him around.