There is only one person in Samoa who understands anything at all about playing The Game of Survivor; and that is RussHell. But he's not right if he thinks that the best player always wins The Game. Sometimes, the vaguaries of human dynamics, behavior and downright irrationality (compounded by hunger, exhaustion and being emotionally overwrought) result in a lesser player sitting there grinning like an idiot on the Early Show with a million-dollar check and a how-did-I-get-here smile.

For proof of this I offer the evidence that Liz is gone from The Game despite the fact that she never gave less than 100 percent at every challenge and never, ever gave up simply because RussHell realized her brains were a threat. He decimated his tribe and figures - rightly or wrongly - that he can do the same when he gets to Galu. Already we have seen him plant a RussHell Seed when he went to Galu's Laura and ingratiated himself by playing the Christians Must United Against The Unworthy card and gave very clever information about the Hidden Immunity Idol being gone already (true) and offering the 'Russ had it but hid it somewhere around camp' explanation that he will use in the future when he pulls it out; claiming to have found it in the new hiding place; which he can do if all the Foa Foa's are eliminated after the merge.

The Galu Four realize that Shambo is a loose vote and bring her into their circle; including engineering her choice as leader. Shambo, like Charlie Brown trusting Lucy with the football, is so eager to be part of the tribe that she doesn't see that she is being used. If this were a Steven King story, she'd soon be unleashing her telekenetic powers to destroy the prom.

The high school analogy continues with the Beautiful Girls group on Galu that has not realized the same thing. I guess they're still crimping their hair and sure that the boys really do like them for who they are - and not their bodies - and won't vote them off one by one.

Speaking of which - Natalie - damn girl, where you been hiding?

Sorry, I digress.

On the subject of breathtaking scenery, Samoa has not disappointed. I also noticed that many of RussHell's confessionals were filmed from a location overlooking the bay? He's getting the 'Lord o' the Island' edit (much like Earl)...could they be telegraphing his win?

All in all, this season has given us some real drama (Russell's collapse) as well as some compelling television (RussHell), the brilliant comparison of Shambo to well-intended but inept Gilligan (who's selection as leader mirrors that show's decision to name the island after the only person who didn't have a hope or desire to dominate the castaways). Wouldn't it be just brilliant if this foreshadows Shambo winning The Game?

RussHell vs. Shambo in the finals. Wouldn't it be funny if it came down to Evil vs. Honorable but Inept?

Russell went to Galu? When did that happen?

I don't think Shambo is inept...I just think she has been alone so long that she is just happy to be a part of something and she won't let it go...not yet at least.

I must say a Shambo/Russell finale' would be sweet though...both IMO would be worthy....although I'm liking Natalie more and more as she and Russell make a formidable team (I'm sure Russell is also noticing her value as well...and I don't mean physical)

OH...and good summary

That works for me!