Laura and Ciera epitomize the Blood vs. Water theme they're going for. It seemed like they were trying to create a rivalry between Aras and Vytas, but they're obviously close and want to make it to the end, whereas I think Ciera may be the only family member who would vote for their loved one to leave.

I like Aras and Vytas, and I hope Vytas makes it far without Aras, but I'm rooting for Tyson and Gervase. It was great to see Gervase make his very first game move ever. Tyson is a fairly underrated game player.

Yeah, I used to hate Tyson but I've been entertained by his sneakiness this season. And it's nice to see Gervase get to play the game in its modern state. I mean, back when he played in the first season the concept of "alliances" was actually frowned upon.

I keep forgetting Caleb is still on this season. Has he had a single confessional/line of "dialogue" since Brad was voted out?

Hmm. Pretty predictable double elimination episode: Vytas and then Tina.

Vytas' exchange with Aras at Redemption Island kind of turned me off. I don't think he came off that great in this episode, I hope Aras beats him.

I thought there was a chance Monica and her apparently rampant paranoia would be voted out instead but that's probably coming up later.

Tina was kinda funny this episode. Should be some interesting truels ahead.

Monica is loco.

4 returnees and 4 newbies left.

Ciera really wants to vote out her mom. Which makes me think Ciera will be blindsided next, sadly. I prefer her cutthroat attitude.

I actually think Ciera is the dark horse to win this season, if the obvious choices of Tyson and Gervase don't pan out.

I actually figured the girls were going to team up the way they all looked at each other when Vytas was voted out.

For those interested, Todd Herzog (Survivor China winner) is on Dr. Phil today. He became quite an alcoholic.

I saw some of that episode. He must have really messed himself up because he could hardly speak. I thought he had a bit of brain damage. His speech was just really slow and not very focused. Too bad.

The producers must have been jumping for joy with this episode and the Ciera/Laura relationship. And then Ciera fascinatingly voted out her mom. There were so many interesting dynamics at work here.

That was sweet of Monica to give up the food. I guess she was going for redemption after annoying everyone in the last few episodes.

Besides during the immunity challenge, Monica didn't say a single word this episode. And it was fantastic!

I'm really shocked the girls weren't seriously considering an alliance. Definitely a wasted opportunity, even more so when they still had Tina.

Hopefully Laura can get back in, again. I wouldn't mind Tina coming back either. At this point, it's Tyson's game to lose.

Ooh, I'm glad Caleb was voted out and not Ciera. I'm kinda rooting for her.

Tyson continues to be the puppet master...I think Hayden's attempts to get him out next week won't work. Monica has had some impressive challenge performances.

Apparently this is Tyson's to lose if editing is to go by. But I'd like to see Hayden's plan succeed. Monica is impressive in challenges, but she's a non entity these past few episodes.

Tina's son (and Katie's brother) was killed in a car accident yesterday.

http://www.knoxville.com/news/2013/dec/ ... lins-dies/

Woah. That was awesome! Crazy tribal council. It's hard to believe that was only the second time in 27 seasons that a deadlocked vote went to drawing rocks.

Ciera made a ballsy move switching her vote and forcing that. Fortunately for her, she didn't draw the white rock. Unfortunately for her, Katie did and not Tyson.

It would seem like Hayden and Ciera are in trouble now although anything can happen in this game.

Epic, yet anticlimatic. Ciera actually had pretty low odds of improving her game - just 1/3. Still loved the big move and I'm glad Hayden and Tyson are still in it.

The downside is that Hayden and Ciera are fucked. The upside is that Hayden and Ciera were fucked regardless.

I don't see a final three without Tyson, Gervase and Monica. She will not flip on them. Too bad considering she has diminished into a boring player.

You're forgetting the Redemption Island player returning. I also think Tyson will start gunning for Monica, who I think has a very, very good shot of winning (I can't believe I'm saying that).

I'm kind of mixed on the rock-drawing thing. I would have preferred if everyone, except the immunity challenge winner, would draw rocks, not just those that couldn't make up their minds.

Oh ya? I kind of love the huge switchover for the people on the chopping block suddenly becoming immune, despite how convoluted it might be. It's definitely great incentive for someone to flip.

Unless the redemption island player returns before the next vote, it won't matter. Ciera or Hayden will go. The only hope is that the #4 player wins the final immunity challenge, forcing out Tyson, Gervase or Monica.

I do like following how they edit the show together and they've made Tyson this impossible player to beat in the end, which either means he goes before the final tribal or it's another season of Bitter Jury Voters.

"Katie looks hot!"

Kat will not be pleased.

Daaaaang. I tip my hat off to Ciera and Hayden for battling so hard to convince Monica to go with them. I'm not sure either option was really better for Monica (she's going to lose no matter what) but at least they gave it a shot. Still rooting for Ciera to take it all!

I'll be VERY surprised if Tyson doesn't ultimately win, though. He'll slaughter Gervase and Monica in the final three.

Yeah. Either Tyson wins or Hayden gets it. Editing doesn't get much room to anyone else. Maybe Ciera, but I don't think she would get the votes. She voted off too many people and flipped later on. That doesn't give you votes after all.

Ciera. I was hoping she would win.