First issues first. Blissful birthday, Sue! 46 years outdated! I imply… 59 years outdated! And the way wonderful that it occurred on the identical day as remaining Tribal Council, and he or she was sitting there on the very finish. I’ve by no means had a Survivor finale fall on my birthday, however did have one land concurrently on Mom’s Day and my marriage ceremony anniversary, and let me let you know, that was not a unbelievable coincidence so far as my spouse (and the mom of my youngsters) was involved. Nonetheless working my manner out of the doghouse for that one.

However I suppose it was a little bit of a bittersweet birthday for Sue, as she was fully shut out of each the edit and the vote there at remaining Tribal. ZERO VOTES! You’ll assume any individual would at the very least throw her a sympathy vote to keep away from turning into the newest member of the Stephen Fishbach Zero Vote Membership. The place you at, Gabe? Clarify your self, Caroline! You completely left my lady hanging!

Even worse, Sue was largely a bystander as Rachel and Sam dueled it out at remaining Tribal and garnered just about all the consideration and questions from the jury… although Sue solely bought one much less vote than Sam! Some folks merely don’t have any respect for birthdays anymore.

However let’s put some respect on the title of the newest — and in line with Domenick Abbate (whom I just lately smoked in fantasy soccer), best — Survivor winner. Rachel. Right here’s a enjoyable story, and it has to do with the image under. Have a look.

The Survivor 47 final 4 speak!

So, that picture above of Rachel was taken out at Survivor, besides it was not taken at Survivor 47. As a substitute, it was taken at Survivor 46. Rachel was an alternate for that season, so we met out in Fiji in 2023. I truly do interviews with the alternates every season simply in case one thing occurs they usually find yourself within the recreation. Which is why I interviewed Rachel for 46 out in Fiji (and in addition interviewed Tiyana earlier than Survivor 45.).

As we spoke, it was clear Rachel was an enormous fan of the present, and but right here she was that shut to getting on Survivor, but not fairly getting on Survivor. And it began to daybreak on me: Right here is that this big fan out right here the day earlier than the sport begins, and this can be the closest she ever will get to really taking part in. Not solely that, however since they took her telephone away, she has no proof or proof that she was ever even out right here having a Survivor expertise.

So, being the massive softie that I’m, I wished to be sure that Rachel at the very least had a visible memento of her time in Fiji in case she by no means made it on the present. So I instructed her we must always take her picture, simply in case. Look, I’m removed from knowledgeable photographer, however I channeled by interior Robert Voets anyway and had Rachel stand with the water and an island within the background to offer the composition a few of that pure Fijian magnificence. Little did I do know then that I used to be snapping the pic of a future Survivor champion.

A yr later, that’s precisely what she grew to become. Rachel didn’t play a flashy recreation like Tony, an excellent misleading recreation like Boston Rob, a flirty recreation like Parvati, a stealthy cutthroat recreation like Dee, or a supremely social recreation like Kenzie. However she did all the pieces properly and was a terrifically well-rounded participant with no obvious weak spot. She was revered each socially and strategically. She gained a number of challenges (Jeff Probst could have talked about one thing about that). She didn’t solely purchase idols and benefits, however maximized how and once they have been used. And he or she employed her Shot within the Darkish properly, as a check to gauge different gamers’ reactions as as to if she wanted to make use of her idol. Good.

So what’s to not like? A really deserving winner, to make sure. And the jury agreed, handing her a 7-1-0 win, with solely Kyle voting in any other case, for Sam. And let’s discuss Sam. He didn’t win. In actual fact, he bought smoked. That’s not a shock judging by the best way gamers have been speaking about Rachel for the previous few weeks. However man, did he kill it at that remaining Tribal Council.

The editors did all they may main into Tribal so as to add suspense and make us assume Sam had a shot. They confirmed him speaking about how “My story is rootable, one thing the jury goes to need to get behind.” They aired a clip of jury member Sierra speaking up Sam’s recreation. However it all felt like a feint. I wasn’t satisfied. Then, Tribal Council began. It wasn’t that Rachel was doing something poorly in any respect, however Sam offered his case with confidence and gusto, and had sensible arguments on the prepared.

His strongest second got here when he painted Rachel as a one-dimensional participant who leaned on competitions and luck to get to the tip. “It was immunity and an idol in fries that bought her to the tip of this recreation,” he instructed the jury. And when Rachel responded that his path was simpler as a result of folks weren’t focusing on him, Sam was in a position to deftly counter that he was voted for essentially the most occasions out of anybody within the remaining three, and was voted for at 4 totally different tribals and obtained 10 votes. He additionally related once more later when he promoted how he “Discovered a number of methods to get to the tip with out profitable immunity necklaces or shopping for the correct merchandise on the public sale.”

It was a powerful line, however ultimately, the stronger all-around recreation gained out. And although Rachel gained in a rout, it nonetheless felt like an in depth race there for a couple of minutes, proper all the way down to the pained parchment decision-making by people like Sierra and Gabe. Possibly it was simply skillful modifying, nevertheless it labored. I truly began to marvel, if solely a bit. And that added a bit of welcome uncertainty into what appeared like an inevitable march to the title after final week’s episode.

Two fast notes earlier than we transfer on to the remainder of the finale recap: First off, after males gained 12 out of 15 seasons (together with six in a row) from season 26 via 40, 5 out of seven new period Survivor seasons have now been gained by girls, together with the final three. Make of that what you’ll. Secondly, it's too dangerous the finale form of fell sufferer to CBS' scheduling whims. As a result of the community wished a 14th episode and producers due to this fact determined to separate the finale into two installments, we form of all knew Rachel (who was additionally an professional fire-maker) was going to win earlier than the episode even started. That certainly sapped a few of the drama from the endgame, which is a disgrace. Then again, I don't need to be the man complaining about getting even extra Survivor. Okay, let’s get into the opposite large moments of the Survivor 47 finale.

The Survivor 47 jury speaks!

One final puzzling state of affairs

There have been so many levels to this remaining immunity problem that I’m fairly positive 5 turtle doves have been by some means concerned sooner or later. However none of it mattered, in fact. As a result of the second we noticed the puzzle on the finish, we knew who was profitable. Certain, it was enjoyable watching the forwards and backwards because the contestants did stage after stage and we watched Sam go from first to worst and again to first, nevertheless it all ended the place we knew it will, with a Rachel victory.

I do need to give a particular shout out to Teeny, who struggled mightily making an attempt to chop the rope, simply as I did whereas testing out a season 46 problem. (Word to future gamers: There’s a particular angle it is advisable chop from or else you’ll sit there wanting like an fool in entrance of everyone. I converse from expertise.)

Rachel’s victory put her in elite firm, which was shouted out by Probst nearly as many occasions as I’ve shouted out Milwaukee’s Finest in these right here digital pages over time. Rachel joined Kelly Wiglesworth, Jenna Morasca, Kim Spradlin, and Chrissy Hofbeck as the one girls to win 4 particular person immunity challenges in a season.

And in contrast to two of these girls, she had simply gained the sport. There’s a shot after Probst known as it the place you see it throughout Rachel’s crying, muddy face as she stares on the accomplished bat. That was the face of victory. She knew it, too.

Survivor 47 finalists reveal how they want to handle the jury (exclusive)

To fireside or to not hearth?

I can’t let you know how completely satisfied I’m that Rachel felt completely no have to put herself into the fire-making competitors after already incomes her spot within the remaining three with the problem win. It’s one of many issues I dislike most in regards to the fire-making, that it by some means delegitimizes profitable the ultimate immunity problem. “I don’t assume knocking Sam out immediately goes to raise me in any substantial manner,” Rachel defined. Hallelujah! And fortunately, the jury clearly agreed. (Let’s hope future juries are simply as sensible and don’t punish folks for not collaborating in that ridiculous train.)

The problem winner didn’t hesitate in telling the group of her resolution, which was that Sam and Teeny would sq. off at hearth and have a possibility to battle for an opportunity to lose to Rachel on the finish. And thank goodness she did, because it led to this A+ forwards and backwards within the water:
Sam: “You’re going to let me make hearth?
Rachel: “Yeah.”
Sam: “Alright”.
Teeny: “Oh, f— you.”
Sam: “I’m down.”
Teeny: “I’m down too. I’ve no alternative. You don’t should be like that.”
Sam: “Like what?
Teeny: “Conceited.”
Sam: “I’m not conceited.”
Teeny (imitating Sam): “You’re gonna let me make hearth.”

Now, look — I’ll be the primary to confess that was not Teeny’s strongest Sam impersonation. You’ll assume it will get higher the extra they did them, however this one by some means bought worse! Though, to be honest, so far as we all know, that is the primary time Teeny has impersonated Sam in entrance of Sam, which, one would possibly assume, might result in some efficiency jitters. Plus, this impersonation came about whereas 90 p.c submerged in water. Teeny didn’t have the total vary of emotion or gesticulation they employed of their on-land imitation that set the bar for all imitations to come back. Let’s lower them some slack, is what I’m saying.

So Sam and Teeny then bought to working towards, utilizing these knives that have been disturbingly left for them stabbed right into a tree, as if Jason Voorhees had abruptly swooped in John-Cochran-in-Recreation-Changers type for no obvious cause. Whereas Rachel helped Teeny grasp the artwork of fireside (concurrently locking up a jury vote if they didn’t prevail) Sam was struggling. Evidently, Sam was not mendacity to Teeny when he mentioned he had by no means practiced and by no means sparked a flint. In actual fact, he instructed us he had solely even touched a flint as soon as in 25 days, main me to ask: HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!?

I perceive the best way Survivor works. Sure folks tackle sure duties round camp and if another person (like, say, Sue) takes on hearth responsibility, then you definitely go do one thing else. I additionally perceive that you simply don’t need to come off as a hearth professional as a result of that incentivizes folks to eliminate you earlier than you even get to the ultimate 4. However to by no means attempt even as soon as? Outstanding.

It was round this time when Sam lit his first hearth… and that fireside was inside! After studying again a Liked Ones letter from his dad that was little question 5 million occasions extra motivating than any halftime speech ever given by Matt Eberflus (“No matter you do, don’t cowl the tall man on the Hail Mary play”) Sam went again out and practiced some extra and at last bought a flame. However might he do it when it counted?

Jeff Probst promises a 'real battle' at Survivor 47 final Tribal Council

Rope-a-dope

I stands out as the president of the ultimate 4 fire-making hater society, however I’ve all the time acknowledged that although I feel it’s a severely flawed recreation mechanic, it has supplied some insanely dramatic moments over time. The fireplace-making is why we bought the one Survivor tie vote in historical past with Wendell edging out Dom, and there have been different unimaginable moments as properly, just like the emotional Tony vs. Sarah face-off in Winners at Battle, Jesse’s emotional exit on season 43, and now the Sam vs. Teeny duel that tuned your complete jury into one large Eliza Orlins exaggerated facial response. (I don’t care. I nonetheless don’t prefer it, LOL.)

This one was loopy, and so far as I can inform, Teeny didn’t lose to Sam. As a substitute, they misplaced to wind. Probst even talked about this himself, noting throughout his play-by-play that “Now the wind is blowing Teeny’s away from the rope and Sam’s into the rope.”

So although Teeny appeared to have a flame properly earlier than Sam, it simply wouldn’t keep centered underneath the rope. And this isn’t the primary time that has occurred. Again on Survivor 41, Heather Aldret was undone by the wind when she misplaced to Deshawn Radden, even whereas showing to have the upper, longer-burning hearth. “I did have the upper, most constant flame,” Heather instructed me then. “However I don't know in the event you might see it, however the wind was blowing so laborious. I felt like I used to be in a bit of wind tunnel, and it was pushing the flames again. It was truly blowing in at me! I needed to hold backing up as a result of it was gonna burn my face.”

Fortunately, Teeny didn’t get their face burned off, however they may undoubtedly sense it slipping away as Mom Nature sided with Teeny’s all-American quarterback nemesis, whereas all they may do was look on in horror whereas gasping annoyed exclamations like “Come on!” and “Noooooooo!”

“I do assume that second will hang-out me for the remainder of my time on earth,” Teeny instructed us after having their torch snuffed… additionally as soon as once more snuffing my probabilities of accurately choosing a winner firstly of the season. (What else is new?) However I need to say one thing else about Teeny. I’m positive there are folks on the market who didn’t like Teeny being so hostile in spots to Sam for being the charismatic, common alpha jock kind, however I don’t actually get why. After each of their outbursts, Teeny was very clear in explaining how their points with Sam have been far more about their personal inner points and coming to phrases with being comfy in their very own pores and skin than something Sam did.

What number of occasions have we heard somebody on Survivor slam somebody and place all of the blame on the different get together’s toes whereas taking no accountability for their very own prejudices and bias? But, right here was Teeny doing precisely that and explaining their points via a a lot bigger prism. They defined it fairly properly at their remaining Tribal, dubbing the rivalry “one-sided” and admitting “I’ve projected insecurities onto him.” That could be a uncommon show of self-awareness on a present that always lacks it. And when Teeny ended by explaining that “Dropping to the massive good-looking jock, it’s simply one other a part of the story that I’ll should cope with,” they have been speaking about way more than the sport. All that mentioned, I can be rewatching Teeny’s tantrums and impersonations on a steady loop till season 48 begins, as a result of whereas I could profess occasionally to own high-minded beliefs, I’m, at my core, a toddler.

Survivor 47 star Genevieve Mushaluk sheds new light on Operation: Italy

Closing Tribal ideas

I notice I form of did this entire recap backwards and already talked in regards to the remaining Tribal Council and the way a lot Rachel deserved it, and the way properly Sam did in defeat, and the way a lot Sue simply form of needed to sit there questioning why no one was singing “Blissful Birthday” to her, however a number of different fast notes from remaining Tribal.

• I don’t know the way it performed with the jury, however I form of love Rachel’s reply to Gabe’s opening question of “How do you assume your recreation can be remembered?” the place she mentioned she didn’t come to have a Survivor legacy, didn’t care how she can be remembered, and simply wished to play Survivor. The rationale why I feel that sudden reply was so efficient is that by zigging to a query clearly set as much as have gamers zag, she set herself up as somebody that was going to reply the jury’s questions truthfully and never simply inform them what they wished to listen to (even when she secretly was).

• Can we take a second to acknowledge Sol busting out one more shirtless vest look? What an icon.

• Take a look at Mike Holloway and Ben Driebergen catching strays at a Survivor 47 Tribal Council! This was truly a unbelievable query by Andy. Tremendous Survivor nerds are likely to low cost Mike and Ben as unsavvy gamers who merely succeeded due to a string of immunity wins and idol finds (or, Ben Bombs, if you’ll), so what Andy was basically asking Rachel was, “In the event you don’t respect these sorts of wins, why ought to we respect yours?” Rachel parried this decently, speaking in regards to the remaining three offers she made with Sue and Teeny to focus on her extra social and strategic facet. Nonetheless, nice query for Andy, made much more excellent by the truth that he frolicked fixing his hair earlier than asking it.

• Rachel took a danger when she talked in regards to the private accomplishments in her profession and life, and the way she hadn’t all the time owned these accomplishments. It was a stable level about having the liberty to advertise oneself with out sounding like a cocky jerk, however juries don’t all the time need to hear about one’s accomplishments off the island when competing for what is perhaps a life-changing amount of cash for somebody sitting beside you. Fortunately for her, the transfer didn’t backfire.

After all, after Rachel was introduced because the winner, it was not over, as we nonetheless needed to get to the ultimate three losers’ largest nightmare… also referred to as the After-Present!

Join Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking information, unique first seems, recaps, evaluations, interviews together with your favourite stars, and extra.

After-Present afterthoughts

You all know my emotions on the After-Ahow. Probst likes it as a result of he says it’s the most actual and uncooked, earlier than gamers really feel like they should react to how viewers react to what they noticed on TV. That's high quality, however I might counter that gamers are unable on the After-Present to react to something that they didn’t see out on the island with their very own eyes. The enjoyable of the reunion is seeing gamers react to issues they’d no thought even occurred or have been mentioned till they popped up on their TV display. Plus, not all of the gamers are even there! Additionally, we don't get to see what they appear to be six months later, which is undeniably enjoyable. Okay, sufficient ranting.

I didn't catch any nice moments from the After-Present… besides perhaps Genevieve saying "Be ready to be on the underside" (I instructed you I'm a toddler) and Andy filling up Teeny's champagne glass to the rim. I've mentioned it earlier than and I'll say it once more… RELEASE THE DRUNK TEENY TAPES! I additionally thought Teeny articulated very well what a singular expertise taking part in Survivor is. However there was no actual excessive drama or excessive comedy in these remaining 20 minutes.

Nevertheless, how wonderful does this Survivor 48 promo look?! So freakin' good! Take a look at some intel on the season, in addition to the teaser and the brand proper over right here. I used to be on the market for filming on that one, and suffice it to say I can’t wait to see S48 kick off.

However earlier than we get to that, we nonetheless have loads of S47 enterprise to conduct. In the event you missed my unique pre-finale interviews with the ultimate 4 and jury, I heartily suggest you examine these out for many perception. We'll even have an unique deleted scene from the finale, in addition to interviews with Jeff Probst and the ultimate 4, so hold your eyes peeled for all of that (and in addition be at liberty to hit the feedback under together with your ideas on the finale.)

Due to everybody for enjoying alongside, for one more season of Survivor recap shenanigans. Your patronage and your form phrases are a lot appreciated. Let's do it another time on Feb. 26, we could? I'll see you then with a piping scorching scoop of the crispy

Shut