Survivor Recap: The Curse of a Losing Tribe Continues to Haunt the Game

We're four episodes in to season 45 of CBS's Survivor, and things are heating up. I mean, a blind side this early in the game? Before they even get to a tribe swap or merge? That's when you know its going to be a good season.

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Now, just to catch you up, that blind side happened last week when Sabiyah from the Lulu tribe got played after she BBQed an immunity idol she decided not to play because she felt she was safe. (Note to self, if I'm ever on Survivor, I must keep in mind that you're never, ever safe.) Speaking of Lulu tribe, they've been living up to their nickname Lulu losers these past few episodes. Will that change this week? Yes, but not for the reasons you might think.

Because of Lulu's losing streak, they've been cut down to three, so host Jeff Probst decided to shake things up and change up the tribes. In the new Lulu, only Kaleb stayed (and was joined by four members of the Belo tribe, which obviously means they're going to team up to vote Kaleb off when they get the chance, right?!). Meanwhile, Lulu's Sean moved over to the Reba tribe and my fave, Emily, moved over to the Belo tribe. So sure, this shakeup evens out the numbers, but it also adds all new twists to the game we didn't see coming.

Outside the game play, there are two players who hate each other and it's so much fun to watch. The back and forth between Katurah and Bruce is just delicious. When the tribes were swapped, you just know Katurah was ready to snuff herself when she saw Bruce was going to be on her tribe. Why does she hate him? Good question, I don't get it (and personally, I think Bruce is kind of weird and fun and charming in a stepdad trying to impress his new step-kids kind of way). But it's in this episode that Bruce wakes up and notices the heaping doses of hate Katurah is sending his way. Will it hurt her game? Or his game? Honestly, I think it's more likely to hurt her game, because she seems to be more focused on hating Bruce than actually playing the game. (But make sure you watch the delightful montage of Katurah complaining about Bruce midway through the episode. I legit have never related to a person more. Like, Katurah and I are the types of people who created the phrase "if you've got nothing nice to say, come sit by me.")

A thoroughly enjoyable moment was when members of the Reba tribe decided to go through Sean's bag to see if he had brought over an idol from his Lulu days. The kicker, he tied his bag in such a way that made it look like a trap. So, they spent time studying his knots like any good spy would. I lived for this Mission Impossible level connivery (not a word, but it should be).

And that connivery (so glad I was able to use that fake word again) may have cursed them, because they ended up losing the challenge and landed them at Tribal Council for the first time this season. (Meanwhile, Lulu losers no more, they finally won a challenge and got that flint baby.) Considering that Sean's a new member of Reba, it's obvious he's on the bottom, but after some secret tribe tomfoolery, it's clear all eyes are not on Sean, they're on Sifu. (Insert dramatic music.) The original tribe members keep saying they're "Reba strong," but not one of them is acting like that single mom who works two jobs, who loves her kids and never stops. (You knew I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to quote Reba McEntire's "Survivor" about a tribe named Reba on a show called Survivor. What kind of homosexual do you take me for?!) Did Sifu get snuffed? Sean? Was there another blind side? Guess you'll have to watch—and you should, because this Tribal Council is good (and very, very annoying).

After you watch, listen to On Fire, Jeff Probst's official Survivor podcast, because he breaks down parts of this episode that need some nuance added to them.

Who Needs to Get Snuffed?

Part of me wants to say the members of the Reba tribe who went through Sean's bag, because I lowkey hate that. But I'm going to say Austin, because there's something I don't trust about him. (And it's not because I never trust a pretty boy.)

Who Should be the Sole Survivor?

I've said it these past few weeks and I'm going to keep saying it, Emily. She didn't have much action this episode, but after the tribe swap she had the wherewithal to know to align quickly with Drew and Austin, two players with advantages. Clever girl!

Watch Survivor every Wednesday on CBS or anytime on Paramount+ to follow along as I react to every episode this season.