Survivor 43 episode 4 sees a salesperson take the lead

Last week’s episode of Survivor highlighted a second week in a row of the Vesi tribe losing. Two members have been sent home and the question leading into Survivor 43 episode 4 was: Will it be three straight weeks of the red tribe going to tribal council?

Survivor 43 episode 4 highlighted a spark of energy from Vesi in the reward challenge, as Cody Assenmacher led them out of the gate giving the team an early lead. From throwing bean bags to knock over various sized blocks, to then maneuvering two of those blocks in the sand as the only stepping stones to walk on, Cody then landed the first of three sand bags on “hanging discs” that resembled a swing set.

This reward challenge was a crucial first step in Vesi as they try to veer away from continued disaster. Their lead in the challenge was too great to overcome and they were the sole winners of this reward. First, they won ten large fish. Plus, they were allowed the opportunity to visit one of the other tribe’s camps to steal something. The only caveat being they could not steal anyone’s flint to make fire; that has to be earned back at the immunity challenge.

So, how important was this reward challenge win and would it change the team’s fate of returning to tribal council once more?

Cody outmaneuvered another tribe in Survivor 43 episode 4

Despite the benefit of earning a lot of fish to eat in the reward challenge, Vesi did not have fire back at their camp. They were allowed to trade their current reward for a previous reward, which allowed them to take a fruit basket and tool kit. Next, they had to select one person to send to another tribe to steal something.

Cody volunteers and tells them he wants to take the winningest tribe’s machete, because it would make it harder for them to open coconuts and start fires; make them suffer a little to hopefully lose some of that strength. Dwight, Noelle, and Jesse want him to avoid stealing the machete, because it would be too mean and make enemies. Although, their decision to help another tribe in this episode’s immunity challenge will surely do just that.

Cody arrives at Coco’s (blue) camp and he tells them he plans to take their machete, which is something they want to avoid at all costs. As a salesperson back home, Cody realizes the power has switched to him and the other tribe starts offering items instead of their most-valued tool. Bing, bang, boom – Cody walks away with their fishing gear and two different types of food. If you ever wondered if you should trust someone in sales in the game of Survivor, you want to at least make sure they’re on your side.

Reward sparks Vesi and spills over into the immunity challenge on Survivor 43

As if destined for a solid showing in Survivor 43 episode 4, Vesi did not disappoint. Not only did Cody work the blue tribe during his visit, which Karla called correctly – “I think Cody played us” – Vesi continued their momentum through the immunity challenge to secure a night away from tribal council.

Though, remember when they didn’t want to upset Coco by taking their machete? The tribe must’ve forgotten and helped the Baka (yellow) tribe in the final puzzle to give them the needed advantage to persevere and win the second immunity idol. It’s safe to say Vesi’s assistance to Baka did not go over well with the blue tribe, so maybe they should’ve just taken the machete?

It’s not clear if Coco will eventually take their revenge out on Vesi as “a dish that is best served cold,” but perhaps this shakeup did more than cause anger. The strategic scramble before heading to tribal council allowed the castaways to worry about who they were voting out, and one castaway in particular could not get out of their own way.

In what seemed to be a vote directed towards Geo, another player started to believe they were on the chopping block and started saying things you might not want to say in a game for a million dollars. Telling allies you’ll be “coming after them” if they vote for you is probably not the best way to inspire or solidify trust. So, because of the rampant paranoia and essentially breaking the trust she’d earned to that point, Lindsay was voted out.

With Cody playing a big part in Vesi’s energy spark to win reward and immunity, as well as taking the lead to steal items from Coco, it’s clear Survivor 43 episode 4 has given fans a flip in momentum as the tribes get closer in size. The question remains: Will this momentum continue and will Vesi ride the wave to more victories?

What did you think of Cody’s performance tonight? Were you glad to see Vesi avoid tribal council? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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