Survivor 44 episode 5: Odd conversations and a surprise exit

Fans of the hit reality TV show were probably surprised by the ending of Survivor’s latest episode. Survivor 44 episode 5 did a great job focusing on some of its castaways, pointing out various conversations where players can make or break their game. In this case, one player’s doom was set from the season premiere.

Some of these conversations were headscratchers, as it’s often puzzling to see two players openly ignore a third player at a reward. Yes, fans don’t always see everything that happens in the game of Survivor, but one specific moment needs to be addressed.

The winning team of the immunity challenge picked one person from each tribe to go on a separate adventure. Ratu won immunity and selected Brandon from their tribe, with Danny from Soka and Carolyn from Tika. The three players were taken to a beach to get to know one another while going on a long walk. Before too long, they arrived at a sanctuary where no votes would be risked or advantages gained, but something unexpected happened.

Survivor 44 episode 5 shows fans what it’s like to feel like the third wheel

The three castaways were given a comfortable setting to relax and indulge in a lot of food. As information started to creep out, it was clear two of the three players had a vast interest in working together. Unfortunately, Carolyn knew very early that she was not a part of their plan moving forward.

Brandon and Danny described their eagerness to work together, while mentioning how physical players don’t often win Survivor. Carolyn is clearly (and rightfully) frustrated in being overlooked in this conversation, especially since this was an opportunity for all three of them to bond. At this moment, Carolyn saw the writing on the wall and she was told how these two felt about her.

"Brandon said, “I don’t mean this in a mean way; I feel like you’d be somebody to keep around because you haven’t proven yourself to do very well in challenges.”"

In what felt like an impossible scene – for two people to openly ignore and dismiss another player – Carolyn validated this sequence by sharing her feelings in confessional. On top of this awkward conversation, there was another upfront moment where total honesty could’ve completely divided two people.

How did Tika handle losing another immunity challenge in Survivor 44 episode 5?

It is obvious how conversations can sway someone to be for or against you in the game of Survivor. Besides the aforementioned trio’s talk, Josh and Yam Yam also had ups and downs in this episode.

First, Josh survived the vote last week after playing his idol during tribal council. The Tika tribe is now down to three players, so finding positive ground with Carolyn and Yam Yam is crucial. Despite not working with Yam Yam last week, he told him, “I don’t trust you.” Although honesty can be appreciated in a game filled with dishonesty, this direct approach does not always work.

Yam Yam continued to extend an olive branch to work together, which allowed the two of them to finally have a conversation about their experiences coming out and what that was like for them. This bond let them move beyond last week’s vote and see each other as potential allies. Granted, Josh later shows him a fake idol he made, which Yam Yam immediately calls him out on using “tree mail” beads, making him question whether or not to trust Josh.

Yam Yam finds himself in a power position as both Carolyn and Josh seem to be focusing their attention on each other. Despite being on the outs of last week’s vote, he regained his position by being able to float in the middle. Yes, Carolyn does have an idol and could use it to save herself; however, fortune favors the whole Tika tribe staying together instead.

Who was sent home in Survivor 44 episode 5?

Despite Tika losing the immunity challenge and having to go to tribal council, any potential plans of who might go home were halted. Hours before having to put pen to paper and vote someone out, Jeff Probst arrived in a boat to their beach.

After injuring his shoulder on day two, Matthew had to leave the game. It was clear early in this episode how much pain he was enduring. After the immunity challenge, Probst asked Matthew to stay behind to be looked at by medical because he sat out two challenges in a row. Although players have previously sat out challenges consecutively, I have to believe Probst and the production team kept tabs on Matthew to ensure he was not putting himself at risk by staying in the game.

Matthew separated his shoulder after rock climbing and then slipping and falling. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer any severe breaks, cuts, or head injuries that threatened his life, but this mistake is the reason Survivor 44 episode 5 doesn’t end in a normal fashion. Matthew’s exit due to injury means that the Tika tribe is spared the fate of tribal council. With no vote-outs, and based on next week’s preview, the trio has made it to the next phase of the game as the merge is upon us!

What did you think of Survivor 44 episode 5? Were you shocked by Carolyn being openly left out of a conversation? Was Matthew your winner pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow Hidden Remote for more Survivor coverage!