Regulators, Mount Up

Well, get ready for the "Mariano Crime Syndicate" to stop, drop, shut 'em down and open up shop. If they haven't been already. David's nickname for the ex-Omatepe (pronounced Om-topp-ay by Phillip) is priceless and fitting--they run quite the operation. The machine is working so perfectly, in fact, that Survivor is lucky they have Redemption Island, or else they'd be faced with the most predictable show in recent memory. (Side note: I have no idea why the show isn't doing more to mix it up a little bit, and give the former Zaps a bit of an advantage: Placing another hidden idol, a reward challenge that splits up the tribes for a few hours, etc. But at least they have Redemption Island, and they also could be counting on the fireworks getting big once it's nothing but the Syndicate left, which they probably will be.)

The former Omatepe's are clinical in their efficiency. During a potentially scary (for Rob) double elimination episode, the MCS didn't even break a sweat. And they've closed off any inroads for the Zaps by utilizing a (admittedly brilliant) buddy system. No one speaks to the other tribe by themselves.

It's during this episode that the MCS's unity crosses a line into what could easily be classified as uncomfortable. Rob is on his game, yes. But it's also very much creepy. Wondering what instances I'm referring to? Well, there were four. I'll list them:

1) Rob, describing Phillip, says that he's a "loyal soldier" and that "he'll be rewarded for his behavior."

2) Ralph, desperate to mix things up, tries talking to Natalie and Ashley, and promises to vote for Ashley if a) she's in the final three and b) he's on the jury. Natalie tattles to Rob, who then tells the camera Ashley will be "punished for her insubordination."

3) The former Zaps caught a ton of fish, and offered some to the Syndicate. Rob doesn't want his troops forming any sort of relationship with the other tribe, and orders them not to have any. (This despite 22+ days of subsisting on basically rice).

4) When weighing his options for tribal council, Rob deliberates over sending Steve home, and mentions that he's capable every once and awhile of a "mercy killing."

Raise your hand if you have the chills.

Still, this presents the Zapatera's with one of their only hopes in the game. Actually they have three. First, the immunity challenges. Second is playing mind games with Phillip (more on this later). And third is highlighting Rob's unsettling control over his alliance. And this third option just might work. Julie uses language like "Rob's cult" at tribal council, and points out their blind obedience. We saw Grant bristle a little bit when the camera asked him if he was nervous about crossing Rob's leadership by eating the fish. (And while he maintained that he does what he wants, and doesn't answer to anyone, you just get the feeling that he wasn't even convincing himself. I'm telling you, Rob is the Godfather.) If Julie, David, et. al can continue to make Rob's underlings aware of their subjugation (and on top of that, cause them to be bugged by it), then they just might have a chance.

Now back to Phillip. (Oh, Phillip. When are you gonna find whatever it is you're looking for?) Lest we forget, Phillip is the architect behind the most absurd tribal council of the season (maybe ever--in week one). Anyone who thinks that they can predict Phillip's behavior probably needs to brush up on that Samurai Code that he keeps ranting about. All we're talking about is one teeny, tiny idea to be planted in Phillip's head, from any source, and we're dealing with mayhem. (And by the way, while we're [kind of] on the topic, would there ever be an easier target on this planet for Leo DiCaprio and his team to Incept than Phillip? I'm not even sure they'd need to put him under one dream, let alone three. The man considers falling feathers (from the sky, where birds fly around) to be signs from higher powers, for crying out loud. Literally, whatever thought they wanted to plant, it's theirs).

Anyway, this last episode bears witness to the genius of the previous week's tribal council. With no threat from a flip-flopping Matt, the MCS is free to beat up on Zapatera like Kramer did with those eleven year old kids in his karate class.

Comment below with any thoughts or if you think I've missed anything. And stay tuned for this next episodes big (racially charged?) clash in camp.