by Don Hart

Here would have been my advice to Errin and Sierra in Episode 11: “Always be prepared to form an alliance with your worst enemy if it is in your best interest.” If these two weaker players had worked together so they could taken control of the game.

In Episode 10, we saw that Errin and Sierra were not friends. The prospects of them bonding together in Episode 11 were therefore very slim. But looking at their missed opportunity, one can only ask “Why?” Before every immunity challenge right from the beginning of the Tocantins series, either Errin or Sierra was in danger of being voted out. They survived largely because of Timbira’s challenge wins. Why didn’t they share part of their 30 days together discussing their dissatisfaction at sharing the bottom of Timbira’s pecking order? Why did they never commiserate over the injustices they suffered from the males on their tribe, especially Coach?

Sierra only managed to form one Timbira alliance, with Brendan. Errin, from what we saw, didn’t have any Timbira alliances. So what were they doing for 30 days? They had to realize that alliances are necessary to win this game. And to win, one has to win jury votes. Even if one is feeling absolutely miserable from dawn to bedtime, $1,000,000 should be enough of an incentive to get along with everyone. Save the vitriol for the confessionals. If you don’t feel good enough to be friendly and outgoing, then put on an act.

What Errin and Sierra Could Have Done

Luck carried Errin and Sierra to the Final Seven, handing them an incredible opportunity. If they had formed an alliance, here is how they could have become powerbrokers with a path to the Final Two. They had to see that the three Jalapaos and the two remaining Timbiras, Coach and Debbie, were headed toward a crossroads where they would have to turn on each other. If they had rejoined their original Timbira tribemates, they could have used Coach and Debbie’s votes to pick off two Jalapaos, preferably J.T. and Stephen, then bonded with the remaining Jalapao, Taj, to outnumber Coach and Debbie. And lo and behold! It could have been Errin and Sierra in the Final Two.

At Least Sierra Tried

Sierra did make an effort to save herself, by exposing lies and misdemeanors on the part of her domineering male Tribemates Coach and Tyson. But what about wildcard Errin, Sierra? Did you ever approach her and compare notes? Errin, what did you ever do to assure yourself a position better than fourth on the Jalapao totem pole? And the both of you: did you ever consider whom you could beat in the Final Two? Errin’s best chance at endgame time was Sierra. Sierra’s best chance was Errin.

Does It Matter if the Weaker Players Miss their Opportunities?

Viewers tend to like underdogs and appreciate good game play. Stephen and J.T. have been doing very well right from the beginning of this series. But it would have been nice to have two weaker players such as Errin and Sierra step up to the plate and give them some competition. Coach and Debbie only seem to be flailing in the roles of “those who are duped”.

Is It Worth It to Get on the Let’s Criticize Coach Bandwagon?

Probably not, but it’s so easy to do. Coach has been doing everything wrong. His biggest mistake was abandoning Timbira at his first opportunity and allying himself with the most dangerous player around, J.T. Yet, Coach is in the Final 6. It is inconceivable to me that he could win the $1,000,000, but I guess anything is possible. As the self-appointed leader of a Tribe going into a merge up 6-3, however, the responsibility of Timbira’s implosion should ultimately fall upon his flawed shoulders. Wasting such a numbers advantage has to be one of the worst performances in Survivor history.

For feedback, please email me at cosohub@ix.netcom.com