Survivor: China - Todd gave best performance at final Tribal Council...Big winne

Well, it all came down to, “Who could win over the jury best?” It was between the two who should have been voted out a long time ago. Courtney, the skinny-Minnie from New York, who almost shocked everyone and won Survivor: China. But it was Todd who played a smart game and was able to convince many of the jury members to change their votes and seal the victory for him. Looking back, Todd should have been gone a long time ago.

Of the last three remaining tribe mates, Amanda was the shoe-in to win. She won the last two Immunity challenges, kept her alliance intact and made it to the end. Her only downfall is that she was too apologetic at the final Tribal Council. No one likes to hear you apologize for everything. At least take some ownership with the fact that it’s a game and you just outwitted the jury members. Both Todd and Courtney told the jury what they wanted to hear. Todd was very vocal in the fact that he beat them all in the game and Courtney was honest in her lack of survivor skills but also emphasized the fact that she made it to the end and they did not. They respected both of their responses and that’s why they were the top two.

Now to the Finale…

The Final four retrieve Tree Mail to find breakfast items for them to cook and celebrate making it to the end. Later they completed the traditional Rite of Passage walk remembering the fallen tribe mates who left the game before them. At the end, they met Jeff Probst who explained their last Immunity Challenge.

The tribe mates had to balance an assortment of Chinese dinnerware on an unbalanced platform. The one who could balance the items the longest without them falling would win the final Immunity and guaranteed a spot in the final three. Todd was the first to drop his plates and Courtney was second. It all came down to Denise and Amanda. As Denise noticed that Amanda was beginning to buckle, Denise tried to offer Amanda a deal. Unfortunately, Amanda did not want to hear it. Eventually Denise couldn’t hold on any longer and Amanda won the final Immunity.

Back at camp Denise tried her best to convince Amanda that she should take her to the finals. Using her family, her honesty and her $7.00 hour job as bait, Denise tried everything in her arsenal. Amanda told Denise that she knew she would be the most deserving of the remaining three, but she had to think about it.

At Tribal Council, Amanda stuck with Courtney and Todd and voted out Denise.

Arriving to the final Tribal Council, Todd was relieved that he had made it to the end. Knowing he had the gift of gab to sway the jury to vote for him, he felt his chances of winning were very good. Even Courtney, who couldn’t believe she had made it to the end, was still basking in her good fortune.

As the jury began with their questions, it was obvious that Amanda was not prepared for the jury. Todd and Courtney came in ready. Todd played the schemer role and Courtney played the “Stupid Blonde – who beat you all” role. It worked.

In the end, Amanda received 1 vote, Courtney received 2 and Todd received 4 to become the latest Survivor Millionaire. Todd’s gamesmanship was being compared to that of Richard Hatch (the first Survivor winner). Todd contributed his win to sticking with an alliance that was both stronger than him and weaker than him.

Great job Todd!

The next Survivor will have a new and fresh twist as 8 Survivor favorites from past shows will compete against 8 fans of the show. That should be interesting. Maybe Amanda, James or Peih-Gee will get another shot at the million dollar prize.

Until next Season.