We’re nine episodes into Survivor’s 47th season, and it’s evident that this season has one goal: never giving its viewers a chance to relax. From its opening moments, this season has been full of surprises, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Known for its competitive nature, Survivor has always had wild twists, but this season takes it a step further. The cast is playing the game harder than ever, and it’s clear that everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to secure that $1,000,000 prize.
Even in a series known for its brutal strategies, this season’s moves are shocking. One standout moment came when Sierra Wright, who had been part of a thrilling tie vote, was eliminated in the previous episode and became the first member of the jury.
This was a reminder of just how far players are willing to go, even if it means turning on the people they’ve formed alliances with. The way players shift their alliances, make shocking decisions, and keep everyone guessing proves that Survivor’s 47th season is a rollercoaster of emotions and strategies.
Your Teammate Can End Your Game on ‘Survivor’
After last episode’s dramatic tie vote, things were far from smooth sailing at the Beka tribe beach. Sam Phalen, who had narrowly survived the vote, awkwardly thanked his fellow tribe members for keeping him around, though there was a noticeable lack of sincerity.
It wasn’t long before Andy Rueda, who had been part of the tie, went to Sam and Rachel LaMont, his fellow alliance members, to explain his actions.
He admitted that he had betrayed Sam and Rachel, explaining that he had done so to align himself with a larger group that saw Sam as a potential threat. The moment was tense, but Andy seemed hopeful that his explanation would be accepted.
Meanwhile, Rachel LaMont had been in a particularly interesting position. After playing her Shot in the Dark advantage last episode, she managed to avoid becoming the target but watched as her allies, including Sam, were thrown into danger.
Despite this, she and Andy had a conversation about their shared goals and their desire to work together moving forward. They seemed to bond over their mutual respect for one another, but given the nature of Survivor, who can say how long those bonds will last? In Survivor, those who promise to work together are often the first ones to betray each other.
The immunity challenge in this episode pushed the players to their limits, with the stakes higher than ever. Jeff Probst, the show’s host, explained that the players would compete in teams of two. The first task was to crawl under a cage to grab puzzle pieces, and then they would dig for more pieces in a pit.
The first three duos to complete this part would move on to the next stage, where they would have to build a staircase and cross a balance beam. The final two teams would move on to an endurance competition where the last person to stay balanced between two walls would win immunity.
The challenge itself was difficult, but it was even more challenging because the losing teams would lose their votes for the night and would be sent on a journey to try and win their votes back. This twist added another layer of strategy, as players had to decide whether to focus on winning immunity or securing their votes for the night. Tension filled the air as the teams competed fiercely, with moments of intense drama.
One key moment came when Andy and Sam’s puzzle pieces were torn apart by Andy himself in a fit of frustration, losing them the round. Meanwhile, Sue Smey’s attempt to face the balance beam ended in her slipping off with a roll, but in the end, Gabe Ortis emerged victorious, defeating the physical powerhouse Kyle Ostwald to secure immunity.
‘Survivor’s #1 Rule? Don’t Trust Anyone’
The latter half of the episode was full of scrambling, as the losing teams of LaMont, Rueda, Phalen, and Caroline Vidmar went on a journey to try and win their votes back.
Still from Survivor 47 (Credit: CBS)
They participated in an intense version of Jenga, stacking metal cards in a tower, with the person who toppled the tower losing their vote. In the end, it was Caroline Vidmar who made the mistake of knocking down the tower, losing her vote while the others regained theirs.
Meanwhile, the winning group, which included Sol Yi, Teeny Chirichillo, Kyle Ostwald, and Gabe Ortis, celebrated with a reward. They had BLTs and played a burping contest as they discussed their strategy moving forward. Sol and Teeny began talking about their plans to target Sam, who had made several alliances and was seen as a threat.
The two men agreed that they would try to get Sam out, with their ally Sue Smey likely on board. However, they didn’t account for the quiet but determined Genevieve Mushaluk, who was still bitter about Sol’s early-game tactics and thought that his charm was a serious danger to her game.
Genevieve had a quiet conversation with Teeny, where she convinced her to target Sol. She sold the idea to Gabe Ortis, who seemed to buy into the plan after learning that Sol and Teeny had discussed Gabe as a target.
Genevieve’s plan was in motion, but things took an unexpected turn when Rachel LaMont, trying to preserve some sense of loyalty, warned Sam about the plan. She asked him not to tell others that they had spoken, but Sam wasted no time in sharing this news with Sol.
This information shook Sol, who rushed to Teeny and Genevieve, trying to figure out how to proceed. They debated whether they should target Sam or Smey or even the physical threat, Kyle Ostwald. Tension ran high as the group tried to figure out the best move, and it seemed like a constant back-and-forth that left everyone uncertain of who would end up going home.
Tribal Councils Are Never Safe on ‘Survivor’
The tribal council in this episode was one of the most chaotic in recent memory. As soon as Jeff Probst began asking questions, the castaways started whispering among themselves. Sol and Genevieve went back and forth, debating whether they wanted to vote out Sue or Kyle.
Meanwhile, Sam and Teeny quickly followed suit, discussing who they should vote for based on their previous agreements. The tension in the air was palpable as the alliances seemed to shift constantly.
At one point, Genevieve, clearly frustrated with the uncertainty, called the situation a “s**tshow,” expressing her exhaustion with the chaos. It was clear that even the most well-laid plans could quickly fall apart. As the votes were cast, no one seemed entirely sure of what the outcome would be.
When the results were revealed, the shock was palpable. In a surprising twist, Sol Yi, who had been one of the most strategic and beloved players of the season, was voted out. His elimination was a major turning point in the game, highlighting just how quickly alliances can crumble.
Genevieve, who had worked so hard to mastermind this plan, couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She had successfully orchestrated Sol’s elimination, and even she was surprised by how well the plan had worked. It was a bittersweet moment for Genevieve, as she had put everything into making sure her plan succeeded.
Fractured Alliances and Unpredictable Moves
Sol’s elimination was a reminder of just how ruthless Survivor can be. The players this season are skilled strategists, each with their own tricks and tactics. However, the game is also about timing and trust, and as this episode showed, even the most loyal alliances can fall apart in an instant.
One of the standout features of this season is how quickly the game is shifting. Alliances that have lasted for weeks are being broken apart, and players are constantly lying to keep their options open. There is no longer any room for loyalty in Survivor; it’s all about who can make it to the next tribal council and secure their safety.
The blindsides in this episode were a prime example of just how volatile the game has become. Players are not afraid to make huge moves, even if it means betraying the people they’ve worked with for most of the season.
It’s clear that Survivor Season 47 will continue to be full of surprises. If this episode is any indication, the gameplay will only get more intense as the season progresses.
The stakes are higher than ever, and every player knows that they have to make bold moves to survive. With alliances breaking down, new plans being formed, and trust in short supply, Survivor fans are in for an unforgettable ride.
Still from Survivor 47 (Credit: CBS)
Survivor is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S., and if this episode is any indication, there’s much more to come. The next few episodes will surely keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the game continues to unfold.
The chaos, blindsides, and shifting alliances are the heart of Survivor, and this season has certainly delivered. The players have shown they’re willing to do anything to win, and it’s anyone’s game as we head into the next phase of the competition.
“Matlock” deviates from its usual formula this week, opting to start with a flashback—something that’s always a mixed bag for me. I’ve long suspected that I dislike time-based narrative tricks in TV shows, and this episode only confirmed that.
While there are exceptions, the back-and-forth between time periods often leads to confusing storylines. More often than not, it just doesn’t justify the effort. In this episode, we see a rather disappointing flashback-heavy narrative, and I’m sad to report that “Sixteen Steps” didn’t pass my personal test.
Two Years Ago: Matty’s First Day at Jacobson Moore
The episode begins by taking us two years back, to the first time Matty (Kathy Bates) enters the Jacobson Moore law firm. In a seemingly innocuous moment, Matty runs into Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) in the lobby, causing her to spill coffee all over her white pantsuit.
Olympia, wearing an obviously bad wig, is uncharacteristically rude, telling Matty to watch where she’s going. This encounter, however, turns out to be significant—it’s the moment that sparks Matty’s decision to pursue the Wellbrexa investigation.
This scene also introduces the acronym MWBSP, which stands for “Mom Would Be So Proud,” coined by Matty and her grandson, Alfie (Aaron Harris).
While the acronym itself is heartwarming, the flashback of how it came about doesn’t provide new context or emotional weight to the story. It’s a sweet moment, but it doesn’t add anything fresh to the narrative at this point, as Matty had already explained its meaning earlier in the series.
Back to the Present Day: Matty Faces Her Past and Present Dilemmas
Fast-forward to the present day, where Matty is still grappling with the fallout from Alfie’s accidental creation of her dating profile. Although Alfie assures Matty that he’s deleted everything, Stanley—who had contacted her through the app—tracks her down.
He lives nearby and wants to take her out to lunch. Matty responds, explaining that the profile was a prank orchestrated by Alfie and that she’s still married. She politely declines, but Stanley doesn’t take the hint.
Still from Matlock (Credit: CBS)
As the situation escalates, Olympia overhears Matty’s panicked conversation with Edwin (Sam Anderson) and becomes suspicious. Matty, forced to lie to cover for her embarrassing situation, spins a story about being harassed by creditors. Olympia buys it, and the two return to preparing for the case at hand.
The Trial: A Deadly Formula and the Strain of Parenthood
The case at the center of this episode involves two grieving mothers, Vanessa (Ayesha Harris) and Anna (Veronica Diaz Carranza), who lost their baby after he ingested tainted formula. They are suing the manufacturer for the fatal mistake.
Olympia offers Matty the option to sit this case out, given that it involves the tragic death of a child. However, Matty is eager for the chance to work closely with Julian (Jason Ritter) on the case, especially since he’s involved in an upcoming pharmaceutical investigation.
Meanwhile, the emotional complexity of the case becomes evident. The mothers’ pain is evident, but there’s an added layer of difficulty: Anna is pregnant again, and the stress of testifying is putting her unborn child at risk. For one of the mothers to testify, it must be Vanessa, as Anna’s health cannot withstand the strain.
Olympia is faced with the challenge of coaxing Vanessa into opening up on the stand about her son’s death, all in the name of securing a hefty payout. This manipulation of pain, though morally questionable, is seen as necessary for the case’s success.
Matty’s Guilt: Struggling with Her Role in the Case
As Olympia works on the case, Matty’s role becomes more complicated. While Matty initially believes that putting Vanessa on the stand is the right decision, she starts to feel guilty as she witnesses the emotional toll it takes on Vanessa.
Matty’s internal conflict grows, and she begins to question whether the ends justify the means. She pushes Olympia to go ahead with Vanessa’s testimony, even though she knows it will be painful for the mother.
At the same time, Matty continues to be confronted by Stanley. He tracks her down yet again, asking for her help to find his missing son, who has gone on a drug binge. Matty, who had already formed a connection with Stanley due to their shared grief over their children, is initially sympathetic.
When Stanley shows Matty a picture of Ellie, it serves as a painful reminder of her own loss. Yet, when Matty tries to help him, she suddenly becomes distant and harsh. She tells him to never contact her again, an unusually callous response from someone who’s typically empathetic. It’s confusing, especially since Matty has been compassionate with similar situations in the past.
Olympia’s Struggle and Matty’s Role in the Trial
After the tense encounter with Stanley, Matty and Olympia have another moment of connection. Olympia, seeing how emotional Matty becomes when talking about her daughter, encourages Matty to use her experience to guide Vanessa through the testimony.
Matty pushes Olympia to convince Vanessa to testify, reasoning that the mothers need this opportunity to “parent their child” one last time, even if it involves pain and manipulation.
The trial takes a turn when Matty uncovers new evidence. She figures out that the contamination in the formula came from a safety officer named Teddy (Jernard Burks), whose cast exposed the formula to toxic substances. Olympia presents this new evidence, and Matty’s encouragement helps Olympia get Vanessa to testify.
Initially, Vanessa is unable to express her grief, but a simple nod from Matty prompts Olympia to ask about the child. As Vanessa finally breaks down on the stand, the jury is moved, and Anna and Vanessa win the case, securing millions of dollars in damages.
While this feels like a major victory, it’s a bittersweet moment for Matty. Olympia is pleased with the outcome, but Matty is left questioning whether it was worth putting Vanessa through such emotional turmoil. She is left feeling conflicted about whether the emotional manipulation of a grieving mother was truly justified by the case’s result.
A Personal Reckoning: Matty’s Panic and Edwin’s Plea
Matty’s guilt over her role in the case and her interaction with Stanley catches up with her. On her way home, she has a panic attack, overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the trial. Edwin, concerned for her well-being, insists that she take time to rest.
He suggests that Matty quit her job at the firm and focus on raising Alfie instead. Edwin believes that their daughter Ellie’s memory should be honored through healing, not by continuing the stressful and emotionally taxing investigation into Wellbrexa.
Matty, torn between her family and her career, goes into work the next day with the intention of quitting. However, before she can make that decision, Olympia and Julian meet her at the elevator with surprising news: they’ve noticed Matty’s hard work, and as a reward, Julian is bringing her onto his new Wellbrexa case.
This new development throws Matty’s plans into disarray, making her question whether she should leave the firm or embrace this new opportunity.
The Unified Front: Matty Faces New Challenges
This new case presents a challenge for Matty, as she realizes that Olympia and Julian have reconciled. The two are now working together as a team, which complicates Matty’s ability to manipulate their relationship for personal gain. In the past, Matty could play them against each other, especially during their divorce.
Now that they are united, it remains to be seen whether Matty can continue her investigation into Wellbrexa without creating the same rifts she once exploited.
As Matty embarks on this new case, she faces a difficult decision: Can she face this new partnership between Olympia and Julian, or will she be forced to confront her own emotional baggage that has been holding her back?
With her purpose reaffirmed by her role in the case, Matty now has to figure out how to balance her professional goals with the emotional toll it continues to take on her.
Conclusion: The Future of Matty’s Investigation
In “Sixteen Steps,” Matlock continues to highlight the emotional and moral challenges faced by its protagonist, Matty. The episode’s focus on the impact of trauma, guilt, and personal sacrifice presents a complex portrayal of Matty’s internal struggles as she juggles the demands of her career with the weight of her past.
The trial at the heart of the episode, while a major victory for Olympia, exposes Matty’s growing discomfort with using others’ pain to further their legal goals.
Still from Matlock (Credit: Paramount+)
The emotional toll this case takes on her, combined with her unresolved feelings about Stanley and her own family, forces Matty to confront difficult questions about her motivations and her future.
The episode also highlights the shifting dynamics between Matty, Olympia, and Julian, especially with their reconciled relationship. Matty must now faces her professional life in a new show where her old tactics might not work.
In the end, Matty’s decision to embrace the opportunity with Julian and Olympia represents a turning point. She finds herself at a crossroads, forced to reconcile her professional ambitions with the emotional burdens that continue to define her journey. As Matlock moves forward, the balance between personal healing and professional growth will continue to shape Matty’s path.
