With the elimination of The Dragon Slayer, we are now down to 11 people left. Before the endgame starts, I’d like to reflect on what has happened, and make some final predictions. We gotta start by saying, Season 50 is absolutely delivering. Returnee seasons are dream fulfillment, and seeing all these people play again is still surreal.

This cast just works. I totally get why all these people were chosen. They are hungry. Comparing this cast to a regular cast is hilarious. Like Season 49 had maybe 3 people that meet the caliber that Season 50 is delivering on every level. Everyone is either playing their heart out, dropping bangers in confessionals, or whispering haikus in a hammock. The only dud to me right now is Aubry. Even Joe has been a hilarious social obstacle for the other players.

In order to enjoy a returnee season, you have to be able to stomach the boot order. Of course, when you invite 24 people back, some of your favorites will go early. I see a lot of discourse about this. I understand that Genevieve and Kamilla got screwed by the blood moon. I agree. But we’re treating it like it’s Parvati and Sandra’s boot in Winners at War.

All that being said, I’m very okay with this boot order. We’ve lost some big names, some big characters, but not all of them. Lots of old, lots of new. We don’t have a Game Changers on our hands, and for that we should be grateful. The only disappointing boot for me so far is Mike White. He had so much gas in the tank and Christian betraying him was questionable to me.

Let’s save some of the discourse for my review at the end of the season. I wanna spend some time locking in more predictions.

The elephant in the room is that I predicted Coach to win it all. Oops! I really thought we were gonna get South Pacific Coach, and not Heroes vs Villains Coach. But our legend burned bright and he made the jury, so I’m satisfied. Kamilla and Colby also rounded out my top 3. So in terms of predicting the winner I wasn’t even close.

If I owe anyone an apology, it’s Ozzy. What a glow up oh my god. I’m an Ozzy fan. I never thought I’d be an Ozzy fan. He’s charismatic, he’s charming, he’s playing a good game? Emily Flippen is also doing a lot better than the first boot I predicted her to be. She’s honestly EATING this season. Thank God she’s here to cause drama. Still not convinced she’s a great player, but she found the correct (pre-game) alliance.

It’s really looking like Cirie’s game right now. Season 50 very well could be a coronation ceremony for Cirie finally winning Survivor. I’m not surprised Cirie is dominating. But I think Ozzy and Rizo would genuinely take her to the end. She actually found a group that won’t sell her out. I have a hard time seeing any of them getting out before the endgame and I think one of them will win.

The alternate universe that could happen is Christian, Rick and Emily’s contingent winning out. They are also playing great games. I just think the season’s story favors Cirie’s Rizzard of Ozz a bit better. But what a treat that we get two very dominant powerful alliances at the halfway point like this.

The next few episodes will tell everything. Who will win the power struggle? I’m excited to find out.