If you tuned into CBS last night expecting the usual tribal council theatrics, you probably ended up staring at your screen in a bit of a daze. It happens. Survivor has this way of making us think we’ve got the numbers crunched, only to pull the rug out when the torches start flickering.
Honestly, the energy was heavy from the jump.
The Shocking Blindside: Who Went Home?
So, let's get right to it. Sage Ahrens-Nichols was the one who had their torch snuffed out last night.
It feels weird even saying it. For weeks, Sage seemed like the person who was going to coast into the final three with zero resistance. They had the social capital. They had the "vibes." But as we’ve seen a million times, being the most liked person at camp is basically a death sentence once you hit the endgame.
The vote wasn't even a clean split. It was messy.
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Basically, the "Tres Leches" alliance—which, side note, is a hilarious name for a group of people literally starving on an island—finally fractured. Sophi Balerdi and Savannah Louie realized that if they sat next to Sage at the end, they were fighting for second place.
How the Vote Went Down
The math was tight. We’re talking razor-thin margins.
- Sage received 4 votes.
- Rizo received 2 votes.
- Savannah received 1 vote.
You could see the moment Sage realized it was over. That "O" shape your mouth makes when you realize your best friend just wrote your name down? Yeah, that. Sophi was the one who orchestrated the whole thing, which is a massive resume builder for her if she makes it to the final tribal.
Why the Plan Actually Worked
Most people think blindsides are about being mean. They aren't. They’re about timing.
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Rizo Velovic played a huge part in this, too. He’s been carrying that idol around like a security blanket for what feels like forever. Last night, he didn't even have to use it. He just sat there, looking cool, while the girls did the heavy lifting.
There was a lot of talk about a "Block-a-Vote" advantage earlier in the day, but it turned out to be a total dud. It’s kinda funny how much time the editors spend on these advantages just for them to end up being irrelevant. The real story was just good old-fashioned betrayal.
The Sanctuary Effect
Before the vote, we had that reward at the Sanctuary. Tacos. Letters from home. Beer.
Usually, that’s where alliances are solidified. Savannah won the challenge and took Sophi and Rizo. While they were stuffing their faces with carnitas, they weren't just eating; they were plotting. They looked Sage’s "ghost" in the eye and decided they didn't need them anymore.
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It’s brutal. But that’s the game.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
With Sage out, the power dynamic is totally lopsided.
Rizo is the clear physical threat now. If he wins the next immunity, he’s basically guaranteed a spot in the finale. Meanwhile, Kristina Mills is still hanging on by a thread. She’s been on the bottom so long she probably has permanent sand in her shoes, but being an underdog is a great narrative for a jury.
Key Takeaways for the Finale:
- Sophi is the new frontrunner. She proved she can make the hard move without getting her hands too dirty.
- Rizo's Idol is still a factor. If he doesn't have to play it next time, he’s in the driver's seat.
- The Jury is bitter. You could see Nate Moore’s face on the jury bench—he looked like he was enjoying the chaos a little too much.
If you're wondering what to do next, the best move is to watch the exit interviews. Sage usually has a lot to say, and seeing their perspective on the "Tres Leches" betrayal is going to be spicy.
Also, keep an eye on the official CBS social feeds for the "Ponderosa" videos. That’s where the real tea gets spilled. You get to see the jury members interacting without the game pressure, and it usually hints at who they’re actually leaning toward rewarding with the million bucks.
The path to the Sole Survivor title just got a whole lot wider for the remaining players. Next week is going to be a total bloodbath.