What a fantastic episode! Betrayals, blindsides, last-minute secret strategies and architecturally beautiful crabs. Where do I even start?

Kim almost took a life-threatening hit, but was tipped off by her own plan B target, who was tipped off by her plan A target, who ultimately played the hidden immunity idol, which sent the plan B target packing and gave the plan A target one more chance to stay alive. So Troyzan lives to see another week, and Jay, maybe the nicest hot guy to ever play the game, heads to Ponderosa. I’m sad to see Jay go. I wouldn’t say he had mad strategy skills; he just seemed like a good guy. Chelsea liked him enough to feel bad about looking him in the eye and lying. Apparently looking people in the eye and lying is a big deal to Chelsea since she mentioned it five million times. This is a game though, and lying is completely legal, whether you’re looking someone in the eye or not. Isn’t eye-looking sometimes an even more obvious sign of lying anyway?

Troyzan could teach us a thing or two about reading people. He picked up on subtleties that most people would never even consider. He knew Kim went overboard when she was assuring him he was safe, he noticed who cheered for who at the immunity challenge, and he read the “funky” vibe at Tribal Council well enough to know he needed to play his idol. The only thing that could’ve made his night better is if he hadn’t told Jay he had an idol to play. Kim wouldn’t have had a clue, and she could’ve potentially been sent home, depending on how the votes fell. Troy would’ve had control of the game, and the girls’ alliance could’ve suffered a serious loss. However, Jay spilled the info and Kim survived, and was hopefully reminded that fighting for immunity will be imperative in every challenge that remains. The logic of not wanting to appear to be a threat is good, but we’re nearing the end here, and since no one is safe, you might as well be strong. This is where it’s time to be a Jenna Morasca or Tom Westman and win challenges over and over until you win yourself right to the finals.

How about Kat tonight? She sounded strategic, level-headed, and smart. Yes, smart. She was making calculated decisions and not letting emotion get in the way. Way to go Kat. Alicia helped talk sense into Chelsea by flat-out demanding, “It’s time for you to take your heart out of the game and put your brain back in the game.” Chelsea is confusing. Sometimes she seems so friendly that she can’t do anything mean, then moments later she has this fierce determination to prove her strength, fight for immunity, and vote out a friend. Tarzan was wearing Monica’s shirt, probably just to subconsciously harass her and her plastic surgeon, who I’m sure she has ill feelings toward. Did you see him brushing his hair with bamboo? Awesome. He’s Survivor gold. Maybe someday he and Phillip will be on the same tribe.

People choosing food over immunity always makes me crazy. I understand they are far hungrier than I can imagine, but watching someone choose a cupcake over chance at immunity just kills me. I roll my eyes and yell at the screen every time. After 24 Seasons, it seems like people would realize that no one is ever totally safe. Then again, after 24 Seasons, you’d think I’d stop yelling at the screen.

Well, next week Troyzan is going to have to fight to stay alive. I hope he’s able to make something work, but I honestly don’t think he stands a chance of making it much longer. I think we’re about to see the girls take this game by storm. Remember when Courtney broke her wrist and the girls couldn’t figure out how to trade places on that balance beam log? Yep, beginning to seem like a lifetime ago. The girls not only gained their footing, but are now completely running this show. Can’t wait for next week!