6 burning questions ahead of this week’s episode of Survivor 44

For The Win’s Blake Schuster and Bryan Kalbrosky are blogging about Survivor 44 all season long. Catch up with their thoughts on the premiere and this spring’s cast here.

Fans of Survivor had a week to digest a truly dramatic opening to the 44th season. We now know that Bruce will get a second chance to play after being medically evacuated after just 12 hours in Fiji and the shot in the dark may not be as useless as once thought. But now that our players are three days into the game, it’s time to start looking ahead at what’s coming next.

Here are the six burning questions we have ahead of episode 2, “Two Dorky Magnets”.

Bryan Kalbrosky:

1. How is the Ratu tribe going to respond to Brandon after the truly bizarre tribal council?

I’m still trying to process a lot of what what happened during the first tribal council of the season, and I’m sure the Ratu tribe is as well. Maddy was voted out with just one vote, and Brandon took control of the tribe in a way that may have some lasting impacts with his tribe mates. I could see the vibes being not so great over there.

2. Carson and Helen both seemed to want to “hide” their intelligence on the Tika tribe. How long does that last?

I loved watching these two solve the savvy puzzle. But at the same time, both indicated during interviews that they didn’t want to be perceived as overly intelligent so that they weren’t viewed as a threat. Let’s see how long they both can hide that from their tribemates.

3. Will we get any more info on this tweet?!?!?

cant wait to break my silence on this bench tea with Matthew when these #survivor NDAs are done hehe

— claire (@claire_rafson) March 6, 2023

Claire caught Matthew’s attention with a well-documented “excuse me” and hinted at some tea that was spilled between the two tribes. What else was shared that didn’t make it on camera and how it will impact the game play of these two contestants?!

Blake Schuster:

1. Will the other two tribes find the key to their cages (and how will they use it?)

Thanks to Brandon, we now know the cages placed outside of each camp contain two idols — one that provides immunity, the other an elaborate fake — but only the Ratu tribe is aware of this. That’s because Brandon found the key and decided to open the cage in front of his tribemates. He instantly regretted that decision and wound up having to (correctly) play the real idol at the first tribal council. If/when other players finally get into their cages, will they share what they know or keep things quiet?

2. Will the apparent romance between Matt and Frannie turn their tribe against them?

With all due respect to Survivor’s Mom and Dad (Boston Rob and Amber), showmances typically end up with both players getting voted out fairly quickly. Matt and Frannie appear very keen on each other from what we’ve seen so far (and in the previews for episode 2). Are they doomed to watch their tribe put an early target on their back or can they use their alliance to swing the numbers in their favor early?

3. Will we make it through a challenge without a medic?

No, but really. Survivor 44 is averaging a medic call per day. Both challenges so far have required Jeff Probst to halt the game so a player could seek help. It’s dramatic and scary and always tough to watch. Let’s hope we’re through with any more injuries out in Fiji.