Don’t let the title mislead you.Saiounia “Sai” Hughleyis already one of the most entertainingSurvivorplayers in a long time. Personally, the fact that she cannot keep her face straight for more than ten seconds is incredibly relatable. That said, despite how quickly she controlled the first episode ofSurvivor,Sai is setting up her own early downfall.I would love to be proven wrong, but playing hard, having an idol, and already having her alliance worry about her threat level have set Sai up to lose.
There is nothing like an injury in the first challenge to set the tone for the season.SurvivorSeason 48 brought together a group of long-time fans excited to start playing. BetweenKamilla KarthigesuthrowingCharity Nelmsunder the bus, an all-male alliance called the California Girls, and Kevin dislocating his arm, Season 48 started with a bang. With accidental reactions and an immunity idol, Sai has placed herself in the Vula tribe’s drama, which might ultimately ruin her game.
The Vula Tribe Split Early On
Season 48 ofSurvivorjust dropped, putting Sai in the spotlight. Sai joins the Vula tribe and immediately tries to form a bond withMary ZhengandStephanie Berger. However, both would rather spend time getting to know each other. Since Sai is so desperate to play the game, she goes to the men in the tribe, allying withCedrek McFadden, Justin Pioppi, andKevin Leung. However, after a disastrous Immunity competition loss for Vula, the vote came down to Sai and Stephanie.
Despite being so active, Sai has already made several decisions that will influence her game going forward. Playing hard so early is almost always a recipe for disaster.Jeff Probstwas right;sometimes castaways need to start playing right away, butplaying too hard and too fast tends to cause problems. Once people know that you are in it to win it, you become a threat.Sai spent time trying to form alliances right off the batand got everyone’s attention. By the time tribal came around, Mary and Stephanie had pushed Sai and the target. Although they were part of the four-person alliance, Justin and Kevin debated the merits ofcutting Sai early.The fact that Sai’s name was already in the minds and mouths of her own allies means that she threatens them. In the preview for the next episode, the pair again point out how dangerous she is. Sai played hard and played fast, which can spell disaster.
‘Survivor’s Most Dominant Winner Is Also One of Its Most Underrated Players
She easily managed to “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.”
Immunity Idols Are a Double-Edged Sword
Another mistake Sai could have made is with the openness of her idol.Immunity Idolsare tricky because, on one hand, they guarantee safety and often trick other contestants away from voting for a castaway, but on the other hand, it is a scary power to leave in the game.By telling her alliance about the idol, Sai made herself twice as dangerous. Everyone will attempt to flush the idol so it will be replanted, making it challenging to get Sai out. However, by telling her alliance, Sai gained some trust, which should provide social leverage. Sai could have kept it a secret, but she did not think she could solve the puzzle. Funnily enough, she was the one to solve it in the end. Unfortunately,having the power in her hands instead of theirs will concern them– and it already is.
The last big thing Sai did in this first episode was make an enemy immediately. Mary Zheng, who has already amassed a large fanbase online by talking about being onSurvivor,was close to Stephanie and was upset when she was eliminated. Mary prioritized getting her bearings, but now she knows she is alone.An underdog can be the scariest thing inSurvivor,and Mary has become just that. Luckily for Sai, Mary could set her sights on Justin and Kevin, who had promised their votes previously.Sai started playingSurvivorhard the moment she stepped on the island, and it could spell her doom. Sai is playing too hard, is too open about the idol, and has just made a major enemy.
SurvivorSeason 48 has just started, and Sai is already making a splash.Survivorairs on Wednesdays and is available to stream on Paramount +.
