The Fang and Kota tribes have finally reached a merge, and of course, drama, back-stabbing and shocking results ensue.

After a lovely little round of sling shot golf in challenge one, Fang (with their renewed strength still intact) once again take home the prize. After sending Bob off to exile, in what I can only observe as a misguided attempt to save him, the Fang members were wisked off to spend a night with the Gabon locals. After being washed with leaves and fed the team lets loose and dances with their hosts. So far, absolutely nothing unexpected going on with that.

Then challenge two came upon them.

Host Jeff Probst announced to the two tribes that indeed their much awaited merge is upon them and they will be fighting to start a fire that will give just one individual the proverbial get out of jail free card. Much to everyone’s surprise, Susie takes quick lead all but killing the competition, with Sugar as the only other member from both teams who could even get the kindling lit. With only a slight race between the two underdogs, Susan holds onto her lead and walks away a happy girl.

Susan may have had a nice new power necklace to sport, but upon strategically sorting out post-merge moves, Sugar was the girl with all the power. Both the original Kota four and Fang four vied for her trust, attention, and most importantly, her vote.

After an invigorated camp fire tribunal where Marcus paid the first of his many visits back as an observer, Sugar made one of the most surprising moves I’ve seen thus far in this game as an audience member. For no obvious reason, she voted out Charlie. My mouth dropped, literally.

Then it occurred to me, this game is no longer about strength or smarts, it’s exactly what the fire starter challenge was about – self preservation.This is a lesson that Randy and Corrine must quickly learn. Forget the meek, in this season’s Survivor it appears as if the weak shall inherit the earth.