Previously on Survivor! Before diving into the finale of Survivor Season 46, let’s revisit the penultimate episode. It was a gripping moment when island best friends Charlie and Maria decided to target each other. Maria won immunity, so Charlie aimed to eliminate her ally Q instead, while Maria attempted to blindside Charlie.
There were no dramatic fireworks, just a fascinating look at friendship versus gamesmanship. The real shock came at the last second. After being eliminated at the final five due to a unique immunity challenge performance by Kenzie and Liz, Maria joined the jury. When it was time to vote for the winner, Maria did not vote for Charlie.
Yes, you read that right. Maria Shrime Gonzalez voted for Kenzie to win Survivor 46. This decision, combined with votes from Tevin, Q, Venus, and Tiffany, gave Kenzie five votes to Charlie’s three (from Hunter, Liz, and Soda). Had Maria voted for Charlie, it would have been a 4-4 tie, and the tiebreaking vote would have gone to third-place finalist Ben. Given Ben’s decision to bring Charlie to the end and make Kenzie go to fire, it’s reasonable to assume Maria’s vote cost Charlie a million dollars.
It’s a brutal and inexplicable way to lose. Charlie and Maria worked closely together throughout the game, and while they eventually targeted each other, it was out of mutual respect for the threat each posed. Even as they voted against one another, they expressed love and admiration. So why did Maria vote for Kenzie?
Maria explained her decision during the after-show portion of the finale. She told Jeff Probst, “I’ve said this before: I’m a competitor, and the fire in this woman’s eyes when she made fire last night, that, to me, clinched it for me. She owned her game and her story just really moved me. This woman deserves to have this money for her, to start her life, to start her family and I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see this beautiful family you create.”
While Maria’s explanation is heartfelt, it still leaves many, including Charlie, confused. Charlie lost a million dollars due to that single vote, despite Maria apparently telling him, “You better get to the end, my jury vote is going to you.” Charlie likely assumed he had Q’s vote locked up, given Q’s earlier desperation to eliminate him, but Q’s actions are often unpredictable.
Maria’s vote was a curveball, but it shouldn’t overshadow Kenzie’s masterful social game. Kenzie admitted to the jury at the final Tribal Council that she was often brought along on votes and didn’t drive them. Despite this, she still won. Kenzie had only one vote cast against her all season, and it was a mistake. She started on one of the worst tribes in the show’s history but made strong bonds with her fellow players.
Survivor is fundamentally a social game. If people like you, they will find a reason to vote for you. Kenzie became everyone’s buddy, comforting Ben during panic attacks, doing arts and crafts with Hunter, bonding with Tiffany while plotting against her, and doing her best with Q. Kenzie’s infectious energy and likability won her the million dollars.
Charlie also had a superb social game. Unlike Kenzie, he masterminded some votes without pissing anyone off, at least until Maria. He’s a likable guy with a mild Taylor Swift infatuation who played a great game. Ben, too, is a genuine person, but the jury felt Kenzie was more involved in conversations than Ben, who admitted to being a “goat” for a few votes.
Who played the best game? It depends on your definition. Even Kenzie would admit Charlie had more control over the game’s course. But if the game is about making people like you enough to give you a million dollars, Kenzie edged out Charlie by securing the most unlikely vote imaginable.
The finale’s first challenge involved contestants racing to bang a gong after completing a massive obstacle course and solving a puzzle. Kenzie struggled with the final stage, asking Liz for help, which led to Maria’s elimination. Charlie hoped Maria would be his “champion” on the jury, but that plan backfired.
The second immunity challenge required players to solve a puzzle while tossing a ball up a ramp. Ben won the challenge, securing his spot in the final three. Kenzie and Liz faced off in the fire-making competition, with Kenzie emerging victorious.
At the final Tribal Council, the jury asked smart questions, pushing back when they disagreed and fact-checking each other. It wasn’t the most dramatic Tribal Council, but it was a solid conversation with strong questions.
Kenzie may not be mistaken for legendary players like Tony or Boston Rob, but she proved the power of charm and likability. If Survivor is about making connections, Kenzie did it best this season, earning her the million-dollar prize.
Source: CBS, Entertainment Weekly
