Were you as disappointed in Survivor star Kyle for backstabbing Shauhin as I was?

Shauhin Davari from Survivor 48 | Image via Instagram/ @shauhindavari
Shauhin Davari from Survivor 48 | Image via Instagram/ @shauhindavari

I have to say that I was really disappointed by Kyle's move against Shauhin in Survivor 48 Episode 12. According to me, it was more than just a strategic move; it seemed like a betrayal that undermined the loyalty and trust they had built. Shauhin has been one of the few players willing to think outside the box and take risks. He surely did not deserve to be killed by someone he saw as an ally.

I think what made it worse was Kyle's cold and deliberate action. Shauhin trusted him enough to lead him into a massive surprise scheme, putting his own position in the game at danger. Instead of supporting him, Kyle flipped at the most important moment, gaining an advantage and leaving Shauhin defenseless. That kind of opportunism may work on Survivor, but it left me bitter.

Kyle may have taken a significant step toward the million-dollar prize, but I believe he sacrificed a lot of integrity in the process when Shauhin got eliminated after his backstabbing. This approach may be considered smart gameplay, but I can't help but feel let down by how it played out.


Survivor 48 star Kyle’s betrayal flips the game and seals Shauhin’s fate on the show

Shauhin began this round of Survivor with a daring and bold strategy: eliminate Eva Erickson. Eva, as one of the most strategic threats remaining in the game, had demonstrated her ability to navigate alliances and read the room. Shauhin believed that eliminating her would shift the power balance in his favor, so he confided in Kyle, figuring they were close enough to execute the move together.

However, Shauhin's trust in Kyle proved to be his biggest mistake. Rather than keeping to the strategy, Kyle recognized an opportunity to change the game in his favor. He pulled Kamilla Karthigesu into the picture, and the two devised a response that would assure their own survival while eliminating Shauhin from Survivor 48. By shifting the vote to Shauhin, they not only saved Eva but also outmanoeuvred a formidable strategist.

The betrayal was quick and deliberate. Kyle and Kamilla worked quietly within the tribe, urging others to vote with them. What made this maneuver so effective was how smoothly it was carried out. There were no explosions or confrontations, just quiet manipulation and well-timed discussions that resulted in an enormous blindside.

Shauhin didn't see it coming. He appeared confident as he entered Tribal Council, unknowing that those he trusted had changed the script. When Jeff Probst read the votes, the shock was seen not just on Shauhin's face, but also among the viewers on social media. With four votes against him, he was eliminated as yet another participant and assigned to the jury.

This vote significantly impacted the course of the game. Kyle's defection not only eliminated a significant strategic competitor but also solidified his position as a legitimate endgame contender. Kyle demonstrated that in Survivor, allegiance is fleeting, and timing is key.


Head to CBS to watch episode 12 of Survivor 48 now.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh