๐ Advantages & Idols
Season 19: Samoa
Russell Hantz (Day 2, Ep 1)
Day 21, Episode 8
For: Russell Hantz
0 votes negated
Russell Hantz revolutionized Survivor by finding Hidden Immunity Idols without clues. He found the first Foa Foa idol by simply searching the camp area methodically. He played it on himself at the first merged Tribal Council on Day 21 (Episode 8, 'All Hell Breaks Loose'), but no votes were cast against him - the vote went 10-2 to eliminate Erik Cardona. Russell's idol play was a preemptive move that proved unnecessary.
Russell Hantz (Day 22, Ep 9)
Day 24, Episode 9
For: Russell Hantz
7 votes negated
After his first idol was played, the idol was re-hidden. Russell found the re-hidden idol without clues before the next Tribal Council, again through sheer determination and searching. He played it on himself on Day 24 (Episode 9, 'Tastes Like Chicken'), negating 7 votes cast against him by Brett, Dave, John, Kelly, Laura, Monica, and Shambo. With all votes against Russell nullified, Kelly Sharbaugh was eliminated 4-0 by the Foa Foa four. This is one of the most impactful idol plays in Survivor history.
Erik Cardona (Day 15, Ep 6)
Erik found the Galu tribe's Hidden Immunity Idol through clues from Exile Island. He was voted out on Day 21 (Episode 8) at the first merged Tribal Council in a 10-2 vote. He did not play the idol, likely feeling safe given Galu's 8-4 numbers advantage over Foa Foa. His elimination while holding the idol marked the beginning of Galu's collapse.