Mary Zheng became the latest Survivor 48 voted off the island during the reality competition's eleventh episode. Her exit followed an unsuccessful effort to rally fellow contestants against dominant player Joe Hunter. The vote at Tribal Council eliminated Zheng, sending her to the jury.
Zheng, often playing from a disadvantaged position throughout the season, attempted to persuade Kyle Fraser and others to target Hunter, who has consistently performed well in challenges. She presented the move as necessary to prevent Hunter and his core alliance members, Eva Erickson and Shauhin Davari, from controlling the final stages of the game.
Kyle Fraser expressed conflict regarding the decision. While acknowledging the strategic need to potentially remove strong players like Hunter and Erickson, he voiced reluctance to betray contestants he had formed close personal bonds with during the game.
Contestant Kamilla Karthigesu secured individual immunity, preventing her elimination and shifting the potential target. Her win in a word puzzle challenge occurred after Jeff Probst initially declared Joe Hunter the winner before correcting the call due to a puzzle piece error Probst reacts.
The Tribal Council featured an unusual moment when juror David Kinne stood up as Zheng was preparing to leave the game. Kinne remained standing for Zheng's exit, drawing attention to the jury bench David standing. Jurors typically remain seated and silent unless addressed by the host.
Earlier in the episode, Eva Erickson received an opportunity on a journey to win an advantage but chose not to risk her vote for a Knowledge is Power advantage she could not immediately use.
Ultimately, the attempt to shift the power dynamic did not succeed. The dominant alliance held together, resulting in Mary voted out of the competition. She became the fifth member of the jury responsible for selecting the season's winner.
Another juror, David Kinne, previously commented on his relationship with Zheng during the game.
"Mary sort of latched onto me and I did the best I could to keep her at arm’s length," Kinne said after his elimination David interview.
