Bummer to hear about the loss of new players so early... hope they come back to try again!
I think I got caught up so here are some thoughts.
This episode being another deadlock tie is kind of hilarious since it seems for the vast majority of the cast they honestly don't care who goes between the two. I don't blame Lorenz for swapping. I'm wondering how much of that was Felix's pushing him as opposed to Lorenz trying to play chaotic.
If Dimitri leaves, I think Ralph may be in a pretty bad place. Edelgard and Shamir don't really seem to want to go long term with them, they seem more interested in the Purple Windows group, Ashe seems content to stick with Doro/Petra/Caspar. Basically it seems none of his allies really have his back? That's kinda sad.
What is putting Shamir and Edie on top are their idols, but it actually looks like Dorothea and Petra might be in the best postion overall if Ashe is really sticking with them over anyone else. Caspar is a huge wild card though, I want to prod him with questions to find out where his loyalties really lie cause atm he looks like he is in one of the best postions in the game, protected by the Purple Window and the Happy Group with only Lorenz, Felix and Ralph not really connected to him.. Shamir seems to think Caspar will warn her if votes come her way? Did I read that right about a favor... hm.
It also doesn't really seem like anyone that Lorenz is swapping too other than Felix really cares much for him sooo.. Maybe Lorenz will try and make a power play and have it blow up in his face next round? Hahaha. I'm like half expecting Ralph to try and go on a crusade against Lorenz but I think he should be smart enough to realize thats a terrible move.
Normally, I would think that the best move next round would be for the outcasts here (felix, lorenz, ralph, shamir, edie) try and focus in on Ashe, since he is the sketchiest and not connected to really either of the Purple Window or Ralph's group. I assume that Caspar and Ashe seem dead set on the the Happy Group or what.
My top contenders would have to be a combo of Shamir, Edie, Dorothea, and Caspar right now. But Shamir and Edie are only really in as good of a place because they have idols and don't seem to be willing to betray each other yet. NGL I really hope one of them gets blindsided or panic idols. Petra is also in a good place but it seems like she is a bit more ... kind flakey at the moment? I dunno. Ashe is in a good place because of his connection with Petra/Doro but it seems weird he would group of Edie/Shamir/Ralph/Lorenz considering Felix is a non-issue. He might be bringing a target on his back that he otherwise wouldnt have. Ralph seems like a good player but kind of in a bad position.
I'm excited to watch the full thing next round though should be more fun seeing it in real time and help get a better picture of it all.
