Week 6:
Tribal Council Goes Bananas!
Tsk, tsk, Tyson. You were in a really good spot to win this game and all of a sudden you’re gone! I can’t quite figure out if it was more Tyson’s stupidity to not sticking with the plan or if it was Russell's genius of getting him to vote Parvati that sealed Tyson’s fate. Regardless, Russell’s move will really put the rest of the Villains on guard, which I don’t think is a good thing. Was it a strategic move that came too early? I’d like to think yes, but Russell has proved us wrong in the past. Last season he could really get away with that type of move because he was still controlling the tribe. This time, he isn’t. Tyson was in a perfect alliance and he was strong enough to be a threat in individual immunity, so even his cockiness must’ve been bumped down a few notches.
Honestly, the Heroes ousting James was a complete surprise to me! I don’t know if it was the editing, but it definitely looked like Colby was gone. I think James knew that he was going to be voted out and to the Heroes credit, I don’t think that they revealed too much about their dynamics in front of the Villains. James was way too relaxed and was not at all surprised when they voted him out. Now, if I was Colby and Candace, I would see this opportunity as an amazing gift that doesn’t come too often in Survivor. The five remaining Heroes need to set EVERYTHING aside and go into these next challenges swinging. They need to set their differences aside and form a tight alliance that could possible side with Russell, Parvati and Danielle to flip the game on its heels. They did the right thing in voting out James, too bad that they were dumb and didn’t make this vote last week. Hopefully they can come out of this stronger and somewhat unified.
Some thoughts...
* Colby has checked out! I don’t blame him in a way, but it is disappointing as a viewer who is a fan. Hopefully this second chance will flip a switch.
* The exchanges between Boston Rob and Russell have been classic! You know that the producers have to be loving this interaction. It’s like watching a scene from The Godfather or The Sopranos. The mind game that is going between these two is one for the ages. It’ll be interesting to see which wins.
* I haven’t ever really liked it in the past when they do an immunity challenge and the winner still has to go to tribal council. The way they constructed it this time was perfect and I thought that it provided a good twist, but still gave somebody the chance to save themselves. I actually didn’t mind that both tribes went to tribal council this time. Well done Survivor producers!
* Sandra’s bluntness has been cracking me up.
* Rupert’s blank stares and frank statements still drive me nuts.
* Even with a bum knee, James probably could beat me in a race. Both him and Jeff Probst’s niece.
* I like bananas, they are my favorite fruit.
That’s really about it because the whole episode was pretty much tribal council.
Let me know what you think!
Whose going to win out, Russell or Rob?
Did the Heroes do the right thing in voting out James?
How stupid do you think Tyson’s move was?
Will Baylor make it to the Final Four?
Until next time...
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Survivor H/V: Week 5
Week 5:
No Chocalate + Focus = Blown Out Knee
I won’t even hide it... I’m sad to see Tom go. Unlike some people who get voted out early, he really fought hard the whole game. I think his million dollar win was a target that never quite got unstuck. Despite being, what seemed, still pretty strong in challenges, J.T. had to vote against him to earn some kind of trust back from his other tribe-mates. I’m curious to see if James, Rupert and Amanda will still hold that strong loyalty. All three of the aforementioned are followers when it comes to alliances, so J.T. will probably still be able to guide them with a leash. I don’t think it was a good move on their part, especially with James with such a bad injury. They did not have me fooled for an instant. I don’t care how strong James is, that vote was totally based on alliances. The Heroes are in deep trouble, and even if they started to win some challenges, it may not be enough to catch up with the Villains when a merge happens. I think the Heroes know that, so they are starting to prepare now.
Some thoughts...
* Another brutal reward challenge. I’m seeing a trend. Reward challenge: physical. Immunity challenge: some physical and puzzle. If this keeps up, the Heroes will never win.
* Wow, Jerri took a shot to the face. Rupert did try to help her up, but I don’t think Jerri will ever forget that move. As soon as a merge happens, I bet she guns after Rupert. Colby will be thanking Rupert later.
* James’ injury was hard to watch, especially when he got back up to walk. It was clear that the Heroes were going to loose when he went down. I don’t think it was the lack of numbers that caused them to loose, but you could see the momentum just drift away from their “no chocolate” imitation strategy.
* Speaking of, I was ready to see Jeff and Colby throw down! I love how Jeff doesn’t back down from anybody.
* You know Russell was going to find that idol. Now I’m changing my thinking about him now being a “marked man.” That was really stupid for the others not to look for that thing. He really does hold the power, and like I said last week, if they vote for him, Boston Rob may be gone. So what if he’s a marked man?
* I have to admit to something. I actually stood up for Coach. Yes, and I was proven wrong immediately. When Russell started talking about bringing Coach into his alliance with Parvati, I thought, “No way! Coach is way too loyal to everybody else. Plus, Russell clearly didn’t join in the group yoga session.” I should’ve known better because Coach now has a bigger man crush on Russell and even bowed down to him. Like Russell needed another ego boast. Watch out for these three because if a merge happens, they will quickly grab J.T., Candace or Colby.
* As for the immunity challenge, it was just sad to see the Heroes loose like that... AGAIN! If I were at camp, I would constantly be creating puzzles for everybody just so they could be somewhat prepared. And as much as I hate to admit it, James did a great job “calling” out to everybody.
* Finally, I’m glad Tom called James out on his “strategy.” Somebody finally needed to do it. I’ve never quickly changed my opinion on a player like I have James this season. He really does seem to be a completely different person.
As you probably noticed, the NCAA tournament knocked a new episode from being aired this week. Don’t forget that the next one is this coming WEDNESDAY.
Sic’ em!
No Chocalate + Focus = Blown Out Knee
I won’t even hide it... I’m sad to see Tom go. Unlike some people who get voted out early, he really fought hard the whole game. I think his million dollar win was a target that never quite got unstuck. Despite being, what seemed, still pretty strong in challenges, J.T. had to vote against him to earn some kind of trust back from his other tribe-mates. I’m curious to see if James, Rupert and Amanda will still hold that strong loyalty. All three of the aforementioned are followers when it comes to alliances, so J.T. will probably still be able to guide them with a leash. I don’t think it was a good move on their part, especially with James with such a bad injury. They did not have me fooled for an instant. I don’t care how strong James is, that vote was totally based on alliances. The Heroes are in deep trouble, and even if they started to win some challenges, it may not be enough to catch up with the Villains when a merge happens. I think the Heroes know that, so they are starting to prepare now.
Some thoughts...
* Another brutal reward challenge. I’m seeing a trend. Reward challenge: physical. Immunity challenge: some physical and puzzle. If this keeps up, the Heroes will never win.
* Wow, Jerri took a shot to the face. Rupert did try to help her up, but I don’t think Jerri will ever forget that move. As soon as a merge happens, I bet she guns after Rupert. Colby will be thanking Rupert later.
* James’ injury was hard to watch, especially when he got back up to walk. It was clear that the Heroes were going to loose when he went down. I don’t think it was the lack of numbers that caused them to loose, but you could see the momentum just drift away from their “no chocolate” imitation strategy.
* Speaking of, I was ready to see Jeff and Colby throw down! I love how Jeff doesn’t back down from anybody.
* You know Russell was going to find that idol. Now I’m changing my thinking about him now being a “marked man.” That was really stupid for the others not to look for that thing. He really does hold the power, and like I said last week, if they vote for him, Boston Rob may be gone. So what if he’s a marked man?
* I have to admit to something. I actually stood up for Coach. Yes, and I was proven wrong immediately. When Russell started talking about bringing Coach into his alliance with Parvati, I thought, “No way! Coach is way too loyal to everybody else. Plus, Russell clearly didn’t join in the group yoga session.” I should’ve known better because Coach now has a bigger man crush on Russell and even bowed down to him. Like Russell needed another ego boast. Watch out for these three because if a merge happens, they will quickly grab J.T., Candace or Colby.
* As for the immunity challenge, it was just sad to see the Heroes loose like that... AGAIN! If I were at camp, I would constantly be creating puzzles for everybody just so they could be somewhat prepared. And as much as I hate to admit it, James did a great job “calling” out to everybody.
* Finally, I’m glad Tom called James out on his “strategy.” Somebody finally needed to do it. I’ve never quickly changed my opinion on a player like I have James this season. He really does seem to be a completely different person.
As you probably noticed, the NCAA tournament knocked a new episode from being aired this week. Don’t forget that the next one is this coming WEDNESDAY.
Sic’ em!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
#89: The Sixth Sense (1999)
Forget everything you know about M. Night Shyamalan films and the twist endings you’ve come to expect from both his films and those who quickly followed, and I think The Sixth Sense still stands out as one of the best films to come out of the 90’s. As big of an impact that the film had on pop culture, I think that the elements that everybody noticed actually take a back seat to the suspense, storytelling, acting and tone.
Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a noted child psychologist, who tries to solve a case with Cole (Haley Joel Osment) that reminds him of a prior patient that he was unable to “cure.” To say Cole is troubled is an understatement as Dr. Crowe tries to figure out what makes Cole so special and troubled, while trying to fix his own problems at home.
I’ve always admired the horror in this film. I’ve never been scared by the gore and torture porn of today’s current movies, but the psychological strings that Shyamalan pulls are fine-tuned and so calculated that your fear causes you to watch more instead of looking the other way. I love that plot and imagery play tricks on you versus fast cuts and brutal violence. The Sixth Sense preys on your nightmares, not on visuals.
I’ve seen this film several times, and what really struck me this time was the acting. Toni Collette’s performance as Cole’s mom should be studied on how to play a perfect supporting role. Furthermore, without the performance of Osment, this movie would’ve been dead in the water. Try to think of another child actor in his spot and I think the film could’ve come across as laughable. They both highly deserve their Oscar nominations for supporting roles and think that Shyamalan hasn’t found the same acting magic in his other films. The last scene between the two characters may be one of my favorite written scenes in film based on its impact and how it ties everything together.
Yes, watching this film multiple times will cause you to see some things that are spelled out to you a little bit too much (a close up of a prescription pills that have the label “anti-depressant” for Dr. Crowe’s wife), but this film is as close as to Hitchcock’s legacy as one can get. It’s entertaining, thought-provoking, suspenseful and most importantly, original. I envy those who get to experience it for the first time, but I think even more so for those who take it in more than once.
I give The Sixth Sense 5 out of 5 broken thermometers.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Survivor H/V: Week 4
Week 4: This is my tribe, and I can cry if I want to
Our first blindside! I told you that it may be coming. Cirie has always been such a strong strategic player, so it was sad to see her go in that respect. It’s always fun to see how she can twist people to think her way or how she smacks sense into them. Nobody has been aware of it, except for J.T. I know that although the vote happened for strategic purposes, I think it was the best vote for the tribe strategically. If they want to win challenges, Cirie probably wasn’t their biggest contributor. She did always play the role as the mother of the tribe, so from a gelling standpoint, I wonder how they will be affected.
Some thoughts...
* You know that when you are going to Tyson for comfort, something may be a little loose in the brain. Coach’s breakdown was hilarious and I love Tyson’s advice to him, “Get rid of the feather, don’t tell your stories, and do your yoga by yourself.”
* The slip and slide reward challenge was somewhat entertaining, but really was anybody’s game. I do love when it comes down to one last shot. I’ve personally enjoyed just the one immunity challenge.
* Could the producers be even more blunt in the immunity idol clue? Well, I think it worked because it was pretty entertaining to watch everybody scramble. The Heroes nearly killed each other while the Villains of all people, decided that anybody who goes for it is immediately a target.
* Even in a villains tribe, Russell is the only one who has to completely march to his own beat. You know, even if he finds it, he will have power. Even if everybody decides to vote for him with the idol, one of them is going home (Boston Rob perhaps?).
* The immunity challenge was really fast. It was over before I knew it. Once again, it was a incredibly close and I’m glad nobody fainted and passed out this time.
* I don’t know how to really sum up what happened next, but it’s pretty amazing that Tom and Colby are still alive in this game. It’s obvious that J.T. has all the power, so it will be interesting to see what happens when they all get back to camp. He’ll probably turn on his country charm and everybody will forgive him, but I can’t help but think if he’s playing too hard too fast.
Regardless, I think this will help with Parvati’s argument on the other side of camp, because her “ally” is now gone.
* We watched the episode on that Thursday night, so sorry if my recap isn’t as detailed. If I don’t write them right after I see them, sometimes I forget the funny parts.
Until next week!
Our first blindside! I told you that it may be coming. Cirie has always been such a strong strategic player, so it was sad to see her go in that respect. It’s always fun to see how she can twist people to think her way or how she smacks sense into them. Nobody has been aware of it, except for J.T. I know that although the vote happened for strategic purposes, I think it was the best vote for the tribe strategically. If they want to win challenges, Cirie probably wasn’t their biggest contributor. She did always play the role as the mother of the tribe, so from a gelling standpoint, I wonder how they will be affected.
Some thoughts...
* You know that when you are going to Tyson for comfort, something may be a little loose in the brain. Coach’s breakdown was hilarious and I love Tyson’s advice to him, “Get rid of the feather, don’t tell your stories, and do your yoga by yourself.”
* The slip and slide reward challenge was somewhat entertaining, but really was anybody’s game. I do love when it comes down to one last shot. I’ve personally enjoyed just the one immunity challenge.
* Could the producers be even more blunt in the immunity idol clue? Well, I think it worked because it was pretty entertaining to watch everybody scramble. The Heroes nearly killed each other while the Villains of all people, decided that anybody who goes for it is immediately a target.
* Even in a villains tribe, Russell is the only one who has to completely march to his own beat. You know, even if he finds it, he will have power. Even if everybody decides to vote for him with the idol, one of them is going home (Boston Rob perhaps?).
* The immunity challenge was really fast. It was over before I knew it. Once again, it was a incredibly close and I’m glad nobody fainted and passed out this time.
* I don’t know how to really sum up what happened next, but it’s pretty amazing that Tom and Colby are still alive in this game. It’s obvious that J.T. has all the power, so it will be interesting to see what happens when they all get back to camp. He’ll probably turn on his country charm and everybody will forgive him, but I can’t help but think if he’s playing too hard too fast.
Regardless, I think this will help with Parvati’s argument on the other side of camp, because her “ally” is now gone.
* We watched the episode on that Thursday night, so sorry if my recap isn’t as detailed. If I don’t write them right after I see them, sometimes I forget the funny parts.
Until next week!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Survivor H/V: Week 3
Week 3:
Nobody Here Is Honorable... Except For Me
I’m so glad that the villains had to loose somebody. Not because I hate them, but like I’ve always said, Survivor just gets boring when the tribes are lopsided. We didn’t see much of Randy and it was apparent why that was the case this episode. He just didn’t ever gel with anybody. He was even more miserable than he usually is. I know Parvati is the threat, but they did the right thing voting him out. He was the weakest and they cut him loose despite staying loyal to alliances (where the Heroes faltered last week). I think it’s a shame he left because he was an entertaining guy to watch, but strategy didn’t get him too far in Gabon and you could see that weakness in this season. Like Sugar, I don’t think as viewers we’ll miss him much.
Some thoughts...
* Hiding the machete... really Russell? I think he’s starting to grasp at air in this season. What made Russell good last season was that he was playing with alliances that weren't so apparent. Not so in this season and I think he is getting played big time by Parvati.
* Speaking of Parvati... isn’t it crazy how much she controls people in this game? Coach says he’s not being seduced by her, but at times it certainly looks like it. I still don’t expect her to go far. Not because she isn’t a good player, but I think she’ll be an easy vote for the rest because she’s won before.
* J.T. may be playing too hard too fast. His lie about Candace may come back to haunt him. He’s gotta realize that everybody eats out of the palm of his hand and that he only needs to lie when it comes to tribal council. He’s worrying too early.
* Candace may not have a leg to stand on. It seems as if she has no close friends at all. Unless somebody really screws up in a challenge, she may be the next to go.
* How great was that immunity challenge? I’ve never enjoyed a butt whopping like that one. I was cheering out loud the whole time.
* Although Tom isn’t quite in the same shape as he was in Palau, he certainly took Russell down fast.
* Love the Colby/Boston Rob match up. I wish that I looked as intense as Colby when I flexed.
* Is it honorable when you pose for 30 seconds when you cheated in a game? Coach... how I love to make fun of you.
* James... you have to chill out some. The bag throw at Randy was just unnecessary. Beating Randy was no accomplishment. It seems like fame has changed the ego of the once gentle giant. He may be in trouble if he ever stirs up too much tension at camp.
* Two people to watch out for in the Villains tribe... Tyson and Sandra. Tyson is playing very low key, so I expect him to amp it up the second half if he makes it that far. He could easily side with J.T. and some Heroes if it plays in his favor. Also, Sandra is perfectly playing that “as long as I’m not getting voted out,” card. That’s why she won, she flies under the radar but provides enough in camp not to be a target, so she’s not necessarily seen as undeserving.
* It was funny to see all those Villains all at once at tribal council. If they continue to go, it should get more and more entertaining.
* Discounting Stephanie, I’m loving the fact that the least favored favorites are going early. The strong are staying in which makes this season all that more exciting. I wonder when the blindsides will start occurring.
As always, let me know what you think!
Nobody Here Is Honorable... Except For Me
I’m so glad that the villains had to loose somebody. Not because I hate them, but like I’ve always said, Survivor just gets boring when the tribes are lopsided. We didn’t see much of Randy and it was apparent why that was the case this episode. He just didn’t ever gel with anybody. He was even more miserable than he usually is. I know Parvati is the threat, but they did the right thing voting him out. He was the weakest and they cut him loose despite staying loyal to alliances (where the Heroes faltered last week). I think it’s a shame he left because he was an entertaining guy to watch, but strategy didn’t get him too far in Gabon and you could see that weakness in this season. Like Sugar, I don’t think as viewers we’ll miss him much.
Some thoughts...
* Hiding the machete... really Russell? I think he’s starting to grasp at air in this season. What made Russell good last season was that he was playing with alliances that weren't so apparent. Not so in this season and I think he is getting played big time by Parvati.
* Speaking of Parvati... isn’t it crazy how much she controls people in this game? Coach says he’s not being seduced by her, but at times it certainly looks like it. I still don’t expect her to go far. Not because she isn’t a good player, but I think she’ll be an easy vote for the rest because she’s won before.
* J.T. may be playing too hard too fast. His lie about Candace may come back to haunt him. He’s gotta realize that everybody eats out of the palm of his hand and that he only needs to lie when it comes to tribal council. He’s worrying too early.
* Candace may not have a leg to stand on. It seems as if she has no close friends at all. Unless somebody really screws up in a challenge, she may be the next to go.
* How great was that immunity challenge? I’ve never enjoyed a butt whopping like that one. I was cheering out loud the whole time.
* Although Tom isn’t quite in the same shape as he was in Palau, he certainly took Russell down fast.
* Love the Colby/Boston Rob match up. I wish that I looked as intense as Colby when I flexed.
* Is it honorable when you pose for 30 seconds when you cheated in a game? Coach... how I love to make fun of you.
* James... you have to chill out some. The bag throw at Randy was just unnecessary. Beating Randy was no accomplishment. It seems like fame has changed the ego of the once gentle giant. He may be in trouble if he ever stirs up too much tension at camp.
* Two people to watch out for in the Villains tribe... Tyson and Sandra. Tyson is playing very low key, so I expect him to amp it up the second half if he makes it that far. He could easily side with J.T. and some Heroes if it plays in his favor. Also, Sandra is perfectly playing that “as long as I’m not getting voted out,” card. That’s why she won, she flies under the radar but provides enough in camp not to be a target, so she’s not necessarily seen as undeserving.
* It was funny to see all those Villains all at once at tribal council. If they continue to go, it should get more and more entertaining.
* Discounting Stephanie, I’m loving the fact that the least favored favorites are going early. The strong are staying in which makes this season all that more exciting. I wonder when the blindsides will start occurring.
As always, let me know what you think!
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