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!

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!

Survivor H/V: Week 2

Week 2:

One Voice!

I’m so intrigued by this season, and kudos to the producers for splitting up the tribes the way they have. I think it’s so interesting that you have a heroes tribe that is every word in the sense, self-destructing. They have their camp together perfectly, but Probst isn’t too far off when he says that ego is getting in their way. These people are use to winning and when it doesn’t happen, things go haywire. It’s almost as if they are strategizing too much at this point instead of focusing on winning.

Then you have the Villains tribe who are so individualistic, the camp is in shambles, but when it’s time to compete and win, they do. Just from a viewer standpoint, I would love to see the Heros start winning some challenges, but it’s going to be a tough task.

It was sad to see Stephanie go. She’s now complete the life cycle of a Survivor. The first to be on the jury one season, the final another, and now the second one gone. She really became a scapegoat and it was hard to see such a strong female leave so early. This was not a good move solely from a challenge standpoint. They are really going to miss her as time goes by.

Some thoughts...

* Woah James... There’s a difference between leadership and being a bully. He sure had it out for Steph.

* I loved how Colby and Tom stood up for Steph at tribal council. Things aren’t looking to good for them right now.

* Watch out for Cirie and Candace. They could be very dangerous together, and as much as I wanted them to go with Tom, Colby and Steph, they were smarter to stick with the other group.

* What? An episode that didn’t highlight Russell? It felt a little strange didn’t it? But nice at the same time.

* I forgot about how good Boston Rob is at this game. Yes he is cocky and defines a Survivor villain, but I forgot how good he is at challenges. As chaotic as the Villains tribe is, at least they know how to appoint a leader.

I’m still loving this season. I’m thrilled every time I have a chance to watch it. Let me know what you think! I love the feedback!

Survivor: Tocantins - Week 2 & 3

Well, I'm back! In addition, we have a couple of more people added to the list! My ultimate goal is to get my updates syndicated somewhere, so spread the word... I'm kidding of course :) Unless you really know somebody that is.... Kidding aside, always let me know if you want me to pass this along to anybody else, I would love to add them to the list.

Now to the actual events at hand. We watched these two episodes the night after we got back from my honeymoon, so if I can't quite recall everything that happened from being so tired, my apologies. Overall, I already like this season better than last years. The cast is very likable, save a few, and so far everybody that has been voted out has not been too big of a surprise or somebody you might really miss. Maybe except for Jerry who had a great personality, but you could tell that his heart wasn't into the whole thing. Not saying that he wasn't sick, it's just that he didn't do any strategizing to save himself and if he had done just a little, they would have sure kept him. All that to say, it seems as if the show is setting everything up to have strong players at the end, unlike last season where you had not very good players at the end or so-so players who thought they were the best ever (cough cough... Kenny... cough cough).

The really physical challenges are always pretty entertaining to watch. I'm surprised more people don't come out of those really hurt. The water basketball was great T.V. all around. It starts to rain, people are beating up each other, there were unlikely heros and a comeback, what more can you ask for? From the other challenges that followed, I hope this doesn't become a trend like last year where one tribe continues to win, thus forcing a tribal shakeup. There was a lot of backlash from doing that last year, so maybe they will stay clear of it this time around.

I felt bad for Candace. She was really a huge asset for her tribe in that challenge and that totally got overlooked because of Coach? I could really rail on this guy, but I bet his exit is fast approaching, so I'll save it to then. One thing I do think is that he comes off worse in his interviews because his tribe really do seem to like him, but I bet he'll get old to them quick. Which by the way, the last tribal council was hilarious because you could tell how much he was bothered by the fact that they wanted Brendan as a leader and not him. I was a little confused though because Coach and Tyson seemed surprised when Jerry was voted out, but maybe it was for show so Jerry didn't leave mad at them. It was a good move by their tribe though. At this point, they really have to win challenges and if they voted Erinn out, they would probably be sealing their fate. Besides Sandy, Jalapeño (I know that isn't the actual name, but c'mon, when it is so close you can't help but think of the Mexican treat) is a very strong tribe, so it's hard picturing them losing many more challenges.

I think it's kind of funny that there are two idols on those beaches that haven't been found yet. That hole that Brendan and Sierra dug was huge! Were they planning on killing Coach and burying him there? I think I would have stopped at the 4 foot mark. Thank goodness Sierra came up with a story when Debra discovered the hole because poor Brendan just looked like a deer in headlights. Speaking of Brendan, I think he constantly has a sad puppy dog look on his face. So far everything is falling into place for him and the friendship between him and Taj seems to be working out well. I honestly don't know how you couldn't think of doing a secret alliance like that, so it'll be cool to see how it plays out without the other survivors becoming suspicious.

Taj is quite a character. She seems ultra cool, smart and athletic. I wonder if it'll make her too big of a target. For me personally, I can't root against her because of two things. One, she's bringing my two picks, Stephen and Sierra into her alliance. Two, her husband is Eddie George. He didn't play long or that great for the Cowboys, but he was a Cowboy, so that makes her okay in my book. I would've reacted to that revelation just like J.T. and Joe, and I think it's hilarious that Stephen had no clue.

I still think this could be anyone's game and at this moment it's hard to pinpoint a strong winner, without having to decipher it through the editing of the show. I'll be a little bit more descriptive about the next episode and the events that will happen, so I hope this two-episode recap has been all right. I haven't seen the new one yet, but I'll be caught up soon enough. And I can't ask too many questions to you because you are probably caught up as well, so I'll save those.

Thanks for reading and practice on your dramatic Erinn sneers as taught by Coach!