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“You can never play ‘Survivor’ again because people will be gunning for you.’” – Gordon Holmes to Russell Hantz – May 17, 2010

I may be known for my terrible predictions, but that one was dead on…

Russell never got a chance to get started in “Survivor: Redemption Island.” All of the sock burning, trash talking, and back stabbing he’d gotten away with in previous seasons finally came back to haunt him.

I spoke with Russell the day after his removal from the game and found out about his emotional farewell, how he tried to play the game differently, and how he unintentionally helped Ralph find the hidden immunity idol.

Gordon Holmes: Things got emotional last night. What was going through your mind when you broke down after the Redemption Island challenge?
Russell Hantz: Man, I love the game so much. I respect the game so much, and I respect the people involved. It’s much more than, “Oh Russell’s such a baby. He’s getting voted out. He can’t even stand up for himself.” It had nothing to do with me personally getting voted out.  It had everything to do with me being supposed to go all the way. It’s really unfair for me because my millions of fans just know I’m going to go all the way. I look at Jeff (Probst) and I see the disappointment in his face. I see the disappointment in the whole crew. And when I’m looking around it breaks my heart because I felt like I let everybody down.
Gordon: After you got it back together, you coughed up some information about the Zapatera alliance. How did it feel to get that last dig in to Ralph?
Russell: The guy stumbled onto the idol because I told him to look for rocks to make the fire pit hotter. He stumbled onto it because of me. And if you notice, when he finds it he tosses it to the side. He still doesn’t have a clue. He keeps saying, “This ol’ boy is pretty good at this game too.” And he outs himself! He was ready to take his idol out of the bag. That’s what I wanted. Really, Ralph?  You are a retard. And I use that word as in “The Hangover.”
Gordon: When we spoke after “Heroes Vs. Villains” you said you wouldn’t have a problem voting for someone if they stabbed you in the back. If you had made the jury, would you have voted for Ralph?
Russell: It depends on who was with him. It depends on what he did in the game and what I saw on the jury. But if he played the game the best and he used that idol to save one of his teammates to still have numbers, then yes I would have. But people don’t play like that, they don’t play like me. I save my alliance till the end.

Gordon: I was in the camp that thought you’d never get a chance to fairly compete in “Survivor” again because your tribe would be automatically gunning for you.
Russell: This whole tribe was thinking of getting rid of Russell from day one. It was the “Get Rid of Russell Game” at first. This wasn’t “Survivor.” They must’ve gotten a little extra money to get rid of me, there was a bounty on my head. I’m going to have to ask Mark (Burnett) if they put a bounty on my head, because that’s how they’re playing.
Gordon: I disagreed with getting rid of you so early. I think it’d be wise to team up with you Mick Trimming-style and let you take all the bullets.
Russell: Right and then you’ll be safe. So yes, it doesn’t make sense. But they were so scared of me, it was like I was John Gotti. I’d look them in the eye and they’d start shaking. They were flustered just talking to me.

Gordon: How close were you to getting something going at Zapatera?
Russell: Trust me, dude, I was close. If Julie would have made that switch it would have been a totally different game. My tribe would have went all the way to the end of the game.
Gordon: Did you ever think you had Julie’s vote?
Russell: I thought maybe…Stephanie was like, “Oh no, I believe her.”  I was thinking, “I don’t know, but we maybe have a shot.” Because Julie was the one who told me they were going to throw the challenge. So, by her telling me that, I thought maybe it would happen. But time will tell how well she does in the game. But I can tell you this, this is what I would’ve done; I would’ve taken Julie, Stephanie, and Krista all the way to the end. I would have voted out Stephanie, because Stephanie was a very strategic player. And you know what would have happened? Julie would have won.
Gordon: Did you tell Julie that?
Russell: I told her that. I told her I could guarantee her the top five. She asked if she could be my Parvati (Shallow) and I could take her all the way. I said “No.” I wasn’t going to promise that.

Gordon: One of the knocks against you is that you were playing a very similar game to what we saw in “Samoa” and “Heroes Vs. Villains.” Would you agree or disagree with that?
Russell: I was playing different, they just weren’t showing it.
Gordon: What moves were you making that we didn’t see?
Russell: The first people I went up to were Mike and David. And we all fist-bumped and it was on. And then I went up to Stephanie. And then I went back to them because I didn’t want them to think I was doing stuff behind their back. And I said, “If you want her gone, that’s fine. But you have my vote and you have her vote. “

Gordon: Alright, let’s get to know your tribe a little better. We’ll start off with Steve.
Russell: Steve is an NFL football player that is weak. He is weak in mind, body, and soul. That’s why his first injury in the NFL…he quits. It comes with the game, the game’s about life. He’s a quitter in life. He’ll never have nothing. What is he 70 years old and he has nothing? He probably drives a Volvo.

Gordon: Alright, David?
Russell: David knows he made a huge mistake, because he’s the smartest guy out there. If David would have aligned with me, I think I would have done better than I would have with Julie. The only reason I didn’t go with David is because he got into a big argument with Stephanie that they didn’t show. They were cussing and screaming. I thought there was no way he was going to align with me cause that’s her problem, her mouth.

Gordon: Let’s try Julie.
Russell: Julie is the weakest fire fighter. If my house is on fire I’m not calling her.

Gordon: Ralph?
Russell: Ralph is the dumbest person I know on the face of the Earth. He’s trying to do all that stuff for the camera. You know, crowing like a rooster don’t get ya popular, Ralph.
Gordon: Yeah, that’s true.
Russell: And you stumbled over that idol. Don’t think you got the best of me. Cause I’m not even out there and I’m still out there. They’re going to be talking Russell-this, Russell-that for the rest of the show.  You can get rid of me here, but not in spirit. I’m still there messing with you.

Gordon: Let’s talk about Krista.
Russell: Krista was my Natalie (White) out there, but Krista was much more aggressive. They didn’t show a lot about Krista, but she’s so honest. She’s such a good person. She’s a Christian girl. She would’ve stuck with me to the end.  She was like a Natalie, but with a game. I don’t want to diminish Natalie though, Natalie is a sweetheart.

Gordon: Tell me about Mike.
Russell: Mike is the definition of douche bag. He is that tool.

Gordon: (Laughs) Alright, Stephanie?
Russell: If Stephanie doesn’t go far in the game, it’s a shame. Everybody is going to hate this comment, but I’ve played with the best. Stephanie is just as good as if not better than Parvati. Stephanie is stronger than Parvati, she’s more strategic. The only thing she doesn’t have that Parvati has is that Stephanie has that Sandra (Diaz-Twine) attitude. She can be lippy. But she’s so much better looking than Sandra.

Gordon: Let’s try Sarita.
Russell: They ain’t showing this, but she’s in control. She’s the one I’d see in the corner talking and flaring her arms around and telling them what to do. It’s like everyone else was little puppets listening to her. She was the one nudging dumbass not to show his idol.

Gordon: Last night you said this would be your last time playing. If it is, how would you like to be remembered?
Russell: Twenty years from now when “Survivor” is all over and you ask someone to name three names, it’s probably going to be Parvati, Russell, and Rob. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest players, the most passionate player, that loved the game. I got addicted to that game like crack.

Any questions? Any comments? Our commenting system is down for the time being, but feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes or chat with fellow “Survivor” fans at the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Facebook page.

‘Survivor’	‘The Bachelor’	‘Top Chef’	‘Minute to Win It’

Note: I’m aware that the headline for this article is brutal. However, I apologize for nothing.

Last Week: Boston Rob scored the first of the immunity idol clues, Zapatera faced a challenge and intentionally tried to lose, while Russell being voted out was the episode’s big news.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Ometepe Tribe (wearing orange)

Andrea – 21, Student
Ashley – 25, Nurse
Grant – 29, Yoga Instructor
Kristina – 46, Law Student
Natalie – 19, Dancer
Phillip – 52, Technology Executive
Rob – 35, “Survivor” Hall of Famer

The Zapatera Tribe (wearing purple)

David – 31, Defense Attorney
Julie – 50, Firefighter
Krista – 25, Pharmaceutical Rep
Mike – 31, Former Marine
Ralph – 45, Farmer
Sarita – 36, Visual Effects Producer
Stephanie – 26, Waitress
Steve – 51, Former NFL Player

Currently Residing on Redemption Island (wearing hope)

Matt – 22, Pre-Med Student
Russell – 38, “Survivor” Hall of Famer

We start off at Redemption Island where Matt is telling us how cool it is that he’s been blindsided by Boston Rob and is now bunking with Russell. Sounds like a “Survivor” fantasy camp to me.

The following morning, Phillip is annoying his tribe mates by sweeping the campsite while they’re trying to sleep.

When I’m teaching my class at “Survivor” fantasy camp…

Rule #1: Don’t be noisy while other people are trying to sleep.

Rule #2: Don’t try to sweep dirt off of a dirt floor.

Not only that, but Boston Rob is annoyed that Phillip is wandering around in his fuchsia tighty-whiteys.

Rule #3: When “Survivor” gives you your swimwear, wear it.

Over at Zapatera, Natalie and Krista know that they’re next on the chopping block. Their only hope? Finding the immunity idol.

Steve realizes this must be their next move. Ralph lets him know that that isn’t a concern by showing him and the rest of the alliance his hidden immunity idol.

Mike and Julie are both worried that Russell could come back into the game and get them. That’s the best part of the Redemption Island twist, it turns Russell Hantz into Freddy Krueger.

Special invites for Redemption Island arrive in tree mail. Phillip and Kristina will attend for Ometepe, while Ralph and Sarita will attend for Zapatera. Formal dress is optional.

Before the challenge starts off, Russell lets us know that Matt’s a good guy, but he’ll have to destroy him. All part of keeping hope alive, I guess.

Matt intends to win to honor his God. Uh-oh, last time Russell squared off against a prayer warrior Natalie White walked out with a million-dollar check.

Redemption Island Challenge: Each of the competitors will use a set of dominoes to build a line that travels up and down a wobbly bridge. Once a player is happy with his line of blocks, he’ll return to the beginning and set off the domino reaction. If it successfully reaches the end, it will knock a ball down a ramp and through a tile. If not, they’ll have to start all over again. The first person to break their tile earns redemption (for this episode, at least).

We start off and Matt gets off to a bit of a lead. He’s finally happy with his set-up and knocks the first block over. It gets about halfway through and stops.

Russell’s up next. He starts it off and has the same result as Matt, only about half-way.

Confession: I’m not a Russell fan. (I tend to root for Tyson Apostol and Carolina Eastwood.) But I’ll admit that my heart sunk when Russell’s dominoes stopped. What can I say, the guy’s fun to watch.

Matt hustles and gives his line another try. He sets it off…and is successful. The tile is broken, Matt wins redemption, Russell is a goner, and socks everywhere rejoice.

With Russell’s fate no longer in doubt, Dr. Probst then cover hope with a sheet. The official time of hope’s death was 8:13 pm ET.

During the post-challenge wrap-up, Russell starts to well up and cry. He pulls his hat down over his eyes so the others can’t see his tears.

When Russell finally does speak, he says he respects the game too much to go out like that. He then tears into Ralph and Sarita for throwing the challenge.

Ralph takes exception to this, even admitting that he already has the immunity idol. Krista tries to talk him out of showing Russell the idol, but it’s too late. The secret is out.

Ralph acts like he was faking, but he didn’t count on having a five-star former federal agent sitting nearby. Phillip uses his razor-sharp fib-detecting skills to determine that Ralph does in fact have the idol.

Russell keeps the information exchange going, telling Phillip what the alliances are at Zapatera beach.

When it’s over, Russell drops his buff in the fire. He tells us that this will be his last time playing the game as he has nothing left to prove. Except…you know…that he can win the game.

Meanwhile back at Ometepe, Boston Rob welcomes an afternoon without Kristina and Double-0 Phillip. He proposes a game of Royal Treatment. The rules of Royal Treatment are never fully explained, but it seems to be some form of beach bocce-ball game where the winner gets whatever they want.

The tribe seems into it, so they set out for a relaxing day at the beach.

However, this was all a ruse so Boston Rob can get the tribe out of the way so he can look for the immunity idol. Boston Rob fakes having some…internal issues…and sneaks out to go idol huntin’.

Rob turns the forest upside-down looking for it. Eventually he finds it up in a tree.

Quick Aside: Wow, Royal Treatment?! A fake game to distract his tribe? Rob is playing this game on a different level.

Ironically, if Rob had won Royal Treatment, I bet he would have asked for Russell to be bounced from the game and to find an immunity idol.

Back at Zapatera, Sarita and Ralph are relaying the Redemption Island events to their tribe. Stephanie and Krista take offense to the way Sarita describes Russell’s exit.

Rule #4: You don’t have to defend someone once they’re out of the game.

Over at Ometepe, Phillip comes up with a plan to use the Zapatera info to improve his placement in the alliance. He shares this plan with Kristina and tells her he’ll try to work her into the alliance too.

Kristina rolls her eyes and responds, “You have experience in these covert matters, so whatever you think.” Wow, I didn’t know a sarcasm amplifier could go to eleven.

Phillip takes Rob and Grant aside and offers to spill the beans in exchange for adding Kristina to the alliance. Rob smartly realizes that this means that Phillip doesn’t feel secure with his place in the alliance.

Also, I did the math, if they add Kristina to the alliance, who are they aligning against? The crabs?

Immunity Challenge Time: It’s relay time, baby! One member from each team will run across a balance beam onto the course. They’ll arrive at a crate. They’ll use a crowbar to pry open the crate and retrieve a shovel. They’ll then run back with the crowbar.

Running with tools? That seems dangerous.

The next member will run out and retrieve the shovel. They’ll dig in the ground to uncover an axe. The next member will use the axe to hack through a piece of wood and release two hand saws. Then two members will use the handsaws to cut through a wall of planks. Then, two other players will use the planks to complete a bridge puzzle. Once the bridge is completed, the entire tribe must cross the course (with the tools) and meet on a platform. Once they’re all on the platform, they’ll have to untie a hammer. When the hammer is untied, they’ll use it to drive in three nails that will break three tiles. First tribe to break all three of their tiles wins immunity, barbecue supplies, and food for a cookout.

Oh, and all of the tools are affordable, durable Sears Craftsman Tools.

Sears. Where It Begins.

Krista will sit out for Zapatera.

The relay starts off with Boston Rob and Rooster Ralph taking the lead for their teams. Ralph takes a slight lead for Zapatera, but Boston Rob is right behind him.

Julie and Grant are next out. They grab shovels and uncover the hatchets. Julie has a slight lead.

Ralph and Rob are out again. Ralph tears through the log with the hatchet. Boston Rob seems to be slowing down a bit.

Steve and Mike are out for Zapatera and go to work with the saws. Rob finally releases his team’s saws. Grant and Phillip rush out and start on the wall.

Mike and Steve make quick work of the planks while Phillip and Grant fall behind. Stephanie and Sarita are now on the course to put together the ramp. Rob and Kristina eventually join them. Zapatera finishes their ramp first with Ometepe slightly behind them.

Stephanie and Ashley go to work untying their hammers. Stephanie releases Zapatera’s hammer first. Ralph grabs the hammer and quickly drives the nails through the tiles. Zapatera wins immunity and reward.

OK, seriously? What’s with the tile hate this season?

During the celebration, Ralph stands on the table and unleashes his mighty rooster call.

Rule #5: The trademark move that your tribe loves is making the other tribe hate you.

Back at Zapatera, Mike wins the Overshare of the Week award letting us know that he’s been so hungry he hasn’t been thinking about sex.  Thanks, Mike.

Meanwhile, Ralph tells us that he enjoyed the barbecue so much that he’s been sucking his fingernails that haven’t been cleaned since the start of the show. I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say they weren’t that clean before the show.

Ralph even goes so far as to offer to lick some mustard off of Steve’s nose. So maybe Ralph doesn’t share Mike’s problem?

Over at Ometepe, Phillip holds his post-challenge round table. It literally looks like everyone wearing an orange buff wants to strangle him.

Some girl named Ashley tells us that Phillip is annoying and should go home. Who is this girl? An extra? Purple Ashley?

Natalie thinks it’s strange that Kristina isn’t scrambling looking for the idol. That’s actually an excellent point. Funny how this game evolves.

Rob realizes what Kristina is up to, and thinks she’s far more dangerous than Phillip. Rob even decides to split the votes so his alliance won’t think he has the idol. I’m telling you, Rob’s on a different level right now.

That night at Tribal Council, Natalie tells J-Pro that she thinks Kristina deserves a second chance.

Boston Rob disagrees, saying she hasn’t really been a part of the tribe.

Kristina thinks they should vote out the weakest link, meaning someone who is disruptive. She considers Phillip to be disruptive.

Phillip disagrees, saying he’s a doer and that Kristina only shows up around meal time.

Phillip then proceeds to give his entire life story.

Seriously, who do I talk to about getting a Coach vs. Phillip podcast? It’d be weeks long.

Voting Time: Phillip votes for Kristina, Kristian votes for Phillip, and you’ll know the rest soon enough.

Actually, you’ll know the rest now. One vote for Phillip, one vote for Kristina, one vote for Phillip, one vote for Kristina, one vote for Phillip, one vote for Kristina…and the fourth person to be sent to Redemption Island is…Kristina.

Verdict: I was worried that the show would peak too early if they booted a big name during Redemption Island, but Rob’s clever maneuvering and a healthy dose of Vitamin Phillip kept it on track.

Who’s Going to Win? For all of Rob’s great moves, the move to boot Matt may be the one that dooms him. If Ometepe keeps losing challenges they could be wiped out by the Zapatera Six post-merge. From there I like David to take it.

Power Rankings Update: Close one this week with Sash getting the edge. Sash had Kristina in spot 15 while I had her in spot 14. Both of us thought Russell would prevail at Redemption Island, so no bonus points for either competitor. Sash still leads by a score of 38 to 34.

Any questions? Any comments? Our commenting system is down for the time being, but feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes or chat with fellow “Survivor” fans at the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Facebook page.

Last Week: Phillips showed that he’s half lion, Russell returned to form with some solid lying, and Matt’s hand shaking crossed the line.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Ometepe Tribe (wearing orange)

Andrea – 21, Student
Ashley – 25, Nurse
Grant – 29, Yoga Instructor
Kristina – 46, Law Student
Natalie – 19, Dancer
Phillip – 52, Technology Executive

Rob – 35, “Survivor” Hall of Famer

The Zapatera Tribe (wearing purple)

David – 31, Defense Attorney
Julie – 50, Firefighter
Krista – 25, Pharmaceutical Rep
Mike – 31, Former Marine
Ralph – 45, Farmer

Russell – 38, “Survivor” Hall of Famer

Sarita – 36, Visual Effects Producer
Stephanie – 26, Waitress
Steve – 51, Former NFL Player

Currently Residing on Redemption Island (wearing sadness)

Francesca – 36, Attorney

Matt – 22, Pre-Med Student

We kick this bad boy off by paying a visit to Redemption Island. Francesca is shocked that Matt is joining her. Apparently she was anticipating (dreading?) a visit from Phillip.

Meanwhile at Ometepe, Rob is bragging about how Matt went home, Kristina played her idol, and Phillip was loyal. A perfect hat trick for ol’ Beantown Rob.

Phillip decides that his performance is worth an Academy Award. Just so long as he doesn’t try to thank Francesca during his acceptance speech. The mispronunciations could make the broadcast go long…well, longer than usual.

The following morning Matt and Francesca receive an invitation to…Redemption Island Arena! It’s Thunderdome! Two enter…only one leaves! Whatcha gonna do, brother?!

Over at Zapatera, the Zapaterans pull rocks to see who gets to watch the duel. Steve and Danny score some front row seats. At Ometepe, Andrea and Ashley receive the honor. This concerns Rob as he doesn’t want Andrea chatting with her buddy Matt.

Redemption Island Challenge: The two competitors are trapped behind a gate. They’ll have to tie sticks together to create a pole long enough to reach through the gate and retrieve three keys. The three keys unlock three locks. First person to unlock all of their locks stays on Redemption Island. The loser goes home.

Note: Redemption Island Arena is very cool. It reminds me of “Survivor: Guatemala.”

Francesca gets a decent pole together first and retrieves her first key. Matt gives his pole a shot and it falls apart. Francesca snags her second key while Matt continues having trouble with his pole.

Grow up.

(I know that’s an old joke.)

While Francesca is reaching for her third key, her pole snaps. Matt manages to snag his first two keys while Francesca is repairing her pole. They both stretch for their third key with Matt finally managing to retrieve it. He unlocks his locks and wins the challenge, sending Francesca home.

Wow, that was a very tense challenge. Well done.

With the challenge over, Matt hugs Francesca. Wait, didn’t he learn anything?!

Francesca drops her buff into the fire (Randy Bailey style!) and leaves the game.

Back at camp, Rob realizes that he needs to get Andrea back on his side. He pulls her aside and has a heart-to-heart. However, instead of explaining his rationale, he tries to disperse the blame between the rest of the alliance.

Andrea smartly plays it cool, but realizes she’s the low person on the totem pole.

Over at Zapatera, Steve tells Russell that Francesca won the challenge. Why? So when they vote Russell off he’ll have to face Matt.

Wha-what? If he’s going to face Matt either way, what difference does it make? What if Zapatera wins immunity and Russell gets to go to the next Redemption Island duel? Why lie to somebody when there’s next to no upside?

Russell knows he’s down six to three and the immunity idol is his only hope. However, since Rooster Ralph has it, his alliance can’t find it.

Stephanie comes up with the idea of pretending to have an immunity idol (Rupert Boneham style!)

We come back from commercial and are treated to close-ups of the pustules on Russell’s shaved armpits in HD. Thanks, CBS.

Perhaps sick of Russell’s puss-filled armpits (urgh…it grossed me out to even type that), Steve gets the idea of throwing the challenge to hasten Russell’s exit. Somebody named Julie doesn’t like that idea because she’s a competitor.

Immunity Challenge Time: Three players from each team will be strapped to a wheel. As the wheel rotates, their heads will dip into a trough. They’ll have to fill their mouths with water while they’re underwater. As they rotate to the top, they’ll spit the water into a tube. Once the tube is filled up with water a ball will roll down to a slide puzzle. First tribe to get the ball through the slide puzzle wins immunity, chairs, blankets, a tarp, and other comfort items.

Note: They had a very similar challenge last season and if memory serves me right, I called it the grossest challenge ever. That water has got to be nasty after people dunk their gross heads into it.

Ralph and Sarita will sit out for Zapatera.

Natalie, Andrea, and Kristina have wheel duty for Ometepe, Stephanie, Krista, and Julie are strapped in for Zapatera.

Ometepe jumps out to a big lead. It looks like Julie is intentionally missing the tube.

Ometepe releases their ball quickly and Rob is going to work on the puzzle. Zapatera finally releases their ball and David goes to work…slowly. Rob finishes the puzzle and wins immunity and reward for Ometepe.

Russell suspects that strange things were afoot at the Circle K. (Two “Survivor” points for whoever gets that reference. “Survivor” points, as always, have no cash value.)

The Ometepans don’t get a second to enjoy their win as they’re all tearing apart camp looking for the hidden immunity idol.

Rob notices that federal agent Phillip is sitting on the clue because he was sitting kind of funny. Did Phillip the man with the perception powers ten times that of a normal man realize he was sitting on the clue? No. Did Rob manage to get the clue away from Phillip without him knowing? Totally.

However, the clue is very vague and Rob can’t find the idol. Maybe he’d have better luck if he was a rock collector?

Meanwhile, the plan at Zapatera is to split the vote between Russell and Stephanie in case they have the idol.

Stephanie and Russell decide that some lady named Julie is their best bet for flipping. Russell smartly has Stephanie approach her with an offer to be their fourth member.

Wow…and Julie seems to go for it.

That night at Tribal Council, Ralph says there’s a division in the tribe in his own unique way. Probst may need a Rooster-Ralph-to-English dictionary.

Sarita calls Russell out on giving a speech about being a changed man when his gameplay shows the opposite.

Russell disagrees, saying he’s not burning socks and throwing challenges. He then accuses the others of throwing the challenge.

Mike fesses up that they weren’t too upset about losing.

Julie thinks they need to go into the merge with numbers.

Stephanie thinks throwing the challenge was stupid as they need numbers now and can all stab each other in the back later.

Voting Time: Ralph votes for “Ressell,” Sarita votes for Stephanie, Russell votes for Ralph, and the rest of the votes await J-Pro’s thoughtful tallying.

One vote for Russell, one vote for Ralph, one vote for Stephanie, two votes for Russell, one vote for Stephanie, two votes for Ralph, and the final vote is for Stephanie. Three-way tie.

Now they can only vote for Russell, Stephanie, or Ralph. Also, Russell, Stephanie, and Ralph are not allowed to vote.

More Voting: No votes are shown…

One vote Ralph, three votes Russell…and the third person to be sent to Redemption Island is…Russell.

Hantz on the ground…Hantz on the ground…

And the longest run in “Survivor” without being voted out has just come to an end. At least until Sandra or Parvati come back. (EDIT: Amanda Kimmel actually has the longest uninterrupted run in “Survivor” history. Thanks to my Twitter and Facebook fact checkers for pointing that out.)

Verdict: My big question going into this season was; will eliminating someone midway through the show alter the show’s natural flow? For twenty one seasons almost every episode has peaked with an elimination at the end. I think it worked in this episode, but if Russell goes home next week it might overshadow everything that happens afterward.

Either way, I’m still loving this season.

Who’s Going to Win? Andrea’s a smart cookie. She played the Boston Rob situation just right. David’s still a strong pick too.

Power Rankings Update: Back in the game! Both Sash and I earned the Redemption Island bonus point by picking Matt, while I had Russell in spot 14 and Sash had him in spot 9. However, Sash still leads by a score of 23 to 20.

Any questions? Any comments? Our commenting system is down for the time being, but feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes or chat with fellow “Survivor” fans at the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Facebook page.