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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst

November 19, 2012

'Survivor' Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst (CBS)

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst (along with Producer Jesse Jensen, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, and other “Survivor” luminaries) has an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2012. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Jeff Probst’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

With each year it gets tougher to choose because there are so many people who deserve a spot in the “Survivor” Hall Of Fame.  I could easily make a case for another dozen right now but since I am allowed only three spots I will play by the rules and will give my attention to some of the veterans of the game.

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): The fact that she has never brought home the brass ring doesn’t take away from the truth that she is one of the most consistently strong finishers in the history of “Survivor.”  She improved each time she played. She was always a strong physical presence and was not afraid to make big moves to keep herself in the game.  Amanda’s only downfall was Tribal Council where she often stumbled when pressed for an answer but it never kept her from coming back for more.  Amanda most definitely deserves a spot in the hallowed “Survivor” Hall Of Fame.

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: Africa” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): There are two strong reasons that Ethan belongs in the “Survivor” Hall Of Fame.  First, he won “Survivor: Africa,” one of the toughest seasons ever and he won with class.  There has never been a bad word uttered about Ethan.  He has always carried himself with grace.  Equally important is how Ethan has used his celebrity since winning the million dollars and title of Sole Survivor.   He founded Grassroots Soccer inspiring kids across the globe while educating them about HIV/AIDS.  The only question about Ethan is why did it take so long for him to be included in the HOF?

I only have one spot left and there are so many I want to include… but I’m giving my third spot to someone who I think has been a bit overlooked in years gone by and that is…

Rob Cesternino – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): His first appearance was a milestone.  “Survivor” had never before had someone who combined such an amazing knowledge of the game with a very clever wit and ability to tell a funny story at any time about any other player.  Rob took some knocks for being a “one-note” player but that one note was very effective and incredibly entertaining.  Rob has gone on to use his wit to create a very successful online presence in the reality world.  He analyzes new seasons and new players, not afraid to criticize but never going beyond a fair assessment of a complicated and devilish game.

Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – Cirie Fields

November 16, 2012

2011 'Survivor' Hall of Fame Inductee Cirie Fields (CBS)

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to welcome 2011 inductee Cirie Fields to the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Cirie (along with Host Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2012. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Cirie Fields’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): My first pick is Stephenie LaGrossa. She is one of the toughest pretty chicks I know! Stephenie has played the game three times and made it to finals in “Guatemala”! Stephenie was also the only Survivor left from her tribe during “Palau” and she was a challenge beast. She also spent a night in the cave alone (that in itself is commendable! Trust me… I stayed in that cave.) For these reasons, I choose Stephenie.

Colby Donaldson – (“Survivor: The Australian Outback,” “Survivor: All-Stars,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): My second pick is Colby Donaldson, even though Colby didn’t succumb to my feminine wiles or my motherly charm during “Heroes vs. Villains.” He also played three times and was a challenge beast during his first season! Colby would have won had he not taken Tina to the finals with him during “The Australian Outback,” which he was well aware of and he still took her. All the more reason Colby should be a Hall of Famer!

My last pick was a toss up between Amanda Kimmel (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”) and Jonny Fairplay (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites”). If you watch “Survivor” like a super fan or if you know of the show just from commercials, anyone who knows “Survivor” knows Fairplay as the guy who killed off his grandmother for a million bucks! On the other hand you have Amanda who played back-to-back seasons (which was grueling in and of itself) and both seasons Amanda made it to finals.  Had she had a better mouthpiece she would have won the whole kit and kaboodle! Amanda’s showing in “Heroes vs. Villains” was nothing to sneeze at either, and for these reasons I have to go with Amanda as my final pick!

Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Castaway Artis Silvester: ‘I Did Not Like Abi’

November 15, 2012

Artis Silvester and Jeff Probst (CBS)

XFinityTV is blowing up their coverage of “Survivor: Philippines.” Every Monday Jeff Probst and I will tackle a wide variety of topics with the “Survivor” Question of the Week. Every Tuesday I’ll be squaring off against “Survivor: One World” favorite Kat Edorsson in this season’s Power Rankings challenge. Every Wednesday briefly after the show we’ll have a full episode recap and every Thursday we’ll have an interview with the latest eliminated player.  Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for all the updates!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

I figured I’d be speaking to Jonathan “Normal” Penner this morning. It seemed like a done deal that Tandang would stick together and start picking of the remnants of Matsing and Kalabaw.

I didn’t see it coming. But, Artis did.

I spoke with the Artis Silvester the morning after his elimination to get his thoughts on his alliance with Abi and Pete, how he knew his number was up, and the player that he has a personal problem with…

Gordon Holmes: You tweeted a couple of minutes ago that your whole story wasn’t out there. Well, here’s your chance; what’s the whole story?
Artis Silvester: (Laughs) What I meant by that is my alignment with Pete was a genuine one. The fact that Abi was there probably aided the public perception of me being this horrible, angry person. When I actually had the time of my life.
Holmes: That leads nicely into my next question. You seemed like a delightful fellow in the pre-game interview. What I saw on TV was much different. When I talked to RC she said she wasn’t a fan of Artis in the game, but Artis in real life is a good guy.
Silvester: (Laughs)
Holmes: So, was your portrayal accurate?
Silvester: Well…yes. But in the game things happen. People start doing things. From a physical and a mental standpoint, I knew what I was getting in to. I was prepared to go days without eating and days without sleeping. I was ready for the backstabbing. The problem I had is that we didn’t have to do any of that this season. We really didn’t. A lot of the going off and talking, a lot of the early gameplay was absolutely unnecessary for our tribe. We should have had a vacation all the way through to the merge. But, in order for that to happen we had to stop playing so early. And that was drawing lines in the sand. We were dividing ourselves early and there was no need for that.

Holmes: One of the “Survivor” 101 rules is to keep the people in the bottom of your alliance happy so they won’t flip. But, when Tandang was dominating the early challenges, you guys were still ostracizing RC and Skupin.
Silvester: Let me clear something up. I did not like Abi. Abi was this baggage that I had to take in my alliance with Pete. The problem is when you get in a situation like that and people see people going off and talking, playing the game that early, you pretty much draw a line in the sand. I didn’t go out and make an alliance with anyone. I got approached by the alliance that I was in. At no point in time did I think that our tribe should have been dissolved, even with my distaste for one of the numbers.

Holmes: I thought Penner was a goner last night. Were you as shocked as I was?
Silvester: No. That’s the biggest thing, I was never blindsided. I had ran the scenario that night and prior to Tribal Council. I said to myself, “The logical thing is, they’d gone after Pete twice, and now they’re going to come after me.” There was only one person that I had to convince to stay with me, that would ensure me advancement. There was only way I was going home.
Holmes: So, when you were making the long walk, you knew it was Skupin.
Silvester: When the names started coming up I was looking for that one vote in that one handwriting. And if you watch it, at that point in time that’s where I put my head down and I knew I didn’t do a good enough job in convincing that person to stay with me. But no, I was not blindsided.

Holmes: Let’s get into some word association. We’ll start with Pete.
Silvester: Frat brat. (Laughs)
Holmes: Abi?
Silvester: Abi is unbelievably crazy.
Holmes: Penner?
Silvester: Brilliant.
Holmes: Carter?
Silvester: Gullible.
Holmes: Denise?
Silvester: Fantastic. I love Denise.
Holmes: Malcolm?
Silvester: (Laughs) Smart, got a good game…likable.
Holmes: Lisa?
Silvester: I like Lisa. Lisa wants to be…how can I put this…she’s very persuadable because she’s a fan of the game and she wants to play the game. But, she listens to too many people.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Skupin.
Silvester: Oh my goodness. I’m not going to comment on that one.
Holmes: That’s not how this works.
Silvester: (Laughs) Ohhhh…I want to comment on that one. I have a problem with Mike and it’s a personal vendetta and Mike knows what he did. I do not like to talk about people behind their back. I have a very personal problem with Mike. I’m amazed with how he’s proceeded.
Holmes: Normally when two people have issues in this game, it’s specifically about the game. How is this different? Is it deeper?
Silvester: Yes, yes it is. I can understand anybody’s gameplay. Gameplay is fine. But, when you start dealing with things on a personal level. Like I don’t like you on a personal level, I’m not going to candy coat it and hide it. I’ll confront you about it in case I was wrong, and in this instance, I was not wrong.
Holmes: I find that surprising. I’ve spoken with Skupin on several occasions and he’s always had a reputation for being a likable guy.
Silvester: That’s all it is is a reputation.
Holmes: So, what did he do that rubbed you the wrong way?
Silvester: Actually, I can’t comment on that.
Holmes: Fair enough. The mind races…

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – ‘Survivor’ Producer Jesse Jensen

November 15, 2012

Jesse Jensen (CBS)

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, “Survivor” Producer Jesse Jensen (along with Host Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, and other “Survivor” luminaries) has an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2012. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Jesse Jensen has been with “Survivor” since 2000 working his way up from Art Department to Art Director to Producer. His creativity allows for some of the most visually stunning Tribal Councils that set the stage for those great dramatic moments that we love so much.

Jesse Jensen’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

Ben “Coach” Wade – (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): I love this guy. He has always been such a favorite amongst the crew. The “Dragon Slayer” has to make the “Survivor” Hall of Fame! Love him or hate him, Coach, especially after his last effort in “Survivor: South Pacific,” is probably one of our most larger-than-life players. He has always given us amazing drama and funny stories that keep us all entertained throughout his seasons. I’d be very disappointed if he doesn’t make the cut this year.

Rupert Boneham – (“Survivor: Pearl Islands,” “Survivor: All-Stars,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): I voted for him last time and still think he deserves a slot in the Hall of Fame. He has been out of the lime light for a few years now but he is still such an iconic character for the show. People still totally associate earlier seasons of the show with “the bearded guy with the tie dyed T-shirt.” His amazing popularity in his heyday was shown when America voted him the million-dollar winner on “Survivor: America’s Tribal Council” as a special episode to the “All-Star” season with him receiving 85% of the 38 million votes cast. Rupert deserves to be in the Hall of Fame not due to any amazing strategy or gameplay but simply his amazing popularity with the viewers.

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): I’m also going to nominate Stephenie yet again this year. Like the others she has played the game three times, that in itself means that we felt her an extremely worthy contestant. Her first season in “Palau” she was extremely popular and she showed us what an amazing battler and physical competitor she is. She was such a good personality and player that we brought her back the very next season to compete in “Guatemala.” She didn’t excel in “Heroes vs. Villains” but played a tough game. The dice just didn’t fall right for her that time around. In my opinion, she’s one of the most well-rounded and popular players never to win the game.

Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Recap – Don’t Trust Abi in Apartment 23

November 14, 2012

'Survivor: Philippines' (CBS)

XFinityTV is blowing up their coverage of “Survivor: Philippines.” Every Monday Jeff Probst and I will tackle a wide variety of topics with the “Survivor” Question of the Week. Every Tuesday I’ll be squaring off against “Survivor: One World” favorite Kat Edorsson in this season’s Power Rankings challenge. Every Wednesday briefly after the show we’ll have a full episode recap and every Thursday we’ll have an interview with the latest eliminated player.  Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for all the updates!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Last Week: Pete made an error when he believed Malcolm didn’t have an idol, Lisa called a Tribal Council change-up, Penner threw a brushback at Abi, and Skupin’s checked swing resulted in former NL MVP Jeff Kent being thrown out.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stands…

The Dangrayne Tribe (wearing black)

Abi-Maria – Business Student, 32
Artis – Computer Engineer, 53
Carter – Track Coach, 24
Denise – Sex Therapist, 41
Lisa – Former ‘Facts of Life’ Star, 49
Malcolm – Bartender, 25
Michael – Professional Speaker, Author, and Coach, 50
Penner – Writer, 50
Pete – Engineering Graduate, 24

We meet up with some shell-shocked Dangrayners after Tribal. Michael is amazed because he thinks Lisa’s move was done solely to save him. I think the move was made so Lisa can go to the end with the hated AMAP alliance (Abi-Maria, Artis, Pete).

True to form, Abi-Maria chews out Michael for voting for her even though he didn’t. Penner steps up and admits that he was the sole Abi vote. Love me some Penner.

Carter breaks down the vote math and Penner realizes that he blew it for the non-Tandangers. Doh… And here we were all thinking Penner was an evil genius.

Later, Malcolm and Lisa kiss and make-up. Lisa feels bad about breaking her word and is super appreciative toward Malcolm for being so gracious. She then busts out a solid Sugar impersonation and starts crying.

The next morning, Penner tries to get in good with Lisa. He pulls some serious psychological mojo and starts digging into her past. He’s reading her like an immunity clue. It makes sense, though. The dude’s probably been dealing with actresses for a long time.

Lisa lets us know that she spent her whole life being “Little Miss Perfect” and it’ll be tough for her to be judged by others if she hasn’t done the right thing. Wait, isn’t there a thing at the end of this show where people are judged…

Reward Challenge Time: The tribe will be split into two teams. One player from each team will run through a muddy obstacle course. They’ll then dig through the mud looking for a bag of balls. From there they have to crawl through a bin of rice. Once the tribe has four bags of balls, they’ll have to shoot them into a basket. First tribe to get all twelve of the balls into the basket wins a trip to a local village where they’ll deliver school supplies and toys to the kids.

Quick Aside: Aww…yay.  I always like when “Survivor” does this. It’s been too long.

The villagers will then hold a feast for the winners.

Looks like we’ve got Skupin, Artis, Lisa, and Pete (the yellow team) vs. Penner, Carter, Denise, and Malcolm (the red team). Nobody picked Abi? What’s the opposite of surprising?

Actually, I kind of hate that someone doesn’t get a chance for reward because they weren’t picked. They should do the thing where they let her bet on the winner.

We get started and Penner decides to dig up all four of his tribe’s bags. That’s different. We’ll see if it works.

Sure enough, the person after Penner, (Carter) finds the bag super quickly. Their team now has a huge lead.

All four of the red members get through in record time and have sunk ten balls before the yellow team has shot their first one. Yellow stages a bit of a comeback, but it’s way too late. The red team wins reward.

Later, we meet up with the Kalasing alliance as they’re greeted by the villagers. There’s an adorable moment where Jonathan introduces himself to some kids. They say “Jonathan.” Then he says that his name is normal in the United States. They respond, “Normal.”

Strategy is discussed during the feast. They want to try to get Skupin back on board. I think that’s a dumb move for Skupin. His goal has got to be getting to the end with Abi-Maria and Pete.

Back at camp, Pete is frustrated that he’s forced to work with Skupin. That’s why you’ve got to be nice to the people on the bottom of your alliance. At some point you’ll need them.

Abi tries to butter up Lisa by saying that Lisa is just “gullible” and “naïve.” Wait, what’s the opposite of buttering someone up?

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will balance an oversized paddle. They’ll then try to roll a ball down the paddle and into a hole. They have to do this six times. First person to have six balls in place at the same time wins immunity.

Umm…this looks impossible. Challenge Producer and “Survivor” Hall of Fame Executive Voting Committee member John Kirhoffer is a sick man.

I take it back, Skupin managed to pull this off. He got all six while most people didn’t even have one. And he didn’t break his neck in the process.

Politicking around camp seems to center around Tandang targeting Penner and Penner scrambling to find any way out of this mess.

Skup lets Malcolm know how awesome it is to be safe. This is followed immediately by Abi accidentally clubbing Skup in the head with a coconut.

OK, not that I’m glad to see Skup get hurt, but it’s nice to get to break this out again…

The Kalasing alliance is going to target Artis because they think Abi would never give him the idol. How do they even know she has the idol? Oh wait, she showed them for no apparent reason.

Penner goes back to work on Lisa, and gets all meta on us as he asks her what story this season of “Survivor” will tell about her. He thinks the audience won’t be pleased that she’s helping the AMAP alliance. So smart.

That night at Tribal Council, Lisa is thrilled that she was respected for her gameplay by the people she turned against.

Lisa also says the people she turned on were much more graceful than Abi has been. Uh-oh. If looks could kill, Abi’s eyes would have just smacked Lisa with 100 coconuts.

Some guy named Artis isn’t surprised Tandang is still together because of how strong they are.

Denise thinks it’s a risk to think Tandang will stick together.

Artis doesn’t think he’s safe, he knows he can be blindsided like anyone else. Famous last (and first) words?

Skup and his glittering, mystery shoulder wound were both very grateful for Lisa’s move last week.

Lisa doesn’t think she can play the game without getting emotionally involved.

Abi is worried that Tandang doesn’t have the numbers, specifically calling out Lisa. Oh man, Pete’s hating her right now. RC on the other hand is finding all of this hilarious.

Voting Time: Pete votes for Penner (and gives him mad props), Denise votes for Artis, and the rest of the votes aren’t shown.

“Survivor” Hall of Fame Executive Voting Committee member Jeff Probst tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Artis, one vote for Penner, one vote for Artis, three votes for Penner, two votes for Artis, and the tenth person to leave “Survivor: Philippines” and the third member of the jury is…Artis.

Whoa! Looks like Skup was the flipper.

Verdict: This season has been on fire since the merge. Between Lisa, Malcolm, Denise, and Penner you have four serious strategists. Skup’s one of my all-time faves. Abi is an awesome villain. Pete’s the straw that stirs the drink, and Carter has an appealing physique and is allowed to talk occasionally.

Who’s Going to Win: Lisa? Right? No wait…Malcolm still has the idol. But Penner just won’t die. Sorry…no…Denise is a champ…

Power Rankings Results: Kat had Artis in spot seven while I had him in spot six. So, the current score is Team Kat: 108, Team Awesome Thunder: 110.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Power Rankings: Round Eight

November 14, 2012

'Survivor: Philippines' (CBS)

XFinityTV is blowing up their coverage of “Survivor: Philippines.” Every Monday Jeff Probst and I will tackle a wide variety of topics with the “Survivor” Question of the Week. Every Tuesday I’ll be squaring off against “Survivor: One World” favorite Kat Edorsson in this season’s Power Rankings challenge. Every Wednesday briefly after the show we’ll have a full episode recap and every Thursday we’ll have an interview with the latest eliminated player.  Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for all the updates!

The Rules: Each week Kat and Gordon will create separate Power Rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the two players will earn. For example, if Malcolm is voted out this week, Kat will receive 7 points and Gordon will receive 6 points. The person with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the ‘Survivor: Philippines’ Power Rankings champion!

Last Week: Kat’s streak continues! She had Jeff Kent in spot ten while I had him in spot nine. So, the current score is Team Kat: 101, Team Awesome Thunder: 104.

Set Your DVR to Record ‘Survivor: Philippines

Kat’s Current Score: 101

Any advice for Kat? Drop her a line on Twitter: @KatEdorsson

Gordon’s Current Score: 104

Any advice for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Lisa: By no means is Lisa the Ultimate Survivor or will ever be known for it, but after the train wreck of a Tribal Council last week I think Lisa for the win can be fair game. Lisa, I understand you want your tribe to come together and play nice with one another…but let’s face it that ship sailed LONGG AGOO. Mama Goose, right now you need to be on damage control and clean up that mess you made with Malcolm and Denise.  1. Abi Maria: It’s been a week since that crazy Tribal Council and I’m still not sure what the heck happened. I don’t know why Skup flipped back to Tandang, I don’t know why Penner voted for Abi, and I sure don’t know why Abi let everyone know she has an immunity idol. But, now that the immunity cat is out of the bag, Abi should feel free to use it if she feels threatened.
 2. Abi-Maria: Did you see Pete’s face when Abi ripped out their idol? Priceless Tribal Council glory! Abi`s on a high this week and we all know why. Even though people dislike her, she still has the idol and is in a good place.
  2. Michael: Maybe Skup’s flip was a Sandra Diaz-Twine-eque “anyone be me” maneuver? Maybe he caught Jeff Kent talking about getting rid of returnees? In hindsight, sticking with Tandang is probably a smart move. He’s probably Tandang’s biggest immunity threat and the only Tandanger that could beat him at a final Tribal is Lisa.
 3. Malcolm: Just because I show my idol at Tribal doesn’t mean I have to use it!! #FREASH I’ve never been so excited to watch a Tribal Counsil, so thank you for showing your idol and getting everyone fired up! Strategically Malcolm could be in a lot of trouble if Tandang comes back together, however, I highly doubt that will happen so I’ll hope for the best.  3. Lisa: You’ve got to give Lisa credit, she could have easily coasted along and gotten to at least the final four as the “nice mom.” But, she’s proven that she’s going to do her best to win this thing. Now, while her moves last week do put a target on her back, I’m thinking after last Tribal’s craziness that Tandang sticks together for a little while longer.

  4. Denise: She seems to be flying by the competition and letting everyone destroy themselves. Hopefully Denise will calm down Lisa and bring her back to the tripod or whatever is left of it before they ruin my premonition of total domination.  4. Malcolm: Gah…last week’s big loser was probably the Matsing alliance. They were both under the radar next to the more abrasive Abi/Pete/Artis alliance. Now, they’re in some trouble. The good news for Malcolm is that he still has Matsing’s immunity idol. The bad news is you can only say you’re going to play it and then not play it once.

  5. Michael: Skupin, don’t get played! I’m happy you’re always keeping one eye open when it comes to the votes. Stay in the majority, but be careful…the only thing that is going for you right now is winning immunity.
  5. Denise:  Denise is on the wrong side of the numbers right now, but she still has a lot of time to maneuver. Fortunately, she hasn’t rubbed anyone the wrong way, so she shouldn’t be first on anyone’s hitlist. Unfortunately, she hasn’t rubbed anyone the wrong way, so nobody (Malcolm included) will want to go to the final Tribal with her.
 6. Pete: I think it might be time to cut the head of the snake, and I can’t wait to see Abi and Pete in an argument! This will be interesting. (Expletive deleted), if that was me I would have killed her after Tribal for ripping out the idol. But, we’ll see how things unfold.
  6. Artis: Out of all the people left in the game, I feel like I know the least about Artis. It doesn’t seem like he’s getting along with anyone outside of Pete and Abi. And even those three seem to hate each other at times.
 7. Artis: Again, weird place in the game…  If Penner wins immunity I think Artis could be toast! How could they think people on the jury would vote for them if they’re not that friendly? Come on, guys!
   7. Carter: Things never turn out well for the right hand after a power player is eliminated. If Carter is going to stick around it’s going to take either an immunity run (which Carter is capable of), or some Penner brilliance (which Penner is capable of).
 8. Carter: Carter, you should be at the bottom because you just sent home your closest ally! But, I have a feeling if you get with the right people you will have the numbers and you can really turn this game around. Out of Kent’s shadow let’s see this kid create his own path. Besides he’s doing great in these challenges!
  8. Pete: I love me some Malcolm. That guy cracks me up. But he gave an Ozzy Lusth at Redemption Island-level terrible acting performance when Pete asked if he had an idol. And Pete believed it. That can’t be good. Also, if Penner is able to pull off another miracle, it’s going to be directed at poor Pete.
 9. Penner: Penner, if you do not win immunity I believe the Snake “Pete” will come after you. He is a mastermind and is really good flopping the votes. The odds of winning again are against him, because if Pete, Abi, Artis, or Carter win, I think Penner will be out.  9. Penner: I still don’t quite get why Penner voted for Abi last week. I guess he thought if he had his six, it wouldn’t hurt to try to set off Abi’s crazy meter. Either way, what’s done is done, it’s time to look forward. Can Penner convince a Tandanger to flip? Who’s their weakest link? Now that Kent is gone, would Skupin be open to changing sides?


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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – Russell Hantz

November 13, 2012

2010 "Survivor" Hall of Fame Inductee Russell Hantz (CBS)

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to have 2010 inductee Russell Hantz as a member of the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Russell (along with Host Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2012. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Russell Hantz’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

James Clement – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Simply because he’s the strongest player to ever play the game. He can roll over anyone! He wasn’t two-time fan favorite for nothing!

Kim Spradlin – (“Survivor: One World): She dominated her season and she’s also a great individual competitor winning four individual immunity challenges!

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): I will vote for Amanda every single year until she makes it! She is a wonderful strategic and physical player and her social game isn’t so bad either. Amanda is one of the strongest strategic players I’ve ever played with! A back-to-back player who once had me shaking in my boots during “Heroes vs. Villains”! Believe it.

Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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Which Former ‘Survivor’ Players Would Jeff Probst Like to See Again?

November 12, 2012

Shannon 'Shambo' Waters (CBS)

XFinityTV is blowing up their coverage of “Survivor: Philippines.” Every Monday Jeff Probst and I will tackle a wide variety of topics with the “Survivor” Question of the Week. Every Tuesday I’ll be squaring off against “Survivor: One World” favorite Kat Edorsson in this season’s Power Rankings challenge. Every Wednesday briefly after the show we’ll have a full episode recap and every Thursday we’ll have an interview with the latest eliminated player.  Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for all the updates!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

This Week’s Question: Who is the former player you’d most like to see return who hasn’t returned yet?

Gordon Holmes: The last time we played this game, Michael Skupin was my pick for the player I’d most like to see return. So for that, I thank you. This time I’m going to go with Natalie Bolton from “Survivor – Fans vs. Favorites.” The show has had a ton of guy players who’ve relished the villain role, but Natalie is one of the few females who seemed to enjoy it. How about you?
Jeff Probst: Oh, there are a lot.  In no particular order, let me give you some names from the past, maybe not the most obvious but people I’d be open to playing again; Andrew Savage (“Survivor: Pearl Islands”) because I still think we screwed him with our poorly thought out “Outcast” twist.  I liked Shambo (Shannon Waters – “Survivor: Samoa”) but she doesn’t seem keen to play again.  Greg Buis from our first season would be fun to have back.   I liked Hunter (Ellis) from Marquesas, Terry Deitz from “Exile Island.”  I liked Danni (Boatwright) from Guatemala, but I don’t think she wants to play again.  I liked Jessica deBen from Fiji.  
Holmes: See…now there’s an answer!
Probst: There are tons but once again your question requires me to either sit here and think or go to Wikipedia and look them up!  The problem with bringing back players like the ones I suggested is that most of them aren’t huge names and the audience seems to love the very popular players.  If we ever do a season where we bring back 100 players then maybe some of these guys will get back in!

Who Would You Like to See Again?? Send your answers to me on Twitter: @gordonholmes

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Vote for the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Class of 2012

November 12, 2012

UPDATE: Voting for the “Survivor Hall of Fame has ended. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

It’s time for the second most important vote you’ll cast this month. It’s time for the “Survivor” community to come together to honor their best and brightest. It’s time once again for the “Survivor” Hall of Fame…

THE VOTING PROCESS: Fifty percent of the vote will be based on the ballots of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Executive Voting Committee. This panel consists of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, members of the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Guy Gordon Holmes. We’ve also invited all current members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame to join the Executive Voting Committee. The other fifty percent will come from fans like you.

Check Out Some of Our Executive Ballots…

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Castaway Jeff Kent: ‘I’m So Bitter and ****ed Off’

November 8, 2012

Jeff Kent (CBS)

XFinityTV is blowing up their coverage of “Survivor: Philippines.” Every Monday Jeff Probst and I will tackle a wide variety of topics with the “Survivor” Question of the Week. Every Tuesday I’ll be squaring off against “Survivor: One World” favorite Kat Edorsson in this season’s Power Rankings challenge. Every Wednesday briefly after the show we’ll have a full episode recap and every Thursday we’ll have an interview with the latest eliminated player.  Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for all the updates!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Jeff Probst said that last night’s Tribal Council was the most entertaining Tribal ever. I’m not sure if I’m willing to go quite that far, but it certainly was a doozy.

Alliances were exposed, idols were outed, plans were formed, then reformed. And in the end, a former National League MVP was sent home. It was something to see.

(And as a quick aside, it’s nice to see that after 25 seasons, this show can still be great.)

I spoke with Jeff Kent the morning after his elimination and had a chance to get a breakdown of exactly what happened during that mind-blowing Tribal Council…

Jeff Kent: Hey, Gordon.
Gordon Holmes: Good morning, Mr. Kent. How are you?
Kent: I’m OK, buddy. What can I do for you?
Holmes: For starters, you can tell me what the hell happened last night.
Kent: (Laughs) I don’t know, man. I’m still bitter about it myself.
Holmes: As you should be. That was a mess.
Kent: Well, before we went to Tribal Council, we were all passive. The tribe had an understanding that we were going to vote for a veteran player. And since Penner had won the idol, we were all scrambling, we were all pissed off because that was the direction we were going to go. So, the most likely was Skupin. And most everyone out there didn’t care if it was Penner or Skupin for days. And then when it got down to the 11th hour, I think the mindset of Pete and Abi and Artis changed. They figured that Skupin was worth keeping around for some reason.
Holmes: Was that Lisa’s doing?
Kent: Lisa started playing the game a little bit better. Penner and I went to talk strategy and when I got back I was approached by Malcolm and he said they’re throwing every name under the bus. Malcolm’s name had been thrown out there. My name was thrown out. Carter’s name too. I was scrambling and I was pissed off that they’d target me because I had a feeling that Malcolm had the idol. We were trying to make sure that it wasn’t me. We concocted that we’d go after the guy who was making all of the rules, Pete. And it happened right before Tribal so we couldn’t talk through or solidify what would happen in the future. We were all going to vote for Pete.

Holmes: What changed when you got to Tribal?
Kent: When we get to Tribal everyone starts dumping all their laundry. Everybody’s telling secrets and lies and nobody knows what’s going on. Then, in what I thought was a good move by Penner, he said OK all us six let’s vote for Pete. Which was good because Penner knew he had to start playing for the future. And typical of Skupin, he just didn’t want to play the game as good as he should have. He ended up voting the wrong way, and then Penner threw his vote the wrong way, which I’m having a hard time understanding. Penner threw his vote the other way and I’m the one who got the boot.
Holmes: What’s your best guess as to why Penner made that seemingly random vote for Abi?
Kent: When we were at Tribal Council, Penner and I were doing some hand signs and whispering to each other about if we should split the vote in case Pete plays the idol. I told Penner that we didn’t have the votes to split the vote. And, we couldn’t communicate across the board and I didn’t trust anyone who was on the right side of me. So, Penner and I did talk about it. I kind of think that Penner thought that we had the votes to keep me safe even if he voted another way, because Skupin agreed to vote with us. He agreed to vote with us when he was sitting there, but when we went to vote he didn’t.

Holmes: Whenever a celebrity is cast on “Survivor,” some people roll their eyes. But, “Survivor” is the real deal. You’re out there cold and starving. Jimmy Johnson learned that the hard way. But you gave it your all and seemed to be having a great time.
Kent: It’s a long time to be away from the family, and I’ve got four young kids in the house. It was a long time to be away.  But I had a great time. I’m glad I took the challenge, I’m glad I had a chance to play. And I played that game from day one. Hurting my knee coming off the boat, I didn’t want to quit. I wasn’t going to give up. I did everything I thought I could to survive and win that game and that’s why I’m so bitter and pissed off that I got kicked off. But, I’m grateful to have that opportunity. But Lisa and I, I hope we had a chance to quiet those critics, and I hope they had a good time watching.

Holmes: When we spoke in the Philippines, you were concerned about how you were going to be portrayed. Do you think it was accurate?
Kent: Yeah, I do. I didn’t really have a good understanding of what Dawson knew about me. I didn’t know she was so keen on who I was. Now I understand why all the conversations we had in our hut were about baseball and sports. It’s kind of funny.
Holmes: When I spoke to her, she made it sound like you knew that she knew about your baseball career.
Kent: I did not know that she knew that I was a baseball player, because I guarantee that I would have kicked her off. I would have had it out for her. Or, I would have tried to cut a deal with her to keep her quiet. She talked about sports and baseball players, but my name never came up. It was all about how she wanted to date Chipper Jones. That’s as far as it ever went.
Holmes: You played the Braves more than a few times. Is Dawson a good match for Chipper Jones?
Kent: (Laughs) I feel sorry for the guy she matches up with.

Holmes: One of the things we kept seeing you say is that you didn’t want Penner to go further than you. That seems like a shortsighted strategy to me. Was that how you genuinely felt or was that a ruse to help you get farther?
Kent: It was twofold; one it was a deflection off of me. I was a guy who came in and had a leadership personality and a guy that could do the challenges and survive out there in the environment. I was deflecting that attention off of me. Who’s bigger and better than me? Penner.  And number two, I respected Penner a lot. I understood his game and his personality. I liked Penner and I knew he was a great player. And if I could stay one step ahead of Penner I knew I was going to go far and possibly go to the end and possibly win. Because I didn’t think anyone was going to give Penner any money. They didn’t show this, but at the end I wanted to keep Penner and  Skupin with us and go forward with those two because I didn’t think they’d get the votes to win because they’re returning players.

Holmes: Word association time. Let’s start with Penner.
Kent: Aggressive.
Holmes: Skupin?
Kent: Dingy.
Holmes: Dawson?
Kent: Air. Just air.
Holmes: Katie?
Kent: Worthless.
Holmes: Malcolm?
Kent: Gamer.
Holmes: Carter?
Kent: Loyal.
Holmes: Pete?
Kent: Idiot. (Laughs)
Holmes: Lisa?
Kent: Lisa was naive.
Holmes: Abi-Maria?
Kent: Wow…
Holmes: Artis?
Kent: Resilient.
Holmes: Denise?
Kent: Denise was tough.

Holmes: Whenever someone leaves the show, it’s either; this was the greatest experience of my life or there isn’t enough money to make me ever go back. Where do you fall on the spectrum?
Kent: I dramatized my comments at the end when I got kicked off, but they were real. I’ve been able to have a life where I don’t need to be on the island. But, that’s what I wanted to do.  I wanted to win. I wanted to be the sole survivor. It wasn’t about the money, it was about winning. So, where I fall in that, is if the challenge presents itself again, I’ll think about it and I may have to take it.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

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