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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Joe: ‘(Jeff Probst’s) Compliments Were Not Helping Me’

September 14, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

[xfinity-record-button id=”4814958312953183112″ program_type=”series”]

Name: Joe Anglim
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: “Joey Amazing” was a challenge stallion and he crafted the most impressive fake immunity idol this side of “Runaround” Bob Crowley.

Gordon Holmes: Alright, how are you doing with the eBay handmade immunity idol business we discussed?
Joe Anglim: (Laughs) It’s in the works.
Holmes: Cause I need you to make me rich.
Anglim: I’m building my art empire as we speak.
Holmes: I’m anxiously awaiting my 10%.
Anglim: Mmm…we’ll talk numbers.

Holmes: There were five members of the Dirty 30 up for the vote. Man, I hate that nickname.
Anglim: But you used it!
Holmes: I did. I hate myself as well. So, now there’s only you and Shirin. Does this turn of events work for you or against you?
Anglim: I think it really works in my favor. I ran the numbers over and over and I think it’s definitely better that there are only two of us here.  I knew that Mike (Holloway) was most likely winning the game. I voted for Mike. He ran it, he deserved it. Mama C (Carolyn Rivera) and Max (Dawson) would have put a big target on us based on the fact that there would be four of us and people know we’re a tight cast. So, for me only having Shirin, and Shirin kind of being against me…subtly…works in my favor. But, if she wants to work with me and if we have the opportunity to work together, I think we’d make a really good team.

Holmes: I was watching the reunion and Jeff Probst was all, “Oh Joe…so handsome, so talented. Is there anything this god among us can’t do?”
Anglim: (Laughs)
Holmes: That can’t be good for your game.
Anglim: Jeff was blowing me kisses. His compliments were not helping me out for this season. Jeff was just being Jeff and I was being myself. But, knowing I was potentially coming back…and my opponents are backstage listening…it’s a tricky situation. I’m hoping people don’t read into it too much. To say that I’m a golden boy, I’ve heard the term used a couple of times now. I think I…not accept it, but continue to say, “If that’s what people think, that’s nice.” There’s no hiding it. The only thing I can do now is make the case that on my season I was the only person of my caliber playing in terms of athleticism. I was isolated. Where as now…I’m not.
Holmes: Here’s my advice; that first challenge, right out of the gate…you just trip. Fall right on your face.
Anglim: (Laughs)
Holmes: If there’s a tree puzzle…you avoid it like it has the plague.
Anglim: Well here’s the thing, if there’s a tree puzzle the people on my tribe are going to be like, “Joe, you’re doing the tree puzzle.” I’ve got to own in. They know it, I know it. It hurts me if I pretend to be someone I’m not. I’ve got to accept what people know from my edit. I think they think I’m loyal. Even on a sinking ship I remained true to my alliance. I tried to make some moves, but it didn’t work out. I think they know I’m a physical threat, but they didn’t see a big strategic side to me. Which is good. I can use that to my advantage. I’m hoping I can play hard, but not so hard that I’m above everybody else.

Holmes: Are you an early target?
Anglim: I don’t know if I’m an early target. I know I’m a merge target. I’m even a swap target. The only thing I worry about is if people do look into what Jeff said and they are looking at me as the golden boy. “A lot of fans would be really upset if we got rid of Joe. Let’s get rid of Joe right away.” If people have a vendetta against me, “Look at this narcissistic, piece of (expletive deleted).” You never know what other people are thinking, they might worry that I’m going to get all the limelight. So, I’m really looking to avoid that as much as possible. Put it on the team, I’m all about the tribe.
Holmes: Who do you think the early targets are?
Anglim: I think the early targets are going to be people who aren’t supporting their weight at challenges, around camp. People who don’t deserve to be here. If you give somebody a reason; someone who’s annoying right off of the bat. I think Kass is a big threat…she got the nickname “Chaos” Kass for a reason. Specifically, Spence, Tash, Kass…there’s a group from a season. Keith, Jeremy, Kelley, the same dynamic. Just because they weren’t close in or out of the game doesn’t mean they won’t vote together as a community. And, I’m sure that’s crossed other players minds. If I can use that to plant the seed, even if it’s not true, to put the target on someone else, I’ll do it. So, it’s just going  to be a matter of finding ways to alter my destiny and put targets on anyone else, by any means necessary.

Holmes: In returnee seasons, pre-game alliances are always an issue. Are you a part of one? Have you heard of anything?
Anglim: I was trying to stay focused on Season 30 and just enjoy that chapter. My head was thinking about the future, I was watching old seasons of all these players, I was doing my homework. I was reaching out to people via social media. I’ve met some of the prior Survivors. I didn’t put strategy out there, I just established a relationship. Just saying, “Hey, good luck. Rooting for you. Can’t wait to see you out there.” Basic cable. I know some people have made pre-game alliances, but I think this is one of those seasons where it doesn’t mean jack until you’re on the beach and you know who’s on your tribe.

Holmes: As you’re well aware, sometimes “Survivor” has a twist. If there is one this time around, any guesses as to what it could be?
Anglim: I don’t see a guys vs. girls…”One World Part II.” It seems like the men would have so much more of an advantage. I could see a three-tribe dynamic again. The numbers aren’t there, but if there was a two vote out, like right when we hit the beach. We have a challenge, both tribes are going to Tribal. We vote two out, then it’s eighteen. A three-tribe split. I could see four tribes of five. And, there’s swapping…

Holmes: How about ten tribes of two?
Anglim: Ten tribes of two…well, that’s kind of obvious. (Laughs) I think this time it’s going to evolve quickly. This season is about redemption. Which brings Redemption Island to mind. Or, it’ll be like Savage’s season where they bring back the Outcasts. The people we vote out are going to come back. It’ll be a crazy season of swaps, redemption, switching…maybe a redemption idol? Something crazy. I think the three tribes is going to happen because it just works. I have so many theories, this is all I think about.
Holmes: You’ve got nothing but time.
Anglim: Nothing but time!

Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Anglim: I’m like Caesar. Thumbs up or thumbs down.
Holmes: Exactly.
Anglim: This is so difficult. This is all I’ve been thinking about. Dang…
Holmes: Language, please.
Anglim: (Laughs) This is hard! I have so many I’m 50/50 on. But this is good, I can break down what I’ve been working out.
Holmes: Make me proud.

Anglim: Jeremy…align because I feel like we’re going to play very similar games. He’s a physical threat. And I can use him come merge-time. We can protect each other.

Anglim: Vytas…align. Me and him are both spiritual guys. We do yoga. We have a lot in common. I can easily relate to him.

Anglim: Terry…align. He’s kind of an egotistical guy. You stroke his feathers a little bit and you can get on his good side easily. And, he rubs people the wrong way so he’d be good to keep around.

Anglim: Savage has got that winning smile. He can win over a lot of people. I’ve got good vibes from him now. So, align. All four of those guys are big threats so they can be a buffer. If I said, “Hey, we need to get together and protect each other. We’ve got five, we need one more.”

Anglim: Abi…align. She’s a firecracker. You don’t know which way she’s going to go, but she’s loyal. I’ve met her before. We have a good relationship. I think she’s going to want to work with me.

Anglim: Keith…align. He’s pretty easy to read. Pretty basic cable. He’s a country boy. I’m from the country. We have a lot in common. I feel like he’s going to play a similar game.

Anglim: Ciera…align. She’s a dark horse. I’m going to have to stay as close to her as possible because she’s going to be so quiet. She can just slip under the radar. I need to find out more because I think she’s going to play a really important part in this season.

Anglim: And Woo…align. He has this same kind of vibe he had last time. He’s going to play an honorable game. I can relate to him, but at some point he’s going to want to make a move and it’s going to be easy to tell when that is. So, all of these people I feel like I have a good read on. And, there are five big physical threats I can use to protect myself.
Holmes: As an XFINITY guy, I love that you’re using “basic cable” as a descriptive term.
Anglim: (Laughs)

Anglim: Avoiding these people…Tash is just good. She’s good at everything. She’s very social. She’s got that winning smile. Malign.

Anglim: I love Shirin, but she is devious and sneaky. She knows this game very well. And now that she’s played it, I think she’s going to be able to control her emotions. But at some point she’s going to try to get a female alliance together. That’s the only way they’re going to be able to beat all these big, strong guys. She’s going to be the cornerstone of the female alliance. Malign.

Anglim: Kelley…malign. Bright, smart, athletic…gotta go.

Anglim: Stephen…malign.  He knows this game very well too. He’s incredibly intelligent. He has really good reads on people. He knows the flow of the game. He’s just so savvy…he knows so much.

Anglim: Peih-Gee is the same way…so, malign. I feel like all the people who know the game well and have accurate reads on people are trouble.

Anglim: Kelly has an advantage being so old. Just in terms of her season. People are going to overlook her and I feel like she can go really far to the end just by being very malleable and going with the flow. I worry about Kelly. Malign.

Anglim: Chaos Kass? That’s easy. Malign.

Anglim: Spence…malign. Spence was a toss-up because he’s a big threat out of the gate and he’s so well-received. I could work with him, but I feel like if me and him are sitting at the end together that I can’t beat him. So, he has to go. Earlier than later.

Anglim: Kimmi…love her to death, but I feel like she’s the person that people will want to take to the end. She’s not the Will (Sims) of the season, but people will want to keep her. Malign.

Anglim: Jeff…malign. He’s a conniver. He’s sneaky. He’s got plans. He wouldn’t be a challenge threat, so if he makes the merge he can go far.

Anglim: Monica…look at that picture…she’s gorgeous. And I would probably fall victim to that.  (Laughs)
Holmes: “Booty blinded” is the term Malcolm (Freberg) coined.
Anglim: Yeah, booty blinded. She’s gorgeous and she has a wonderful smile. I’d be in trouble just based off of being attracted to her. So, malign.

 

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Peih-Gee: ‘I Call the Two Man Buns the ‘Boy Wonders”

September 14, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

[xfinity-record-button id=”4814958312953183112″ program_type=”series”]

Name: Peih-Gee Law
Season: “Survivor: China”
Finish: Fifth
Why You Should Remember Her: Peih-Gee threw a challenge in China by tossing away a piece of the puzzle. James Clement was not happy about it.

Gordon Holmes: When the thirty two were announced,  I asked myself what I remembered about you. And the first thing that popped into my mind was you laughing when you were throwing the challenge.
Peih-Gee Law: That wasn’t me!
Holmes: Mmm…
Law: That was Jamie (Dugan)! I was trying to work it. I didn’t laugh at all.
Holmes: Really?
Law: During the challenge I was trying not to laugh at all. I was really trying to seem like I was working on it. Jamie was the one hamming it up. She was throwing pieces like they were frisbees. And then when we got back to camp she was the one who started giggling and cracking up. I was really trying to be serious, but when she’s in the background making ridiculous faces at me…and on top of that I’m getting yelled at by James (Clement). “Puzzle girl can’t even do no puzzle!” It was too much. I almost started laughing there and then too. If it wasn’t for her I would’ve played it straight.
Holmes: Throwing challenges wasn’t as common back then. Did you get a lot of heat?
Law: Oh yeah. For me, I thought it was a smart move. I took advantage of an opportunity. People were outraged. I remember James called me when that episode aired. The next day he said, “For your own safety, do not come to Louisiana. My neighbors are knocking on my door saying, ‘If that bitch comes here I’m going to kick her in her ass.’” (Laughs)
Holmes: And you stayed out of Louisiana?
Law: Yes. (Laughs)
Holmes: Smart.

Holmes: Day one, you and I arrive on the beach. I remember that you threw a challenge. How do you spin that to make it a positive?
Law: First of all, I don’t have other allies here, so if I tell you I’m true to you, you know I don’t have a secret connection that was on my season. I’d tell you that I never flipped on my alliance, I was loyal, I never blindsided anyone. I’m a free agent, I have no ties and connections. I can’t keep things in, so I’m going to tell you what’s on my mind. I’m not sneaky that way.

Holmes: Must be nice to have that clean slate. You mentioned that you’re the only person from “Survivor: China.” Does it concern you that we have four Cagayaners, three San Juan del Surians, two Worlds Aparters?
Law: Of course it concerns me because everybody is working so hard to play it off. They’re not friends, they’re not together. Kass is like, “Spencer and Tasha hate me. Blah blah blah.”
Holmes: You don’t buy it?
Law: You have to take everything Kass says with a ton of salt.
Holmes: An entire salt lick.
Law: (Laughs)
Holmes: There’s a restaurant in Chicago that has a wall of salt that helps cure the meat…or something. I don’t know food.
Law: You need that when you’re dealing with Kass. You can’t trust anything anyone is saying. You have to test their loyalty right off the bat. If you’re not really with this person, we need to vote them out. Depending on where someone’s head is at, it might be useful if someone says, “Hey, I have this one other person. They might be willing to go with me.” But, it’s worrisome to join a pair or a threesome or whatever.

Holmes: Any word on any pre-game alliance?
Law: I hope there aren’t any pre-game alliances. I think most people realize that it doesn’t really work. It’s not pre-game alliances so much as it’s pre-existing friendships…of which I don’t have any. I haven’t been in contact with anybody.
Holmes: Nobody has approached you?
Law: There’s been just…”Hey, I hope you make it on.” Little things like that here or there. That’s really it. I fell out of the scene a bit. I’m not going to the reunions. I actually haven’t hung out with any of these people. I had drinks with Shirin once. We both live in San Francisco.

Holmes: Are you worried that might make you an early target?
Law: Of course.
Holmes: How do you combat that?
Law: You just have to get in good with everyone fast. You can’t go on long walks with yourself. You’ve got to sit and chat everyone up. I hope people will take advantage of the fact that I have no strings attached.

Holmes: Anyone you’re hoping to work with?
Law: No, I don’t have any specific people in mind. I have an idea of a general type. I think my best bet would to take a page out of Todd’s (Herzog) book. And also Amanda (Kimmel) gave me some advice. Amanda said “You have to align with someone on day one. You have to find someone fast.” And she said, “You have to find someone really strong. And preferably someone from a new season because they know how it works with new ‘Survivor.’” And then, if you get somebody like a Woo…who will be able to win challenges, but he’ll be kind of a target after the merge, which is fine because then I won’t be a target. Then you want somebody weaker, like maybe like Kass. They’re good to have by your side because if they want to get rid of someone who’s not good at challenges, then you’re protected. And then, these people, the weaker ones and the stronger ones, they’re the targets. So, they know they need a good alliance. So, hopefully you can buy some loyalty there.

Holmes: I don’t know if you know this, but sometimes “Survivor” has twists.
Law: Shocking.
Holmes: I know. If there is one…what do you think it could be?
Law: I’m the worst one to ask about that. In my season we had a swap…and idols… You’ve just got to MacGyver your way through it and just deal with it. I think I’m really good at being adaptable. That’s one of my strengths.

Holmes: How are you feeling about the Cambodian weather? It’s very different from China.
Law: After China, I can deal with everything.
Holmes: Yeah, I’ve heard China was…
Law: China was (expletive deleted). It was way more humid than this. Everything was constantly wet. The rain was more of a torrential downpour that this. Plus, we were inland. It wasn’t sand.  It was like mud and dirt. There wasn’t as much food. There were no coconuts or bananas. So for me this is like a vacation. I’m chilling. I pay money to stay in places like this. (Laughs)

Holmes: With the Second Chance twist and having to be voted in. It wasn’t a sure thing that anyone was going to make it. I wonder if that’s just going to amp up the risk taking and emotions.
Law: I think most of us were pretty obvious choices.  Well, not me.
Holmes: I think the newer people were, but Kimmi might be the seventh or eighth most famous person from a season that happened fifteen years ago.
Law: The fans know the big caricature players and then the more recent ones.
Holmes: I was worried that’s how the voting would go.
Law: I think the hardcore fans really had a big say in it. I mean…I’m here. (Laughs)
Holmes: But Shane’s not here. The hardcores love Shane.
Law: Yeah.
Holmes: The whole vote is a mystery to me.
Law: Somebody in production did tell me, “I was impressed. You were actually really up there in the votes.” And it’s funny, everybody in production seems to be so surprised that I’m here. Even Jeff. Jeff was like, “Yeah, I wasn’t sure you were going to make it. Even I couldn’t remember anything that you did.”
Holmes: Your Jeff Probst impersonation needs some work.
Law: (Laughs) OK, but I was like, “I won three challenges! That’s more than James did!”

Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Law: Oh (expletive deleted). I’ve been going through this in my head…

Law: I’m going to align with Woo because I need some hired muscle. And I need some sheeple. And Woo is sheeple.

Law: I would align with Monica. She seems like a smart lady and she seems relatively even-keeled and kind of under the radar. I think sometimes these people are good to have on your side.

Law: I would align with Kelly because I was listening to her interviews and she said she wants to play an honest game. Very old school way of thinking. Hopefully that means she’ll be loyal. And, she’s good at challenges.

Law: Which one of the DILFs do I want…? I guess I’ll take Terry. You’re going to have these alpha males and you’re going to want them on your side…at least in the beginning. He seems like he’s going to want to uphold his reputation and play an honest game.
Holmes: The DILFs?
Law: (Laughs)
Holmes: Him and Savage?
Law: (Laughs)
Holmes: I can see that.

Law: We’ve got the DILFs and then I call the two man buns the Boy Wonders.

Law: Abi-Maria…align. she has a hard time keeping a thought in her head. She doesn’t seem really secretive to me. If she thinks something she’s going to tell you. And, I think that will be good to me as long as I know what she’s thinking. And hopefully if she gets loud she can take some heat off of my back.

Law: I’ll align with Stephen. He’s a wonder when it comes to strategy. You need someone to bounce ideas off of.

Law: Keith…align. He seems a bit like “Survivor” sheeple. You need soldiers.

Law: Let’s see here…I guess I’ll align with Spencer. He seems like an alright kid.

Law: We’re going to malign Ciera. That’s easy. She voted out her mom. And, she seems real cutthroat. It’ll be hard to have someone like that against me. Maybe she’ll be an easy first boot.

Law: Malign Kass, even though personally I think I’d like Kass a lot. She seems like the kind of chick I want to have a glass of wine with and talk (expletive deleted) about people with. But, I don’t know how much I can trust her.

Law: Varner…I don’t trust him either. I listened to one of his interviews and he seemed…he was talking about how he was playing people off of each other. Throwing other people under the bus. That’s sneaky. I don’t like that…even though I think it’d be funny.

Law: How many more do I have to malign?
Holmes:  All of them, you used your eight aligns.
Law: What?
Holmes: This game sucks.
Law: This game sucks!
Holmes: Damn you, Gordon.

Law: OK, Shirin, we’ll malign her because…I can see why her tribe thought she was annoying. I had drinks with her and I thought she was really fun. I think it’s good probably in small doses. Twenty-four hours a day, I don’t think I could deal with it.

Law: Savage I don’t have a reason to malign except that he reminds me of Probst. And I don’t really like Probst. (Laughs)

Law: Kelley…she reminds me of these blonde sorority girls and I just don’t like that type. Malign.

Law: Jeremy…I don’t really know Jeremy. You have to be wary of people you don’t know. Malign.

Law: Tasha…same thing. I haven’t gotten a bead on her personality. But, she’s good at challenges and I want to play against people who aren’t good at challenges.

Law: Vytas seems a little bit sneaky. Malign.

Law: Kimmi…what can I say about her? She doesn’t seem like she’s going to be strategic or good at challenges. We’ll malign her because she seems like an easy first boot.

Law: Joe…I’ll malign him because I already took Woo to be my man bun.

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Jeff: ‘My Alliance Had a Conference Call Before We Left’

September 11, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Name: Jeff Varner
Season: “Survivor: The Australian Outback”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Jeff was eliminated from the game because of the old rule where tie votes are broken based on the amount of previous votes that were cast against the tied players.

Gordon Holmes: Now I hear you have a medical concern already?
Jeff Varner: I have COPD. I was diagnosed about six years ago. It’s never been an issue for me. Living at home I had one attack that sent me to a doctor. But, I never need the inhaler. I have no reason to use it. I run, I exercise. The second I got off the plane here and I couldn’t breathe. It’s so thick here with the heat and the humidity. It’s changed my voice, it’s a little raspier. Walking from one end of the camp to the other is a nightmare. Probst was concerned. Sort of on the D.L. he had a doctor walk me around the back. We went way back into the woods. He jogged with me on the beach and made me do all these tests. I thought he was going to pull me out. But when you can’t breathe a lot of other things happen. There’s this claustrophobia thing that settles in, it’s a panic attack kind of thing. I’ve had a couple of those this week.
Holmes: Where does it stand now?
Varner: The doctors cleared me. And Jeff thinks I can. I have to figure out the best way to use this to my advantage.
Holmes: Hopefully this long pre-game will give you a chance to get used to the weather.
Varner: Right. Oh, and another (expletive deleted) thing that happened is I fell in the bathtub when I first landed and dislocated my shoulder. Popped it back in myself. So, for the first four days here I couldn’t do anything. We’re doing swimming tests and everybody is watching. I’m pretending like I’m OK.
Holmes: What the hell, Jeff?
Varner: I know! I can’t breathe, I had the flu before I left. I had a 102 temperature. I did my prep and shopping and everything the day before I got on the plane.
Holmes: So, you’re allowed to have your inhaler in the game?
Varner: I am allowed to have that in the game. They’ve cleared that.
Holmes: How do you play that? Day one, you just tell everyone it won’t be an issue?
Varner: I don’t know. This group is looking for every little thing.
Holmes: Any reason to send someone home.
Varner: And so much is going on out there on that porch already.
Holmes: Speaking of…who’s winking at each other?
Varner: It’s almost become who’s not at this point. You can tell who the better players are by the ones who are completely stone-faced. But, there’s a lot going on. My alliance had a conference call before we left in case we got separated. Who are the early targets? Who do we lean toward? And, we’re all here but one, which is good.
Holmes: Mr. Coy. Who are we talking about?
Varner: Terry Dietz and Wiglesworth and Shane. So having him left behind sucks. Seeing his face is burned into my head. But, because we did all the legwork before that, I feel pretty prepared. And Kelly and I seem to be…we’re passing each other at the right times. She’ll say something and it’s exactly what I’m thinking. We were bringing Vytas in at the last minute. So, he’s on board. He knows to come to me and Kelly as soon as we hit the beach. Although we’ve not had a conversation this connects me to Ciera, which connects me to Monica, because of Ciera’s mother.
Holmes: It’s like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
Varner: Oh yeah, I’m sitting here doing all of this in my mind. We have that Cagayan four, they’re the target. It’s Spencer, Kass, Tasha, and Woo. They’re the only show here with four people. That’s a voting block right out of the gate. They find three other people? We’re (expletive deleted). So, it’s about capitalizing on that out of the gate.
Holmes: Bad news for the Cagayaners.
Varner: Kass is trying her damnedest to make us think that Spencer, Tasha, and Woo hate her. But, I’m sitting here watching them all smiling at each other. You don’t do that with someone you hate. And Tasha is hogging everything. She’s a hammock hog. Watch her spread out on the only place we have to lay down. She’s doing it now.

Holmes: There are quite a few San Juan del Surians here as well.
Varner: Well, I’m tight with Kelley Wentworth, which nobody knows.
Holmes: Holy crap.
Varner: Why would anyone suspect that? Why would I know her? She and I have been communicating for months and she’s hooking me up with Jeremy. I feel good with that group. I feel good with the “Blood vs. Water” group. The singles here are assets. Tremendous assets. Stephen, Peih-Gee, Abi-Maria…already. We’ve already connected. I feel like I’m set up really well.

Holmes: Everyone’s probably thinking, “Oh, Jeff and Kimmi!”
Varner: No. I’m playing that up. Kimmi’s one of my best friends out here. We’ve also talked. And my group out here they don’t know that I’m talking to other people. That’s my strategy. I’m not going to be a challenge champion.
Holmes: Especially with your bathtub gymnastics act.
Varner: (Laughs) I’m a (expletive deleted) nightmare. Sandra (Diaz-Twine) won this game without doing anything physical. So, I called her before I left because I knew I’m not in the shape these people are. And she just rattled off things and I wrote page after page. I think I have my hands in enough pies that it doesn’t matter how well I do in challenges.

Holmes: It’s been fifteen some years since you played. What do you think the other players will remember about Jeff Varner’s time in the game?
Varner: I don’t know. People love me and people hate me. I never understood that. I felt I played an honest game. I think I was a little beyond my time, maybe. “Survivor 2” was very survivalist and I was very strategic. People weren’t playing with me the way I needed them to. Starting the fight with Kimmi and Alicia (Calaway) was one of the things that I did. Gagging at Tina (Wesson) to get her to throw up. These ballsy things that nobody else had the guts to do. This group here? Eats, sleeps, and breathes like me. And I like that I’m being called up for pictures last. We’ll be out there and they’ll be like “Vytas over here, Joe lean down, guy in the blue do this…” It’s a sign to me that these people don’t know who I am. I’m sure they do, but fifteen years is a long time.

Holmes: I was pleasantly surprised that the fans voted you in. I was worried that recency bias was going to leave people like you and Fishbach on the sidelines.
Varner: It changes everything. I can’t jump off a pole for peanut butter because I’m not just letting myself down, I’m letting millions of people down. And that’s heavy.
Holmes: So, you feel the weight of the fans expectations?
Varner: Oh yeah.
Holmes: I never thought of it that way. Once the vote ended, I figured it’d be “Survivor” as usual. Almost two halves to the season.
Varner: When we had our first interview with CBS yesterday, they actually tapped into that. I cried. I’m a (expletive deleted). I don’t know where it came from. But there’s something there and it’s deep. And it’s going to get me far.

Holmes: “Survivor” has changed a bit in fifteen years. Are you on top of all the twists and whatnot?
Varner: Yeah, I’m not a Spencer who could probably rattle off the color of everybody’s underwear.
Holmes: Me neither. This is my job and I have to jump onto Wikipedia every couple of minutes to double check things.
Varner: I’m not that dude. I was for a minute. But, life goes on.
Holmes: Any guesses on twists for this season if there are any?
Varner: I think out of the gate whatever Jeff can do to break up pre-game alliances will be done. Kass is whispering around to everyone, “Double elimination off of the bat. Then we’re breaking into three tribes.” I don’t know if it’s the island talking to her or how she knows this. Maybe she overheard something. That’s her collateral. I don’t trust her as far as I can spit. And I’ve been reading a book on body language so I can understand people. Kass, there’s a whole chapter on people who have no body language. They’re liars, perfect liars. They believe their own (expletive deleted). If your feet don’t do anything, if you don’t do anything with your hands? Kass just sits there perfectly. There’s nothing there. Every word out of her (expletive deleted) mouth is a lie.
Holmes: You need to stick around for a long time. Win the whole thing if you can.
Varner: I’ll do my best. Spencer is a textbook everything. When you defy gravity, when your feet come off the ground and your toes point to the sky, you’re extremely confident. That’s all he does. He takes up a lot of territory, which means, “I own this place.” A lot of crotch framing which is, “I’m the boss.” He thinks he’s got this (expletive deleted) down pat.


Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Varner: I only get eight?!
Holmes: That’s the deal.
Varner: Why?
Holmes: Because if you got nineteen aligns you might be tempted to say wonderful things about all of these people.
Varner: Wow…I have more than eight.
Holmes: Too bad. The rules are surprisingly strict.

Varner: Kelly Wiglesworth is an align. She’s a good soul, she’s at peace. She’s from my hometown. We have a lot in common. We go way back in the “Survivor” franchise. I can tell by the look on her face that she thinks this pre-game (expletive deleted) is as much (expletive deleted) as I do. She’s a challenge champion.

Varner: People are going to target  Joe which is going to protect her. He’s the shield for her. He’s also a lot like her. He’s very feeling, emotional, sweet. He’s communicating to me here, non-verbally, in a way that makes me very comfortable with him. Align.

Varner: Same with Vytas. I can tell Vytas I have COPD. Align.

Varner: Ciera, the other day I had a panic attack because I couldn’t breathe. She wouldn’t give me the time of day. Wouldn’t make eye contact. The second she sensed something was wrong her hand went on my knee and she started comforting me. I like that. Align.

Varner: Kelley Wentworth…align. We’ll go far in this game together and nobody will see it coming. She’s the coolest chick of the group. Her sense of humor is randy. She’s a nasty little girl and I love it.

Varner: Terry…very loyal. He’s going to stick with me. I know that he and Vytas are together. I know that he and Kelly are together. Align.

Varner: Abi-Maria…align. You need your bitch in the group, she is out of control. She’s flipping around. She’s hysterical here. She’s a shield for me. I can be a little bitchy.

Varner: Shirin…align. She went through a lot in her last season. She overcame a personal obstacle and I feel like that is going to be my experience in this show. So, that’s going to bond us together.

Varner: Kass is a (expletive deleted) liar. She’s a strategist. She thinks she’s got it down. She’s making eye contact with everyone. She’s trying her best. That says desperation. Malign. She’s already shown everyone that she’ll make an alliance out in the woods and then come out and tell everyone.

Varner: Spencer…malign. He’s the winner of this game if you don’t get rid of him quick.

Varner: Woo…malign. I don’t even know why he’s here. My niece looked at him and said, “Why is Michelle Kwan running for ‘Survivor’?” Nice guy. He’s not these people. He’s his own thing. I just don’t think he should be here.  I find him boring.

Varner: Andrew I like a lot. But he’s desperate because he doesn’t know anybody here. He’s not in anybody’s group. I’ve heard through the grapevine that he is desperately looking for someone to align with. You’re making me malign him.

Varner: Monica keeps making eye contact with me like her body is something that is going to turn me on. She’s working it. I love how she’s trying to play me. I trust her…I think. You’re making me malign her, too.
Holmes: I’m the worst.

Varner: Kimmi has had a rough life. Her husband screwed her over. She’s had financial trouble. Her kids are sick. I want her to go as far as she can and I want to help her, but I’m not going to jeopardize my game to do it. Malign.

Varner: Jeremy’s body is sick. He’s in great shape. We’re going to get along well. But, malign.

Varner: Keith is an awesome dude. But, the very first night we were chosen, he came up on stage and I said, “Another old man!” He was offended by that, I could tell. Right off the bat I pissed him off. Malign.

Varner: Stephen knows everybody, knows everything. I also think he’s arrogant. He’s named an award after himself and gives it to people, who does that? Malign.

Varner: Peih-Gee…I think we’d work together well, but I think she’s hard to read. And she seems clumsy and oaf-y, sticking her foot in her mouth already. Malign.

Varner: Tasha is the biggest threat in this game. She’s mean. There’s a mean sort of thing coming off of her. Mean like “I’m going to kick your ass,” mean. There’s an energy coming off of her that I don’t want to align with.

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Kass: ‘I’ll Write (Spencer’s) Name Down Any Minute’

September 10, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Name: “Chaos” Kass McQuillen
Season: “Survivor: Cagayan”
Finish: Third Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Kass earned her “Chaos” nickname by turning on her alliance and voting out Sarah Lacina. She also had a very dramatic come-from-behind win at the final four immunity challenge.

Gordon Holmes: Chaos Kass!
Kass McQuillen: Chaos Kass, that’s me.
Holmes: Is that nickname good or bad coming into a returnee season?
McQuillen: I think it’s just funny. I think it’s actually good in some ways because even though I’m the old lady mom out here, I definitely have shed that persona in my prior season. Nobody’s going to be looking to me to be the mother figure. And, I think I can clear it up with people. In Cagayan I played alone, I never had an alliance. So, it’s not that I’m disloyal. Everybody out here is disloyal. Every single person on this beach has betrayed someone. But me? I never had the chance to be loyal.
Holmes: I think you have to assume people are always working in their own best interest. You can plan for that. The best players can predict it. But what about the concern that you’re out here to wreak havoc?
McQuillen: If people think I’m just out to cause trouble…I think now everybody knows that I was never in an alliance. I was doing whatever furthered my game. I did everything I personally had to do to get further. If anybody asks me, I’ll tell them why I flipped. I think it’s come out since the game that everybody considered me number six when I flipped. I was never anybody’s right-hand person or main alliance.

Holmes: We have a group of returnees who have been through the process and who appreciate that the audience isn’t shown everything that happens. Could that work in your favor as far as getting people to come learn about the real you?
McQuillen: That’s totally going to work to my advantage. I know who I am and I know who I was when I played. I think a lot of people hang onto the character they played on TV. They’re coming in here wearing that. Especially people without life experience. This is an older cast. I think people are going to be more open to listening to people and getting to know them. Plus, we all have preconceived notions. But we all also have a piece of the story that wasn’t told. Every single person here feels like something was missing from their great “Survivor” story.
Holmes: Aside from the win?
McQuillen: Yes, not just the win, but I’m sure everyone here is saying, “I was screwed by the Outcasts, I was screwed by this.” Everyone has a chip on their shoulder. I know personally I’m a pretty easy-going person. I’m not one of the great troublemakers. I work around camp. I’m not worried socially. I just never got in on my season. The Brains tribe? We were all individuals playing. Nobody ever was cohesive together. Not even Spencer and Tasha. And when I got in with Tony (Vlachos)  and Trish (Hegarty) and Woo, I stayed there. That was what was working for my game.

Holmes: There are four Cagayaners here. The most out of any season. That feels like a disadvantage. I’d be worried people might make assumptions.
McQuillen: I think it can be a negative. For me, I don’t think it’s a negative. Everyone knows everyone from my season still hates me. I’m not considered part of the crew. Everyone knows Spencer and Tasha still harbor some resentment toward me. They’ve been very vocal on social media with their anti-Kass status. They’ve bonded over that. They’ve been a force. And they both shunned me. And Woo, I don’t think he’s a big part of the “Survivor” community. I like Woo. I counseled him to take me, not Tony. I always had his best interest in mind. I think Woo would trust me. And the benefit of having them here is I know their tells. I know how they play, I know what bothers them. I know what they’re prone to do as we get to day twenty. I like that. But I think Tasha and Spencer have the bigger target out of the four of us.

Holmes: Who’s going to be in trouble early?
McQuillen: I’d like to see Vytas go early. I’m thinking Joe is going to go early. Just look at him.
Holmes: Jooooooey Amazing.
McQuillen: He’s a specimen! Seeing him in person is like, “Wow, you’re an Adonis.”  But he stands out. We’ve got a lot of alpha males here. There are shorter alpha males, older guys. They’re going to want to get rid of the younger guys. Plus, Vytas has a lot of connections. I don’t think I’m a target. And if I am, there’s no valid reason for it. That’s just the way it goes. I didn’t do the pre-gaming that you hear about people doing. I don’t even know to what extent people did that.
Holmes: None of it?
McQuillen: I was so tight-lipped when I got to casting that when I saw J’Tia (Taylor) and Tasha, none of them knew I was going to be there. That’s how non-close we are. I was hoping J’Tia was going to be cast because we were pretty good friends. But, she didn’t make it. Maybe I direct messaged on Twitter like, “Hey, glad to see you’re here.” But, nothing.
Holmes: Were people receptive to it?
McQuillen: Originally I said I wasn’t in the mix when all of that started. I intentionally said I had a conflict and that I declined. I didn’t want to start playing the game. I have a life and to start playing two months before…
Holmes: How dare you have a life outside of “Survivor”?
McQuillen: I know! It’s ridiculous.
Holmes: Have you heard of any other pre-game shenanigans?
McQuillen: You hear about the “Blood vs. Water” and “One World” people. That’s narrowed down quite a bit. A lot of people who were in the mix didn’t make it. I think Shane and Terry were contacting a lot of people. And, I talked to Terry, but we talked about being in the Navy. In fact, I thought he didn’t like me after our conversation.

Holmes: We’re thirty one seasons into this business. Sometimes they like to switch things up. If there are any twists, what do you think they could be?
McQuillen: I’m sure it’ll be two tribes because there are twenty of us. I think we’ll have at least two double Tribals. I’m guessing they might narrow it down in the first day or two. Kind of like a “Heroes vs. Villains” start where it’s super physical and people are getting hurt. Then a double Tribal. Then randomly put us in three tribes. I’d like it if they’d switch us up a lot just to thwart that pre-gaming. I’ve always thought they’d play the game in reverse where it starts more individual. But that might be too much of a burden on the cameramen.
Holmes: Twenty separate crews running around an immunity challenge might be tough.
McQuillen: I don’t know if they’ll do that extra vote thing again cause it bombed.
Holmes: They probably liked how it worked out because it was such a big chain reaction.
McQuillen: Yeah, but it wasn’t a very big impact.
Holmes: Not in the big picture, but it was a great moment. It’s probably a thing where in the perfect situation it’s amazing and every other time it’s lame.
McQuillen: You really have to know what’s going on to use it correctly.
Holmes: And if Carolyn didn’t use her idol, it wouldn’t have made a difference. They already had the votes.
McQuillen: So wasted. But, are we surprised?
Holmes: Poor Dan. Talk about a  rough reunion.
McQuillen: Well actually, I think the “Worlds Apart” cast was much more civil. People were horrible in that season. They said mean things. A lot of people think I’m a villain, but what did I ever do personally to anyone? I voted you out. I didn’t say stuff about your family. Yet, my cast was horrible to me and still is.
Holmes: It’s tough to take home a win with that kind of negativity. How do you keep jurors on your side?
McQuillen: The first person on the jury will be a nice person, and hopefully I won’t have written their name down. Because they set the tone at Ponderosa. When you have an ego like Sarah’s at the time, just such a strong personality. When you blindside that person and you’re the person that she already didn’t like? It just adds fuel to that fire. And when that alliance started to fall like dominoes… Nobody likes to lose to me. Sarah and I have made up. Trish on the other hand…
Holmes: That’s a shame. It’s a game.  But, it’s real emotions and it’s real money.
McQuillen: I don’t have hard feelings toward the people. There are a couple of people in my cast who still despise me. Morgan (McLeod) never spoke to me again.
Holmes: Well, she’s young. Hopefully she’ll come around.


Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.

McQuillen: I’ll be hard pressed to find eight.
Holmes: (Laughs) Feel free to malign everyone.

McQuillen: Vytas…malign. There’s something about him I don’t like. He’s very calculated and false in his smiling and movements. He’s not a natural person out here. I have a really bad feeling about Vytas.

McQuillen: Jeff…align. I think he’s going to be whiny out here. He’s going to be complaining. He’s going to have a rough time with the elements. And he’d be great to take to the end.

McQuillen: Keith…I could align with Keith. I don’t think he’ll take charge. I don’t think he’ll be an alpha. And he’ll fall away in seventh or eighth place.

McQuillen: Peih-Gee…I’m going to malign. I think she’s smart. I think she’s scrappy. China was a much different environment. I think it’s going to be hard for her out here. I can already see her not understanding the island type of game. I think she’s very abrasive and would do whatever it takes to win, so I don’t want to be with her.

McQuillen: Kimmy…definitely align. She’s so annoying already. A vegetarian with a  leather purse reading Bill O’Reilly? Hails from New York but lives in Houston? She’s going to be insecure, she’s not going to be a challenge threat.

McQuillen: Stephen…I could align with Stephen. I don’t think he has the confidence to win the game and I think a lot of people are going to be gunning for him…or he thinks they will because of his relationship with Rob (Cesternino) and the “Survivor” community. He already lost the game at final two and I think he could do it again.

McQuillen: Joe…malign. He’s going to be gone early. I love Joe, but maybe he should take over as host.

McQuillen: Tasha…malign. I don’t trust her and she’s out to get me.

McQuillen: Ciera…malign. She’s too in bed with everybody in terms of the Monica, the Terry, the Vytas. She’s got too many connections.

McQuillen: Kelly Wiglesworth…I don’t think she’s even going to have an alliance. Malign. She’s not in the game. Her heads not here. It’s been fifteen years and she hasn’t watched a season.
McQuillen: Abi…I would align with her in a heartbeat. You can already tell she’s going to blow up on people. She’s already blown up on a couple of the staff here. And, she’s in a rough place in her life. She just broke up with her long-term boyfriend. She’s in her thirties. She’s probably looking to get married and have kids. She’s going to be a trainwreck. And I think she’d be loyal.

McQuillen: Woo…I’m going to say…malign. I’m going to throw him to the wolves. I can read him and it’d be nice to have someone on the other side. I might use him a little. He’ll understand and still vote for me because he still feels guilty.
Holmes: There’s that first juror you were looking for.
McQuillen: He’d be a great first juror. So would Joe…so would Keith.

McQuillen: Jeremy…he’s so physical…and he was loyal. I’m going to malign him. I just don’t see it.

McQuillen: Kelley Wentworth…malign. She’s too much of a physical threat to go to the end with.

McQuillen: Shirin…so annoying. But, I’ll align with her because she’s annoying. This older group is not going to put up with that and her social skills are kind of stunted I think. And for me to say that? That’s bad.

McQuillen: Monica…do not trust. Malign.

McQuillen: Savage…definitely align with him. I don’t think he’s going to be able to deal. He has the Jeff Probst link everyone is bitter about. He’s a millionaire already. No one is going to give him the money. He’s probably going to find an idol being best friends with you-know-who.

McQuillen: I’ll align with Terry. We were both in the Navy.

McQuillen: Spencer…MALIGN! I’ll write your name down any minute.

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Andrew: ‘There’s Nothing Holding Probst Back from Throwing Everything at Us’

September 9, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Name: Andrew Savage
Season: “Survivor: Pearl Islands”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: The leader of the Morgan Tribe was sent home after eventual finalist (and one of two returning Outcasts) Lil turned against him.

Gordon Holmes: You have always been one of “Survivor’s” great “What If?” stories with the whole Outcast twist. Put me in your shoes all these years later with you finally getting that second chance.
Andrew Savage: It’s surreal. I’m honestly not sure how it happened. The beautiful things about “Survivor” is the twists, the turns, and the blindsides. And there’s no greater blindside than the Outcast twist. If you think about 30 seasons of “Survivor,” how many twists and blindsides and how many folks were in the cross-hairs? It less about me, it’s more about the Outcast twist. The super fans were up in arms. They were screaming that Mark Burnett had jumped the shark. It was against the very fabric of “Survivor.” Once somebody is out, you’re out. You can’t bring them back in. So, I think me being on the “Second Chance” list is about redemption for the fans being vocal. Saying, “We didn’t like the Outcast twist. It happened, but you’ve got to give Savage a second chance because he was in the cross-hairs and he got bit in the butt by it.
Holmes: I’ve been doing this since Gabon. Every now and then I’ll ask Probst, “Who do you want back?” Your name always comes up.
Savage: I love that. You just gave me goosebumps.
Holmes: One of the criticisms about the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is how recency bias plays into it.  So, I was concerned that people like you who are interesting characters, but haven’t played in twelve years were going to passed over for newer names.
Savage: I was stunned. Twelve years ago I didn’t make the jury, right? And I’m on a list with some kick-butt folks. Many of them, final three…final four. The outcry of support and cheering for me was stunning. And frankly humbling. I was in awe of the super fans.

Holmes: If you and I arrive on the beach on day one. What do you think I remember about Andrew Savage and his gameplay?
Savage: I hope that you remember that I had a bunch of younger kids on my season. I was the oldest guy, I was 39.  And I didn’t tell a single lie. My tribe, we were the Morgan Five once Lil (Morris), and Nicole (Delma), and skinny Ryan (Shoulders) were gone. We loved each other. There was never a hint that anyone would vote for me because I always had their back. I have a great work ethic. I support people. I hope that’s what they remember. Twelve years later I’m still fit and I’m a decent guy.
Holmes: Decent guys don’t do as well these days.
Savage: That doesn’t really work in the new “Survivor.”
Holmes: I did the press for “Worlds Apart” and to set a baseline I asked, “Will you lie? Will you flirt?” And to a person, everyone there said they were fine with lying to get ahead.
Savage: It’s a totally different game.
Holmes: Where are you with that?
Savage: When I started “Pearl Islands” I was ready to lie, cheat, steal, do whatever it took. I landed on the Morgan Tribe and the five of us immediately bonded. Game over. I didn’t have to lie. If I were in a different situation, I’m happy to lie. In life, my word is my bond. I’m wired in a way that I don’t lie. This is not real life. Going into the “Second Chance” season I’m going to have to lie my butt off. The trick for me is being able to sense when others are lying.
Holmes: And how old are you now?
Savage: Fifty one.
Holmes:  Where do you get off being in such good shape?
Savage: (Laughs)
Holmes: I’m 38 and I’m a sweaty, gross mess out here.
Savage: My wife is ten years younger. She keeps me young.

Holmes: You’re the only Pearl Islander out here. Any concerns that you might end up on a tribe that has people from the same season?
Savage: I think it’s a disadvantage to be with people from your own season. Woo, Tash, Spencer, and Kass have a lot of baggage. Look at what Kass did to them. I think that’s a disadvantage. I like that I have a clean slate.

Holmes: Having twelve years away probably gives you a very different perspective than someone like Joe who was out here less than a year ago. What has that distance taught you?
Savage: At the end of the day, “Survivor” strips you of everything. It strips you to your core. You can only be who you are. Jonny Fairplay had this persona. But at the end of the day, there’s a lot of the Jonny Fairplay persona that is him. Outside of the game we’re friends, but inside the game I hate him. So, I’m just going to be who I am. I don’t have a choice. If you’re lazy in life you don’t come on “Survivor” and have a great work ethic. If you’re a (expletive deleted) in life you don’t come on “Survivor” and be a great guy. It doesn’t happen. So, I’m going to come in and give it everything I have and have no regrets. I’ve got regrets from “Pearl Islands.” And that’s what’s been tormenting me for twelve years. That’s why this is an epic dream.

Holmes: Who’s an early target?
Savage: A bunch of folks. I think Joe is an early target. I don’t know Joe at all. I loved him in his season. If he’s on my tribe he’s not going home. I’m going to do everything I can to keep him. I think he’s got a big heart. I think he’s a loyal kid. Physically he’s a stud. I looked at his bio, he loves playing sand volleyball. I’ve played for fifteen years. If you’re going to play sand volleyball, there’s something in you that is gold. I think Shirin is a target based on her last season. She’s a powerhouse in terms of being a super fan and she’s absolutely brilliant.
Holmes: You two also work for the same company.
Savage: She’s a Yahoo! executive. As am I. I don’t know her very well. She’s an engineer, I’m a lawyer. We’ve got 13,000 employees. It’s a huge campus.
Holmes: I went to Penn State and people are always saying, “Oh, you must know Tom.”
Savage: (Laughs) I think Kass is a big target. Chaos Kass. How can you trust her?
Holmes: That nickname is hard to overcome.
Savage: I think Terry’s a big target. He’s a pretty smooth operator and he’s a beast.

Holmes: There’s a lot of talk of pre-game alliances. Have you formed one? Have you heard of any?
Savage: I’ve heard of some pre-game alliances. I have not partaken. For me, I was voted out twelve years ago. I flipped off “Survivor.” This is b.s. I’m done. I’m not the typical “Survivor” contestant. It’s very incestuous. You’re part of the “Survivor” family and there are 400 of them and they hang out together. They go to charity functions. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but that’s what they do.
Holmes: (Laughs) Let’s be clear, Andrew Savage has no problem with charity.
Savage: (Laughs) Right. But I’ve got this amazing life going on. And I’m just not in the “Survivor” world. So, I don’t know anyone. You probably heard Brad Culpepper had made a list and he’d invited folks to his Tampa estate to hang out, drink, form alliances.
Holmes: Now that eleven people didn’t make the show, the laundry is being aired.
Savage: Well, when I heard about it I was angry because I didn’t get the call. (Laughs) But then I thought; that seems so stupid. It’s against the rules first of all. And then, you’re painting a big target on your back. I haven’t spoken to any of the nineteen. And that list is amazing, I can’t wait to get to know them.

Holmes: You experienced a big crazy twist. If there is one this season what do you think it could be?
Savage: Remember “Africa” where they switched tribes very early? I think there’s going to be a lot of twists like that. You’ve got two tribes of ten. That’s a lot to handle. My guess…based on nothing…is that there’s four tribes of five. You’ve got some studly women. Kelly Wiglesworth could beat most of the guys, even me. You could have a tribe of three women, two guys and they would not be at a disadvantage. If I’m Probst, four tribes of five, then a crazy swap to keep us on our toes. And the beauty of the “Second Chance” season is that everyone on this list has been through “Survivor” hell. The old saying is, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” There’s nothing holding Probst back from throwing everything at us. We should know better.


Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Savage: I love that! That’s very cool.
Holmes: You guys did a hundred pre-season interviews, so I was trying to figure out something unique.

Savage: I would say Keith…align. He’s a got a big heart, he’s good in challenges. He’s a couple of years older than me. But, I can trust him.

Savage: Jeff…malign. Don’t trust him. Body language. He has no love for Savage.

Savage: Kelley Wentworth…beautiful heart. Total stud. Her bio indicates that she has a lot of love and she’s loyal. Definitely an align.

Savage: Abi-Maria…love her. Big heart. Spitfire. She’s an align.

Savage: Peih-Gee…malign. She’s brilliant. Don’t get a good vibe from her. Haven’t talked to her. Don’t trust her.

Savage: Monica…doesn’t bring much to the table. Sweet girl…fellow lawyer. Probably not good in challenges. Probably a ride-the-coattails kind of person. I don’t see a lot of value there. Malign.

Savage: Spencer…love him. Genius. Great endurance. Captain of his cross-country team. That’s a tough sport. And he’s going to be, if I’m lucky enough, he will be my brains. My strategist.

Savage: Stephen…not a chance. Malign. His claim to fame is coming up with a brilliant idea and convincing you that it’s your idea. Next thing you know he votes you out.

Savage: Align with Joe. He’s a beast. And my take on Joe is he’s very loyal and trustworthy.

Savage: Love Jeremy…clearly an align. The reason I say that is because he’s a great athlete, he has two daughters, his luxury item in the past was a bracelet made by his two daughters which is my luxury item. My daughters made a bracelet for me. There isn’t anything I don’t love about the guy.

Savage: Let’s do some easy ones. Chaos Kass…malign. Enough said.

Savage: Kimmi…malign. Don’t see a lot of value.

Savage: Wiglesworth, kind of a wild card in my book. Word on the street is she’s not into alliances and likes to vote her heart. That doesn’t work in “Survivor.” I think she is clearly an incredible athlete.  She has my respect…so…align.

Savage: Vytas…don’t know the guy. Heard he had a strained relationship with Aras. I’ve heard that Aras and I have a lot of similarities. That tells me that Vytas and I won’t mesh too well. Malign.

Savage: Tasha…if I had more people to align with I’d put her on my side. But I’ll say malign cause I’m running out of people.

Savage: Terry…I don’t think he’s trustworthy. I think I’ve got to get him out as soon as I can. I just don’t trust him. Malign.

Savage: And Woo would be an align, but I’m maligning him because I don’t have enough. I think he’s a good guy, I think he’s trustworthy, I think he’s physically capable, but I’m running out of numbers.

Savage: My fellow Yahoo! Shirin…love her…she’s a genius. Align. She and Spencer will be hopefully my strategists. My weakness will be the strategies. I can handle the challenges. As super fans I need their eyes and senses…their chess mentalities.

Savage: Ciera…wild card. I heard she was on the Culpepper list. Wasn’t happy about that. Malign.

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Brings Back Gross Eating Challenges

September 9, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

There have been many twists and turns to “Survivor” over the years, but I have to admit that the original premise is still my favorite; a big group of strangers, shipwrecked on a deserted island and forced to create their own society.

This means scrounging for useful items among the boat’s wreckage. It means creating elaborate “S.O.S.” displays. And it definitely means having to eat weird things found in the area. That’s why every time I visit a “Survivor” location I make it a point to harass Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer about gross food-eating challenges.

Well, let’s file this next story under; “Be Careful What You Wish For.”

Little did I know that Mr. Kirhoffer had something up his sleeve for my latest visit. Well, maybe it wasn’t up his sleeve, it was probably scampering in the jungle somewhere. At any rate, he was going to make me put my money (or something worse) where my mouth was and eat something horrific.

So, what’s the big deal? I’m always looking for new ways to participate in “Survivor” activities. It helps me understand the players’ motivations.

But…

Fun Fact: You know how every elementary school has the smelly kid, or the kid who wets his pants, or the kid who cries when his mom drops him off? Well, I was the kid that was always throwing up.

That’s right. All anyone who attended Hanna Woods Elementary in the mid-to-late ’80s had to do was say the word “boogers” and I was sprinting for the bathroom. But, if Gervase could give it his best, so could I.

It was roughly 1,000 degrees out on the day we were scheduled to eat…whatever. As Parade.com’s Josh Wigler and I made our way to the challenge department, he asked me if this little event would count toward my 7-and-1 lifetime challenge record.

I hadn’t thought of that. With the previous day’s challenge victory under my belt, I was looking forward to at least 12 more months of bragging about my winning streak. I didn’t like Wigler’s question one bit.

“I don’t think it should count as a real challenge,” I said. “We’re not going to a real location with a cool set and Probst won’t be there.”

Whether or not Wigler bought my attempt to casually play it off was quickly rendered moot when we turned a corner and saw a well-dressed challenge location and a certain 40-time Emmy winner.

Who knew that Jeff Probst would demand to be present whenever I was about to do something potentially embarrassing?

The competitors; Mr. Wigler, “Entertainment Weekly’s” Dalton Ross, and myself were placed behind a table. On that table were three covered plates and to our sides were conveniently placed buckets. Apparently the buckets were there in lieu of a Hanna Woods Elementary School toilet.


The covers were removed and we were each greeted by a large, cooked scorpion. The tail had been cut off as that is the most dangerous part. Later, a production member also removed the claws.

As Probst gleefully discussed what we were about to endure, I was putting my plan in motion. I know this sounds weird, but I did my best to fill my mouth with as much saliva as possible. My theory was that it would dilute the terrible taste and make it go down quicker. It also made sense to try to take this monster in two portions. So, when Probst set us loose I was going to have to bite this thing in half.

My heart was pounding as Probst was building to his trademark line. I know what it’s like to run across a field or swim in the ocean. I have a good idea what it’s like to throw coconuts in a basket or dive into a mud pile. But, I had no idea what it was like to eat a scorpion.

But, when the man says, “Survivors, ready?” you don’t think. You go.

Well, he said it…and I did it.

And, right off the bat I made a mistake. I crammed the whole thing into my dumb, stupid face.

I’ve never been so mad at myself, but I wasn’t going to spit it up. I knew there was no way my stomach could handle the sight of mangled-up scorpion.

So, I chewed and chewed. And then a funny thing happened; I realized it wasn’t that gross. Later on, we came to the consensus that it was like eating soft-shell crab.

Not terribly unpleasant taste aside, this thing still needed to be swallowed. In the end I had to rock my head back like a duck in order to get it down. I cleared my mouth of any spare legs and showed my empty mouth to Probst.

Holmes wins…Wigler comes in second, Ross spits the remaining scorpion bits on a nearby camera.

In the end, I feel like the experience is much more mental than physical. If whatever was under the plate cover was moving, it’s possible I never would have touched it. And if the taste or smell was particularly bad I might not have had the stomach for it.

But the excitement between “Can I do it?” and actually doing it was awesome. Totally worth the twenty times I would brush my teeth immediately afterward.

And Mr. Wigler’s question? Yeah, it totally counts. Eight wins in a row, baby…

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Abi: “I’m Going to Wait for the Right Time to Be the Villain”

September 8, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV sent me deep into the Cambodian wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. So, be sure to check back for exclusive interviews, photos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. And, follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Name: Abi-Maria Gomes
Season: “Survivor: Philippines”
Finish: Fifth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: The Brazilian beauty is best known for her feud with alliance-mate R.C. Saint-Amour.

Abi-Maria Gomes: Does your mom still hate me?
Gordon Holmes: I told her you were a sweetheart, but she only knows what she saw on CBS.
Gomes: (Laughs)
Holmes: You’re in that Corinne Kaplan category of people that in the game are viewed as villains, but in real life are super cool.
Gomes: Well, I’m very competitive.
Holmes: Yeah, but everyone out there is competitive. Does the lack of food bring out a meaner side?
Gomes: There’s the gamer Abi and the real Abi. And when you put yourself through the game, I put on my “Survivor” hat. You can’t be 100% real out there or you’re going to be eaten alive by the other contestants. When it comes to being lucky enough to be one of the ones chosen to play, I wear that “Survivor” hat. But in the real world, that hat gets put away and I’m the real Abi. I’m a good, genuine person outside of the game. But inside the game? Battle time!
Holmes: What time is it? It’s game time.
Gomes: Game time! Boo yah! (Laughs) Gangster!

Holmes: When I was prepping the info for what people are remembered for, I kept coming back to your feud with R.C. (Saint-Amour).
Gomes: I feuded with pretty much everyone. (Laughs)
Holmes: This is true. But you and R.C. were aligned at one point. Are you worried that others could view the break-up of that alliance as you flipping on her?
Gomes: It happened really quickly. We immediately connected. We didn’t have a minute to even think if we were going to work well together or not. And when someone comes up to you and says, “We’re together, right?” You can’t say no. You’re shooting yourself in the foot. She approached me first. But then I started noticing that she was getting too close to (Michael) Skupin and that created a huge paranoia in me. I was the weakest link from the get-go. I had an injury day one from jumping from the boat. I tore my ACL. And she was super strong. I was like, “Oh (expletive deleted)! Is she going to turn on me?” I acted too quickly. It was a mistake and I let my emotions control my game. This time around I want to be in control of my emotions. And I want to be in control of my circumstances. I don’t want to let things like that happen so quickly. I’m going to wait for the right time to be the villain.
Holmes: Have you two made peace since then?
Gomes: R.C. hates me. I’ve tried to beg for forgiveness, I’ve tried so hard. But there’s so much one can do. It’s like a dance. You have to be at the same beat and the same rhythm. And when she starts talking (expletive deleted) about me and lying about my personality? That hurts me. I’m not what you saw on “Survivor.” Yes, I’m feisty. Yes, I’m sassy. And it’s hard for me to forgive and forget, but that’s due to me being a Scorpio. I’ve had a lot of growth, I’ve been working on myself. And I do know that I did her wrong.  But, I was playing a game.

Holmes: With any returnee season, pre-game alliances are an issue. Have you participated in any? Have you heard of any?
Gomes: I’ve heard of some. I choose not to participate in any. If people have contacted me, I’m like, “Sure.” I’m not dumb. I’m always open to it. But, I know that they don’t work. Over and over again you’ve seen people get burned. Francesca (Hogi) is a huge example. She had pre-game alliances with (John) Cochran and Andrea (Boehlke) before she went on her season and she was the first one voted out. I think everyone comes with two or three friends and then when they put their toes on the sand that’s out the window. People are here to win. And in a season like “Second Chance” we have gamers here. It’s going to be crazy.

Holmes: Coach Wade did a great job in “South Pacific” flipping people’s perception of him. You were the villain of the “Philippines,” are you hoping to flip things the way he did?
Gomes: That is an excellent strategy. And I’m definitely trying to redeem myself. However, I own the whole villainess thing. I think it’s cool to be a villain in the “Survivor” world. The best players are all villains. Most of the winners are villains. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. But, out there I’m going to try to turn it around and be funny and have fun with it. I’m not going to have an injury.
Holmes: Oh, you totally just jinxed it. That other ACL is done for.
Gomes: (Laughs) No, I’m not going to have an injury. Knock on wood. I’m going to kill at challenges and I’m going to connect with each individual out there. And behind their backs I’ll be talking a lot of (expletive deleted). And I’m going to give the producers what they want.
Holmes: Which is…?
Gomes: Some sassy, naughty, mean Abi.
Holmes: You’re going to make my mom furious.
Gomes: I love it! (Laughs)

Holmes: Does your reputation put a target on your back?
Gomes: I think it does put a target on my back. But, I’m going to use that to my advantage. In “Philippines,” there was one thing that was true; I was someone’s friend, but if you (expletive deleted) with me, you’re dead.
Holmes: That’s why I don’t (expletive deleted) with you.
Gomes: (Laughs) I do have an angel on my left shoulder and a devil on my right shoulder.

Holmes: You’re the only person from “Survivor: Philippines,” there are several people from “Cagayan.” There are several people from “San Juan del Sur.” Is that a concern?
Gomes: I know! Hopefully they don’t like each other. And hopefully they realize it will put a target on their back. I’m a very observant person, so hopefully that won’t be an issue for my game. The “Cagayan” people are Spencer, Woo, Kass, and Tasha. Ok…Woo is a cutie.
Holmes: He’s adorable.
Gomes: He’s so adorable! Oh my God. I totally want to charm him up and seduce him a little bit. I want his hair…and his abs…he’s so cute! Oh my God, I just wanna…like hug him.
Holmes:  Are you and Peter (Yurkowski) still together?
Gomes: No…we broke up.
Holmes: Oh, I’m sorry.
Gomes: Peter and I broke up. We dated for two years. But, I’m 35 and ready for the real thing. I don’t think he’s quite there yet. I don’t think timing is our side.
Holmes: How old is he?
Gomes: He’s 27.
Holmes: Yeah, that’s young.
Gomes: He’s young. He’s a great guy, I love him to death. I’m sure he loves me too.
Holmes: So, as a single woman, there are no barriers to you putting the moves on Woo.
Gomes: There are no barriers. I’m going to be flirting. And I have my eyes on Woo. We would have cute babies together, could you imagine?
Holmes: Adorable. But, that should be a secondary goal.
Gomes: Secondary goal!
Holmes: Primary goal is winning “Survivor.”
Gomes: I think he has a girlfriend though. Sorry…to his girlfriend.
Holmes: (Laughs) Villain!

Holmes: If there is a twist this season, what do you think it is?
Gomes: I’m sure that Jeff will be having tons of twists. Especially because we’ve been having this pre-game for 10 days now. We’ve spent time studying each other. I think it’ll be a schoolyard pick for tribes and I think they’ll be mixing up the tribes as much as he can. I don’t think he’s going to make it easy for us to build bonds.

Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Gomes: I like this game.
Holmes: Right?

Gomes: OK, Vytas and Kelly…they’re scary! They’re yogis.
Holmes: They can speak with their minds.
Gomes: (Laughs) I see them reading the same book. Winking at each other. And I like Vytas. I’ve been to his yoga class. We’re not friends, but I’d love to align with him. But, if he aligns with her that might be a problem for me. I’m not here to go home anytime soon. I want this badly. So, I’ll align. And Kelly reminds me so much of Denise (Stapley). Pre-game I see her walking around, stoic face. Very hard to read. And she’s going to get a lot of sympathy votes if she gets to the end. She almost won “Borneo.” She lost by one vote. So, I will align with her for a little while. Before she makes it far. I’ll align with her.

Gomes: Tasha…align. She’s a gamer. I don’t think she’s afraid of aligning with a villain. She likes Brazil. She does throw a few Portuguese words here or there.

Gomes: Monica…malign. She laughs like R.C.
Holmes: (Laughs)
Gomes:  She totally does!

Gomes: Woo? And his hair? Totally align! He’s my little ninja.

Gomes: Jeremy? What a nice guy. Totally align. He’s a firefighter from Boston. Super strong. He has some guns on him. Align.

Gomes: I have three aligns left! Ciera…malign. She voted off her mom. She’s ruthless. Can’t have two ruthless people in the same alliance. She’ll cut people’s heads off just like I will. I love her and she’s super cute.

Gomes: Kimmi…malign. Her boobs get people distracted.
Holmes: All boobs are distracting, Abi.
Gomes: (Laughs) I know!

Gomes: Joe reminds me too much of Malcolm (Freberg). So…malign. Malcolm called me a dementor. Go (expletive deleted) yourself.

Gomes: Andrew…align. He reminds me of Jeff Probst.

Gomes: Keith…malign. He’s weak. I don’t think he’s going to do well in challenges.

Gomes: Shirin…align. She was the Abi in her season.

Gomes: One align left…Jeff Varner. I love my gays.
Holmes: Another thing you and Corinne Kaplan have in common.
Gomes: He’s bitchy. I love it.

Gomes: Kass…malign. Can’t trust her.

Gomes: Spencer…malign. Too smart for his own good.

Gomes: Terry…malign. Military…micro-manager…too much of a leader. I’d be a no collar.

Gomes: Stephen…malign. He’s a know-it-all. C’mon.

Gomes: Kelley…malign. You’re too cute for your own good.

Gomes: Peih-Gee…malign. Her bitch face? My God. When she does her bitch face she looks like a frog. Dude, you’re a pretty lady when you smile. But when you do your bitch face? Annoying.

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

“Survivor: Second Chance” will kick off with a special 90-minute premiere on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

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