More Whatnot

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings with Aubry Bracco, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers”

The Rules: Each week our two combatants 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 players will earn. For example, if Mike is voted out this episode, Aubry will receive five points and Gordon will receive three points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Aubry Bracco and I both had Ali in spot twelve. The current score is Team Bracco 54, Team Holmes 63.

Quick Note: Rankings are not based on who the player thinks is most likely to win. The smart strategy is to rank the contestants based on who is the most likely to be voted out in the next episode.​

Aubry’s Score = 54 Any questions for Aubry? Drop her a line on Twitter: @aubrybracco	Gordon’s Score = 63 Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. Ben: Ben’s in a great spot. He seems relaxed, he’s calling Dr. Mike “Doc” and he’s buds with Lauren. What’s most impressive is that Ben is playing strategically by playing emotionally — he’s already assembling his army by making friends. That’s a smart way to start managing a jury before you even start voting them out.	1. Joe: Nothing’s ever for sure when you head into the merge. But there’s one thing I do know; Joe isn’t afraid to use an idol when he feels threatened.
2. Lauren: Lauren’s predictable, and that’s a great person to have when you hit the merge chaos. Even better, she says what everyone’s thinking but most won’t say for the sake of their games. When the going gets tough, these no-filter Keith Nale types are common relief and in it for the long haul.	2. Desi: A Healers vs. Hustlers/Heroes split makes a lot of sense. Lauren is close with Ben, Ryan is close with Chrissy, Devon is close with Ashley. And of the Healers, Desi seems like the least likely target. Unless she’s the most unassuming target and they’re worried about idols…oh, I just remembered why I hate ranking merges.
3. Chrissy: There’s no denying Chrissy is a strategic powerhouse in the game with the ability to lie to someone (Ali) straight to her face right before sending her out the door. Ryan is with her to the death, and she’ll be reuniting with Ben. At the merge vote, numbers are everything, and this player has them.	3. Mike: A million high fives for your idol move last week. About time Cole’s loose lips helped somebody on his side. You’d better keep your idol close and your options open this week.
4. Ryan: Swap “Chrissy” with “Ryan” and “Ben” with “Devon” in the description above and paste here.	4. Ben: Why would Ben be anyone’s first post-merge target? He doesn’t have any enemies and he isn’t an obvious challenge threat.
5. Mike: I’m proud of Dr. Mike. He’s letting his personality shine, and that’s helping him connect with everyone from Jess to Ben — that’s a solid pre-merge strategy for a guy who could have easily been pegged as a strategic, socially anxious nerd and voted off early. Well done.	5. Lauren: There’s just no reason to target Lauren first. In fact, with her ability to rub people the wrong way, I could see people lining up to take her to the end.
6. Devon: Devon’s found a friend in Ashley, and he’s about to be reunited with Ryan.  Ashley, JP, Devon and Ryan could pal up or war down. Only time will tell where Devon falls in this Survivor Trust (or Distrust) cluster.	6. Chrissy: With all the idols in play, nobody on the non-idol side is really safe. But, there’s always the chance one side will try to target someone that nobody expects in case of an idol. That’s the only way I can see Chrissy going home.
7. Desi: I’m not entirely sure what Desi’s plan is going into the merge. Either way, she’s going to have to work to make herself someone’s reliable number, or she’ll be hacked because she’s that last one in the game of merge musical chairs.	7. Ryan: People get how likable and charismatic you are. And if word gets out of what went down with you and Ali, a lot more eyes could be looking at you.
8. Ashley: Ashley’s not in the easiest position and could be out to sea. If, however, Devon and JP throw her a life raft, the lifeguard could be saved past the merge.	8. Ashley: Oh good, the nation finally gets the Ashley/JP reunion they were hoping to see. I know you were sweet on him before the split, but you have to be really careful with that Power Couple stuff.
9. JP: I’m so intrigued by JP. I don’t know if his game play is terrible or genius. All I know is this group has their eyes on alpha male threats and they’ve vocalized it so he’s definitely on people’s radars, which is never a good thing.	9. Devon: Likable challenge threat after the merge? You’re never going to be safe, buddy.
10. Joe: I love watching Joe. He’s a wild man. The only bad part is people seem to sense it. I’m interested to see how Joe fits in with this larger group or if all the new blood will activate his Tony paranoia to a level we’ve never seen before.	10. JP: If the Healers alliance is going to use the idol and bounce a challenge threat, it’s going to be you.
11. Jessica: Jessica seems like she’s making a great connection with Dr. Mike. She’s got one big problem, and his name is Cole. Power duos are always at risk going into the merge. Worse than that, her other half is driving people nuts.	11. Cole: If this vote comes down to a case of “Who has the idol?” It’d make sense to use one to protect Cole. He’s an obvious target and Lauren and Ben are already out to get him.
12. Cole: Sorry Cole, but you’ve got an expiration date. His eating annoys people. He’s verbally jousting with Lauren. He flirts all day. Cole is that guy who’s about to annoy himself right out of the game.	12. Jessica: If the Hustleros alliance is worried that the Healers could be using an idol, it might make sense to take out the challenge threat’s love interest.

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

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings with Aubry Bracco, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.”

Who knew the Girl Scouts were capable of such strong “Survivor” advice.

Ali Elliott failed to learn that lesson when she got too close to Roark for Ryan’s liking. The morning after her elimination I had a chance to ask her about her argument with Ryan, her alliance with Roark, and Chrissy lie that may have gone to far…

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers”

Gordon Holmes: You and Ryan got into a heated argument after the Roark Tribal. And recently we’ve been seeing the wronged party take a more laid-back approach to the blindside. Was that even an option for you, or were you so upset that you had to express yourself?
Ali Elliott: We’re heading back and I’m thinking, “They got me.” I said, “OK, what was the deal there?” Just talking, just like this. And he started to deflect right away. I was still trying to stay calm. And I didn’t feel the need to take him aside because these other two people sat there and saw exactly what happened. In my mind he had already picked them. Whatever he was going to say, he could say in front of them. He started to get really defensive. Even in the moment, I still don’t think I got all that heated. But he was acting like it was all my doing and that started to get me really upset. Tell me why you did it, don’t try to blame it on me. It exploded into something I didn’t want. But, I was happy that JP and Chrissy could see.
Holmes: Did he ever approach you with the idea of getting rid of Roark?
Elliott: I wanted to do what was best for our game and he had never brought up Roark.

Holmes: Do you think that’s a flaw in Ryan’s game that he wasn’t able to handle that situation better?
Elliott: I think so. It was the first time that I saw Ryan look uncomfortable. And I had no idea about the secret…hidden…what is it called?
Holmes: That would be the super idol…or something.
Elliott: (Laughs) I had no idea about the super idol. And I thought, we’re set. We had two people, and I had a gut feeling that we were going to merge after three Tribals. We only need to win one challenge. We have two people who are expendable. And to this day it still makes sense. And I still don’t understand why he couldn’t have filled me in on this relationship with Chrissy. Not only would he have had me, but he still would’ve had her. And I think I’d be a better ally moving forward than JP.

Holmes: Back on the Hustlers tribe, it looked like you were interested in working with Simone or Patrick, but you ultimately stuck with Ryan and Devon. What was behind those decisions?
Elliott: For both of those, it was always going to be Simone and Patrick. You want to make sure you make the right decision, so you do play devil’s advocate with yourself. It looked like I was indecisive, but I always knew what I was going to do. I was close with Patrick due to our pre-established relationship, but I knew the game and I felt like he was no longer benefitting me. I thought Lauren was more level-headed, she got along with people better. I would’ve loved to work with Patrick and Lauren, but they didn’t get along. But, both Ryan and Devon were even-keeled people. You could talk to them, run things past them.

Holmes: It was unclear what your relationship was like with Chrissy.
Elliott: Chrissy came up to me right away and said “I really like you and I want to work with you.” Already in my head I’m thinking, “I don’t really need Chrissy, but I want to keep this option open.” Chrissy was very, “This is what I think we should do, and this is why we should do it.” She wasn’t acting like she was on the same ground as me. She was saying, “This is what it’s going to be.” And that made me really uncomfortable. I wanted to play the game with people and not have people play at me. I wanted to be in a relationship. Work together, bounce around ideas. She was very straightforward. “Roark has to go, and that’s that.” Well, why does Roark have to go? Should we do a girl alliance? Should I stick with Ryan? My plan was to get to the merge and we can start playing there. People were so worried that there were so many healers, but I thought I’d be fine as long as I got to the merge. So, she rubbed me the wrong way. And she hated Roark from the get-go. I don’t know if hate is too strong a word, but she didn’t like Roark. You could just tell.
Holmes: And what was it like after Roark was eliminated?
Elliott: Chrissy and I ended up bonding. You saw, her hair was braided all the time. (Laughs) That night after the deal with Ryan, I was broken. I didn’t sleep, I laid there and stared at the fire. The next morning I went looking for an idol. I could already see them stalking me in the woods. And when I came back to camp, it was just me and Chrissy and she said, “I don’t think you should feel like you’re on the outs.” So, I was trying to sell myself at that point. “I made a mistake, I was stupid. And I’m still useful. I have a great social game and can bring in people you need.” So, we ended up bonding. Even during the pizza we shared things about our family and the game. At one point…and obviously now…she’d lied so well that I thought I might’ve squeezed back in there. But, there was one thing…and I know this is a game…but would someone lie about that?
Holmes: On this show? Yes.
Elliott: Well, I’m really close to my family. They mean everything to me, like most people, and we’d talked about the family visit. I told her I’d bring my sister. We’re so close, we’re best friends. And she said, “We’re so set. We’re going to get through this to the merge and we’re going to get to the family visit. And I cannot wait to see you run and jump into your sister’s arms.”
Holmes: Oof…
Elliott: And I was thinking, for someone to have so much confidence in this relationship after something bad had happened, I thought, maybe this could work. Why would you lie about something like that? But, it happened. (Laughs)

Holmes: Alright word association time. Let’s start with Roark.
Elliott: Roark is brilliant. She’s probably one of the smartest people I have met under the age of 30. Her being out there was like a game to me. I love to learn and she’s so smart and knows a little about everything.
Holmes: JP?
Elliott: He’s a great guy. But he’d do great on “Naked and Afraid.” He knows how to survive, and he doesn’t need a social game for “Naked and Afraid.”
Holmes: And he’s already got the naked part down.
Elliott: (Laughs)
Holmes: Simone.
Elliott: She’s very sweet, but she didn’t understand “Survivor.” I think she understood it from a viewer’s standpoint. I do love her very much. I just don’t think this was the game for her.
Holmes: Lauren?
Elliott: I love Lauren. Lauren is my winner pick now. She’s tell you exactly how she feels.
Holmes: Patrick?
Elliott: He’s very outgoing and fun to a certain extent. You need Patrick in doses. But, he’s a very kind person. He just doesn’t know what to say in all of the situations.
Holmes: Chrissy?
Elliott: I think that Chrissy is out there to play the game. I don’t think I know her on a personal level. Maybe I’ll find out one day who she is.
Holmes: Devon?
Elliott: I think Devon is great. He’s got that surfer vibe. I really wanted to work with Devon for the long haul. He’s smart and good at hiding his knowledge.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Ryan.
Elliott: He’s playing a great game. He was like my little brother out there. I think he’s got a great chance to weasel his way through the rest of the game. He gets people’s humor, which goes a long way.

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

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings with Aubry Bracco, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Last Week: The sex doctor scored…an idol and Roark was eliminated because Ryan felt like the Ali-ance was Ali-ability.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Alright, let’s take a closer look at these tribes…

The Levu Tribe – Wearing Blue
Ashley, 26 – Lifeguard
Desiree, 27 – Physical Therapist
Devon, 23 – Surf Instructor
Joe, 34 – Probation Officer

The Soko Tribe – Wearing Yellow
Ali, 24 – Celebrity Assistant
Chrissy, 46 – Financial Analyst
JP, 28 – Firefighter
Ryan, 23 – Bellhop

The Yawa Tribe – Wearing Red
Ben, 34 – Marine
Cole, 24 – Wilderness Survival Guide
Jessica, 29 – Nurse Practitioner
Lauren, 35 – Fisherman
Mike, 43 – Urologist*

*Has an Immunity Idol

Post-Tribal Shenanigans

Wow, things get really ugly…really quickly. Instead of Ali or Ryan doing their best to come together, they keep butting heads.

Ryan makes the argument that Ali was too close to Roark, while Ali says they only knew each other for four days. Ryan counters by saying that he and Ali haven’t known each other very long.

Oof… Bad form, Ryan. You don’t know anyone long enough in the game to have real trust, but you shouldn’t say it out loud.

Honestly, I’m not sure how fixable this is. I feel like players who are more savvy would have patched this up better.

Reward Challenge Time: Two members will use sticks to carry a buoy across a balance beam. They’ll then pull a boat to a dock where one player will use a slingshot to shoot two targets. The first tribe to hit both targets wins a bunch of pizzas. The second tribe will receive a lone pizza.

Sitting Out: Mike

Result: Soko claimed first due to JP’s marksmanship, while Yawa took second.

At Soko Beach

JP’s challenge prowess and lack of strategy talk seems to concern Ryan.

Wait, that’s it?

At Levu Beach

Joe manages to locate the clue for the Levu idol. Sure enough, it’s similar to where the Soko and Yawa idols were. He sneaks out that night and finds digs it up. Yup, nothing like Tony Vlachos at all. Time for a Mena shack!

In other news, Desi is open to the idea of working with Devon and Ashley against Joe.

At Yawa Beach

Mike manages to catch a tiny fish with what he calls a “spear gun” but it’s actually just a Hawaiian sling. Nevertheless, this is an accomplishment worthy of respect. He takes it back to the beach and hilariously drops it in the fire as he tries to cook it like Vern in “Stand by Me.”

So hilarious in fact, that Ben does his best Jim Halpert impression into the camera.

But, Ben is impressed that Mike was willing to share his tiny fish whereas Cole often eats medium sized fish all by himself.

We’re then treated to a montage that includes Cole being really rude to Lauren as they’re having a conversation about when to eat and Cole telling us that they won’t win immunity without him.

As Jessica and Cole are flirting on the beach, Lauren, Mike and Ben discuss voting him out.

Later on, Cole’s hand is shaking as he lies near the shelter. He stands up and passes right out. Luckily for him, he has two Healers nearby and it looks like he’ll be OK.

This event really stuck with Jessica though, she realizes that she doesn’t want to play the game without him. Oh Jessica…one winner. Just one.

Ben uses this event to pile onto the “Cole is irresponsible” bandwagon by telling Mike that Cole knew he was coming on “Survivor” and should have focused more on putting on weight than on sculpting his abs. Wow…so in a way I’m always ready to go on “Survivor.”

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will all hold ropes that are attached to a platform. One by one, they’ll have to work their way to the platform and place a block that will eventually spell the word “Immunity.” The first two tribes to spell the word will win…er…immunity.

Sitting Out: Lauren

Result: Yawa takes first place, Levu takes second, and Toto blesses the rains.

Pre-Tribal Politicking

JP isn’t very concerned because he knows Ali is next. Ryan, however, is still very uncertain about JP.

Ryan makes an attempt to make peace with Ali, and it looks like she’s into it. As she should be, because otherwise she’s going home.

Ali continues with this line of thinking and kind of pledges her loyalty to Chrissy. Kind of…

In a funny moment, Ryan mentions that he isn’t sure why everyone wants to work with him, because he thinks he’s a weasel. Yeah, but you’re a charismatic weasel.

Tribal Time

Nothing too exciting here; everyone is concerned with the merge, everyone knows JP’s a challenge threat, and everyone is a little nervous with how laid back he plays the game.

Voting Time: We’ve got one vote for Ali, one vote for JP, one vote for Ali, and the sixth person voted out of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers” is…Ali.

Damnit.

Verdict: Aaaaaaand…another winner pick down the tubes. Welp, I’ve only been doing this since Gabon, so…

Anywho, I’m ready for Cole, Jessica, and Doctor Mike to check out the Tribal Council set.

	Joe – Your second idol. Well done, sir. Chrissy – If there’s any bad will toward your alliance due to the Roark and Ali votes, it’ll go to Ryan, not you. Doctor Mike – Who doesn’t love Doctor Mike?
	Ryan – For as much as I adore Ali, I didn’t hate this move. Now everyone who could have beef with you is out of the game and not a part of the jury.
	Ben – I think you’re the safest person on the beach, but I wonder if you were pushing a little too hard with the Cole thing. Desi – I’m not sure if I believe what you said to Ashley based on your facial expressions, but good job keeping your options open.
	Jessica – You’re letting your emotions get to you. Do what’s best for Jessica first. JP – The Colby days are behind us, you’re going to have to show some strategic chops eventually.
	Cole – Wow, we saw a very different version of Cole this week. The Lauren stuff was just terrible. I understand lack of food can mess up your brain, but keep it together, buddy.
	Devon, Lauren, and Ashley – I can’t give you full credit if you don’t show your work.

Power Rankings Results: Aubry Bracco and I both had Ali in spot twelve. The current score is Team Bracco 54, Team Holmes 63.

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