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‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ Episode 10 & 11 Recap: Table Games

November 29, 2017

‘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 Round Table was on a roll, attracting attention was Mike’s goal, and the person to receive the most votes was handsome…

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the tribe…

The Solewa Tribe – Wearing Purple
Ashley, 26 – Lifeguard
Ben, 34 – Marine
Chrissy, 46 – Financial Analyst
Devon, 23 – Surf Instructor
Joe, 34 – Probation Officer
JP, 28 – Firefighter
Lauren, 35 – Fisherman
Mike, 43 – Urologist
Ryan, 23 – Bellhop*

*Has an Immunity Idol

Post-Tribal Shenanigans

We hilariously kick things off with Joe telling Mike that it was stupid of him to burn his idol in that fashion. No argument here, Joe.

Chrissy assures us that Joe or Mike are next.

Mike doesn’t regret his move and tells us to stay tuned because it’s about to get really good. Well, it’s about time.

Reward Challenge Time: The players will create a block tower using only their feet. When the tower is done, they’ll place a flag in the center. The first person to finish wins a seaplane tour of the islands and a cheeseburger feast.

Result: Mike comes close, but Lauren pulls off the win. She’s allowed to take three people with her. She chooses Ashley, Devon, and Ben. Ryan tells Probst that you can’t read into her picks, but in private, Lauren disagrees. Uh oh…

Round Table Reduction

At the reward, Lauren pitches a foursome of herself, Ben, Devon, and Ashley. Everybody seems to be on board. They trust each other so much, that they reveal all of the advantages they know about including Ryan’s idol and Lauren’s extra vote.

They decide to work with Joe and Mike and vote out one of the other Round Table members next.

Devon is very impressed with Lauren’s strategy, saying she’s as good a player as he is. Yeah, but is she a beacon of light?

Also, family letters from home were a part of the reward.

While all this is going on, Mike and Joe brand themselves as “The Coconuts” because of Joe’s ethnicity and Mike’s profession. Don’t forget to tip your waitress, folks.

Also, Ryan and Chrissy decide to target Ben after the Coconuts are gone.

King Arthur Finds His Xcalibur

Ben stumbles upon an idol clue under a rock with an “X” on it. He follows the directions and finds himself an idol. Well done, sir. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.

He smartly decides to not tell anybody, because nobody can keep a secret.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will balance on top of a dog-house-esque structure. The last person standing wins immunity.

Snoopy would kill at this challenge.

Before the challenge, JPro offers them the chance to sit out in exchange for peanut butter and chocolate.

Peanut butter and chocolate?! And they get to keep their clothes on?! Devon, Lauren, and Ben take him up on the offer.

Result: Ashley wins immunity.

Pre-Tribal Politicking

Ryan is not happy that Devon, Lauren, and Ben sat out.

The Round Table decides to split the vote between Joe and Mike, however, the Reduced Round Table wants to target Ryan or Chrissy.

In an interesting twist, Devon comes up with the idea of making it seem like Ben isn’t in on the vote so the remaining players will run to him. Ben seems to be down with the “Secret Spy” plan.

“Survivor” sleeper! I’ve been pitching this idea for years!

Ben says he’ll have to put his acting shoes on. Those aren’t a thing, Ben.

The Reduced Round Table fills Mike and Joe in on the plan and they jump at it.

Tribal Time

Mike is hoping someone will use the Coconuts’ two votes.

Lauren knows the Round Table can only last so long because seven people can’t get to the end.

JP also says something.

Voting Time: We’ve got one vote for Mike, one vote for Joe, two votes for Mike, four votes for JP, and the tenth person to be voted out of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers” and the third member of the jury is…JP.

Wait, who?

Post-Tribal Shenanigans

Chrissy and Ryan play things very differently. Ryan thanks the people who stabbed him in the back for sparing him, while Chrissy seems very annoyed.

Ryan is shocked by Devon’s betrayal, but they’re still cordial. Devon admits to Ryan that Ryan telling Ben about the idol shook him.

Meanwhile, Ben plays his outsider role very well. And, it must’ve been hard, because Joe was really digging into him. This…uh…this might be tough for Joe to watch tonight.

Reward Challenge Time: The tribe will be split into two teams of four. They’ll row a boat and collect bags of logs. They’ll use the logs to release puzzle pieces. The first team to complete the puzzle will win a spa reward and veggie wraps.

Veggie wraps? If you lose the challenge you should have to eat veggie wraps.

Result: Ben, Ashley, Joe and Devon pick up the win easily, but Lauren really showed some determination.

Spa and Strategy

Ben continues to play his role as the unseated king during the reward. In fact, he plays it so well that it makes Ashley realize that he’s a huge threat. Ah…uneasy lies the head that wears a…uh…cowboy hat.

Meanwhile, Ryan is trying to get Mike to swing to his side. And, seeing as how Ryan never worked with Mike when Mike was on the bottom, he’s not interested in working with him now that he’s on the top…er…middle…er…middle bottom.

Chrissy tried to talk to Lauren but she doesn’t have any better luck than Ryan.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will use a driving wheel to transport a key through a series of obstacles. They’ll use the key to release puzzle pieces. The first person to use the pieces to spell “Invulnerable” will become just that.

Result: Chrissy wins immunity.

Pre-Tribal Politicking

The Reduced Round Table decides that Joe’s day has finally come. The plan is to tell Joe and Mike that they’re going to use Lauren’s vote and split the votes between Ryan and Ben.

Remember when people just voted alphabetically?

Hilariously, Mike is psyched to send Ben home because he has fooled him so many times. He even says, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” This’ll be the third time, so…

In other news, Ashley and Lauren are considering making a move on Ben. Ashley approaches Devon with this idea…and they’re both non-committal.

Also, Ben encourages Ryan to play his idol.

Quick Aside: I tell ya, if this “Survivor” sleeper plan works, it’s genius.

Tribal Time

Joe admits to taking a lot of joy in Ben’s downfall. He also says that this is the most comfortable he has ever felt at Tribal. Oh man…this might be amazing.

Ryan thinks Mike and Joe are making the same mistake they accused the original Round Table of making.

Voting Time: Before the votes are read, Ryan plays his idol for…himself. We’ve got two votes for Ryan, two votes for Ashley, three votes for Joe, and the eleventh person voted out of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers” and the fourth member of the jury is…Joe.

Deuces indeed.

Verdict: Wow, the foursome really stepped up and executed some next-level moves. Ryan and Chrissy are good players, but they both took a beating today.

In the end, it kinda feels like Ben’s idol is going to decide this whole thing.

  • Devon – You’re in the inner circle in the inner circle. You’re beaming, buddy.
  • Lauren – From winning challenges to making the moves necessary to get to the final three, Lauren is proving to be a hell of a player and she’ll have a solid resume.
  • Ashley – I’m placing you a smidge below Devon and Lauren because I think you’re pairing up with two people who can beat you at final Tribal.
  • Ben – Good job on finding that idol and pretending to be on the outs. That’s some next-level play there. However, how you play that idol is going to be huge because nobody wants to go to the end with you.
  • Ryan and Chrissy – From top to bottom, you both got played this week. I don’t think that should reflect badly on your overall games. Sometimes you get beat and you just have to tip your cap.
  • Mike – I don’t blame you for not partnering up with Ryan. But it doesn’t hurt to give him a glimmer of hope. And now you’re going to need him. In the end, I think you’re a great “Survivor” character, but a bad “Survivor” player.

Power Rankings Results: Aubry Bracco had JP in spot two, I had him in spot five. Aubry and I both had Joe in spot eight. The current score is Team Bracco 94, Team Holmes 103.

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

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‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ Power Rankings Round 9 – Last Healers Standing Edition

November 27, 2017

‘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 Ryan is voted out this episode, Aubry will receive seven points and Gordon will receive six 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 Cole in spot ten. The current score is Team Bracco 84, Team Holmes 90.

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 = 84

Any questions for Aubry? Drop her a line on Twitter: @aubrybracco

Gordon’s Score = 90

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. Devon: Whether the seven stays solid or disintegrates, Devon’s even temperament and presence in multiple people’s end plans will keep him safe. 1. Devon:  Ben and Lauren want to work with you, Ryan wants to work with you, and Ashley and JP probably want to work with you…but…you’re super well liked. Bordering on too well-liked. I think you’re safe now, but you have a rough road ahead of you.
2. JP: JP’s certainty not going to win, but he’s as laid back and inert as they get. This guy certainly seems safe as a reliable number on the majority’s army for the next couple weeks at least. 2. Chrissy: I hope that conversation with Ben was a wake-up call. Just because you guys became buddies after the first Tribal doesn’t mean you need to stay BFFs forever. The only way you’re going to win is if you get credit for steering the ship, and you won’t get that credit with Ben around.
3. Lauren: Lauren’s trusted, a challenge beast and a stable, reliable force. At this point, stability is gold: Lauren’s sticking around. 3. Ashley: Could Joe have brought Ashley and Chrissy closer together? A Ryan/Chrissy/JP/Ashley alliance makes a lot of sense.
4. Ben: Ben’s got control of the group and the votes, which is what makes me nervous. Could he be peaking too soon? Only time will tell. 4. Lauren: Lookit the challenge competitor! Lauren isn’t an obvious target at this point, but her name could be dropped if someone wants to shake up the Round Table.
5. Ashley: Ashley’s starting to question the group, and that can go either way. Either she plots too soon to break up her alliance and gets hacked, or she plots just in time and can organize numbers to strike before the other 6 to her 7. 5. JP: You’re good at challenges, so you’re never really safe. That’s all I’ve got.
 
6. Chrissy: Chrissy’s responses to people trying to goad her and overt comments about who is and who isn’t in control of the game make me nervous for her chances. The second someone gets confident, complacent can sometimes follow just after. 6. Ryan: I’m not positive that you and Devon are on the outs because I don’t think Devon told Ben that he already knew about the idol. But, you’re on thin ice, buddy.
7. Ryan: Ryan needs to slow down and keep it zipped. He’s giving too much away in sheer excitement to lock in an end-game. One piece of information to the wrong person could tear everything down. 7. Ben: I think the scene where Chrissy was telling you that you were steamrolling the Round Table and you continued to steamroll her is going to seal your fate. You’re a great player, but I think self awareness might be the missing ingredient.
8. Joe: I don’t care what it’s like living with him, all I know is Joe is in trouble (as always), yet he’s found a way to hang on by a thread. He came to play. He’s fun to watch. I dig it. 8. Joe: I have such a hard time believing this, “We can get Joe out whenever because he’s a pain,” line of thinking. But, it seems like Desi and Cole bought it. There is something likable about being a brash person who owns their brashness (maybe a word?) and Joe has it in spades. If they keep him too long, he can win this thing.
9. Mike: YES. Dr. Mike, you are an outspoken underdog and an a bright beacon. Did you put a massive target on your back at the last tribal? Without a doubt, but I love your style. Never change. 9. Mike: You made your big move last week and it didn’t work out. Plus, that move put a big target on your back. I think the doctor is out.


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

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‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ Power Rankings Round 5 – Broken Ali-ance Edition

October 31, 2017

‘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 one point 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 had Roark in spot 8, I had her in spot 14. The current score is Team Bracco 42, Team Holmes 51.

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 = 42

Any questions for Aubry? Drop her a line on Twitter: @aubrybracco

Gordon’s Score = 51

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. Mike: I don’t care what social or strategic game he may or may not have. If someone pulls idols from the Earth that easily, they’ve got the Tai touch, and that instantly means they’re going deep. 1. Ryan: You were between a rock and a hard place last week. I’m not sure there was a right decision. So, what’s your post Tribal play? How do you get Ali back after you’ve sided with someone she didn’t know you were working with?
2. JP: He’s sweet, great at challenges and follows people’s instructions/blatant attempts to win him over. No, it’s not a golden retriever, it’s JP! I mean that with all the love in the world. Do I think he can win? No. But power rankings are all about safety, and the way things are going, JP is setting himself up as an A+ goat. 2. Chrissy: The female alliance ruse was a stroke of genius. And JP fell for it hook, line, and sinker. You’re gonna have so many options if you make it to the merge.
3. Ben: People relate to Ben or have reverence for the fact they can’t totally relate to what he’s feeling. In short, this guy has empathy coming his way and not in the “you’re a threat” way. Great news for Ben. On a personal note — I really appreciate how he opened up and was able to communicate his emotions so clearly. Keep fighting the good fight, Ben. 3. Mike: Dr. Mike! Your idol discovery last night was yet another example of Cole’s mouth causing him trouble. And, if you can prove to Jessica that you can be trusted over Cole, you could be the new power couple.
4. Chrissy: Chrissy’s got an army behind her. All the better for her as she steamrolls toward the merge. She should beware, however, that getting into courtroom-like debates isn’t going to work every Tribal. This isn’t Redemption Island, and there are no appeals. 4. Jessica: I hope Cole is alright, because I hate to see people leave the game with an unsnuffed torch. But, if he is gone, you’ve got a new bestie who has an idol.
5. Ryan: Ryan’s got Chrissy and JP locked in with him after the Roark vote. The only trouble ahead? Placating Ali after he betrayed her — the good thing for Ryan? Ali doesn’t have any other allies, so the kiss-and-make-up could be easy peasy. 5. Ben: Who doesn’t love Ben? There’s no way he’s the first person voted out of swapped Yawa tribe.
6. Lauren: Lauren’s quiet, but I think that’s a good thing for her. She’s picking up on other social cues (she notices Ben’s reaction during Cole’s Winnie The Poo moment) and she was in tune with Ben’s personal moment after the bamboo pops. Great work by Lauren. 6. Desi: The only thing that’s for sure about the Levu tribe is that Desi is safe. If they go to Tribal, she’ll have a lot of options.
7. Jessica: Good on Jessica — she’s made a concerted effort to distance herself from Cole, and it seems to be working. Now that she and Mike share a secret, she may find some calmer waters in her “Survivor” social circles. 7. JP: Girls alliance?! I’m not a girl!
8. Devon: Devon’s in a potential 2-2 deadlock. The good thing is he’s just the guy in the middle who had his vote stolen the Tribal prior. No blood on his hands = more potential options for Devon down the road. 8. Cole: Oh, buddy…I hope you’re OK. I talk a lot of smack in my coverage, but you seem like a nice guy and I’d hate to see you go home like this.
9. Desi: It’s hard to tell where exactly Desi is, but the good part is she has an original Healer, Hustler AND Hero vying for her vote. It’s good when people want you on “Survivor.” 9. Devon: There is no reason to partner with Ashley. The merge is right around the corner and you’re just inviting trouble. If anything, I boot Ashley, then convince Desi to jump over if there’s a three-person Tribal.
10. Ashley: Ashley, on the other hand, is in the position of having to scrap up from the bottom. It’s good Devon wants to work with her, but she’s hanging on by the skin of her teeth. The good news? If there’s a merge, I think she has the chops to integrate — especially because JP is in so good with Ryan and Chrissy. 10. Joe: Mike and Jessica proved that there’s a uniform idol hiding strategy, so why aren’t you excavating the Levu water well?
11. Joe: Joe seems to be a potential target like Ashley if the tribe goes to tribal next. From what we can see, Joe is status quo, but his inner Tony could rear its head (for better or for worse) at any time. 11. Lauren: You don’t deserve to be this low on my list every week. Your social game is fine and you do your best on challenges. But, you’re always kind of the odd woman out.
12. Ali: Oh, Ali! Be still my heart. Like me, you are the grim reaper of this season (don’t you feel strangely powerful)? 12. Ali: Oof…this hurts. I believe the song goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old.” Here’s hoping you and Ryan can patch things up.
13. Cole: Oh no, Cole. First, he’s dipping into the sugar (way more than Michaela, for the record) and pissing people off…then the preview shows him passing out Russell Swan style. Survivor in love to medevac would not be a good arc for Cole, but it’s looking likely. 13. Ashley: It feels like you’ve been fighting from the bottom the whole season. Nobody needs a merge more than you do.


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

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‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ Power Rankings – Round 3: Buff Droppin’ Edition

October 16, 2017

“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 Ryan is voted out this episode, Aubry will receive four points and Gordon will receive seven 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 had Patrick in spot 14. Gordon had him in spot 13. The current score is Team Aubry 28, Team Gordon 24.

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 = 28

Any questions for Aubry? Drop her a line on Twitter: @aubrybracco

Gordon’s Score = 24

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. Devon: Woo, woo — heir to Cagayan number two coming through! Devon’s not being noticed as a strategic threat, but he’s the man behind the curtain — that’s the sweet spot one week in. Keep it up, Devon! 1. Ben: OK, my general rule for tribe swaps is this; anyone who is a challenge threat who is now in danger of being down in the numbers on their new tribes is in danger. I’m talking about your Devons, your Alans, and your JPs. Not your Bens.
2. Ben: Ben’s cruising along, and people like Ashley are approaching him to talk game. He’s a natural leader in the group, and people seem comfortable with him there — all signs point to a deep run. 2. Chrissy: I’m putting you in the same boat as Ben. You’ll be fine even if you don’t end up on the same tribe. Nobody really has a reason to target you.
3. Chrissy: Chrissy’s metaphorically found her camo garb of choice, and his name is Ben. Anyone with an ability to turn their game around from “too visible in a bad way” to undercover in mere days has the chops to go deep. 3. Ali: You had a tough call to make last week between Lauren and Patrick. In the end, I feel like Lauren is more goaty (not a word) and Patrick was more annoy-future-alliance-membersy (also not a word). Good call.
4. Ryan: From wearing Simone’s boots to having everyone in stitches at Tribal — Ryan has this tribe jester thing down to a “T.” Keep them laughing, and they won’t see when you morph from lovable jokester to Pennywise in a half second flat. 4. Desi: Cole clearly trusted you enough to bring you on board. That speaks well of your social game. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of it after the swap.
5. Roark: I’m loving what Roark’s doing. She might be lying low, but she’s proving to be reliable and mentally stable. On “Survivor,” sanity is a trait that, like cold water, you don’t realize how much it means to you until you’re trapped with a bunch of lunatics on a hot beach. 5. Roark: See Desi. But, so you don’t think I’m totally slacking, here are two reasons why ranking swaps totally sucks; I have to redo the colored text in the images, we have NOTHING to go on, and we actually have to learn the tribe names.
6. Alan: Alan’s beginning to be predictably chaotic, also a valuable commodity on “Survivor” when the players around you are good enough to spot its potential uses. This guy is locked in place for awhile until he stirs trouble with the wrong person or completely loses it trying to open a coconut. 6. Joe: I’m thinking the swap will delay your tribe’s plans of sending you home. In fact, if I’m Roark and we’re on a tribe alone, I probably let you know what I know and use it to form a bond.
7. Ali: Ali’s in the middle of the pack at the center of all the strategy. My only concern is with only four left on her tribe, there’s nowhere to hide. Sometimes, the guy in middle of the road gets run over! 7. Ryan: The two people who should’ve been concerned that you were running the show are now enjoying some cold Vonus at Ponderosa. Either way, you should hang back a bit after the swap.
8. Desi: Like Roark, Desi has her head down on her shoulders and isn’t making waves yet. That’s the place to to be. 8. Lauren: Nobody needs the swap more than Lauren. She would be going home if the Hustlers had lost a third immunity challenge. Hopefully for her, there will be bigger fish to fry on her new tribe.
9. Jessica: Jessica’s flying high with her love goggles, and she has a direct line to some key information on the whereabouts of the idol. The issue? Her informant can’t quite keep it zipped. Proceed with caution! 9. Mike: Mike is the perfect example of someone who kept his cool and let the game work itself out. He got himself in trouble early, but by hanging back, the whole Cole vs. Joe thing exploded. Something always happens, you just need time.
10. Cole: He’s a physical threat, attractive as all get-out, about to be in a showmance and giving away information too soon. Cole’s perfect on paper, but he may be too much of a Survivor to last much longer on it, especially if tribes are already gunning at physical threats like Patrick. 10. Devon: Maybe you’ll end up with your Hustlers buddies…maybe you’ll be on a tribe with bigger challenge threats…maybe how well you played the first three episodes won’t matter…
11. Mike: Dr. Mike isn’t making too much noise, which is a good thing. With the Young Bucks alliance brewing on the Healers tribe, though, he’s got to make sure he’s full stream, oops, I mean full STEAM ahead on making those imperative social connections. 11. Cole: You told three people about Joe’s idol. The odds are the word is going to get back to him. Now, he might not be able to do anything about it if you’re on different tribes. But, look out if you two draw similar buffs.
12. Lauren: When you’re on the outs, but you’re different than the other person on the bottom, you’ve got the opportunity to show people why you’re different. Now that she’s had the opportunity to show she’s a more viable option than Patrick, Lauren has an opportunity — now she just needs to find a way to work her way in. 12. Jessica: Word spreads quickly after a swap, and if someone wants to target you, you haven’t been subtle about your feelings for Cole.
13. JP: JP’s passivity could prove to help him if he’s not seen as a threat. Unfortunately, with a guy who’s built like the Culpepper challenge beast 2.0 it will be hard to downplay that athletic body that Ashley is drooling over. 13. Alan: I sound like a broken record, “Challenge threats are never safe after a swap!” Annnd…if JP and Ashley can get a foothold somewhere, they can point out how you freaked out at them.
14. Joe: Nothing’s going well for Joe with the Curse of Tony still in full-throttle. In addition to giving away information on the idol too soon, now he’s irritating people while they eat. If there’s one tip I would give any future player — NEVER mess with a Survivor’s food, or your butt will be out the door. 14. JP: You’re on the outs with the majority of your current tribe and your new tribe is not going to have trouble targeting you if they lose immunity. Better start catching those lobsters.
15. Ashley: Ashley is blinded by unrequited love, in Alan’s sight at all times and already has Ben calling her a threat all in the first week? That’s a recipe for disaster. 15. Ashley: If I’m Ben, Alan, or Chrissy and I need to throw the target on somebody’s back, I’m going to point out how Ashley is in a Power Couple with JP. Even if it isn’t true.


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

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Aubry Bracco Accepts the ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ Power Rankings Challenge

September 25, 2017

Aubry Bracco (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, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

The XFINITY “Survivor” Power Rankings committee is thrilled to announce that “Survivor: Kaoh Rong” and “Survivor: Game Changers” star Aubry Bracco has agreed to accept the Power Rankings challenge. When asked how she felt about this undertaking, she said, “I’m ready to take on the Power Rankings for Season 35 with Gordon. It’s nice to be back as a fan (FINALLY) and not a player. I promise I won’t be too much like the armchair quarterbacks I couldn’t stand during my seasons, but don’t worry, I’ll still play it straight.”

To kick things off, we’ve asked Aubry to rank the players based on how likely they are to win the game.

1. Alan: I don’t know what it is, but he had me at “Hello.” Sure, he might get hangry, but he’s aware of it. When you know your weaknesses and are vocally aware of them, that’s a “Survivor” superpower I call vulnerability, and it can nab you the win. 2. JP: Be still my heart — this man loves animals, understands the power of being yourself and has his ego in check? Ladies and gentleman, we may have met our Tom Westman Jr. I’m concerned the rest of his tribe will notice it before he gets to the end, but there’s something about this guy I believe in.
3. Roark: Someone call Beverly Cleary (yeah, she is alive and kicking at 101) — I want Roark to be a female heroine in a young adult novel. I love her pride in her intelligence and assertiveness, but I’m just not sure how that’s going to play out in the context of the game. The good news? She’s aware of how she’ll be perceived. 4. Ryan: Stop the presses, everyone. I have a new “Survivor” boyfriend, and his name is Ryan Ulrich. Physically, he reminds of an unstretched Stretch Armstrong version of Neal. But, most importantly, his personality is that perfect mix of vulnerable, self-deprecating and genuine that I love about John Cochran. His awareness that he needs to play under-the-radar for awhile will serve him well, but he has the risk of going out in David Wright style.
5. Desiree: I really like Desi. She’s authentic. She’s smart. She’s vulnerable. I hope they don’t see her as a threat too soon, because she’s got something triple-threat special about her — Brains, Brawn and Beauty. It’s almost Spradlin-like. 6. Cole: Cole is going to need to make some strong relationships and fast, because he’s going to be on the run like Harrison Ford in “The Fugitive” if he makes the merge. He’s very visibly a threat, but his flexibility and personality will help him go far, especially if he pulls a Jeremy Collins and goes for the meat-shield strategy — there are certainly plenty to choose from.
7. Jessica: Jessica definitely has a fierceness and emotionality to her that smacks of a certain player who fell in love with me on “Survivor: Game Changers” (Ahem, Andrea). I think she’ll do well, but she’ll get pinned as a threat. 8. Ali: If Ali doesn’t get swap-screwed, I see a bit of Julia Sokolowski in her. That’s good, but “sometimes the guy in the middle of the road gets run over.”
9. Mike: Mike, you’re a gem. I love how you own your oddness, and I think you’ll be able to parlay that into something for a bit. But please, for the love of all things, keep that super-fan status and those pee jokes under wraps or “urine trouble.” (I couldn’t help myself). 10. Chrissy: Awww, Chrissy — you remind me of me. I see a fellow hardworking achiever there, eyes alight with an earnestness and desire to play. I’m concerned, though, that you might be forcing it too much. Remember, “Survivor” is just as much about being easygoing as it is working hard.
11. Simone: At first glance, I’m concerned Simone is coming in a little too calculating and hot like my fellow Brains tribemate Liz Markham. Thankfully, she seems like she could be self-aware enough to adjust on the fly. But no matter what she does, this girl has “threat” written all over her. 12. Devon: I think Devon’s super-chill Ozzy-like personality and good looks will keep him safe…for a little while. When this guy gets to the merge they’ll be caring less about his looks and solid personality and more about his physical prowess. You seem like a cool dude, Devon, but I fear you’re a classic merge boot.
13. Patrick: Everytime I see Patrick, I think I’m looking at a Kennedy. Then, he talks, and I couldn’t be more off-base. He seems like a hard-working, down-to-earth dude, but he says he’s a talker. Hopefully, his personality isn’t too strong off the bat. 14. Ashley: When people meet this surfer chick I think they’ll expect the sweetness of Hali Ford or Woo and get the feistiness of Kaoh Rong Alecia. I want to see her go deep, but I’m afraid an intoxicating laid-back personality that makes people comfortable paired with fierceness will make people perceive her as a threat.
15. Ben: This guy’s got me intrigued in a Jason the Kaoh Rong bounty hunter meets Cody from “Big Brother 19” sort of way. It looks like we don’t know if he’ll be as docile as Paddington Bear or the second coming of ‘The Revenant’ grizzly. “Life is like a box of chocolates,” Forrest Gump once said, and this seems to be the case with Ben — “you never know what you’re going to get.” 16. Joe: Oh Joe, I love you, but I’m afraid your vibe is screaming “Tony.” King Spyshack The Great can only happen once, and based on the reception my lovely Mana tribe gave him, I’m not sure it’s going to go well. I hope I’m wrong.
17. Katrina: I’m concerned this Olympian will swim off into the sunset very early. A very intense personality + need for a daily time-out = imminent drowning. 18. Lauren: Lauren, I respect your hard work and unwillingness to bend to others. That said, do you know what game you signed up for?

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers” this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.


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

Tags:, , ,
Posted in General, RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on Aubry Bracco Accepts the ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ Power Rankings Challenge

Meet the Cast of ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’

September 21, 2017

‘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, exit interviews, and full episode recaps.  So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

The cast for the 35th season of the legendary reality show “Survivor” was revealed by CBS on Wednesday afternoon. This collection of 18 all-new players will be divided into three tribes that each exemplify a specific trait; either heroic deeds, healing talents, or a hustling spirit.

Name: Alan Ball
Age: 31
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation:  NFL Player
Personal Claim to Fame:  Being a 7th round draft pick and grinding for 9 years in the NFL.
Three Words to Describe You:  Intelligent, athletic and clever.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Hot sauce because it makes everything better, a picture of my wife because sometimes just looking at her changes my mood and baby wipes!
Name: Ashley Nolan
Age: 26
Hometown: Satellite Beach, Florida
Occupation:  Lifeguard
Personal Claim to Fame: Just about as well rounded as any woman could be. I’ll be just one of the guys – out saving lives, working out and cracking jokes all day and then all of the sudden I can put myself together into a well-spoken lady who can charm your socks off and still kick butt.
Three Words to Describe You:  Impressive, tough and hilarious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A surfboard to keep me sane, headphones to tune out other people’s complaining and a journal to secretly document everything and tactically plan how to use it against others.
Name: Ben Driebergen
Age: 34
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Occupation:  Marine
Personal Claim to Fame:  Being a good dad and husband.
Three Words to Describe You:  Hilarious, strong willed and motivated.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? My cowboy hat, my boots and my running shoes.
Name: Chrissy Hofbeck
Age: 46
Hometown: Glen Gardner, New Jersey
Occupation:  Financial Analyst
Personal Claim to Fame:  At Penn graduation I carried the Penn flag and led the entire graduating class to the ceremony. I walked alongside Hillary Clinton.
Three Words to Describe You: Mushy, happy and efficient.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A photo of my kids since they’d get me through the sheer difficult-ness, a blanket because I hate to be cold, and a bottle of vodka because it’s good for making friends, can trade and have fun!
Name: John “JP” Hilsabeck
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Firefighter
Personal Claim to Fame: Being hired as a firefighter and having a good group of friends that I can count on.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous and romantic.
If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be?  My dog Thor because he’s my best friend, a go pro for the adventure photos and a picture of my family and friends to keep me inspired because I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Name: Katrina Radke
Age: 46
Hometown: Morris, Minnesota
Occupation: Olympian
Personal Claim to Fame: Being a mother.
Three Words to Describe You: Adventurous, tenacious and charismatic.
If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be?  A journal so I could write, music to dance, sing and have fun, and a picture and a letter from my family to feel amazingly loved, as I also send them love daily.

Name: Cole Medders
Age: 24
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Occupation: Wilderness Therapy Guide
Personal Claim to Fame:  I have climbed the two tallest peaks in the western hemisphere – Denali and Aconcagua.
Three Words to Describe You:  Unreserved, dauntless and flirtatious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Weights to work out every day, a giant box of Legos for endless possibilities of fun and a beach volleyball set because I could destroy everyone at it.
Name: Desiree “Desi” Williams
Age: 27
Current Residence: Newport News, Virginia
Occupation: Physical Therapist
Personal Claim to Fame: I became an assistant professor at the age of 26 and a program director at the age of 27.  They don’t just hand out those titles to anyone.
Three Words to Describe You: Congenial, forthright and unremitting.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First would be Chapstick because there’s nothing sexy or seductive about cracked lips (arguably, this could be survival related since it would hinder my ability to seduce the opposite sex).  Second would be an unlimited supply of food because I’ve seen the show and those people get hangry quick!  Finally, a masseuse because I love being pampered.
Name: Jessica Johnston
Age: 29
Current Residence: Louisville, Kentucky
Occupation:  Nurse Practitioner
Personal Claim to Fame: Obtaining my doctorate in Nursing before the age of 28 and creating a health and wellness brand “Belovist.”
Three Words to Describe You: Tenacious, congenial and adventurous.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First it would be baby powder because it makes my hair do incredible things and brightens up the face. It’s like taking a powder bath!  Next would be a Swiss army knife so I can cut things like wood, food, and clothes.  Finally, a fishing pole because this girl likes to eat!
Name: Joe Mena
Age: 34
Current Residence: Tolland, Connecticut
Occupation: Probation Officer
Personal Claim to Fame: Obtaining my degree.  This is something I’m proud of because it has given me the opportunity to secure my career and that has given me the lifestyle where I have the ability to provide my children with their wants, needs and a lovely home that they can call their own.  Without my degree, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this.
Three Words to Describe You: Real, confident and energetic.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Me, myself and a picture of my children.  I don’t think I would need anything but a picture of my children.  A picture would provide me with a tangible image of them instead of just a mental image.
Name: Mike Zahalsky
Age: 43
Hometown: Parkland, Florida
Occupation: Urologist
Inspiration in Life: My wife and my children inspire me to be a better version of myself every day.
Three Words to Describe You: Intelligent, enthusiastic and determined.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  A photo of my kids because I love them, a deck of cards to play with and an extra pair of underwear.
Name: Roark Luskin
Age: 27
Current Residence: Santa Monica, California
Occupation: Social Worker
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve had a photo taken of me every single day of my life.
Three Words to Describe You:  Sarcastic, focused and intelligent.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Toilet paper, because duh, Kalteen bars, because butter isn’t a carb and moisturizer, because my skin has a tendency to get dry.

Name: Alexandrea “Ali” Elliott
Age: 24
Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Celebrity Assistant
Personal Claim to Fame: I would say my diploma.
Three Words to Describe You:  Vivacious, ambitious and smart.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A mirror of course to see if I was looking good and I could possibly use the reflection to help make fire, my Bible since it would help keep me sane and tampons – they never bring up periods on “Survivor” but I do believe that would be an issue I wouldn’t want to deal with.
Name: Devon Pinto
Age: 23
Current Residence: Solana Beach, California
Occupation: Surf Instructor
Personal Claim to Fame: I am most proud of the man I have become today from being on my own since graduating high school, accomplishing the things I have, and living wild experiences.
Three Words to Describe You: Confident, optimistic and joyful.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? My guitar so I can serenade everyone, my surfboard so I can pass the time riding perfect untouched waves, and champagne to celebrate all the Immunity challenges I’m going to win for my tribe.
Name: Lauren Rimmer
Age: 35
Hometown: Beaufort, North Carolina
Occupation: Fisherman
Personal Claim to Fame: My daughter.  She is determined, smart and my driving force.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous and easy-going.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First would be a picture of my daughter to have determination every day.  Next would be a toothbrush because I want clean teeth and finally, sunglasses, for comfort since I wear them every day.  I am in the sun all day and my eyes cannot take the constant exposure.
Name: Patrick Bolton
Age: 24
Current Residence: Auburn, Alabama
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Personal Claim to Fame: Sustaining our business, Bolt Movers, and my sanity even through its tough times. Starting and running a new business puts you through stressful situations, but my family and friends have always kept me going strong.
Three Words to Describe You:  Persistent, playful and thankful.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Teriyaki Sauce. Everything tastes better with teriyaki sauce.  Next would be Takis (hot chili and lime flavor) because they are amazing and finally a pen and pad to document each play that made me Sole Survivor.
Name: Ryan Ulrich
Age: 23
Current Residence: North Arlington, New Jersey
Occupation: Bellhop
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve worked a lot of jobs, but I am most proud of my internships with both houses of Congress, and the British Consulate. I also aspire to attend law school.
Three Words to Describe You: Witty, ambitious and approachable.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? First I would bring a sports visor which will block out the sun as well as allow the top of my head to get an Island breeze, a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake because they are seasonal so any opportunity I have to get one, I have to take, and a podium so I could give press conferences to pretend people care about what I have to say.
Name: Simone Nguyen
Age: 25
Current Residence: New York City, New York
Occupation: Diversity Advocate
Personal Claim to Fame:  I don’t really have one, but I’m proud of the fact that I earned full rides to Columbia, Harvard, and Tufts.
Three Words to Describe You: Expressive, loyal and ambitious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? I would bring a journal, my red Vietnamese blanket and Chapstick.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers,” Wednesday September 27, 2017 at 8 p.m. ET.

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

Posted in General | Comments Off on Meet the Cast of ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’

Fall TV 2017 Premiere Schedule

September 13, 2017

It’s always tough to say farewell to the sun and fun of summer. But, the return of popular shows like “This Is Us” and “NCIS” always helps to ease the pain.

And, when you add exciting soon-to-be hits like “Young Sheldon” and “The Brave,” we’re ready to break out our favorite sweaters and add pumpkin spice to literally everything.

We know that all of these new and returning titles can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our convenient Fall premiere guide is here to help you out…

View a full schedule of Fall premieres. Simply tab through each month; September, October and November.

 

[tabs style=”default”] [tab title=”September”]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]

8:00 PM/7:00c
‘The Orville’ (FOX) New
‘Outlander’ (STARZ)
[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]

9:00 PM/8:00c
‘The Deuce’ (HBO) New
‘Fear The Walking Dead’ (AMC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00 PM/9:00c
‘Chrisley Knows Best’ (USA)
10:30 PM/9:30c
‘According to Chrisley’ (USA) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘South Park’ (Comedy Central)
10:30/9:30c
‘Broad City’ (Comedy Central)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Better Things’ (FX)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘American Vandal’ (Netflix)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Vietnam War’ (PBS) New
10:30/9:30c
‘Vice Principals’ (HBO)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Dancing with the Stars’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Jerry Before Seinfeld’ (Netflix) New
9:00/8:00c
‘The Little Couple’ (TLC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Are You the One’ (MTV)
‘Channel Zero: No End House’ (Syfy)
‘The Good Place’ (NBC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Gotham’ (FOX)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Fuller House’ (Netflix)
10:00/9:00c
‘Mike Judge Presents: Tales From the Tour Bus’ (Cinemax) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
7:30/6:30c
’60 Minutes’ (CBS)
8:30/7:30c
‘Star Trek: Discovery (CBS) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Big Bang Theory’ (CBS)
‘The Voice’ (NBC)
8:30/7:30c
‘Young Sheldon’ (CBS) New
9:00/8:00c
‘Kevin Can Wait’ (CBS)
9:30/8:30c
‘Me, Myself & I’ (CBS) New
10:00/9:00c
‘The Brave’ (NBC) New
‘The Good Doctor’ (ABC) New
‘Scorpion’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Lethal Weapon’ (FOX)
‘NCIS’ (CBS)
9:00/8:00c
‘Bull’ (CBS)
‘The Mick’ (FOX)
‘This Is Us’ (NBC)
9:30/8:30c
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (FOX)
10:00/9:00c
‘Law & Order: The Menendez Murders’ (NBC) New
‘NCIS: New Orleans’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Blacklist’ (NBC)
‘Empire’ (FOX)
‘The Goldbergs’ (ABC)
‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)
8:30/7:30c
‘Speechless’ (ABC)
9:00/8:00c
‘Law & Order: SVU’ (NBC)
‘Modern Family’ (ABC)
‘Seal Team’ (CBS) New
‘Star’ (FOX)
9:30/8:30c
‘American Housewife’ (ABC)
10:00/9:00c
‘Chicago P.D.’ (NBC)
‘Criminal Minds’ (CBS)
‘Designated Survivor’ (ABC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7c
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (ABC)
‘Superstore’ (NBC)
9:00/8:00c
‘Will & Grace’ (NBC)
9:30/8:30c
‘Great News’ (NBC)
10:00/9:00c
‘Chicago Fire’ (NBC)
‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (ABC)
‘Nathan For You’ (Comedy Central)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (FOX)
‘MacGyver’ (CBS)
‘Marvel’s Inhumans’ (ABC) New
9:00/8:00c
‘Dateline: NBC’ (NBC)
‘The Exorcist’ (FOX)
‘Hawaii Five-0’ (CBS)
10:00/9:00c
‘Blue Bloods’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
’48 Hours’ (CBS)
‘Versailles’ (Ovation)
11:30/10:30c
‘Saturday Night Live’ (NBC)
[/box]

[/tab]

[tab title=”October”]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
7:00/6:00c
‘The Toy Box’ (ABC)
7:30/6:30c
‘Bob’s Burgers’ (FOX)
8:00/7:00c
‘Shark Tank’ (ABC)
‘The Simpsons’ (FOX)
8:30/7:30c
‘Ghosted’ (FOX) New
‘Wisdom of the Crowd’ (CBS) New
9:00/8:00c
‘Family Guy’ (FOX)
‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ (E!)
9:30/8:30c
‘Last Man on Earth’ (FOX)
‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (CBS)
10:00/9:00c
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (HBO)
‘Ten Days in the Valley’ (ABC) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 2[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Lucifer’ (FOX)
8:30/7:30c
‘9JKL’ (CBS) New
9:00/8:00c
‘The Gifted’ (FOX) New
10:00/9:00c
‘The Halcyon’ (Ovation)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Middle’ (ABC)
8:30/7:30c
‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (ABC)
9:00/8:00c
‘Blackish’ (ABC)
9:30/8:30c
‘The Mayor’ (ABC) New
10:00/9:00c
‘Kevin (Probably) Saves the World’ (ABC) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ (Bravo)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Scandal’ (ABC)
‘Van Helsing’ (Syfy)
10:00/9:00c
‘Real Estate Wars’ (Bravo) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
Suburra (Netflix)
8:00/7:00c
‘Once Upon a Time’ (ABC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8[/box]

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8:00/7:00c
‘To Tell the Truth’ (ABC)
10:00/9:00c
‘Madam Secretary’ (CBS)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 9[/box]

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8:00/7:00c
‘Supergirl’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
Valor’ (CW) New
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10[/box]

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8:00/7:00c
‘The Flash’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’ (CW)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Riverdale’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘Dynasty’ (CW) New
10:00/9:00c
‘Mr. Robot’ (USA)
‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (Spike)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Supernatural’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘Arrow’ (CW)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Mindhunter’ (Netflix)
8:00/7:00c
‘My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘Jane the Virgin’ (CW)

[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14[/box]

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10:00/9:00c
‘Queers’ (BBC America) New

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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Good Behavior’ (TNT)
10:00/9:00c
‘White Famous’ (Showtime) New
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 16[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party’ (VH1)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22[/box]

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9:00/8:00c
‘The Walking Dead’ (AMC)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:30/9:30c
‘At Home with Amy Sedaris’ (TruTV) New
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Drop the Mic’ (TBS) New
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27[/box]

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8:00/7:00c
‘The Blindspot’ (NBC)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 30[/box]

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9:30/8:30c
‘Superior Donuts’ (CBS)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Major Crimes’ (TNT)
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[/tab]

[tab title=”November”]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Stan Against Evil’ (IFC)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Mom’ (CBS)
9:30/8:30c
‘Life in Pieces’ (CBS)
10:00/9:00c
‘SWAT’ (CBS) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Alias Grace’ (Netflix) New
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘The Girlfriend Experience’ (Starz)
‘Shameless’ (Showtime)
10:00/9:00c
‘SMILF’ (Showtime) New
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘The Long Road Home’ (NatGeo) New
10:00/9:00c
‘Teachers’ (TV Land)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Mythbusters’ (Discovery)
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[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Search Party’ (TBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Godless’ (Netflix) New
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Posted in Fall TV 2017, General | Comments Off on Fall TV 2017 Premiere Schedule

‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Power Rankings Round 8: Balance Beaming Edition

May 2, 2017

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, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Game Changers”

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 Sierra is voted out this episode, Adam will receive eight points and Gordon will receive nine points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Game Changers” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Adam Klein had Debbie in spot three, Gordon Holmes had her in spot four. The current score is Team Adam 87, Team Gordon 84.

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.

Donate to the #LiveLikeSusie Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Research

Adam’s Score = 87

Any questions for Adam? Drop him a line on Twitter: @AdamScottKlein

Gordon’s Score = 84

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. Troyzan: Didn’t get a chance to watch secret scenes this week so let’s just say that I am giving away my edge on purpose to give Gordon a chance to make up that 3-point deficit! Strangely, even though last week’s vote was a huge blow to my power rankings and a huge shake up in the game, my overall rankings haven’t changed all that much. I should be worried for Troyzan’s side, but it seems like that side has most of the narrative focus for this season, minus Cirie. I can compare it to my season, when even though my side was in the minority after the rock draw, most viewers could tell that somehow we would get back in power, since our edits were way more fleshed out than Sunday’s, Will’s, and Bret’s on the other side, and it wouldn’t have made sense to the story if they became the final four.

Troyzan keeps the top spot once again. He is laying low, has solid relationships, and isn’t anyone’s biggest threat. It also helps that Troyzan and his crew have all of the idols in the game, and so even if the numbers don’t switch up this week, they would likely put one of those idols to good use.
 1. Troyzan: Man, Troyzan has lived at the top of these rankings ever since he found that immunity idol. The question now is; how can he win? Who should he be trying to get to sit with him at the end? Resume-wise, he can’t hold a candle to most of the remaining players. Everyone seems to like him, but nobody else is super hated. He’s going to need to up his profile soon if he’s going to take this thing.
2. Tai: Tai did well to lay relatively low in the last episode and I now think he goes from being the most likely of the (former) six to be targeted to now relatively safe. Sierra seems to be the biggest threat in the eyes of the other side, and then if Sierra wins immunity they would probably try to take out her right hand, which the edit is saying is Brad. Ironically, I actually think being on the bottom is a safer place for Tai in terms of not being blindsided with idols in his pocket. Now that he is in the minority, he should rightly be concerned about being voted out, and will be far more likely to plan an idol to keep himself safe. 2. Tai: After last week’s shake-up, everyone who was in trouble last week is still in trouble. (I’m looking at you Andrea, Zeke, and Cirie.) And, some people who felt safe last week are now in trouble. (Yup, that’s you Brad, Sierra, and Sarah.) Oddly enough, that leaves the guys who are packing idols on the outside. There’s no reason to target them at all.
3. Sarah: Sarah, despite flipping away from the six, has seemingly escaped the narrative that normally goes along with a ‘flipper’ such as Kass in Cagayan or Cochran in South Pacific. In those cases, the people that were flipped on were PISSED, and never willing to work with the ‘flipper’ again. And yet, somehow, through a superb social game, Sarah has both sides still wanting to work with her, as least according to what we’ve seen so far. She is keeping herself in a crucial ‘swing vote’ position, almost playing the game Will Wahl intended to play with his ‘pendulum strategy’ last season.

The main reason, though, why I still have Sarah so high is that after finding the vote steal advantage, she emphatically claimed that she would play it correctly. Whether or not it will be true, I have to imagine she will at least play it. So until she does, she most likely will be safe. Then again, Debbie was my number three last week, so what do I know!
 3. Aubry: Finally, a little bit of luck for Aubry. Two factions are going to be jockeying for position and you’re not an obvious target for either one. Buuuut…you’re in that Troyzan boat where you don’t have any significant moments on your resume. You’ve gotta be looking for a chance to make yourself heard.
4. Aubry: This shakeup was huge for Aubry. It might just be the opening she needs to get back into the game, and it’s easily the highest I have ever ranked her this season. Maybe, just maybe, people will finally be willing to hitch their wagon to Aubry. What she needs to do is focus all her efforts on keeping the peace between Andrea and Zeke, because if they go at each other again before they take out someone else from the other side, all hell could break lose, as it did when Dave and Zeke went at it at the final 10 last season. With shields in Cirie as the biggest strategic threat and Andrea as the biggest physical threat, even if her side gets hit this week, Aubry should be safe. 4. Michaela: The people who don’t like Michaela think of her as more of a nuisance than a threat. After last week’s blow-up, threats will be the most popular thing on the menu.
5. Brad: Since the merge, Brad’s edit has shifted, from being the man in charge to being Sierra’s second-in-command. As long as Sierra is in the game, she will likely be targeted first over Brad, unless of course she wins immunity. Brad still seems to have a lot of connections in the game and it will be interesting to see if he can pull anyone over to his side, as I don’t see him or anyone on his side turning on each other just yet. 5. Cirie: That was awesome when Jeff Probst was so supportive of Cirie during last week’s reward challenge. When I struggle in a challenge, all Probst says to me is, “I can’t believe your wife dedicated the rest of her life to a loser like you.” Anywho…I’d really like to see Cirie win this whole thing. I’m just not sure how it’ll happen. People have to know she’s risky to take to the end and it’s doubtful she could go on any kind of challenge run.
6. Michaela: Like Aubry, this shake up is huge for Michaela’s game. It gives her room to move and a chance to play from the top, where she will feel more comfortable both strategically and socially. And still, Michaela is doing a great job of hiding how physically capable she really is. I just hope she lasts long enough to see her go all out and beast some of these individual immunities. 6. Sarah: Welcome to the game, Sarah. You waited for your shot and you took it. I’m still not exactly sure why you targeted Debbie, she seems like one of the people you could have definitely beaten in the end. Now, how do you get to the end with people you can win against? And avoid the target that you’ve just placed on your back? I think you’ll have some room to maneuver these next few votes. You should take this time to start working toward your endgame.
7. Cirie: Cirie is back on top and, somehow, both from an in-game perspective and an edit perspective, actually has a shot to win this game. And yet, the chances that even her own group will allow Cirie to get to the very end of this game are so unfortunately low. She is a massive threat, playing a superb game, with an incredible story, who has now had an inspirational moment to boot. The only thing keeping her from being target number 1 is that others have other issues to see to first, whether it’s going after someone who is coming after you (Zeke/Andrea), someone who is likely to win individual immunities (Andrea), or needing to take out the leader of the other side (Sierra). 7. Brad: Brad is going to reach into the “What Would Monica Do?” gamebook and come out empty handed when he tries to find the “The Dominant Alliance I Was in Charge of Is Now on the Bottom” page. Monica never had to deal with that. Fortunately for Brad, he was kind co-in-charge with Sierra. Maybe it’s time to nudge her under the bus.
8. Sierra: If someone from the current minority is going to go home, it’s almost certain to be Sierra unless she wins immunity. Andrea/Cirie’s side see her as the biggest threat in that group, and even the edit has shown her to be the ‘sheriff’ calling the shots. If nothing changes and the most recent majority stays together, why wouldn’t they target the ringleader? The good news for Sierra is that it’s unclear whether Andrea and Zeke can continue to play nice, and she is tightly aligned with two people that have idols that could use it on her to even out the numbers. 8. Zeke: If I’m part of this season and I know that Zeke and Andrea have been tight since day one, and he turns on her without a really good reason, why would I want to work with him? It feels like this move would have been appreciated in the very strategy-centric “Millennials vs. Gen-X” season, but not in a returnee outing. And for that reason, as long as Andrea is around, Zeke will never be safe.
9. Zeke: Zeke and Andrea need to make up, and quick. At this same point last season, Zeke decided that he could no longer trust his ally Dave anymore, and they immediately went to war, resulting in a rock draw and a massive target on Zeke’s (and Dave’s) backs. Zeke needs to learn from that and be able to smooth things over with members of his (former) alliance. It is too soon to try to turn on your own, and if Zeke goes after Andrea again, he will start a civil war that may just be the end of his side’s chances. Unfortunately for Zeke, almost no one is really watching his back at this point with the exception of Sarah, so he could be a target for either side.  9. Sierra: When you said, “Sierra Dawn Thomas” before this season, the popular response was, “How is she a Game Changer?” Or simply, “Who?” Well, kudos to her for coming out swinging in her second go-around. Now that she’s on the bottom, she’s got to work that Zeke/Andrea rift like it’s her job. She’s got to wrestle it to the ground and tie it up with a rope and then stand with one foot on it. (That’s what rodeo people do, right?)
10. Andrea: Andrea is perennially near the bottom of my power rankings (and in the last spot for the 3rd time), and impressively has managed to survive time and time again. With Zeke and Sarah potentially in the driver’s seat, however, and with the other side interested in knocking out their biggest immunity threat, Andrea is still in hot water. She also has the bottom spot because I still have that scene in the back of my mind where Troyzan talked about not trusting Andrea when they were on Tavua. I feel like that has to matter at some point, unless it’s just like the summit from my season where something happens but there’s no real point. So even if the new majority stays strong, Andrea could still be idoled out. 10. Andrea: Andrea doesn’t have that end-game presence that a lot of “Survivor” legends have, but it’s time for her to start entering that conversation. She has challenge prowess, strategic chops, and a strong social game. The only reason she’s on the bottom of the list is because everyone is scared to death of her.


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

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Posted in General | Comments Off on ‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Power Rankings Round 8: Balance Beaming Edition

‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Episode 8 Recap: Rogue Cop?

April 26, 2017

“Survivor: Game Changers” (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, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Game Changers”

Last Week: Tai’s victory brought him elation, Zeke and Andrea ended their relation, and “Ozzy Slayer” became Debbie’s latest occupation.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog…

Alright, let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Maku Maku Tribe (wearing yellow)

Andrea, 27
Aubry, 30
Brad, 47
Cirie, 45
Debbie, 51
Michaela, 25
Sarah, 32
Sierra, 29
Tai, 52
Troyzan, 54
Zeke, 28

Things kick off after last week’s  Tribal where Debbie is claiming that her six-person alliance is a “line drawn in concrete.” Yeah, but you’ve got an odd-numbered Tribal coming up. Someone’s got to be on the bottom of that six.

If you’re not careful it’s going to be a line drawn in soup.

Quick Aside: Not only do they have the numbers, but they have THREE idols! They don’t all know that, but it’s true.

Later on, Andrea calls out Zeke for turning on her. He claims that Andrea and Cirie had no intention to take him deep into the game. Based on…? Zeke turned on them because he wasn’t driving the ship…the second-place ship at that point.

Sarah tells Zeke to relax because he’s on the outskirts of Sheriff Sierra’s Six. (I’m not in love with that name, but I do like alliteration.)

Sarah then lets us know that lines drawn in the sand disappear after the tide.

Reward Challenge Time: The tribe will be split into two teams of five by a schoolyard pick. One-by-one each team will have a player swim through an obstacle course. Once they’ve reached the end, they’ll dive down to retrieve a grappling hook. The first tribe to use the hook to claim five rings will win a trip to a picnic.

Note: The person who isn’t picked won’t get to go on the reward. Booooo! Let them bet on the winner, Jeff!

Alright, we’ve got Culpepper, Debbie, Andrea, Aubry, and Sierra on one side and Cirie, Sarah, Zeke, Troyzan, and Tai on the other.

Before we start off, Michaela calls everyone “some bitches.” Can’t disagree there. If you want to win a challenge, Michaela can go.

As Probst is asking if the Survivors are ready, the camera pans down to show some kind of “Secret Advantage” at Michaela’s feet.

We start off and there isn’t much to describe except for swimmin’ and obstaclin’. At one point, Troyzan loses his shorts. Fortunately, the censors block the exact thing Hali and Malcolm described in their exit interviews.

Andrea manages to get a small measure of revenge on Zeke by passing him as he’s having serious problems on a balance beam.

Eventually, all of Team Culpepper makes it to the end. Meanwhile, Cirie is having difficulties getting up onto a platform.

As Brad’s team retrieves their rings, Sarah actually heads back to help Cirie even though that means Sarah will have to complete the course twice. Cirie tries to make it through the balance beam portion, but keeps falling into the water.

As this is going on, Brad’s team wins reward. But, the celebration is short-lived as everyone turns around to cheer Cirie on as she is determined to make it across the balance beam.

Both teams swim out to lend their support. Troyzan even gives her a heartwarming pep talk. And…she…does it!

Also, it’s dusty in a living room in eastern Pennsylvania.

As the players head out, Sarah notices the advantage that Michaela didn’t discover. Sarah swims over and manages to snag it without anyone noticing.

When we get back to camp, we learn that Sarah’s advantage is to steal a vote. That always works out well.

On the flight to the reward, Debbie brags because she’s in airplanes more frequently than the rest of the cast. She knows how they got to Fiji, right?

Later, Brad tells us that he intentionally left members of his alliance off of his challenge team. That’s smart. We see people make that mistake all the time.

Meanwhile, Sierra is psyched because it’s obvious that the people on the outside of her alliance are at each other’s throats. She tells us that she’s in the driver’s seat.

CUT TO: Cirie convincing Sarah that she’s on the bottom of her alliance.

Cirie also tells Sarah that Sierra will beat her at final three because people will think Sierra carried her.

They crunch the numbers and come up with an alliance that features Sarah, Cirie, Zeke, Michaela, Aubry, and possibly Andrea.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will use blocks to spell the word “Immunity” on a board that they are holding steady with a rope. Only one block can be carried to the board at a time. The first person to complete the word will win immunity.

They should have to build the word “Metamorphosis.”

Anywho, not much to describe here except for slow walkin’ and block stackin’. It comes down to Troyzan and Andrea with Andrea being unable to keep her stack standin’. Troyzan wins immunity. And he kept his shorts on. Double win!

Politicking back at camp starts with Sheriff Sierra’s Six debating between Michaela and Andrea. After a discussion, it’s decided that Andrea’s better at challenges and should go home first.

However, this decision was pretty much made before anyone consulted Sarah.

Sarah takes this the way you’d imagine and approaches Zeke with the idea of turning on the six. He’s all for it, but he’s worried about working with Andrea. Sarah and Andrea have a discussion and it seems like everything is somewhat smoothed over.

Later on, Sierra tells Sarah that she’s hoping to go to the final three with her and Debbie. This makes Sarah reconsider her place in Sierra’s plan. She’s not on the bottom.

Buuuut…that means that Sierra thinks she can beat you, Sarah.

In other news, Debbie tells Aubry that Sarah doesn’t trust her and that she’s hoping they can work together.

CUT TO: Aubry telling Sarah what Debbie said.

That night at Tribal, Andrea admits that she’s on the bottom and she desperately needed to win immunity.

Zeke then calls out the six-person alliance by name.

Debbie is happy to be in the six and says that they have respect for each other and everyone gets a voice.

Andrea says that the word on the street (beach?) is that Michaela’s number is up. But, it’d make sense for them to leak false information. Also, she heard people cheer when her blocks fell at the immunity challenge.

Debbie thinks everyone in the alliance has an accurate view of their place in the alliance and that’s how it works. Probst points out that it’s impossible for everyone to be on top.

Zeke is hoping the deck will reshuffle after every Tribal and he’ll get another shot.

Sarah calls it “wishful thinking” that the deck is going to reshuffle.

Michaela didn’t get any marching orders, so she’s going to march out swinging.

Voting Time: Debbie votes for Andrea while saying that nobody in the alliance gives order or takes orders. Andrea votes for Debbie and blows her a kiss. And, the rest of the votes are lost to the magic of editing.

Probst tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Andrea, one vote for Debbie, one vote for Andrea, one vote for Debbie, one vote for Andrea, one vote for Debbie, one vote for Andrea, one vote for Debbie, one vote for Andrea, one vote for Debbie, and the tenth person voted out of “Survivor: Game Changers” and the third member of the jury is…Debbie.

Verdict: Always nice to see a dominant alliance get cut off before they can bore us with a complete Pagonging.

And, I think this was a good move for Sarah. I don’t know which combo of the six she could’ve beaten without a stronger resume.

Power Rankings Results: Adam Klein had Debbie in spot three, I had her in spot four. The current score is Team Adam 87, Team Gordon 84.

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

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‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Power Rankings Round 6: Merge Edition

April 18, 2017

‘Survivor: Game Changers’ (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, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Game Changers”

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 Sierra is voted out this episode, Adam will receive one points and Gordon will receive seven points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Game Changers” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Adam Klein had Jeff in spot fourteen. I had him in spot thirteen. The current score is now Team Adam 64, Team Gordon 64.

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.

Donate to the #LiveLikeSusie Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Research

Adam’s Score = 64

Any questions for Adam? Drop him a line on Twitter: @AdamScottKlein

Gordon’s Score = 64

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. Sierra: Whew. What a week. There is so much about real life to unpack from the last episode that is almost seems frivolous to do this ranking this week. At the same time, this is how this crazy game goes. Zeke doesn’t get to pause the game despite being outed in front of millions. There is no time to decompress, no loved ones to call home to. And so, we carry on.

Sierra has the option to play the legacy advantage this week if she feels any danger. She has been playing a rock solid game so far and if the preview is any indication, she seems to be involved in almost every conversation on the beach.
(This is too much info for most but for those who don’t freeze frame every shot of the preview and are curious, the groups shown are: 1. Sierra + Sarah + Andrea, 2. Brad + Troyzan + Ozzy – more on this later, 3. All women minus Sarah, Andrea, and Aubry, and 4. Sierra and Debbie).
 1. Troyzan: I always try to figure out who the big players are going to be as we hit the merge. They tend to be the first targets. Brad’s got his people, Ozzy has his people, Sarah wants to make a move, Debbie has a bridge to mend. People like Troyzan have time to float. And float they should. As I always say, you can’t win the game early, but you can sure lose it. Add an idol to that and you have the safest person in the game.
2. Troyzan: So let’s try to figure out how this all plays out. Since the merge is 9 original Nuku and only 4 original Mana, the Nuku split is likely to happen almost immediately after the merge, and the Manas are likely to be used as numbers for the time being. I see two main sides forming. Since I believe the edit has been underplaying both of their impacts in their respective alliances, let’s call one side Team Sierra and one side Team Andrea.

Team Sierra: Sierra, Brad, Troyzan, Aubry, Tai
Team Andrea: Andrea, Ozzy, Zeke, Sarah, Debbie
Swings: Hali, Cirie, Michaela
When I get to each of the swings I will discuss where they are most likely to fall. For now, Troyzan gets the 2nd spot as he not only has an idol, but at least Zeke, according to his secret scene, thinks that he can swing him to his side. We know from the edit how unlikely that is, but Zeke and Co. do not. It’s always good if people think they can work with you down the line.
 2. Tai: The man with two idols should sooper safe, but as Tai himself said, he’s bad at Tribal. Ozzy knows you’re gunning for him. And he knows that you possibly could have been swayed if Varner didn’t set the world on fire last week. I’m thinking this drives you back into the welcoming arms of Camp Culpepper.
3. Tai: If there was ever the time to play an idol with any hint of danger, it’s at the merge. Tai should find himself courted by both sides, as his old Mana 2.0 crew of Brad and Sierra will want him back, and his current tribe has signaled that they trusted him at least more than Varner. Based on the fact that he clearly doesn’t trust Ozzy, he played an idol for Sierra, and he is tight with Brad, I see Tai flipping back to Team Sierra. 3. Hali: Miss Merican! Lost in all of the terribleness of last week’s episode was Hali’s performance (and salute) in the immunity challenge. Adorable. Most of the original Mana tribe is gone, so I doubt the Nuku-strong vibe will last long.
4. Sarah: I’m so confused by Sarah’s edit! I thought Sarah was supposed to be the villain of the season? But she’s the hero!! The way she stood by Zeke and called out her own ‘metamorphoses’ was moving and inspirational. She’s been shown talking like someone who would shake up the game with quotes like “silent assassin,” “playing this game like a criminal,” “I know how to lie to these people,” and now “I’m ready to prove why I’m a game changer.” But in reality, we have seen Sarah support her tribe mates and stick to her original alliance. I’m putting Sarah up this high because we still haven’t seen the Big Move™ that has been teased for 7 episodes now. If this is the night it happens, it would make sense that it would be to turn on Ozzy, as she suggested doing in the last episode. 4. Michaela: Varner’s gone, Sandra’s gone, and Aubry is too smart to hold a grudge, that makes Michaela a free agent. There’s plenty of time for her to figure out which way the wind is blowing and decide which way to play it.
5. Andrea: I think Andrea is one of the least likely targets on her side, although idol fears could always screw that up. Ozzy is a much bigger physical threat and Zeke is now likely considered an end-game threat. One scene from the preview that has me puzzled is: why are Sierra, Andrea, and Sarah talking? If even Andrea is willing to flip on Ozzy than we may have a merge vote with an overwhelming majority like the first few boots of the season, but I don’t see how that would benefit her. In a secret scene, Andrea talked about how her group could pull in Cirie and Brad at the merge. Cirie I could see, but if she plans on trying to flip Brad, she’ll be ignoring others that are far more likely to join her side. 5. Aubry: “Survivor’s” unluckiest player has made the merge! And, she finally seems to have a foothold in an alliance. Surely that means Brad will be med-evaced this week.
6. Cirie: My next three are my three swing votes so I think these are the most important. I think Cirie will have options. In a secret scene, she talked about the Nukus on the other tribe as “my Nuku people,” and “my Nuku family.” But she also said, “reconnecting with Brad has turned out to be good,” and importantly, her renewed relationship was highlighted on the show. Equally as important is remembering her early content, which was all focused on her tenuous-at-best relationship with Ozzy. That storyline took a back-seat when they were separated at the 2nd swap, but it would make sense for it to come back now. Another editorial sign pointing to an Ozzy vote. 6. Andrea: Kudos to Andrea last week. While Sarah looked ready to tear the game apart, Andrea was the one who kept a cool head. That should serve her well once the merge feast leftovers are gone.
7. Hali: I’m not sure why anyone would target Hali right now except to avoid an idol play. I have no idea who she will go with. Logically, it would make sense that if she is on the bottom of the Sierra group, that she would attempt to find a new home with Andrea’s group. I think that makes the most sense for her. But she also doesn’t know them at all, and may decide that the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t. Regardless, she should be safe. 7. Sierra: Your comment about being the new sheriff in town has me nervous for two reasons. One, “Survivor” loves to strike down people who make big claims. And two, are you referring to Sarah? Both of you should be hanging back and letting the targets have at it.
8. Michaela: Michaela, like Hali, is a woman without a home. She was once in a strong position on the Mana tribe surrounded by allies, but now pretty much all of those allies have been voted out, and we have no sense from the show, nor from secret scenes, of what she plans to do next or who she is looking to align with. The only hint, and it is minor, is the disinterest she was shown to have when Brad and others were connecting over their shared experience of returning home from Survivor. To be fair, Michaela has only been home from Survivor for 2 weeks, and has not yet seen herself on TV, so the disconnect is not all that surprising, but it could also be a subtle editorial hint that she will side with the Andrea group and turn on Brad. 8. Cirie: Oh good, Cirie finally gets to see what the Tribal Council set looks like. It’s cool. Take a minute to go to the top of the lighthouse and check out the view. I for one am psyched that Cirie made the merge. This is where she shines. If she can play the big dogs against each other, she can take this thing. But, she has to be careful not to show too much of the magic that makes people fear her.
9. Debbie: I’m guessing based on her blowup with Brad and the way she was welcomed into her new tribe that Debbie will stick with Team Andrea. Her problem is that she doesn’t seem to be in the core of either of the two groups, but there is good news. At least one person, Sarah, wants to take her to the end, according to Sarah’s secret scene this week, and I doubt she is the only one. If Team Andrea wins out, and frankly, even if they don’t, I can easily imagine Debbie in the final 3.  9. Brad: So, right now it looks like Brad has Troyzan, Sierra, Hali, Cirie, and Aubry on his side. Aaand…he has the potential to pull Tai and Debbie back into the fold. Aaand…it seems like he and Ozzy were close at the original Nuku. He has a lot of options. But, that power will also make him an early target.
10. Aubry: Aubry is in an interesting spot. She also doesn’t seem to have a real home, but at the same time, the edit highlighted her relationship with Brad, and in her secret scene she talked about being a better position on new Mana because she was “forming new bonds” and “mending old ones.” To me, that signals that she will stay with Team Sierra, but it would not be totally surprising for her to flip either. She is lucky that a couple of the people that were after her, Varner and Sandra, are now gone, and so I think the only person left that she probably doesn’t have the best strategic relationship with is Michaela. She will have to work quickly to establish lasting bonds, though, or she will quickly find herself alone and unprotected. Debbie said in a secret scene that she “wants to extend an olive branch to Aubry if the chance arises,” so there is a glimmer of hope. 10. Debbie: Was Cochran’s Mr. Miyagi speech too little, too late to help Debbie-San? Probably not. But, she is on thin ice if she wants to get back on the Culpepper train. If I were her, I’d make peace with him quickly, but then keep my eyes and ears open for other opportunities.
11. Brad: Brad has to be target #1 for Team Andrea. Or that’s at least what looks obvious to the viewers. The problem for Team Andrea is they don’t seem to realize that Brad isn’t on their side, and how well connected he really is. People that talked about working with Brad in secret scenes this week include Andrea, Cirie, and Aubry. On the show, you can add in Troyzan, Sierra, and Tai. That’s a lot of people that want to work with Brad. Brad also discussed in his secret scene about having an alliance early on with Ozzy, so presumably Ozzy might trust him as well. However, if he loses Michaela and Hali, which is very possible, and Andrea and Ozzy realize that he is not with them, Brad could be our surprise merge boot for this season. 11. Zeke: I can see the fallout from last episode’s disaster going one of two ways. Either the tribemates who rushed to his aid will feel closer to him and more likely to trust him. Or…they realize that going to the end with Zeke is a ticket to a second-place finish. I’m betting on the latter.

Also, guess which dummy thought it would be a good idea to break the ice with Varner during his exit interview by leading off with, “In the first Tribal, why did you target Ciera?” This guy. It did not go over well.
12. Zeke: Zeke had one of the most incredibly powerful moments ever seen on reality television, and he will rightfully be celebrated by many, both on his season and at home. The problem for Zeke, in the context of the game, is that he just had what I like to call a “Dave moment.” What I am referencing is the scene in my season at a reward challenge where Dave offered to sit out, and had a beautiful moment about what his Survivor experience meant to him. It was truly touching and brought many of us to tears, but it was also the moment I decided that there was no way I could go to the end with Dave. In addition to outing Zeke to the public and changing his personal life forever, Varner dealt a potentially fatal blow to Zeke’s game. I cannot imagine this group letting Zeke get anywhere close to the final 3, and the reason for that is truly heartbreaking. 12. Sarah: If I were a mad “Survivor” scientist and I tried to make the perfect person to win this game, my creation would come out a lot like Sarah. But…apparently during the process I may have accidentally knocked over a beaker of “Feels the Need to Make Big Moves at Times When They Are Unnecessary” into the mix. If she’d just relax, she’d be in a great spot to pick and choose her allies. Instead, I’m worried she’s gonna do something risky just to fulfill her “Play like a criminal” philosophy.
13. Ozzy: Ozzy is a master at getting to the merge (4 for 4!), but the modern post-merge game is simply too long for someone like Ozzy to stand a real chance of getting to the end unless they are someone that everyone knows they can win a jury vote against. Ozzy is not that guy. And all signs point to this being his swan song. Tai has targeted him, Cirie has voiced concern over his presence in the game, Sarah considered turning on him already, Zeke talked about only needing Ozzy for “a couple votes” in a secret scene, and most clearly of all, in another secret scene, Brad, a former ally, explicitly states all of the following: “Ozzy’s too good.” “No way I’m getting back with Ozzy.” “He’s going to be target #1.” “I’m not connected to him. I’m all for getting him out early.” In the preview, he is shown talking to Brad and Troyzan, two people he likely thinks he will be able to trust, but that he most certainly should not. If Ozzy is able to turn this around and win this game, it will be one of, if not the most incredible win of all time. 13. Ozzy: Welp…it’s merge time. Which means there’s never a bad time to send Ozzy packing. Fortunately for him, a lot of the big challenge threats are long gone. Unfortunately for him, the individual challenges rarely reward speed and strength. Add to that the fact that he has to survive two episodes this week, and I just don’t see it happening.


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

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