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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Keith: ‘The Girls Are Not Going to Be Hitting on Me’

September 18, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Keith Nale
Season: “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”
Finish: Fourth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Keith accidentally got his own son voted out of the game when he tipped Jon off by urging Reed to “Stick to the plan.”

Gordon Holmes: You were on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” with your son Wes who is a giant “Survivor” fan. How mad is he that you got the call back and he didn’t?
Keith Nale: (Laughs) Well, he’s not that mad. He was happy for me. He was sort of my campaign manager through this whole thing. He said, “Go out there and do it.” He’s not jealous.

Holmes: Good kid. What do you think people remember about you and your time in the game?
Nale: Let’s see…well I was a little bit under the radar. I didn’t make too many alliances.  I tried to play an integrity game. Win a few challenges here or there. That gets you to fourth place.

Holmes: How many times do you hear “Stick to the plan” in a given week?
Nale: Boy, I’m going to take that to my grave.
Holmes: (Laughs)
Nale: I just blurted it out. You don’t sit around and hold stuff in. Looking back it was a mistake. Wes went home that night.
Holmes: That’s why second chances exist.
Nale: That’s right. You know, if I came in fifteenth or ninth, I might’ve said, “Let the next guy get it.” But fourth is a hard pill to swallow. That’s why I’m giving it another shot. I might tweak my game a little bit.
Holmes: What kind of tweaks are we talking about here?
Nale: Maybe get an alliance. I pretty much did that last one by myself. Hook up with somebody, win a few challenges…but there’s a bunch of folks that can win challenges. I don’t know if it’s the best of the rest, it’s the one’s America wanted, but there are some big guys.

Holmes: Have you done your research on everyone out there?
Nale: I started. I don’t know much about Terry, Andrew, Kelly…I kinda know her, that’s season one. Everyone knows Spencer, Kass, Woo…that bunch. Maybe I’ll learn a few of them as we go.

Holmes: Any early targets?
Nale: Shoot, I bet they’re all gamers. Thinking back, Woo was a good player. Kass was kind of sneaky. I don’t know much about Abi…Monica. I might have to go with the flow again.
Holmes: In a season of gamers, that might not be such a bad strategy.
Nale: We’re going to see how that goes. If someone approaches me, I might think about it for a minute. But, I’d better hook up quick. If someone doesn’t approach me, I’m going to approach somebody.

Holmes: Jeremy from your season is out there.
Nale: That’s what I’ve been saying. I’m pretty sure Jeremy won’t be on my team. I might be with Kelley or Kelley might be with Jeremy. It didn’t work out the first time, I don’t know why. But, I made it further than Jeremy. Maybe it’ll work out this time, but I don’t want people thinking we’re together. If it does happen, we’ll keep that on the down low.
Holmes: Have you and he mended fences since your season?
Nale: Oh yeah, no hard feelings at all.
Holmes: What’s your relationship with Kelley like?
Nale: Kelley’s a smart player. From what little I knew before she got voted off, she could tell you the fifth person voted out of the eighth season. I can barely tell you who was voted out last season. But, she’s pretty sharp.

Holmes: There’s a lot of talk of pre-game alliances. Are you involved in any of that?
Nale: No, I can go down and wink at somebody, but Lord knows what that means.
Holmes: Well, a wink is rarely negative.
Nale: (Laughs) Yeah. There’s nothing you can do. They keep us on lockdown. They want to keep the game pure.
Holmes: Who were you winking at?
Nale: (Laughs) I wasn’t winking at nobody.
Holmes: Cause there are some girls I wouldn’t mind winking at.
Nale: Oh yeah, there are some nice girls. But, I don’t have to worry about that. The girls are not going to be hitting on me.

Holmes: If there are any twists this season, any guesses to what they could be?
Nale: Golly, man. It’s so crazy. You’ve kinda just got to get out there. You ask me that about thirty minutes after they divvy us up, I could tell you something. I don’t know who’s going to be a hero, a villain. I just don’t know.


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

Nale: Kelly…align. I think she knows what’s going on. She’s had fifteen years to study this. She was one of the very first players and made it to number two, I believe.

Nale: Andrew…malign. I don’t know much about him.

Nale: Let’s align with Joe. He’s good at challenges. Maybe a little too good and that’s why he hit the highway real early.

Nale: Ciera…don’t know much about her. I’m going to have to malign her.

Nale: Jeremy…I’d like to align. I don’t know if it’d work. He’s pretty smart.

Nale: Kelley…align. She’s pretty sharp at the game. And she went out a little premature and I had something to do with that.

Nale: Let’s malign Woo. Woo wasn’t too sharp out there. He made it to number two though.

Nale: Shirin…malign. I don’t  want to see her running around there naked.

Nale: Abi…I’m going to have to malign her too. She just doesn’t think.

Nale: Vytas…align. He’s a big strong guy. He’ll work hard.

Nale: Peih-Gee…malign. I’ve seen her hopping around. She doesn’t know if she’s coming or going.

Nale: Tasha…let’s malign her too. I really don’t know why. Because I’m running out of aligns.

Nale: Let’s align with Spencer. Heck. He’s pretty good. He was good at challenges.

Nale: I’m going to malign Kass. She was kind of sneaky there. I don’t like that.

Nale: Jeff…malign. Just because I don’t know anything about Jeff.

Nale: Kimmi…malign. I don’t know anything about her either.

Nale: I’m going to align with Terry. He’s pretty good at challenges and I think he’s a little bit older than me.

Nale: Let’s align with Monica. She can keep the guys in line.

Nale: Stephen…malign. I don’t know much about him either.

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Shirin: ‘I’m Going to Be in a Final-Three Deal with Everybody’

September 18, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Shirin Oskooi
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: Eighth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Shirin got back at Will after his tirade by not allowing him to read his letter from home.

WARNING: The following interview features spoilers for the “Harry Potter” book series.

Gordon Holmes: Hey! It’s Cherilyn!
Shirin Oskooi: It’s Shinini…not to be confused with Shane.
Holmes: Speaking of nicknames, the “Worlds Apart” crew likes to call themselves “The Dirty 30.” What are you leaning toward for this season?
Oskooi: I like “The Dirty One.”
Holmes: That’s terrible…there was the potential for five of you to be out here. Mike rendered himself ineligible by winning.
Oskooi: I love that guy, Mike.
Holmes: Join the club.
Oskooi: He’s Team Shirin, by the way.
Holmes: How’s Joey Amazing feel about that?
Oskooi: He can still cheer for Joe.
Holmes: Like Joe needs more people cheering for him.
Oskooi: He doesn’t!
Holmes: Max didn’t make it, Carolyn didn’t make it. Good for you? Bad for you?
Oskooi: I feel really badly about Max and Carolyn. I’m shocked that Carolyn didn’t make it, I’m not as surprised that Max didn’t make it. But, it’s so much better for me that they’re not here.
Holmes: You guys are all very active together in social media. More than any other cast I’ve ever seen. I think having a ton of you here would put immediate targets on your backs.
Oskooi: It’s true. If Carolyn came out here, people don’t know that we’re friends. But, if Max was here everybody knows how close we are. And no amount of distancing could have helped that situation.

Holmes: So, at the end of the finale, you guys all jumped on a tour bus. Did you take it all the way here?
Oskooi: (Laughs) Absolutely.

Holmes: I know you were really excited to do Power Rankings for this season. Does that put a damper on this experience for you?
Oskooi: As much as I was looking forward to doing the Power Rankings for this season, I know that I’m a lock for next season.
Holmes: Oh, are you? You think I invite first boots to do the Power Rankings?
Oskooi: (Silent Stare)
Holmes: (Laughs)
Oskooi: Excuse me?!
Holmes: Which you will not be. I won’t leave Cambodia if that happens. I’ll live here and carve the Power Rankings into the sand every week.
Oskooi: The winner of season 31: Shirin Lua Oskooi.
Holmes: With all eight votes. And they bring back the Player of the Season and give it to you.
Oskooi: Clean sweep.
Holmes: And as your hugging your family, Probst will run up and hand you the check. Or, he’ll fold it into a paper airplane and throw it at you.
Oskooi: (Laughs) Did you see Mike kiss Probst?
Holmes: No, I’m so jealous. I’m not sure of who though.
Oskooi: Maybe his lips went straight into that deep, deep dimple.
Holmes: We’re way off track.

Holmes: As we head into the game, how do you think most people see you?
Oskooi: I think I’m coming into this with a good reputation. I think people saw that I’m smart.
Holmes: You never flipped.
Oskooi: I was lucky enough to be super loyal the whole time.
Holmes: Even though that wasn’t your original game plan. You were ready to slit throats.
Oskooi: I never had the luxury of lying or having to turn on my own people. But, I had every intention to do so. That’s great for me on my second chance. I intend to use that as a bargaining chip. I don’t lie. My word means something. I’m “Boston” Robbing this. “Hey, you and me, final three.” I’m going to be in a final-three deal with everybody out there. They have all of these positive impressions of me, I also think they underestimate me. I think they think I’ll rub people the wrong way. Even if I don’t rub these people the wrong way, they just saw my season and I was portrayed as an annoying goofball, they’ll just assume that’s how I am. So, I think a lot of people will want to take me to the end because they think they can beat me. But what will actually happen is, if I make it to the end with great relationships with people, the voters will think, “Oh, but I like her. I’m going to vote for her to win.”

Holmes: Do you think you’re an early target?
Oskooi: I think the only way there will be a target on my back in the first couple of votes is if people care about the perception of challenge strength. Particularly in the individual challenges in my season I didn’t do so well. So, I need to come out guns blazing on these team challenges. I’m hoping there are strength ones because I have easily 50 pounds on the other women. So, if there’s mud wrestling or pillow fighting…
Holmes: Oh my God…pillow fighting would be amazing.
Oskooi: (Laughs) You know what I mean! Where you push someone off of a platform. These 100-pound girls are going to run at me and tap me with a pillow. And they’ll literally ricochet off of me and fly backwards ten feet in the air.

Holmes: Who is an early target?
Oskooi: I think Kass is an early target. She has a pretty negative, untrustworthy reputation already. I don’t think anyone will want to align with someone so chaotic.
Holmes: That’s why they call her Erratic Kass.
Oskooi: She makes illogical moves. Then you’ve got someone like Kimmi, lovely as she seems, but she’s already exhibited a lot of annoying behavior. She’s unaware of other people…GAH!

Note: At this point in the interview we were attacked by a BIG bug. I managed to dispose of it.

Oskooi: That was so manly.
Holmes: Right? But, if that thing fell on me in my sleep, I’d never be able to use that bed again.

Holmes: A lot of talk of pre-game alliances. Have you taken that road?
Oskooi: I think there’s a stigma to pre-game alliances at this point and I think people have clearly been afraid to be seen or caught doing any of that stuff.
Holmes: If you had to guess, who do you this is already working together?
Oskooi: I’m looking more at the already deep-rooted connections that people have. For example, there’s a foursome there that I look at with a little bit of trepidation. I want to split them up right away.
Holmes: And this is…?
Oskooi: That is…the center is Vytas and Ciera from the original “Blood vs. Water.” They haven’t hidden the fact that they are incredibly close and it’d be silly for them to do so. Everybody knows. Ciera’s mom played in season 19 with Monica and they were like mother/daughter. They were incredibly close. They have a deep bond. I’d bet Ciera and Monica are close. And on the other side you’ve got Vytas and Terry. Vytas’s brother Aras played 38 days of “Survivor” with Terry. And even though they didn’t get along in the game…
Holmes: A wahmbulance had to be called in.
Oskooi: That’s how serious it got. It’s no secret that Aras and Terry are incredibly close. So, you’ve got Terry, Vytas, Ciera, and Monica. I’d love to work with those ladies, but not with Terry and Vytas around. Terry because…I’m going to try to get to know him as a person and try to read him…but I didn’t like the way he played last time. I didn’t like the way he treated Cirie (Fields). I didn’t like the way he targeted women. And that is something I will not tolerate. With Vytas, I find him a little bit threatening. Speaking of first-boot targets, I think a lot of people…he has this past with drug addiction and I think people’s read on that is that makes him an incredibly good liar. I’m not intimidated by that at all, but I’m intimidated by other aspects of him. Like the fact that people seem to be taken by him so easily and the fact that he will be able to dominate individual challenges because of his yoga, tip-toe balancing skills.

Holmes: If there are any twists, and every now and then there are, what do you think they could be?
Oskooi: I presume there are going to be a ton of twists. If I were guessing I’d say there will be more tribe swaps. Maybe we’ll start with two and go to three. Maybe we’ll start with four and then go to two. I don’t know. Maybe we’ll start with one tribe. I’m not even going to try to anticipate the twists. I don’t want to have a million different contingency plans. When you’re in a situation like this, you don’t want to have set plans. You want to think of creative plans in the moment. Right now, I’m just hanging back, rereading “Harry Potter.”
Holmes: Which one?
Oskooi: I’ve already reread five and six. I’m working on seven.
Holmes: Six! “Half-Blood Prince” is my jam.
Oskooi: Six is really the best. Oh my gosh. I just started on seven, so in my mind Snape just killed Dumbledore.
Holmes: Jeez…spoiler alert.


Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Oskooi: I’m digging the lamination.
Holmes:  I’ve got twenty of these interviews to get through, I don’t want them to get all smudged and crappy.

Oskooi: Starting with the maligns. Joe…because he’s a golden boy. Too good at challenges. And, our Dirty 30 connection has got to be severed so it’s not a target on my back.

Note: Shirin threw Joe’s card down onto a pile of ants.

Holmes: What’re you doing?  I still have to use these.
Oskooi: (Laughs) That’s how I feel about these people.
Holmes: You are the worst. Just hand them to me.

Oskooi: Kimmi…malign. She’s super annoying, you can’t deal with that for 39 days.

Oskooi: Woo…malign.  He’s a space cadet. You can’t trust him. He doesn’t think logically.

Oskooi: Terry…malign. He’s more of a guy’s guy and not that socially adept.

Oskooi: Kass…malign. I can’t anticipate what doesn’t make sense.

Oskooi: Vytas…malign. Too much of a threat in the individual game. Other people seem to be taken by him too easily. And, I just never trust him.

Oskooi: Jeremy…malign. Fabulous as he was in his season where he aligned with all the women, which I loved, he feels like that was his downfall. From his exit interviews I gather that he wants to align with other athletic, big men so he’s no longer the front-runner target of his alliance. I don’t think he’d want to work with me.

Oskooi: Kelly Wiglesworth…malign. She thinks that alliances are slimy. And, doesn’t own a TV.

Oskooi: OK, now we’re moving into more of the middle ground…
Holmes: You’ve got to pick a side. It’s not align, malign, and indifferent.
Oskooi: Alright, Andrew Savage…malign. Love him, played in my favorite season. But, he’s such a lovable, nice, loyal guy, I can already see in pre-game that people love him.
Holmes:  What about the Yahoo! Connection?
Oskooi: That will hopefully bring us together so he’s on my side…deep into the game…then we’ve got to get rid of him because he’s too nice.

Oskooi: Tasha…malign. Love a strong woman. She’s too good at challenges. She’s easily the strongest woman out here in terms of challenges. I know she socially rubbed people the wrong way on her season. She had this thing where she felt she was pre-ordained to be the winner. And, I would rather work with someone more flexible.

Oskooi: Ciera…malign. Love her to death, but even if she doesn’t make a move, and gets to the end, her big move from last time will carry over and everyone will say, “Oh, you did it all.” I think she’s riding the coattails of her last big move.

Oskooi: Stephen…Mr. Know-It-All…really smart, really gets this game. Also really polite and respectful. I think people will really like him and feel threatened by him. I think if he makes it to the end this time, people will reward him for his reputation even if he’s dragged to the end. But, I don’t think he’d be dragged to the end. Align…but only so far.

Oskooi: Spencer…similar deal. Really smart, really knows the game. I feel most  kindred with Spencer. Going in, I probably trust him the most. I don’t think he’s a great liar, but I think he’s going to try to work with me. Align.

Oskooi: OK, now we’re down to the magic six. Monica…align. I think she’s a strong, fun woman. I think she’s going to be willing to be sneaky, but I think she’ll be loyal. Also, she’s brown. Woo! Love her.

Oskooi: Peih-Gee…align. Old school…middle schooler. Love that she’s a woman of color. Love that she’s quirky and sassy and a strong woman. I think she’s going to want to align with other strong, quirky women.

Oskooi: Abi-Maria…Brazilian wonder. Align. Last year when the social media ban was enacted, J’Tia (Taylor) tweeted…it was very Batman-esque…”I will represent the contestants who cannot speak for themselves and defend them to the death against other former players.” And she never did that. However, Abi did it. And Abi had a bad reputation from the last time she played as an emotional, crazy person. But, if you go back and rewatch her Ponderosa videos, she was incredibly contrite and lovely. She was so full of love. And I think she wants to repair her reputation. I want to be a part of that.

Oskooi: Kelley Wentworth…align. She reminds me of a more mellow version of me. She’s smart, she’s girl power, she’s a career woman. She’s a lovely, nice person who understands the game and is loyal, but is willing to make those moves that you need to.

Oskooi: Jeff Varner…my ultimate old-school alliance. I’m in love with Jeff. He’s funny, he’s goofy. He’s nerdy. He’s my love child. He’s my future 11th best friend.

Oskooi: And I’ve saved the weirdest for last. I think if you looked at this list and had to decide who the least likely person I’d align with…it’d be Keith. I think he thinks that too.  I’m going to pull him aside and say, “Mike and I thought we had nothing in common too. And look at us now. It’s because at the end of the day, Mike and I are hard workers who take care of who we love. We’re loyal.” Keith and I are in the same boat. Does that mean I’ll go to the end with him? No. Will he be upset after I cut him loose after a speech like that? Yes. I will not have his jury vote, but I’m willing to take that risk. Also, he’s the funniest person out here. I love him to death.

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Terry: ‘I’m in Good Shape, I’m Not in Ten-Years-Ago Shape’

September 18, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Terry Deitz
Season: “Survivor: Panama”
Finish: Third Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Terry won five consecutive individual immunity challenges and was the first person to have a “Whaaaaambulance” called for him.

Gordon Holmes: Whenever the topic of returning players comes up, people are always screaming for Terry Deitz. And now here you are.
Terry Deitz: Gordon, this is great. I’ve actually been through the process several times. The other  times were just casting and timing. And to be brought back by America? That makes it special. America has given me a lot of lessons on how to be a better player. Obviously my game was kind of one dimensional due to the circumstances.
Holmes: You always hear the term, “Challenge beast.” I’ve been trying to coin “Challenge stallion.”
Deitz: (Laughs) That’s a visual.
Holmes: Have you still got it? Are you going to rattle off 20 more consecutive challenge wins?
Deitz: Well, I’m 55 years old now. I’m going to go out on a limb and say our season was the most athletic season. We had nine big-time athletes. I think seven college athletes. And I’d just never seen a season like that before. Now saying that, all the men here…and even Fishbach is pumped up from Cross-fit…they’re ready to bring it. I’m hoping I can get out there and kick some ass. I’m on the turf every day, throwing the ball with my kids. Doing this, doing that, whatever. Doing lots of adventurous stuff. I’m ready, I’m in good shape. I’m not in ten-years-ago shape, but pretty good shape.

Holmes: Shane was on your season…
Deitz: Are you bummed that he’s not here?
Holmes: Me and the rest of the world. Does it work for you or against you that he’s not here?
Deitz: I was really bummed out. I thought he would be a lock. He’s great TV. And he hasn’t stopped smoking, so the first couple of episodes would probably have been “The Shane Show.”
Holmes: (Laughs)
Deitz: Which is fine. (Laughs) That’s the law of thermodynamics heat transfer. If the heat’s on somebody else, it ain’t on me. He’s gone through a lot of stuff in his life and this would have been a nice stepping stone. He could’ve gotten some closure on some things.

Holmes: Speaking of Panama, Aras’s brother Vytas is here as well. Do you know each other?
Deitz: I met Vytas one time. That was back at my finale. I really enjoy Aras. He’s a great guy. We had our come-to-Jesus moment at the end of our show. Ever since then we’ve been really good friends. He’s friends with my family. Now he’s a new dad and husband…and Vytas too. I’m looking forward to playing with Vytas because I’m friends with Aras and he’s that type of guy. No (expletive deleted), he’ll look you in the eye. Are you ready to go? Let’s do this thing. I’m really looking forward to that. And, he’s playing the new game. I’m an old-schooler. I watch it all, but I’m thinking he’s going to be able to help me with the newer stuff.

Holmes: What do you think people remember about your game?
Deitz: Challenge hog. Very trustworthy. I’m an airline captain. People rely on me to get their family home. I’ll tell you straight up what’s going to happen. And so, I’m relying on that and the fact that rest of these guys are stallion-esque in the challenges.  I’ll be able to hold off until after the merge. There’s some strategy involved.
Holmes: You’re a competitor. If it makes sense to you strategy-wise to hold back, can you hold back?
Deitz: Oh yeah. If we’re winning a challenge and Joe or Spencer is leading the way, I’m going to say, “You guys did great! You carried us! That’s awesome! Oh, (expletive deleted) my hammy is back!”
Holmes: (Laughs)
Deitz: There’s going to be twenty losers out there. None of us have won. You can look at the game we’ve played, you can analyze the film like Belichick. But in the long-run we all lost. We can’t play the same game. We can’t make the same mistakes again. Everyone’s going to be doing something different. There are no slackers. Usually there are three or four people who don’t belong on the beach, but for some reason they are there. That’s not the case here.

Holmes: Any worries about an old-school/new-school divide?
Deitz: It’s a concern. There are five old-schoolers if you count Peih-Gee  and fifteen of them. But on the other hand, there are a lot of older people; Kass, Keith, Vytas. They’re almost like old-school to me. But I think some of the younger girls or someone like Spencer are going to look to older people to hook up with.

Holmes: If there are any twists, any guesses as to what they could be?
Deitz: I think we’ll start off with two tribes of ten. We’ll each get rid of one, then we’ll go to three tribes. I think the three tribe thing is good TV and it messes with loyalties. If you were loyal to someone in the first days and then you’re gone you have to attach yourself to someone else. Then what happens at the merge? You dump them and go back to your old one?

Holmes: There’s always talk of pre-game alliances in returnee seasons. Have you participated in any?
Deitz: There was stuff on Twitter about the Culpepper house. I really don’t know. I saw some names thrown around, but I haven’t heard what went on. That’s (expletive deleted). I had some people calling me and then they ended up not even being in the final 32. I have met some of these people before, drinking beers with them at Give Kids the World or Temecula Reality Rally. Stuff like that. So, there’s going to be some familiarity. I’ve met Spencer before. He’s the kind of guy that’s really loyal. I might want to get a hold of him and one of the younger girls and say, “You can trust me, I’m like your dad.”
Holmes: Spencer is old enough to have a beer?
Deitz: (Laughs) I think so.


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

Deitz: I’m aligning with Kass because she’s good at puzzles and she’s a Navy vet.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Vytas because I think I can have the same type of good relationship with him as I do with Aras.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Peih-Gee because she’s good at puzzles.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Keith because I think he’s a good ol’ boy and he and I see eye-to-eye on stuff.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Kelly because she’s old-school and she’s good at challenges for a female. And I need a strong female.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Spencer because he’s a sharp, young kid. He’s good in challenges and I think he can help me out with the younger crowd. And I can beat him in challenges.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Jeff because he’s funnier than (expletive deleted) in the interviews he’s done. He’s old school and he’s very loyal.

Deitz: I’m aligning with Andrew for the same reason. And I think I can beat him in challenges as well.

Deitz: Fishbach is on the cusp because he’s smart. He’s got his own podcast. And he and I have talked about aviation. I like him, but I’m maligning him.

Deitz: Kelley…I’m maligning. I’d align with her in the beginning, but halfway through she’d have to be gone.

Deitz: Abi…malign. I don’t think she belongs on the beach in the first place.

Deitz: Shirin…malign. She does not belong on the beach either.

Deitz: Joe…he’s a big threat. He’s a likable guy. He probably got the most votes out of all of us. I want him gone.

Deitz: Kimmi…she was a whiner on her show. Even though she’s a big girl, I don’t think she’s strong in challenges. Malign.

Deitz: Ciera…not good in challenges. She may hang around for a little while. Malign.

Deitz: Jeremy…he’s a good guy. I think his kids play lacrosse. He’s been wearing lacrosse sweatshirts. But, malign.

Deitz: Woo…he was brought to the end because he was clueless. And I think he still is. Nice guy, but maligning him. They’re all nice people, don’t get me wrong.

Deitz: Monica…princess, seems nice. But she doesn’t really belong on the beach. Malign.

Deitz: Tasha… she’s going to be a threat. I heard she can be a little bit annoying though. Malign.

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Kimmi: ‘I Never Did What (Jeff Varner) Said I Did’

September 17, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name:  Kimmi Kappenberg
Season: “Survivor: The Australian Outback”
Finish: Twelfth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Kimmi accidentally let Tina Wesson know that a member of her tribe had previous votes against him. That tribe member was Jeff Varner.

Gordon Holmes: What’re you up to these days?
Kimmi Kappenberg: I live in the woodlands outside of Houston and I’m a waitress at a high-end seafood restaurant.
Holmes: And it’s almost been fifteen years since we saw you last.
Kappenberg: October will be fifteen years.
Holmes: What is it like to be a part of, what was back then a cultural phenomenon, and then to get that call a decade and a half later?
Kappenberg: I was just so super excited when I got the phone call. I’ve always wanted and hoped and wondered if I ever would. And now, things in my personal life are calm and in order. I’ve relocated, I was a free-spirited twenty-something the last time I played and now I’m 42. I’m a mom of two little boys. This was a good time. Everything is aligned.
Holmes: Are they old enough to appreciate Mom’s big adventure?
Kappenberg: The boys are six and eight, so they appreciate it. We watch “Survivor” together and they’ve seen my season. Or part of my season anyway. They always knew that I ate a worm. They’ve seen pictures. They liked it. They got a kick because now they understand. But, they told me not to eat anymore worms.
Holmes: I don’t think that excuse will fly with Probst.
Kappenberg: (Laughs) Sorry, guys.

Holmes: You mentioned the worm eating, and there’s a picture of you showing that you had eaten it that is one of those iconic “Survivor” moments. I can clearly envision it now. And this was during what I think was the most viewed season of “Survivor” ever.
Kappenberg: I would walk red carpets and I’d be in these nice fancy gowns and photographers would be like, “Give us the worm face!”
Holmes: (Laughs)
Kappenberg:  Even now if you cruise the internet there are all these pictures of me looking nice and clean, sticking out my tongue.
Holmes: It’s either that or they’ll stick an Alicia (Calaway) finger in your face.
Kappenberg: (Laughs) Right.

Holmes:  When you were announced as a possible returnee, I tried to think of what you would be remembered for…and I kept coming back to that fight with Alicia, the worm, and your incident with Varner. Have you two patched that up or is there still friction?
Kappenberg: The whole thing with Jeff was so long ago. I never did what he said I did with the whole saying whose name it was.
Holmes: The story we were led to believe is that you told Tina (Wesson) that Jeff had a vote against him.
Kappenberg: Back then, a tie breaker was broken by previous votes. So, when we were doing the Butch Cassidy challenge up on the cliff where we had to jump in the water that was after Debb (Eaton) had been voted out. And she said, “Debb’s gone, who did she vote for?” And Jeff says that I said him. I wasn’t even there for any of this conversation. They need to get some B-roll tapes and watch it.
Holmes: They might, if the “Worlds Apart” reunion taught us anything, it’s that Probst is willing to go back and watch raw footage.
Kappenberg: Exactly! Bring out the raw footage. But, Jeff and I both lived in New York at the time. We’d been to many social events. So, everything was put to bed. And throughout the years we’ll Facebook message, a few phone calls. I haven’t talked to him in forever. But, I think that all of this stuff is just resurfacing. But, if I have to use Jeff to get farther in the game, I will.

Holmes: Have you gotten involved in any pre-game alliance building?
Kappenberg: There were all of these web things going on with Twitter. And I don’t know how to Twitter. I had a friend who was Twittering for me. The Culpeppers, I guess there was a Culpepper alliance. A bunch of people from their season…they were flying people to their house. Watch out for the Culpepper alliance.
Holmes: Brad Culpepper is clearly going to own this season.
Kappenberg: (Laughs) But I’m not friends with a lot of these other castmates on social media. Now a lot of us are friends…my friend count has gone up by 1,000 people. It’s insane. I don’t have any alliances because you only had a couple of weeks. And what’s the point of making an alliance before the game if you don’t know who’s going to be on your team? The only person that I actually know out here is Varner. I can’t even remember half of the people. I didn’t have time to go back and watch 30 seasons of “Survivor.”

Holmes: But you’re familiar with all the new twists and gimmicks and whatnot?
Kappenberg: Oh yeah, I start off every season. I want to see who’s playing. I DVR it. Or put it On Demand.
Holmes: Yes!
Kappenberg: But by the end, I’m not watching anymore. That’s what happens when you have little kids. You get trumped by their shows.
Holmes: So, never have kids?
Kappenberg: (Laughs) “SpongeBob” always beats out “Survivor.”

Holmes: People have a preconceived notions about you based on your time in Australia. How can you use those to your advantage?
Kappenberg: I’m a hard worker. Even Rodger (Bingham) said “Kimmi is probably the hardest worker out here.” And that hasn’t changed. I’m not going to be a martyr about it. My mentality is I need to get the job done. Being a single mom, that’s like a lot of people.

Holmes: You’re all gathered over on that porch. Are you seeing anyone trying to communicate?
Kappenberg: We’re all going stir crazy is what’s going on. This is like day eleven of not being able to talk to people. This is…ridiculous. But, you can see people that are sitting next to each other. But, we have the handlers breathing down our throats. You have people who roll their eyes at different things. Every once in a while someone will wink or nod or something. But you can’t do anything because you’re being hawked all the time. If someone sneezes and you say “bless you” you get shushed.
Holmes: Is anyone winking or nodding at you?
Kappenberg: (Laughs) Well..sometimes when I pass by Varner he says, “What’s up, (expletive deleted).” (Laughs) He’ll say, “Your (expletive deleted) are huge!” “Your (expletive deleted) are huge!”
Holmes: You should be like, “Yeah Jeff, I’m aware.”
Kappenberg: (Laughs) They breast fed for five years consecutively. I’ve got this. But yeah, there have been a couple of winks, smiles, nods. But they’re doing it to everybody.
Holmes: You’ve got to be careful with those “Survivor” nicknames. They stick.

Holmes: We’ve got four people from Cagayan, three people from San Juan del Sur. Is that a concern?
Kappenberg: That doesn’t worry me. We don’t know how they’re breaking down the tribes. You can’t even sit there and worry about stuff like that. I don’t even know who the four people are. Let’s see; Spencer and Kass were on a season together…I don’t know who the other people were with them. For all we know we could be starting with four different tribes. We could have three tribes…two tribes.
Holmes: Twenty tribes!
Kappenberg: This is twenty tribes right now! There will be no more of that nonsense.

Holmes: If there is a twist, any guesses as to what it might be?
Kappenberg: It wouldn’t surprise me if they took a little bit from every season. If you had challenges from every season. I think it’s going to be a combination of everything.
Holmes: Like a “Survivor” paella.
Kappenberg: A potpourri. But yeah, something from every season. Or more specifically, something from every one of our seasons.


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

Kappenberg: Stephen…malign. I just don’t think he’s that strong of a player.

Kappenberg: Tasha…malign. I don’t know much about her game.

Kappenberg: Peih-Gee…malign. She’s just not looking that strong to me right now.

Kappenberg: Woo…malign. I think he’s too easily manipulated by other people.

Kappenberg: Spencer…malign. He’s too easily manipulated too. He’d be too wishy-washy.

Kappenberg: Jeremy…malign. Only because he’d be number nine on my aligns.

Kappenberg: Shirin…I have to malign with her because I can’t. I just can’t with her. I’ve outgrown that phase. There’s some of me and my over-excitedness that I had when I was younger. I don’t think there’s been enough time for her to grow since her last game.

Kappenberg: Kelley…malign. I don’t know if I could trust her.

Kappenberg: Kass…malign. She’s a big manipulator and a snake in the grass.

Kappenberg: Ciera…malign. She voted out her own mother.

Kappenberg: Keith…coming in I thought I would align with him. But, I don’t think I’d align with him now. I think he looks tired.

Kappenberg: Joe…align. I think he’s learned a lot in the game. I think he’ll be loyal.

Kappenberg: Monica…I would definitely align with. I think I could be a big sister to her. I think most of the girls I would have that kind of relationship with.

Kappenberg: Terry…align. I feel like I could trust him. We’re older and more mature and we’ll get work done. We have families that we’re working for.

Kappenberg: Andrew….align. He’s a strong player. He has core family values.

Kappenberg: Vytas…align. Another self-sufficient man. There won’t be a lot of drama.

Kappenberg: I would align with Jeff because he’s a comfortable face. We’re familiar. And I think both of us could push each other. And Jeff’s here trying to better things for him and his mom just like I’m trying to better things for me and my boys.

Kappenberg: Kelly Wiglesworth, I would align. She’s a classic player. An older girl who’s strong. She’d be good to go with.

Kappenberg: And Abi-Maria…I would align with. Just because I think she’s got a good spirit. If you’re going to be out here with people you might as well be here with someone you have a connection with.

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Jeremy: ‘I’m Trying to Look as Small as Possible’

September 16, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Jeremy Collins
Season: “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Jeremy had a very impressive run in the game, but he might be best remembered for sending his wife to Exile Island after beating her in the opening challenge.

Gordon Holmes: I picked you to win your season and jinxed you. Whoever I pick inevitably loses.
Jeremy Collins: So don’t pick me this time.
Holmes: Precisely. Who would you like me to curse this season?
Collins: How about Vytas?
Holmes: Why am I cursing Vytas?
Collins: Because I think Vytas is good. I can see him working already. He’s all over the place. I think he’s smart. He’s going to be trouble for me.
Holmes: But, I cursed him in “Blood vs. Water.” What if I ask him the same question and he wants me to target you?
Collins: (Laughs) Don’t ask him!

Holmes: What do you think the other players remember about your game?
Collins: I sent my wife to Exile. I got blindsided by my own alliances. And, I was done too early.
Holmes: Were you a trustworthy guy?
Collins: Oh yeah, I was definitely trustworthy. They got me before I got them.
Holmes: Before you had to be untrustworthy.
Collins: (Laughs) Yeah.

Holmes: Who’s an early target?
Collins: I think Varner. People like Kimmi. People like Keith. Those are the people you’ve got to look out for at the beginning who are going to be early to go. I think this season people are going to try to stay strong until right around the merge and then start going after the physical threats.

Holmes: Pre-game alliances are always a concern in these returnee seasons. Have you gotten involved in any of that?
Collins: A lot of people have texted me or called me. I don’t really talk back. I might send them a text like, “I can’t wait to play with you.” But I tried to stay away from all of that. Everyone says those don’t work. Once we get out there, we’ll see what’s what.
Holmes: I was out there for “Blood vs. Water” and we had a pretty good idea of what the pre-game alliances were going to be. It didn’t work out. Have you heard any murmurings of who might be working together?
Collins: Not really. I think Kelley…my Kelley…Kelley Wentworth, I think she’s been working her game. I think Vytas is working his game.
Holmes: Well, he’s cursed so it doesn’t matter.
Collins: (Laughs) Who else? Most of the people that tried to connect with me didn’t make the finals. They were part of the twelve. So, I feel pretty good.
Holmes: The sad, sad twelve. Can you imagine?
Collins: I tell you what, we were all having fun, everything was fun. Then Jeff called up two people; Kelly and Kimmi. Then it got to T-Bird…and when he said no to T-Bird you could see the mood change. It was like, “Wow, this is legit. It’s going to be sad for twelve.” And no one ever thinks they’re in the twelve.
Holmes: I could tell Probst hated doing that.
Collins: He said he looked at Natalie Tenerelli like she was his daughter and he was saying there’s no Christmas. I remember (Stephanie) Valencia’s hand was shaking. It was heartbreaking.
Holmes: We were joking that Ryan Seacrest lives for that stuff. He’s always like, “You are…not moving on.”
Collins: (Laughs)
Holmes: It seemed like Probst was hating his life at that moment.
Collins: Like Shane? I thought he was a lock!
Holmes: Me too. I wanted Jim Rice.
Collins: I thought he’d be the last of the guys. I like how he plays and how he thinks, he says he’s the smartest guy on the beach. But I think he knew he was a long shot.

Holmes: You’re out here with two other people from your season. Is that good? Is that bad?
Collins: I don’t think that’s good at all. I don’t think it’s good for Cagayan. I think people are going to go after us. I’d go after Cagayan. And I think if they get to the merge, that’s votes on the jury.
Holmes: I didn’t think of that.
Collins: We have to take all of them out and put them on the jury. Can’t have anybody left. Even if that’s not the case, like if Kass isn’t really with them? It doesn’t matter. The perception is that she’s with them.
Holmes: How do counteract people thinking the same thing about you, Kelley, and Keith?
Collins: Kelley was with me back in San Juan del Sur and I don’t want her to be with me this time. Keith was never with me. He didn’t want to play with me. I don’t think he’ll ever want to play with me and I don’t want to play with him. I’ll talk to him a little bit, see where he’s at. I don’t want them with me at the merge.

Holmes: Alright, we aren’t working with San Juan del Surians, what’s the rest of the gameplan?
Collins: I want to keep physically and mentally strong people.  I want people at the merge who are huge threats. If I’m in that group I can see where everyone’s coming from. In my season I was one of two male physical threats in my alliance. The other alliance went after me because I was a threat. I need a bunch of threats in there all mixed up.
Holmes: Some advice? Leave your shirt on.
Collins: I tried to leave my shirt on! I’m burning up.
Holmes: You’re getting no sympathy from me.
Collins: I stopped eating, I stopped working out. I’m trying to look as small as possible. I want these people to say, “You know what? Jeremy’s not as big as I thought.” If that’s in their head, then I’m not as big of a physical threat as they thought.


Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Collins: I’m not in here, right?
Holmes: No, I put that handsome guy away. He’s in my “don’t curse” pile.

Collins: I’m aligning with Joe. Joe is the biggest threat out here. He’s physical. Everyone knows Joe. I’m going to stand right behind him.

Collins: Spence…I’m aligning. Smart guy, he’s likable. I was thinking he’s like the number-one fan vote. He’s a huge threat. I’m standing behind him.

Collins: Align with Kass. She’s a wild card. She’ll shake up anything. She’s dangerous.

Collins: I’m going to align with Abi. Abi’s crazy. If I need a girl out, I’m going to have her start something. I’ll sic Abi on them. It’s over for them.

Collins: Align with Woo. He’s a physical threat, but he’s going to tell you the truth. He’s not lying. He’s sticking by his code of ethics.

Collins: Kelly…align. She’s a physical threat. And, I don’t think she’s in this game yet. She’s first season, she just wants to come out and survive. I’m not sure if she’s ready for the back-stabbing. I need that on my team. I’m not worried about her backstabbing me.

Collins: Aligning with Terry. Physical threat. That’s what I need. I need him to win challenges so I don’t have to win them.

Collins: Align with Andrew. Another physical threat and I think I can trust him more than I can Terry. Him and Terry are interchangeable.

Collins: Malign Vytas. I think he’s good, I think he’s sneaky. I think he’s dangerous.

Collins: Malign Tasha. Truthfully I want to align with her, but I only got eight. I think she’s strong. A physical threat. I would love to keep her with me. I could switch her with Kass or Abi.

Collins: Malign Stephen. He’s scary. He’s very smart, he knows everything about the game. Probably the smartest guy out here. I wouldn’t go with Jim Rice and I wouldn’t go with Stephen. Just too smart.

Collins: Kimmi…malign. She’s not ready for this game. I just don’t think she has the heart for it. She’s just too nice.

Collins: Malign Keith. He doesn’t want to play with me. I don’t want to play with him.

Collins: Malign Kelley. She’s on my season, that’s too bad. I love her, but she’s not going to help my game. And I think she’s working other avenues.

Collins: Varner…I just don’t get a good vibe from Varner. I have to malign him. I know he doesn’t like Kimmi, so I could use them against each other. I think he’s going to be one of the first boots.

Collins: Peih-Gee is just too high-brow for this. I don’t think she gets social cues and everything. Malign. She’s spoiled. I don’t think she’s going to do well.

Collins: Shirin…I would align with her. But, she’s another one…she’s crazy. I think she’s going to be annoying. I could take that with me, but she’s smart. She knows everything about the game. I don’t need that. Malign.

Collins: I think Monica is trying to use her sex appeal already. I could use that to my advantage, but she looks like she’s trying too hard to impress all the guys. Malign.

Collins: Ciera…the only reason I’ll malign Ciera is because she’s close to Vytas. Everybody knows they’re the two closest on this cast. And the crazy thing is that Ciera reminds me of Baylor (Wilson) from my season. And that’s just bad news for me because Baylor back-stabbed me. Just like Mama C (Carolyn Rivera) was almost on this season, and she sent me a bunch of messages about playing. She reminds me of Missy (Payne). I could not work with that.

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Kelley: ‘I’ll Get So Much Social Media Hate After This’

September 16, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Kelley Wentworth
Season: “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”
Finish: Fourteenth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Kelley and her father Dale ended up on the losing end of a family feud that pitted them against Baylor and Missy.

Kelley Wentworth: Look at you with your little notebook and your questions.
Gordon Holmes: I’m almost professional.
Wentworth: You even have little pictures!
Holmes: Quit looking ahead, Wentworth.
Wentworth: (Laughs) You’re prepared. I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Gordon.

Holmes: Alright, I was looking at this list of names. And if I were someone getting a second chance, I think I’d want to be someone without a lot of baggage. No big glaring mistakes.
Wentworth: Right? My hands are pretty clean.
Holmes: Is this the dream scenario?
Wentworth: Yeah. I think so. When people ask me about the cast I don’t think of someone like Monica or even Peih-Gee. I’m hoping I’m seen as one of the quieter females in people’s minds. I feel like people will look at me and say, “What’s she going to do without her dad?” That’s what I hope initially anyway. Because, the beginning game is so different from the middle or the end. I don’t want to be seen as a threat. I want to make it to the merge this time.
Holmes: Baby steps.
Wentworth: Dear God, please! Someone like Abi or Kass or even Fishbach…you’ve seen a lot of their games. They have a target on their back, where I don’t think I do.
Holmes: OK, so what angle do we take? If your game is a blank slate to most people, what do we show them on the beach on day one?
Wentworth: I want people to say, “Hey, I totally want to work with you.” But, I don’t want it to be over the top. I kind of want to take the stance of like, when I’m talking to people I want them to feel like the ones who are making decisions. I want to say, “So what do you think?” But then obviously there’s a way to sneak in what I want. That would be ideal. And if I even have to say, “I’m not a threat to you, tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it,” then I’ll do it.

Holmes: You’re here with two other San Juan del Surians. Let’s start with Jeremy. Are you two on the same page coming into this mess?
Wentworth: I really haven’t talked to Jeremy that much. He’s keeping things low-key before the game. We had talked prior. I asked if he was in the mix and he gave me a very short answer. So, I don’t have ties to him. If he has to go first because people see us as a threat or people want him out? That’s fine. If I can use him as an ally, then I’m totally going to do that.
Holmes: What about Keith?
Wentworth: I don’t think people think much of Keith honestly. And I don’t think people think we’re a pair. I kind of made fun of him in my exit interviews. Sorrrrrry…not that sorry. I’m kind of a bitch. (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs) You’re on a reality TV show. That can work in your favor. But, I never got that impression from your edit.
Wentworth: Well, there wasn’t much to my edit.
Holmes: Fair enough. But even in exit press. I’ve interviewed some bitches and you’re not one of them.
Wentworth: Good. I’m not like Abi. (Gasps)
Holmes: Kelley Wentworth.
Wentworth: (Laughs)
Holmes: Why would you say…?
Wentworth: (Laughs)
Holmes: We’re all supposed to be friends here.
Wentworth: No, there’s nothing wrong with her. There are just certain people I have to be more cautious about.

Holmes: And those people are…?
Wentworth: Well, Chaos Kass. She calls herself Chaos Kass. What do you do with that?
Holmes: I call myself Agreeable Gordon, and nobody’s voted me out yet.
Wentworth: (Laughs) See, there ya go. So, she’s a target right away. Like Stephen? I like Stephen, he’s super smart. I want to work with him, but I don’t know if other people would. Oh…Joe…he’s bothering me. I don’t get the Joe love.
Holmes: What’s bugging you?
Wentworth: He’s slapped Parvati’s ass since we’ve been here.
Holmes: Wait, what?
Wentworth: We had to do these video things and he was at the end. He was behind me and he said to Stephen, “Oh, should I slap Parvati’s ass?” And then…whatever.

NOTE: I asked Parvati about the incident after this interview. She said that Joe was playing a joke and struck his own hand, not her backside.

Holmes: Huh.
Wentworth:Yeah. I’m like, is this the same dude I saw on TV? Because this dude is disrespectful as (expletive deleted). So, I don’t know. Maybe it’ll be different when I’m out there. But things about him are bothering me. Maybe I’m just jealous that he did it before I did. I think maybe after his season he got a little blown up.
Holmes: Poor Joey Amazing.
Wentworth: Exactly! What’s my nickname?
Holmes: I’d steer away from “Chaos.” “Works-Hard-Around-Camp” Kelley? Maybe something like “Pleasant.”
Wentworth: Ugh…but then I’d be like that same chick from San Juan del Sur.

Holmes: So…returnee seasons tend to have pre-game alliance shenanigans…
Wentworth: I always get this question!
Holmes: How many times have you answered it honestly?
Wentworth: I always answer it honestly.
Holmes: Then let’s hear it.
Wentworth: I don’t know if anyone’s coming in here with like a block of people. There were 32 people. So people didn’t know who was going to make it. I think people talked, conversations on social media and left it at that. So, for me, pre-game alliances are dangerous. I want to work it out on the beach.
Holmes: Did you participate in some of those conversations?
Wentworth: Did I?
Holmes: Cause you’re like, “Sooooome people did this and sooooome people did that.”
Wentworth: Do I have friends over there? (Laughs) There are some people I’m closer to…than others.
Holmes: Like who?
Wentworth: (Laughs) Um…I think obviously I talked to Spencer before. Obviously with the Miss/Mr. “Survivor” stuff with Rob (Cesternino). I’ve had conversations with Shirin over social media. Who else? Jeremy and Keith obviously. I guess that’s it. It’s not a ton of people.
Holmes: You’re all gathered together on that porch. I’m assuming there are nods, winks…I’d be doing pointy finger guns.
Wentworth: Yeah. Lots of those.
Holmes: That’s how I’d let you know we were tight. Pew Pew…
Wentworth: No high-fives?
Holmes: Too obvious. I definitely wouldn’t slap anyone on the ass.
Wentworth: You think Joe’s trying to align with Parvati?
Holmes: Clearly. But, who else over there is communicating with each other?
Wentworth: Oh, Kass is trying really hard. She’s constantly saying things to people and smiling. I think she knows she’s in trouble right away. Abi and Peih-Gee are smiley. I could be looking too much into this. There’s no elbow-bumping or bro-hugs.

Holmes: Sometimes “Survivor” has twists…
Wentworth: Really?!
Holmes: They put people on an island. They starve them. Jeff Probst occasionally gives them fire in the form of flint. If you were to give your best guess if there is a twist or twists or no twists…
Wentworth: Wait, do you know?
Holmes: I do. It’s one of the cool things about this gig.
Wentworth: Oh man, now is when I wish we had some beer. If I got a couple in you I know you’d start spilling the beans.
Holmes: It wouldn’t take that many.
Wentworth: So there are twists?
Holmes: I did not say that. I said “no twists” was a possibility. This is not my first rodeo.
Wentworth: I see your poker face. OK, I think there’s a lot of wonder about how they are going to split the tribes. Usually you can look at people’s wardrobe. We’re all a mess. Will it be a schoolyard pick? Will it be men vs. women. There’s twenty people. They could get rid of two off the bat and then do Redemption Island. I don’t think they’ll do that again. Maybe they’ll do a Tribal after an immunity challenge in the beginning. It can’t be three tribes. (Expletive deleted). I don’t know. It could be anything.
Holmes: It could be anything or nothing.
Wentworth: See, I’m going to keep talking and hopefully you’re going to slip up.
Holmes: Everybody has a tell in poker. Mine is like a big Tex Avery cartoon eye bulge.
Wentworth: (Laughs) I’m going to look for that.

Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play a game.
Wentworth: Finally! I want to know what you’re doing with these pictures. Is it like Go Fish?
Holmes: No.
Wentworth: Do I give a word for each one of these pictures?
Holmes: No, that’s my other gimmick.
Wentworth: I know.
Holmes: That the “World’s Apart” people destroyed.
Wentworth: (Expletive deleted) them.
Holmes: Right? Don’t nickname this season.
Wentworth: I won’t. And I won’t name my tribe Merica.
Holmes: I always wanted a tribe name like “The Thunder Fire All-Stars.” But, it’s always something like Porta-Potty.
Wentworth: (Laughs) What if I do this season as a tribute to you? They can’t have that on the screen.
Holmes: You have to spell it like Por-Ta Potay.
Wentworth: I’m going to do it.
Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Wentworth: Oh my God, and you even used the horrible Sears photos that we had.

Wentworth: Do I have to keep it PG?
Holmes: No, you can malign Peih-Gee.
Wentworth: (Laughs) No, I mean PG. Can I say (expletive deleted)?
Holmes: (Laughs) You can say it, I’ll just bleep it.

Wentworth: Kass…malign. Because she’s (expletive deleted) crazy.

Wentworth: Terry…align. He’s like my dad.

Wentworth: Shirin…align. She knows a lot about “Survivor.”

Wentworth: Kimmi…malign. She wears her hair in pigtails and she’s not eighteen and it (expletive deleted) bothers me.

Wentworth: Abi…malign. This bitch is coming after me. She wants to be queen of the island and there can be only one blonde. A real blonde.

Wentworth: Keith…align. He’s super loyal and he’ll do what I say. But, he might (expletive deleted) it up.

Wentworth: Stephen…align. He’s really smart. He knows about the game. And, I like him.

Wentworth: Joe…malign. For everything I said before about Parvati and the ass slap. He just bothers me. I don’t have the same Joey Amazing love everyone else does. People are going to hate me for that. I’ll get so much social media hate after this.

Wentworth: Ciera…align. We’re both from the Pacific Northwest. That’s all I’ve got.

Wentworth: Jeremy…malign. I love him, but I don’t want to be seen as a pair.

Wentworth: Tasha…align. She seems hilarious. “Hey, girl.” That’s going to be us.

Wentworth: Wait…I’ve only got two left?!
Holmes: You get eight total.
Wentworth: Damnit!
Holmes: Follow the rules, Kelley.
Wentworth: I hate your game.
Holmes: I love this game. I sit back and you do all the work.
Wentworth: Look how good I did it though, three guys and three girls.
Holmes: There’s no way to win, but you are winning. Clearly.

Wentworth: This is so hard. Monica…align. Every chick needs her sidekick chick.

Wentworth: Malign Kelly Wiglesworth because there’s only room for one Kelly/Kelley. I’m sorry.

Wentworth: Malign Peih-Gee…but I don’t have a good reason why. Sorry, Peih-Gee.

Wentworth: Align with Spencer. The young lad is very smart.

Wentworth: OK…malign Jeff because I don’t know how great he’ll be in challenges.

Wentworth: Malign Vytas because he could win in the end. That’s not good for me.

Wentworth: Malign Savage because he’ll be too good at challenges. I don’t know. He’s like a bubble person.

Wentworth: And malign Woo because his hair is prettier than mine.

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Woo: ‘I Need to Implement a More Cutthroat Approach’

September 15, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Woo Hwang
Season: “Survivor: Cagayan”
Finish: Finalist
Why You Should Remember Him: Woo probably would have won “Survivor: Cagayan” if he had chosen to take Kass to the final two over eventual winner Tony.

Gordon Holmes: You’re probably best known for your move at the end of Cagayan where you took Tony (Vlachos) to the end instead of Kass. That move probably cost you $900,000. What did that expensive lesson teach you?
Woo Hwang: After losing to Tony like that, you learn real quick that you don’t win the game of “Survivor” on a popularity vote. No one liked Tony, but they all respected his game and that’s why he won. So, going into this Second Chance, I realize I need to implement a more cutthroat approach in order to get respect from the jury.
Holmes: On the bright side, I was thinking it must be pretty cool to come into a Second Chance season being known for loyalty.
Hwang: That can definitely work as a big advantage as far as building trust and relationships. “Hey, you can take me to the end and if I say I’ll take you to the final two, you know you can count on my word.” So, I definitely have that reputation for staying loyal.

Holmes: You’re here with three other Cagayaners. Does that work in your favor?
Hwang: I feel like it can work in your favor or it can work against you. I don’t think I’m so inclined that if me, Kass, Spencer, and Tash were thrown on a team to join forces. That’s such an obvious target on our backs. But, if we started the game together and we can manage to discretely go off? We started “Survivor” together. We have that bond. And if we can use it to our advantage we should. But the Second Chance, with other contestants who’ve played with each other, I don’t think they’re quick to think we’re working as one. It’s a brand new season, who knows what we’re thinking?
Holmes: What is your relationship like with that group?
Hwang: People naturally think I would have a grudge against Spencer considering his little speech at the end. But, we squashed all that. I consider us pretty good friends. We talk every now and then over text messages. I haven’t really communicated with Tash much. But Kass? She’s super cool. I communicated with her several time over phone, over text messages. I know her nephew is a big fan of mine. So, we’re cool.

Holmes: There’s always talk of pre-game alliances in returnee seasons. Have you participated in any of that?
Hwang: Not really. With this new concept of “Hey America, we’re voting people in,” I feel like I haven’t been able to talk to many of the contestants. But like…Ciera, I follow her Instagram account. I naturally feel like I know her through her social media. But as far as pre-gaming and socializing, none of that.

Holmes: Have you noticed anyone winking at each other since you’ve been here?
Hwang: Sure.
Holmes: Spill it.
Hwang:  This whole pre-game is a test. It’s part of the game. How much was can endure each other and not give away secrets without speaking a word. And you can see a lot of body language and a lot of eye contact. Who’s letting who go first in line to eat. Who’s sitting next to who when they eat.
Holmes: Whooooooo?
Hwang: (Whispers) I feel like immediately Jeff and Kass. Whenever we sit down to eat they’re always sitting across from each other. Whenever we have downtime to read books, they’re right next to each other and making subtle eye contact. They’re giving each other smiles. But I’ve been doing that too. Try to be courteous and polite. You don’t want to mean mug anyone and give them the stink eye. So, I feel like they’re doing it more than anyone else. And whatsherface…Abi…she’s super flirtatious. She loves to give you a smile, give you a wink. Monica is kind of throwing those vibes out. Nobody is giving negative vibes. Everything is super positive.

Holmes: Is there anyone you’re thinking of making an early target?
Hwang: No, nobody I’m targeting.

Holmes:  Anyone you want to work with?
Hwang: I’m looking forward to working with anyone who wants to work with me. (Laughs)
Holmes: Not the worst plan.
Hwang: I think the person I am, I’m super social. I feel like I’m super compatible with anyone. I feel like we get along well.
Holmes: We totally do. We should work together.
Hwang: (Laughs) Yeah, right?
Holmes: Final two.
Hwang: Sure!

Holmes: “Survivor” is known for its wacky twists. If there are any twists, what do you think they could be?
Hwang: That’s the most nerve-wracking part about the whole thing. I didn’t expect anything in Season 28. But now that I know what we’re going to have to do with the lack of food, sleep, and water… It’s going to be a rainy season. Dealing with that element is going to be tough. But I have no idea what Jeff is planning for twists. I’m just going to take it with a big smile and have some fun with it.

Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Hwang: Malign is not to align?
Holmes: Yes, sir.

Hwang: Kelly…align. She’s a veteran. She’s super hungry and thirsty and wants to win it. And I feel like if I can align with her she can take me a long way.

Hwang: Abi…malign. I just feel like she’s too temperamental. If you’re on her bad side it’s not going to help you at all. It’s going to be hard to be compatible with her.

Hwang: Stephen…align. He seems super loyal. He seems trustworthy. He seems like someone who would be a great team player.

Hwang: Ciera…I would say align. She seems like a natural sweetheart. You want to find someone you’re compatible with and someone who will be a team player.

Hwang: Joe…malign. He’s just way too good. And if you take him to the end, your shot at winning is not too good.

Hwang: Terry…align. I like those old-school players. He seems like he’d be fun to work with.

Hwang: Monica…um…malign. I think she’s too flirty.

Hwang: Andrew…align. Another good team player. He’s strong in challenges and can be a big asset.

Hwang: Spencer…malign. He’s real good. He knows the game really well. I’m going to try to get him out as soon as possible.

Hwang: Tasha…malign. Same thing. She’s a challenge beast, she’s underrated. And considering last season how she managed to make the merge and then win, win, win? She’s going to be tough to beat.

Hwang: Kelley…align. She seems strong. Level-headed…someone I could work really well with.

Hwang: Kimmi…malign. I have a sense during pre-game that she’s just going to struggle out there.

Hwang: Kass…align. I worked with her before and although I didn’t pick her over Tony, we did have talks afterward and she was super understanding. I think she’d be a good teammate.

Hwang: Vytas…align. He just pushes out good vibes. He’s a spiritual guy a lot like myself. I see a lot of myself in Vytas.

Hwang: Jeremy…I would align with him, but I have no more options. Malign.

Hwang: Jeff…I would probably align with as well. He seems like a super funny guy. But, malign.

Hwang: Shirin I would probably malign. After watching her season, she can just get on your bad side. But, I guess that’s not a bad thing to take to the end.

Hwang: Keith, sorry I’m going to have to malign you. Not enough picks.

Hwang: And Peih-Gee…I’ll malign because I used up all my aligns.
Holmes: Poor align allocation, Woo.
Hwang: (Laughs) I know!

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

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Monica: ‘Vytas, Stephen, Spencer Are Easy People to Flirt With’

September 15, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

Name: Monica Padilla
Season: “Survivor: Samoa”
Finish: Seventh Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Monica was offered a spot at Russell Hantz’s side at the merge, but she decided to stick with her eight-person Galu alliance. This ended up being a mistake when the Foa Foa four managed to overcome those steep numbers.

Gordon Holmes: Your season, “Survivor: Samoa,” was just a whirlwind of all things Russell Hantz. It seems like a lot of people got lost in the noise he was making. If you and I arrive on the beach on day one, what do you think I remember about you?
Monica Padilla: Well, I was a part of the Galu tribe, the winning tribe.
Holmes: Eight players to four at the merge, correct?
Padilla: That’s right. But, it also gave us the disadvantage of not having played much strategically. We had to test our alliances. So, I was the little, pretty Puerto Rican girl on the Galu tribe. I tried to get things going, but it’s tough when you’re not going to Tribal.
Holmes: I don’t remember any big lies out of you. Am I remembering correctly?
Padilla: I was the one who attacked Russell Hantz on my last day there. I also devised a plan to save my tribe by tricking the other tribe into voting John (Fincher) out. Then John got scared and went and blew up the whole plan.
Holmes: Aww…Is it rough seeing Parvati (Shallow) here?
Padilla: (Laughs) No, I like John as a person. He’s fun. I’ve had drinks with him before, but in the game he was miserable. I said the same thing to Parvati, “Your boyfriend is the worst person to play with ever…or one of the worst.” And one of my big decisions would have been when I was the only one who called Russell out about having the idol. And, I kind of sat on that hunch. That was one of the biggest mistakes I made.
Holmes: So, what lessons did you learn from that?
Padilla: I learned to really follow my gut and not sit on things that you really think are going on. And not to underestimate people.

Holmes: Pre-game alliances are always an issue on returnee seasons. Are you in one? Has anyone approached you?
Padilla: I’ve tried to stay out of it. I don’t know a lot of people here and I don’t know who I can trust.
Holmes: You played with Laura Morett…Laura’s daughter Ciera is here. Do you know Ciera?
Padilla: I’ve never met Ciera. This is the first time I’ve ever seen her. Laura used to talk about her a lot when we were out there. I’m going to have to see and get a feel for her myself. Just because I was close with Laura doesn’t mean I’ll be close with Ciera.  (Laughs)

Holmes: Even in non-returnee seasons you’ll have people winking, nodding out there. Any of that going on?
Padilla: I get good vibes from Vytas…from Shirin. I want to try to stick with people who are a little more against the grain. People that are different from me. People like Shirin, I want to try to stick to those people. I’ve noticed that Jeremy and Keith seem to be somewhat friendly. But, that might just be Jeremy saving his butt since he was such an attacker of Keith the first time that they played.

Holmes: You’re the only person from “Survivor: Samoa” here, while other seasons have several representatives.
Padilla: I think that those alliances definitely have conflicts that you can play off, so it could be an advantage or a disadvantage. There has to be some weakening of those alliances based on them having so much history together. Also, we all know they have conflicts and disagreements. They all changed each other’s games, and usually it was for the worse. It’s going to be an issue of playing that up.

Holmes: Anyone you’re interested in working with at this point?
Padilla: People like Tash seem awesome. She’s aggressive, no matter what she stuck up to her beliefs. I see a lot of myself in Tash. But, Tasha also is a challenge beast. That isn’t necessarily someone you want to take to the end, but she’s someone I’d want to work with in the beginning.

Holmes: Anybody you’re looking to send out immediately?
Padilla: Definitely wary of Abi and Kass. They’re the known villains. But, I’m pretty sure there’s going to be some other villains in this cast. You get a second chance and someone is going to play extremely aggressively. Someone’s going to rise.
Holmes: And that person will be…Monica Padilla.
Padilla: If I have to I will, but I won’t do it just to do it. Like all this stuff we’re getting from Abi about “Spectacle!” is just…all whimsical crap.
Holmes: Hold the phone there, Monica. Spectacle?
Padilla: She has this thing where, (in an Abi-Maria voice) “If you vote for me you get spectacle!” We’re not here to create a spectacle, we’re here to strategize and get to the end.
Holmes: That wasn’t a bad Abi-Maria.
Padilla: (Laughs) Thank you.

Holmes: “Survivor”  has a habit of having twists and turns. If there are any this season, what do you think they could be?
Padilla: I don’t know. I’ve tossed a couple around. I think there might be four tribes to start. I think there might be an old school vs. new school aspect to it. But then, where would I go? I think they’re going to keep changing the tribes up. I think they’re going to pull out all the stops because it is the third truly all-star season.

Holmes: Speaking of all-star seasons. If I’m “Boston” Rob Mariano and I get the call to come back to “Survivor.” I’m thinking, “Of course I got a call, I’m ‘Boston’ Rob.” But, with this vote, nobody was certain to get in. And then, everybody knows you’re coming out here when usually they’d hear about it a few weeks before the premiere. Did the pre-game crank up the intensity?
Padilla: The vote definitely cranks it up. It adds a whole other element of pressure. Whereas before the only people that knew you were coming out here are your immediate family. And nobody else knows. But, the world knows we’re out here. The fans are the ones who voted us here. And we promised that if you voted us back you’re going to get a great game from us. So now we’d better live up to our promise and do the best we can.
Holmes: You guys are all delightful, but after all of that, somebody is going home first.
Padilla: It’s inevitable. It’s really difficult. None of these people were the first out in their season, but one of them is going to be the first out now.
Holmes: One of them.
Padilla: (Laughs) Exactly! You’ve got to have your game face on.
Holmes: And what does your game face look like?
Padilla: (Grimaces)
Holmes: That’s pretty good.
Padilla: Actually, my game face is more (smiles). I try to hide behind the sweet smile. (Laughs)
Holmes: Not all of us have that tool in our toolbelt, Monica.
Padilla: (Laughs) Sugar on the lips, poison in the heart.

Holmes: Alright, we’re going to play “Align or Malign.” In my hand I have nineteen cards featuring your competitors. You’ll go through them and tell me who you’ll align with and who you’ll malign. Trick is, you only get eight aligns.
Padilla: I love these!
Holmes: People love the laminated cards. I knew it was going to be a billion degrees out here and I didn’t want them getting gross.

Padilla: Stephen…align. Because he’s smart and I’ve known him previously, but we don’t have an alliance. I have not spoken about this game with him at all. And I can beat him at the end.

Padilla: Kelley Wentworth…align. She’s competitive, she’s a sweetheart, I could see putting my head together with her. However, I think I’m smarter than her.

Padilla: Vytas…align. I get a great energy from him, I don’t know why.

Padilla: Keith…align. We know he’s not a strategic player. We know he’s likable. He’s not a “Survivor” player. He’s beatable.

Padilla: Jeff Varner…align. I just get a good vibe from him.

Padilla: Peih-Gee…align. I think she’d be a great person. Absolutely fantastic. She’s smart, but she’s also annoying. But, I think I could handle her annoyance.

Padilla: Shirin…align. Same thing as Peih-Gee. Can be annoying, but she’s also smart. The girl made her first million by 25. I can see us brainstorming together. I think we have a lot of the same interests. She’s quirky. I can defend her. And if we get Peih-Gee right there we have a three-strong alliance.

Padilla: Kimmi…is from the East Coast too. I got a good vibe from Kimmi so I’ll say align. And right there you have five girls which gives us a majority girls’ alliance.

Holmes: Alright, let’s hear those maligns.
Padilla: Terry…malign. I feel like maybe he’s grouping up with Kass and doing an old-school alliance. I just don’t trust him and he’s really great at challenges.

Padilla: Jeremy…malign. He’s a very strong player, he’s very strategic. He’s also married, so it’d be harder to flirt with him as a man of faith. And, since I have Keith and Kelley in my eight, Jeremy could be an outside alliance because I don’t want too many from the same season.
Holmes: Flirting to get ahead? Scandalous.
Padilla: I feel like people like Vytas, Stephen, Spencer are easy people to flirt with. I think Jeremy has a wall. Innocent flirtation, of course.
Holmes: Is there anyone back home who is going to be upset if they see you flirting on CBS?
Padilla: I do have a boyfriend and he would be so proud. We’re pretty competitive, so when it comes to winning, we’ll win at any cost. And he said, “Baby, win that million. Do what you’ve got to do.” I’m not sleeping with anyone.
Holmes: No. This is a family show, Monica.
Padilla: (Laughs) It’s not “The Bachelor.”
Holmes: Thankfully.

Padilla: Tasha…I’m going to say malign. She’d probably be my align number nine if I had one. But, she’s an immunity beast and I don’t want her to win immunity a million times.

Padilla: Woo…malign. He’s another challenge monster. And, I think in front of a jury he could plead his case and probably take people he could beat which would be someone like me. I think he could beat me in front of a jury.

Padilla: Joe is a total cutie pie. He’d be my friend in the outside world, but malign. He’s a challenge beast and everyone is going to target him. So, if I align with him I’ll be putting a target on my own back.

Padilla: Abi-Maria…malign. She’s a loose cannon. She’s cray-cray. I don’t want to get involved with that. (Laughs)

Padilla: Kelly Wiglesworth…I think she has it all in her name. She’s going to wiggle to the end and some people might vote for her because they feel sorry for her or because they have some weird affinity because she’s the founder of “Survivor.” So, malign even though I’d like to meet up with her.

Padilla: Spencer is a hard one. He’s really smart, he’s good at challenges. I think he’d be great to work with, but when it comes to my final eight, I don’t have room for him. Malign.

Padilla: Ciera, she turned on her mom so I’d be worried she’d turn on me. I’m going to have to say malign unless she charms me on the beach.
Holmes: Gee, vote out your mom one time.
Padilla: (Laughs) One time!
Holmes: And people never let you forget it.

Padilla: Savage seems like a total sweetheart. I might end up having to align with him at some point, but as for my eight, he’s a malign.

Padilla: Anyone who calls themselves “Chaos” Kass is not joining my alliance. Malign.
Holmes: You should give yourself a positive nickname. Then people will want to align with you.
Padilla: Like Magnificent Monica.
Holmes: Polite Padilla.

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

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

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

September 14, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

September 14, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Law: Vytas seems a little bit sneaky. Malign.

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

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

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

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

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