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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – XFINITY TV’s Gordon Holmes

December 10, 2012
A Muddy Gordon Holmes and a Perfectly Clean Jeff Probst

A Muddy Gordon Holmes and a Perfectly Clean Jeff Probst

As the Senior Chairman of the Executive Voting Committee, Gordon Holmes has an awesome responsibility. His vote (along with Host Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer and other “Survivor” luminaries) will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame. The other 50% came from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 at 2 pm ET to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Gordon Holmes is an Assistant Managing Producer at Comcast and the lead “Survivor” know-it-all for XFINITY TV. He’s been hooked on “Survivor” from the moment he first saw Jeff Probst kick sixteen strangers off a boat and into the sea back in May of 2000. Gordon has visited the set of “Survivor” on four separate occasions (“Gabon,” “Nicaragua,” “South Pacific,” and “Philippines”) and boasts an impressive 3-1 immunity challenge record. He also ranks second behind Michael Skupin when it comes to injuries incurred in the Philippines.

Gordon Holmes’s 2012 “Survivor” Hall of Fame Ballot

In the early 1900s it was common practice for a single Major League pitcher to throw hundreds of pitches in a doubleheader. Then, the pitcher would single-handedly pull the team’s train to the next town. The next day he’d have to do it all over again. Today, most starting pitchers are kept to a strict 100-pitch count and only play every fifth day.

So, what happened? A guy named George “Babe” Herman Ruth Jr. changed the game.

Before Ruth, pitchers didn’t have to throw their hardest against every hitter. Why? Because the only way most players could create a run was when someone was already on base. If the bases were empty, the pitchers would ease up.

Then Ruth came along and popularized the home run. He was capable of scoring on any pitch. Pitchers had to evolve.

Sure, Hank Aaron and then Barry Bonds would eventually eclipse the Babe’s home run, but they didn’t have the impact on the game that Ruth did. It’s that impact that separates the great talents from the truly transcendent performers.

Great, Gordon. How does this apply to “Survivor”?

Well in this analogy, the Yul Kwons and Kim Spradlins are “Survivor’s” Hank Aarons, and my first two votes are the Babe Ruths…

Rob Cesternino – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): OK, these votes aren’t a surprise, I vote for these two every year. But, I will scream from the highest mountaintop that “Survivor” is a better game thanks to Rob Cesternino. Whether you think he’s “The Smartest Man to Never Win the Game” or simply “The Rob That Sucks,” you can’t deny that he made gamers appreciate that getting to the final four with your alliance is not enough. That anyone on the bottom of an alliance who isn’t making moves to get to the top of a different alliance is setting themselves up for failure. Simply put; Rob made “Survivor” better.

Jonny “Fairplay” Dalton – (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites”): I’ve been doing an unofficial rewatch of “Survivor: Marquesas” while I jog on a treadmill in my basement. During one scene, John Carroll swears on his mother’s life that he won’t stab someone in the back. No big deal, that’s par for the course for “Survivor.” However, he follows it up by saying that nobody would ever lie after making such a bold statement. I seriously laughed so hard I almost fell off the treadmill and broke my neck. Two seasons after that gem, Fairplay would rock the “Survivor” world with his Dead Grandma ruse and the show would never be the same again.

And with my third vote, I’m moving on to the “Survivor” icons. I’m thinking Rupert Boneham, I’m thinking Jerri Manthey, I’m thinking Colby Donaldson, and I’m definitely thinking…

Rudy Boesch – (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): Reality shows come and go every year. So, why did “Survivor: Borneo” succeed while so many other shows failed? Probably some combination of the amazing locale, Richard Hatch’s deviousness, and Rudy Boesch’s lovable, curmudgeony (not a word) personality. Without the former Navy SEAL becoming the popular topic around the nation’s watercoolers, it’s possible the show doesn’t see a second season, much less a twenty sixth one.

Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 at 2pm ET to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Check Out Our Other Executive Ballots…

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – The ‘Survivor’ Press Corps

December 7, 2012

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

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Drusilla Moorhouse – Zap2it

Drusilla Moorhouse is a contributing editor for Zap2it. A fanatic of the “Eco Challenge” producer Mark Burnett’s O.G. reality competition, Dru carried a torch for “Survivor” even before the first pixelated images of Richard Hatch hit the airwaves.

Todd Herzog – (“Survivor: China”): The diminutive flight attendant more than compensated for his lack in physical strength with brain power, deceiving and manipulating his opponents at every turn. Todd didn’t join “Survivor” to make friends — his only goal was to win a million dollars. And he did.

Tyson Apostol – (“Survivor: Tocantins” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Oh, Tyson. The immodest pretty boy played a terrible social game–twice. But with quips like “I love seeing people cry when you crush their dreams,” he’s “Survivor’s” king of comedy.

Marty Piombo – (“Survivor: Nicaragua”): Shut up. Marty is a brilliant, bold, charismatic strategist who coulda been a contender on any other season. Instead, he was stripped of his power in a tribal reshuffle and sent home before both NaOnka and Purple Kelly quit the game. Surely his Woody Woodpecker hair alone deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame?

Mara Reinstein – US Weekly

Mara Reinstein is the movie critic for Us Weekly magazine. But thanks to her unofficial title as Resident “Survivor” Fanatic, she has somehow finagled her way into 11 (!) “Survivor” location visits since 2004.

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: Africa” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): Sentimental choice and my No. 1 from last year, but too bad! Even though he won way way back in “Survivor: Africa”, he did it playing one of the cleanest, good-sport games to date. (Which, if memory serves, made for a super-dull Tribal Council. Oh well.). Who knows how far he could have gone playing “Heroes Vs. Villains.” Away from the game, he wins easily.

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): For the record, I’ve chosen to repress everything that happened in “Survivor: Guatemala.” In Palau, she proved as mentally and physically tough as any contestant in the game’s history. (Remember: Before the days of Redemption Island, she spent the night alone on her beach after her tribe got decimated.) For “Heroes Vs. Villains,” I personally witnessed her separate her shoulder during the first challenge, pop it back in, then go back into said challenge! How is this possible?

John Cochran – (“Survivor: South Pacific”): Every week when I watched this guy in “Survivor: South Pacific,” I had one or more of the following thoughts: “Ugh, I can’t stand him. Why won’t he call himself John? He is standing in the way of Ozzy’s win. He’s not nearly as clever as he think he is. Go away, gentile Woody Allen, go awaaaaaaay.” Meanwhile, no other contestant that season (or “One World”) even remotely stands out to me. Well done, sir!

Dalton Ross – Entertainment Weekly

Dalton Ross is the Assistant Managing Editor of Entertainment Weekly. He may have written about this show once or twice over the past 11 years.

Kim Spradlin – (“Survivor: One World”): Kim spent the entire “One World” season just chillin’ in the Domination Station. The only other player that has thrashed the competition so thoroughly in every facet of the game on a first outing is Tom Westman. Socially, strategically, athletically — no one else on “One World” could touch her. Granted, margarita-loving Kat, puzzle-challenged Alicia, and a tribe full of men that VOLUNTEERED to go to Tribal Council is perhaps not the stiffest competition, but Kim was still the real deal.

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): The only reason Amanda isn’t in here already is that she gave perhaps the TWO worst final Tribal Council performances ever. But that was two bad days out of 78. Otherwise, she should be commended for making it to back-to-back finals. Her performance in “Heroes vs. Villains” was neither good nor bad enough to move the needle either way, so if you judge her on what she did before that, she’s earned it for sure.

Brian Heidik – (“Survivor: Thailand”): Let’s be honest — the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is woefully short on former porn stars. “Foursome” star Ozzy Lusth can’t be expected to hold down the fort forever. The man needs some company! And while I’m sure Ozzy would pretty much always prefer “company” of the female variety, he’ll have to make due with Skinemax mainstay Brian Heidik. Yes, Heidik is about as sleazy as they come, but the self-proclaimed “Iceman” ruled Thailand from start to finish. And if you’re judging on performance — which is what all former porn stars should be judged on, if you ask me — then you have to include him. It’s still somewhat shocking that he has not been back to play since. Maybe on “Survivor: STD Edition.”

Tom Santilli – Examiner.com

Tom Santilli has covered “Survivor” for Examiner.com and TheTVKing.com since 2009 and has been a rabid fan (clinically) since the beginning.  He is also a film critic and member of the Detroit Film Critics Society, (follow him on Twitter, @tomsantilli and at TomSantilli.com).  He reportedly plans on placing his Jeff Probst Bobblehead doll on the top of his wedding cake.  He asked you not to tell.

Rob Cesternino – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All-Stars”):  He’s been a personal favorite of mine since he first appeared.  Who knew “Survivor” could be so funny?  There was no contestant like Rob when he first appeared, but seemingly hundreds since then cut from his mold.  Early on, Probst referred to him as “the smartest player never to win,” and he definitely changed the way future contestants would play the game.  His second time out, in a cast full of “All-Stars,” he was singled out for being too dangerous.  He refers to himself as the “other” Rob (to Rob Mariano) and as “The Rob that sucks,” but might I persuade you to help me re-name him as, “The Rob that sucks…in the Hall of Fame.”

Amanda Kimmel  – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”):  Only four other players have ever made it to Day 39 twice and they are all currently in the “Survivor” Hall of Fame (Boston Rob, Parvati, Russell and Sandra).  She’s a physical threat and knows how to play the game.  She’s one of the most memorable female contestants in the history of the show.  Plus, there have been several beautiful contestants on the show – male (I’m told…) and female – but has the “Survivor” camera ever been more enamored with a contestant?  Amanda is the epitome of what a contestant should be and the only female currently not in the Hall who needs to be.

Brian Heidik – (“Survivor: Thailand”):  It’s unpopular.  It may be a throw-away vote.  But I want to get the discussion started because Brian Heidik should most definitely be in the Hall of Fame.  Brian is unlike any other Sole Survivor for many important reasons.  At the time that he won, nobody thought that a “bad guy” could ever win “Survivor” again after Richard Hatch.  Brian to this day is the only true “villain,” playing a villainous game, to have won it all.  Brian played masterfully, despite back-stabbing and lying his way to the prize.  He was a thinker, but he also won several individual immunity challenges along the way.  Not until recently (Kim Spradlin) has a contestant made “Survivor” look easy.  Like him or not, admit it or not, he is the blueprint.

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

Check Out Our Other Executive Ballots…

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – Executive Producer David Burris

December 6, 2012

David Burris (CBS)

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

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

David Burris has spent the last nine years working on the Emmy Award-winning reality series “Survivor.”  From his early beginnings as supervising producer, to his current role as executive producer, Burris has put his stamp on the series that redefined a genre.  In his current role as executive producer, Burris serves as the show runner, overseeing all aspects of developing, producing, and delivering the show.

David Burris’s 2012 “Survivor” Hall of Fame Ballot

Note: David Burris decided to only vote for two players this round.

Yul Kwon – (“Survivor: Cook Islands”): I re-affirm my re-affirmation; Yul’s ability to maneuver, manipulate, and mesmerize without being nasty makes him the heroic intellectual (and therefore ultimately more savvy!) version of Russell Hantz.  Which proves that nice guys do actually win. Plus, if not for Ozzy being on the same season he would have been remembered as a physical threat as well.

Benjamin “Coach” Wade – (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): I re-iterate… Coach’s third time playing was the charm. With “Survivor: South Pacific,” Coach has proven that in addition to being a Dragon Slayer he is a clever, canny, adaptable player. He went from a “day-one” status of being dead in the water to leading his tribe, defining an alliance’s ethics and strategy, and making it to the final three.  And he did it with a genuine desire to be a principled player – as much as one can be in “Survivor”… If not for a jury poisoned by sour grapes he would have been a winner.

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

Check Out Our Other Executive Ballots…

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Castaway Carter: ‘I Wanted to Do What (Ozzy) Did’

December 6, 2012

Carter Williams (CBS)

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

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

If Carter Williams was looking for a positive to take away from his “Survivor” experience, this might be it…

His physical prowess > Abi’s ability to annoy her tribemates

I spoke with Carter the morning after his elimination to find out about the off-camera moves he was making, his relationship with a potential MLB Hall of Famer, and some negative accusations that were made by former members of Kalabaw…

Gordon Holmes: Good morning, Carter.
Carter Williams: Good morning.
Holmes: How’s it going?
Williams: I was voted out last night.
Holmes: What?!
Williams: I know.
Holmes: That’s some (expletive deleted).
Williams: I agree. It sucked.
Holmes: Every season some players seem to fall through the cracks, we didn’t get to see much of your game. What were you up to that whole time?
Williams: Honestly, I thought that me, Penner, Skupin, and Lisa were tight. I talked to Skupin, I talked to Penner. Lisa and I were really great friends out there, but we never really discussed strategy. I thought it was going to be me, Skupin, and Penner in the final three. I did have a strategy and it wasn’t to ride on the coattails of Penner. But it was with that four. I didn’t know that a handshake didn’t take place and that they felt uncomfortable.
Holmes: When Lisa and Skup tried to set up a final four with you guys, you didn’t know that was going on at that time?
Williams: Yeah, I didn’t see that go down. But, Penner came to me and said, “Look, we got screwed because they’re nervous that I didn’t shake their hand.” So, I was aware that that happened, but I wasn’t aware that they were saying final three with me as the fourth.

Holmes: I was a little shocked last night when Skupin said you were like a son to him. We didn’t see a lot of your relationship on the show.
Williams: We were really close. I don’t know if that’s something I did wrong or did right, but I became good friends with all of them. The merge became a completely different game. The rain stopped, we were on a different island, more resources, more smiles, and I was so stoked to be hanging out with Peter and Malcolm. Skupin and I became really close. We had fun, we’d talk about sports and make up games to play. We’d go fishing. And like I mentioned, I don’t know if it was to my credit or not to become liked by all of those people. I was taken out over someone who has been labeled the most disliked person in the game. It’s an interesting concept, you want to play as hard as you can or as well as you can so you can say to the jury, “Hey, vote for me.” But people stab each other in the back. It’s a mind-blowing thing.

Holmes: It’s a long season. Things were said about you by people who are long gone. I’m referring specifically to Dana saying you were a chauvinist.
Williams: (Laughs)
Holmes: That was of course in the Kalabaw days. Post-merge, it’s like an episode of “Everybody Loves Carter.” I always want to give people a chance to defend themselves. So, why do you think Dana felt that way?
Williams: I think it was because it was team immunities as opposed to individual. Maybe it didn’t get shown, but I’m so competitive. We sat out girls in the challenges most of the time. I think every time a guy competed. I think there was a challenge where I blamed Katie or Dawson on a puzzle and unfortunately, it did probably make me look bad. I don’t know what that was about. I was kind of bummed. Your interviews weren’t portraying me in a good light there, man.
Holmes: That’s why I brought it up. I didn’t want you to go out like that. You can go on the record right now and say you’re not a sexist.
Williams: (Laughs) I don’t think I’m a sexist. I’ve never been told that before. But, “Survivor” you’re living with people 24/7 in harsh conditions and maybe a side of you comes out that you don’t really want to.

Holmes: Before the show started, one of your goals was to show some Ozzy Lusthian skills in the challenges. You managed to kick some posterior, win some immunities.
Williams: Yeah, immunity challenges, I should’ve focused more on other things. When Penner went home my eyes lit up. I thought here’s my chance to dominate this game. Here’s my chance to make everybody notice me. My chance to prove myself as a “Survivor” All-Star. To pull a Danni Boatwright…to pull an Ozzy. I mentioned on Twitter that Ozzy’s my hero and I wanted to do what he did. But, a lot of people pointed out that Ozzy fell short too.
Holmes: That’s true.
Williams: My back was against the wall and the competitor in me lit up. I’m forever going to have to live with that challenge where Malcolm beat me.
Holmes: That’s the problem with being a challenge monster is that you never know what kind of wacky contraption John Kirhoffer is going to come up with.
Williams: (Laughs) Seriously. I don’t think I had to do a puzzle that whole time and if a puzzle had come up  I would’ve been in trouble.

Holmes: Alright, let’s get to some word association. We’ll start with Denise.
Williams: (Long pause) You’d think with all of your interviews I’ve read I’d be ready for this.
Holmes: I’m just glad you didn’t prepare beforehand, that would defeat the purpose of this exercise.
Williams: Poker face.
Holmes: Malcolm?
Williams: Van Owen
Holmes: Lisa?
Williams: Timshel.
Holmes: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Williams: Timshel is from a book from the writer of “Of Mice and Men” and Malcolm’s goes along with the one Penner said about me. Van Owen decapitates the Thompson Gunner.
Holmes: Yikes. OK, Abi.
Williams: Fiery.
Holmes: Jeff Kent?
Williams: Brett Favre.
Holmes: Penner?
Williams: Werewolf in London.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Skupin.
Williams: He’s a good man.

Holmes: You had some celebrities in your midst. What was your reaction when you realized that you’d been playing with an NL MVP and a teen TV star?
Williams: Ninety nine percent of the world knows him as the National League MVP second baseman. I know Jeff as a hard-working Texas hick. (Laughs)  I love that me and Jeff got to know each other without the baseball thing. I’ve had so many people come up to me and be like, “Jeff Kent was my hero.” I really got to know the guy and like the guy away from that. It’s cool, it might’ve been different if I’d known that.
Holmes: Have you caught any “Facts of Life” since you’ve been back?
Williams: (Laughs) You know what’s weird? I’d seen Lisa before. I’d seen her face places. I remember getting there and I’m thinking, “I know this lady. I know her from somewhere.” But eventually it just slipped out of my mind. I think there may have been a bit of a generation gap.
Holmes: Yeah, if Zach Morris or A.C. Slater had been on that boat, someone your age might’ve had a better shot of recognizing them.
Williams: Yeah, I’d know those guys.

Holmes: You dropped the name Danni Boatwright earlier. Only a hardcore fan would do that. As I’m sure you know, they’ve been doing these family visits for a long time. I love my mom, but we go 30 days without seeing each other and it isn’t a big deal. What is it about seeing a loved one after 30 days that makes people lose it?
Williams: You go through so many ups and downs out there. I didn’t know what was going on with my family. You start dreaming about them, you start wondering. And 33 days out there feels like a whole year. Just to feel that comfort that a mom represents…to see her come running out there was one of the craziest feelings I’ve ever had. And you saw me, it caught me off guard. I wasn’t ready to get hit with that wave of emotion. Even when we read the letters from home on day fourteen, it killed me. It was this touch of home in this rough, harsh environment.

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

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Recap: Lisa Whelchel’s Wake-Up Call?

December 5, 2012

'Survivor: Philippines' (CBS)

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

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Last Week: Actually, the less we talk about last week the better. I miss me some Penner.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The Dangrayne Tribe (wearing black)

Abi-Maria – Business Student, 32
Carter – Track Coach, 24
Denise – Sex Therapist, 41
Lisa – Former ‘Facts of Life’ Star, 49
Malcolm – Bartender, 25
Michael – Professional Speaker, Author, and Coach, 50

Abi approaches Carter immediately after Tribal to get his thoughts on the new four-way alliance. True to form, he doesn’t seem that worried about it. Abi’s a bit freaked out because she thinks the others hate her because she’s too honest. Yes, that’s why they hate you.

Carter tries to put Abi’s mind at ease by reminding her that she has an immunity idol. Also, she’s married to Morgan Fairchild. (If you get that reference you are old. But it’s cool, cause I’m old too.)

Reward Challenge Time: Wait, already?

Anywho, it’s family visit time. Skup’s son Michael comes out first and nearly breaks his ankle. Wow, keep that kid away from the fire.

Carter’s mom is next. From what he tells me his whole family is super into fitness, so they’re my pick to win this shindig.

We then get to meet Denise’s husband Brad. She breaks down a bit…my eyes might be getting a little moist too.

Lisa’s little brother Justice comes out…and you thought you’d seen Lisa cry before! Wow, she loses it.It’s like a solid .9 on the Sugar Scale.

Also, the Whelchels make good-looking kids. Also again, I was kind of hoping for Mrs. Garrett.

Abi’s mom is next.  She doesn’t speak English, so she’s a bit confused with everything that’s going on. Hopefully Abi found time to explain to her that people don’t like her because she’s too honest.

Malcolm’s brother Miles is last and he’s a huge “Survivor” fan. It’s hilarious because Malcolm is super tan and Miles is beyond white. Although, in Miles’s defense this was shot in April.

For the challenge, the players will toss muddy bags to their loved ones. The loved ones will use the bag to try to knock down targets. First team to knock over all of their targets gets to have their loved one sleep over.

Not much to describe here except for muddy bag tossin’. It comes down to Team Malcolm, Team Skupin, and Team Carter with the Freberg Brothers picking up the victory.

Malcolm gets to pick two more people to have their family members tag along. He chooses Lisa and Skupin. Oy…if I ever go on “Survivor” I’m throwing the loved ones challenge. No way I’d want to make that decision.

Back at camp, Skup has his son climb a tree with a machete. It’s seriously a miracle that kid has made it this long. I’m sending the Skupins some bubble wrap for Christmas.

Lisa explains everything that has happened to her brother. She believes she could’ve played a great game, but she wasn’t as comfortable lying as she thought she would be. Justice floats the idea that they could blindside Malcolm if he trusts her. Shut up, Justice!

Actually, Justice has some solid strategy chops as he reminds Lisa that Malcolm didn’t lose it when she tried to get him out before. He thinks Malcolm will respect her if she blindsides him.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will race across a balance beam, then use a hook to retrieve three bags from the bottom of the ocean. Once they have all three bags they’ll swim to shore and use the contents of the bag to create a pole. Once their pole is long and strong enough, (grow up…) they’ll use it to poke a target. (Like in “Friends” when they had to poke Ugly Naked Guy). First one to poke their target wins immunity.

Carter’s the first to retrieve all three bags. Behind him is Skupin, Lisa, Malcolm, and Denise. Abi is going super slow. Probst lets her know about it…he’s not subtle.

Lisa’s the first to get a pole together, but it’s not strong enough to set off the target. Skup and Carter can’t get it done either. Finally, Malcolm gets some good poking done and wins immunity. In your face, Justice.

Lisa’s bummed that she won’t get to make her big move. But at least we got to see her do a Jeff Probst impersonation. It was decent.

At Dangrayne, Malcolm points out that he’s safe now and will be allowed to play his idol at next week’s Tribal. Final four, baby.

Lisa starts talking about how it’s the Lord’s will that Malcolm won immunity. However, Skupin’s more interested in a large ant on a tree.

Politicking around camp revolves around booting Carter because he’s a challenge threat or Abi because…well…you know.

Carter approaches Malcolm and Skupin as they debate the pros and cons. They fess up to what they were discussing and Carter makes the pitch that they keep him around in honor of competition. That’s beautiful…in theory. Either way, nice to see Carter playing.

Abi helps make Carter’s point by being a pain in the tush at dinner. She also lets them know that she intends to play her make-believe immunity idol.

Malcolm compares Abi to a soul-sucking Dementor from Harry Potter.  He’s prepared to Expecto Patronum her Brazilian posterior in the name of peace around camp. My money is on Malcolm’s patronus having beautiful wavy hair.

We’re getting off topic.

That night at Tribal Council, Malcolm says he trusts his final-four alliance but is still glad to have immunity.

Carter knows that he or Abi is going home. He again pushes to keep the strongest players around.

Skup thinks voting off Carter will be like voting off his own kid. But remember, he gave his kid a machete and had him shimmy up a tree, voting him off should be easy.

Abi again brings up her mystery idol. Denise points out that they’ve never seen it.

Denise thinks her relationship with Abi has improved, but Abi doesn’t deserve to go to the end and can’t win.

Voting Time: Carter votes for Abi, Abi votes for Carter, and the other four are lost to the magic of editing.

J-Pro gets his tally on. He asks if anyone would like to play an immunity idol…and Abi does not. You know, cause she doesn’t have one.

We’ve got one vote for Carter, one vote for Abi, two votes Carter, and the thirteenth person to leave “Survivor: Philippines” and the sixth member of the jury is…Carter.

Verdict: Not a shocking vote this week, but they can’t all be exciting. Nice to see Lisa prepared to finally make some moves.

As we head into the final stretch, it’s kind of cool to have a final five where I’d be fine with four of them winning. And to be honest, if Abi won it would still be impressive that she managed to pull it off after being hated for so long. Color me excited.

Who’s Going to Win: If Malcolm can win the final four immunity challenge, he’ll be a millionaire and my streak of making bad pre-season predictions will be over. All of my fingers are crossed.

Power Rankings Results: Kat and I both nailed it. We both had Carter in the sixth position. So, the current score as we head into the final round is Team Kat: 128, Team Awesome Thunder: 129.

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

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – Ozzy Lusth

December 5, 2012

2011 'Survivor' Hall of Fame Inductee Ozzy Lusth (CBS)

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

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012!

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Ozzy Lusth’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: Africa” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): Dear Ethan, Screw “Survivor”… You. Are. Hall of Fame. All eloquence aside, you’re just a rad dude. Aside from the whole winning “Survivor” thing without a single vote against you, starting an organization like Grassroot Soccer is a huge inspiration to me and those that strive to make the world a better place. Scientists have been searching for the Higgs-boson but you create it every day. You are a pillar; the stitching and the mortar that holds humanity together. Keep it up, brother.

Ami Cusack – (“Survivor: Vanuatu” and “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites”): Hey Ami, remember that time I got stung by a jellyfish and you peed on my face? Moments like that are why we play the game. You are a light in the void. You are a challenge and an inspiration. Walking in your sandy footsteps has been one of the highlights of my life. There needs to be a place in the Hall of Fame for the smiles, positivity, and fun that only Ami C. can provide. Love ya, sister.

James Clement – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): What’s the dill pickle? When I die, grind me up and plant a coconut tree on my soul; if you don’t dig that grave, I’ll haunt your ass. We all know “Survivor” isn’t about wanting it, It’s about doing it… And honestly, jungle loving with you has made “Survivor” land even more stellar than it already is. You’re one of the hardest working and nicest guys to play the game, and besides that, who doesn’t like a black Adonis? You’ll always be the man.

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

Check Out Our Other Executive Ballots…

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Philippines’ Power Rankings: Round Eleven

December 4, 2012

'Survivor: Philippines' (CBS)

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

The Rules: Each week Kat and Gordon will create separate Power Rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the two players will earn. For example, if Malcolm is voted out this week, Kat will receive 5 points and Gordon will receive 4 points. The person with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the ‘Survivor: Philippines’ Power Rankings champion!

Last Week: Kat’s still cutting down on what was once a monster lead. She had Penner in spot six while I had him in spot five. So, the current score is Team Kat: 122, Team Awesome Thunder: 123.

Set Your DVR to Record ‘Survivor: Philippines

Kat’s Current Score: 122

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

Gordon’s Current Score: 123

Any advice for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Michael: This could be a long shot but “Survivor: Philippines” is anyone’s game right now. And today, just because Skup’s got seven kids, I’m picking him for the win this week! I know, I know, I know… but what do you want from me? I have too many favorites! We have powerhouses playing in this game right now and it could go any which way. Skupin is a veteran, and since he’s the only one left he can definitely swing votes. For crying out loud, give it to the man! He’s playing a great game and I love how everyone has forgotten he can be a potential threat to this game.
  1. Denise: Sooo…the only thing standing between Denise and the money is her buddy Malcolm. She’s got to get rid of him, hopefully in a way that doesn’t kill her jury chances. Now, she can’t do it now because we’re at even numbers. But, he has an idol and I think final five is the last time he can use it. Even worse, Lisa is not cool with breaking her word and as she goes, so goes Skupin. So now the only shot to send him packing is at final four? The more I look at this, the more I think Malcolm is the champ.
 2. Denise: She’s just incredible and I love watching her. I don’t want to keep repeating myself because everyone knows I am a Denise fan, but I believe she has what it takes to make it to the final three. Naturally, this is really anyone’s game and depending on who wins immunity, decides who will stay and who will go home.
  2. Lisa: Oh Lisa… I love you. Jo and Tootie should be very proud of you. You’re a fantastic person, but this game clearly is not for you. Everyone who signed up to participate in this fiasco knew they were going to be lied to at some point. Don’t get me wrong, honesty can work in your favor, but the wishy-washy crying probably isn’t earning you any brownie points.
 3. Lisa: Lisa would be final-three gold! She will be clueless to how she got there and it’s going to be an outer-body experience for her. But, that is what happens when you’re final-three gold. The family visit is coming up and I am so excited to see her interact with her family because you can tell she needs a hug from a loved one to keep her sanity in this game.  3. Michael: Nobody was more psyched than I was when it was announced that Skupin was coming back. He’s been a ton of fun to watch and he’s destined for at least the final four. Sadly, the end story for “Survivor: Philippines” won’t be a phoenix rising from the ashes with a million-dollar check In his beak. There are just a few too many broken alliances in his wake for that to happen at this point. Unless…what if he can get Denise to be the main reason Malcolm’s torch meets the business end of a snuffer…?

  4. Abi-Maria:  Give it up to this girl!!! Yes, it’s happened; I’m an Abi fan! How did this happen you might ask? Did you see last week’s episode? This girl #TurnedUp the heat! She played the game and won immunity fair and square and I have nothing but respect for her. I think she has burned too many bridges to ever win the title sole survivor, however I tip my hat to those who give it all they have. When I played I was too delusional to understand the nature of the game, my social game was on point but I didn’t know when to pull back. So, I am happy to see Abi make such a comeback. Did you see how she made up a second clue during the challenge in case she needed to create chaos back at camp? Priceless #Villain
  4. Malcolm: Penner thinks Lisa and Skup’s decision to send him packing was like writing a million-dollar check for Malcolm or Denise. I think he’s right. And between the two of them, Malcolm’s the obvious choice. Booting Malcolm has become a necessity. First, he probably won Abi’s vote last week, which could earn him Pete and Artis’s votes. He’s a Matsing survivor, and he’s a challenge threat. If they don’t stop him soon, they won’t stop him.

  5. Malcolm: With Malcolm’s idol and his dynamic duo still going strong he definitely still has what it takes to make it to the final three. However, did you see the previews? I’m nervous his brother might make a mess of things. Malcolm needs to fly under the radar while everyone still believes Abi and Carter are the biggest targets.  5. Abi-Maria: Umm…I’m starting to kind of like Abi again… My least favorite thing in “Survivor” is when somebody’s number is clearly up and they don’t try to do anything about it. Nobody can accuse Abi of this. Her auction move kept her safe last week and might keep her safe this week. Of course, Penner said that he didn’t think anyone believed her about the idol clue, but she might’ve planted enough doubt that they might split the vote or target Carter first.
 6. Carter:Carter DOMINATES in challenges! Total disadvantage to the norms on the rest of his previous tribes. The man teaches crossfit in case you didn’t know.  He’s a beast! Anywho, without an idol Carter would be the next obvious choice. It would be dumb to take out Abi now when you know Carter’s a bigger threat and he’s not in the final-four alliance, so he is playing this game alone and he’s in it to win it. The only problem is he has a 1-in-6 chance to win immunity or he’s going home.   6. Carter: Carter has one path to victory, and it involves a Lusth-esque challenge run. Is it possible? Of course. Carter clearly has Lusthian skills. Is it probable? Doubtful. You just never know when challenge producer (and foosball superstar) John Kirhoffer is going to make you do something weird like stack tiles or balance balls on a platter. So, when the immunity wins come to an end, so too will Carter’s time on this show.

 

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano

November 30, 2012

2010 'Survivor' Hall of Fame Inductee 'Boston' Rob Mariano (CBS)

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

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Rob Mariano’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): One of the toughest chicks to ever play the game. Determined and a fierce competitor. I love Stephenie’s style, attitude, and approach to “Survivor.”

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Back-to-back seasons getting to the end can’t be overlooked. Amanda is a great strategic, social,l and physical player.  Her approach to the game is subtle yet very effective for her. She knows who she is, what her strengths are, and how to implement them to get her deep and give herself a shot.

Amber Mariano – (“Survivor: The Australian Outback” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): A lot of people often overlook Amber’s win in “Survivor: All-Stars” but she was right there with me the entire way making decisions about strategy and physically she came up huge winning an individual immunity when we needed it most at the final five. Socially she knew enough to let me take the bullets so that she would get the votes in the end… Okay, let’s be honest here, the fact that she has been an amazing wife for the past seven and a half years, and an incredible mother to our three beautiful daughters may have influenced my vote a little. But whatever, it’s my vote right?!

I gotta throw out an honorable mention to Rudy Boesch. I said it last time and I’ll say it again; Rudy is iconic to “Survivor” with his one liners and demeanor that originally brought the humor to the show for a lot of us. I honestly believe we should have a special place in the Hall of Fame reserved just for him!

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2012 Ballot – Parvati Shallow

November 29, 2012

2010 'Survivor' Hall of Fame Inductee Parvati Shallow (CBS)

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

Note: Polls closed November 30, 2012 at 5 pm ET. Be sure to come back Monday, December 10, 2012 to meet the first member of the Class of 2012.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Parvati Shallow’s 2012 Hall of Fame Ballot

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians”): My partner in crime in “Survivor: Micronesia.” Amanda is smart, knows how to work the social angle, and is a challenge dominator. Although she didn’t win, the girl made it to back-to-back finals in China and Micronesia and went on to give me a run for my money in “Heroes vs. Villains.” She deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Jerri Manthey – (“Survivor: The Australian Outback,” “Survivor: All-Stars,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians”): The original black widow, Jerri became notorious as the bad girl of “Survivor” after Australia aired. She was also one of the few returning contestants to adapt her gameplay. In “Heroes vs. Villians”, she played a cool-headed game, excelled at challenges, and stayed true to her alliance.

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: Africa” and “Survivor: All-Stars”): He’s probably the only guy to ever win “Survivor” by playing nice. Since winning Africa he’s devoted his life to developing his charity, Grassroot Soccer and is a Hall of Famer in my book.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Jonathan Penner: ‘I Made a Game-Changing Mistake’

November 29, 2012

Jonathan Penner (CBS)

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where someone’s game goes wrong. In Jonathan Penner’s case it’s pretty easy. One second he’s deciding against officially aligning with Skupin and Lisa, the next they’re sending him to the jury.

I spoke to Jonathan the morning after his elimination and had a chance to learn about what he was thinking when he turned down what seemed like a sure trip to the final four, why nobody tried to outbid Abi at the auction, and how his time in the Philippines will affect his “Survivor” legacy.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Philippines”

Gordon Holmes: I’m sure you’re going to hear this a lot today, but it seems like the moment that cost you the game was when you chose not to align with Michael and Lisa. If you’d made that move, do you think that alliance would have stuck together?
Jonathan Penner: Mm…yeah, I guess I do. But, I certainly don’t trust Malcolm and Denise to not do everything in their power to stay in the game. I mean, Malcolm at this point does have an idol. Obviously the mistake I made was not being prepared to lie to Lisa and say I was prepared to commit to her and Skupin. I’d never lied to her, or either of them and I wasn’t prepared to lie to them…yet. They showed a little of this where I said, “I think the six of us can have a good time playing at a final six level,” and I honestly wasn’t thinking that Skupin or Lisa had any reason to stop working with me. I didn’t know that they needed my word. It made sense at the time, but they had other people waiting in the woods. But, I don’t know why they didn’t say, “Let’s take out Carter.”  I guess because they saw me as a big enough threat. I’m still not sure why.
Holmes: Well, with all of these exit interviews, I think across the board everyone was impressed with how you played the game and managed to stay alive with a target on your back. So, it wasn’t a shock to me that they went with you over Carter.

Holmes: I was trying to figure out what was behind your decision not to align with Skup and Lisa and I thought maybe you were trying to find a way to get to the end with Abi.
Penner: No. If Abi gets to the end it’d take fantastic play on her part and she’d really deserve the win.
Holmes: I just picture her snapping and cursing out the jury over some perceived slight.
Penner:  There’s a huge argument to be made if Abi makes it to the end that she’d be the player of the game.

Holmes: Last night you said that Skup and Lisa couldn’t beat Malcolm and Denise. Did you mean that or was that strategy?
Penner: Well, I did mean it. The lie that I did tell them was that I thought they might have a chance of beating me. I don’t think they could beat me. My way of thinking was, “You guys have screwed yourself with the jury.  You can get to the end, but who the hell is going to vote for you?” They never thought about that. I told them straight to their faces that I didn’t think they could win and they get to make the choice of who does. As I walked out I said, “You have just given a million dollars to an unemployed bartender or a sex therapist. I hope that’s what you wanted to do.” Now, obviously it might play out differently, but that’s what I believed. And I was cross with them for not giving me the million dollars. But that’s the choice they made based on me not making a commitment to them.

Holmes: Before the auction, was there any talk of someone holding back their money to outbid Abi for the advantage?
Penner: I’ve heard that there’s usually an advantage. In “One World” there was an identical advantage, but we were on the island when that was on the air. I never saw that.

Holmes: Just to rewind a little bit, you voted for Abi in the vote that sent Jeff Kent home. If you’d voted for Pete, it would have forced a tie. What was your reasoning behind that vote?
Penner: A couple of reasons; I was playing for the jury. I knew that I was walking home with either Jeff or Pete. This way I could walk home with them and say, “I didn’t vote for you.” And then look at someone on the jury and say, “I didn’t vote for you.” Both would have been true. I was happy to stir the pot with Abi. I was supposed to be in a short-term alliance with them because I thought I was going home until that day. I was willing to work with anybody. When Abi and Pete said, “Let’s get rid of Jeff” I thought I’d do that if it keeps me alive. I didn’t want to vote for Jeff. Also, I thought Skupin was with us, so I thought we had the votes to get Pete and my vote would be extraneous. Unfortunately, Skupin did not vote the way he’d indicated that he was going to vote.

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Carter…
Penner: A headless Thompson gunner.
Holmes: Abi?
Penner: Marie Gomes.
Holmes: Skupin?
Penner: Ice Cream.
Holmes: Malcolm?
Penner: McDowell.
Holmes: Denise?
Penner: Denies.
Holmes: And Lisa?
Penner: Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam!
Holmes: You’re killing me, Penner.

Holmes: As a returning player, you have to come in with different expectations. You hope your stock rises. On one hand you have “Boston” Rob Mariano who barely makes it to “All-Stars” then turns that into an impressive run. On the other, you’re Russell Swan who just had a disastrous turn this season. How do you think this season will impact your legacy?
Penner: Well…I hope it’s good. I can’t really say I think much about my legacy. How does it affect my legacy? I played a good game, I played a much better game than I had played before. I played a lot nicer. People aren’t coming out saying I’m an (expletive deleted). (Laughing) Not that I’m concerned about that. It’s hard making a mistake and knowing that ten million people are seeing it to. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. With the cold light of a TV blaring, it’s clear that it wasn’t the right thing to do. But, my legacy? What do you think?
Holmes:  I think people have short memories when it comes to “Survivor.” I think there were people who saw you as more of a personality than a player. I think this was a great reminder for them. I think there are people who were brought to the show during the Hantz era who might not even know who you are. I think this season was a great introduction to them of what you’re capable of in the game. Your neck was on the line since day one and they couldn’t kill you.
Penner: Well thanks, I love to play it. I did things that I’d dreamed of doing. I won individual immunity, I found an idol, I played it correctly. I talked my way out of some jams, I solved some cool puzzles. And, I laughed my ass off a lot of the time, we really had fun out there.  I have no regrets other than that I made a game-changing mistake. I can’t tell you what would have happened. Could I have won? I think I would have had a very good chance against any of the final six.

Holmes: During the launch on day one, you swam quite a distance and managed to coax a chicken off of the boat. Were you bummed out that that didn’t make the episode?
Penner: Yeah it bummed me out! I worked my ass off to get that chicken!

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

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