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‘Survivor: One World’ Castaway Interview – Michael Jefferson

April 5, 2012
Michael Jefferson (CBS)

Michael Jefferson (CBS)

Here’s a quick tip for anyone appearing on “Survivor.” If you’re being interviewed, and they ask if you if you think you’ll be blindsided, just say “Yes.” That way, they won’t have a hilarious clip to play before your alliance turns on you.

It’s too bad I didn’t get a chance to give Michael Jefferson that tip before he started playing “Survivor: One World.”

I spoke with Michael the morning after he was eliminated and got his thoughts on last night’s shocking vote, Tarzan’s grooming habits, and the great pick-axe heist…

Gordon Holmes: So, still think blindsides are fun?
Michael Jefferson: (Laughs) You know, honestly going into “Survivor” I didn’t want to fight for my life if I knew I was going home, so blindsides are great. It lets you go out with some honor.
Holmes: Did Jay tip you off at all, or was he completely working you?
Jefferson: I thought we had an alliance and we were talking the whole time. He wanted to keep the new Salani tribe together.
Holmes: And your plan was to boot Christina and even up the guy/girl numbers.
Jefferson: We were trying to be fair to the girls. We voted out Jonas, and then we should vote out a girl. You know, going into “Survivor,” I knew that women tend to stick together better than men.
Holmes: So let me get this straight, people don’t play fair on “Survivor”?
Jefferson: (Laughs) Yeah, we were trying to be fair. If we were adamant about voting a girl off every time, they might get suspicious.

Holmes: Kim told Troyzan that you were gunning for him, and he completely bought it. Did you have any indication that she’d managed to get to him?
Jefferson: I knew from the get-go that Troy and I didn’t get along. We didn’t talk much, we didn’t talk strategy with each other. I feel like he was threatened by me the entire game. So, last night’s episode, he was going crazy when Kim told him that I wanted him gone. He was irate. He fell for it. He fell for the trap.

Holmes: It was kind of odd to me that a big, strong guy like yourself was playing what appeared to be an under-the-radar game. What moves and strategies didn’t we get to see?
Jefferson: Out of the gates, we had Jay, Matt, and myself and we were calling the shots. My goal was to put one person ahead of me, and that person was Matt. Unfortunately, and I love Matt, but if he wanted to be the leader, I was going to let him be the leader. But he left the game so quickly that it didn’t work in my favor. I wanted to lay low a little bit after Matt was gone.

Holmes: Now that the woman have the numbers, do you regret not doing more to keep Bill and Jonas?
Jefferson: Jonas was a guy I didn’t talk with at all. He didn’t associate with me because his tribe would think he was going against them. So, Jonas and I never really talked during the game.

Holmes Were you ever Tarzan’d? And if so, what is that experience like?
Jefferson: As far as Tarzan goes, I never really put up with his little antics and games. He would ramble on. It took him two days to make a comb. He’d do all of these things that didn’t make sense. He was just kind of dead weight. So, I never really got Tarzan’d.
Holmes: I’m sorry, Tarzan took two days to make a comb?
Jefferson: He made it out of bamboo. They showed him chewing on it last night. He really wanted that comb.
Holmes: I find it odd that someone who’s so concerned with their grooming would be at the center of this dirty underwear controversy.
Jefferson: He is a very clean guy. He’s a doctor, he’s probably one of the smartest guys I’ve ever met. He just doesn’t really have people skills.
Holmes: So you think it was dirt?
Jefferson: (Laughs) I don’t think it was dirt.

Holmes: And on that note, let’s do some word association. Let’s kick this off with Kim.
Jefferson: Dominant, powerful.
Holmes: Troyzan?
Jefferson: Loony, afraid.
Holmes: Jay?
Jefferson: Sincere, but lost.
Holmes: Leif?
Jefferson: (Laughs) I don’t know…wily.
Holmes: Chelsea?
Jefferson: She likes to ride coattails.
Holmes: Christina?
Jefferson: Maybe…smart, but lazy.
Holmes: Sabrina?
Jefferson: Strong and sweet.
Holmes: Tarzan?
Jefferson: I’m going to say he’s intelligent, but goofy.
Holmes: Kat?
Jefferson: Innocent, cheerful.
Holmes: Alicia?
Jefferson: She’s a fireball.

Holmes: Jeff Probst and I had a chat about your thieving ways. We both agreed, which is rare, that it seemed like a high-risk/low-reward move. What was going through your mind when you decided to liberate all of the girls’ stuff?
Jefferson: When I saw the girls’ pile, I don’t know what came over me. Just because you make a pile doesn’t make it yours. So, I ran back and forth a few times grabbing everything. And it was amazing to me that not one person saw me. Not one guy or one girl. I told Jonas, but I think he was caught up in the moment and didn’t remember what I said.
Holmes: So, you telling Jonas never came back to bite you? Nobody even knew you were responsible?
Jefferson: Nobody ever did. And I didn’t bring it up because I knew it could send me home.
Holmes: You’re like a “Survivor” ninja.
Jefferson: And I’m like 6’5” stealing all their stuff!

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

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‘Survivor: One World’ Recap – Kimpressive Strategy

April 4, 2012

'Survivor: One World' (CBS)

Last Week: Sabrina dug in the sand until she was pooped, Troyzan found one immunity and won number two, and Jonas’s chances of winning were dropped in the dump.

Oh…and Chelsea grew sick of Tarzan’s crap.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s see where the tribe currently stands…

The Tikiano Tribe (wearing black)
Alicia –  25, Special Ed Teacher
Chelsea – 26, Medical Sales
Christina – 29, Career Consultant
Kat – 22, Timeshare Rep
Kim – 29, Bridal Shop Owner
Jay – 25, Model
Leif – 27, Phlebotomist
Michael – 30, Banker
Sabrina – 33, High School Teacher
Tarzan – 64, Plastic Surgeon
Troyzan – 50, Swimsuit Photographer

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: One World”

The episode kicks off with Troyzan and Jay talking strategy. Troyzan feels bad that they had to boot Jonas, but he ended up on the wrong side of the tribe swap. They’re both very concerned that the girls could align and send the them packing.

Anyone remember when the women couldn’t start a fire? Funny game this “Survivor.”

Tree mail arrives in the form of a 7Up bottle. Oh…so that’s why we’ve been having 7Up “Survivor” Original commercials.

Reward Challenge: The players will be split into two teams of five. One by one they’ll slide down a ginormous slide, run out into the ocean, and retrieve puzzle crates. Once the tribe has all seven of their crates, they’ll use them to complete a puzzle. First tribe to finish their puzzle will be taken to a barbecue at the “7Up Oasis.” They’ll enjoy burgers, steak, and all the cool, crisp, refreshing 7Up they can drink.

A pick-em decides the teams. The green team will consist of Jay, Troyzan, Alicia, Kat, and Chelsea while the yellow team will be Michael, Kim, Christina, Sabrina, and Leif.

Tarzan was not picked. I wouldn’t want him touching my 7Up either.

The challenge starts off and the lime team jumps out to a slight lead. They manage to maintain that lead throughout the crate-gathering portion.

As the lemon team is bringing their final crate back, Christina runs off to take a look at the puzzle. Leif does not approve of this strategy.

Troyzan comes up with the clever strategy of standing on one of the crates so he can get a top-down view of the puzzle. However, the lemon team replicates this strategy and manages to come from behind to win reward.

In a hilarious moment, Leif starts screaming “Barbecue!” like he was an otter puppet in a Christmas special. I’m pretty sure nobody will get that joke.

Later on at the Oasis, the lemon team is having a blast drinking the delicious nectar of the gods known as 7Up.

When they’re done basking in the lemon-lime glow of America’s favorite clear, carbonated beverage, Sabrina and Kim take a minute to discuss strategy. Kim wants to bring the band back together in an all-girl alliance.

Quick Aside: The overhead shots of the camps are beautiful. Good job, “Survivor” production.

The next day, some harsh Samoan weather wreaks havoc on the shelter. As if that wasn’t bad enough, apparently Tarzan is ripping down parts of the shelter to use for firewood. Well, that’s certainly a new one.

Tarzan thinks Chelsea is starting to become annoyed with him. In other news, the sky is blue, sugar is sweet, water is wet…

Tarzan takes Chelsea aside and asks if she’s negative toward him because he’s a plastic surgeon and she might be angry with her own plastic surgeon. So good.

Despite this ridiculous line of thinking, Chelsea shows she’s a gamer by saying that as annoying as Tarzan is, he isn’t a threat and should be kept around.

Later, Kim plants a Kimberly seed in Troyzan’s head by telling him that Michael is gunning for him. Troyzan, of course, goes for it hook, line, and sinker.

Kim, Chelsea, and Sabrina in the final three? Sounds about right.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will race across a ladder bridge while moving puzzle pieces along a rope. The first four to get across the bridge will move on to the puzzle stage. First person to complete the puzzle wins immunity.

Not much to describe in the ladder portion except for eleven people hunched over, pushing bags of puzzle pieces. Jay, Kim, Troyzan, and Alicia advance.

Alicia and Kim jump out to a decent puzzle lead, with Troyzan slightly behind them and Jay way in the back. Kim thinks she almost has it, but is one piece off. Alicia suffers a similar fate. Jay roars back from behind and manages to win the challenge and immunity.

Politicking around camp centers around Jay wanting to boot Christina to even up the guy/girl numbers and Kim still trying to get rid of Mike.

Chelsea approaches Jay with Kim’s plans. He’s not into it because he’s worried that he’ll be next. Chelsea slips up when she says that isn’t “necessarily” true. Jay jumps all over that unfortunate phrasing. He’s like a lawyer.

Jay and Mike hustle off to talk a little strategy. Before they have a chance to figure out what’s really going on, Kim chases after them and pitches the idea of getting rid of Christina. Mike’s cool with blindsiding Christina because he thinks blindsides are fun. Yeah, Lincoln probably thought plays were fun too.

That night at Tribal Council, Jeff asks everyone if they’re worried about going home. None of them are.

Chelsea says you should be aligned with several groups to keep your options open. I’m sure her alliance members loved hearing that.

Alicia isn’t sure who’s on whose side.

Tarzan thinks people are worried about revealing too much at Tribal Council, so Jeff can be counted amongst the people being lied to.

Kat coins the term “Tarzan” to mean a “rantic.” I’m thinking that’s a cross between a rant and an antic? Anywho, if you’re the victim of one, then you’ve been Tarzan’d.

Voting Time: None of the votes are shown.

J-Probst leaves, gathers the votes, takes a nap, tallies them, then returns. Two votes for Christina, two votes for Tarzan, four votes for Mike, and the eighth person to leave “Survivor: One World” is…Mike.

Verdict: Alright, I think I’ve figured out my big problem with this season; it seems like everyone has adopted Sandra Diaz-Twine’s “Anyone But Me” strategy. And with everybody doing that, it allows the Coltons and Kims of the game to basically do whatever they want. Somebody make some counter moves!

That, and there’s nobody to really root for. Who do you like? I’m sure they’re nice enough people, but nobody’s inspiring me.

Who’s Going to Win: Like I said, I think we’re heading to a Kim, Chelsea, Sabrina final three with Chelsea taking home the big check.

Power Rankings Update: Another week, another beating for the male team. Power Rankings legend Andrea Boehlke had Mike in spot nine, while John Cochran had him in spot seven. The current score is now Team Salani 65, Team Manono 42.

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


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‘Survivor: One World’ Power Rankings – Andrea Boehlke vs. John Cochran

April 4, 2012

Andrea Boehlke vs. John Cochran (CBS)

In honor of “Survivor: One World’s” men vs. women theme, it has been decided that XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” guy Gordon Holmes should lead a team of “Survivor: South Pacific” guys against a team of “Survivor: South Pacific” gals.

The Rules: Each week a representative from each team 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 Troyzan is voted out this week, Andrea’s team will receive 5 points and Cochran’s will receive 10 points. At the end of the season, the team with the most points will be named the “Survivor: One World” Power Rankings Challenge Champions.

Last Week: Oh boy. Last week’s vote could have gone a variety of different ways. Unfortunately for Manono, it ended up with Jim Rice’s number one pick, Jonas, being sent home. Dawn Meehan had Jonas in spot ten.  The current score is now Team Salani 56, Team Manono 35.

Quick Note: I’m well aware that Andrea Boehlke wasn’t a member of the “Survivor: South Pacific” cast. However, with the violent beating the guys have been receiving at the hands of Dawn, Sophie, and Christine, I thought it’d be nice to have a reminder of a time when the Power Rankings didn’t cause me emotional pain.

Wanna Play? Tag Gordon (@gordonholmes) in your own Twitter Power Rankings. If you do better than the male team  you’ll get a special shout out in next week’s Power Rankings.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: One World”

 

Current Score: 56

Got any advice for Andrea? Drop her a line on Twitter.

 

Current Score: 35

Got any advice for Cochran? Drop him a line on Twitter.

 
1. Two words: GIRL. POWER. I like “Survivor One World” because I’m a raging feminist and I love seeing chicks in control. Okay I’m not a raging feminist, but I like that the girls have the power. Sue me. Kim is really proving herself as a savvy player and seems to be in a great spot in this game. She also has an idol…go Kim! 1. Kim’s edit is frustratingly perfect. She always has a serene smile on her face and a zen look of determination in her eyes. She gives flawlessly diplomatic answers at Tribal Council, effortlessly finds a hidden immunity idol, and creates two viable alliances that leave her options open. All this, and she still finds time to luxuriate, sprawled across the fishing boat. Kim’s not going anywhere — in fact, I think she’ll win.
2. Chelsea is totally Kim’s hot wing woman, but with a mind of her own. (Editor’s Note: Mmm…hot wings.) I love the Chelsea-Kim duo; I think they complement each other nicely. The girls have the numbers on their side; they just have to watch out for Troyzan’s idol possibly shaking things up in the next few weeks. 2. Kim’s right-hand woman. As long as Kim is still in charge of things — and she is — Chelsea is safe.
3. Wait. Another strong, smart female castaway? Can I get a what-what? Alright! I honestly see these girls sticking together and I’m okay with that. Also, Sabrina is my sister’s name, so that is an extra 50 points in my book. 3. Sabrina was hugely visible in the first few episodes of the season, but she’s kind of faded into the background recently. Still, she’s level-headed, smart, and in a majority alliance. Safe!
4. I think it comes as no surprise that I adore Kitty Kat. Kat likes me (check out her pre-interviews) and therefore I like her and predict she will get 5th place like me and we will be best friends forever. Gordon, you can be invited to the wedding. Cochran, you can come too. 4. I’m still smitten with Kat-the-Kitten. After a rocky start in the game, Kat proved herself to be capable in last week’s challenges; I wouldn’t be surprised to see her win a few immunities before the game ends. She doesn’t seem to be a part of the inner core of the women’s alliance, but she was a member of Nu-Salani, and so she is presumably closer to the core than the next two women are.
5. I love Troyzan. His love for the game of “Survivor” is so apparent, and I was stoked that he found an idol last week. He is clearly strong in challenges and likeable, he just has to find a way to make things happen within the dynamics of the game. Dear men, don’t get Pagonged/Ometeped/Upolued! 5. Anyone else warming up to Alicia again now that Colton’s gone? Alicia’s promised that the backstabbing is going to begin sooner rather than later. There’s no need for Alicia to get too aggressive anytime soon, though–she’s been reunited with her women’s alliance, which now controls a majority of the votes in Tikiano.
6. Although her buddy Colton is gone and took his immunity necklace as a souvenir, she still has her homegirls of the original Salani so I’m thinking she is safe. Alicia is a bit of a wildcard for me; she seems like the girl most likely to stir things up so I’m excited to see some Alicia strategy brewing in the next few weeks. 6. This will be a pivotal episode for Christina. Does she stick with the women, where she’s apparently at the bottom of the totem pole (kind of like Edna or, arguably, me, last season)? Or should she flip over to the guys, where she also risks being number six? The men aren’t solid, though (as evidenced by last week’s vote) — the cracks could give Christina the Cockroach some much-needed leverage in this game.
7. Jay “no coffee for you” Byars seems to be more chummy with the girls than some of the other dudes, but sooner or later he is bound to be targeted for being a challenge threat. Jay is also not bad on the eyes, so maybe (hopefully) the girls will keep him around. For my sake. 7. Michael seems like the man most on the outs of the old Manono tribe. He doesn’t have any allegiance to his old tribemates. I could see him agreeing to vote with the women (not that they need him) just to secure another few days in the game, which can be invaluable.
8. Christina is hard to place. She wasn’t a part of the original girl alliance and Alicia seems to have some vendetta against her. Hopefully she can weasel her way into some solid alliance, because I’m a definite fan of hers! 8. While I’m sure there’s a big part of the women’s alliance that would like to get rid of Tarzan for being such an abrasive, unpredictable guy, he simply isn’t a threat at this point in the game. In actuality, he’s the perfect sort of guy to bring to the end. Also, please note that I resisted making any sort of “poopy pants” jokes about him.
9. Right before Jonas left the island, he quipped to the tribe that Michael is the strongest guy and SHOULD be the one going home. Did this perhaps put a bug in some ears? Only time will tell. 9. As the only person who didn’t vote for Jonas last week, Leif could be in danger. And yet, I don’t think he’s most in danger because he seems so easily-intimidated; the majority alliance could pressure him into anything.
10. I have a question. In last week’s reward challenge, WHY would you have Leif dig the first hole? Does this make any sense? I’m baffled. Although I don’t think Leif will be targeted for being a challenge threat, he is not one of those people you want to be sitting in the final 3 with. Unfortunately Leif is just on the wrong side of the numbers. 10. The promos for this week’s episode promise that a power player will shockingly be taken out. Outside of Kim, Troyzan is the only guy who could really be considered a power player. He has the idol, won individual immunity and reward, and has bonds with the old members of both Manono and Salani. If the promos aren’t being too misleading, then, I could see Troyzan being taken out — possibly in a rather humiliating fashion, with the idol still in his hands.
11. Don’t even get me started on Tarzan’s underwear. The more he defended “THE STAIN” the more I started to feel queasy. Tarzan doesn’t really have an alliance so I don’t know how much longer people are going to humor him. I actually really enjoy watching Tarzan—I find him endearing and unintentionally hilarious. 11. The promos are known to be misleading, though, so I expect Jay to go. He could be considered a “power player,” as he’s a member of the Nu-Salani alliance, and he’s the sort of amiable, buff guy that frequently turns out to be an early merge boot. It’s a toss-up between Jay and Troyzan, but I think Troy has a little bit more story left in him. If Jay goes, though, I fear the rest of the season will just be the women predictably eliminating the men. As someone on a season with a Pagonging, I know that isn’t exactly a recipe for riveting television.

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‘Survivor: Redemption Island’ Recap: Moon Over Ometepe

March 16, 2011

Last Week: Ralph almost let the cat (er…immunity idol) out of the bag, Phillip’s pink panties and power play annoyed Boston Rob, and Kristina was sent on an all expenses-paid trip to Redemption Island. [Watch last week’s episode here.]

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Ometepe Tribe (wearing orange)

Andrea – 21, Student
Ashley – 25, Nurse
Grant – 29, Yoga Instructor
Natalie – 19, Dancer
Phillip – 52, Technology Executive
Rob – 35, “Survivor” Hall of Famer

The Zapatera Tribe (wearing purple)

David – 31, Defense Attorney
Julie – 50, Firefighter
Krista – 25, Pharmaceutical Rep
Mike – 31, Former Marine
Ralph – 45, Farmer
Sarita – 36, Visual Effects Producer
Stephanie – 26, Waitress
Steve – 51, Former NFL Player

Currently Residing on Redemption Island (wearing sadness)

Matt – 22, Pre-Med Student
Kristina – 46, Law Student

We kick things off with the Ometepians returning from Tribal Council.  Phillip asks Boston Rob to scoot over in the hut as they all cuddle up to go to sleep. Boston Rob is OK with this suggestion as long as Phillip has his underwear on. Phillip assures Rob that they are on, but that wouldn’t stop him.

…
…

Sorry, I had to go wash my brain out with soap.

The following morning, Rob is upset because he had to sleep with Phillip’s knee in his back. Well, he hopes it was his knee.

Rob realizes that everyone hates Phillip and that might be a reason to keep him around. Ahh…the old NaOnka strategy.

Over at Zapatera, Steve lets us know that his six-person alliance is super strong, but that he’d like to bring Krista and Stephanie on board. Not sure about that strategy, I can’t imagine either one of them wanting to be the seventh or eighth person on the totem pole heading into a merge. I’d assume they’d want to join Boston Rob’s Mouseketeers.

Invites for Redemption Island go out to both tribes. Zapatera sends Stephanie and Krista, while Ometepe sends Boston Rob and Grant. Apparently Stephanie wants to get word to Boston Rob that they’re ready to jump ship. Hey, I was right for once.

Watch Full Episodes:
‘Survivor’ ‘The Bachelor’ ‘Top Chef’ ‘Minute to Win It’




Redemption Island Challenge: The players will race to collect Tetris-esque puzzle pieces. The first person to fit those pieces into a cube gets to stay on Redemption Island.

Matt gets his pieces to the podium first, Kristina is right behind him. During the puzzle portion, Matt asks Rob why he voted him out. Rob responds that it takes more than one person to vote someone out.

Asking questions during a challenge? Focus, Daniel-san.

Anywho, it didn’t matter. Matt was able to complete the puzzle first and send Kristina on her merry way.

Matt says he’d love to get back to Ometepe. Krista and Stephanie let Rob know that they’d like to jump to Ometepe too. Rob isn’t sure if he believes them. If only he had a former federal agent who could read minds for him.

Afterward, J-Pro tells Kristina that she has to burn her buff. She doesn’t want to, but is told she has to. She must know what those things go for on eBay.

Back at Ometepe beach, Andrea is frustrated that Natalie and Ashley don’t do much around camp. She’d rather vote out those two before Phillip. Then we’re treated to footage of the girls showering. That’s how you compete with “American Idol,” shower footage.

Phillip pitches Andrea the idea of teaming up with her if Matt can make it back into the game.

Speaking of which, Rob and Grant return from their stay on Redemption Island. Rob jokes with the tribe, originally saying Kristina won. Seriously, I bet that was a test to see how Andrea would react.

On the way back to Zapatera, Steph fills Krista in on her plan. She thinks their best bet is to keep winning challenges and then to join up with Rob after the merge. Makes sense, but any strategy that relies on winning challenges is troublesome. What if the challenge is Red Sox trivia or lie detecting?

Immunity Challenge Time: One person from each team will be a caller, the others will be blindfolded. The caller will have to lead the blindfolded members through a maze to collect bags of puzzle pieces. Once all four bags have been retrieved, the caller will use the pieces to solve a word puzzle. First tribe to unscramble the words wins immunity, coffee, and pastries.

Steve and Julie will sit out for Zapatera.

Stephanie will be the caller for Zapatera. Krista thinks she’ll be good at it because she’s so bossy. David is concerned because he thinks he’s better at puzzles.

Boston Rob is going to be the caller from Ometepe.

Not much to explain here. The highlight is easily Ralph freaking out when Stephanie is busy leading other people and then not knowing his left from his right when she starts telling him where to go.

Ometepe gets all of their bags first, but Boston Rob accidentally loses one of the pieces. Stephanie manages to take the lead by opening the bags faster than Rob. Rob eventually finds his lost piece and it looks like the two are pretty even.

During all of this, the Zapaterans are realizing that they should have let David do the puzzle.

Rob completes the puzzle first, winning immunity and goodies for his tribe.

Back at Ometepe, the tribe is enjoying their donuts. Phillip says he’ll trade half of a donut for a massage. For some reason nobody takes him up on it.

Grant and Rob find an immunity idol clue in the coffee. Rob swaps the clue with his original clue so Grant won’t know there ever was a first clue. Yeah, Rob’s on a different level than the rest of Ometepe right now.

Meanwhile, the Zapatera Six are discussing the afternoon’s challenge. Sarita defends picking Stephanie to be the caller because she doesn’t think David does well under pressure. David takes this the wrong way and throws a minor fit. David decides that he will be doing puzzles from now on. However, Sarita is still allowed to play with Lincoln Logs and Chutes and Ladders.

Politicking around the camp comes down to Krista vs. Stephanie. Although, Sarita lets us know that she wouldn’t mind if David goes home because she doesn’t trust lawyers. Well, you can’t argue with that logic.

Stephanie would like to see Steve go home because he doesn’t help around camp and he isn’t an athlete. Wait, NFL Steve isn’t an athlete?

That night at Tribal Council, Krista compares Zapatera to a Brady Bunch camping trip where they aren’t talking about strategy and have brought two step children along. Does that make Probst Alice?

Mike thinks the Zapatera Six have been playing the game, but Krista hasn’t been reaching out to any of them.

Krista then says the sub-alliances within the Brady Bunch are Steve and Mike, Julie and Steve, Sarita and Ralph, and the youngest one in curls.

Stephanie doesn’t think she should be booted over one challenge as she’s given her all in other challenges.

Voting Time: No votes are shown…boo…

Two votes for Steve, four votes for Krista…and the fifth person to be sent to Redemption Island is…Krista.

War Eagle, Krista. War Eagle.

Verdict: I’m thinking there’s a lot we didn’t see there as Stephanie seemed like the more disruptive of those two.

Kind of a down episode after last week’s Russell bombshell. But there are still half-dozen fascinating characters and Boston Rob is playing a really solid game.

Who’s Going to Win? We’ve been giving David a lot of credit as a Fishbach/Cesternino-esque strategist, but his little snit with Sarita seemed really unnecessary. That, and he wasn’t outted in any of those sub-alliances. So, for right now I’m going to lean…toward…um…Julie?

Power Rankings Update: Apparently great minds think alike. Sash picked Matt to win, I picked Matt to win. Sash had Krista in spot 12, I had Krista in spot 12. The current score is now Team Sash 51, Team Gordon 47.

Any questions? Any comments? Our commenting system is down for the time being, but feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes or chat with fellow “Survivor” fans at the XFINITY TV Facebook page.

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‘Survivor H.V.V.’ Episode 11 Recap: Girl Fight!

April 29, 2010

Last Week: Russell the King tried to convince the Heroes that he was on their side, Parvati the Queen shocked everyone by playing two immunity idols at the same time, while JT didn’t get Jack.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Here is the tribe as it currently stands…

The Yin Yang Tribe (wearing black)

Rupert Boneham – 45
Colby Donaldson – 35
Amanda Kimmel – 24
Candice Woodcock – 27
Sandra Diaz-Twine – 34
Danielle DiLorenzo – 28
Russell Hantz – 37
Jerri Manthey – 38
Parvati Shallow – 27

Before we get started, I was told that “Survivor” is the number one show in Canada. Is this true? If you’re a Canadian reader, say “Hello” in the comments below.

We meet up with the Yin Yang tribe and Russell is not pleased that his “Dumb-a—“ girl alliance might be smarter than he thought.

He asks Sandra if she knew Parvati had a second idol. Sandra tells him she didn’t even know Parvati had the first idol. Russell then confronts Parvati about what happened. She laughs it off and tells him to chill out. Chilling out is not what Russell is known for.

Meanwhile, Amanda and Rupert are trying to figure out a way to break up the Villain alliance. I’d recommend giving them idols. Didn’t that work for JT?

The following morning Candice is speaking with Russell. He tells her that the S.S. Heroes is sinking and one of the Heroes needs to jump. Maybe he’s accepting applications for Parvati 2.0?

Reward Challenge: It’s “Survivor” shuffle board, baby!  There will be three teams of three. Players will slide discs across a board toward an X. The team with the disc closest to the X wins. The winning tribe will receive a trip to Robert Louis Stevenson’s home for a screening of “Treasure Island.”

Too bad Jon Favreau’s home isn’t on Samoa, they could be checking out “Iron Man 2!”

The teams are; Jerri, Parvati, and Candice on the black team, Rupert, Russell, and Sandra on the blue team, and Colby, Amanda, and Danielle on the blue team.

Quick Aside: The shuffle board…board is a map of the world with the “Survivor” logos on it. Very cool.

Not a whole lot to describe here (except for Sandra being terrible at sliding pucks across a board) but Colby does come through, placing the last shot right on top of the X. Blue team wins.

We meet up with the blue team at Robert Louis Stevenson’s house and Amanda is prepared to tear apart this literary legend’s home just to find the next immunity idol clue.

However, she hasn’t been paying attention to this season’s hide-the-clue-in-the-food trend. During the viewing of “Treasure Island” Danielle finds a little buried treasure of her own in the popcorn bowl. However, this time instead of placing the clue in her cleavage, she tosses it under the bed.

Amanda senses something is up and starts searching around Danielle. Meanwhile, CBS executives are disappointed that she wasn’t searching in Danielle’s usual hiding spot.

Amanda eventually finds it and…no lie…a cat fight breaks out. Nevermind what I said earlier, the CBS execs are pleased.

Colby settles the dispute, saying it’s Danielle’s clue because she found it. Hero to the end, that guy.

Amanda is livid that Colby didn’t have her back.

Once Danielle returns to camp the Villains start looking for the idol. Russell finds it quickly, and manages to squirrel it away before the ladies in his alliance notice. There hasn’t been this much dissension between a king and a queen since “Hamlet.”

Who says my recaps are all poop jokes?

Afterward, Russell uses his newfound idol to prove to Candice that he trusts her.

Later on we meet up with Colby and Sandra discussing strategy. Sandra seems fully prepared to flip. The question is, do they go for Parvati or Russell?

Russell puts the kibosh on that plan later, telling Sandra that they have the votes to boot her if she flips on the Villains.

Immunity Challenge: It looks like we’re revisiting Gabon’s tile-stacking challenge. The players will try to build a house of cards using the tiles. The person with the highest structure when time runs out wins immunity.

Again, not much to describe here, just a lot of tile stacking. Although, I will say I giggled like a five year old each time someone’s stack would collapse. Good times.

In the end, it came down to Jerri and Russell with Jerri winning at the last second. Jerri is giddy, letting us know that this is her first-ever individual immunity victory.

Not-So-Quick Aside: I don’t know if it’s possible to have a character arc over the ten-year run of a reality series, but Jerri Manthey has been fascinating to watch. From the over confident pain in a— in “Australia,” to the not-quite-sure-how-to-take-America-hating-her defiance of “All-Stars” to the comfortable-in-her-own-skin cougar (Parvati’s word, not mine) we’re seeing now. She’s becoming one of my favorites.

Back at camp, Russell tells Candice that it’s time for Amanda to go home. Meanwhile, the Heroes and Sandra will be gunning for Russell.

Candice tells Russell that his head is on the chopping block. Russell, in true Russell form, storms out and confronts Sandra about it. Hey, there’s Russell not chilling out again.

The big question seems to be, who’s flipping; Sandra or Candice?

That night at tribal council, Coach shows up wearing a hat that has writing on it. Unfortunately after several pausing attempts, I can’t make out what it says. I have failed you. You can’t vote me out though, I buy my idols wholesale.

During the conversatin’ portion of tribal, Sandra tells Jeff that it’s best to stay with your original alliance.

Russell admits that he wants Sandra around because she’s weak at challenges. He then tells us why the members of his tribe are so valuable. He mentions everyone’s name except for Sandra.

Colby lets us know that he’s absolutely convinced Danielle has the immunity idol. Wasn’t JT absolutely convinced that there was a female alliance?

Voting Time: Russell votes for Amanda, Amanda votes for Parvati, and the rest are all in Probsty’s hands.

Jeff asks if anyone wants to play an idol. Sure enough, Russell stands up and plays the idol for himself. Remember when that was shocking?

Tallying Time: Two votes for Amanda, two votes for Parvati, two votes for Amanda, one vote for Parvati, and the twelfth person voted out and the fourth member of the jury is…Amanda.

Looks like Candice is the latest addition to the royal family.

Afterward, Parvati rolls her eyes as she’s annoyed that Russell wasted an idol.

Verdict: OK, I’m officially joining the “There are too many idols” alliance. It adds strategy to the game, but seems to take away from the social aspect. I’m still loving this season though.

Who’s Going to Win? It’s gotta be Jerri, right? She’s flying under the radar in the game’s most powerful alliance.

Power Rankings Update: Samoa’s Ashley Trainer won one for the All Stars as she had Amanda in spot six while I had her in spot three. The current score is All Stars 91, Team Gordon 111.

What Do You Think? Will Parvati and Russell turn on each other? Are there too many idols in the game? Who should have been allowed to keep the clue; Amanda or Danielle?

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‘Survivor: H.V.V.’ Episode 7 Recap: Boston Creamed?

April 1, 2010

Fun Fact: My backup headline was “Boston Robbed.”

Last Week: We were treated to a special double elimination episode. The Heroes chose the depressed cowboy over the injured grave digger while Russell did his best Buster Douglas impersonation by shocking the world and knocking out Tyson.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Here are the tribes as they currently stand…

The Hero Tribe (wearing noble blue)

Rupert Boneham – 45
Colby Donaldson – 35
Amanda Kimmel – 24
James “JT” Thomas Jr. – 25
Candice Woodcock – 27

The Villain Tribe (wearing devilish red)

Sandra Diaz-Twine – 34
Danielle DiLorenzo – 28
Russell Hantz – 37
Jerri Manthey – 38
“Boston” Rob Mariano – 33
Parvati Shallow – 27
Benjamin “Coach” Wade – 38
Courtney Yates – 28

We meet up with the Villains the morning after Russell’s tribal council jaw dropper and Boston Rob admits that he’s shocked for the first time in his “Survivor” career. He senses a tremor in the force.

He isn’t concerned with Danielle because she’s “Dumb as a bag of rocks.” However Parvati and Russell worry him. He’s also worried about Team Russell’s confidence. Surely, somebody in his alliance must be flipping for them to be so giddy.

Courtney gets a chance to finally talk some smack referring to Russell as a “Bandy-legged, little troll.” I missed you, Courtney. Welcome back.

Meanwhile, Russell gives the female members of his alliance their orders: get to Jerri. Russell’s minions achieve their objective getting Jerri alone. Russell lets us know that Jerri now respects him due to his bold move.

Jerri worries that her fear of commitment is keeping her from joining with Team Russell. I’m not touching that one.

Parvati thinks Jerri is jealous that no man has ever saved her at tribal council. I’m trying to figure out where immunity idols rank on the “How to Impress a Lady” scale. I’m assuming it’s higher than flowers and lower than ironing.

Over at Casa de Heroes, Rupert lets us know that Colby needs to step up in the next challenge. Colby vows to prove that the Heroes made the right decision.

Reward Challenge: Three members of each team will race into the water to get a ball. They’ll try to shoot the ball into a basket while members of the other team try to tackle them. First team to score three baskets wins. Winning team gets a romantic picnic by a tropical waterfall. Wow, that’s probably ranked higher than ironing…

The Villains will sit Courtney, Sandra, and Parvati.

First Round: Rupert, JT, and Colby vs. Rob, Russell, and Coach – Colby misses two wide-open shots. Coach follows that up by throwing the ugliest air ball ever. That’s bad news for someone who gives athletic advice for a living. Colby eventually score for the Heroes.

Second Round: Colby, Amanda, and Candice vs. Danielle, Coach, and Jerri – Jerri and Colby have a bit of a back and forth which was nice for old-school fans. Candice eventually wins the point for the Heroes.

Third Round: JT, Rupert, and Colby vs. Russell, Rob, and Coach – Russell and Rupert are really throwing down, but that’s all the excitement there is as Colby scores quickly. Heroes win reward.

We meet up with the Heroes at their picnic. Candice finds a clue to a new immunity idol, but they all decide to read it later.

Rupert is upset because they weren’t thinking about the game until the clue was found. Apparently they were the “Fantastic Five” until the unveiling of the clue.

The “Fantastic Five” can’t concentrate on the meal, so they break down and read it. I take it the Heroes are allowed to open at least one present on Christmas Eve too.

Back at the Villains camp, Russell continues to work on Coach and Jerri. He even offers them a top three spot with him.

Jerri seems sold, but she wants the Dragon Slayer on board. Coach says he’s “Honor bound” to stay with Jerri and he’ll go the way she goes. However, Coach is hurt that Jerri said she trusts him and Russell equally.

Oddly enough, Jerri brings up the issues she had with Boston Rob during “All Stars.” Boston Rob should have taken that into account six years ago. A true strategist would have known that would come back to bite him in 2010.

Immunity Challenge: A member of each team will race across a net and up a rope ladder to retrieve a bag. When they return, another member of the tribe will go until six bags have been returned. In the bag (say it with me) are puzzle pieces. First tribe to finish their puzzle wins immunity.

Jerri, Danielle, and Russell will sit out for the Villains.

Rupert and Parvati start off and are neck and neck. They return with their pieces and Courtney (her first challenge in forever?) and Candice head out. Candice drops her bag, giving the Villains a bit of a lead. Coach and Colby are up next with Coach maintaining the team’s advantage. Parvati and Rupert are back out, with the Villains still winning. Courtney and Candice take their second turn with Courtney having serious problems climbing the ladder and Candice charging ahead for the Heroes. Colby and Coach finish up, with the Heroes enjoying a large lead.

During the puzzle portion, Boston Rob’s celebrated puzzle skills aren’t enough to overcome the Heroes’ head start as Amanda and JT are able to finish the puzzle first. The Heroes win immunity.

Coach lets us know that Courtney was the weak link and she should go home. Well that hardly seems fair, she might not remember what a challenge is.

Back at the Villains camp, Russell tells us that their challenge performance was one of the most pitiful things he’s ever seen. He even tells Boston Rob that they should take out Sandra or Courtney…with Sandra and Courtney sitting right there!

Russell’s right. He is the king.

For some reason, Courtney and Sandra take offense to this.

Coach and Rob sit down to discuss strategy. He wants to blindside Parvati or get rid of Courney. Boston Rob makes a case for getting rid of Russell.

Next up, Team Russell is discussing strategy. Russell wants Rob gone. This isn’t shocking. All of Team Russell is down with this except for Coach. Coach eventually relents and agrees to vote with the alliance.

Rob lets us know that the way to get someone to do something is to find out what they hold dear and to use it against them. For Coach that’s his loyalty. Coach proves Rob right by telling us that he feels terrible because he thinks he was forced into giving his word to Russell.

That night at tribal council, J-Pro tells the Villains that they used to be dominant but the Heroes have found five players that will get things done. Mercifully, he does not refer to them as “Fantastic.”

Coach isn’t concerned because “At the dawn of every morning, hope springs eternal.” He’s like the Villains’ poet laureate.

Boston Rob doesn’t think the tribe is working well together and that voting out Tyson was a mistake. Russell disagrees; he could’ve taken anyone out of Rob’s alliance but chose Tyson because he was bad for tribe chemistry.

Russell and Rob have a bit of a back and forth. Boston Rob thinks his version of loyalty is different than Russell’s. Russell agrees because he doesn’t think Boston Rob would have the guts to put his neck on the line like Russell did for Parvati. Nice to see them agree on something.

Meanwhile, poor Jerri is sitting between them, trying not to make eye contact with either of them.

J-Pro puts Coach on the spot asking where his level of trust is with Russell and Rob. Coach smartly dodges the question, begging the guys to put their egos aside and become a team.

Voting Time: Boston Rob votes Russell, and the rest of the votes aren’t shown.

J-Pro tallies…and reads; one vote Rob, one vote Russell, one vote Rob, one vote Russell, one vote Rob, one vote Russell, one vote Courtney, and the eighth person voted out of “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” is…Boston Rob.

Coach stands up to get a farewell hug from Rob and is DENIED! Boston Rob says, “You’re a little man,” but it’s unclear if he was talking to Russell or Coach. Maybe it was Coach, because I’m sure Russell knows he’s little.

Verdict: Kind of expected more fireworks from the final Russell vs. Rob blow out, but it was still a good time. This season has been great so far, but I’m a little concerned there might be a post-Rob lull. Here’s hoping the goodness keeps coming.

Who’s Going to Win? Russell’s on a roll, but judging by Courtney and Sandra he might be making the same mistakes he made last season. If Russell’s alliance is going to make it to the end, the most likable member might take the million. Right now that’s Jerri.

Power Rankings Update: Bad news for the All-Star Team. Samoa’s Russell Swan had Boston Rob in the second slot while I had him in spot eleven. The score is now All Stars 56, Team Gordon 82. Hoping to get the All Stars back into the game next week is the man Jeff Probst once called “The smartest player never to win,” Rob Cesternino.

What Do You Think? Did the Villains make the right choice? Can the Heroes stage a comeback before the merge? Was Rob talking to Coach or Russell when he said someone was a “Little Man?”

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