More Whatnot

'Survivor: Kaôh Rōng' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Shirin Oskooi. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Watch Full Episodes of ‘Survivor: Kaôh Rōng’

Last Week: Cydney slipped then flipped, Tai won then jumped the gun, and Nick boasted then was roasted…

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stand..

The Dara Tribe (wearing black)
Aubry – 29, Social Media Marketer
Cydney – 23, Body Builder
Debbie – 49, Chemist
Jason  – 31, Bounty Hunter
Joseph – 72, Former FBI Agent
Julia – 19, Student
Michele – 24, Bartender
Scot – 40, Former NBA Champion
Tai – 51, Gardener

Sorry I missed last week’s episode. I’ll never let you down again.

We start off as the Dara tribe returns to their beach to thunder and lightning. The “Survivor” FX crew is top notch. No clue how they control the weather like that.

Jason asks Tai who he voted for and he says, “Debbie.” Fibber. The dynamic duo agrees to use their super idol to save whoever is in trouble at the next Tribal.

Scot then comes up with the idea of throwing the machete and the ax into the woods. He calls it psychological warfare. Or is that “psycho-logical”?

Tai doesn’t love this strategy. Well, the lack of an ax will keep the chicken safe…

Maybe they should throw Michele into the woods so she can’t vote.

The next morning, Scot and Jason won’t help around camp. They just sit there. It’s equal parts hilarious and sad. These are grown men. Debbie accuses them of not being gentlemen. Whoa…don’t say things you can’t take back.

Joe, Debbie, and Michele realize that the camp has been sabotaged. But, they manage to cut open a coconut with a saw.

Instead of taking the saw, Scot dumps all of the water onto the fire. So, this Brains vs. Beauty vs. Brawn season has a J’Tia too.

Reward Challenge Time: Two teams will be attached to a rope. They’ll have to work together to unbraid the rope. They’ll then use sandbags to knock blocks off a ledge. The first tribe with a clean ledge wins Chinese food.

Joe will be the odd man out, but he’ll get to bet on the teams. If he chooses correctly, he gets the reward too.

Probst lets them choose their own sides. The guys ask which girl wants to join them and Julia jumps at the opportunity. This does not go unnoticed.

Joe bets on the female team.

We start off and there isn’t much to describe except for some intense unbraidin’.

The guys/Julia team gets to the sandbags first, but the women aren’t too far behind. Debbie goes to town with the sandbags, but isn’t able to make up the difference. The guys/Julia win reward.

Back at camp, Tai, Scot, Jason, Julia, and Mark the chicken enjoy some delicious Chinese food. They ask Julia for her long-term plan. She’s worried because she thinks she’ll be on the bottom with the women, and the guys would be easy to beat in front of a jury. Well, she isn’t wrong.

When they return to camp, Julia assures Debbie that she’s still with them. Cydney and Aubry don’t buy it.

That night, Tai douses the fire when everyone is asleep! That just felt wrong. Like when Batman was killing people in “Dawn of Justice.”

Later, Debbie and Aubry discuss strategy. Aubry thinks that Julia needs to go and it’ll help flush any idols. Debbie won’t hear of it. She refuses to target Julia.

All of this strategy talk before the challenge? Cue Julia winning immunity.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will stack blocks like dominoes. As they stack them, they have to be careful not to hit a beam that will knock them over. First person to complete their domino line and set off a gong wins immunity.

We start off and there isn’t much to describe except for crazy dominoin’. #notaword

Michele, Julia, Aubry, and Debbie are in the lead

Aubry wipes out. Michele sets her line off and…it doesn’t make it.

Julia knocks down a few of her own blocks, but not all of them.

Debbie sets off her line and….no luck. C’mon Debbie, I know you were a professional domino placer at some point.

Jason is started to climb back into it. So is Aubry.

Jason sets his off…nope.

Debbie again…nothing!

Julia tries her luck…and succeeds! Julia wins immunity!

Ha! Totally called it.

Back at camp, Debbie says they should split the vote between Tai and Scot and then vote for Scot if it’s a tie. This freaks Aubry out because she said it in front of Julia.

Sure enough, Julia tells Scot immediately. Scot says they should target Cydney and then if Julia doesn’t play along they can use their idols.

Aubry is very frustrated with Debbie. She approaches Cydney with the idea of voting her out. Cyd seems into it. Aubry tries to get Joe on board, but he isn’t feeling it.

Needing another number, they approach Julia with their plan. She says she’ll go along with it.

Julia the swing vote! I’d go for Cydney. Going to the end with the guys is a million-dollar check.

That night at Tribal, Debbie claims that their lives are on the line because of the way the guys are sabotaging camp.

Julia says she chose to be with the guys at the reward challenge because somebody had to do it.

Michele thinks tonight’s vote will show where Julia’s allegiance lies.

Tai believes that idols will come into play…if they exist.

Scot laughs, then admits that Tai has an idol. Oh, so they do exist.

Jason stands up and admits that he has an idol too.

Tai says there’s a 35% chance that they can vote him out. Well…

Jason lays out the plan, saying that he and Scot are going to rock/paper/scissors for the idol.

And now…everyone is whispering.

Voting Time: No votes are shown.

Probst tallies and returns. He then asks if anyone would like to play an idol…and Scot’s paper beats Jason’s rock. But, they decide to give the idol to Tai anyway. And he doesn’t play either. That was fun, but useless. Kinda like dinner theater.

Alright, we’ve got one vote for Scot, one vote for Cyd, one vote for Scot, two votes for Cyd, three votes for Debbie, and the tenth person eliminated from “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng is…Debbie.

Note: The evil alliance voted for Cydney. Aubry, Michele, Julia, and Cydney voted for Debbie.

Verdict: Wow…wheee…wow. Why on Earth was Probst so subtle about hyping this season? It’s crazy!

Who’s Going to Win? Julia’s got a clear path if she gets back with the guys.

Power Rankings Results: Shirin had Debbie in spot seven, I had her in spot eight. The current score is Team Shirin 82, Team Gordon 80.

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

'Survivor: Kaôh Rōng' (CBS)

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

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng”

The Rules: Each week our two combatants will create separate power rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the players will earn.  For example, if Tai is voted out this episode, Shirin will receive three points and Gordon will receive one point. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Shirin had Nick in spot nine, Gordon had him in spot eight. The current score is Team Shirin 75, Team Gordon 72.

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

Shirin’s Score = 75 Any questions for Shirin? Drop her a line on Twitter: @theshirin	Gordon’s Score = 72 Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. – Joe: Gentlemen, start your engines, and may the best woman win! #DragRace	1. – Tai: “What? Super idol? You guys didn’t hear that rumor? Huh…nevermind…” Tai, you are bad at “Survivor,” but charm can take you a long way. I don’t think you’re going to need that idol this week, but keep it close just in case.
2. – Michele: You don’t need to be carried when you can Apparate, bro. #LikeAFawkes	2. – Michele: Michele is playing a pretty solid get-to-the-end-and-receive-one-vote kinda game. She needs a resume-builder and fast.
3. – Tai: Ah…I finally see it. Refugees are scary……at immunity challenges. #RefugeesWelcome	3. – Jason: The bad news? Your alliance kinda blew up. The good news? You weren’t the first target and you still have an idol. There’s no way Jason is going home without playing it.
4. – Aubry: As long as it ain’t me…or my friend here…actually, look, it’s going to be you.	4. – Joe: That smile could make any color look good. Even purple.
5. – Cydney: She didn’t like being checked, so she put an X on the men. #StormOfSwords	5. – Julia: Julia’s still swinging. She could’ve been safe for a while with the Brawns, but she struck out and could build a case to get to the end and win.
6. – Julia: Could it be that you are at the crib with another lady?	6. – Aubry: Last week was a good one for Aubry. She’s no longer tops on the Brawn’s hit list.  In fact, I don’t think it’d be insane for her to consider working with the Brawns.
7. – Miss Debbie: She might go drown herself. You gals better keep an eye on her.	7. – Cydney: Welp…nobody can call you a floater anymore. And if you play your cards right, you could be facing some weaker competition when it comes time for the more physical immunity challenges.
8. – Jason: “We have a Super Idol…We are literally unstoppable!” Then Storm clouds gathered above into great balls of fire. And fire shot down from the sky in bolts like shining blades of a knife… And if we don’t behave, they’ll cut us down again. #AngryInch	8. – Debbie: Someone who says what she wants then goes out and gets it? I bet a jury would really respect that.  It’s a rocky road from here to there, but I wouldn’t count her out.
9. – Scot: “If I have to go to another Tribal, I am absolutely going to write down Aubry… Joe… Aubry… Joe, and I’ll just cross them out until…” they vote you out.	9. – Scot: The second-biggest physical threat was sent home last week. The biggest is still out there.

'Survivor: Kaoh Rong' (CBS)

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

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng”

The Rules: Each week our two combatants will create separate power rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the players will earn.  For example, if Scot is voted out this episode, Shirin will receive nine points and Gordon will receive seven points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Shirin called it. She had Peter in spot twelve. Gordon had him in spot eleven. So, the current score is Team Shirin 60, Team Gordon 58.

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

Shirin’s Score = 60 Any questions for Shirin? Drop her a line on Twitter: @theshirin	Gordon’s Score = 58 Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. – Cydney: Dracarys, Jason! Dracarys dracarys! #khaleesi	1. – Cydney: Yikes, ranking this merge has been as easy as making sense of last week’s Tribal. I’m thinking you’ve got the Brawns with Tai against the reunited Brains with Michele, Julia, and Nick in the middle. Either way, I’m saying Cyd is safe.
2. – Tai: Tai will continue to be a target this week: the target of everyone’s affections.	2. – Jason: The whole reason Scot told Tai not to play his idol was so it could be paired with Jason’s. Those two, if they’re working together, are gonna make it to next week.
3. – Joe: Curmudgeonly Carl Frederickson will stubbornly live there forever while the surrounding neighborhood is torn down around him. When his time is finally Up, thousands of balloons (or a helicopter) will carry him away.	3. – Tai: See Jason.
4. – Michele: Flitting freely between Number 12 Grimmauld Place and Malfoy Manor. Disrespected by some. More talented than most. #always	4. – Julia: Don’t sleep on Julia, everyone. She’s a sooper secret challenge beast. She’s going to have some room to maneuver at the merge and she’s already in good with Scot and Tai.
5. – Julia: Oh I’m just a girl, all pretty and petite, Well don’t let me out of your sight. I’m just a girl… what’s my destiny?	5. – Michele: Last week’s buoy trouble didn’t end up costing you. Now you and Julia can figure out which side makes the most sense.
6. – Neal: It’s the zombie apocalypse, and they’re coming for brains. But Neal’s got a concealed carry, and he’s smart enough to only use it when his life’s actually in danger. #BLM	6. – Neal: Things aren’t looking great for the Brains. It’ll be nice to have that idol for the Rocky Road ahead.
7. – Aubry: Peter says you don’t win votes by being tofu. As he failed to grasp, you don’t want votes yet. #TakingOutFoesUnawares	7. – Scot: Tai and Jason can use their wonder twin powers to save each other, but would they save the most powerful challenge threat in their alliance? Scot had better hope so.
8. – Jason: He is playing the game like Jamie Lannister played his hand.	8. – Joe: Look me in the eyes, Joe, and tell me if you’re going to be voted out this week! You’re not an obvious target, but they might throw votes at you if they’re afraid of an idol.
9. – Scot: The tallest blade of grass will either sway with the wind or be cut by the lawnmower.	9. – Nick: The Beauties are probably the swing votes, but Nick could always overplay his hand. And, challenge threats are never safe after a merge.
10. – Nick: Debbie is the farthest he’ll get in this game.	10. – Aubry: Joe’s probably annoyed with you, but he’ll get over it. The problem is that the other side knows you’re flighty after last week’s amazing cross-out vote. People fear those they can’t predict.
11. – Debbie: Little Debbie wants it to be HoHos vs Twinkies, but they’re coming for this DingDong. #StickyFingers	11. – Debbie: It’s no secret that Debbie is the leader. Her best hope now might be a physique that’s designed to win the next few “stand-in-one-place” immunity challenges.

'Survivor: Kaôh Rōng' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Shirin Oskooi. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Watch Full Episodes of ‘Survivor: Kaôh Rōng’

Last Week: Neal found an ace in the hole, Scot and Tai became two of a kind, and Anna’s game busted out.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The Chanloh Tribe (wearing blue)
Cydney – 23, Body Builder
Debbie – 49, Chemist
Jason  – 31, Bounty Hunter
Michele – 24, Bartender
Neal – 38, Ice Cream Entrepreneur
Nick – 30, Personal Trainer

The Gondol Tribe (wearing yellow)
Aubry – 29, Social Media Marketer
Joseph – 72, Former FBI Agent
Julia – 19, Student
Peter – 34, ER Doctor
Scot – 40, Former NBA Champion
Tai – 51, Gardener

Note to Self: Chanloh is blue, Gondol is yellow, Chanloh is blue, Gondol is yellow, Chanloh is blue, Gondol is yellow, Chanloh is blue, Gondol is yellow…

Alright, the fun times kick off back at Gondol beach after Tribal. The Brains make sure to tell Tai that they saved him because he’s useful around camp and that he can kill the chicken. Oh good, keep him around so he can do his LEAST FAVORITE THING!

Later, Peter makes a move to form an alliance with Tai. The good doctor pitches sending Joe (and the most disgusting finger in Cambodia) home.

The next morning at Chanloh, Nick is trying to buddy up with everyone. Debbie, in particular, seems into it. Debbie tells us how handsome Nick is and she should know because of all the modeling she’s done.

Debbie modeling the tiger swimsuit > every model modeling anything ever.

Tree Mail arrives and apparently the next challenge involves basketball. Oh, that’s fair. They should have a challenge that involves giant tattoos so Jason can be as useful as Scot.

Reward Challenge Time: One member from each tribe will dive down and release buoys. Then three other tribe members will bring the buoys to shore. From there, two tribe members will have to shoot baskets with them. First team to hit all ten of their shots wins a picnic.

Before we begin, Julia shows up and takes Anna’s spot on Gondol.

We start off and Aubry and Michele are your divers. Aubry releases Gondol’s quickly while Michele is having some issues.

Joe and Scot are the first ones to start shooting. They’re eventually joined by Nick and Cydney.

Not surprisingly, Scot takes all the shots for his team.

Surprisingly, Nick takes the lead over an NBA champion. Somewhere Alecia is smiling.

Unfortunately, Scot eventually comes back and wins it. Somewhere Alecia is mispronouncing something.

Quick Aside: A free throw challenge?! With an NBA player? On a “Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty” season?! If I’m ever on “Survivor,” the challenge had better play to my strengths. Like making bad puns and eating ice cream.

Back at Gondol, Julia’s trying to learn the ways of her new tribe. Immediately Peter tries to bring her on board and throw Joe and Aubry under the bus.

Joe and Aubry see this discussion and come to the conclusion that it might be the doctor’s time to hit the golf course.

Over at Chanloh, Nick is annoyed that he didn’t defeat an NBA champion in a free throw challenge. The ladies at the bar would’ve been all over that story. However, he’s cool with it because Michele screwed up the buoy release.

But, Michele isn’t ready to go down without a fight. She asks Debbie who they should target. Debbie tells her that she wants a woman to win and she wants to target Jason.

Nick doesn’t buy it though, he assures Michele that she’s the target in the most condescending way possible. At least he didn’t pat her on the head.

The next day at Gondol, Peter pitches getting rid of Joe and Aubry to Scot. He refers to himself as a free agent. Speaking the athlete’s language, good call.

Joe aggressively confronts Peter and asks him if he’s targeting him. Peter stammers and claims that he hasn’t been. But, Joe’s FBI spidey-sense sees right through him.

Immunity Challenge Time: The teams will race through an obstacle course. Then, they’ll use poles to knock puzzle pieces out of a net. The first tribe to complete their giant stacking puzzle wins immunity.

We start off and Chanloh builds a small lead through the obstacle course. When we get to the puzzle releasing portion, Scot’s height comes in super handy. Gondol is the first to the puzzle.

Peter comes up with a strategy of building the pile from the bottom and it totally doesn’t work. A huge pile falls off and clunks Joe in the head. He’s bleeding. Poor Joe. This gives Chanloh the opportunity to pass them and win it.

Back at camp, Aubry wants to get rid of Peter, but doesn’t want to hand Scot, Tai, and Julia the numbers.

Joe listens to her pitch and decides to make peace with Peter. They agree to target Julia.

Later, Scot asks Peter if he still wants to target Joe. Peter admits that he’s changed his mind and wants to stick with the Brains.

Julia and Tai approach Aubry and tell her that Peter was targeting her. That can’t be a surprise.

Either way, Aubry doesn’t commit to anything. She tells Joe about the new info and he is very annoyed that she’s considering making the move.

That night at Tribal, Peter owns up to his failed block-stacking strategy.

Julia thinks that’s a reason to vote him out. Another reason is that he’s way shifty.

Quick Aside: Wow…Nick and Michele haven’t seen the Tribal Council set yet.

Julia admits that Peter was the first person to talk game to her.

Peter doesn’t own up to it, but says the game is complex.

Scot is frustrated because there are members of the tribe who don’t stick to their decisions.

Meanwhile, Tai and Scot are trying to talk to each other. It seems like they’re debating between Peter or the “Original Plan.”

Joe picks up on this and says he isn’t sure which way the game is going.

Scot tells Julia to go with the original plan.

What the actual what?!

Voting Time: Julia votes for Peter, Peter votes for Julia, Aubry votes for Julia, and no other votes are shown.

Probst tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Peter, one vote for Julia, one vote for Peter, one vote for Julia, one vote for Peter, and the seventh person eliminated from “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng is…Peter!

AND THE LAST VOTE HAD JULIA’S NAME CROSSED OUT! AUBRY CHANGED HER MIND IN THE VOTING BOOTH!

Verdict: Remember when Tribal Council was pretty much a done deal. Everyone came in knowing which way they were voting and Probst’s questions were pretty much a formality? Those days are long gone. Awesome.

Although, there was plenty of parchment there. Aubry could’ve just used another one.

Who’s Going to Win? Cydney. She’s my pick. Although Tai has already won my heart.

Power Rankings Results: Shirin called it. She had Peter in spot twelve. I had him in spot eleven. So, the current score is Team Shirin 60, Team Gordon 58.
 

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

'Survivor: Kaôh Rōng' (CBS)

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

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng”

The Rules: Each week our two combatants will create separate power rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the players will earn.  For example, if Scot is voted out this episode, Shirin will receive three points and Gordon will receive four points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Shirin and Gordon both had Anna in spot nine. So, the current score is Team Shirin 48, Team Gordon 47.

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

Shirin’s Score = 48 Any questions for Shirin? Drop her a line on Twitter: @theshirin	Gordon’s Score = 47 Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
1. – Cydney: Khaleesi has found her third dragon to ride to victory.	1. – Jason: With an idol in his pocket and both sides vying for his attention, Jason isn’t going anywhere.
2. – Jason: Chillin like a villain. #GreenMushroom	2. – Cydney: I’m not much of an edit reader, but what does it say that Cyndey got to discuss the Brains behind her Brawn when it didn’t play into episode’s outcome?
3. – Scot: All this ring bearer ever seems to score is a front row seat to the main attraction.	3. – Aubry: How do you solve a problem like Peter? You can’t trust him as far as you can doodle a crayon drawing of a manatee. I’d keep him for one more vote, then lose him before the merge.
4. – Aubry: As the only brain with a heart, she’s well on her way to stealing the title. She’s already got that bandit look down.	4. – Scot: Kudos to Scot for finding himself a cozy spot in his new tribe. Also, three of my top four are former Brawns. Sure lends credibility to the theory that losing tribes do well in three-tribe seasons.
5. – Michele: Whenever Gilderoy Lockhart tries wielding a wand, it backfires onto himself, buying Michele three more days to work her charms. #StMungos	5. – Tai: So, you didn’t play the idol last week. To me, that says you’re in Scot’s pocket. Which isn’t a bad place to be because I’m assuming it’s roomy in there. Probably doesn’t hurt to have someone looking out for you in a post Beast-Mode world.
6. – Neal: Everyone wants more exciting flavors, but at least VaNeala got a sprinkle of immunity on top last week.	6. – Debbie: I think it’s officially time to stop taking Debbie so lightly. She killed the puzzle last week and she’s making connections with several people across the game. This tiger has fangs.
7. – Julia: And the game goes by so very slow Oh I hope that it won’t end though Alone #Heart	7. – Neal: Will the Brawns stay on the Brains side now that the threat of Julia joining is gone? Probably, nobody is worried about Neal going on a challenge run post-merge. Not that that makes him a sherbet to win. (Sherbet…sure bet…not my best work. Let’s move on.)
8. – Nick: You know at amusement parks when you get the fruit cup, and it has cantaloupe, honeydew, one red grape, and maybe a small triangle of pineapple? Nick is the transparent green melon bits floating around the bottom. #OneChildLeftBehind	8. – Julia: Now that the Beauty domination concern is over, you’ll be in a better spot than your poker pal. But, if they stick to previous alliance lines, they’re going to keep Tai over you nine times out of ten.
9. – Tai: We all idolize Tai, but I fear his idol will lay idle at his last tribal. ;_;	9. – Joe: Oh man, if you vote out Peter you might lose that finger. Oh well, you have nine more.
10. – Debbie: She’s swinging for the fences but pulling up short. If they lose immunity, she may experience going all the way down.	10. – Nick: So, Debbie thinks your hunky…but does she trust you? Seems like everyone I’ve interviewed thinks it’s easy to see through your game.
11. – Joe: Medical: Pull Joe’s finger.	11. – Peter: Nick and Peter are the same guy, right? Nice enough, a little conceited, nobody trusts them. Can we get them to face off in that challenge where they fight with pillows?
12. – Peter: It’s tough coming back from exile.	12. – Michele: It seems like the Brains and the Brawn are tight. And, Debbie has a bit of a crush on Nick…where does this leave you?

'Survivor' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Shirin Oskooi. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Watch Full Episodes of ‘Survivor: Kaôh Rōng’

Ah…tribe swaps. One minute your on top of a team of beauties and the next you’re sent packing by a bunch of brains.

It seems unfair, but if it happens in the fifth episode of every three-tribe season isn’t it just part of the game?

I spoke with the latest victim of the buff droppin’ the morning after her elimination and asked her this question. During this chat we also discussed the ladies’ alliance, lying tells, and more…

Gordon Holmes: Why?!
Anna Khait: (Laughs) I’m in tears crying!
Holmes: I don’t understand!
Khait: It’s such a bummer. I was out of the game sitting here thinking, “This is brutal!” Ugh…

Holmes: Once you realized that Julia was going to join the tribe that lost, did you realize that the Beauties were in trouble? Because it was the same story on both tribes.
Khait: Oh yeah. I knew right away. We had the twist where we drop our buffs and I realized that the girls were all separated and I don’t have the numbers anymore. Two Beauty, Three Brains, and One Brawn. And then there’s the twist of Julia replacing the person who gets eliminated. That twist put a huge target on my back. It really sucked. It made it really obvious.

Holmes: I’ve always felt that swaps are unfair. But lately the fifth episode of three-tribe seasons have been having swaps. Did you expect it?
Khait: The thing is, at that time there were thirteen people so it didn’t cross my mind. I knew that it was coming soon. I know that Jeff throws in tribe swaps pretty early in the game. And I knew that Brawn had three people so it was a good time to do it. But, the numbers didn’t make sense. It’s an odd number of people. Obviously Jeff had his awesome twist. Jeff and his twists…
Holmes: He’s the worst.

Holmes: Do you think the Brains threw the challenge?
Khait: I don’t think so. Honestly, I was watching everyone. Everyone was hustling and working. Peter and I got a hang of the puzzle, but it took a good minute. And it seemed like Neal and Debbie had done that puzzle before. They killed that puzzle, the completely blew us out of the water. I’d understand why they would throw it, but I don’t think they did. Neal and Debbie just really kicked our butts. Even Jeff said so.

Holmes: Aubry and Peter seem to be at odds. Were there any cracks there you could work with?
Khait: Yes, I tried to work it. Peter told me, “Joe doesn’t strategize, don’t worry about him.” And the first thing Joe says is, “Oh, Peter is on the bottom. He’s out.” And I thought this is a great place to start. I tried to throw Peter under the bus for a long time, but I knew the Brains were smart. I knew they didn’t want to lose their numbers. And what really solidified that they weren’t going to vote him out was when their body language told me they were not voting for him.
Holmes: Ah…the poker tells. What are some examples of that?
Khait: I was aware that Peter wrote Aubry’s name down at the Tribal where Liz got eliminated. So, I knew that Aubry did not like Peter. She was so frazzled about the fact that he wrote her name down. So, when her body language wasn’t as excited as I expected it to be and then Joe wasn’t looking me in the eyes I thought, “This isn’t good. Let’s try something else. Let’s try Tai.” I knew Peter was against me, so I wasn’t sure if I should go to him and try to get Aubry out. I was worried that he’d go back to them and I’d be really screwed. So, Tai is injured, he can’t perform in challenges that well. I thought I could try to get him out. I told people that he was sneaky and was looking for the idol. I genuinely adore Tai. In the game I didn’t trust him, but I liked him. I knew I could align with him, but he’d cut me at any minute. He knows what he’s doing. I think in retrospect it was the best plan, but I had a huge target on my back with Julia coming back in.

Holmes:  Alright, word association. Let’s start with Michele.
Khait: Super sweet. Funny, goofy, and really fun to hang out with. I’m sorry, I’m babbling.
Holmes: There are no rules here, Anna. You say what you wanna say. Let’s try Scot.
Khait: Super tall. I like his vibe out there. He was definitely paying attention to the game. I think he understood that he’d be a big threat after the merge. He’s aware of the fact that athletes get picked off post-merge. He was trying his hardest to make sure that he had loyal people around him. And my first impressions of watching the Brawn tribe crumble and pick on Alecia…we saw from the side. It was hard to watch. But my first impression was this guy is not very nice. He’s probably going to pick on me. But he was cool when I met him. I had no problem with him out there.
Holmes: Aubry?
Khait: A smart player. I told the camera that I think Aubry can go really far because she’s likable, she’s playing, and she’s unsuspecting…unsuspectful…crap…I know the word  I’m looking for. (Laughs)
Holmes:  (Laughs) I know the word you’re looking for, but it’s escaping me too.
Khait: (Laughs) I thought she was a big threat. She’d fly under the radar.
Holmes: Joe?
Khait: Super sweet. Reminded me of Rudy from earlier seasons. Lovable, loyal, he’s honest. And once he put his eyes down I knew that he was lying to me. It’s really easy to read him. I enjoyed my time with him.
Holmes: Caleb?
Khait: Beast mode! Monster, this guy gave it his all. Really fun person to play with. Super loyal. Takes a long time to get to his core. He really wasn’t giving off too much information about himself. That shows me that he’s loyal. He’s strong. And he’s a beast in challenges. It was crazy to watch. We wouldn’t have won that first challenge without him.
Holmes: Tai?
Khait: Adorable, animal lover, sweetheart, huge heart. I connected with him off the bat because of that. I’m a huge animal lover myself. I rescue dogs in my spare time. Seeing how much he respected nature. He ate everything he could in terms of on the fish…he’d eat the eyes, every little piece of chicken, all the yucky stuff. He doesn’t waste stuff. I fell in love with him out there, but in the game he is a threat.
Holmes: Nick?
Khait:  He seemed narcissistic out there. He kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t trust him. I felt like he was giving me a look that I’ve had many times of “Hey, are we good? Are we good?” I knew he was playing the game. I knew Nick would be coming after me the most. He was alert to the fact that I was playing the game and I was getting the girls together. He figured it out. He tried to come after me even after we won immunity. I was dead right on what I thought of him. He was a big target for me because he knew to come after me.
Holmes: Julia?
Khait: Sweetheart, loyal, amazing. My first instinct before we even spoke on that boat was, “I want to work with her.” I was really happy to know that she wanted to work with me too. Her age worked too because if she tried to lie to me I’d be able to see right through it. Such a sweetheart, completely loyal. She was the one person in the game who I did not lie to. It’s important to have that person that you consider loyal.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Peter.
Khait: I didn’t like him when I first met him. Also seemed narcissistic to me. I knew he was playing the game. To me he seemed pompous out there. I knew he was on the bottom, but he was still very cocky. I don’t really get along with cocky people too much.

Holmes: Longest word association ever. We’re out of time. You have to play again so we can talk again.
Khait: (Laughs) Sounds good!

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

'Survivor: Kaôh Rōng' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Shirin Oskooi. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Watch Full Episodes of ‘Survivor: Kaôh Rōng’

Last Week: Beast Mode was med-evac’d and Alecia was punished for the NBA experience she lacked.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The Chanloh Tribe – Brains (wearing blue)
Aubry – 29, Social Media Marketer
Debbie – 49, Chemist
Joseph – 72, Former FBI Agent
Neal – 38, Ice Cream Entrepreneur
Peter – 34, ER Doctor

The Gondol Tribe – Beauty (wearing yellow)
Anna – 26, Pro Poker Player
Caleb – 28, Army Veteran
Julia – 19, Student
Michele – 24, Bartender
Nick – 30, Personal Trainer
Tai – 51, Gardener

The Totang Tribe – Brawn (wearing orange)
Cydney – 23, Body Builder
Jason  – 31, Bounty Hunter
Scot – 40, Former NBA Champion

The fun starts off the morning after Tribal at Casa de Brainy where Joe has a pretty gross wound on his finger. Peter uses his doctorly ways to help take care of him. Neal refers to Peter as a cancer. Dude, that’s the opposite of a doctor.

Later, Neal locates the hidden immunity idol clue. He uses Tai’s pole technique to scoop up the idol.

Scoop up? Ice cream guy? Nothing? Alright, let’s move on…

We next see all of the tribes as they meet up with J-Pro. The baseball cap wearing dynamo informs them that the Brawn tribe is no more and requests that they kindly remove their buffs.

ToTang, we hardly knew ye.

Before they pick buffs, Probst tells them that the person who picks the odd buff will have to live at Brawn beach alone. The good news is that they won’t have to go to the next Tribal. The bad news is, they’ll join the tribe that loses at the next reward challenge.

Alright, the new Gondol is Aubry, Joe, Tai, Anna, Peter, and Scot and the new Chanloh is Cydney, Michele, Nick, Neal, Debbie, and Jason.

Julia picked the odd buff. Wah-wah… She appreciates that this is a disadvantage because she won’t be around for alliance-making. Yeah, but you can pick your nose all you want.

Over at Gondol, the Brains are very impressed with the former Beauty camp. Peter is psyched to not be the low man on the totem pole. He tells us it’ll be no problem making the merge. Why do people say stuff like that that can be used against them later?

Scot is not thrilled to be without his Brawny buddies. But, he’s been on five different NBA teams, so he used to partnering with former opponents. Scot was in the NBA? Why is this the first I’m hearing of this?

Aubry and Peter talk strategy and he points out that if they lose a challenge a former Beauty will be joining them.

Aww…it’d make me sad to be referred to as a “former beauty.”

At Chanloh, Michele gets to say some things. She’s bummed that her female alliance has been split in three.

Debbie, meanwhile, is doing her best to get in with the former Brawnies. She pitches bouncing a former  Beauty first and it seems like Cyndey and Jason are both into it.

Later on, Nick tries to make in-roads with Jason. Nick informs us that he’s the best at being manipulative. Not according to Caleb.

Back at Gondol, everyone’s loving them some Tai. All aboard the Trang Gang! He and Scot work together to get coconuts and I’m immediately annoyed that Tai was able to get over Caleb so quickly. I’m also annoyed that I did think of the alliance name “Beauty and the Beast Mode” until just now.

Anna realizes that the numbers are not in her favor. She makes sure to tell everyone about how they caught Tai looking for idols.

Over at ToTang beach, Julia is in pretty bad shape. Apparently she’s dehydrated and freaked out a little over being out of the game for the time being. Yeah, that’s gotta be rough. But on the plus side, she doesn’t have to follow the Brawn tribe’s strict pooping-in-the-water rules.

Immunity Challenge Time: Two players from each tribe will swim out to a net to retrieve fish-shaped puzzle pieces. When they return to the beach, two other players will remove the fish from the net and place them on hooks. Then two other players will have to figure out how to fit all of the fish into a box. First tribe to complete the puzzle wins immunity.

Scot and Aubry start off for Gondol and Nick and Jason start for Chanloh.

For some reason, Scot does all of the untying for his team. Both tribes release their nets at the same time, but Gondol is the first to get their net back to the beach.

Joe and Tai start untying the fish for Gondol, while Cydney and Michele get a late start. However, the ladies manage to catch up with the guys.

Peter and Anna and Neal and Debbie take puzzle duty. Chanloh flies through the puzzle to claim immunity.

Back at camp, we learn that Tai is considering using his idol.

Aubry wants Tai out, but Peter would rather target Anna. Joe wants to keep Tai because he’s a good provider.

Hmmm…Aubry is covering her mouth with her buff. Is she worried someone will read her lips?

Later on, Peter admits to Tai and Anna that they’re probably going to target a Beauty. This annoys Tai, so he goes to Scot and Anna and pitches getting rid of Peter with his idol.

However, Scot realizes that if they target Anna he can later get Tai and Jason to work together with their merged idols. Huh…

That night at Tribal Council, Aubry admits that she wants to stick with the people she knows.

Anna realizes that she and Tai are the targets because Julia is joining their tribe. Tai agrees.

Tai makes the pitch that he’s the hardest worker at camp. He even shows off scabs he’s gotten from his work. That’s uh…thanks there, Tai.

Joe thinks the twist for this season is that there are no idols. That’s a pretty crummy twist.

Tai says he’d never find the idol because he’s terrible at looking for things. Yeah, and I’m bad at late-night snacking and being too lazy to go to the gym.

Peter doesn’t think the Brawns and Brains would partner up against them. Why do you say these things, Peter?

Voting Time: No votes are shown.

Probst tallies and returns. He asks if anyone wants to play an idol…and nobody does.

We’ve got one vote for Peter, three votes for Anna, and the sixth person eliminated from “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng is…Anna.

Verdict: Gah…it’s a shame the Julia twist put all of the Beauties in danger. It’d have been nice to see them have to battle it out without such an obvious handicap.

Who’s Going to Win? There’s no way they’d let Tai get deep into the game, right? He’s too likable. I’m starting to feel good about Cydney though…

Power Rankings Results: Shirin and I both had Anna in spot nine. So, the current score is Team Shirin 48, Team Gordon 47.

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