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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Episode 9 Recap – Showstopper!

November 20, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

Last Week:  Wes got some tacos and ate them all, Jeremy was set up to take a big fall, but Broadway Josh took his final curtain call.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The #Huyopa Tribe (wearing blue)

Alec – 22, Student
Baylor – 20, Student
Jaclyn – 25, Media Buyer
Jeremy – 36, Firefighter
Jon – 26, Financial Assistant
Keith – 53, Fire Captain
Missy – 47, Owner of Cheerleading Gym
Natalie – 28, Crossfit Coach
Reed – 31, Broadway Performer
Wes – 23, Firefighter

#Huyopa beach is a sad place after Tribal with Reed trying to keep a stiff upper lip. Jon feels bad because they “really led him on.” As opposed to a half-deception?

Keith calls JaclJon out for lying. He then lets us know that he wants to tell them to vote for him so he can play the idol and send one of them packing. He’d be better off mailing it to Rocker so he can have a matching set.

Reward Challenge Time: The players will be split into two teams. They’ll face off one-on-one on a balance beam. The first person to throw their opponent into the mud wins a point for their team. First team to five wins a trip on a luxury fishing yacht complete with sandwiches.

You know, cause rich people on yachts love their sandwiches.

Our teams are Wes, Missy, Jon, Jaclyn, and Keith vs. Alec, Baylor, Reed, Jeremy, and Natalie.

Round One: Reed bests Wes. Although in fairness, one of those guys is a Broadway dancer and the other is Wes.

Round Two: Natalie tops Jaclyn.

Round Three: Jon defeats Jeremy.

Round Four: Baylor beat Missy. Aaaaand, Missy didn’t bust open her daughter’s lip.

Round Five: Keith wins over Alec.

Round Six: Wes slapped mud into Reed’s eye. A disoriented Reed was then easy pickings.

Round Seven: Jaclyn tried to push Natalie off, but failed.

Round Eight: Jon won over Jeremy again.

Next round is for all the marbles…er…sandwiches.

Round Nine: Missy was aggressive… wa…as…aggressive, but was bested by her daughter again.

Before Jeff sends them off, Natalie gives up her reward to Jon and Jeremy gives up his to Jaclyn. Wow…those two are in it to win it.

Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, the yacht crew promptly decides to send Jeremy to Exile. Wah wah…

Back at camp, Wes tells Natalie that he doesn’t want to be blindsided. Natalie says she thinks they should target Reed next.

At Exile, Jeremy gets to watch as the yacht drives by. Now that’s just mean.

Jeremy hunts for the immunity idol, but as we all know, that idol is in Jon’s bag. Jeremy is a little annoyed that Jon never told him that he had it.

Later on, Jon realizes that Jeremy is going to figure out that he has the idol. See, good observation. Way to stay one jump ahead of the breadline…

One swing, ahead of the sword…

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will use their feet to release a bunch of blocks. They’ll then use their feet to stack these blocks. First person to place a flag in the middle of their blocks wins immunity.

Uh…not much to describe her except for some fancy footwork. Keith almost has it, but knocks them over. Reed comes close, but Baylor is able to pass him and win immunity.

Nice little challenge there. Way to go, Team Kirhoffer.

Back at camp, Reed thinks his number is up, but he’s going to wreak havoc on his way out. Leave ’em humming a tune!

Reed digs into Keith’s bag and finds his idol instructions. He shares this info with Jaclyn and Missy.

Keith notices the instructions are missing, so he’ll be tough to blindside.

Jeremy tells Natalie that Jon must have an idol. Jeremy confronts Jon about it, and Jon goes into full denial mode. Jon then goes to Missy, admits he has an idol, and says he wants Jeremy to go home soon.

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.

That night at Tribal, Jeremy hopes that his alliance will stick together to the end.

Jaclyn thinks Natalie and Jeremy giving up their reward cements their alliance.

Reed doesn’t think giving up the reward was selfless because it bought them loyalty.

Jon thinks that someone has an idol. Way to go out on a limb there, champ.

Natalie thinks it’s scary if someone on the other side has an idol, but it’s also scary if someone in your alliance has one and hasn’t told you.

Natalie’s really growing on me. Go Nat.

Jaclyn thinks Keith and Wes have an idol because they seem confident. Good instinct.

This kicks off a fight where Jon accuses Wes and Keith of not respecting Jaclyn.

Reed is very happy that there’s a fight that doesn’t involve him.

Also, Alec was there.

Voting Time: Jeremy votes for Keith, Keith votes for Reed, Natalie votes for Keith, Alec votes for Reed, and the rest of the votes are sooper secret.

JPro tallies and returns. He asks if anyone wants to play an idol and…

…Nobody does.

We’ve got one vote for Keith, one vote for Reed, one vote for Keith, two votes for Reed, four votes for Jeremy, and the ninth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” and the second member of the jury is…Jeremy.

The Holmes Curse strikes again!

Verdict: Wow…just…

Wow. Did not see that coming.

Who exactly are we supposed to root for now?

In all seriousness though, major credit to Jon and Jaclyn. They had to know Jeremy didn’t really trust them anymore.

Who’s Going to Win? Reed voted for Jeremy. If he’s in with the new dominant alliance, he’s a natural third person to go with a pair and would be tough to beat at a final Tribal Council.

Power Rankings Results: Spencer had Jeremy in spot three, I had him in spot nine. So, the current score is Team Farm Guy 72, Team Corinsanity 88.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Power Rankings – Flatulent Fireman Edition

November 19, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

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 two players will earn. For example, if Keith is voted out this week, Spencer will receive nine points and Gordon will receive six points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Spencer had Josh in spot eight, Gordon had him in spot ten. The current score is Team Spencer: 69, Team Gordon: 79.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” on Your Computer

Spencer’s Score = 69

Any questions for Spencer? Drop him a line on Twitter: @SpencerBGM

  Gordon’s Score = 79

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

 1. Natalie – The last time we saw a Natalie this quiet, she took down third place (S22). The time before that, she won the game (S19). Our twinnie has been a small presence, but every time she speaks, she shows strategic chops worthy of carrying on the tradition of her namesake.
   1. Jaclyn – She’s in the dominant alliance, her bae has an immunity idol, and she isn’t a challenge threat. She isn’t going anywhere.
 2. Baylor – Baylor has aspirations greater than simply taking the most crap from Alec; she’s going for records. The irony is that despite collecting votes quicker than Probst collects cargos, Baylor is in little danger. She’s under Missy’s protection, in the majority and out of the fray.
   2. Natalie – Natalie has taken a backseat since the merge, but that’s not always a bad thing. Jeremy’s taking all the shots because he’s the leader, meanwhile she’s working hard and making friends.
 3. Jeremy – All of the sudden, Jeremy has shifted from Grinch of San Juan Del Sur to dragon slayer of San Juan Del Sur. When he isn’t questioning why others are happy, he’s aggressively taking those happy people out. Jeremy is in control after slaying Josh.
   3. Baylor – “Naïve,” “Spoiled,” “Brat,” “Ugh,” and “Lazy” are five words that have been used in five different exit interviews to describe poor Baylor. And, that’s just the people who’ve left the game. Alec wants her to smell his farts, Keith wants to actively whoop her, and her own mother punched her in the face.

 4. Missy – Keith can bemoan her parenting all he wants, but Missy successfully lead her daughter toward a comfortable majority. As long as she doesn’t consume all the rice in the next three days, she should stick around.
   4. Missy – Everyone’s got to be wondering; how do I get to the end with Baylor and Missy? Seems like a guaranteed million-dollar check.
 5. Jon – They finally did it. Jon and Jaclyn planted their flag alongside team Jeremy; they picked a side. Time will tell if this couple blundered, but with the numbers still tight, I think they bought some short-term safety.
  5. Jon – I have a theory that every “Survivor” is a product of the last season the cast saw before they went on location. The last thing this group saw was Tony being rewarded for stabbing people in the back in “Survivor: Cagayan.” Jon, you might think you’re safe, but you’d better keep that idol close at all times. Beware the odd-numbered votes…
  6. Jaclyn – I like the Jaclyn that’s emerging – a decision-maker with the backbone to call people out for hovering around Jon rather than her. Speaking of howler monkey whisperer: He’s got an idol, and seems nice enough to use it should Jaclyn need it.
  6. Keith – I’ve given Keith’s use of the idol some thought, and I don’t think he completely dropped the ball. If he’s low on Jeremy’s list of people to boot, he could ride things out until that alliance is about to break up and sneak his way into a final three with a desperate duo. Is he thinking that far ahead? Probably not.
  7. Alec – Who says chivalry is dead? This charmer unfortunately found himself in the minority after the last vote, and is skating on thin ice. What used to be merely rubbing someone the wrong way might now be a “Survivor” death wish.
  7. Wes – I want Wes to make it to the end, just so his jury speech can start, “I’m a good kid, I haven’t been in jail yet.” Can he get there from here? That all depends on if his father is in a sharing mood.
  8. Wes – Despite the extent of his taco overload, Wes is on the verge of an even more extensive binge-eating session if he becomes the second juror. It’s nice that his dad has an idol, but with the way things are going Keith could just as easily give Wes a “whooping” as he could bail him out.
  8. Alec – Wow, did you guys blow it. As the lone single person in your alliance, you were a shoo-in to be in some couple’s final three. Now look at you; you’re going to be remembered as the guy who wanted to fart on Baylor.
  9. Keith – If we’re to expect a blindside this week, Keith might be our man. He’s done nothing with his idol so far (and it could have plausibly changed the game), and I fear that trend may continue one vote too long.
   9. Jeremy – Jon and Jaclyn have defected! Team Jeremy reigns supreme! Let the Pagoning begin! Well…not so fast. There’s still the outside chance that Keith could wake up and realize that he could put his alliance back in power with his idol. An outside chance. A waaaaaay outside chance.  But, it could happen.
  10. Reed – A Joshless Reed is ready to stir things up. He’ll “light this camp on fire” and search through bags before going down. I’m rooting for him to pull some rabbits out of hats, but so far in barren Nicaragua, I haven’t seen many rabbits.
   10. Reed – Reed’s Spidey Sense must be freaking out right about now. Why do I have him so low? Because he’s so well liked. If I’m Team Jeremy, I’d be worried that he’s the only one out of the guys who could weasel his way into any alliance cracks that could form in the coming weeks.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” on Your Computer

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Josh on Jon and Jaclyn: ‘I Knew They Were Lying’

November 13, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

When Julie decided to call it quits last week, it seemed to throw a howler monkey wrench in Jeremy’s game. He was going to lose an important vote when he needed it the most.

But, a funny thing happened on the way to Tribal. The extra days gave Wes and Alec time to infuriate Jaclyn and change her vote, thus saving Jeremy and dooming Josh.

I spoke to the the latest ousted Survivor the morning after his elimination and had a chance to ask about Julie’s quit, Jacljon’s flip, and Wes’s…bodily functions…

Holmes: Alright, hard questions first; what is it about Baylor that makes people want to fart on her so much?
Canfield: (Laughs) Oh my gosh… Wow! Thank you, Gordon.
Holmes: I didn’t come here to lob softballs your way, Josh.
Canfield: (Laughs) Gosh…I think Baylor is young and because she’s a very young player, I think she’s a bit naïve to what’s actually going on. I think she was just scared the whole time trying to stay above water. She got votes at every Tribal Council.  And, she rubbed Wes and Alec the wrong way from the get-go. So, there was always a clash with them. And there were times where I was like, “Are they flirting? Or is it people being weird?” Mainly it was Alec and Baylor, it was very strange.
Holmes: So you’re trying to convince me that farting is a form of flirting?
Canfield: (Laughs) Wes farting, that whole thing…no…I don’t think that was flirting.

Holmes: Were you blindsided last night?
Canfield: No, I was 95% sure I was going home.
Holmes: So you knew that Jon and Jaclyn were going to vote with Team Jeremy.
Canfield: Yeah, it was that day really that I saw them switch, even though they were telling me to my face that they were going to vote Baylor that night. I knew they were lying and Reed knew they were lying. They were not very subtle. Before I went in, I told Reed I thought this was going to be goodbye. They had said they were voting for Reed, but I knew they were voting for me. So, we’ll know on that first vote if it’s for me that I’ll be out.
Holmes: If Julie hadn’t quit, do you think Jon and Jaclyn would’ve voted with you at the first post-merge Tribal.
Canfield: Yeah, I do. I said 80% that Jeremy would have gone that night and 20% would have been me. I still hold to that. I think we did have Jon and Jaclyn that night. Then Julie quit and that stirred things up.

Holmes: I keep hearing this rumor that Jon likes to sing Disney songs.
Canfield: (Laughs) It is true.
Holmes: As someone with a musical theater background, I feel like you’re the most qualified person to give us a critique.
Canfield: I always loved it. He has a decent voice and he’s very passionate about it. You can’t help but smile and laugh and have a good time. Maybe he has a career in it.
Holmes: So, you’re going to cast him in your next production?
Canfield: (Laughs) I wouldn’t go that far, Gordon.

Holmes: Keith has been carrying an idol since forever which could have saved you, saved your alliance, basically flipped the whole game. Did you know about it?
Canfield: I had no idea about it. It was really frustrating to find out because if they would  have used it, if we could’ve shown Jon and Jaclyn that we had it and could defend ourselves, that could’ve changed the whole game. I don’t think Keith had the foresight to understand what that meant. I think he though, “Yay, I can protect myself.”

Holmes: When you approached Baylor last night, you took a more stern tone than you usually see with someone trying to sway a vote. You told her that she owed you. What was the thought process behind that approach?
Canfield: That was intentional. I knew that Baylor was a lost cause. After the merge I tried to be like, “Hey, are we still good?” And she was so cold to me.  I knew Missy had got her claws in her. I knew she was young and impressionable, and I was going to go really strong. I’d already lost her, so either it’ll change what she’s doing, or she’ll keep voting with her mom. I wanted her to know I literally kept her in the game in the beginning rounds. I told her she’d be looked at as a villain if she does this. And, because she didn’t know a lot about the game I thought maybe it would scare her.
Holmes: She mentioned the time you voted for her. What was the rationale behind that original Baylor vote?
Canfield: She didn’t care about that. We were long past that. She brought that up again because she was trying to justify voting for me. The strategy behind that first vote was I was trying to do the Russell Hantz thing where you grab a girl and go for it. (Laughs) Baylor was that girl. It was an in-the-moment decision. We were all going to vote for Nadiya, and at Tribal, John Rocker looks over at me and points to Baylor. I thought, what if I use this and say, ”Oh, I thought you wanted me to vote for Baylor.” I knew Baylor wasn’t going home, we had the numbers. Then, people will never suspect that I made an alliance with Baylor because I was willing to vote her out. The vote happened, then I came clean with her immediately. I told her I did it for us. Now nobody thinks we’re together. We can’t play to each other. We can’t hang out with each other, but we have each other’s backs.

Holmes: Alright, word association time. We’ll start with Rocker.
Canfield: Big.
Holmes: Natalie?
Canfield: Crazy.
Holmes: Julie?
Canfield: Wah wah…
Holmes: Keith?
Canfield: Good ol’ boy.
Holmes: Baylor?
Canfield: Young.
Holmes: Missy?
Canfield: Yikes. (Laughs)
Holmes: Wes?
Canfield: Friend.
Holmes: Alec?
Canfield: Outspoken.
Holmes: Jeremy?
Canfield: Sad pants.
Holmes: Jon?
Canfield: Energy?
Holmes:  Jaclyn?
Canfield: Pageant girl.
Holmes: Let’s finish with some guy named Reed.
Canfield: Aww…love of my life.

Holmes: Going into this the popular opinion was; Reed is the strategist. He’s going to go in and rip it up. And Josh is just along for the ride. What’s it like to go in there and dominate?
Canfield: Yeah. When I was reading all the pre-press things and the people’s assessments…
Holmes: The press doesn’t know anything, Josh.
Canfield: (Laughs) Everyone’s going off of what they’ve seen and I was not very well liked. Which I was fine with because I knew what was going to happen. But, everyone thought I was going to be horrible. But, I got a chance to prove that I wasn’t horrible.

Holmes: I saw “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” on Broadway. If I ask Reed for a refund, will he think that’s funny or will he hate me?
Canfield: Um…I think he’ll be in-between. I think he’ll laugh. Just because you’re in a show doesn’t mean it’s a good show.
Holmes: I do know all the words to Mary Jane’s song “If the World Should End.”
Canfield: Oh, you do! There’s an inner geek in you.
Holmes: No, more of an inner theater person.
Canfield: A theater nerd! I love it! Gordon, you just went up in my book.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Episode 8 Recap – Will Someone Baylor Out?

November 12, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

Last Week:  Josh and Jeremy fought over Jaclyn and Jon, Missy treated her own daughter like a pawn, and Julie decided to quit…she’s gone.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The #Huyopa Tribe (wearing blue)

Alec – 22, Student
Baylor – 20, Student
Jaclyn – 25, Media Buyer
Jeremy – 36, Firefighter
Jon – 26, Financial Assistant
Josh – 32, Actor
Keith – 53, Fire Captain
Missy – 47, Owner of Cheerleading Gym
Natalie – 28, Crossfit Coach
Reed – 31, Broadway Performer
Wes – 23, Firefighter

The episode starts off with Jon felling kinda uncomfortable with how deceitful he and Jaclyn are being. Welcome to “Survivor,” Gaston.

Right now he seems solidly in Josh’s camp, which is bad news for Jeremy.

Reward Challenge Time: Two teams will race to load heavy puzzle pieces onto a cart. They’ll then push that cart to a base. There they’ll build a temple with the pieces, then they’ll hoist a statue to the top of a wall. First tribe to get their statue to the top wins an afternoon at a taco bar.

It’s a schoolyard pick to decide the teams and we have Keith, Natalie, Wes, Reed, and Jeremy on team yellow vs. Jon, Jaclyn, Josh, Baylor, and Alec on team blue. Missy wasn’t picked, so she can’t win. That sucks. They should do that thing where she gets to bet on the winner.

The challenge starts and team yellow jumps off to a big lead. Maybe it’s because they didn’t pick teeny people like Jaclyn and Baylor?

The yellow team finishes their temple, hoists their statue, and wins reward.

They choose to send Jon to Exile Island because he’s a big guy and should do alright by himself. Wait, they want his vote, don’t they?

Next, we meet up with the winners at their taco bar. They actually let Reed talk, and he says that he feels bad because Josh has been dying for Mexican food.

Keith tells Jeremy that they were going to target Julie at Tribal, but he doesn’t buy it.

Wes goes to town on the food and ends up paying the price. Too many margaritas? Been there.

Back at #Huyopa, Josh tries to get back on Baylor’s good side. He does this by telling her that she owes him. Oh…you catch more flies with vinegar than honey? Wait, that’s not how that goes…

Baylor doesn’t think she owes him anything. Sure you do. Vote for him as often as he voted for you.

Meanwhile at Exile, Jon finds a clue that points toward an idol at Exile. He climbs around and…finds it! Team Jacljon! Hakuna Matata!

With everyone back from reward, Alec and Wes talk about how much they’d like Baylor to smell their farts. Seriously.

Keith gets in on it too, saying how much he’d whoop Baylor if she was his daughter because she doesn’t work hard enough. Jaclyn notices that the guys who need her vote aren’t being very nice to women.

Alec feels comfortable with his position though, because Jon trusts him and Jaclyn will do what he tells her. Famous last words?

Immunity Challenge Time: Probst will read out a series of symbols, the players will have to repeat them. If you get one wrong, you’re out. Last person standing wins immunity.

Round One: Jon’s out first. He’s followed by Reed and then Wes and Alec.

Round Two: Natalie goes immediately. Next we lose Baylor, then Jaclyn, then Keith and Missy.

Ooo…we’re down to Josh and Jeremy! The ringleaders!

On the next pick, Josh is out. Jeremy wins it.

Back at camp, Team Josh wants to target Baylor.

Buuuuut…Jaclyn doesn’t want to partner with Josh anymore because Alec, Wes, and Keith were being jerks. Oh man, poor Jon. Happy wife, happy life. Well, girlfriend…you know what I mean.

Later, Keith tells Missy that he’s gunning for Baylor because she doesn’t do anything around camp. Baylor doesn’t think it’s a smart move to tell someone’s mom that you’re going to vote for their kid. She’s not wrong.

That night at Tribal, Jeremy thinks he needed immunity because his head was on the chopping block. Josh feels the same way.

Jaclyn admits that her and Jon are in the middle. Jon says they don’t want to be the swing vote, but that’s how it keeps turning out.

Natalie feels protective of Jon because he’s a member of the original Hunahpu. Smart comment, Natalie.

Jaclyn admits that the guys in Josh’s alliance were rude to her when Jon was gone.

Missy thinks Wes and Alec act like they’re in a frat house. Keith points out that they’re not at the Hilton and that everyone has gas. Well, he’s not wrong.

Reed tells Jon and Jaclyn that they’re strong together and that they’ll be in trouble if they side with singles.

Jeremy disagrees, saying Team Josh will target Jon because he’s the biggest threat.

Voting Time: Alec votes for Baylor, Baylor votes for Josh, and the rest of the votes aren’t shown.

J-Pro tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Baylor, one vote for Josh, one vote for Baylor, one vote for Josh, one vote for Baylor, one vote for Josh, one vote for Baylor, one vote for Josh, one vote for Baylor, one vote for Josh, and the eighth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” and the first member of the jury is…Josh.

So…farting on people is a bad strategy.

Verdict: OK…the crime of this whole season is that we knew it was going to come down to Jeremy and Josh and one of them would have to go.

The thing is; other than those two who else is playing a good game?

Farting Wes? Sexist Alec?

Natalie who curses people out in challenges? Missy who scared Julie out of the game?

Keith who hasn’t once considered using his idol to help his alliance?

Jon and Jaclyn the flip-floppers? Baylor the one person every exit interview has talked trash about?

Maybe if non-factor Reed can step up we can see some interesting strategy, but otherwise…go Jeremy.

Who’s Going to Win? Dude, Jeremy.

Power Rankings Results: Spencer had Josh in spot eight, I had him in spot ten. The current score is Team Spencer: 69, Team Gordon: 79.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Power Rankings – Stinky Smooch Edition

November 11, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

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 two players will earn. For example, if Keith is voted out this week, Spencer will receive three points and Gordon will receive five points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Spencer and Gordon both had Julie in spot twelve. The current score is Team Spencer 61, Team Gordon 68.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” on Your Computer

Spencer’s Score = 61

Any questions for Spencer? Drop him a line on Twitter: @SpencerBGM

  Gordon’s Score = 69

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

 1. Baylor – Baylor has come a long way since being lost at the grocery store, scared and unable to find her mom. She’s now following her Missy’s lead, and securing a spot atop the Power Rankings.
   1. Jaclyn – So much has changed since Julie quit because she missed John Rocker, or she was caught hoarding food, or she didn’t like rain, or whatever. The world’s been introduced to “Too Many Cooks,” LeBron James has lost and found his mojo, and someone stole my idea for Dorito-flavored Mountain Dew. The one thing that hasn’t changed is how much the rest of the game will hinge on the next move of Nicaragua’s Hottest Couple.
 2. Jeremy – Things weren’t looking too pretty for Jeremy last week before purple Julie felt the last rain drop in the coffin. Probst said someone could have gotten a million dollar break last week, and with Jeremy’s hold over Alec, amongst others, the tide might turn once again this week.
   2. Jon – Julie’s quit was a nice little undercard match to set up this week’s main event. It’s a six-on five elimination match with the drama centering around which side JaclJon (Jonlyn?) will take. If I were them, I’d side with Jeremy and Co. because Jeremy is the only physical threat. But I understand why they’d be worried about being the last intimidating couple left standing.
 3. Keith – He may not remember birthdays. He may demand help picking up wood, per the previews. But as long as Keith doesn’t go home with an idol, we’re in for another week of laughs.
   3. Baylor – Nobody is truly  safe this week outside of the golden couple. Baylor’s only this high because somebody has to be. We might end up with a situation where idol fear causes one team to go after a less-likely target.

 4. Missy – Missy is a risky ranking. I’m jumping out on a limb and predicting that things will work out well for the Missy/Baylor/Jeremy/Natalie coalition, but truth be told, they’re all in the hands of Jon and Jaclyn. And that’s a scary place to be.
   4. Natalie – See Baylor.
 5. Natalie – Same rationale as Missy, only Natalie seems slightly more tightly tethered to Jeremy, and slightly less maneuverable.
  5. Keith – I’m starting to think that nobody knows Keith has an idol because this is the second week in a row where his alliance could’ve used an idol and nobody mentioned it. Is that good?  Yes and no. It’s good because he has a safety net if he feels threatened. It’s bad because he could put Josh’s alliance in the driver’s seat with one move and he doesn’t seem willing to do it.
  6. Jaclyn – We actually heard from Jaclyn last episode – twice! With she and Jon positioned as a power couple this week, expect lightning to strike again.
  6. Wes – Aww…poor Wes His dad forgot his birthday, then he bested him in an immunity challenge. It’s cool. You don’t want to look like too much of a threat.
  7. Jon – As swing votes, Jon and Jaclyn have taken over the narration duties of the show. Suffice it to say, I don’t think Morgan Freeman is sweating this one; his job is safe.
  7. Missy – All signs pointed to Julie being majorly creeped out by Missy last week. That’s bad. There’s nothing worse in this game than not appreciating how people perceive you. So, why is Missy so low this week? Because I’m thinking she’ll be the target if Team Josh wins the affections of J-Squared and Jeremy wins immunity.
  8. Josh – Josh is the guy who is continually, inevitably, perpetually shafted. He saves his rice on Coyopa only to show up at Hunahpu and have nothing to eat. He played his cards well – becoming effective mob boss in the early going – but is now ultimately left grasping for control. It’s all up to the woman who can’t speak and the man who talks to howler monkeys.
  8. Alec – So, I wrote out all of the options, and it looks like Alec is in real danger of being the odd man out. If Jon and Jac go with Team Josh, it’s a couples’ alliance and Alec doesn’t fit in. And, if J&J go with Team Jeremy, they don’t need Alec and he has no real foundation with them.
  9. Wes – He’s made the background his home, staying quiet thus far, but could catch a stray bullet if Jeremy wins the Jeremy-vs-Josh clash. Wes might just need to ask dad for that idol.
   9. Reed – Your worst-case scenario is Team Jeremy winning the love of JaclJon and Josh winning immunity. (Hey, remember when we thought Reed was the player and Josh was the tag-along?)
  10. Reed – With each passing day, an athlete like Reed becomes a higher nail to be pounded down. With each vote, the fact that he and Josh remain together will make others uneasy. In a very different sense than the fallen John Rocker, Reed is a ticking time bomb.
   10. Josh – Alright, if I were a betting man (and I totally am) I’d bet that the wonder twins will end up by Josh’s side. Here’s my reasoning; 1. Jon wasn’t that close to Jeremy on old Hunahpu, 2. The more couples there are around, the less dangerous it is to be in a couple. 3. Josh and Reed seem much more intimidating challenge-wise (and are thus bigger targets) than Jon and Jaclyn.
  11. Alec – Next episode looks like hard times for ‘basically a badass’ junior. His rudeness toward Julie last week at least reflected others’ outrage after the #TrailMixScandal, but the rudeness he’s teased to bring this time looks… ugly. Alec may find plenty of time at Ponderosa to be a meat collector as the first juror.
   11. Jeremy – The shame of the Jeremy/Josh showdown is it’s probably going to cost us one of this season’s two solid players. I’m hoping Jeremy can figure it out and break the Gordon-picked-me-to-win curse, but I’m thinking Josh has got him beat.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Julie – ‘I Just Saw Straight Through (Missy)’

November 6, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

You can lie after swearing on your kids’ names, you can vote your mother out of the game, and you can make up a story about your grandmother dying and some “Survivor” fans will find merit in your actions.

You just can’t quit.

I spoke with Julie McGee, the latest in a too-long list of Survivors who have called it quits the morning after her exit from the game. We had a chance to talk about her decision, Missy’s love, and what it’s like to be Johnny Rock’s girlfriend…

Gordon Holmes: Now that you’ve had time to think about what happened, do you regret your decision to quit?
Julie McGee: No. I don’t live in regret. I try my best to make the best decision for my overall health physically and mentally. It was hard to make a good decision, but I was pretty confident in what was going on at the time. I wasn’t running from anything. It was nothing like that at all. I was just really at my breaking point. The rain storm that had happened really shook it out of me. I couldn’t get my head twisted back on right. And everyone being jerks to me, and John not being there, and the trail mix scandal…
Holmes: People being jerks to you…was that tied specifically to the trail mix scandal or were there things earlier that we didn’t see?
McGee: I guess mainly right towards the end I felt some vibes that people were unhappy and were being mean to me without talking to me. But, before that I did feel that once we came together and there were so many couples that I lost connections with people I may have had a connection with before.
Holmes: Did other people have food in their bags?
McGee: I have no idea, and I wasn’t going to question it. It’s not because I was sitting there as full as a tick. I had some crumbs in the bottom of my bag. I was the one scrambling at the merge dinner. Most of the guys were either throwing up because they ate too much or were rubbing their tummy because they were too full. I was scrambling to find a way to pack up all this food…Missy and myself.  We needed to get the stuff and get it down the mountain. Stuff it in your pockets, stuff it in your shoes. Whatever you need to do. And if you stuff some stuff in your shoes, then have it. For Jon and Jaclyn, when they’re sitting back not doing anything, they say I’m so selfish? Who says I need to pack up all this food and ration it out for you two and feed you whenever you’re hungry?

Holmes: Maybe this is just me, but it struck me as odd when Missy said she loved you. That’s not a word I’d be comfortable breaking out in front of someone I’ve only known for a few weeks. Did that strike you as odd?
McGee: Yeah, I just saw straight through her. I don’t know if it’s because she was feeling apprehensive about saying she really wanted me there. Maybe she was upset about the crumbs in my bag. She was really just putting it on. I really felt a connection with her, and I really felt sometimes like I could trust her. But, when we’re sitting there talking and I’m at my lowest point and she says, “You’ve got to stay for us. I’m your loved one now.” That kind of made it worse.

Holmes: The people that leave the game pre-jury don’t get to hang out with the jurors. They’re all taken away. Did you leave when you did in the hopes of getting to see John?
McGee: Not at all. At that point I thought that it was already done. When Jeff came down to speak to me, he asked me the same question. He said, “What if I tell you that he’s not there?” This is for me now. It’s for my sanity. It’s what I need right now. And if he’s not there, that’ll suck, but I’ve got to make this move.

Holmes: Quitting seems to be “Survivor’s” one unforgivable sin. What kind of feedback have you been receiving from the fans?
McGee: Oh…wow. (Laughs) I want to just throw my phone in a lake. It’s really 50/50 right now. I have some people who are really supportive and huge fans and I’m so appreciative of that. But of course you have the haters. You have the people that say I’m a loser, I’m a quitter, someone else could have had that spot. But they don’t know what I was going through. And I realized when I quit that I was going to have to go through this. I was somewhat prepared for the backlash.

Holmes:  As John Rocker’s girlfriend, I would imagine a lot of people think negative things about you before they’ve even met you. What’s that like to deal with?
McGee: It’s human nature to go with the masses and believe what you read. For me to know who John is and to know his heart…he is a giving, sweet, loving, funny guy. And I am not selfish. I’m very loving and I’m very giving myself. I’m a great person and I have lots of great friends and family. I wouldn’t be with someone if they were an ass or a loser. People think he was a pro athlete and he’s got this money, so he’s going to have this girl…he’s gonna take care of this trophy girl.  That’s not the case at all. It has really changed the way I see things. If something’s written up about a celebrity, you cannot believe what you see. You have to know firsthand. So, all these people that are judging me, judging John, they’ll probably never know us. But, we’re good with ourselves. We’re good people.
Holmes: I’ve interviewed everyone who’s left the game. And the feedback about him has been overwhelmingly positive.
McGee: Absolutely. That’s what you have to go on. Real experiences with people who’ve come into contact with him.

Holmes: Alright, word association time…
McGee: (Laughs) I was looking forward to this!
Holmes: As you should be. Let’s start with Alec.
McGee: Young and dumb.
Holmes: Keith?
McGee: Ripe.
Holmes: Wes?
McGee: Gosh…driven.
Holmes: Josh?
McGee: Ballerina.
Holmes: Reed?
McGee: Flexible.
Holmes: Jeremy?
McGee: Secretive.
Holmes: Jaclyn?
McGee: Blank…follower.
Holmes: Jon?
McGee: Genuine.
Holmes: Missy?
McGee: Sweet…problematic.
Holmes: Natalie?
McGee: Boss.
Holmes: Baylor?
McGee: Eh…young.
Holmes: Let’s finish off with Johnny Rock.
McGee: (Laughs) Loud and sexy.
Holmes: Do you call him Johnny Rock?
McGee: No. I call him Boo Thang, I call him Baby, I call him Sweetheart.
Holmes: Aww…
McGee: Aww… my mom does, actually. He gets worn out about people using his last name, but he has a nickname for her and she calls him that.

Holmes: What did you learn during your time on “Survivor”?
McGee: We’re so caught up in routines, so being in that situation opened up the way I see life and the way I see myself. Everyday…I know it’s a cliché…but it makes all things seem small. I feel such a strength in myself knowing how far I pushed myself. It’s done nothing but good things for me.

Holmes: I feel it’s a shame you left when you did. It seemed like you would have had some options once the game progressed a little.
McGee: I know.
Holmes: But, that’s easy to say from the comfort of my couch.
McGee: Well yeah, I think if I had another opportunity and it wasn’t a Blood vs. Water, I’d go at it differently and just play the (expletive deleted) out of it.
Holmes: So, given the opportunity you’d play again?
McGee: Believe it or not, yes.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Episode 7 Recap – Fail Mix

November 5, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

Last Week:  An evening of rain made Julie want to quit, Dale’s fake idol wasn’t worth a whit, and Hunahpu got rice in exchange for all their stuff.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The Hunahpu (wearing blue

Alec – 22, Student
Jeremy – 36, Firefighter
Josh – 32, Actor
Julie – 34, Owner of Spray Tan Business
Natalie – 28, Crossfit Coach
Reed – 31, Broadway Performer
Wes – 23, Firefighter

The Coyopa (wearing yellow)

Baylor – 20, Student
Jaclyn – 25, Media Buyer
Jon – 26, Financial Assistant
Missy – 47, Owner of Cheerleading Gym

Keith – 53, Fire Captain

We start things off the morning after Tribal and Keith is not happy about having his name written down. Missy tells him what happened and blames it on her maternal instincts to save Baylor. Keith wishes they would have clued him in.

Meanwhile at Hunahpu, the merge invite arrives in tree mail. Josh isn’t psyched because he wanted to get rid of Jeremy first. Maybe they should’ve traded him to Probst for some extra rice.

Also, Alec is wearing a weird rainbow necklace. Is that a meat collector thing?

Over at Coyopa, Jon makes a joke at former Power Ranker Kat Edorsson’s expense, saying that he can keep dating Jaclyn cause she made the merge. Hilarious.

Next up, we see the twelve remaining players meet up at the merge feast. They waste no time diving in.

After a while, they’re told to head back to Coyopa camp. While they’re packing up the rest of the food, Julie dumps a bunch of it into her bag. That might be important later.

Jeremy thinks the pre-merge is like the preliminary round and now they’re playing real “Survivor.” I’m thinking right now Jeremy is in a living room somewhere getting dirty looks from Val.

Jeremy breaks down his current alliance as he, Natalie, and Julie.  Jeremy talks to Jon who tells him that with him, Jaclyn, Baylor, and Missy they can target Josh.

Later on, the tribe decides to call themselves Huyopa. What a Stume Napid.

Oh wait, the tribe flag is “#Huyopa.” All is forgiven, that is awesome.

The next morning, we find out that Keith forgot about Wes’s birthday. Oh man, it’s like Nicarguan “Sixteen Candles.”

Josh wants to start an all-couple alliance. So eight against four? Not smart.

He’s also hoping to bring Baylor back to his side. “Hey, remember all those times I voted for you? Sooooo sorry.”

Baylor appreciates that she’s going to have to boot Josh, but she wants to do it in a way that will keep his vote. Missy tells her it’s a game and to suck it up.

Listen to your mother, Baylor. She has experience sending men away.

Josh realizes he’s lost Baylor and decides to make a move for Jon and Jaclyn. He gives them a solid pitch, telling them that Jeremy will be tough to beat at the end. He might’ve been more successful if he’d offered Jon a role in the next Disney musical.  I’m thinking Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Next up, it turns out that Julie is still snacking on the trail mix she stuffed into her bag. While she’s out tanning, Jon goes into her bag and finds it…

Dun dun dun…always food. Always.

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will balance a ball on a disc on ropes. As time goes by, they’ll add more slack to the rope. Then, they’ll add a second ball. Last person with their balls on their disc wins immunity.

Oh…come…on! These challenges only exist so Probst can make inappropriate comments.

The challenge starts off and Jeremy is out quickly. Missy and Julie are both eliminated before they hit the second round.

Reed is the first person out in the second round. He’s followed by Baylor, Alec, Jaclyn, and Natalie.

We’re down to Josh, Wes, Keith, and Jon.

The third round starts off and Josh is immediately bounced. Jon is out next. It’s down to Keith and Wes. Maybe Keith should throw it as a birthday gift?

Wes’s ball eventually falls, giving immunity to Keith.

Back at camp, Alec makes a crack about wanting trail mix. Julie gets annoyed and walks off. Missy follows her out and tries to get her head back into the game. Julie admits that she’s considering quitting. Missy tells her to hold off until after this vote.

Julie doesn’t love the idea of sticking around for their plan. She wants to do what’s best for her.

Later, Jon tells Jeremy exactly what Josh was telling him. Jeremy smartly points out that Josh is the only one in his alliance playing the game. Well, that is all they’re showing us.

Afterwards, all of the couples are thinking about teaming up. Jon seems into it, but Jaclyn isn’t sure.

Aaaaand…Probst is at camp. Durnit.

Sure enough, Julie is calling it quits. She claims that being without her Rocker-poo is just too much for her to deal with.

Probst gathers the tribe and shares the lame news. Jeremy is not thrilled. Josh, as you’d imagine, is loooooving it.

There will be no Tribal that night. Only sadness for “Survivor” viewers.

Verdict: First NaOnka, then Purple Kelly, now Julie. Is there something in the Nicaraguan water that sends people running from this game?

And worst of all, Julie was in a solid position. If Jeremy’s side wins, she’s golden and probably in the final three.

Anywho, quits are always deflating, and this season hasn’t been off to an amazing start. Here’s hoping things pick up next week.

Who’s Going to Win? The next vote will settle this whole Josh and Jeremy debate. I’m sticking with Jeremy.

Power Rankings Results: Spencer and I both had Julie in spot twelve. So, the current score is Team Spencer 61, Team Gordon 69.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Power Rankings – Merge Edition

November 4, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

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 two players will earn. For example, if Keith is voted out this week, Spencer will receive five points and Gordon will receive two points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Spencer and Gordon both had Dale in spot thirteen. The current score is Team Spencer 49, Team Gordon 57.

Let’s check in with our two competitors before jumping into this all-important pre-merge ranking…

Gordon Holmes: First up, thanks a ton for playing this season. It’s awesome to have you on board.
Spencer Bledsoe: Of course! I consider it an honor, or at least consider it the kind of nerdy activity I would be doing with my friends anyway while watching “Survivor,” without it being posted on XFINITY.
Holmes: Nerdy? I resent that. What’ve you been up to since you proved Jeff Probst and I don’t understand how the show works?
Bledsoe: Since May I’ve just really enjoyed refocusing on real life – getting a job, working toward graduation – but now that I’m a bit removed from the experience, I’m loving watching the show again with the player cap off and the fan cap on.

Holmes: What would be your ideal situation heading into a Blood vs. Water season? I’m thinking a family member would be safer than a spouse, because a family member can’t divorce you.
Bledsoe: As tempting as taking someone I care zero about would be (the Corinne Kaplan approach), I’d feel good about being out there with my sister Taryn.

Holmes: Alright, we’re six votes into this season and I’m kind of blown away by some of the horrific gameplay we’ve seen. You could argue that Val, Rocker, and Drew were all totally responsible for their own exits. What’s your take on this pre-merge mess?
Bledsoe: You mean to tell me that Ms. “I have two idols,” the badass of San Juan Del Sur, and John Rocker had subpar gameplay? I think it’s a couple of things. Newbies are always a mixed bag; I think we’ve just forgotten how bad the play can be since this is the first all-newbie season following another all-newbie season in five years. Cagayan, One World and Nicaragua all had their share of bad players, so I don’t think the poor play is as novel as it might seem. San Juan Del Sur also seems like a case study in why you want people who know the game out there. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that people like Josh or Jeremy have been the most compelling so far.

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Spencer’s Score = 49

Any questions for Spencer? Drop him a line on Twitter: @SpencerBGM

  Gordon’s Score = 57

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

 1. Baylor – She’s stepped in gum. Josh (her closest ally) has voted for her. She’s had honey in her hair. Seven separate people have voted for her at least once. Her Dairy Queen has melted. It’s about to be merge time, but no matter what the sticky situation, Baylor always seems to emerge unscathed.
   1. Jaclyn – Even if Jaclyn ends up on the wrong side of the numbers, she isn’t going to be anyone’s first vote. Her boyfriend on the other hand…he might be in some trouble.
 2. Jeremy – WHY. ARE Y’ALL. HAPPPYYYYYYY?!?!?!?? These people are so DUMB! If they were smart, they would have gotten rid of Jeremy long ago. Now they have to be called idiots in at least ten more of his confessionals.
   2. Keith – Dale thinks that Keith is totally in Missy’s pocket, and why wouldn’t he be? Apparently she gives out the biggest servings of rice. The question is; will Wes join up with his dear old dad? Out of all the couples this season, they seemed to be the most likely to go their separate ways.
 3. Natalie – I’m actually not high on singles to thrive like they did in the first “Blood vs. Water,” but like Jeremy, I think Natalie will find a niche anyway. She has close ties from the original Hunahpu, and I could see Missy/Baylor/Jon/Jaclyn, or even Josh/Reed/Wes/Keith, welcoming her aboard.
   3. Baylor – Will Baylor be torn between partnering with her mom or her old pal Josh? I don’t think so. Josh voted for her for funsies a few too many times. But could they work together? All of ’em? Team Missy and Team Josh? Nope, this isn’t “Big Brother.” You can’t have an alliance of 40 people.

 4. Jon – I think it was an aggressive move of Mattel to release Barbie and Ken: deaf-mute and howler monkey-whisperer edition. Jon seems as detached from other players as Jaclyn is from the show at large (Missy and Baylor are his only other bond). Still, four couples remain at the merge, and Jon is just a few new allies away from forming a paired mega alliance.
   4. Missy – Between the original alliances, the post-swap alliances, and the original relationships, this whole merge looks like a big mess. Missy has ties with the former dominant alliance at old Hunahpu. Natalie and Jeremy are right there ready to join up with them. But, Baylor has ties with Josh. I’m not sure which way they’ll go, but they’ll have options and won’t be obvious targets.
 5. Keith – Keith rounds out the five people that I’d bet the farm are safe for another week. With the game’s only current immunity idol and options between his son’s and his own relationships with Alec and company and Missy and company, respectively, Keith could hardly be set up better.
  5. Natalie – If Natalie was able to convince Baylor that her and Jeremy were still on Team Missy when she volunteered to go to Exile (not an) Island, she may have made the move of the season.
  6. Josh – Josh takes the biggest dip in my rankings because a merge means uncertainty – something he hasn’t faced in a long while. We see him mulling over a pact with Reed, Keith, Wes and Alec, but there’s no sure sign he can lock down a majority (7/12 players). Further, Jeremy has sunk his claws into…
  6. Jeremy – Hunahpu traded their eternal souls to Jeff Probst for a bag of rice. Jeremy wasn’t a fan of the move, but he made sure the only person he told was the cameraman. Smart man. Now that he’s made the merge, here’s hoping he’s either able to make peace with Keith, realign with Missy, or make some other clever moves.
  7. Alec – Alec. He’s in limbo. His position in the game is as precarious as his word choice when he said, “I’m a meat collector” and “my skirt was blown up” last episode. I think he’ll stay tied to Wes, but beyond that, I have no idea where kingpin junior will find his place.
  7. Wes – You’re tight with Josh. Your dad is tight with Missy. So, no matter what you should be able to maneuver your way into the alliance that has the numbers.
  8. Jaclyn – In the tradition of hearing from or about Jaclyn,
  8. Alec – Things are going to get really interesting after the merge feast, and you’re someone who is going to have some options. I don’t think you’re going to be an obvious target no matter which way the wind blows. So, take your time and find the situation that best suits your needs.
  9. Missy – It’s a shame Missy has to merge just when things were getting good – her foremost enemy (Dale) just left, and she appears to have full control of the new Coyopa. Despite a silver lining that Hunahpu now has more rice for her to cook, I think the merge is worse news for Missy than for anyone else.
   9. Reed – Jeremy had a real good point last week about Reed and Josh spending too much time together after the swap. You’ve got two guys who are smart, likable, and in shape. It’s like the Baskauskas Brothers version 2.0. They’ll have plenty of time to canoodle after one of them takes home the Sole Survivor title.
  10. Wes – Wes is just threatening enough, via his connections to Keith and Alec, to be taken out. He isn’t powerful enough, however, to save himself. If we’re to anticipate a shootout between Josh and Jeremy, I fear Wes is the guy who gets caught by a ricochet bullet.
   10. Jon – It was very nice of production to allow you to try on the merge buff early last week. (Ahem.) But, you shouldn’t count on Missy to do you any favors once she has her original alliance back.
  11. Reed – Reed’s “Survivor” game has mirrored Gordon Holmes’s Power Ranking game thus far. Things have gone smoothly – almost too smoothly – and he hasn’t yet found reason to worry. I like Reed, but for the sake of avenging the fallen Ciera Eastin, here’s to a downfall of Garrett Adelstein proportions.
   11. Josh – Yup…you’re in the same boat as Reed, except you’re double dangerous because Baylor knows you were running the show at old Coyopa.
  12. Julie – Julie is as determined to win “Survivor” as John Rocker is to win a Nobel Peace Prize. All signs point to a quit, but if she does steal something, food or otherwise, from the merge feast, a rain of Julie ballots may extinguish her fire before Nicaraguan precipitation extinguishes her will.
   12. Julie – You’re in an amazing position to make a serious run at the crown and you’ve been detoured by…rain? Like, one night of rain? Right now the cast of “Survivor: Samoa” is hating you. Whatever you do; don’t quit. Being John Rocker’s girlfriend is rough enough, you don’t want to have to deal with the “quitter” label.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Dale – Baylor Is ‘Spoiled and Lazy’

October 30, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

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You’ve gotta love a player that goes down swinging.

Knowing that his head was next on the chopping block, Dale threw a Hail Mary pass in the form of a weird trinket he’d found on the water well. Was it an idol? Of course not. Did he convince Jon it was an idol? Surprisingly, yes.

Did Jon take the bait and keep Dale around? No.

Jon and company simply split the vote and sent Dale packing anyways.

I spoke to Dale the morning after his elimination and had a chance to ask about his clever ruse, his feud with Missy, and how the game affected his relationship with his daughter…

Gordon Holmes: Last night Jon told Jaclyn that he believed that the idol you showed him was real. When you were out there, did you think you had him hooked?
Dale Wentworth: I was hoping I did. I talked to Keith and I said, “I think the vote is going to be three for me and three for you and if I play my idol, you’re going home.” I was about 99% sure they were going to split the votes between us. I was hoping and praying, but I didn’t have a lot of chance of staying.
Holmes: Were you close with Keith?
Wentworth: No, Keith and Missy were…Keith was very tied to Missy. I couldn’t make any inroads with him whatsoever.
Holmes: Did you show anyone else your fake idol?
Wentworth: No, I just did it with Jon. I knew Jon was tight with Missy. We did have a conversation with Jon and Jaclyn and Keith and we agreed to vote for Missy. That was the last conversation we had before Tribal.

Holmes: Was there ever an opportunity to make peace with Missy or to work with her?
Wentworth: I didn’t get along with Missy because Baylor spoiled that one. And, Kelley and Missy didn’t get along much either. Kelley and I both brought a lot of baggage into that tribe swap. It was five-to-two from the start. We had a talk as soon as we got to the beach that there was going to have to be a miracle.
Holmes: What was the root of the problem with you and Baylor?
Wentworth: Baylor and I never hit it off. Within three or four hours of the game starting, I was walking with Baylor and said, “Look, are you interested in forming an alliance?” And she just looked at me and said, “I haven’t decided anything yet. But if I do, I’ll come talk to you.” And she walked away. She had no interest in talking to me. I don’t know what her problem was. And I never really targeted Baylor. There were times where I petitioned to keep her around for alliances and stuff.

Holmes: What was your relationship like with Josh before the swap?
Wentworth: We got along real good. We were talking on the first day. Wes, Rocker, and I…I had a lot of alliances going.
Holmes: I asked that because I can’t get a read on how Josh feels about Baylor. It seems like he’d throw votes her way that were unnecessary.
Wentworth: Josh is playing an interesting game. You usually try to build loyalty up pre-merge. You’ve got your two or three alliance guys…and you go into Tribal and you say you’re going to vote that way, then you vote that way…so they can count on you. Then if you can carry your alliance through the merge, you’ll have loyalty built up. Josh isn’t going into a merge with a lot of foundation with his people.

Holmes: You were the only person to vote with Rocker when he was blindsided. Were they able to patch things up with you afterwards or was it clear that you were the next to go?
Wentworth: We patched it up. But patching it up on “Survivor” is just words. John, I don’t know why he did it, but we’d just seen Val come in and say she had an idol and we voted her out. Then the next day, John goes to the same people and told them he had an idol. Well, what’s the first thing you’re going to do? You’re going to vote that idol out. If he’d not told people he had an idol, he probably wouldn’t have been voted out that night.

Holmes: One of the storylines has been that Hunahpu was beating Coyopa in challenges because they had been eating more. Last night Probst traded Hunahpu a bag of rice for their comfort items. As someone who was on the losing end of so many challenges, do you think that was a fair deal?
Wentworth: Knowing there was a food reward coming up the next day, I would’ve made them go 24 more hours without food.

Holmes: OK, word association time. We’ll start with Rocker.
Wentworth: Misguided.
Holmes: Jon?
Wentworth: He’s a nice guy.
Holmes: Jaclyn?
Wentworth: Very friendly. Interesting.
Holmes: Keith?
Wentworth:  Whipped.
Holmes: Missy?
Wentworth: I said enough about her on the show. You can use those words. (Laughs)
Holmes: Baylor?
Wentworth: Spoiled and lazy.
Holmes: Josh?
Wentworth: A good guy.
Holmes: Alec?
Wentworth:  Gullible.
Holmes: Wes?
Wentworth: Underrated. That challenge he did was just amazing.
Holmes: We’ll finish off with Kelley.
Wentworth: Very proud to have her as my daughter.

Holmes: Kelley and I talked last week and she seemed very happy with how “Survivor” helped your relationship. Do you second that emotion?
Wentworth: Oh yeah. It’ll be something Kelley and I can share for the rest of our lives. What it did for us is priceless.
Holmes: Is this a situation where you can brag about lasting longer in the game, or would that be a huge mistake?
Wentworth: We still have a point of contention about who got voted out and why. That’ll be one of our arguing points for a long time. So, I won’t brag about that too much. (Laughs)

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

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Episode 6 Recap – Idolt?

October 29, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

Last Week: Tribes swapped, rice rationing stopped, and Kelley was dropped.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The Hunahpu (wearing blue

Alec – 22, Student
Jeremy – 36, Firefighter
Josh – 32, Actor
Julie – 34, Owner of Spray Tan Business
Natalie – 28, Crossfit Coach
Reed – 31, Broadway Performer
Wes – 23, Firefighter

The Coyopa (wearing yellow)

Baylor – 20, Student
Dale – 55, Farmer
Jaclyn – 25, Media Buyer
Jon – 26, Financial Assistant
Missy – 47, Owner of Cheerleading Gym
Keith – 53, Fire Captain

The fun starts off with new Coyopa after Tribal and Dale is not a happy camper. He says they slaughtered his daughter right in front of him. That’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s a fun little rhyme.

The next morning, he shows Jon the weird little medallion he found at the water well and tells him it’s an idol. Jon gawks at it like he just showed him a leprechaun.

Over at Hunahpu, Jeremy and Alec are wondering what Probst is going to ask for in exchange for rice. My money is on “Survivor” tattoos.

Jeremy doesn’t understand why they’re making the deal because they could win the next reward. Yeah dude, or go fishing, or catch those little crabs that are everywhere around your camp.

J-Pro shows up and gives them a hard time about how poorly they’ve been rationing. Reed says nobody spoke up about it because they didn’t want to put a target on their back. I like to think old Hunahpu was putting on weight.

Probst tells them that he wants all of their comfort rewards, their pots, their extra flint, and their souls.

And…they go for it without question. Worst negotiators ever. They could have at least had him throw in a blue button down shirt and some cargo shorts.

Reward Challenge Time: A blindfolded player from each tribe will climb through obstacles and retrieve bags of puzzle pieces. Once they have all three bags, they’ll use their hands to feel a completed puzzle. They’ll then have to recreate the puzzle with the pieces. Winning tribe gets a barbecue feast.

Oh man, I was hoping reward was going to be a giant bag of rice.

The tribes are allowed to put up anyone they want. Hunahpu chooses Reed while Baylor will go for Coyopa.

Not much to describe here except for Baylor constantly banging her head against the obstacles. See Missy, you’re not the only one to crack Baylor this season.

Reed figures out the puzzle and wins food for Hunahpu. So unfair, he has Spidey Sense!

Reed also gets to decide who goes to Exile, he chooses Julie, but Natalie wants to take her place. Huh…

Over at Coyopa, Jon, Missy, and Jaclyn are talking business. Jon thinks they’re have to target Keith if they lose immunity. Oy…

At Exile, Natalie wants to prove to Missy and Baylor that she’s still on their side. Not bad, but it’s really suspect to the tribe that you have to hang out with until the merge.

Baylor shares the idol clue and Natalie thinks the idol will be “awesome to have.” Well, she’s not wrong.

Meanwhile, Josh is super proud of his boyfriend for winning the reward. Jeremy, however, has a good point that if Val were around, they wouldn’t spend as much time together as Reed and Josh because they wouldn’t want to be viewed as a threat.

And then comes the rain…maybe Hunahpu can fashion their newly won rice into a tarp?

Oh…and Julie is losing it. Apparently she’s considering quitting…over rain…  Jeremy tries to give her a pep talk, but she’s not having it.

Alec shows some sympathy saying, “B—h, this is ‘Survivor,’ you signed up for this. Go home.” Oh, so that “b—h” thing is a family trait?

Immunity Challenge Time: Teams will race over a wall, then they’ll push a large cube through some posts gathering puzzle pieces as they go. First tribe to complete the puzzle wins immunity.

Julie will sit out for Hunahpu.

The Survivors are ready, and then they go. Hunahpu is off to an early lead after the wall, but Coyopa comes back and takes the lead when one of Jeremy’s puzzle bags gets stuck.

Jon and Missy start Coyopa’s puzzle while Reed and Josh eventually take puzzle duty for Hunahpu.

Aww…the couple that does puzzles together…

…wins together! Reed and Josh win immunity for Hunahpu.

Dale makes it a point to say that someone’s loved one is going home tonight. Yeah, cause he has a super real, not-at-all-fake idol. Right? Right, everyone!

Back at camp, Jon claims to suck at losing. On the contrary, my friend.

Dale offers to give his idol to Jon if he keeps him safe at Tribal. He’ll also trade him his huge nickel for Jon’s tiny dime.

Baylor, Missy, Jon, and Jaclyn decide to split the vote in case Dale plays his idol.

Jaclyn asks Jon if he thinks the idol is real and he toooootally does. Oh man. He’s so pretty.

Also, Jon is wearing a blue buff in his confessional…whoops.

That night at Tribal Council, Jon’s first answer is interrupted by howler monkeys. It’s probable what they were saying was more intelligent.

Dale thinks the vote is different than before because he knows he’s in trouble.

Jaclyn liked having Dale as an option. Missy didn’t like that answer. Oh man…Jaclyn is pretty too.

Baylor thinks she’s more loyal than Dale. Dale disagrees because Baylor flipped on Jaclyn.

Voting Time: Keith votes for Dale, Missy votes for Keith, Dale votes for Missy, and the rest of the votes are a mystery…until the credits.

J-Pro tallies and returns as only he can. We’ve got one vote for Dale, one vote for Keith, one vote for Missy, one vote for Keith, one vote for Dale, and the sixth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” is…Dale.

Verdict: Kudos to Dale for trying to make it interesting, but we knew he was a goner.

This has been a really weird season. Most of the people who were eliminated were bounced because of their own weird/bad strategies. Hopefully things pick up at the merge.

Who’s Going to Win? Jeremy has been my pick since day one and it looks like he’s going to survive the swap. But, this merge is gonna be crazy with the duos and other weird half alliances.

Power Rankings Results: Spencer and I both had Dale in spot thirteen. The current score is Team Spencer 49, Team Gordon 57.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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