‘Survivor’ Castaway Katrina – ‘(Chrissy) Was Out to Get Me from the Moment We Got on the Boat”

September 28, 2017 by

Katrina Radke (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.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 with Aubry Bracco, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Sometimes “Survivor” sucks. You go through months of auditions, you get a million immunization shots, you fly halfway around the world, and then you’re arguably the weakest person on a six-person tribe that loses the first immunity challenge.

Man, if only the Heroes had a few extra days to stew in Alan’s…unique…strategy.

I spoke to Katrina the morning after her elimination and had a chance to ask her about Alan’s intensity, JP’s strip search, and Chrissy’s idle idol hands…

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers”

Gordon Holmes: It looked like the early tribe dynamics were you and Chrissy, JP and Ashley, and Alan and Ben. How accurate was that?
Katrina Radke: Not so accurate. It was how it was portrayed. I feel like there were a lot of times where it shifted. There were times where I could easily be working with Ashley and JP. There were times where Alan was talking to me about working with him and Ben. There’s a lot more than what’s seen.
Holmes: How close were you Chrissy? They portrayed you two as the “Mom Squad.”
Radke: She was out to get me from the moment we got on the boat. (Laughs)
Holmes: Really?
Radke: Yeah. I love Chrissy, she’s a great person. She admitted that she was very fearful about being the first one going home. Also, because I’m the same age as her, she was threatened by that. And I felt that. If I did something well, she’d try to negate it. Little things like that would happen. I tried to embrace the enemy and love her for who she is. This game brings out a lot of paranoia obviously, but underneath that is a real person. I said, “Why don’t we work together?” And that was very early in the game.

Holmes: That seems to answer my next question. A lot of people were wondering why Chrissy didn’t play the Super Idol® for you.
Radke: Of course.
Holmes: So on day three, she goes into her bag and finds this little surprise from Ryan…did she act differently afterward?
Radke: No, we’re doing so many confessionals at that point. We’re not all hanging out together. So, I didn’t know.

Holmes: I wanted to get your opinion on something “Survivor: Cagayan” and “Survivor: Second Chance” alum Kass McQuillen said last night on Twitter after you were eliminated.

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Holmes: Now, we have a situation where you’re an Olympic athlete, and you were still considered to be the least valuable tribe member.
Radke: You know, that’s funny. There was a moment at Tribal where Jeff asked Chrissy…he called her on the fact that she’s so stressed about being older. And he looked to me and said, “Do you feel that way?” And I said, “No.” Honestly, I know what I’m capable of, this is going to sound bad, I don’t look like I did when I was twenty, but I’m still very strong. I was not worried about what my capabilities were about physical challenges or living out there. I was actually really excited about it. What surprised me was people had perceptions, and when people have perceptions they need to feel that how they see the world is true. If they think a 47-year-old mom can’t do anything, they’re going to try to prove themselves right.
Holmes: Interesting.
Radke: I remember JP at one point saying, “Oh, let me carry that for you.” And I was just laughing. And one time we were throwing stones to open coconuts. When I opened them, they were so amazed. Am I that woman who can’t do anything? Am I that woman that sits around and creates drama? Or, am I more a 20 year old in a 47-year-old body? It was probably confusing to a lot of people.

Holmes: Did you let anyone know that you’re a former Olympian?
Radke: I did. I remember telling JP about it specifically, and Alan. It was all cool. Alan told me he was a pro. I think I told everybody. And it wasn’t so much to impress them, I wanted them to know I was a straight shooter and they could trust me.
Holmes: So, you’re on the bottom. And I’m trying to think of what arguments I’d use to get people to get me to stick around. You’re in Fiji, there are going to be swimming challenges. Olympians have next-level work ethics…
Radke: I’ve never felt like I’ve had to sell myself. I’ve always just shown it so people knew. So, it was weird to try to get my point across. That’s not my normal nature. I’ll go to bat for myself if I have to. But, I knew that the decision was already made. Alan used my name to tell JP and Ashley that they had the idol. I could’ve worked with JP and Ashley, but they didn’t trust me after that. And when you’ve lost that trust, I didn’t have time to get it back. Maybe I could’ve made a big scene, but the funny thing is, on day two…I just kind of knew and was calm about it. It’s like I had a higher knowing or an intuition. I said this in an interview, a confessional that, “I’m going home tomorrow.” The producer was like, “What?!” (Laughs) Sometimes you just kind of know. When I first saw my tribe, I knew these weren’t the people I had connected with at Ponderosa. I think energetically I was not a match with that group.

Holmes: When Alan blew up on the beach with the whole, does-JP-have-an-idol strip search…is that when he used your name?
Radke: Yeah, Alan came over to Ben and he whispered in his ear. And before that, Alan and I had gone for a walk and he shared with me how he’d like to work with me, but he wished we had gotten together earlier because he had this alliance. Ashley and I were talking together, probably for too long, and people freaked out. Alan apologized to me after the fact for using my name. It happens pretty fast as far as people getting paranoid. Ben asked me if it was true (EDIT: That Katrina had told Alan that Ashley and JP had an idol) and I said, “No, Alan just had a bad moment.” Alan’s a great guy. I love Alan. This game may have been a little bit too much for him.
Holmes: All we saw last night was super intense Alan. Katrina, you’ve got to tell me there’s another, laid-back gear to this guy.
Radke: Oh yeah, he can be very chill. I think the game brought out the paranoia in him.

Holmes: Alright, word association time. Let’s start with Ashley.
Radke: Strong.
Holmes: Ben?
Radke: Earthy.
Holmes: JP?
Radke: Solid.
Holmes: Alan?
Radke: (Laughs) So much is coming to my head…he’s very sensitive.
Holmes: Let’s finish off with Chrissy.
Radke: Oh, she’s sensitive too.

Holmes: It’s so rough being the first one out, especially in a six-person tribe season. Was there anything that happened that you wish we had seen?
Radke: Yeah, there was this moment where I was looking for the idol and there was this crab coming out of this tree. I really wanted to see that footage. (Laughs) It was pretty funny. I’d like to have that for my own memory book. I wish they’d have shown the whole thing of what happened with Alan. And a lot of things I said at Tribal would give a different perspective of how I played the game. But, I know how I was and I feel good about how I played.

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

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‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ Premiere Recap – False Start

September 27, 2017 by

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.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 with Aubry Bracco, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Quick Note: In the past, my recaps have kind of been a quick look at the episode’s events with limited commentary. I wanted it to seem as if we were watching the episode together. Going forward, I’m going to experiment with some new format and style choices. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the brand-spankin’ new tribes…

The Levu Tribe (AKA: The Heroes – Wearing Blue)
Alan, 31 – NFL Player
Ashley, 26 – Lifeguard
Ben, 34 – Marine
Chrissy, 46 – Financial Analyst
JP, 28 – Firefighter
Katrina, 46 – Olympian

The Soko Tribe (AKA: The Healers – Wearing Yellow)
Cole, 24 – Wilderness Survival Guide
Desiree, 27 – Physical Therapist
Jessica, 29 – Nurse Practitioner
Joe, 34 – Probation Officer
Mike, 43 – Urologist
Roark, 27 – Social Worker

The Yawa Tribe (AKA: The Hustlers – Wearing Red)
Ali, 24 – Celebrity Assistant
Devon, 23 – Surf Instructor
Lauren, 35 – Fisherman
Patrick, 24 – Small Business Owner
Ryan, 23 – Bellhop
Simone, 25 – Diversity Advocate

First Impressions: How is a financial analyst a hero? Or a probation officer a healer? And man, I’m going to be so disappointed if I see a member of the Hustlers tribe dogging it during an immunity challenge.

The Marooning

We meet up with JPro and the eighteen newbies on a boat. He tells them that they’ve been divided based on the trait that people use to describe them. Mmm…kay.  During the course of the chat…

  • Probst speaks to Ben, Cole, Ali, and Mike.
  • In a confessional, Chrissy tells us that she feels comfortable being a hero because she left her career, raised her family, then returned to her career. Awesome and admirable…but heroic?
  • Mike introduces himself as a “Sex Doctor,” which totally sounds like a Showtime series.

From there, Probst sends them on their merry way to gather supplies and compete in the first challenge. This quickie contest involves rowing to shore and lifting a tribemate so they can light a torch. The first tribe to light their torch will receive fire and a firemaking kit. The second tribe will receive flint. The third tribe has to live with their failure.

They start off and it’s madness as usual. During the course of the fun, Ryan manages to find a secret advantage.

The challenge portion is a complete joke as the Healers claim first, the Heroes take second, and the Hustlers can’t even get their boat pointed in the right direction. However in their defense, they never stopped trying. Probst wasn’t even subtle about it, saying the Hustlers were still “trying to figure out which show they’re on.”

At Healers Beach

Jessica is immediately crushing on Cole because she’s a human being who has functioning eyes.

Mike goes on an unsuccessful idol hunt, but is confronted by Joe. Joe tries to use his lie-detecting sixth sense to figure out if Mike has an idol and it just…goes…so…badly for all parties involved. It was just poor form on both sides in what could have been an alliance-building moment. Instead, Mike feels threatened and Joe didn’t gain anything out of the situation.

At Heroes Beach

Everyone pairs off really quickly. It looks live we’ve got Ashley and JP,  Ben and Alan, and Chrissy and Katrina. In fact Chrissy and Katrina are lovingly referred to as the “Mom Squad.”

Alan is very wary of Ashley and JP becoming a power couple and he tells us that he wants to play at a full sprint out of the gate. Cause that never backfires…

Cooler heads seem to prevail though, as Alan and Ben decide to team up with Ashley and JP. This is hilarious because Ben refers to himself as a younger player as if 34 was young on “Survivor.”

In the evening, Alan accuses JP of having an idol. JP does everything in his power to prove that he doesn’t, including stripping and jumping up and down. But Alan is not convinced. Can this be a thing now? If you think someone has an idol they have to strip and jump?

Oh, and later Alan admits to us that he didn’t think JP had an idol, he just wanted to shake things up. WHY?! It’s day two, dude.

At Hustlers Beach

Patrick asks the tribe if he should eat a walking stick bug and I immediately have flashbacks to Mike in Worlds Apart. But, that did work out well for him.

Patrick decides against it and freaks out as he’s throwing the bug away. He tells everyone, “I forgot I had a crab in my pants.”

Sounds like he could use a sex doctor.

Despite all of that tomfoolery, Ali still wants to work with Patrick.

Next up, Ryan tells us that he hasn’t had a chance to look at his advantage. He says, “It’s in my pants, I’m dying to know what it is.”

Sounds like he could use a sex doctor.

Ryan learns that his advantage is a super idol.

This idol can be played after the vote, but it can only be used at the first Tribal Council. If the Hustlers don’t go to the first Tribal, he must send it to a member of the losing tribe anonymously.

Ryan leverages this advantage to get in good with Devon. So smart. And it looks like they’re a solid twosome.

Immunity Challenge Time: The tribes will climb a net, then pull a cart to the top of a tower. They’ll hop in and ride it to the bottom. From there, they’ll have to choose a table maze. The first tribe chooses from three mazes, the second tribe picks between the remaining two, and the final tribe gets what’s left. They’ll carry the table maze to the top of another tower. The first two tribes to complete the puzzle will win immunity.

Note: Before the challenge, Jeff told the tribes that tie votes are back in play this season.

Challenge Result: The Healers took first place and the Hustlers were just barely able to edge out the Heroes.

Chrissy is in bad shape after the challenge. She vomited, but she didn’t want medical to be called it. Sooo…it’s pretty safe to assume that Ryan’s going to send that idol her way.

Post-Challenge Politicking

It looks like we’re starting off with Ben, Alan, JP, and Ashley against the “Mom Squad,” but Alan immediately blows it up. He tells Katrina and Chrissy that nobody has been talking strategy with him and that they should work together.

Ben drops the classic “stick to the plan” bomb, but it looks like he’s going to stay tight with Alan.

Before they head off to Tribal, Chrissy receives a little gift from Ryan. Called it.

Tribal Time

Well, this was a mess. Ashley, JP, and Alan immediately get into it over whether or not they have an idol and whether or not JP and Ashley are a power couple.

Alan even says that he could’ve sat back and let things slide, but he wanted to let everyone know that they were a couple. Yes, you could’ve and you also probably should’ve.

Voting: Katrina was voted out five votes to one. The super idol was not played.

Verdict: Early “Survivor” is so easy, Alan. Work hard, be cool, make an alliance, vote off the weirdo. Yikes.

Anywho, there’s a lot of potential this season. People to root for, people to root against. I can’t wait. I just hope there aren’t more super idols waiting to be found.

My Winner Pick: Boy, I hate to curse her because she seems awesome, but I’m going with Ali. I think she has a good head on her shoulders.

  • Ryan – The future Cochran Award winner for best self-depreciating humor killed it this week. He found the super idol, he used it to earn the trust of his tribe’s most prominent meat shield, and he made a potential future ally out of Chrissy.
  • Ben – Sometimes the best thing you can do when your alliance is falling apart is to just let it happen and then pick up the pieces afterwards. A five-person tribe is a dangerous place to be, but he should be fine.
  • Devon – Opportunity knocked and you answered it.
  • Chrissy – I’ve got to think you had a really good reason for not saving Katrina. Hopefully it put you in a good spot with the rest of Levu.
  • JP – “Survivor” 101 states that you never make it look like you’re part of a power couple. You’re really lucky it didn’t cost you.
  • Ashley – I thought you were going to be the victim of the super idol. Regroup and regroup quickly.
  • Joe and Mike – The moment where Joe accused Mike of idol hunting was just…cringey. (Probably not a word.) What could have been an alliance-building moment seemed to have the opposite effect.
  • Alan – Wow…just wow. You can’t win the game on day one, but you can sure lose it.
  • Cole, Desiree, Jessica, Roark, Ali, Lauren, Patrick, and Simone – I can’t give you full credit if you don’t show your work.


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

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Aubry Bracco Accepts the ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ Power Rankings Challenge

September 25, 2017 by

Aubry Bracco (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.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.

The XFINITY “Survivor” Power Rankings committee is thrilled to announce that “Survivor: Kaoh Rong” and “Survivor: Game Changers” star Aubry Bracco has agreed to accept the Power Rankings challenge. When asked how she felt about this undertaking, she said, “I’m ready to take on the Power Rankings for Season 35 with Gordon. It’s nice to be back as a fan (FINALLY) and not a player. I promise I won’t be too much like the armchair quarterbacks I couldn’t stand during my seasons, but don’t worry, I’ll still play it straight.”

To kick things off, we’ve asked Aubry to rank the players based on how likely they are to win the game.

1. Alan: I don’t know what it is, but he had me at “Hello.” Sure, he might get hangry, but he’s aware of it. When you know your weaknesses and are vocally aware of them, that’s a “Survivor” superpower I call vulnerability, and it can nab you the win. 2. JP: Be still my heart — this man loves animals, understands the power of being yourself and has his ego in check? Ladies and gentleman, we may have met our Tom Westman Jr. I’m concerned the rest of his tribe will notice it before he gets to the end, but there’s something about this guy I believe in.
3. Roark: Someone call Beverly Cleary (yeah, she is alive and kicking at 101) — I want Roark to be a female heroine in a young adult novel. I love her pride in her intelligence and assertiveness, but I’m just not sure how that’s going to play out in the context of the game. The good news? She’s aware of how she’ll be perceived. 4. Ryan: Stop the presses, everyone. I have a new “Survivor” boyfriend, and his name is Ryan Ulrich. Physically, he reminds of an unstretched Stretch Armstrong version of Neal. But, most importantly, his personality is that perfect mix of vulnerable, self-deprecating and genuine that I love about John Cochran. His awareness that he needs to play under-the-radar for awhile will serve him well, but he has the risk of going out in David Wright style.
5. Desiree: I really like Desi. She’s authentic. She’s smart. She’s vulnerable. I hope they don’t see her as a threat too soon, because she’s got something triple-threat special about her — Brains, Brawn and Beauty. It’s almost Spradlin-like. 6. Cole: Cole is going to need to make some strong relationships and fast, because he’s going to be on the run like Harrison Ford in “The Fugitive” if he makes the merge. He’s very visibly a threat, but his flexibility and personality will help him go far, especially if he pulls a Jeremy Collins and goes for the meat-shield strategy — there are certainly plenty to choose from.
7. Jessica: Jessica definitely has a fierceness and emotionality to her that smacks of a certain player who fell in love with me on “Survivor: Game Changers” (Ahem, Andrea). I think she’ll do well, but she’ll get pinned as a threat. 8. Ali: If Ali doesn’t get swap-screwed, I see a bit of Julia Sokolowski in her. That’s good, but “sometimes the guy in the middle of the road gets run over.”
9. Mike: Mike, you’re a gem. I love how you own your oddness, and I think you’ll be able to parlay that into something for a bit. But please, for the love of all things, keep that super-fan status and those pee jokes under wraps or “urine trouble.” (I couldn’t help myself). 10. Chrissy: Awww, Chrissy — you remind me of me. I see a fellow hardworking achiever there, eyes alight with an earnestness and desire to play. I’m concerned, though, that you might be forcing it too much. Remember, “Survivor” is just as much about being easygoing as it is working hard.
11. Simone: At first glance, I’m concerned Simone is coming in a little too calculating and hot like my fellow Brains tribemate Liz Markham. Thankfully, she seems like she could be self-aware enough to adjust on the fly. But no matter what she does, this girl has “threat” written all over her. 12. Devon: I think Devon’s super-chill Ozzy-like personality and good looks will keep him safe…for a little while. When this guy gets to the merge they’ll be caring less about his looks and solid personality and more about his physical prowess. You seem like a cool dude, Devon, but I fear you’re a classic merge boot.
13. Patrick: Everytime I see Patrick, I think I’m looking at a Kennedy. Then, he talks, and I couldn’t be more off-base. He seems like a hard-working, down-to-earth dude, but he says he’s a talker. Hopefully, his personality isn’t too strong off the bat. 14. Ashley: When people meet this surfer chick I think they’ll expect the sweetness of Hali Ford or Woo and get the feistiness of Kaoh Rong Alecia. I want to see her go deep, but I’m afraid an intoxicating laid-back personality that makes people comfortable paired with fierceness will make people perceive her as a threat.
15. Ben: This guy’s got me intrigued in a Jason the Kaoh Rong bounty hunter meets Cody from “Big Brother 19” sort of way. It looks like we don’t know if he’ll be as docile as Paddington Bear or the second coming of ‘The Revenant’ grizzly. “Life is like a box of chocolates,” Forrest Gump once said, and this seems to be the case with Ben — “you never know what you’re going to get.” 16. Joe: Oh Joe, I love you, but I’m afraid your vibe is screaming “Tony.” King Spyshack The Great can only happen once, and based on the reception my lovely Mana tribe gave him, I’m not sure it’s going to go well. I hope I’m wrong.
17. Katrina: I’m concerned this Olympian will swim off into the sunset very early. A very intense personality + need for a daily time-out = imminent drowning. 18. Lauren: Lauren, I respect your hard work and unwillingness to bend to others. That said, do you know what game you signed up for?

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers” this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.


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

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Meet the Cast of ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’

September 21, 2017 by

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.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.  So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

The cast for the 35th season of the legendary reality show “Survivor” was revealed by CBS on Wednesday afternoon. This collection of 18 all-new players will be divided into three tribes that each exemplify a specific trait; either heroic deeds, healing talents, or a hustling spirit.

Name: Alan Ball
Age: 31
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation:  NFL Player
Personal Claim to Fame:  Being a 7th round draft pick and grinding for 9 years in the NFL.
Three Words to Describe You:  Intelligent, athletic and clever.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Hot sauce because it makes everything better, a picture of my wife because sometimes just looking at her changes my mood and baby wipes!
Name: Ashley Nolan
Age: 26
Hometown: Satellite Beach, Florida
Occupation:  Lifeguard
Personal Claim to Fame: Just about as well rounded as any woman could be. I’ll be just one of the guys – out saving lives, working out and cracking jokes all day and then all of the sudden I can put myself together into a well-spoken lady who can charm your socks off and still kick butt.
Three Words to Describe You:  Impressive, tough and hilarious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A surfboard to keep me sane, headphones to tune out other people’s complaining and a journal to secretly document everything and tactically plan how to use it against others.
Name: Ben Driebergen
Age: 34
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Occupation:  Marine
Personal Claim to Fame:  Being a good dad and husband.
Three Words to Describe You:  Hilarious, strong willed and motivated.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? My cowboy hat, my boots and my running shoes.
Name: Chrissy Hofbeck
Age: 46
Hometown: Glen Gardner, New Jersey
Occupation:  Financial Analyst
Personal Claim to Fame:  At Penn graduation I carried the Penn flag and led the entire graduating class to the ceremony. I walked alongside Hillary Clinton.
Three Words to Describe You: Mushy, happy and efficient.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A photo of my kids since they’d get me through the sheer difficult-ness, a blanket because I hate to be cold, and a bottle of vodka because it’s good for making friends, can trade and have fun!
Name: John “JP” Hilsabeck
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Firefighter
Personal Claim to Fame: Being hired as a firefighter and having a good group of friends that I can count on.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous and romantic.
If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be?  My dog Thor because he’s my best friend, a go pro for the adventure photos and a picture of my family and friends to keep me inspired because I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Name: Katrina Radke
Age: 46
Hometown: Morris, Minnesota
Occupation: Olympian
Personal Claim to Fame: Being a mother.
Three Words to Describe You: Adventurous, tenacious and charismatic.
If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be?  A journal so I could write, music to dance, sing and have fun, and a picture and a letter from my family to feel amazingly loved, as I also send them love daily.

Name: Cole Medders
Age: 24
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Occupation: Wilderness Therapy Guide
Personal Claim to Fame:  I have climbed the two tallest peaks in the western hemisphere – Denali and Aconcagua.
Three Words to Describe You:  Unreserved, dauntless and flirtatious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Weights to work out every day, a giant box of Legos for endless possibilities of fun and a beach volleyball set because I could destroy everyone at it.
Name: Desiree “Desi” Williams
Age: 27
Current Residence: Newport News, Virginia
Occupation: Physical Therapist
Personal Claim to Fame: I became an assistant professor at the age of 26 and a program director at the age of 27.  They don’t just hand out those titles to anyone.
Three Words to Describe You: Congenial, forthright and unremitting.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First would be Chapstick because there’s nothing sexy or seductive about cracked lips (arguably, this could be survival related since it would hinder my ability to seduce the opposite sex).  Second would be an unlimited supply of food because I’ve seen the show and those people get hangry quick!  Finally, a masseuse because I love being pampered.
Name: Jessica Johnston
Age: 29
Current Residence: Louisville, Kentucky
Occupation:  Nurse Practitioner
Personal Claim to Fame: Obtaining my doctorate in Nursing before the age of 28 and creating a health and wellness brand “Belovist.”
Three Words to Describe You: Tenacious, congenial and adventurous.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First it would be baby powder because it makes my hair do incredible things and brightens up the face. It’s like taking a powder bath!  Next would be a Swiss army knife so I can cut things like wood, food, and clothes.  Finally, a fishing pole because this girl likes to eat!
Name: Joe Mena
Age: 34
Current Residence: Tolland, Connecticut
Occupation: Probation Officer
Personal Claim to Fame: Obtaining my degree.  This is something I’m proud of because it has given me the opportunity to secure my career and that has given me the lifestyle where I have the ability to provide my children with their wants, needs and a lovely home that they can call their own.  Without my degree, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this.
Three Words to Describe You: Real, confident and energetic.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Me, myself and a picture of my children.  I don’t think I would need anything but a picture of my children.  A picture would provide me with a tangible image of them instead of just a mental image.
Name: Mike Zahalsky
Age: 43
Hometown: Parkland, Florida
Occupation: Urologist
Inspiration in Life: My wife and my children inspire me to be a better version of myself every day.
Three Words to Describe You: Intelligent, enthusiastic and determined.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  A photo of my kids because I love them, a deck of cards to play with and an extra pair of underwear.
Name: Roark Luskin
Age: 27
Current Residence: Santa Monica, California
Occupation: Social Worker
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve had a photo taken of me every single day of my life.
Three Words to Describe You:  Sarcastic, focused and intelligent.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Toilet paper, because duh, Kalteen bars, because butter isn’t a carb and moisturizer, because my skin has a tendency to get dry.

Name: Alexandrea “Ali” Elliott
Age: 24
Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Celebrity Assistant
Personal Claim to Fame: I would say my diploma.
Three Words to Describe You:  Vivacious, ambitious and smart.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A mirror of course to see if I was looking good and I could possibly use the reflection to help make fire, my Bible since it would help keep me sane and tampons – they never bring up periods on “Survivor” but I do believe that would be an issue I wouldn’t want to deal with.
Name: Devon Pinto
Age: 23
Current Residence: Solana Beach, California
Occupation: Surf Instructor
Personal Claim to Fame: I am most proud of the man I have become today from being on my own since graduating high school, accomplishing the things I have, and living wild experiences.
Three Words to Describe You: Confident, optimistic and joyful.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? My guitar so I can serenade everyone, my surfboard so I can pass the time riding perfect untouched waves, and champagne to celebrate all the Immunity challenges I’m going to win for my tribe.
Name: Lauren Rimmer
Age: 35
Hometown: Beaufort, North Carolina
Occupation: Fisherman
Personal Claim to Fame: My daughter.  She is determined, smart and my driving force.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous and easy-going.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First would be a picture of my daughter to have determination every day.  Next would be a toothbrush because I want clean teeth and finally, sunglasses, for comfort since I wear them every day.  I am in the sun all day and my eyes cannot take the constant exposure.
Name: Patrick Bolton
Age: 24
Current Residence: Auburn, Alabama
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Personal Claim to Fame: Sustaining our business, Bolt Movers, and my sanity even through its tough times. Starting and running a new business puts you through stressful situations, but my family and friends have always kept me going strong.
Three Words to Describe You:  Persistent, playful and thankful.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Teriyaki Sauce. Everything tastes better with teriyaki sauce.  Next would be Takis (hot chili and lime flavor) because they are amazing and finally a pen and pad to document each play that made me Sole Survivor.
Name: Ryan Ulrich
Age: 23
Current Residence: North Arlington, New Jersey
Occupation: Bellhop
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve worked a lot of jobs, but I am most proud of my internships with both houses of Congress, and the British Consulate. I also aspire to attend law school.
Three Words to Describe You: Witty, ambitious and approachable.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? First I would bring a sports visor which will block out the sun as well as allow the top of my head to get an Island breeze, a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake because they are seasonal so any opportunity I have to get one, I have to take, and a podium so I could give press conferences to pretend people care about what I have to say.
Name: Simone Nguyen
Age: 25
Current Residence: New York City, New York
Occupation: Diversity Advocate
Personal Claim to Fame:  I don’t really have one, but I’m proud of the fact that I earned full rides to Columbia, Harvard, and Tufts.
Three Words to Describe You: Expressive, loyal and ambitious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? I would bring a journal, my red Vietnamese blanket and Chapstick.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers,” Wednesday September 27, 2017 at 8 p.m. ET.

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

Posted in General | Comments Off on Meet the Cast of ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’

Fall TV 2017 Premiere Schedule

September 13, 2017 by

It’s always tough to say farewell to the sun and fun of summer. But, the return of popular shows like “This Is Us” and “NCIS” always helps to ease the pain.

And, when you add exciting soon-to-be hits like “Young Sheldon” and “The Brave,” we’re ready to break out our favorite sweaters and add pumpkin spice to literally everything.

We know that all of these new and returning titles can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our convenient Fall premiere guide is here to help you out…

View a full schedule of Fall premieres. Simply tab through each month; September, October and November.

 

[tabs style=”default”] [tab title=”September”]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]

8:00 PM/7:00c
‘The Orville’ (FOX) New
‘Outlander’ (STARZ)
[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]

9:00 PM/8:00c
‘The Deuce’ (HBO) New
‘Fear The Walking Dead’ (AMC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00 PM/9:00c
‘Chrisley Knows Best’ (USA)
10:30 PM/9:30c
‘According to Chrisley’ (USA) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘South Park’ (Comedy Central)
10:30/9:30c
‘Broad City’ (Comedy Central)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Better Things’ (FX)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘American Vandal’ (Netflix)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Vietnam War’ (PBS) New
10:30/9:30c
‘Vice Principals’ (HBO)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Dancing with the Stars’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Jerry Before Seinfeld’ (Netflix) New
9:00/8:00c
‘The Little Couple’ (TLC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Are You the One’ (MTV)
‘Channel Zero: No End House’ (Syfy)
‘The Good Place’ (NBC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Gotham’ (FOX)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Fuller House’ (Netflix)
10:00/9:00c
‘Mike Judge Presents: Tales From the Tour Bus’ (Cinemax) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
7:30/6:30c
’60 Minutes’ (CBS)
8:30/7:30c
‘Star Trek: Discovery (CBS) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Big Bang Theory’ (CBS)
‘The Voice’ (NBC)
8:30/7:30c
‘Young Sheldon’ (CBS) New
9:00/8:00c
‘Kevin Can Wait’ (CBS)
9:30/8:30c
‘Me, Myself & I’ (CBS) New
10:00/9:00c
‘The Brave’ (NBC) New
‘The Good Doctor’ (ABC) New
‘Scorpion’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Lethal Weapon’ (FOX)
‘NCIS’ (CBS)
9:00/8:00c
‘Bull’ (CBS)
‘The Mick’ (FOX)
‘This Is Us’ (NBC)
9:30/8:30c
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (FOX)
10:00/9:00c
‘Law & Order: The Menendez Murders’ (NBC) New
‘NCIS: New Orleans’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Blacklist’ (NBC)
‘Empire’ (FOX)
‘The Goldbergs’ (ABC)
‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)
8:30/7:30c
‘Speechless’ (ABC)
9:00/8:00c
‘Law & Order: SVU’ (NBC)
‘Modern Family’ (ABC)
‘Seal Team’ (CBS) New
‘Star’ (FOX)
9:30/8:30c
‘American Housewife’ (ABC)
10:00/9:00c
‘Chicago P.D.’ (NBC)
‘Criminal Minds’ (CBS)
‘Designated Survivor’ (ABC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7c
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (ABC)
‘Superstore’ (NBC)
9:00/8:00c
‘Will & Grace’ (NBC)
9:30/8:30c
‘Great News’ (NBC)
10:00/9:00c
‘Chicago Fire’ (NBC)
‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (ABC)
‘Nathan For You’ (Comedy Central)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (FOX)
‘MacGyver’ (CBS)
‘Marvel’s Inhumans’ (ABC) New
9:00/8:00c
‘Dateline: NBC’ (NBC)
‘The Exorcist’ (FOX)
‘Hawaii Five-0’ (CBS)
10:00/9:00c
‘Blue Bloods’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
’48 Hours’ (CBS)
‘Versailles’ (Ovation)
11:30/10:30c
‘Saturday Night Live’ (NBC)
[/box]

[/tab]

[tab title=”October”]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
7:00/6:00c
‘The Toy Box’ (ABC)
7:30/6:30c
‘Bob’s Burgers’ (FOX)
8:00/7:00c
‘Shark Tank’ (ABC)
‘The Simpsons’ (FOX)
8:30/7:30c
‘Ghosted’ (FOX) New
‘Wisdom of the Crowd’ (CBS) New
9:00/8:00c
‘Family Guy’ (FOX)
‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ (E!)
9:30/8:30c
‘Last Man on Earth’ (FOX)
‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (CBS)
10:00/9:00c
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (HBO)
‘Ten Days in the Valley’ (ABC) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 2[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Lucifer’ (FOX)
8:30/7:30c
‘9JKL’ (CBS) New
9:00/8:00c
‘The Gifted’ (FOX) New
10:00/9:00c
‘The Halcyon’ (Ovation)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Middle’ (ABC)
8:30/7:30c
‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (ABC)
9:00/8:00c
‘Blackish’ (ABC)
9:30/8:30c
‘The Mayor’ (ABC) New
10:00/9:00c
‘Kevin (Probably) Saves the World’ (ABC) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ (Bravo)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Scandal’ (ABC)
‘Van Helsing’ (Syfy)
10:00/9:00c
‘Real Estate Wars’ (Bravo) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
Suburra (Netflix)
8:00/7:00c
‘Once Upon a Time’ (ABC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘To Tell the Truth’ (ABC)
10:00/9:00c
‘Madam Secretary’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 9[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Supergirl’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
Valor’ (CW) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Flash’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’ (CW)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Riverdale’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘Dynasty’ (CW) New
10:00/9:00c
‘Mr. Robot’ (USA)
‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (Spike)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘Supernatural’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘Arrow’ (CW)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Mindhunter’ (Netflix)
8:00/7:00c
‘My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (CW)
9:00/8:00c
‘Jane the Virgin’ (CW)

[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Queers’ (BBC America) New

[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Good Behavior’ (TNT)
10:00/9:00c
‘White Famous’ (Showtime) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 16[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party’ (VH1)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘The Walking Dead’ (AMC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:30/9:30c
‘At Home with Amy Sedaris’ (TruTV) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Drop the Mic’ (TBS) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
8:00/7:00c
‘The Blindspot’ (NBC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]MONDAY, OCTOBER 30[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:30/8:30c
‘Superior Donuts’ (CBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Major Crimes’ (TNT)
[/box]

[/tab]

[tab title=”November”]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Stan Against Evil’ (IFC)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Mom’ (CBS)
9:30/8:30c
‘Life in Pieces’ (CBS)
10:00/9:00c
‘SWAT’ (CBS) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Alias Grace’ (Netflix) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘The Girlfriend Experience’ (Starz)
‘Shameless’ (Showtime)
10:00/9:00c
‘SMILF’ (Showtime) New
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘The Long Road Home’ (NatGeo) New
10:00/9:00c
‘Teachers’ (TV Land)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
9:00/8:00c
‘Mythbusters’ (Discovery)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
10:00/9:00c
‘Search Party’ (TBS)
[/box]

[box type=”info” icon=”none” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23[/box]

[box type=”” icon=”none” size=”medium” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
‘Godless’ (Netflix) New
[/box]

[/tab]
[/tabs]

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Posted in Fall TV 2017, General | Comments Off on Fall TV 2017 Premiere Schedule

Meet the Cast of ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’

August 30, 2017 by

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.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.  So, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

The cast for the 35th season of the legendary reality show “Survivor” was revealed by CBS on Wednesday afternoon. This collection of 18 all-new players will be divided into three tribes that each exemplify a specific trait; either heroic deeds, healing talents, or a hustling spirit.

Name: Alan Ball
Age: 31
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation:  NFL Player
Personal Claim to Fame:  Being a 7th round draft pick and grinding for 9 years in the NFL.
Three Words to Describe You:  Intelligent, athletic and clever.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Hot sauce because it makes everything better, a picture of my wife because sometimes just looking at her changes my mood and baby wipes!
Name: Ashley Nolan
Age: 26
Hometown: Satellite Beach, Florida
Occupation:  Lifeguard
Personal Claim to Fame: Just about as well rounded as any woman could be. I’ll be just one of the guys – out saving lives, working out and cracking jokes all day and then all of the sudden I can put myself together into a well-spoken lady who can charm your socks off and still kick butt.
Three Words to Describe You:  Impressive, tough and hilarious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A surfboard to keep me sane, headphones to tune out other people’s complaining and a journal to secretly document everything and tactically plan how to use it against others.
Name: Ben Driebergen
Age: 34
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Occupation:  Marine
Personal Claim to Fame:  Being a good dad and husband.
Three Words to Describe You:  Hilarious, strong willed and motivated.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? My cowboy hat, my boots and my running shoes.
Name: Chrissy Hofbeck
Age: 46
Hometown: Glen Gardner, New Jersey
Occupation:  Financial Analyst
Personal Claim to Fame:  At Penn graduation I carried the Penn flag and led the entire graduating class to the ceremony. I walked alongside Hillary Clinton.
Three Words to Describe You: Mushy, happy and efficient.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A photo of my kids since they’d get me through the sheer difficult-ness, a blanket because I hate to be cold, and a bottle of vodka because it’s good for making friends, can trade and have fun!
Name: John “JP” Hilsabeck
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Firefighter
Personal Claim to Fame: Being hired as a firefighter and having a good group of friends that I can count on.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous and romantic.
If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be?  My dog Thor because he’s my best friend, a go pro for the adventure photos and a picture of my family and friends to keep me inspired because I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Name: Katrina Radke
Age: 46
Hometown: Morris, Minnesota
Occupation: Olympian 
Personal Claim to Fame: Being a mother.
Three Words to Describe You: Adventurous, tenacious and charismatic.
If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be?  A journal so I could write, music to dance, sing and have fun, and a picture and a letter from my family to feel amazingly loved, as I also send them love daily.

Name: Cole Medders
Age: 24
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Occupation: Wilderness Therapy Guide
Personal Claim to Fame:  I have climbed the two tallest peaks in the western hemisphere – Denali and Aconcagua.
Three Words to Describe You:  Unreserved, dauntless and flirtatious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Weights to work out every day, a giant box of Legos for endless possibilities of fun and a beach volleyball set because I could destroy everyone at it.
Name: Desiree “Desi” Williams
Age: 27
Current Residence: Newport News, Virginia
Occupation: Physical Therapist
Personal Claim to Fame: I became an assistant professor at the age of 26 and a program director at the age of 27.  They don’t just hand out those titles to anyone.
Three Words to Describe You: Congenial, forthright and unremitting.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First would be Chapstick because there’s nothing sexy or seductive about cracked lips (arguably, this could be survival related since it would hinder my ability to seduce the opposite sex).  Second would be an unlimited supply of food because I’ve seen the show and those people get hangry quick!  Finally, a masseuse because I love being pampered.
Name: Jessica Johnston
Age: 29
Current Residence: Louisville, Kentucky
Occupation:  Nurse Practitioner
Personal Claim to Fame: Obtaining my doctorate in Nursing before the age of 28 and creating a health and wellness brand “Belovist.”
Three Words to Describe You: Tenacious, congenial and adventurous.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First it would be baby powder because it makes my hair do incredible things and brightens up the face. It’s like taking a powder bath!  Next would be a Swiss army knife so I can cut things like wood, food, and clothes.  Finally, a fishing pole because this girl likes to eat!
Name: Joe Mena
Age: 34
Current Residence: Tolland, Connecticut
Occupation: Probation Officer
Personal Claim to Fame: Obtaining my degree.  This is something I’m proud of because it has given me the opportunity to secure my career and that has given me the lifestyle where I have the ability to provide my children with their wants, needs and a lovely home that they can call their own.  Without my degree, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this.
Three Words to Describe You: Real, confident and energetic.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Me, myself and a picture of my children.  I don’t think I would need anything but a picture of my children.  A picture would provide me with a tangible image of them instead of just a mental image.
Name: Mike Zahalsky
Age: 43
Hometown: Parkland, Florida
Occupation: Urologist
Inspiration in Life: My wife and my children inspire me to be a better version of myself every day.
Three Words to Describe You: Intelligent, enthusiastic and determined.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  A photo of my kids because I love them, a deck of cards to play with and an extra pair of underwear.
Name: Roark Luskin
Age: 27
Current Residence: Santa Monica, California
Occupation: Social Worker
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve had a photo taken of me every single day of my life.
Three Words to Describe You:  Sarcastic, focused and intelligent.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Toilet paper, because duh, Kalteen bars, because butter isn’t a carb and moisturizer, because my skin has a tendency to get dry.

Name: Alexandrea “Ali” Elliott
Age: 24
Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Celebrity Assistant
Personal Claim to Fame: I would say my diploma.
Three Words to Describe You:  Vivacious, ambitious and smart.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? A mirror of course to see if I was looking good and I could possibly use the reflection to help make fire, my Bible since it would help keep me sane and tampons – they never bring up periods on “Survivor” but I do believe that would be an issue I wouldn’t want to deal with.
Name: Devon Pinto
Age: 23
Current Residence: Solana Beach, California
Occupation: Surf Instructor
Personal Claim to Fame: I am most proud of the man I have become today from being on my own since graduating high school, accomplishing the things I have, and living wild experiences.
Three Words to Describe You: Confident, optimistic and joyful.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? My guitar so I can serenade everyone, my surfboard so I can pass the time riding perfect untouched waves, and champagne to celebrate all the Immunity challenges I’m going to win for my tribe.
Name: Lauren Rimmer
Age: 35
Hometown: Beaufort, North Carolina
Occupation: Fisherman
Personal Claim to Fame: My daughter.  She is determined, smart and my driving force.
Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous and easy-going.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be?  First would be a picture of my daughter to have determination every day.  Next would be a toothbrush because I want clean teeth and finally, sunglasses, for comfort since I wear them every day.  I am in the sun all day and my eyes cannot take the constant exposure.
Name: Patrick Bolton
Age: 24
Current Residence: Auburn, Alabama
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Personal Claim to Fame: Sustaining our business, Bolt Movers, and my sanity even through its tough times. Starting and running a new business puts you through stressful situations, but my family and friends have always kept me going strong.
Three Words to Describe You:  Persistent, playful and thankful.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? Teriyaki Sauce. Everything tastes better with teriyaki sauce.  Next would be Takis (hot chili and lime flavor) because they are amazing and finally a pen and pad to document each play that made me Sole Survivor.
Name: Ryan Ulrich
Age: 23
Current Residence: North Arlington, New Jersey
Occupation: Bellhop
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve worked a lot of jobs, but I am most proud of my internships with both houses of Congress, and the British Consulate. I also aspire to attend law school.
Three Words to Describe You: Witty, ambitious and approachable.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? First I would bring a sports visor which will block out the sun as well as allow the top of my head to get an Island breeze, a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake because they are seasonal so any opportunity I have to get one, I have to take, and a podium so I could give press conferences to pretend people care about what I have to say.
Name: Simone Nguyen
Age: 25
Current Residence: New York City, New York
Occupation: Diversity Advocate
Personal Claim to Fame:  I don’t really have one, but I’m proud of the fact that I earned full rides to Columbia, Harvard, and Tufts.
Three Words to Describe You: Expressive, loyal and ambitious.
If You Could Have Three Things on the Island What Would They Be? I would bring a journal, my red Vietnamese blanket and Chapstick.

Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers,” Wednesday September 27, 2017 at 8 p.m. ET.

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

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‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Castaway Cirie: “(Sarah) Is a Gangsta in a Cop Suit”

May 26, 2017 by

“Survivor: Game Changers” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: We’ll have interviews with all six of the “Survivor: Game Changers” finalists. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Game Changers”

Gordon Holmes: Aw man…
Cirie Fields: (Laughs)
Holmes: I’m sitting there…I’ve got my popcorn and my soda…I’m having a good ol’ time. And about forty minutes into it…just…damnit…and four idols later you’re gone. Why do we do this? Why do we bother?
Fields: (Laughs) You know what? It’s an amazing journey, Gordon. And you love it like you love it. That’s why we do it.
Holmes: I don’t love it when my Malcolms and my Ciries leave the game for weird reasons.
Fields: It’s just crazy. We could have never thought of this! I could have never imagined in all my years of watching. I never would have come up with this scenario. So, to have it unfold, and to have it unfold against me? It was just…wow!
Holmes: As you’re sitting there and the dominoes keep falling.
Fields: (Laughs)
Holmes: Sarah’s like, “I’ve got one.” And Troyzan’s like, “That’s funny because…blam!” What’re you thinking at that moment?
Fields: Uh oh. (Laughs) I’m thinking “What the hell is going on? Wow, did he just? Did they just?” That was literally what was going on in my head. I felt like when I was watching it I came out of my body and I was saying, “Oh my God, what is happening on ‘Survivor!’” And then I came back into my body and I thought, “Damn, I’m out!”
Holmes: This has never happened before and I was fuzzy on the rules. So, when Jeff said, “There are no votes for Cirie,” I thought, “Wait…isn’t that a tie? Don’t we go to rocks?!” But…no.
Fields: For whatever reason, I knew it meant I was out. But I was so caught up in the can’t-believe-this-is-happening fan moment that I didn’t think of any other rules. I just knew I was out. It was a crazy feeling of elation…and excitement.

Holmes: Another big moment was Brad choosing Sarah over Tai. Based on what I’ve seen, which is only an hour of every three days, that seemed like a huge mistake. As someone who was out there, did you appreciate what a big threat Sarah was?
Fields: We did and we should give Brad a pass because Brad still could have won. The night that Aubry went home, we all talked. We knew that Brad would be thinking old-school style. He’s old-school…so am I…but that’s the thing, you have to evolve with the game. But we knew Brad would be thinking, “Everyone’s pissed at Sarah. Troyzan hasn’t really played. They’re going to be too angry to see the forest for the trees so they’re going to give it to me because everyone’s mad.” So, we all planned to give Sarah a dirty look so Brad would take Sarah. And he did, so that was his fatal flaw. This game was not about people’s feelings. It was almost like a professional poker game. You don’t care about how people feel. The only thing you care about is who made the better plays. As a group, that’s what we were looking at.

Holmes: When Sarah took out Michaela, at the time it didn’t make sense to me. But, when she said she did it because Michaela was your right hand, I was blown away. That’s some next-level thinking there.
Fields: That was gangsta. I knew they were aiming for me. I knew any chance they’d get they’d get rid of Michaela because they weren’t really worried about me winning the challenges. And they knew if Michaela won a challenge that we could go for one of them. And, Sarah didn’t want anybody close to anybody she thought she was in with. I think it was a great move. That’s why most of us awarded Sarah the win. We respected her gameplay.

Holmes: If you could do one thing differently, what would it have been?
Field: Oh boy…
Holmes: Gotcha.
Fields: That’s a good one. I probably would not have tried to save Sarah with her advantage. I would have let things play out. Or, I would have went over and got the Michaela advantage instead of crying. (Laughs) I would have wiped the tears out of my eyes and been more aware of my surroundings. I could have done that too when I stepped over the advantage Sierra picked up.

Holmes: Was there anything you did out there that we didn’t see that you wished they would have shown?
Fields: I liked it just how it was. The good, the bad, the ugly…I wouldn’t change a thing. The only thing I would have changed was if I could be in the final three and win the whole thing.

Holmes: It seemed like there was a little feud brewing between you and Sandra before the game started, but you never ended up on the same tribe. What did you think of her gameplay this season?
Fields: I’ve got to give a little nod to the queen. But, I don’t know about this feud. It didn’t really include me. And when I talked to Sandra afterwards, I think there was a misinterpretation of an interview I did. I let her know how I felt. There was never any personal attack towards her. I had comments on the seasons she won. I think it was more of a fan-based feud. I don’t know how Sandra feels. But we might’ve been feuding if we were on the same tribe.
Holmes: That’d be something to see.
Fields: Yes, sir! (Laughs)

Holmes: Before the vote-steal fiasco, would you have taken Sarah to the end?
Fields: I would’ve went to the end with Sarah.
Holmes: What argument would you have used against her?
Fields: I shouldn’t have been there at all. You don’t see anybody else who’s played the games as many times as I have still sitting here. Secondly, I was responsible for Michaela staying, I was responsible for a lot of the votes. But, not aggressively and overtly because I couldn’t do that. Had I done that? If I pick up a leaf everyone’s thinking, “Oh, she’s scheming!” I had to make myself very small and very non-threatening. She did all of this, she flipped, but I did a lot too behind the scenes that most of you know about but didn’t realize that I was doing it with your help.

Holmes: Alright, word association time.
Fields: (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs) I know. It’s brand new! Let’s start off with JT.
Fields: Hater.
Holmes: Ozzy?
Fields: Nice guy.
Holmes: Brad?
Fields: (Laughs) Gordon, you’re trying to make me be bad!
Holmes: I am. Give in!
Fields: (Laughs) Culpepper is…self-centered.
Holmes: Zeke?
Fields: Amazing.
Holmes: Andrea?
Fields: Cinderella! That’s what I called her.
Holmes: Debbie?
Fields: Eccentric. And I use that in lieu of another term.
Holmes: Troyzan?
Fields: He’s everybody’s friend.
Holmes: Tai?
Fields: He’s like a little doll. I want to pick him up so bad, but I’m old enough to know that you shouldn’t walk around picking up grown men. Tai is wonderful.
Holmes: Sierra?
Fields: She’s a tall drink of water. Cowgirl.
Holmes: Hali?
Fields: Unimpactful.
Holems: Michaela?
Fields: Little sis.
Holmes: Aubry?
Fields: Aubry is village cool.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Officer Sarah.
Fields: She’s a gangsta in a cop suit.

Holmes: Where does this rank on your list of heartbreaking eliminations, because you never go out in a dull manner.
Fields: That’s the thing, you’re right! I’m usually fully heartbroken. This one was number one, but not because of heartbreaking, but the manner in which I exited. I think that’s why I didn’t feel so bad. This is my fourth time playing, of course I wanted to win. But if I had to go out, Gordon? I can’t think of a better way to go out. If this was anybody else I’d feel the same way. I know it’s bad, you didn’t want to go, you wanted to win. However, look at what happened! This will be forever in the history of “Survivor.” It added to the journey and made it special.
Holmes: You’re making me feel a little bit better about this.
Fields: (Laughs) I’m glad I could make you feel better.
Holmes: I know that was your top priority today.
Fields: (Laughs) Of course.

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

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‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Finalists Brad and Troyzan: “(We Did Not Know) That This Jury Was Not Going to Be Bitter”

May 26, 2017 by

‘Survivor: Game Changers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: We’ll have interviews with all six of the “Survivor: Game Changers” finalists. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Game Changers”

Gordon Holmes: There’s nothing quite like having one of the biggest nights of your life and then having to get up at the crack of dawn the next morning to talk to the press.
Troyzan Robertson: Yeah, and some of those people I’ve blocked. (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs) I think I’m one of them!
Robertson: I just want you to know that I know that water is wet.
Holmes: (Laughs) Noted. Well, I hope you forgive me someday.
Robertson: You might get the unblock someday.

Holmes: With “One World” you were this big aggressive player and you didn’t get to the end. This time around you’re more subtle, you’re making moves behind the scenes and you did get to the end but you weren’t rewarded for it.
Robertson: In “One World” I had my back up against the wall. And if I’m backed up I’m going to get more aggressive. Normal-day Troyzan is the one you saw this year. I had to play a little bit under the radar. I saw big targets going home, especially men, and I thought, “I can’t do that.” I’m going to have to volunteer to sit out challenges. I’m going to act like I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m the old guy…I’ll follow along. Then, I’ll make my moves subtly. I just had to be a lot more careful. I saw so many people make a big move or a medium move and then they’d go home at the next Tribal. And I knew I had to get to day 39 to give myself a chance. If you only get to day 38 you have zero chance.

Holmes: Brad, when the call was made to take Sarah to the end, was it a case of not knowing all she had done or did you think the jury was upset with her?
Brad Culpepper: I think it was a combination of a couple things. When you’re on the island you’re not privy to a lot of the conversations. I think Troyzan and I both thought that Cirie and Andrea were the drivers of a lot of the decisions that were being made. When you watch it on television you see that Sarah is doing a lot more of it. Also, Tai was universally liked. He was a provider, he was good in challenges, and he’s a great guy. We knew he didn’t have a lot of blood on his hands. And I don’t think Troy or I knew that this jury was not going to be bitter at all. I think it was the opposite. Blood was a medal. We’d never seen Zeke play before, so we thought he’d be angry at Sarah. So, as soon as he stood up and said, “Congratulations, you’ve got my support,” immediately it was like…”Ooo…that was a bad call by Troy and I.”
Robertson: (Laughs) Yeah.

Holmes: Troyzan, when you said you could beat anyone at final three, was it because you were expecting a bitter jury and you didn’t have any blood on your hands?
Robertson: Part of it was that. The jury would come in and they’d give us these looks. I was thinking these guys are pissed off. I don’t think they’re pissed off at me. I’m an old-school player and a lot of times a bitter jury will like a person like me. But, I also felt like if someone’s going to ask me if I think I’m going to win, I’m not going to say no. The jury would hopefully see that and think, “He’s pretty confident. I like that.” And I thought they liked me already. It was a little bit of a bluff as well.
Culpepper: And I’ll tell you this, Gordon…I was surprised that Troy was ignored at the final Tribal Council. I thought there was a lot of love for Troy. I wasn’t completely comfortable taking Troy to the end either. I was thinking, “Golly, he hasn’t stepped on any toes. He’s so nice around camp. He’s got a lot of friends. He’s a provider.” It was bad jury management on my part, obviously.

Holmes: Brad, I know you felt really bad about what they showed between you and Tai last night. And I know a lot of people had a negative impression of you coming into this game based on “Blood vs. Water.” We’ve spoken on several occasions. I think you’re a nice guy. Most of this cast thinks you’re a nice guy. How important was it for you to clear the air on those moments?
Culpepper: Jeff asked me some kind of question and I had to say, “Before I answer what you asked me, I need everyone to know that I love Tai.” We had a very complicated relationship and they caught the tail end of my frustration. Tai and I were together for a long time and then we were split up because everyone was scrambling. He was instructed to vote for Sierra and I was instructed to vote Tai. We’re both trying to get a lifeline. After that vote, I went back to Tai and I said I had nothing against him and I still wanted to play with him. He agreed, but he still went against me. I was really trying to repair our relationship. He told me he had two idols, I said, “Let me hold onto one and if I win immunity I’ll give it back.” And I would’ve. I would not have voted him out. Then he goes away to think about it. And he’d say, “Let’s do it.” Then he’d say, “No, I can’t.” So, that was back and forth for three hours. So, by the end I was tired of him being wishy-washy that I said, “Tai, do this, we can build a relationship.” And that’s what they aired, they caught the tail end of my frustration. I’m not saying I was right, I was hungry, I was sleepy, maybe I need a Snickers. Even the comment I made to Troy about “Even if he gives me that thing, I’ll use it to vote him out.” That really wasn’t my intention, that was frustration. Tai and I watched it together. We were holding hands. And it looked awful, but we know how we are.

Holmes: Troyzan, Sarah had some really nice things to say about you. But…she also requested that I get some clarification on this whole “Green Monster” situation.
Robertson: (Laughs)
Holmes: I apologize in advance. But at this point I don’t think I’d be doing my job if I didn’t ask.
Robertson: It is a never-ending story. I don’t know how it started. I decided to get these Under Armour, green, they’re not even underwear, they’re compression shorts. I’m thinking, it’ll be great if I can get away with wearing these things because they’ll be great for my thighs. It’ll be good in water challenges so I can swim. But, I didn’t realize how green they were on TV. It started with Tony in Mana, I was standing behind him, he whipped around and says, “Jesus Christ, those things are so bright.” And then Aubry was the one who came up with the name “The Green Monsters,” and then somehow that turned into “The Green Monster.” Then Malcolm made your exit interview crazy comment. You know what? I just roll with it. They were hoping it would get a hashtag.
Holmes: There are worse things to be known for Troyzan.
Robertson: (Laughs) Yeah! But then it got to the point that people were asking, “Why is it green? Is something infected?” I wish I would have worn purple so I would’ve had a purple monster.

Holmes: Brad, what’s the conversation like with Monica when you come home with two more jury votes than she got?
Culpepper: Monica is the best “Survivor” player in the house. That is not an argument. She may argue the other way around. But I 100% believe that. She’s never going to play again, but if she did she would win. I’m never going to play again, but if I did I could never win. She’s a much better player than me.
Holmes: Where do you guys rank amongst the “Survivor” married couples?
Culpepper: How are you rating us? If you’re rating who loves each other the most, we win. Rob and Amber would be #1 as far as players. So, maybe we’d be below them.
Robertson: Do I get a vote? Cause I’d vote for the Culpeppers.
Culpepper: (Laughs) That’s why I brought him to the end.

Holmes: Troyzan you played with Monica in “One World,” but you two didn’t have much of a relationship before this. What’s the relationship like now?
Robertson: Brad has become like a brother.
Culpepper: 100%
Robertson: You get super close out there and I knew Brad going in. But when you start playing, I felt like I was playing “Blood vs. Water” with my brother. He’s the only person in my “Survivor” career that I trusted 100%. That’s rare. I’d never trust someone that much in the game. I wouldn’t even have to talk to him. I’d just give him a look. It was that easy.
Culpepper: If you said to me you could go to the end and win without Troyzan or go to the end with Troyzan and maybe not win? I’d choose the latter. We had a great time out there.
Robertson: And believe me, Brad could join the monster clan with his striped monster. (Laughs)
Culpepper: (Laughs) Monster junior.
Holmes: (Laughs) This is my job.

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

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‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Winner Sarah: ‘(Brad) Thought I Made a Lot of People Mad’

May 25, 2017 by

‘Survivor: Game Changers’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: We’ll have interviews with all six of the “Survivor: Game Changers” finalists. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Game Changers”

Gordon Holmes: This is always the best interview to do all season.
Sarah Lacina: Aww…it is?
Holmes: The winner is always in such a good mood.
Lacina: I thought it was because it was me!
Holmes: It’s 99% because it’s you. 1% because you won.
Lacina: (Laughs)
Holmes: And, you were my second pick to win and I only picked Malcolm because he told me to, so I think this counts as a win for both of us.
Lacina: (Laughs) I’ll give you the win.

Holmes: So, Brad’s making this call between you and Tai. It’s got to be frustrating to play this amazing game and have it be in someone’s else’s hands.
Lacina: Right. First of all, I couldn’t believe when I was watching Tribal and they’re saying, “Sarah, you decide. Are they going to make fire?” I’m not the one with immunity. How am I not on the chopping block. I think that speaks volumes for how good of a game I really played. I think he thought I made a lot of people mad. Or, he thought he could beat anyone, so it didn’t matter. We’d made a deal and he’s an honorable guy. I think he’s like, “No, I told Sarah that me, her and Troyzan would go to the end. Tai stabbed me in the back so now he’s going to pay for it.” But Brad was the one who paid for it.

Holmes: Ozzy and Debbie took things personally. Sierra compared you to a cheating boyfriend. Have you had a chance to mend fences with them?
Lacina: Sierra and I are great. I love her. I think I’m good with everybody. Debbie and I talked yesterday. She said the game was the game and we’re cool. Her daughters congratulated me. Ozzy said, “After watching, I’m really impressed with how you played.” It was really nice to hear all of that.” Luckily I won, because if I heard that after the fact and would have lost I would have been really upset.

Holmes: I want to give you an over-the-phone high five because I’ve been screaming about this forever; you lie in the game and then confess at Tribal. Do you think that tactic earned you any votes or were people set before final Tribal started?
Lacina: I think Hali’s vote was up for grabs. Maybe Andrea’s? Cirie…but what other option do you have at that point. I was proud of how I played. I was proud of the moves I made. These are returning players and to play that dominant of the game, it was my chance to say, “I did it, and I’m really proud of myself. Let’s reward the gameplay.” I used it as a chance to showcase how I played and explain that it wasn’t personal on my part.

Holmes: When you got to final Tribal and Jeff said, “We’re gonna do things differently,” what went through your mind?
Lacina: Nerves. I was thinking I’ll have to answer seven questions because everyone might not ask me something. This created an open forum, it was a free-for-all. But what I loved about it was it allowed discussion and sparked ideas. You may not have had that opportunity before. And, it lets you butt in. When Brad says, “I won five immunities,” which is huge, I was thinking, “OK, you’ve got to shut this down.”

Holmes: You had a reputation of being a straight shooter. Did you find that people trusted you based on what they saw in Cagayan?
Lacina: 100%. Coming in, people were thinking that’s how I was going to play. And most people don’t change much. They are who they are. You see other people play the same way. Cirie and I got together on day one and she would’ve stayed with me. She wasn’t trying to screw me over. That’s Cirie. She sticks with the people she makes deals with on day one. Look at Ozzy, he played the exact same way. Caleb…I wanted to partner with him because I figured he’d be super loyal. So, that really helped me.

Holmes: When you’re watching this at home and you see Tony digging a spy bunker…what is your reaction?
Lacina: (Laughs) I know Tony a lot better than a lot of people. We talk all the time. But that’s Tony. He would do that. You can’t help but laugh. And he’s not doing it to be funny. He’s really doing this. He wasn’t playing it up. He thought it was going to work. After the game he told me what he was doing and how great it was going to be.
Holmes: During pre-game he was all excited. He was like, “Hey Gordon, I’ve got this idea, I’m going to dig this hole…”
Lacina: (Laughs) I know! He was so serious about it.
Holmes: It is a crime that we didn’t get to see the full potential of the spy bunker.
Lacina: I would have loved to play with him. He’s such a great guy. He really does care about people. And I know people wanted to see more of him.

Holmes: You made a ton of big moves. Was there anything we didn’t see that you wish we would have?
Lacina: Early on in the season, we weren’t getting a lot of strategy shown. My foundation started on day one. You didn’t get to see the relationships I built with people until after the merge. But, it would have been more obvious that I was going to win. I really was close with everyone.

Holmes: Were you going to play the legacy advantage no matter what?
Lacina: No. I felt confident going in that they weren’t targeting me. And I think it’s a good thing that I never won an immunity or had an idol. That sense of safety, your game backs down. You’re not on. I realized at that point, I would have gone home had I not played it. When I played it, I said, “I’m probably not going to need this, but…” I literally said that. And, that’s how I felt. I don’t know if I wasn’t playing close enough attention because I knew I was going to be safe. Idols can be a curse. You feel safe and you don’t have to play as hard.

Holmes: Word association time. Let’s start with JT.
Lacina: Amazing.
Holmes: Ozzy?
Lacina: Free spirit.
Holmes: Brad?
Lacina: He has a good heart.
Holmes: Zeke?
Lacina: He is one of the most wonderful people. Kind, caring, giving, thoughtful, just all-around great person. I’m so thankful to have met him.
Holmes: Andrea?
Lacina: Sister.
Holmes: Debbie?
Lacina: Misunderstood.
Holmes: Troyzan?
Lacina: (Laughs) You know what I’m going to say! The green monster! You have to get him to tell the story. He’s my true friend out of this whole thing. We talk almost daily.
Holmes: Cirie?
Lacina: Legend.
Holmes: Tai?
Lacina: Sweet guy.
Holmes: Sierra?
Lacina: Cowgirl.
Holmes: Hali?
Lacina: Free spirit. She’s the same as Ozzy except she’s a girl.
Holmes: Michaela?
Lacina: Fun, energetic, beast.
Holmes: Sandra?
Lacina: Queen!
Holmes: Varner?
Lacina: I didn’t spend a lot of time with him.
Holmes: Aubry?
Lacina: Sister, friend, she’s great.

Holmes: You’ve spent your life upholding the law. You spend 39 days as a criminal and you come out a million dollars richer. I guess my question is; what crime are you going to commit next?
Lacina: (Laughs) None! I’m going to pay my taxes. None! None! Playing that way is not fun. Trust me. Watching it back, it breaks my heart. I hurt people and it’s not fun. But, it was what it required of me to win. I had to play that way. That’s how Tony played and I saw how successful it was for him. Not that you have to backstab a bunch of people, but that you can separate real life from the game.

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

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Posted in RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Winner Sarah: ‘(Brad) Thought I Made a Lot of People Mad’

‘Survivor: Game Changers’ Finale Recap: Pepper vs. Copper

May 24, 2017 by

“Survivor: Game Changers” (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITY.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: Game Changers”

Last Week: The Boehl tolled for Andrea, the cop knew the letter of the law, and Michaela was found guilty by association.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog…

Alright, let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stands…

The Maku Maku Tribe (wearing yellow)
Aubry, 30
Brad, 47
Cirie, 45
Sarah, 32
Tai, 52
Troyzan, 54

Let’s do this!

We kick things off after last week’s doozy of a Tribal Council and Sarah wants to know who the rat is and Cirie wants to know why Michaela was targeted. Sarah really lays into Cirie for making her burn her vote-steal advantage.

When pushed, Cirie says that she was worried that Tai was targeting Sarah. Tai, of course, denies this…for about two minutes. This does not go well for Tai.

He tells us that because it’s Game Changers, he wants to play a little bit. That’s exactly how I’d describe Tai’s game.

Sarah also lets us know that she targeted Michaela as a way to get back at Cirie. Wow…very shrewd.

Later on, Tai tries to bring Brad on board by telling him about both of his idols. Oh Tai, telling Brad about one idol would have sufficed.

Brad hasn’t truly trusted Tai since the Sierra vote, but he could use him as a number.

Quick Aside: Is it time to add Brad Culpepper to the much-better-the-second-time-around list with John Cochran and Parvati Shallow?

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will race through a maze while collecting puzzle pieces. The first person to finish their puzzle wins immunity and an Italian dinner.

Another Quick Aside: Garlic bread?! I’d turn on any alliance for garlic bread.

Yet Another Quick Aside: This maze is epic.

The Survivors are ready…and they go. There isn’t much to describe except for wanderin’ and retrievin’. Actually, that a lie. There are some good wipe-outs.

Brad and Aubry are the first ones to the end with their bags, but nobody is really that far behind.

It comes down to Brad and Sarah…with Culpepper claiming the win.

Brad is allowed to share his meal with two people and he chooses Troyzan and Sarah.

During the meal, Sarah tells us that she doesn’t trust Cirie and Tai anymore and that she needs to consider working with Brad and Troyzan. During a strategy discussion, they decide to target Aubry.

Later, Brad approaches Tai with a plan. They’re going to vote for Aubry. He wants Tai to play his idol for himself and then let Brad hold onto the other one. Huh…

This bums Tai out because he feels like he’s not in control of his destiny. Brad gets really intense with Tai, which is what got Debbie in trouble in Kaoh Rong.

Afterwards, Brad tells Troyzan that he’ll vote out Tai next and keep the idol for himself. Ooo…

Tai shares Brad’s plan with Aubry, but he makes a point of not telling Cirie. Cirie pitches her, Aubry, and Tai targeting Sarah or Troyzan.

All of this is too much for poor Tai. He breaks down in tears.

Before we head to Tribal, Troyzan tells Sarah about Tai’s idols.

So…we could conceivably see four idols played at one Tribal. Yikes.

That night, Tai is annoyed that he got heat for lying when everyone has been lying.

Sarah thinks it’s because he doesn’t own up to the lies. She also thinks that nobody is on the same page with Tai.

Troyzan doesn’t believe Tai can recover from what happened.

Cirie has seen people crawl out of worse holes than Tai.

Tai isn’t sure his number is up because people were still willing to work with him. And, the only thing he knows for sure is his own vote.

Voting Time: No votes are shown.

JPro tallies and returns. He asks if anyone wants to play an idol and…Tai does…for himself.

Oh…and he plays the other one for Aubry.

Oh! And Sarah chooses to play the legacy advantage for herself!

OH!!! And Troyzan plays his idol for himself!

Oh no…Cirie…

Oh wait! Probst tells us that none of the votes are for Cirie! So…it’s a zero-vote tie and we go to rocks…right?

Right?!

Nope…it doesn’t matter because everyone else has immunity.

The fifteenth person eliminated from “Survivor: Game Changers” and the eighth member of the jury is…Cirie.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

And…it looks like Sarah would have gone home if no idols were played. She got votes from Tai, Aubry, and Cirie.

So…now I have to wonder what would have happened if Tai hadn’t played that second idol. If he holds back, does Troyzan wait to use his idol?

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will use paddles to maneuver a ball through a series of obstacles. The first person to transfer three balls to the end will win immunity.

The Survivors are ready and they go.

Ugh…that Cirie thing really took the wind out of my sails. What a terrible way to go.

Anywho…Culpepper smokes everyone, claiming his fourth immunity.

As Brad is accepting the necklace, he informs us that it was for Monica. Well…she already won a few of her own, so…

Back at camp, Brad tells Troyzan and Sarah that voting out Aubry is the easiest vote ever.

C’mon Brad, you don’t think you can take Sarah to the end, right?

Aubry, however, pitches getting rid of Troyzan to Sarah and Tai because he’s so close with Brad and Brad’s on an immunity run.

Sarah’s interested, but she’s worried about trusting Tai. Seriously? He’s only turned on like every alliance he’s ever had.

They sit down to work things out and Sarah claims that Tai is the one person she cared about the most. Tai tells her that he wants to get rid of Aubry.

Dude, you JUST SAVED HER!

Later on, Brad tries to pressure Tai again, telling him that he needs to vote with him. Once again, Tai isn’t loving Brad’s aggressive approach.

That night at Tribal, Troyzan is a little bummed because he used to be a challenge beast. This used to be my island…this used to be my pride and joy…

Aubry knows she’s on the chopping block. She also says that Brad and Troyzan will be in the final three if one of them wins immunity.

Tai’s taking Aubry’s argument into consideration.

Troyzan doesn’t think he’s as close with Brad as everyone seems to think.

Brad wonders if he has to win immunity to get to the final three.

Probst asks everyone if they think they can beat everyone at final three. Troyzan is the only one who thinks he can beat everyone.

Oh Troyzan… You’re so pretty.

Voting Time: Aubry votes for Troyzan, Troyzan votes for Aubry, and the rest are lost to the magic of editing.

Probst tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Aubry, one vote for Troyzan, one vote for Aubry, and the sixteenth person voted out of the game and the ninth member of the jury is…Aubry.

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will race through an obstacle course while gathering puzzle pieces. They’ll slide down a water slide (Awesome!) then complete a puzzle. First person to complete the puzzle gets an automatic spot in the final three.

The Survivors are ready…and they go.

Sarah is the first one to retrieve a bag, but the others aren’t far behind her.

Culpepper manages to take the lead and is the first person to start the puzzle. Tai makes it close…but not close enough. Brad wins his record-tying fifth individual immunity.

As we head to commercial, Brad tells us how he can beat anyone, but he wants to get rid of Tai because he betrayed him.

This is a mistake. It does not matter who betrayed you at this point. And, Sarah can totally beat you.

ALSO! Why vote someone out for spite who is going to the jury? Vote out Sarah and tell her it’s because you don’t think you can beat her.

Brad seems to think his immunity wins will help with the jury. In a season of Game Changers?! They’re going to respect big moves!

Quick Aside: In case you can’t tell, I’m not loving Brad’s line of thinking.

Sigh…anywho…Tai tells Sarah that he wants to vote for Troyzan and force Troyzan to do the fire-making tie-breaker.

That night at Tribal, Sarah admits that she feels like she’s on the outs.

Tai agrees, but if they work together they can force a tie. Or a Tai.

Troyzan is not a fan of this idea.

Voting Time: Troyzan votes for Tai, Tai votes for Troyzan, and the rest of the votes are a mystery.

Probsty tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Tai, one vote for Troyzan, one vote for Tai, and the seventeenth person eliminated from “Survivor: Game Changers” and the tenth and final member of the jury is…Tai.

Welp…enjoy that million, Sarah.

Also, do you think Woo has a support group that Brad can join?

Back at camp, Troyzan tells us how being the sole Survivor has been a sixteen-year dream. Yeah…it’s going to be a bit longer than that, buddy.

Sarah says that she worked her butt off and made moves that other people were afraid to make. And, she says she going to be honest with the jury.

Finally, Brad tells us that he brought the people he wanted to bring to the end and he’s going to use his lawyer skills to win over the jury. Cause people love lawyers…

That night at Tribal, Probst breaks down some impressive stats about the season including Ozzy being the new total-days leader.

Before the jury is allowed to talk, Probst tells them that they will break down the conversation into sections; outwit, outplay, and outlast.

Huh….

Outwit – The Social Game

Zeke kicks off this section. He points out that Sarah continues to wear the jacket he gave her even after she voted him out. He thinks that’s a bad-ass move. He tells her that he’s going to be her advocate.

Andrea is torn because Sarah made brilliant game moves, but she feels gross because she stabbed people in the back after making personal relationships.

Sarah says her personal relationships were 100% real. This causes several members of the jury to laugh.

Ozzy thinks you can play the game without going as low as Sarah went.

Sarah counters by saying she was willing to do whatever it took.

Ozzy respects Brad for winning out. Ozzy then says he’ll be Brad’s champion. Or his…Brad-vocate?

Cirie wasn’t impressed with Brad’s strategy and voted Sierra out because she was the brains of Brad’s alliance.

Brad claims that he worked with a lot of people. And he thinks the Game Changing move of the season was when he got JT to tell him who he was voting for during the double-tribe Tribal.

Michaela wants to know how much Brad knows about her. Brad rattles off a couple of facts.

Tai thought his relationship with Sarah was real.

Sarah tells them that she played the way she really is last time and lost.

Aubry doesn’t think she can just say “This is real Sarah,” and “This is game Sarah.”

Sarah compares it to her undercover work.

Debbie has zero respect for Sarah because she’ll win at all costs. She then says that she’ll be a Brad advocate too.

Michaela does not understand why people are upset with Sarah. She doesn’t think any of the game is personal. That’s a very “Millennials vs. Gen-X” attitude. They didn’t take anything personally.

Michaela then asks Troyzan what he did in the game.

Oh yeah…Troyzan.

He says he had personal relationships with everyone.

Ozzy thinks Troyzan was a passenger instead of a driver. Solid burn.

Andrea liked Brad’s social game. But, he never tried to work with people on the bottom. He admits that he and Michaela never clicked. He then owns up to trying to make Tai uncomfortable so he’d give him an idol or play both of them.

Zeke thinks Sarah was driving the ship and always led the votes.

Hali is also there.

Outplay – The Surviving and Challenge Game

Ozzy points out that Brad never stopped working and would have been voted out if he lost immunity.

Debbie thinks “Survivor” is “Lord of the Flies” and the other players wouldn’t be in the final three without Brad.

Sarah points out that Brad is a professional athlete. Brad counters that he’s in his forties and had to complete puzzles.

Sarah then calls out the move where she was able to vote Sierra out and claim the legacy advantage. She then tells everyone about Michaela missing the hidden advantage.

Michaela thinks Sarah finding the advantage and using it against her was bad-ass. Agreed.

Quick Aside: This is much better than the classic, everyone-asks-one-question format.

Outlast – Jury Management

Each player is given a chance to sway the jury…

Culpepper doesn’t think you have to deceive and lie to everyone to win.

Sarah thinks you have to strike first to win. Everyone she voted out, she voted out because she thought that person could beat her. She also points out that she was involved in every vote.

Troyzan has a good idea where he stands with the jury. He just thanks everyone for playing the game with him. He even finishes by saying, “I’m out.”

Voting Time: Michaela votes for Sarah, Ozzy votes for Brad, Zeke votes for Sarah, Debbie votes for Brad, and the rest of the votes will have to wait until Probst gets to Los Angeles.

Alright, here we go. We’ve got one vote for Sarah, one vote for Brad, one vote for Sarah, two votes for Brad, three votes for Sarah, and the winner of “Survivor: Game Changers” is…Sarah.

Verdict: Well, I think the right person won. Sarah was in charge for the second half of this season and did it in a fashion that Brad didn’t find threatening.

And, this season had everything you’d want; big moves, blindsides, drama, comedy, the whole she-bang.

But, for some reason it never clicked for me. I don’t know if it was the Varner moment or the way Malcolm was bounced, but I never fully got caught up in all of it.

Here’s looking forward to a season of all-new players.

Power Rankings Results: Adam Klein had Tai in fourth place, Troyzan in third place, Brad in second place and Sarah as the winner which is more than enough to give him the win. Congratulations, Adam on being the “Survivor: Game Changers” Power Rankings Champion!

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

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