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‘Survivor’ Co-Executive Producer Matt Van Wagenen

2010 Hall of Fame Inductee Sandra Diaz-Twine

2010 Hall of Fame Inductee “Boston” Rob Mariano

‘Survivor’ Executive Producer and Host Jeff Probst

Voting for the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2013 has ended. Please come back Wednesday, December 11, 2013 to meet the first inductee. And, follow @survivorhall on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water.”

Tags: amanda kimmel, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Power Rankings – Automobile Edition

December 10, 2013 by gordonholmes

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Malcolm Freberg. And, we’re inducting three members into the “Survivor: Hall of Fame” starting Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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The Rules: Each week our two combatants will create separate power rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the two players will earn. For example, if Gervase is voted out this week, Malcolm will receive 3 points and Gordon will receive 2 points. Also, each player will pick the players they think will win at Redemption Island. They’ll receive a bonus point for each correct pick. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Malcolm had Katie in spot five. Gordon had her in spot three. So, the current score is Team Glamour and Glitter, Fashion and Fame 124, Team Real American Heroes 130.

Wager Update: Gordon lost last week’s rankings. So, this week he has to compare the characters to cars.


Team Glamor and Glitter, Fashion and Fame: 124 Any advice for Malcolm? Drop him a line on Twitter: @MalcolmWHW	Team Real American Heroes: 130 Any advice for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

1. Tyson – My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride with him this week. Obviously I love Tyson, but then he goes all weepy Lisa/Dawn on us with overly dramatic background music and I have traumatic flashbacks. Then he redeems himself with a penis joke and I love him again. Then at Tribal… I mean it was a better performance than Monica and Gervase, but still wasn’t brilliant. He managed not to scream and wet himself a la Coconut Bandit #2, but it seemed a touch classless to low-blow Katie on the way out when he only got her booted via luck. Still, he’s playing great – Tyson should be safe with his idol, and if he makes the end I think he wins against anybody.	1. Monica Is a Shopping Cart with a Shaky Wheel– (OK, not technically a car, but it has four wheels, so work with me.) The preview is making it look like Monica is worried about her alliance with Tyson and Gervase. How is that possible when Tyson literally risked picking rocks to save her? Anywho, it’s late in the game and they already have all of their groceries packed up and it’s too late to switch now.

2. Monica – Where’d she go? If Monica doesn’t win the challenge each week, we apparently don’t get to see her until Tribal – though once we got there, she revealed math skills that could rival only her husband. Monica probably can’t win this thing and everyone knows it, so both sides are fitting her into their end-game plans.	2. Gervase Is a ’65 Ford Mustang Convertible with a “Who Farted” Bumper Sticker– It’s super cool, the ladies love it, and it’s a classic. But, there’s one easy-to-fix, yet glaring problem. In Gervase’s case, it’s his mouth. The main reason Ciera flipped last week was because Gervase basically told her she would be the fourth person out.

3. Gervase – Rollercoaster, again. Shutting down Caleb at RI was perfect, he finally won a challenge, and I can even understand his ice cream choices. I found myself leaning towards Team OG … until Tribal. His poor phrasing was a major part of pushing Ciera away, then the guy got so rattled he nearly pooped himself, which he compensated for by shouting a bunch like an angry child. Watching from home, he came off terribly. All that being said, he does have a winning resume, but he needs both Tyson and Hayden to go home first.	3. Tyson Is the Batmobile – Actually, this analogy isn’t accurate. Tyson isn’t the Batmobile, this whole season is. Why? Because it’s been an unpredictable, action-packed ride. And who’s behind the wheel? An athletic, smart, super-brave (and that rock picking move was brave) soon-to-be rich guy. Best of all, his utility belt has an immunity idol tucked into it.

4. Hayden – Mr. Candice is nothing but an ancient memory now — Hayden is officially my new man-crush. Getting loud the first night. Working it pre-challenge. Working it harder and shamelessly post-challenge. Getting pissed off at the prospect of losing. Having the best quote ever: “Who gives a f*$% about 2nd or 3rd?!” EPIC SILHOUETTE SHOT. This is a guy after my own heart — and that’s not even acknowledging the brilliance of that Tribal. Watch out kids: the BB champ wins this against anyone but Tyson at a final tribal. Obviously he’s the primary target of the majority, but I think he survives the next vote thanks to Grandma Morett…	4. Ciera Is a Toyota Prius – Yeah, the move you made last week was expensive, but it could really pay off in the long run. Your move now is to let everyone know how much you respect Tyson’s game. How your mother respects Tyson’s game. How Katie and Tina respect Tyson’s game. Anything to get Gervase and Monica to realize the second-place game they’ve set up.

5. Ciera – I’ve been shamelessly in her corner for a long time now, but I wanted to kick her in the head for reading that clue out loud, and I think last week officially scratched her chances of winning. I’m obviously a fan of big moves at Tribal, but her jumping ship from the majority at the last minute basically equates to her admitting she screwed up by joining them in the first place. Now, because her mom is basically a destroyer of everyone’s redemption dreams, there’s a very real threat of her getting back in the game. I’m guessing Boss Tyson will see this threat, and won’t let Ciera hang around to potentially form an end-game pair.	5. Hayden Is K.I.T.T. from “Knight Rider” – It’s good looking, it performs well, and it really shocks people when it finally says something. Hayden killed it last week. His number was up and he picked apart Tyson’s foursome like a champ. It’s going to come down to him and Ciera this week and I think the thing that’s going to send Hayden packing is the fear that he could bust out an immunity streak. You’ve also got to factor in the belief that he might be the only one who can beat Laura at Redemption.

Redemption Island Picks: Laura and Katie – I’m never not picking Laura again, and Tina looks to be ready to roll over for her unlucky little girl. With a chance to get back in so close, you know Grandma BeastMode is going to kick it into an extra gear on the chance Ciera survives the vote.	Redemption Island Picks: Laura and Tina – Are we ready to give Laura the “Female Ozzy Lusth” nickname? She certainly seems well on her way to earning it. And on the other side, I’ve bet against Tina and lost twice. Also, Tina’s better and puzzles and bested Katie in their only physical confrontation this season.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water“

Tags: jeff probst, malcolm freberg, survivor, survivor blood vs. water
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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2013 Ballot – ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano

December 9, 2013 by gordonholmes

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

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to have 2010 inductee “Boston” Rob Mariano as a member of the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Rob (along with Host Jeff Probst and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

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Amber Mariano – (“Survivor: The Australian Outback” and “Survivor: All-Stars”) Let’s be real; after being married for nearly nine years and three children later, there is no way Amber is not my #1 Hall of Fame choice. I’m biased, but it’s my vote.

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”) A challenge dominator and fierce competitor. How is she not in already?

Rudy Boesch – (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All-Stars”) One of the original castaways that brought humor to the game. A Hall of Fame can’t be complete without him!

Other Ballots:

‘Survivor’ Co-Executive Producer Matt Van Wagenen

2010 Hall of Fame Inductee Sandra Diaz-Twine

‘Survivor’ Executive Producer and Host Jeff Probst

Tags: Boston Rob, boston rob mariano, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2013 Ballot – Co-Executive Producer Matt Van Wagenen

December 9, 2013 by gordonholmes

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (XFINITY)

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, “Survivor” Co-Executive Producer Matt Van Wagenen (along with Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer and other “Survivor” luminaries) has an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

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Matt Van Wagenen’s 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot

John Cochran – (“Survivor: South Pacific” and “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”) Cochran is the ultimate super fan who was able to live out a lifelong dream in front of millions. He’s a great combination of iconic personality mixed with savvy gamesmanship. This guy went from “South Pacific” where he received votes at nearly every Tribal Council to “Caramoan” where not a single vote was cast against him. In a season with returning players he navigated his way through wildcards like Brandon and Phillip and shrewd players like Malcolm and Andrea while managing to win four individual challenges. The cherry on top was sweeping all the votes at the final Tribal. Hard to argue with that.

Kim Spradlin – (“Survivor: One World”) It was amazing to watch Kim play the game. The only knock on her is that she didn’t have anyone to go head-to-head against and that’s not her fault. She was head and shoulders above everyone else in “One World.” She had an uncanny ability to make people trust her, great athleticism, and was able to see the game three steps ahead of everyone else – all with a smile on her face. Hard to do out there but she pulled it off and made it look effortless.

Benjamin “Coach” Wade – (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” and “Survivor: South Pacific”) I love Coach on “Survivor.” If there were “Dragonslayer” action figures I’d buy one. Whether he’s in a challenge, planning someone’s demise, or simply boiling beans, he’s completely entertaining. He was fascinating in “Tocantins,” human in “Heroes vs. Villains” and a force to be reckoned with in “South Pacific.” Although he came up short at the end of the game, he deserved his spot in the final three and is one of the best runner-ups ever. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that he is one of the most iconic characters to ever put on a buff.

Other Ballots:

2010 Hall of Fame Inductee Sandra Diaz-Twine

‘Survivor’ Executive Producer and Host Jeff Probst

Tags: matt van wagenen, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2013 Ballot – Sandra Diaz-Twine

December 8, 2013 by gordonholmes

2010 "Survivor" Hall of Fame Inductee Sandra Diaz-Twine (CBS)

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to have 2010 inductee Sandra Diaz-Twine as a member of the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Sandra (along with Host Jeff Probst and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

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Sandra Diaz-Twine’s 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot

I take my voting privileges and ballot seriously. My 2013 Nominees are as follows…

The Top Spot in my ballot goes to none other than Kim Spradlin – (“Survivor: One World”). This chick is ferocious. She played what we call a “Perfect Game.” By being the leader of the female alliance she was able to destroy and decimate the Manono men.

Kim made strong bonds with her tribe mates, which is so crucial from a social aspect. Kim’s tribe depended on her physical, dominating nature to help them win challenges. But Kim also had the Hidden Immunity Idol in her possession, which made her even more dangerous. Kim is so quiet. Her pretty smile will distract you, but she’s destructive. She took total responsibility for voting people out and that’s why she took home the million and the $100,000 fan favorite to boot. “Survivor” fans love Kim.

Another “Perfect Game” player is John Cochran – (“Survivor: South Pacific” and “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”). I once wore a pajama top and wrote on it with a black permanent marker as I was live chatting… I was writing “I Luv Cochran” when I ran outta space. Well, long story short John’s last name didn’t fit on my top and it wasn’t a good look. I was laughed at for quite a while.

I loved him on “South Pacific” because I felt like he was bullied and socially awkward, betrayed by his allies and, just like me, not a physical threat whatsoever. But as fate would have it, this Super Fan would play again and this time around he joined the “Millionaires’ Club.” Although it took him two attempts, this is when his prior experience and “Survivor” Smarts kicked in. Cochran miraculously won 4 individual immunity challenges. His strategic and social game won him all the jury votes. If I ever play again, I wanna be just like Cochran and win an Immunity Challenge. He’s my hero.

My third and final vote goes to Jerri Manthey – (“Survivor: The Australian Outback,” “Survivor: Alll-Stars,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”) who I nominated last year. I’m sticking to my guns when I say Jerri deserves and has earned her place in the Hall of Fame. I played with Jerri and I know what she’s capable of. She’s the “Black Widow” for a reason. She will bite off your head in a heartbeat, without a second thought. But Jerri also has a beautiful side. Jerry grew as a player and a person making the final four on “Heroes vs. Villains.” Jerri was a vital asset to my end game and to the tribe as a whole. Jerri protected many people along the way, without her protection they would have been easily picked OFF! Jerri is an expert at building solid relationships. Had Jerri been in the final three, she would have won “Heroes vs. Villains” hands down!

Other Ballots:

‘Survivor’ Executive Producer and Host Jeff Probst

Tags: Sandra Diaz-Twine, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2013 Ballot – Rob Cesternino

December 6, 2013 by gordonholmes

2012 "Survivor" Hall of Fame Inductee Rob Cesternino (CBS)

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to have 2012 inductee Rob Cesternino as a member of the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Rob (along with Host Jeff Probst and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you’re not listening to Rob’s “Rob Has a Podcast,” you should be.

Rob Cesternino’s 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot

As a member of 2012 “Survivor” Hall of Fame class, I take my job here very seriously. I actually found this task to be incredibly difficult, but with the help of a magic 8-ball, I’ve arrived at my top three picks.

Kim Spradlin – (“Survivor – One World”) In my opinion, Kim is the most dominant female player in the history of the show. Taking nothing away from Parvati and Sandra Diaz-Twine, but Kim’s game is totally different. Kim controlled an alliance of five from early in the game, adapted to get through a tribe swap, and then systematically eliminated any of the threats in her way after the merge. All of the players in the game who mattered thought she was on their side, until she slit their throats.

Kim Spradlin was so brilliant; she made her season boring because you knew nobody else had a chance to beat her. She ended up winning four immunities, finding the hidden immunity idol, and getting seven of the nine jury votes to win. I feel like Kim has not gotten the credit she deserves and I hope that gets corrected with her induction in to the “Survivor” Hall of Fame. Here’s to you, Dynamic Kim!

Jonny Fairplay – (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites”) Jonny Fairplay is the first person in the history of the genre who showed up on “Survivor” WANTING to be the villain. Fairplay had a vision of how he wanted to be portrayed and played the part perfectly. The grandmother lie is still one of the craziest hoaxes to ever be attempted considering he was risking a chance to win a million dollars if it got screwed up.

I’m nominating Jonny Fairplay not just because he wanted to be a villain… he actually had game too. He had everybody fooled about him for much of the game (maybe not Sandra), he single-handedly took down Rupert and shifted alliances to get himself to the final three before losing the final immunity challenge. Why does that last challenge have to be so tricky???

I know some people will reject Fairplay for induction to the Hall because many remember him “quitting” “Survivor Fans vs. Favorites”… but I urge you to go back and watch the tape. Jonny Fairplay is in fact the first person voted out from the game. He gets nine votes and Jeff Probst even snuffs his torch! Can Osten, Purple Kelly, Naonka or Colton claim the same?

Whether you loved him or whether you hated him, he kept things interesting and he changed “Survivor” and Reality TV forever.

Brian Heidik – (“Survivor: Thailand”) I know many of you won’t agree with this one… but I think Brian Heidik is one of the great “Survivor” players of all-time. In “Survivor: Thailand,” Brian built on the strategy that Richard Hatch established in the first “Survivor” season and played one of the most lethal games in the history of the show. He said “Survivor” was just a business trip for him and he systematically made alliances with everybody in the game. On top of his excellent strategic and social game, he also won five immunity challenges. He was a used car salesman who left everybody feeling ripped off, but not until after he won the million dollars.

I realize that there is almost no chance that Brian Heidik gets in to the “Survivor” Hall of Fame this year (or any other year for that matter). After his win in “Survivor: Thailand,” he somehow made himself a persona non grata around “Survivor”-land and that’s a shame. Brian should have been in the first all-stars but the show decided that he wasn’t likable enough to come back (many would agree). Brian Heidik will probably never play “Survivor” again but I will always have tons of respect for the “Ice Man” and in my book, he’s a Hall of Famer.

Other Ballots:

‘Survivor’ Executive Producer and Host Jeff Probst

Tags: rob cesternino, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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‘Survivor: Hall of Fame’ 2013 Ballot – Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer

December 5, 2013 by gordonholmes

'Survivor' Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer (CBS)

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to have John Kirhoffer as a member of the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, John (along with Host Jeff Probst and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

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John Kirhoffer is the brain behind some of “Survivor’s” most difficult and exciting challenges. After 13 years and more than 27 seasons, John continues to design and execute innovative challenges that never fail to impress. His commitment, attention to detail and dedication to creating some of the best challenges on TV are a critical part of “Survivor’s” continued success. With hundreds of challenges on his resume, he credits “Boulder Dash” from season three (Africa) and “Vertical Maze” from season nine (Vanuatu – Islands of Fire) among his favorites.

John Kirhoffer’s 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot

Well, at the top of my 2013 list…John Cochran (“Survivor: South Pacific” and “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”).

John Cochran represents the underdog and exemplifies hope and humility. The kid who was bullied, by Ozzy and the other Savaii “cool kids”, and then received his revenge later with the ultimate “Survivor” crown and a million bucks. His superpower was not in his physical prowess, but in his intellect. He went from student of the game to master of the game, and along the way gave the audience an abundance of great sound bites, sage revelations, and hilarious insights. In my mind, Cochran is a “Survivor” Hall of Fame slam dunk.

I will AGAIN this year nominate Benjamin “Coach” Wade (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” and “Survivor: South Pacific”).

I love Coach Ben Wade. Truly one of the greatest characters in our shows 27-season history. I put Coach in the Hall of Fame for his authenticity, entertainment value, and personal evolution. In Tocantins, Coach truly provided the bulk of the audience chuckles, laughs, and grimaces. Love him or hate him, Coach was genuine. As time went by, we saw Coach “The Dragon Slayer” peel away layers until we saw Coach, the morally conflicted soul. He wore “honor” like a glittery cape in Tocantins, and by the final Tribal Council in South Pacific, “honor” was the burden that haunted him and weighed him down…costing him a million dollars. I believe it’s time to enshrine “Coach” in the Hall of Fame!

Finally, I nominate a true “Survivor” icon, Rudy Boesch (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All Stars”).

I’m trying to imagine an actual, physical “Survivor” Hall of Fame without a bronze bust of Rudy Boesch surrounded by iconic photos and video clips. I believe the casting of Rudy on “Survivor” one is the biggest reasons for the show’s success. The 70-year-old, hard-as-nails homophobe who befriends the outspoken, naked, gay guy exemplified what we (universally) all should believe; “Don’t judge books by their covers.”

Rudy IS the “Survivor” patriarch. An American hero, a true competitor, and a genuine larger-than-life character. What he lacked in his strategic game, he made up for in grit and real-life experience. When Rudy spoke, America related. Who wasn’t cheering him on in the end of season one? Hall of Fame committee, do you really want to continue building this institution without one of its most prominent founding fathers? Include Rudy in the 2013 Hall of Fame.

Those are my thoughts. Thanks for listening.

Other Ballots:

‘Survivor’ Executive Producer and Host Jeff Probst

Tags: john kirhoffer, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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‘Survivor’ Castaway Caleb: Gervase & Tyson ‘Weren’t Being 100% With Us’

December 5, 2013 by gordonholmes

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (CBS)

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Caleb Bankston and the Alabama Roll Tide have a lot in common. They were both heavy favorites to win a title, they were both only a few steps away from that final championship round, and they both came up a little short.

But, that shouldn’t negate how well they played all season. Alabama proved once again that they’re a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron while Brad Culpepper learned that Caleb is not to be underestimated at Tribal Council.

I spoke to Redemption Island’s latest victim the morning after his elimination and had a chance to ask him about Colton’s affect on his game, his alliance with the Coconut Bandits, and all of this season’s Tribal Council shockers…

Gordon Holmes: Alright, I hate to start this off on a bad note…
Caleb Bankston: That’s fine.
Holmes: But…my father went to Auburn University…
Bankston: Don’t say it!
Holmes: My sister went to Auburn University…
Bankston: Don’t!
Holmes: My brother-in-law went to Auburn University…
Bankston: (Sighs)
Holmes: So, on their behalf, I’m saying to you a tiny, respectful, “War Eagle.”
Bankston: That hurt. Let me tape my wrists back up. You just slit them. (Laughs)
Holmes: I’m glad we have that ugliness out of the way.

Holmes: At Redemption Island you called out the Utah and Philadelphia-based players for lying. But, it seemed like you and Hayden were making moves on them first.
Bankston: (Gervase) pointed that out, but I’m not sure if that’s 100%. The way everything shakes out, you don’t know who’s making the moves first. We felt like they weren’t being 100% with us. We felt like Monica was a little closer to them then they’d made it out to be. Were they playing us? Should we get them? Maybe we verbalized it first. But, it didn’t feel like I was doing bad to them, because I thought they were going to do it first.
Holmes: Why do you think they targeted you before Hayden?
Bankston: I want to think it’s because maybe I was a bigger threat than Hayden. Maybe because of my Tribal Council with the Brad vote. And Gervase had made the comment that he couldn’t read me. They’d be talking, and Hayden called me out on it. He said, “It’s hilarious watching you talk to Tyson and Gervase about a plan because you’ll just nod your head.” And I said, “That means I’m down with it.” And he said, “Well they have no idea that you’re down with it because you’re just kind of silent.” Well, if I don’t have anything to say, I don’t have anything to say. So maybe they couldn’t see where I was standing.

Holmes: You mentioned the Brad vote. And my understanding from most of the Survivors I’ve talked to is you almost always know who you’re voting for when you go to Tribal. That didn’t seem like the case when you sent Brad packing. What was the tipping point that switched your vote?
Bankston: You know, Jeff has a way with his questions. He knows what to ask, when to ask it. And he asked a question saying, “Caleb is by himself. Should you cut him loose now? Why should you keep him?? It was so easy for them to come up with a case for getting rid of me. So I thought, this isn’t going down this way. I’m going to control my own fate. Something clicked. The weather changed. Something was different. Something was off. But I was originally voting for Ciera that night.
Holmes: So you’re saying that Jeff Probst is not to be trusted?
Bankston: (Laughs) He’s a sly fox.

Holmes: I feel like Ciera did the same thing. Her early comments made it seem like she was solidly in Tyson’s camp. Any idea what was said that made her switch it up?
Bankston: I think she was already thinking about it. Gervase picked Tyson and Monica to share his reward. He didn’t pick the new girl who need assurance. He couldn’t not pick Monica because she’d get paranoid all over again. So, maybe she had it in her mind. And when they were pushing that she was number four, she didn’t realize that she wasn’t in the hierarchy above Monica.

Holmes: When Colton left the game, he said it was because he knew you’d have taken his place at Redemption Island. At the time, did you understand that that was Colton’s motivation?
Bankston: No. When we got back home I asked him, “Why didn’t you give me any kind of insight? I didn’t know who to trust.” I didn’t know if he was working with somebody. It turns out that he and Monica were closer than I thought. I would’ve tried to pull her closer and smooth over the Brad thing. But when he sat in my lap and we had our moment, he said he couldn’t do it. He said he was a changed person since the last time he played, but he felt like he was headed down a road he didn’t want to go down. And I said, “If you feel like you’re going to be broken by this, go home. Don’t risk it. I’d rather you leave on day seven, than have a broken Colton.” I wish he’d told me, but I was glad we got to say what we did.

Holmes: Marissa paid the price for Gervase’s smack talk. Colton had a rough run of it out there. He rubbed some of the members of Galang the wrong way. Did you experience any positives or negatives from your association with Colton?
Bankston: I didn’t. Walking up on the beach with the new players, they all gave me a chance. They all got to know me. They’re like a lot of people who say, “I don’t get it, I don’t get you and Colton.” And so, they would hear me talk about him. And as time went by they understood what it was about us that worked. I was able to make my own mark. I think Katie said, “I wonder if Caleb’s mean deep down and he’s just putting on a front. “ But Ciera took up for me and said, “No, Caleb’s too sweet. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.”
Holmes: You’d have to be the best actor in the world to hide meanness under your sweet demeanor.
Bankston: I appreciate that.
Holmes: You mentioned that people don’t get you and Colton. I’m a big believer that you don’t really choose who you click with, who you fall in love with.
Bankston: You don’t. My last boyfriend, I was in a relationship with him for three and a half years. You think you love somebody, and then something happens. Maybe this isn’t what you thought it was. With Colton there’s never been that. We’ve been together for four years and it’s been happy every day. I love waking up next to him. I love going to bed next to him. He’s the one I look forward to talking to every day. Besides you today.
Holmes: See! Too sweet. No meanness hiding under there.
Bankston: (Laughs) You can’t choose who you love. If you could and you did what everyone wanted you to do, I’d be marrying a woman in October. Everybody loves Colton. All my family and my friends. He’s stolen a lot of my really good friends. I don’t think they’re my friends anymore. They’re his friends and I’m just Colton’s boyfriend.
Holmes: He can’t be trusted. He steals friends.
Bankston: He does! The dogs love him. I was the favorite, but now they love him more.

Holmes: Alright, word association time. We’ll start with Monica.
Bankston: Paranoid.
Holmes: Tyson?
Bankston: Sly.
Holmes: Hayden?
Bankston: Bro.
Holmes: Ciera?
Bankston: Sneaky.
Holmes: Katie?
Bankston: Sweet.
Holmes: Laura M.?
Bankston: Flirt.
Holmes: Tina?
Bankston: Grandma.
Holmes: Aras?
Bankston: Really, really tall.
Holmes: Vytas?
Bankston: Sweetheart.
Holmes: Gervase?
Bankston: Sporty.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Colton.
Bankston: The love of my life, dude.

Holmes: If things had gone your way and you’d had a Tadhana final four, I’m thinking you and Hayden would have been in the driver’s seat. What would’ve been your argument for the jury to pick you over the others?
Bankston: I would use the Brad Culpepper vote because that was definitely my big move. I’d play the fact that coming in with Colton we had the deck stacked against us because of his reputation. I’d separate myself from him and show that we’re two different people and play two different ways. I’d play to my likability, I got along with everybody. I did a lot around camp.

Holmes: Caleb, this has been great. Thanks a ton for your time.
Bankston: Can I get a “Roll Tide” before you go?
Holmes: I can’t say that. I’ll be disowned.

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

Tags: caleb bankston, jeff probst, survivor, survivor blood vs. water
Posted in RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor’ Castaway Caleb: Gervase & Tyson ‘Weren’t Being 100% With Us’

‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Recap – Whose Game Gets Rocked?

December 4, 2013 by gordonholmes

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (CBS)

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Last Week: Laura helped Tina arrange her cubes, Ciera turned her back on the newbs, and Caleb and Tyson’s idol went down the tubes.

39 Days (well…technically 39.5), 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

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

The Kasama Tribe (wearing purple)

Ciera – Cosmetology Student, 24
Gervase – Cigar Lounge Owner, 43
Hayden – Real Estate, 26
Katie – Hedge Fund Support, 25
Monica – Homemaker, 42
Tyson – Store Manager, 34

The show kicks off after Tribal and Hayden smartly congratulates Tyson on the strong move. He then lets everyone know that they’re playing for second place if they go to the end with him. Gervase takes exception to this statement, saying that Tyson has been his puppet.

Tyson tries to laugh it off, but he’s not happy that Hayden blew up his spot. Is that how that slang works?

Tyson, Gervase, Monica, and Ciera sit together and decide that Hayden is going home if he loses immunity, and if he wins, it’s Katie’s turn.

Redemption Island Time: Players will stack wooden cards as high as they can. The first two to reach the designated height marker will stay. The loser will go home. If the height marker is not reached, they’ll go by who has the highest stack after thirty minutes. The person to reach the top first will also get to give away a clue to a hidden immunity idol.

Before the challenge starts off, Caleb lets the remaining players from Utah and Philly know they’re in trouble. Oh c’mon, Caleb, isn’t being from Philly bad enough?

Gervase points out that he’s a man of his word, but Caleb and Hayden were going to stab them in the back first. He’s got a point.

The challenge starts off and there isn’t much to describe. You know, some stackin’ and whatnot. Laura gets a huge lead, and wins it easily.

Caleb and Tina are neck and neck (or stack and stack) at the three-minute mark. Caleb takes a slight lead, but his stack falls at the last second. Tina wins, Caleb’s done.

Before Caleb takes the long, lonely walk, Probst asks what he has in common with Colton. Caleb responds, “We’re both guys.” That’s hilarious. Let him stay.

Laura decides to give the clue to Ciera and she keeps it. Yay! Buck trends! Fight the power!

Back at camp, the dominant alliance chooses to read the clue together. Hayden and Katie try to Boehlke Block them by following them around, but are unsuccessful because…

In a touching moment, Tyson breaks down as he tells us that it will only be worth not swapping in for Rachel if he can get to the end. This is, of course, paired with footage of him finding the idol. Boom, indeed.

Later, Hayden approaches Gervase about teaming with Ciera and Katie to vote out Tyson. Gervase says it’s an option if they can get those two on board. But seriously, if Gervase was worried about Tyson, why wouldn’t he just try to be a final three with Monica and Ciera?

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will race through obstacles while they balance a ball on a pole. They’ll add sections to the pole as they go along. When they get to the end they’ll use a key to open a box of sand bags. They’ll use those sand bags to knock over targets. First person to knock over all the targets gets immunity and ice cream.

Quick Aside: I love Jeff Probst. I hate the word “belly.” It’s like the dude can’t discuss a reward challenge without telling you you’ll have a belly full of something.

The challenge starts off and Monica, Tyson, and Gervase are off to a solid start. Hayden isn’t far behind.

Monica’s the first to get to the sand bags, Gervase is right on her tail.

Gervase absolutely destroys the bean bag portion. He knocks down three targets at a time! Gervase wins immunity.

Our favorite Eagles fan gets to share his ice cream and chooses Tyson and Monica. Oh…that might be a mistake.

Back at camp, an “Iced Cream” cart shows up to deliver the diary goodness. Man, that’s just mean to make Gervase, Monica, and Tyson enjoy their food in front of everyone else.

Later, Hayden pitches his plan to Gervase and Ciera. He wants to boot Tyson and then go to the final three together. Gervase is reluctant because he thinks he can beat Tyson. That seems highly unlikely based on what we’re seeing.

Tyson wanders over and Hayden fesses up to trying to get people to turn on him. That’s kind of awesome. Tyson seems to respect the honesty.

That night at Tribal Council, Hayden says it’s Team Tyson vs Hayden and Katie.

Ciera says she’s comfortable with her alliance even though she wasn’t chosen for the food reward.

Gervase says he picked original Galang. Wow, way to out your final three there, Gervase.

Hayden tries to paint Tyson as the mastermind, but Ciera points out that it was Hayden and Caleb’s idea to vote out her mother.

Monica thinks Ciera turning is a bad idea because final four is better than six. Hayden jumps on this, saying that she called Ciera “four.” Tyson doesn’t think Ciera is four.

Gervase says that his alliance is honest. The jury laughs at this. That’s not a good sign.

Tyson tells Ciera that he’s protected her while Hayden has written her name down.

The arguing breaks down when Tyson and Hayden discuss the differences between “Rustling feathers” and “Ruffling feathers.” I prefer “Russelling feathers.” That’s when you place the feathers in Jaison’s socks and then set them on fire.

Voting Time: Gervase votes for “Haydone” and he does it loudly, Tyson votes for Hayden, and the rest aren’t shown.

JPro tallies and returns. He asks if anyone wants to play the idol and Tyson does not. Doh…

We’ve got two votes for Hayden, two votes for Monica, one vote for Hayden, and the last vote is for Monica. We’ve got a tie.

Tyson asks Ciera what she’s doing. She doesn’t respond.

Now Monica and Hayden won’t vote and the other four will.

Voting Time Part Deux: No votes are shown. Dun…dun…dun…

Probst tallies and returns a second time. Too bad he doesn’t get paid by the tally. We’ve got one vote for Monica, one vote Hayden, one vote for Monica, and the fourth vote is for Hayden…we’ve got another tie!

Note: The exclamation point at the end of the last sentence isn’t genuine. The double tie was spoiled by the CBS promo.

Tie Breaker Time: OK, Hayden and Monica are safe because they got votes. Gervase is safe because he has immunity. Ciera, Katie, and Tyson will draw rocks. The person to get the white rock goes home.

And the person with the white rock and the fifteenth person to be sent to Redemption Island is…Katie.

Everyone congratulates Katie on the gutsy move…but what was so gutsy about it? She was on the bottom anyway.

Verdict: Wow, that was a wild one. I wish that CBS promo hadn’t spoiled most of it.

Who’s Going to Win? If we saw our final three eating ice cream tonight, I’m thinking Tyson’s our next champ.

Power Rankings Results: Malcolm had Katie in spot five. I had her in spot three. So, the current score is Team Glamour and Glitter, Fashion and Fame 124, Team Real American Heroes 130.

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

Tags: jeff probst, survivor, survivor blood vs. water
Posted in General, RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Recap – Whose Game Gets Rocked?

‘Survivor: Hall of Fame’ 2013 Ballot – Cirie Fields

December 4, 2013 by gordonholmes

2011 "Survivor" Hall of Fame Inductee Cirie Fields (CBS)

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to have 2011 inductee Cirie Fields as a member of the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Cirie (along with Host Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, and other “Survivor” luminaries) has accepted an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6541379645042428112″ program_type=”series” cid=”45576771592″]

Cirie Fields’ 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot

Jonny Fairplay – (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Facorites) My first pick is Fairplay because anyone who knows anything about “Survivor,” fan or not, knows about Fairplay’s dead grandma!

John Cochran – (“Survivor: South Pacific” and “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”) Now I know he may still be considered a newbie, however isn’t he one of only 3 people to return for a 2nd time and win?! Not to mention his hilariously accurate analytical break down of the game he always provided!

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”) My last-but-not-least pick is again Stephenie LaGrossa. I can’t shake the site of her being the lone survivor from her tribe, also her challenge performances are nothing to shake a stick at. (No pun intended, Jason!)

Other Ballots: