More Whatnot

As the Senior Chairman of the Executive Voting Committee, Gordon Holmes has an awesome responsibility. His vote (along with Host Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer and other “Survivor” luminaries) will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame. The other 50% came from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Fan voting for the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2011 has closed.

Gordon Holmes is an Assistant Managing Producer at Comcast and the lead “Survivor” know-it-all for XFINITY TV. He’s been hooked on “Survivor” from the moment he first saw Jeff Probst kick sixteen strangers off a boat and into the sea back in May of 2000. Gordon has visited the set of “Survivor” on three separate occasions (“Gabon,” “Nicaragua,” and “South Pacific”) and boasts a respectable 2-1 immunity challenge record. His biggest regret in life is not purchasing the Medallion of Power when it was available on eBay.

Gordon Holmes’s 2011 “Survivor” Hall of Fame Ballot

Why has “Survivor” survived?

My theory? It’s because it follows the same template the circus does…there’s something for everybody. If you don’t like the jugglers or the clowns, maybe you’ll like the lion tamer or the acrobats.

“Survivor” is the same way. If you’re not interested in challenge machines or exotic locales, maybe you’ll like the hot people in skimpy swimwear or the strategists.

That’s probably why some people get frustrated with Hall of Fame voting. We didn’t say vote for the most charismatic player or the best challenge performer or the best schemer. We just said vote for who you think is worthy.

Here’s who I think is worthy…

Rob Cesternino – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All Stars”): Rob Cesternino was one of my picks for “Survivor” Mount Rushmore back in 2008 and he will stay on my ballot until he is a member of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame. I credit Rob with changing what had become a very boring game. Before Rob played, Survivors would stick with their alliances after the merge. It led to some very boring episodes while we waited for the lower-numbered tribe to be eliminated. Rob’s strategy of whittling down your alliance to stay off of the chopping block revolutionized the way the game is played. Sadly, the last two seasons have reverted back to the stick-to-your-tribe ways. We need to get a new Cesternino in there.

Jon “Jonny Fairplay” Dalton – (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites”): I’ll put Fairplay in the same boat with Cesternino. They both changed the game and will stay on my ballot until they’re inducted. Jonny Fairplay changed the game with his infamous “Grandmother” lie. Not only did it set the precedent that you couldn’t believe anything people said about their lives back home (and Jim Rice had some fun with that this season.) But, it also removed the ceiling (floor?) for what is considered an unforgivable lie. Think about it; the public didn’t bat an eyelash when Russell Hantz said he was a fireman during Katrina who’d lost his dog.

Rudy Boesch – (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All Stars”): Now that I’ve voted for the “Survivor” innovators who aren’t in the Hall, I’m ready to move on to the “Survivor” icons. First on that list for me is Mr. Rudy Boesch. The former Navy SEAL was one of reality TV’s first characters back before the idea of a real person being a character on a reality show even existed. His bizarre, heartwarming relationship with Richard Hatch helped turn the show into a ratings juggernaut and his face (along with Hatch, Rupert Boneham, and Jerri Manthey) is one of the first many think of when they hear the word “Survivor.” That, and he’s in the “Survivor” slot machine, which is awesome.

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

As members of the Executive Voting Committee, the “Survivor” press team (along with Producer Jesse Jensen, Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, 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 2011. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Fan voting for the 2011 “Survivor” Hall of Fame has ended. Be sure to check back Monday, December 12th to meet the first member of the Class of 2011.

Drusilla Moorhouse – E! Online

Drusilla Moorhouse is an Editor for E! Online, where she celebrates TV and celebrity gossip with a liberal dose of exclamation points. A fanatic of the “Eco Challenge” producer Mark Burnett’s O.G. reality competition, Dru carried a torch for “Survivor” even before the first pixelated images of Richard Hatch hit the airwaves.

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): Hall of Fame or Hall of Shame, the blissed-out beach bum deserves a spot in the record books for schooling his competitors in challenges and making tree monkeys seem clumsy. Sure, he left his Immunity Idol at camp when he needed it most and might be too naive for this cutthroat game, but he’s still a “Survivor” star. Plus, he’s hot.

Rudy Boesch – (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All Stars”): This: “Me and Richard got to be pretty good friends—not in a homosexual way, that’s for sure.”

Tom Westman – (“Survivor: Palau” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Tom is the Bruce Willis of “Survivor”—only more handsome and courageous. The New York City firefighter’s leadership, strength, indomitability, and integrity earned him the admiration of his fans and fellow Palau competitors, who gave him a million dollars—and top billing.

Mara Reinstein – US Weekly

Mara Reinstein is the movie critic for Us Weekly magazine. But thanks to her unofficial title as Resident “Survivor” Fanatic, she has somehow finagled her way into 10 (!) “Survivor” location visits since 2004.

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): The human dolphin continues to read at a 3rd grade level when it comes to the social game. He’s played so poorly during “Survivor: South Pacific” (is it the ego or the hair?), he should send thank you notes to the producers for creating Redemption Island.

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): I saw this firsthand: During the first challenge of “Heroes vs. Villains,” she separated her shoulder, popped it back in, then went back in the game! Advil, be damned! Plus, you still got to admire what she accomplished in Palau. She didn’t have to resort to awkward flirting, either.

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All Stars”): It’s the sentimental choice, but screw it. The guy is a champ.

Dalton Ross – Entertainment Weekly

Dalton Ross is the Assistant Managing Editor of Entertainment Weekly. He may have written about this show once or twice over the past 10 years.

Tom Westman – (“Survivor: Palau” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Until Boston Rob on “Redemption Island,” Tom had the most dominating season in “Survivor” history in Palau when you factor in physical, social, and strategic gameplay. He led his tribe to an undefeated ass-whupping of the Ulong tribe, then coasted post-merge to the win. How the hell was he not in the original Hall of Fame class? Who’s voting on these things anyway?

Cirie Fields – (“Survivor: Panama,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): What’s incredible about Cirie is how far she came from when she first started on “Exile Island.” The woman was afraid of the outdoors for crissakes! But she evolved into a stone cold killer who would have won “Fans vs. Favorites” had there not been so many injuries to other players (causing producers to abort the original final-three plan). I loved watching Cirie go from a woman completely out of her element to someone who not only survived, but thrived as well.

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): Okay, his strategic game is not very good, and his social game is even worse. But if anyone was ever born to be left to his own devices on an island, it’s Ozzy. The guy is the absolute epitome of the living off the land conceit that “Survivor” is all about. He’s also arguably the best challenge competitor the game has ever seen. And consider this: He only lost to Yul by one vote in “Cook Islands” and has made it to at least the jury all three times he’s played. Compare that to Boston Rob, who twice failed to even make the jury. Ozzy may only represent one facet of the game, but he represents it better than anyone.

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, Executive Producer David Burris (along with Producer Jesse Jensen, Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, 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 2011. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Fan voting for the 2011 “Survivor” Hall of Fame has ended.

David Burris has spent the last eight years working on the Emmy Award-winning reality series “Survivor.”  From his early beginnings as supervising producer, to his current role as executive producer, Burris has put his stamp on the series that redefined a genre.  In his current role as executive producer, Burris serves as the show runner, overseeing all aspects of developing, producing, and delivering the show.

David Burris’s 2011 “Survivor” Hall of Fame Ballot

Yul Kwon – (“Survivor: Cook Islands”): I re-affirm; Yul’s ability to maneuver, manipulate, and mesmerize without being nasty makes him the “good guy,” “intellectual” version of Russell Hantz.  Which proves that nice guys can actually win. Plus, if not for Ozzy being on the same season he would have been remembered as a physical threat as well.

Benjamin “Coach” Wade – (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): Third time’s a charm. With “Survivor: South Pacific,” Coach has proven that in addition to being a Dragon Slayer he is a savvy, canny, adaptable player. He went from a “day-one” status of being dead in the water to leading his tribe, defining an alliance’s ethics and strategy, and, thus far, making it deep into the game.  And he did it with a genuine desire to be a principled player – as much as one can be in “Survivor”…

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): Again I forward Ozzy as one of the greats. Genetically bred to play the game from a physical perspective, we now must add to his list of accomplishments a heightened understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses, that is self-awareness — which led directly to the brash, risky, and well-considered strategic moves of this season. You have to contend that he is one of the best to play the game.

Honorable Mention:

Philip Sheppard – (“Survivor: Redemption Island”): I will get some “push-back” on this one but I believe it. In “Survivor: Redemption Island,” Phillip read the situation of his tribe with Boston Rob perfectly… and it got him to the final. He played the fool when necessary, caused distracting conflict when necessary, and generally made disorder and bedlam his weapons. His tribe-mates were so distracted by his antics that he slipped through to the final three. There’s a thousand ways to skin a cat with this game and Phillip perfected a very unique one; his manipulation of Rob’s manipulation of him was positively Shakespearean.

Chris Daugherty – (“Survivor: Vanuatu”): He dodged and darted being targeted as a physical liability at the first Tribal Council and then maneuvered his way through weeks of a women’s alliance to win it all. On day one he declared his ability to read tough social (tribal) situations and wiggle his way through them; later he stated that the way to beat a women’s alliance is to sit back and watch them scratch themselves to death – which he did. Hard to argue with that strategy.

Be sure to check back Monday, December 12, 2011 to see the first inductee into the Class of 2011.

Any Questions? Drop us a line on Twitter: @survivorhall and @gordonholmes

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer (along with Producer Jesse Jensen, Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, 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 2011. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Note: Fan voting for the 2011 “Survivor” Hall of Fame has ended.

John Kirhoffer is the brain behind some of  “Survivor’s” most difficult and exciting challenges. After 11 years and more than 23 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 2011 “Survivor” Hall of Fame Ballot

Benjamin “Coach” Wade – (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): He was brought back a third time for a reason, he’s entertaining and reinvents himself. From the deluded Dragon Slayer, to (an emotionally conflicted) strategic “Survivor” player, whose humanity is inspiring by being truly conflicted between being honorable and doing what it takes to get to the end.

Cirie Fields – (“Survivor: Panama,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): She was never able to win it all, because she was always the (unlikely) biggest threat. Her strategy, attitude, and iconic “Survivor” stature, I believe, make her a perfect Hall of Famer.

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): No denying it was her strategic mind and love of the game that took her to the very end twice, but could never pull it together to sway the jury. She was involved in designing some of the greatest blindsides and gave us great television. Her reveal of the hidden immunity idol in “Fans vs. Favorites” was a classic American television moment.

Be sure to check back Monday, December 12, 2011 to see the first inductee into the Class of 2011.

Any Questions? Drop us a line on Twitter: @survivorhall and @gordonholmes

Quick Update: Voting for the “Survivor” Hall of Fame ends today at 5 p.m. ET. ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano, Sandra Diaz-Twine, Russell Hantz, Producer Jesse Jensen, and some dude named Jeff Probst have already cast their ballots. Don’t miss your opportunity to cast yours.

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome 2010 Hall of Fame inductee Parvati Shallow to the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Parvati (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 2011. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.

Another Quick Note: Parvati chose two people as honorable mentions. As we’re not in the habit of telling Parvati what to do, we’ve included them on the ballot even though they will not count toward the final Executive  Committee tally.

Parvati Shallow’s Hall of Fame Ballot

Jerri Manthey – (“Survivor: The Australian Outback,” “Survivor: All Stars,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Gotta give it up to the original man eater! The girl had game in “Heroes vs. Villains” where she earned my respect.

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: Africa” and “Survivor: All Stars”): A true “Survivor” hero. Ethan’s a winner. He fights cancer, runs marathons, and founded GrassRoots Soccer, an AIDS education/prevention charity for kids in Africa. Love him madly.

Jenna Morasca – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All Stars”): The hottest, youngest female winner. She made peanut butter sexy. Jenna makes no apologies for who she is and always tells it like it is.

Parvati’s Honorable Mentions

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): Stole my heart in “Cook Islands” with his jungle-boy “Survivor” style. No matter how deep he goes in the game, Ozzy’s underwater skills provide endless viewer entertainment.

James Clement – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): The man rips palm trees out of the ground with his bare hands and holds the record for shelter building. James is awesome. Enough said.

Any Questions? Drop us a line on Twitter: @survivorhall or @gordonholmes