Posts Tagged ‘boston rob mariano’

‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Ballot – Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst

November 30, 2011

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst (along with Producer Jesse Jensen, Hall of Famers ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano, Russell Hantz, and Sandra Diaz-Twine, 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. So, be sure to cast your “Survivor” Hall of Fame vote.

Jeff Probst is a four-time Emmy Award winner for “Outstanding Reality Host,” the only winner since the award’s inception in 2008. He has traveled the world serving as both host and executive producer for this popular series.  Probst also received an Emmy in 2001 when the show won the first-ever “Outstanding Non-Fiction Program (Special Class).”

In 2007, Probst founded The Serpentine Project, a non-profit organization designed to help young adults transition out of the foster care system. In 2011, they joined forces with the larger non-profit organization Alliance for Children’s Rights, which has provided 100,000 kids in L.A. with free legal assistance and advocacy.  Each season, “Survivor” memorabilia is auctioned off and, to date, the auctions have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization.

Jeff Probst’s Hall of Fame Ballot

Cirie Fields – (“Survivor: Panama,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Though she has never won, Cirie is one of the most effective players in Survivor history.  Her asset is her disarming smile and her ability to make you forget that she is your opponent.  She also deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame because she epitomizes the person who got up off the couch to live their adventure and that’s what the show is all about.

Ethan Zohn – (“Survivor: Africa” and “Survivor: All Stars”): Ethan should have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer.  He is one of the greatest winners of all time.  He played with integrity. People voted for him to win rather than to vote against someone else.  He took his celebrity and some of his money and put it towards making the world a better place, and he is still adored by almost everybody who meets him.  It was an oversight on my part not to nominate him last time.

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): Though labeled by some as a whiner, there’s no denying she plays to win every time.  She’s a great physical player and a very good strategist.  Despite her weak showing in “Heroes vs. Villains,” if I was putting together an all-star tribe, she’d be on it.

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

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Ballot – Sandra Diaz-Twine

November 28, 2011

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome 2010 Hall of Fame inductee Sandra Diaz-Twine to the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Sandra (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. So, be sure to cast your “Survivor” Hall of Fame vote.

Sandra Diaz-Twine’s Hall of Fame Ballot

Todd Herzog – (“Survivor: China”): He took early control of his tribe with his social game and made his tribe trust him. He was instrumental in blindsiding James, Frosti, and Jean Robert, (making James the dumbest player at the time, going home with two idols in his possession). Plus, he had one of the best Tribal Councils where he admitted to lying and was still awarded the million dollars.

Rob Cesternino – (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All Stars”):
He was an aggressive strategic player who didn’t believe in loyalty, was effective at switching alliances to keep himself in the game, and always had several deals on the table. He went with whatever benefited him and kept him alive in the game.

Tom Westman – (“Survivor: Palau” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): He was respected by his entire tribe who recognized his leadership abilities. Tom was a challenge dominator. His physical strength ensured several tribe and individual immunity victories, and he maintained integrity and loyalty to his alliance.

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

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Ballot – Russell Hantz

November 25, 2011

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome 2010 Hall of Fame inductee Russell Hantz to the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, Russell (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. So, be sure to cast your “Survivor” Hall of Fame vote.

Russell Hantz’s Hall of Fame Ballot

Amanda Kimmel – (“Survivor: China,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): She struck me out more than anybody I have ever played with. She was so strategic. Anybody that strategic is dangerous. She went to the end twice in a row for a reason.

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” and “Survivor: South Pacific”): There are a bunch of aspects to the game; social, physical, and strategic. The most physical player to ever play this game is Ozzy. You have to give him credit for that. He is the number one most physical player to ever play the game by far.

Stephanie Valencia – (“Survivor: Redemption Island”): I played with her and I played with all-stars. I played with the best of the best. She had what it took to be the best, but she was on the wrong season. She happened to align with the wrong people. She was great at the game but got on the wrong end of the deal. I think Stephanie could have been 10 times better than Parvati (Shallow).

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

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‘Survivor’ Host Jeff Probst Discusses Why We Love Villains

November 23, 2011

There really aren’t any guidelines when it comes to “Survivor” Hall of Fame voting. Like strategic players? Vote for them. Memorable characters? Go for it. People who changed the game? Why not? That’s who I voted for.

Because of that, we weren’t really sure what to expect when it came time to tally the votes.

But a funny thing happened on the way to last year’s induction acceptance podium*…all five of the nominees were villains.

I had a chance to talk to Jeff Probst about this bizarre phenomenon during my visit to Samoa this past summer.

Gordon Holmes: What were the qualities you were looking for when you cast your 2010 Hall of Fame vote?

Jeff Probst: I didn’t really give it a lot of thought in terms of “What are the qualities?” I just thought, “Who are the best Survivors of all time?” I mean, Parvati is one of the greatest players ever. She’s one of the greatest villains. It’s perfect that she’s also young and attractive. If this were a movie, she’s that black widow that you’re going to fall in love with, you’re going to want to sleep with, and while she’s sleeping with you she has an ice pick and she kills you. Same with “Boston” Rob. He looks at Grant, he tells him they’re buddies. He puts his arm around Natalie. And he’s got shivs in both of their backs. That’s just fun to watch, it makes for a good show.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: South Pacific” on Your Computer

Holmes: The executive vote and the fan vote were identical in 2010; Parvati Shallow, “Boston” Rob Mariano, Russell Hantz, Richard Hatch, and Sandra Diaz-Twine. Both sides had those five Survivors in that exact order. Do you think it’s weird that they were all at one time considered to be villains?

Probst: I didn’t even think about that when I was writing the names down. But I do think it’s indicative of what works on “Survivor.” Nice people? That’s who you want in your life. That’s who you want to play cards with, have drinks with, be the best man in your wedding. Villains are who you want to watch on TV. That’s just it. Parvati, Russell, “Boston” Rob, people like that who are manipulative and diabolical, those are the people you want to watch. That’s why when you have a nice person win everybody goes, “Eh.” “Boston” Rob wins and people say, “Love it!” or “Hate it!” He evokes that.

Here’s what it is for me, my favorite shows are “Weeds,” “The Shield,” “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men,” “Dexter.” All the main characters are evil people who are often breaking the law and certainly are immoral. They’re certainly the most fun to watch. I’m not interested in watching, I don’t know, “The Cosby Show.” That’s not fun.

Maybe that’s why Simon Cowell is such a huge star and I’m not. Because ultimately I’m really just a nice guy. (Laughs)

Holmes: Well, there’s no debating that.

*There is no actual “Survivor” Hall of Fame Induction Acceptance Podium.

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Ballot – ‘Survivor’ Producer Jesse Jensen

November 22, 2011

As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, “Survivor” Producer Jesse Jensen (along with Host Jeff Probst, 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 2011. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you. So, be sure to cast your “Survivor” Hall of Fame vote.

Jesse Jensen has been with “Survivor” since 2000 working his way up from Art Department to Art Director to Producer. His creativity allows for some of the most visually stunning Tribal Councils that set the stage for those great dramatic moments that we love so much.

Jesse Jensen’s Hall of Fame Ballot

Ozzy Lusth – (“Survivor: Cook Islands,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites, and “Survivor: South Pacific”): He has not only played the game three times but is probably the most accomplished performer in challenges we have ever seen on the show. He is a power house both in and out of the water but also has a calm, focused way about him that keeps his mind clear to also dominate in the problem-solving and puzzle elements of the challenges. Not always the best strategist, but the fact he has consistently entertained us as probably the best challenge competitor and camp provider ever on the show alone should put him in the Hall of Fame.

Rupert Boneham – (“Survivor: Pearl Islands,” “Survivor: All Stars,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”):
I admit he has never performed that well in either challenges or strategy…but he is such an iconic character for the show. This totally showed when America voted him the million-dollar winner on “Survivor: America’s Tribal Council,” a special episode to the “All Star” season. The vote was purely based on popularity and he received around 85% of the vote. I think as people look back at the show Rupert, especially in his earlier seasons, was such a big character and identity to the show and for that alone he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Stephenie LaGrossa – (“Survivor: Palau,” “Survivor: Guatemala,” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): I’m going to nominate Stephenie again this year. Like the others she has played the game three times. Her first season in Palau she was extremely popular and she showed us what an amazing battler and physical competitor she is. She was such a good personality and player that we brought her back to compete in Guatemala. She did great in Guatemala and in my opinion could have gone a lot further on “Heroes vs. Villains” but, she seemed to be fighting an uphill battle the whole time. Great physical and mental player. In my opinion, one of the most well rounded and popular players never to win the game.

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

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Ballot – ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano

November 21, 2011

The “Survivor” Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome 2010 Hall of Fame inductee “Boston” Rob Mariano to the Executive Voting Committee. As a member of this exclusive committee, “Boston” Rob (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. So, be sure to cast your “Survivor” Hall of Fame vote.

“Boston” Rob Mariano’s Hall of Fame Ballot

Cirie Fields – (“Survivor: Panama,” “Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): She played a great strategic and social game all three times. She is super smart and definitely someone that is a threat every time. Cirie is someone you would want in your alliance and not outside of it.

Rudy Boesch – (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All Stars”): He’s a legend in my mind. He was the first to speak his mind, you always knew where Rudy stood.  I don’t see how you can have a Hall of Fame and not have Rudy in it.

Tom Westman – (“Survivor: Palau” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”): He’s an all-around great player; physically, socially, and strategically. Everyone loved Tom because he truly is a great guy and a fierce competitor.

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

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Cast Your Vote for the 2011 ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame

November 14, 2011

UPDATE: The voting deadline has ended. But, be sure to check back Monday, December 12 to meet the first member of the Class of 2011.

It’s that time of year again; leaves are changing, families are gathering to give thanks, and the “Survivor” community is coming together to honor their best and brightest.

Last year, “Survivor” producers, press members, and fans voted to induct Parvati Shallow, ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano, Russell Hantz, Richard Hatch, and Sandra Diaz-Twine into the inaugural class of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame. This year, we’re looking to add three more names to that list.

Fifty percent of the vote will be based on the ballots of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Executive Voting Committee. This panel consists of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, members of the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Fella Gordon Holmes. We’ve also invited the Class of 2010 to join the Executive Voting Committee.

The other fifty percent will come from fans like you.

HOW TO VOTE: Simply enter your picks for the THREE people you think are worthy of entry into the “Survivor” Hall of Fame into the comment section below. Voting will end Friday, December 2, 2011 at 5 p.m. ET.

Once all of the votes have been counted, we’ll unveil the new members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame in the days leading up to the “Survivor: South Pacific” finale.

So, please cast your vote below and be sure to follow the “Survivor” Hall of Fame on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the-minute updates and breaking news.

‘Survivor: Redemption Island’ Power Rankings: Round 3

March 8, 2011

The Rules: Each week, “Survivor: Nicaragua” finalist Matthew “Sash” Lenahan and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” loudmouth Gordon Holmes 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 Andrea is voted out this week, Sash will receive 11 points and Gordon will receive 12 points. Also, each player will pick who they think will win at Redemption Island. If they choose correctly they will receive a bonus point. At the end of the season, the person  with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Redemption Island” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Both Sash and Gordon earned the Redemption Island bonus point by picking Matt, while Gordon had Russell in spot 14 and Sash had him in spot 9. Sash still leads by a score of 23 to 20.

TEAM SASH

Current Score: 23

.

TEAM GORDON

Current Score: 20

david . david
#1 David – David’s move to flow with the tribe’s consensus of throwing the challenge has kept him off everyone’s radar, but at some point he is going to have to make a bold move to win this game. . #1 David – Ding dong, the troll is dead. Well, for the time being. Last week’s move gives the Zapatera Six a strong foundation (as well as two more cannon fodder votes) that should get them to the merge. From there, David will have plenty of room to maneuver.
mike . mike
#2 Mike – Mike is David’s sidekick and is willing to allow others to make the decisions.  That mentality will get him to the end, but won’t win him the million. . #2 Mike – If you’ll notice, the Zapatera Six (I’m going to have to think of a better name) makes up the top six spots in this ranking. I have them all this high because I don’t see a reason for any of them to shake things up before the merge. I think they’re in it for the long haul.
natalie . julie
#3 Natalie – Natalie seems innocent enough to follow Boston Rob until he gets voted off and will easily find another boy to latch onto when needed.  Her lack of strategy will carry her far, just not far enough. . #3 Julie – If Russell and Stephanie went after Julie because she’s the low person on the totem pole, Julie did her best to show the members of her alliance that she deserves a higher slot.
ashley . ralph
#4 Ashley – Ashley is playing a great game, but will undoubtedly show her hand too soon as a physical and strategic player which will ultimately cause her demise. . #4 Ralph – Know this, if a grown man ever tried to wake me up with a rooster call, he’d end up with a coconut upside his head. That being said, he bested “Ressell” and he’s got an immunity idol, so he must be doing something right.
bostonrob . sarita
#5 Boston Rob – Boston Rob is playing harder than anyone else in this game and that’s tough to keep up for 39 days.  He is clearly the puppet master of his tribe but sooner or later someone has to catch on, right? . #5 Sarita – Still waiting to hear more from Sarita. Is she a mover and a shaker, or is she content to blend into the background?
grant . steve
#6 Grant – Grant has found himself in a great alliance with Boston Rob, Ashley, and Natalie but because of his strength he is also on the bottom of that pecking order and will suffer the consequences. . #6 Steve – Why is Steve at the bottom of the Zapatera Six? Because he lied to Russell about Francesca winning at Redemption Island. Granted, it worked out fine for him, but it was a worthless lie. It didn’t help his game, all it could have done was hurt it.
ralph . grant
#7 Ralph – Ralph is in a great position right now with his alliance, by providing at camp, and by holding onto the hidden immunity idol.  He claims he knows how to play this game, but I’ll have to see it to believe it. . #7 Grant – Grant is the safest person on Ometepe beach. Rob can’t afford to lose his only challenge monster. After the merge though? He’d better watch his back.
steve . ashley
#8 Steve – Throwing a challenge is always a bad idea, especially when you can win shelter in the form of a tarp, which aside from food and an idol is the next most important item you can possess in Nicaragua during the rainy season…trust me, I lived there.  I thought this guy was smarter. . #8 Ashley – Oh, Ashley. You’re fine. If Ometepe needs to lose someone for challenge strength, it’s Ashley or Natalie. If they want to lose someone who’s annoying, it’s Phillip. If they want to lose someone who’s a strategic threat, it’s Kristina.
sarita . bostonrob
#9 Sarita Sarita hasn’t made any bold moves and I don’t expect her to.  She is at the bottom of her alliance and should consider what Stephanie and Krista may offer before voting them out. . #9 Boston Rob – We’ll see how strong Boston Rob’s alliance is the next time Ometepe loses immunity. I’m still not sold on that Matt move and I wouldn’t put it past Ashley or Kristina to try to send the Robfather packing.
julie . natalie
#10 Julie – Julie played it safe by not voting with the Russell-Stephanie-Krista alliance, but playing it safe will never win “Survivor” and she looks to be headed down that path. . #10 Natalie – I want to say Natalie is super safe, but the fact remains that Ometepe is 0 and 2 in challenges that Zapatera is trying to win. That, and the other players may want to split her and Rob the way they split Andrea and Matt.
andrea . phillip
#11 Andrea – Andrea made a bold move by speaking up during the Matt-Francesca duel by letting Matt know that she didn’t vote for him.  Although she is in no immediate danger, that target on her back just got a lot bigger. . #11 Phillip – Has Phillip toned things down, or did we just not see much of him last week due to Ometepe winning the immunity challenge? His best bet is to settle down and become important to Rob.
krista . andrea
#12 Krista – Krista played into Russell’s hands and now finds herself only shielded by Stephanie.  I’m sure she had good intentions, but she should just enjoy the ride as her dismissal looms closer. . #12 Andrea – Andrea played Matt’s exit from the game perfectly. However, Rob will never fully trust her. Which is unfortunate, because Andrea hasn’t done anything to betray Rob’s trust.
phillip . krista
#13 Phillip – Phillip is getting on everyone’s nerves and although he’s a loyal servant to Boston Rob, sometimes your sanity on day 39 is more valuable than a million-dollar vote. . #13 Krista – Bad news: One third of Russell’s Angels was sent to Redemption Island. Good news: The other third of Russell’s Angels was ridiculously vocal in her defense of the team leader. Krista will be safe the next time Zapatera loses immunity, but will be next on the chopping block after that.
stephanie . kristina
#14 Stephanie – Stephanie has proven herself a better strategist than most of her tribemates but she also aligned with Russell which makes her next on the chopping block. . #14 Kristina – Kristina’s been living on borrowed time ever since the first Tribal Council. Rob has to know she’s too dangerous to keep around. Right now her only hope to get something started is to sway Andrea or find another immunity idol.
kristina . stephanie
#15 Kristina – With no immunity idol, Kristina is now defenseless against Boston Rob and his cronies.  She needs to disrupt the tribe dynamic to place the focus on someone else and Phillip is the biggest target out there. . #15 Stephanie – Russell’s Angels must’ve been convinced they had Julie last week. Otherwise, why would Stephanie have been so insulting at Tribal Council? I’m sure her tirade wasn’t forgotten, she’ll be an easy next vote.
russell . russell
Redemption Island Winner – Russell’s newest tattoo will “keep hope alive” for this Good vs. Evil duel by making Matt wish he stayed home in Nashville.  Evil will prevail. . Redemption Island Winner – I wouldn’t call myself a Russell fan, but I think the show is more interesting with him around. Go Russell.

Any questions? Any comments? Our commenting system is down for the time being, but feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes or chat with fellow “Survivor” fans at the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Facebook page.

‘Survivor’ Castaway Interview: Francesca Hogi

March 3, 2011

People have been voted out of “Survivor” for beef jerky smuggling, banana theft, and being unlucky…but this season was the first time someone’s first sentence doomed them.

“They’re sizing us up like we’re prey.”

Those were the first seven words Francesca Hogi ever said to ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano and those seven words were enough for him to send her to Redemption Island.

I had a chance to chat with Francesca the morning after her elimination to get her thoughts on her relationship with Boston Rob, what life was like on Redemption Island, and Jeff Probst’s rapping skills.

Gordon Holmes: Good morning, Francesca.
Francesca Hogi:
Good morning!
Gordon: Did I pronounce your name correctly?
Francesca: (Laughs) That was perfect.
Gordon: That wasn’t so hard.

Gordon: So, you were the first person ever sent to Redemption Island. What was that like?
Francesca:
It was kind of tough. You’re the only person who has to do everything. Everyday collecting firewood to keep the fire going, that took all my energy. The shelter that was there was not much of a shelter. The first night I got there I had to make a bed and try to improve on the roof to give myself protection from the rain.
Gordon: Was the isolation a tough part?
Francesca: It didn’t bother me so much. I was very anxious because I didn’t know how soon someone was coming. I didn’t know if somebody was going to arrive and we were going to have a duel right away. I was afraid it was going to be Phillip and Phillip and I were going to be stuck there for a couple of days which would have been a disaster. Probably good television, but not good for me.
Gordon: What happened once Matt arrived?
Francesca: He and I were there together for a couple of days, and it was a couple of days of us wondering, “When is this duel going to happen?” We were eager to get going.

Gordon: You mentioned your buddy Phillip, he’s your B.F.F. right?
Francesca:
People keep asking me if he’s really like that, and I’m not a mental health professional, but what you see from Phillip is what you get from Phillip. I don’t hate Phillip or anything like that, but I certainly don’t like Phillip. I don’t enjoy being around him. The thing I do wonder about Phillip is if he cries every time he sees that question mark that CBS puts after “Former Federal Agent” because they’re insulting his integrity.
Gordon: Did you find it odd that a man with such finely tuned powers of perception didn’t realize he was sitting on an immunity idol clue?
Francesca: That was pretty funny. I guess anyone could miss that clue.

Gordon: Why was Kristina so determined to make the big move to vote Boston Rob out early in the game. You seemed to think it was better to wait.
Francesca:
I definitely thought it was too soon. I think Kristina was excited to be there and she found that idol and she thought it was her opportunity to make her mark. I think she got carried away. She got carried away enough to tell Phillip about the immunity idol which she knew was a bad idea. There was no talking her out of it.

Gordon: Rob said he targeted you based on what you said at the very beginning of the game. And, he targeted Matt for shaking hands with Zapatera. Is he super paranoid out there?
Francesca:
Boston Rob is obviously a great player and he’s a really smart guy. I think whatever I said on the beach made him distrust me. Which is unfortunate because it isn’t how I meant it. I would have been happy to align with Rob. If I could turn back time I wouldn’t have made that comment because it obviously started me off on the wrong foot in the game.
Gordon: And Matt?
Francesca: I was shocked that he voted Matt out, but I think that had less to do with the handshake and more to do with his relationship with Andrea.

Gordon: Alright, first word association of the new season. I’ll give you a name, you give me the first words that pop into your head. Let’s start off with…Andrea.
Francesca:
I call Andrea, “Dr. Dre.”
Gordon: Now does that make you Ed Lover or Snoop Dogg?
Francesca: (Laughs) Um…I’m going to choose Snoop Dogg.
Gordon: Smart choice. Matt?
Francesca: Sunny.
Gordon: Kristina?
Francesca: Determined.
Gordon: Boston Rob?
Francesca: (Laughs) Determined.
Gordon: (Laughs) Ashley?
Francesca: Complacent.
Gordon: Natalie?
Francesca: Natalie…”Survivor” mistress.
Gordon: Ooo…  OK, Grant?
Francesca: Stoic.
Gordon: Russell’s weird arm pimples?
Francesca: Oh… Russell’s weird arm pimples are extremely unfortunate.
Gordon: Also extremely unfortunate…me owning an HDTV last night.
Francesca: Once you see that you can never unsee it.
Gordon: OK, let’s finish this off with Federal Agent Phillip.
Francesca: I’m just going to say…unstable. That’s the kindest thing I can say about Phillip.

Gordon: What did you take from your time in Nicaragua?
Francesca:
I’m probably more obnoxious than I realized. (Laughs) Things didn’t turn out the way I planned, but I was true to myself. If I could have been more insincere I probably would have done better in the game. That’s unfortunate for “Survivor” but makes me feel good about my life.

Gordon: Now, Jeff Probst had said on his website (jeffprobst.com) that before the game started he busted out a boombox and played Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself” for the cast.
Francesca:
Yes, he did.
Gordon: What was that like?
Francesca: It was very strange. The game hadn’t begun yet, so none of us had spoken a word to each other. He gathered us all around and he said, “Guys, I’ve never done this before, but I woke up this morning with such a good feeling about this season.” And he was inspired to play this song for us. And he printed out the words and we all had a little party moment before the game began.
Gordon: Did he actually rap along with it?
Francesca: He did.
Gordon: I am sooooo jealous.
Francesca: (Laughs) He was excited.

Any questions? Any comments? Our commenting system is down for the time being, but feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes or chat with fellow “Survivor” fans at the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Facebook page.

Inside the New Twists of ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’

February 16, 2011

A diverse group of strangers? Check. A remote, tropical location? Check. Officially licensed, multi-colored Buff headwear? Check.

A couple of twists designed to spice up the game? Check.

But where will this season’s twists rank? Will they be as amazing as “Heroes vs. Villains” or as dreadful as “Haves vs. Have Nots”? As game-changing as hidden immunity idols or as snore-inducing as the Medallion of Power?

So, let’s take a pre-game look at the twists the “Survivor” producers have in store for us and try to figure out how they’ll affect the game and if they’ll be fun to watch.

The Twist: The Return of ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz

How It Will Work: “Survivor” Hall of Famers Boston Rob and Russell will each join a tribe as a celebrity tribe member.

It’s Kinda Like:
When Stephenie LaGrossa and “Survivor” Power Rankings veteran Bobby Jon Drinkard were invited back to participate in “Survivor: Guatemala” after their Ulong tribe was wiped out in “Survivor: Palau.”

How That Twist Worked Out:
Not too badly, actually. Bobby Jon got to feel what it was like to win an immunity challenge before becoming the tenth person to leave the game. While Stephenie LaGrossa managed to make it to the finals before being decimated by Danni Boatwright.

How “Redemption Island” Is Different:
Bobby Jon and Stephenie were seen as hard workers who had the bad luck of being put on a cursed tribe. Compare that to Russell Hantz who is best known for burning socks, stabbing backs and punching kittens. Even likable “Boston” Rob will be looked at with contempt as he makes his fourth trek into the wilderness. The sixteen new cast members won’t agree on much, but they’ll all agree that they aren’t interested in being extras on the “Boston Rob and Russell Show.”

How I Think It’ll Turn Out: If Russell can remind his tribe that he turns people into millionaires, he has a shot. If not, he doesn’t see the merge.

On the other hand, Boston Rob’s best bet is an extended stay at Redemption Island.  He’ll probably pay a visit there shortly after the merge.

Pre-Game Twist Ranking?
A four out of ten. Boston Rob and Russell will have the same affect on “Redemption Island” that Jimmy Johnson had on “Nicaragua.”

Video: Jeff Probst previews the “Survivor: Redemption Island” cast.

The Twist: Redemption Island

How It Will Work: After someone is voted out of the game, they’ll go to Redemption Island. There they’ll have to survive with the same equipment and supplies the tribes use. When a second person is voted out, they’ll go to Redemption Island to face the first person in a duel. The winner stays, the loser goes home.  Eventually, the last person remaining on Redemption Island will be allowed to return to the game for a shot at the million dollar prize.

It’s Kinda Like: When Burton Morris and Lillian Morris were allowed to return to “Survivor: Pearl Islands” after being voted out.

How That Twist Worked Out: It was a disaster. The “Outcasts” twist is generally considered to be the worst twist in “Survivor” history. Many fans hated that the twist violated the basic rule of “Survivor” which is “When you’re out, you’re out.” Also, the returning players hadn’t been living in the wilderness during their time out of the game. This caused some serious resentment between the returning players and those who’d been out there the whole time.

How “Redemption Island” Is Different: The players who are voted out of the game will still have to survive the elements. Also, the Outcasts returning to Pearl Islands were a surprise. All of the players will know about Redemption Island in advance.

How I Think It’ll Turn Out:
I’ve never been a fan of how being strong is a detriment after the merge. This will give the more competitive players a chance to win the game, which isn’t a bad thing.

Also, the idea of starting off every show with a sudden death elimination immunity challenge has a world of cool possibilities.

However, whether this twist lives or dies is all going to depend on how the other players view surviving at Redemption Island. If they think it’s a joke and aren’t willing to reward a player who survived on their own, then it’s the Outcasts all over again. If they appreciate someone battling their way back into the game, it could have legs and become the show standard.

Pre-Game Twist Ranking?
A potential ten if the players respect it, a three if the player who returns to the game from “Redemption Island” becomes cannon fodder.

“Survivor: Redemption Island” premieres, Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute “Survivor” news and lame jokes: @gordonholmes.