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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Inductee – Richard Hatch

December 16, 2010

Fifty percent of the voting for the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame was based on the ballots of the Executive Voting Committee. This blue-ribbon panel consisted of “Survivor” Host and Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Executive Producer David Burris, Producer Jesse Jensen, members of the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Guy Gordon Holmes.

The other fifty percent came from “Survivor” fans like you.

The dual-tiered voting system was designed to keep one branch from having more of an influence than the other.

It turns out it wasn’t necessary.

The committee votes almost perfectly matched the fan votes. Our first inductee, Parvati Shallow, had the most votes from both sides. ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano had the second most votes from both sides. And while Russell Hantz and our fourth Hall of Fame member tied on the committee ballots, Hantz only edged him in the fan vote by a tiny margin.

But as I said before, they’re all winners. So, I’m proud to announce that Richard Hatch is the fourth inductee into the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2010.

What the fans said about Richard…

“Set the bar for how to manipulate the game.” – Tom

“The first to win and the first to figure out the game.” – Eric

“Put ‘Survivor’ on the map.” – Kendall

“Whether you like him or not, he set the standard for all future Survivors.” – Christian

“This is an obvious one. HAS to get in. First winner and set the path for the way the game would be played from then on out.” – Matt

What the Executive Voting Committee said about Richard…

“Love him or hate him, there’s no denying he will always be the best sole Survivor.” Rob Moynihan – TV Guide Magazine

“Taught everyone else how to play the game. Every time anyone says the word ‘alliance’, Hatch should get a nickel…and then not pay any taxes on it!” – Dalton Ross – Entertainment Weekly

“I think the Richard Hatch persona, that of the mastermind who controlled the game with his social maneuvers and sound (not brilliant) strategy, helped rocket ‘Survivor’ into the pop culture stratosphere. I don’t think it’s overstating things to say that ‘Survivor’ might not exist today without Richard Hatch.” – Gordon Holmes – XFINITY TV

“We will never have another Richard Hatch.” – Jeff Probst – “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer

Be sure to come back tomorrow to meet the final member of the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Class of 2010.

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‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ Episode 13 Recap: North Carolina Hath No Fury…

December 15, 2010

Last Episode: Chase made bad reward challenge picks, Sash chose the side with which he best clicks and Benry is gone so now there are six…

39 Days, 20 People, 1 ‘Survivor‘ Blog

Here is the tribe as it currently stands…

The Libertad Tribe (wearing red with white highlights)
•    Chase – 24, Race Car Jackman/Country Singer
•    Dan – 63, Real Estate Executive
•    Fabio – 21, Student
•    Holly – 44, Swim Coach
•    Jane – 56, Dog Trainer
•    Sash – 30, Real Estate Broker

Quick Note: So far this week we have inducted Parvati Shallow, ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz into the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010. Be sure to check back tomorrow and Friday for the final two members.

We meet up with the Libertad tribe after Tribal Council. Sash pulls Fabio aside and lets him know that Benry had been gunning for him. Fabio pretends to believe him. Fabio lets us know that he can’t wait to prove to everyone how smart he really is.

We’re waiting, Fabs.

Tree mail arrives the next day in the form of an EVO cell phone from Sprint. And true to form, the phone contains videos of the castaways’ families.

Sprint…The Now Network.

Whoa…Jud’s mom is kind of hot.

(Where’s that delete button…)

Jud takes Chase aside to discuss the upcoming reward challenge. They both agree that they should take each other and Sash on the next reward. Yeah, we know how that turned out for Sash last week.

Speaking of reward…

Reward Challenge: It’s family time. J-Pro brings in Chase’s mother, Fabio’s mother (Rawwwr), Sash’s mother, Dan’s son, Jane’s daughter, and Holly’s husband.

Dan totally breaks down when he gets to see his son. Argh! I said I was going to get through a stupid family episode without getting teary. After weeks of being immobile, Dan finally moved something…he moved my heart.

OK, the players will run off a plank and jump into the pool that Fabio peed in to retrieve a bag of letters. They’ll then hand that bag off to their loved one and go back for a second bag. Once the loved ones have both the bags they’ll unscramble a phrase. First team to get the phrase wins a boating outing and a delicious meal.

Fabio jumps out to an early lead (he must not be grossed out by his own pee). Fabio and Chase hand off both of their bags before Dan gets his first. All of the players eventually hand over their bags.

Chase’s mother Connie unscrambles the words first, winning the reward.

Chase is given the opportunity to take one person on the reward, he chooses Sash. He’s then allowed to take another person and chooses Holly.

Wow, Chase is racking up the points. Dan even calls him a “Scumbag.”

A heartbroken Chase asks what will happen to the rest of them. Probst doesn’t miss a beat and deadpans, “They’ll be executed.”

Meanwhile, a recapper on a couch in Philadelphia spits southern ice tea across his living room.

Fabio breaks down a bit, telling Chase that he would’ve taken him on the reward if he had won. Fabio’s mother talks him down and tell him to keep his head in the game.

Beautiful and a strategist. Cast Mrs. Fabio for next season.

Dan, Jane and Fabio are livid back at camp. Apparently Chase had told Jane and Fabio that he was going to take both of them on the reward.

Meanwhile at the reward, Chase announces that he, Holly and Sash are going to be the final three. Chase realizes that he’s lost Fabio’s vote and states that he wants Fabio to go home next.

Ahem…Boooooooooooo!

Go Team Fabs.

Afterward, Chase finds a clue to a hidden immunity idol.

Wait, what? Doesn’t this alliance already have like 40 idols? They could open a gift shop on the beach and sell them.

When Chase returns to camp, Fabio gives him the business. Fabio makes the point that Holly lives with her husband and Fabio only gets to see his mother a few times a year. Chase doesn’t do a good job explaining himself at all.

Fabio reasons that it isn’t wise to hold a grudge in “Survivor” and he will just have to win immunity.

Speaking of immunity…

Immunity Challenge: All of the players will be blindfolded. They’ll have to make their way over and under some posts. Once they get to the end they’ll find a shield with symbols on it. They’ll have to feel the symbols to remember where they go on the shield. They’ll then grab three bags of puzzle pieces.

Always puzzle pieces…always.

They’ll then make their way back to the beginning and put the pieces in the same places on a different shield. First person to get their pieces in the right places wins immunity. To add a degree of difficulty, some of the bags have incorrect pieces in them.

A lot of stumbling to start off. I don’t want to shock you, but Dan is the last person to make it to his puzzle. Probst thinks it’s because 36 days in the wilderness is taking its toll on Dan. I disagree, as Dan was slow on day one.

Fabio is the first person to make it back to his shield. Holly and Jane are behind him. Holly drops a bag and has trouble finding it. Sash and Chase eventually make it back to the beginning too.

Fabio is the first to finish his puzzle, but one of the wrong pieces is in place. He figures it out quickly, fixes it and wins immunity.

Politicking around camp centers around Jane and Dan. While they’re trying to bring the fire back to life, Fabio tells Chase that he wants Jane to go home. Chase disagrees.

Later during a strategy session with Chase and Holly, Sash makes the point that if Jane gets to the end that she’ll win the million dollars.

Jane comes up to Sash, Jane and Holly as they’re talking. She asks if Dan is going home and none of them respond. She puts two and two together and realizes that they’re voting for her.

Chase throws Sash and Holly under the bus saying he doesn’t want to vote Jane out so it’s up to them. Sash admits that they don’t think they can beat Jane in a final three. Jane responds by giving him the middle finger.

Later on at camp, Jane snaps at Sash for even looking at her. She follows that up by pouring water on the fire that she started.

Note to Self: Never cross Jane.

That night at Tribal Council, Jeff asks Dan to tell him what happened at camp. Dan starts talking, but then decides to hold his tongue. J-Pro isn’t having any of that, so Dan tells him that Jane doused the fire.

Jane asks to have her say, Probst is more than happy to oblige. Jane claims that her alliance was full of liars and backstabbers. She says that Holly claims to be a coach and a mentor, but that she destroyed $1,400 worth of property (Dan’s shoes). Apparently where Jane comes from you go to jail for that.

Damn!

Chase admits that voting Jane out is their best bet for winning the money.

Probst asks who’s next to go. Chase says whoever doesn’t win immunity. He asks for Sash and Holly’s thoughts on the matter. They take longer to respond then Chase would have liked.

Jeff asks Fabio, Dan and Jane the question he thinks his own mother would ask; why don’t they form their own alliance? Best of all, Jeff does so using his impersonation of his mother.

Note: If you just read my recaps and don’t watch the show. You need to watch the show. Jeff’s Mama Probst impersonation is twelve shades of awesome, my friends.

Probst then states that this Tribal Council is the last time people can use their hidden immunity idols. Both Sash and Chase admit to having them.

Voting Time: And…none of the votes are shown again!

Jeff tallies and returns. He asks if anyone would like to play a hidden immunity idol. Both Sash and Chase decide to hand their idols over…hanging Holly out to dry.

Three votes for Jane…and the fifteenth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Nicaragua” and the seventh member of the jury is…Jane.

Verdict: I think there are two different shades of “Survivor.” You’ve got your “Springer” and you’ve got you “Strategic.” Springer involves big, bold characters who freak out and yell and cause a fuss. Strategic is where players make smart moves to win over jury votes and advance in the game. The best seasons of “Survivor” are a mixture of both.

This season is pure Springer.

Between Holly, NaOnka and Jane’s bizarre behavior, Chase playing one of the worst strategic games in recent memory and Sash being the only real strategist left, it’s an off-balance season.

Who’s Going to Win? If it’s a final three of Sash, Chase and Holly…the biggest bachelor in New York is going to have a million bucks to put toward real estate.

Power Rankings Results: Team Dragon Slayer called it again. Coach had Jane in spot six while I had her in spot five. The current score is now Team Dragon Slayer 138, Team Truth Seeker 139. Could I blow a lead in the final episode again? It’s shades of Tamara ‘Taj’ George all over again!

Follow me on Twitter for breaking “Survivor” news: @gordonholmes

What Do You Think? Was Jane right to douse the fire? Should they have kept Jane until the final four? Who’s your pick to win the million?

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Inductee – Russell Hantz

December 15, 2010

Fifty percent of the voting for the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame was based on the ballots of the Executive Voting Committee. This blue-ribbon panel consisted of “Survivor” Host and Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Executive Producer David Burris, Producer Jesse Jensen, members of the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Guy Gordon Holmes.

The other fifty percent came from “Survivor” fans like you.

It was a squeaker. The third and fourth-place members of the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame were only separated by .4% of the total combined vote.

(Not that it matters, as they’re both Hall of Famers.)

With that being said, we’re proud to announce that Russell Hantz is the third inductee (along with Parvati Shallow and ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano) into the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2010.

What the fans said about Russell…

“The most entertaining villain and smartest idol-finder.” – Bulldog

“Could be a James Bond villain.” – Kendall

“Never has someone used the idols in such a fashion that it gave them full power to dominate the game.” – Cameron

“Redefined the game, got robbed the first time despite absolutely dominating it (the jury should be ashamed).” – Jimbo

What the Executive Voting Committee said about Russell…

“There is no doubt he belongs in the Hall of Fame.  He had a major impact on the game and went to the final in back-to-back seasons.” – Jeff Probst – “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer

“Was robbed in Samoa after finding every hidden immunity idol known to man and bringing his tribe back from an 8-4 deficit. He followed that up by outplaying Boston Rob in ‘Heroes Vs. Villains’ and making it to the finals yet again.” – Dalton Ross – Entertainment Weekly

“Nobody has ever fought harder for second (and third) place. His guerilla warfare transformed the game of ‘Survivor’ and should secure him a place in the Hall of Fame.” – Drusilla Moorhouse – E! Online

“His plan to establish chaos and take advantage of his disoriented tribe was evil genius. He had a solid plan and executed it almost perfectly twice.” John Kirhoffer – “Survivor” Challenge Producer

Be sure to check back Thursday and Friday to see the final two members of the inaugural class of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame.

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‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ Power Rankings – Round 12

December 15, 2010

The Rules: Each week, “Survivor: Tocantins” and “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” star Benjamin “Coach” Wade and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” recapper 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 Fabio is voted out this week, Coach will receive two points and Gordon will receive four. At the end of the season, the person or team with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Nicaragua” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Team Dragon Slayer called it. Coach had Benry in spot seven while had him in spot six. The current score is now Team Dragon Slayer 132, Team Truth Seeker 134.

coach

Ode to Benry:
Should’ve goldbricked it in the challenges. But I was glad to see your character emerge as the season went on.

TEAM DRAGON SLAYER

Current Score: 132

TEAM TRUTH SEEKER

Current Score: 134
sash .. sash
#1: He’s got the idol, he’s playing both sides – although that’s a dangerous way to play as I found out in “Heroes vs. Villains.” He’s always thinking about the game. He’s not going to quit. #1: OK, Sash. It’s your time to shine. If you want to walk away with the million dollars you have to make your move this week. You need to get rid of Holly and Jane. And you need to do it in a way that makes them not hate you. It’s this week that’ll show if you’re Todd Herzog (a winner) or Russell Hantz (a runner-up).
fabio . chase
#2: His stupidity is becoming brilliant and he’s becoming smarter the more he is immersed in the game. #2: Chase has got to be a lock for the final three. Everybody likes him, but nobody respects his gameplay.
dan . dan
#3: I can’t say that he’s growing on me. But I see another Sandra (Diaz-Twine) and depending on who gets to the end he might win it because he hasn’t pissed anybody off. #3: Yeah Dan, you’re still safe. And you might be a good pick to take to the final three too. Why would anyone be threatened by you? You’re just a pleasant paper weight at this point.
chase . fabio
#4: He’s a scared little rabbit. I think people think they can manipulate him and he’s not a threat. He’s a paper tiger. He’s like James (Clement) in “Heroes vs. Villains.” #4: The only thing keeping Fabio safe at this point is the fact that Holly and Jane are more likely to get final votes. Which is good, cause I’m a member of Team Fabs.
holly . jane
#5: Her coaching personality is coming out. She’s one of my favorite characters this season going from wanting to quit and not being able to handle it to trying to help other people not to quit. Giving up her reward was very chivalrous, but unfortunately that’s going to come back to bite her. #5: This was a tough one between Jane and Holly. But in the end, I think Holly is better liked by the jury and Jane is more likely to win immunity. People like NaOnka and Alina have been looking at her as a Mom figure for a while. So, we’ll have fish dances until the finale.
jane . holly
#6: I just think Marty’s comment is going to resonate with everyone. “If she gets to the end, I’ll vote for her and you guys are the stupidest group ever.” So, if she doesn’t win immunity, I think she’s going home. #6: It’s been an interesting run for you, Holly. Not many people go from crazed villain to mother figure in one season. But, I think you’ll be able to look back at this season and be proud of how you’ve performed.

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

December 14, 2010

Fifty percent of the voting for the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame was based on the ballots of the Executive Voting Committee. This blue-ribbon panel consisted of “Survivor” Host and Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Executive Producer David Burris, Producer Jesse Jensen, members of the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Guy Gordon Holmes.

The other fifty percent came from “Survivor” fans like you.

We’re proud to announce that ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano has joined Parvati Shallow in the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2010. ‘Boston’ Rob appeared on an impressive eight of the nine Executive Voting Committee ballots and received the second highest amount of fan votes.

What does it mean to you to be voted by the fans and “Survivor” luminaries such as Jeff Probst and Dave Burris as one of the top five Survivors of all time?
‘Boston’ Rob Mariano: Being voted into the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is a great honor, especially because the votes came from the two sources that I respect greatly.  First, the fans, this really means a lot to me because I think it’s quite obvious that without the fans there would be no show.  The fans have actually allowed the show to stand the test of time.  Their loyalty has made “Survivor” what it is today; and in turn has allowed “Survivor” to be on television for more than a decade which has given me the opportunity to play this game that I love three times. So, thank you.  Secondly, the “Survivor” luminaries, these are the guys that make the show, the Host, Producers and Press.  They are also integral to the success of the show.  To be recognized by these guys as one of the best is also a very great honor because these are the guys and girls that know what we are going through out there.  They see the hardships that we endure and the effort that we put into playing “Survivor.”  Thank you.

There’s been a lot of talk about your progression  from “Marquesas” to “All-Stars” to “Heroes vs. Villains.” Why do you think you won over so many fans during the “Heroes vs. Villains” season?
‘Boston’ Rob: I’ve always said that to do well in “Survivor” you need to be able to adapt well to changing situations.  I feel that each time I played “Survivor” I learned something new, and I’ve tried to make adjustments so that I did not make the same mistakes that I made previously.  At its core I believe that “Survivor” is more a social game than anything else.  At the end of the day, people just want to be treated with respect and play with people that have a good work ethic and a positive attitude.  I feel like I have grown a lot as a person since “Survivor: Marquesas” and I think it showed in “Survivor: Heroes vs Villains.”

What the fans said about ‘Boston’ Rob…

“Great mastermind but fell victim to a bitter jury.” – John

“He might not have triumphed in ‘Heroes vs. Villains’ but he created a very firm alliance, it was not his fault one of his alliance members made a huge faulty mistake.” – Cameron

“Greatest player to never win.” – Genwolf

“I count him as a winner alongside Amber for ‘All-Stars,’ because they played the game together as one entity. They were the strongest and most powerful alliance in the history of ‘Survivor,’ and I doubt they’ll ever lose that title.” – Tara

“Great at challenges and very entertaining; my favorite by far.” – Dee

What the Executive Voting Committee said about ‘Boston’ Rob…

“If I had to put money down on one player every single time, it would be Boston Rob.  The best combination of smart, physical and cunning.” – Jeff Probst – “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer

“In his third attempt, Awesome Rob was grossly outmatched by the super strong Heroes tribe but carried his Villains like Atlas to some important victories — and might have won if only his allies had half his smahts.” – Drusilla Moorhouse – E! Online

“A brilliant strategist, a charmer, the best puzzle solver, and a brutal competitor.” – David Burris – Executive Producer

“His natural charm, sense of humor and masterful game play earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame.” – John Kirhoffer – Challenge Producer

Be sure to check back every day this week to see the rest of the members of the inaugural class of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame.

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Inductee – Parvati Shallow

December 13, 2010

Fifty percent of the voting for the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame was based on the ballots of the Executive Voting Committee. This blue-ribbon panel consisted of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Executive Producer David Burris, Producer Jesse Jensen, members of the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Guy Gordon Holmes.

The other fifty percent came from “Survivor” fans like you.

We’re proud to induct Parvati Shallow as the first member of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Not only was Parvati the only player whose name appeared on all nine of the Executive Voting Committee’s ballots, but she also received more fan votes than any other Survivor.

We had a chance to speak with the newly crowned Hall of Famer to get her thoughts on this honor…

What does it mean to you to not only get the most fan votes, but to be the only person to get a vote from everybody on the voting committee?
Parvati: To be recognized as one of the best by the guys whose job is to make the game as difficult and challenging as possible is truly an honor. I loved playing “Survivor” and was never content to let anyone play for me. It’s cool that all the producers and press could see how hard I was working out there on the island. I guess I’m going to have to thank them and the rest of the contestants for never taking it easy on me so that I could rise to the challenge. All the bug bites, busted lips, severed fingers and starvation were worth it since all the fans watching at home were entertained enough to vote me into the Hall of Fame. Thanks everybody. I’m a very happy girl. Now where’s my trophy?

There’s a lovely photo of a plaque for you at the top of this article. What do you think of “Survivor: Nicaragua”?
Parvati: I’m wholly unimpressed with the current season. My highlights: Brenda was cute and we got to see Jeff Probst get hopping mad at the quitters.

Any chance we’ll ever see you on ‘Survivor’ again?
Parvati: Sorry, guys. Dishes are done. You’ll have to go to espwellnesscenter.com to find me.

What the fans said about Parvati…

“I would’ve hated her in high school, but she’s crafty!” – Pia

“Could charm you, outwit you, outperform you in challenges and looked smokin’ hot in a bikini.” – Kendall

“Strongest overall in every aspect of the game.” – Andrew53069

“’Heroes Vs. Villains’ game was arguably the best for a runner-up ever.” – Adam

“Ultimate social game player; can charm basically anyone.” – Jimbo

“Seductive even without showering for 39 days” – Rico S.

What the Executive Voting Committee said about Parvati…

“Parvati is simply one of the greatest players in the history of the game. She is a great social player and a brilliant strategist.” – John Kirhoffer – “Survivor” Challenge Producer

“Not only has she mastered the social game (with both sexes!), but girlfriend dominates in those endurance challenges. And she gave the whiny Amanda the heave-ho. Woo hoo.” – Mara Reinstein – US Weekly

“The ultimate triple threat in terms of social, strategic and challenge domination. All hail Queen Parvati!” – Dalton Ross – Entertainment Weekly

“If Parvati’s the queen, consider me one of her subjects.” – Gordon Holmes – XFINITY TV

Be sure to check back every day this week to see the rest of the members of the inaugural class of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame.

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame Ballot – XFINITY TV’s Gordon Holmes

December 10, 2010

As the Senior Chairman of the exclusive 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.

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. The rumor that Gordon once played a zombie Richard Hatch in a terrible Internet short film can neither be confirmed nor denied.

When I asked for votes for the “Survivor” Hall of Fame, I never set any kind of criteria. I know that people watch “Survivor” for a wide variety of reasons and I wanted the voting to reflect that. This proved troublesome as when it came time for me to put my picks on paper (er…online) I changed my mind quite a few times as there are a wide variety of aspects I appreciate about the show.

If I’d gone with players who’d dominated a season you’d see names like Yul Kwon, Brian Heidik, Todd Herzog, Tom Westman and “Boston” Rob Mariano.

If I went with the players I found to be the most entertaining, this ballot would include Natalie Bolton, Tyson Apostol, Randy Bailey, Michael Skupin and Courtney Yates.

And if I was going by the players I found to be the most attractive you’d see Carolina Eastwood, Carolina Eastwood, Carolina Eastwood, Carolina Eastwood and Charlie Herschel.

But in the end, I pretty much mirrored the video I made with Jeff Probst that started this whole Hall of Fame mess. My ballot is going to focus on the players who truly changed the game with a chaser of players whose dominance was simply too amazing not to be recognized.

(The following votes are in no particular order.)

Richard Hatch: (“Survivor: Borneo” and “Survivor: All-Stars”) – I remember when I first saw the casting call for “Survivor” a hundred years ago. My first instinct was, “I’d just get three or four people to team up with me and vote out everyone else.” Do I think that strategy makes me a genius? No, and I don’t think Richard Hatch is a genius either. However, I do think the Richard Hatch persona, that of the mastermind who controlled the game with his social maneuvers and sound (not brilliant) strategy, helped rocket “Survivor” into the pop culture stratosphere. I don’t think it’s overstating things to say that “Survivor” might not exist today without Richard Hatch.

Rob Cesternino: (“Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All-Stars”) – For as much as I love “Survivor,” there is a time when I started to become bored with the show. Around Thailand/Marquesas my attention started to waver. It seemed like too many people were afraid to venture outside of their alliances to make things happen. It made the show very predictable. In my eyes Rob Cesternino changed all of that. His strategy of whittling down alliances inspired the strategists that followed him and greatly improved the show.

Jon “Jonny Fairplay” Dalton: (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Micronesia”) – Oh…people are going to be annoyed with this one. But, you have to admit that Fairplay’s “Dead Grandmother” stunt changed the way people approach the game. It used to be anything about someone’s life outside of the game was taken at face value. Not anymore. Anyone who lies about their occupation, their income, or anything else has Fairplay to thank for raising (lowering?) the bar on how far people are willing to go to get an advantage in the game.

Parvati Shallow: (“Survivor: Cook Islands”, “Survivor: Micronesia”, and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”) – The funniest thing about Parvati’s “Survivor” legacy may be that her win in Micronesia wasn’t half as impressive as her second-place finish in “Heroes vs. Villains.” She started the game with a huge target on her back and managed to make it to the end. Better than that, she wasn’t content to let Russell Hantz make all the moves and take all the shots, she matched him every step of the way. If Parvati’s the queen, consider me one of her subjects.

Sandra Diaz-Twine: (“Survivor: Pearl Islands” and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”) – I’m a big fan of bringing winners back for all-star seasons. But I have to admit, I was a little underwhelmed when I saw Sandra’s name on the “Heroes vs. Villains” cast list. But in the end, while I’m not particularly entertained with her gameplay, I’ve going to agree with Probst that winning twice should be an automatic inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

Be sure to check back Monday, December 13, 2010 for the first member of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2010.

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‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ Castaway Interview: Ben ‘Benry’ Henry

December 9, 2010

“Survivor” has taught me a lot over the years. Terms such as “Immunity Idol,” “Tribal Council” and “Dominant Alliance” were foreign to me before I became hooked on Mark Burnett’s reality juggernaut.

Ben “Benry” Henry can be credited with enhancing my “Survivor” vocabulary too.  I’d never heard of a “Dirt Squirrel” until he blasted Alina Wilson with the memorable nickname.

I had a chance to finally get insight into this unique term the morning after he was voted out of game. We also had a chance to discuss his faux alliance with Sash and Chase, how he could so callously stab Fabio in the back and how he feels about murdering Jane’s chicken friend.

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Gordon Holmes: Alright, what’s a “Dirt Squirrel”?
Ben “Benry“ Henry: A dirt squirrel is a two-legged female that scavenges for nuts and often displays moral inconsistencies. That is my exact definition.
Gordon: Why would you describe poor Alina that way?
Benry: I caught a lot of heat for that comment, but there’s a lot that the viewers didn’t get to see. I think everyone around camp would agree that she’s a dirt squirrel. A very nice girl, but she’s a dirt squirrel. Especially the night she went home. She was scrambling, she said, “Benry was stealing bananas. Back in week one, you guys didn’t even know about it.” And numerous people were telling me that she wanted me out. This fired me up a bit.

Gordon: Now, Chase and Sash didn’t seem to trust you at all. Were you shocked with how it went down with them leading you one way then stabbing you in the back?
Benry: My biggest downfall was putting as much trust and faith as I did into Sash and Chase. Last night was sort of tough to watch. I had it on DVR and I had to rewind because it was like “Did Chase just say, ‘I haven’t trusted Benry this entire game?’ Or did he say, ‘I have trusted Benry.’” And he said, “I haven’t.” I was really surprised at that. I don’t know what I did to steer him away from trusting me, but I obviously did. I put a lot of trust in Chase, I saw the kid playing with his heart and emotions right off the bat. He had a tough time lying and being deceitful to people. So I saw him as a physical threat, but very honest. And we’d talked about not voting for each other unless it was for the million dollars.
Gordon: How about Sash?
Benry: Sash was shifty throughout this entire game. I knew that. But for some reason when we came back to camp that day and Holly and Jane and Chase were on that reward, I put a lot of faith in Sash. I thought he’d maybe swing that way. But they all agreed that I was a big physical threat, and I very easily could have won my way into the final three.

Gordon: I’m kind of on the fence with Jane right now. On one hand she’s funny and she’s tough and on the other she started a blood feud with Marty over perceived slights and she’s holding a memorial service for a chicken. How do people feel about her around camp?
Benry: Watching that thing with the chicken last night was a trip. I saw the little memorial in front of the cage, but I never saw the little memorial service. I never saw her shed a tear.
Gordon: You missed the eulogy.
Benry: Yeah, I started laughing to be honest. I didn’t get to meet Jane until the merge and I found her obnoxious. Doing her fish dance…you’d be taking a nap, finally get your eyes closed and she’d come over and do the fish dance. But she grew on me. She’s an amazing lady. She’s got some super human strength in her. It was really cool to get to know Jane.

Gordon: Fabio’s my boy. We’re St. Louis guys. And you stabbed him right in the back. Was that hard for you?
Benry: Dude, I felt so bad. I knew I was so screwed. But I sort of felt like I had Holly and Chase in my back pocket. And I felt like if I could get to one more Tribal Council that I could realign myself and weasel my way into a new alliance. And it’s a dirty game, and it’s for a million dollars. But it was tough for me to pull Fabio aside and lie to his face. And I can even see it in my own eyes, watching last night that it was tough for me. But Fabio’s my boy too. He’s a homie.

Gordon: Nothing this season has sent shock waves through the “Survivor” universe quite like the dual quitting last episode. What was your take on NaOnka and Purple Kelly throwing in the towel?
Benry: We had to go to Tribal Council. It was pouring that night. And we got back to the camp and we were soaking wet. We could’ve been under our tarp and dry for the night. That was an annoying aspect of that. Also, there are a lot of people that apply to this game that would have loved to have been in their shoes. The jury would’ve died to still be in the game. It was frustrating to watch. But my initial instinct was, let them go home, we’ll have two less people to go through.

Gordon: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Brenda.
Benry: Beautifully deceitful.
Gordon: Shannon?
Benry: Meathead.
Gordon: Sash?
Benry: Dirt rat.
Gordon: Fabio?
Benry: Fabio’s a one of a kind.
Gordon: Alina?
Benry: Dirt squirrel…have to do it.
Gordon: Dan?
Benry: Uncle Dan the man…he’s a passenger lucky to have a seat.
Gordon: Holly?
Benry: Big heart, just a huge heart.
Gordon: Let’s finish with Jane.
Benry: Jane has hidden superhuman powers.
Gordon: I noticed you called Sash a “Dirt rat.” Is that similar to a dirt squirrel?
Benry: Yeah, it’s a basically the male version. He’s a shifty little dirt rat.

Follow Gordon on Twitter for ‘Survivor’ news: @gordonholmes

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‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ Episode 12 Recap: There’s Something About Sash

December 8, 2010

Last Episode: NaOnka and Purple Kelly quit, yet I press on…

39 Days, 20 People, 1 ‘Survivor‘ Blog

Here is the tribe as it currently stands…

The Libertad Tribe (wearing red with sharp white highlights)
•    Benry – 24, Club Promoter
•    Chase – 24, Race Car Jackman/Country Singer
•    Dan – 63, Real Estate Executive
•    Fabio – 21, Student
•    Holly – 44, Swim Coach
•    Jane – 56, Dog Trainer
•    Sash – 30, Real Estate Broker

Note: I want to thank everyone who voted for the “Survivor” Hall of Fame. Check back Friday for my official ballot and be on the lookout next week for the official announcement of the Class of 2010.

The mood is somber at Libertania after the first dual quitting in “Survivor” history. Well, not too somber as Benry decides to name the tribe’s chicken “Kelly-Nay” because, “They’re both chicken.”

Zing!

Sash thinks the throwing in of the purple towels affects him the most as he had close alliances with both of the Nay-bandoners.

Note: It was that or Nay-vacuators.

The following morning, Sash tells Chase, Fabio and Benry that he’ll be playing his idol at the next Tribal Council because he’s worried that people think he’s a threat.

When Benry and Fabio run off to chase butterflies, Chase makes a pitch to keep Sash on his team.

They then discuss making sure that Holly gets to go on the next reward challenge. They also both agree that Sash should go on the reward as he hasn’t had a reward meal in a long time.

And as if by cue, we’re taken to…

Reward Challenge: This reward challenge is a nod to all of the previous challenges. It’s like leftover night.

The players will start off diving into a mudpit, then they’ll have to dig through a bale of hay to retrieve a ball.

Wait, who set a course record in the mud-diving/hay digging challenge? Oh wait, that was totally me.

Note: I am going to keep boasting about that. It’s all I have.

From there they’ll bounce the ball off of a shield and into a barrel. The first four people to sink their shot will move on.

In the next round they’ll use a stick to retrieve a key from a post. Once they have their key they’ll unlock a chest that has four sandbags. They’ll then toss those sandbags onto a barrel while Jimmy T. yells at them.

I may have made up that Jimmy T. part.

The first two to get their bags on their barrel will move on.

From there, they’ll dig up rope rings with a post. Once they have those rings it’s ring toss time. (How come there’s never a Toss Across challenge?) The first person to get all of their rings on the board will enjoy an evening at a private resort.

There’s not much to describe in the first mud-soaked round. Chase, Jane, Benry, and Holly advance.

Alright, stop the recap! Dan didn’t advance?!

Holly and Jane both have trouble retrieving their keys in the second round. Chase sinks all four of his sandbags in a row and Benry is not too far behind him. They both advance.

In the final round, Chase quickly uncovers all three of his rope rings. He then makes quick work of the ring toss, winning before Benry can uncover all of his rings. Chase wins reward.

He offers Probsty a muddy hug, but Jeff turns him down. J-Pro’s got standards, yo.

Chase is given the opportunity to take two people with him. He chooses Holly as a thank you for her actions during the last reward challenge. He then chooses Jane because he doesn’t understand how “Survivor” works.

Sash is not amused.

When the muddy gentlemen return to camp, Fabio makes an insightful comment saying that Chase chose the two people who make the least strategic sense.

Sash then does his best Scott Boras impersonation by asking Team Benry/Fabio/Dan for their alliance pitch.

Dan doesn’t trust Sash a bit. That’s not the only thing Dan doesn’t do. He doesn’t run, he doesn’t speak much, he doesn’t belong on this show…

Meanwhile, Chase and his ladies are enjoying some watermelon at a luxurious resort. Holly points out that Chase picked the two oldest ladies left in the game. Also the only ladies left in the game, Holly.

Man, the producers must be kicking each other.

Chase later admits to Holly that he screwed up in picking Jane over Sash. Well, at least he realizes it.

Back at camp, the guys kill the chicken known as “Kelly-Nay.” Ironically, the chicken’s final few clucks were more than we heard from the actual Purple Kelly all season.

The next day we meet up with Jane who is crying because she loved the chicken.

Seriously.

Jane then tells us how she made a memorial for the chicken with a little cross and a little heart.

Seriously.

Where’s the memorial for all the fish you caught, Jane? And don’t you own a farm?

Later, Chase and Holly are trying to figure out what to do about Sash. Chase explains his mistake by saying, “I left Sash back at camp, the person I trust the least with three other guys who are waiting to pounce on him.”

Do you need a joke there or can we move on? Let’s move on.

Benry and Chase have a bit of a pow-wow where Benry tries to get Chase to vote for Jane. Chase plays along, but doesn’t trust Benry at all.

Chase and Sash have a discussion too. Chase tells Sash that he took Jane on the reward to prove to Sash that he trusted him with the other alliance.

Not the worst lie I’ve ever heard. Maybe Chase is learning.

Holly eventually joins the party and they all agree that they can’t trust Benry. Speak of the dirt squirrel (what does that mean?!) and he arrives. Benry siddles up and they all agree to go after Fabio if he loses immunity.

Immunity Challenge: The players will be attached to a hitching rail. The players will maneuver their way around the post, releasing rope as they go. Once they have enough slack, they’ll try to retrieve a bag of gold coins. The first three to retrieve their bags will move on to the finals.

In the final round, the three players will have to stack gold coins into a puzzle box. The first person to complete their puzzle wins immunity.

Gold coins? Is this a promotion for some Jack Black leprechaun movie I don’t know about?

Not much to describe in this challenge either, although Jane did have a nice wipeout. Fabio reaches the gold coins first (maybe he thought they were full of chocolate?) followed by Benry and Sash.

Jane manages to cheer for all three of the guys during the puzzle portion. Fabio apparently didn’t appreciate the encouragement as he whispered that she should shut up.

And in the shock of all shockers, Sash beats both Fabio and Benry in a puzzle challenge.

Back at camp, Sash claims to have been sandbagging challenges because he didn’t need to win. Yeah, I sandbag every competition I lose too.

Politicking around the camp is leaning toward Fabio and Benry.

Quick Aside: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Sash and Chase tell Benry that they’re going to vote for Fabio. Part of their plan involves telling Fabio that they’re voting for Jane. Benry has a problem with that because he doesn’t think Fabio will buy it. He thinks they should say they’re voting for Holly.

Aww…look at Benry…worried about outsmarting Fabio.

That night at Tribal Council, Probst is sure to call NaOnka and Purple Kelly quitters as they join the jury. They’re lucky he didn’t chuck his snuffer (or “smuffer” as NaOnka would say) at them.

Oh, and if you needed another reason to hate NaOnka and Purple Kelly, the hotel they’re staying at is beyond gorgeous. We did the pre-game interviews there and it is a-maze-ing.

Chase, Fabio and Benry being physical threats is brought up. Chase makes a counterpoint saying he may be a physical threat, but he hasn’t won immunity yet. He must be sandbagging it too.

When asked how confident he is that the vote is going to go his way, Benry says that he’s pretty confident.

Sash is very happy to have immunity as he feels that the person with immunity is often approached with the most strategy and information.

Wow, Tribal is kind of boring without NaOnka making ridiculous statements.

Voting Time: And…none of the votes are shown. That’s weird.

One vote for Holly, two votes for Fabio, three votes for Benry and the fourteenth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Nicaragua” and the sixth member of the jury is…Benry.

Verdict: Kind of a blah episode after last week’s barnburner. Here’s hoping Sash will shake things up as he has to know he’ll have trouble beating his alliance mates.

That being said, I was seriously concerned that Fabio and I were going to be talking about the Cardinals signing Lance Berkman during his exit interview Thursday morning.

Go Fabio.

Who’s Going to Win? Sash is in good shape if he makes the final three. Between Brenda, Marty, NaOnka and Purple Kelly he’s got to have a few votes.

Power Rankings Results: Team Dragon Slayer called it. Coach had Benry in spot seven while had him in spot six. The current score is now Team Dragon Slayer 132, Team Truth Seeker 134. That’s closer than I’d like it to be…

Follow me on Twitter for breaking “Survivor” news: @gordonholmes

What Do You Think? Can anyone beat Jane in a final three? Was keeping Fabio on board a mistake? Should Jeff call NaOnka and Purple Kelly quitters at every Tribal Council?

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‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ Power Rankings – Round 11

December 7, 2010

The Rules: Each week, “Survivor: Tocantins” and “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” star Benjamin “Coach” Wade and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” recapper 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 Sash is voted out this week, Coach will receive one point and Gordon will receive four. At the end of the season, the person or team with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Nicaragua” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Team Dragon Slayer had NaOnka in spot nine and Purple Kelly in spot seven. Team Truth Seeker had NaOnka in spot five and Purple Kelly in spot nine. The current score is now Team Dragon Slayer 125, Team Truth Seeker 128.

coach

Ode to NaOnka and Purple Kelly:
There will be no Requiem for the Booted Survivor this week because frankly: QUITTERS SUCK!!!

TEAM DRAGON SLAYER

Current Score: 125

TEAM TRUTH SEEKER

Current Score: 128
sash .. chase
#1: A new horse to back in the race. As much as I don’t like Sash’s ego, smarminess and flip flopping he’s got the idol so I don’t think he’s going anywhere. #1: He’s in the dominant alliance (for as long as they can stay together) and he’s holding an immunity idol. He’s safer than anyone who bets that I won’t be seeing ‘Gulliver’s Travels.’
jane . jane
#2: With Holly putting a major target on her back by doing the chivalrous things (and not taking part of the reward challenge) I think Jane is safe. But, lingering thoughts from Marty saying she would win a million dollars if she makes it to the end has to loom large next week. #2: After last week’s shocker, the players will need to restore some order. What that means is Holly, Jane, Chase and Sash will vote together. After that, popular players like Jane and Holly are going to become Sash’s top targets.
fabio . dan
#3: Still one of my favorites, his strength in challenges might be his downfall. He and Benry and Jane will be the next few to go along with Holly. #3: Oh Dan Dan the Immobile Man. I have a theory that Dan wanted to quit with NaOnka and Purple Kelly, but wasn’t able to physically get up and leave. Anywho, he’s safe until Benry and Fabio are gone.
dan . sash
#4: Steady as she goes. I have to hand it to him: you know he’s miserable but Dan is looking like the man after the other two quit last week. #4: Sash has got to realize that he’s in a can’t-win alliance right now. If he goes to the final three with Jane or Holly he’s not going home with a million-dollar check.
chase . holly
#5: Yawn. Not enough of a threat to be voted out yet. He might just make it to the end by slipping under the radar. #5: Somebody needed to sacrifice their reward to get that tarp. Unfortunately for Holly, those heroic moves are usually rewarded with a quick elimination.
holly . benry
#6: Major target on her back now that she tried to curry favor from the others. It will depend on whether or not people are thinking “get rid of the strong” or “get rid of the noble.” #6: It’s going to be Benry or Fabio this week. They need to get rid of the guys that can go on immunity runs. And if it comes down to those two, they have to know that Fabio is liked by everyone on the jury. (I think NaOnka may even have a soft spot for him.)
benry . fabio
#7: Without a clear-cut alliance, and being good in the challenges, I think this makes him the number one target. I like Benry and hope he wins immunity or gets into a strong alliance. At this point he should be using his good looks to flirt with everyone left, including Fabio, Jane and Holly!!! Oh and Sash too. I’m not too sure about that guy. #7: Fabio is the only person left to root for, so I’m hoping I’m wrong on this one. Fortunately, I usually am…

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