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‘Survivor H.V.V.’ Winner Interview: Sandra Diaz-Twine

May 17, 2010

I would have bet money that Parvati, Sandra, JT, and Tom didn’t have a shot at winning “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains.” Why? Because “Survivor” cast members hate the idea of someone being a two-time winner.

And yet here we are. Sandra Diaz-Twine managed to survive the stigma of being a former winner, the break down of Boston Rob’s alliance, and the hatred of “Survivor” juggernaut Russell Hantz to win the whole thing.

I had a chance to speak with an exhausted Sandra the morning after her record-breaking victory to find out why she won the jury vote, how she kept her nails so nice in the Samoan wilderness, and how Russell’s attitude ruined her second “Survivor” win.

Gordon Holmes: Good morning, Sandra.
Sandra Diaz-Twine: Good morning!
Gordon: How are you doing, champ?
Sandra: I’ve got a little cold, but I’m going to do my best. My throat is sore.
Gordon: I figure a million dollars in exchange for a sore throat is a fair trade.
Sandra: Oh, it definitely is. I’m not complaining.

Gordon: So what are your plans for that second million?
Sandra: You know I’ve gotta pay my taxes. I can’t be looking like Richard Hatch.

Gordon: Now, you’re the first-ever two-time champion in “Survivor” history. Which win meant more to you?
Sandra: The first one.
Gordon: Why’s that?
Sandra: Because it was sweet the whole time. This one was bittersweet. It was tainted. I feel Russell kind of put a damper on things.
Gordon: What was he doing?
Sandra: There was just a bad vibe. It wasn’t a happy place over here because everyone is upset with him for the most part. And of course he always has things to say. And I was told by people that he said, “She’d better bring her A-game because I’m going to make her look stupid on TV.” So then I was already in my defensive mode. I guess I was ready. And the first time it wasn’t like that, it was serene, quiet, and pleasant. This time it was a bunch of All-Stars and everyone had gotten their feelings hurt.

Gordon: How were things left between you and Russell?
Sandra: I really don’t speak to him, and he makes his little comments and I make mine. He feels like he got robbed. All he says is, “Millions of viewers got it right because I’m the player of the season.” Well then, you know what? You need to have been the real player of the season to get the million dollars.
Gordon: I spoke with Russell a few minutes ago, and he said once the game is over the game is over and that he wishes you well. He said he met your family and he enjoyed them. Is there a chance you two could make peace in the future?
Sandra: There’s a possibility for that, but it’s news to me that he said that. My daughters know who he is, and they took a picture with him. But when he does his interviews, all he does is talk smack so I don’t believe it. He’s really mad, his face is really sour. Yesterday (Sunday) we didn’t speak. I talk to everybody, I’m a very social person, but I feel like “Why should I have to go to you if you’re already badmouthing me?” Because I personally wouldn’t change a thing. But, whenever he’s ready for friendship, here I am.

Gordon: Former champions usually don’t do well in All-Star seasons. Did you think you had a chance heading into “Heroes Vs. Villains?”
Sandra: You know how in the first “All-Stars” they got rid of all the winners first?
Gordon: Yes, absolutely.
Sandra: So, coming into this one I said, “If I’m nice, of all the winners there, they’ll keep me around for a while.” And not only that, I’m the kind of person where I play day-by-day and I’ll do what it takes to get to the end regardless. And I listen to what’s going on and I go from there. And a lot of the time they’d say, “They’ll never vote for you, you’re perfect to take to the end.” And I’d say, “Oh, definitely.” If that’s what you want to hear, that’s what I’m going to tell you.

Gordon: You said that performing badly in challenges was a part of your strategy…
Sandra: Well, I’m not a physical person, so that’s natural for me. But I honestly feel like that’s a good strategy. Yes, everyone loves you when you’re strong, but the minute you’re on your own you’re going to go home when you lose a challenge because you’re outnumbered by weaker people. And that’s why Colby went to the end this time, because he didn’t dominate.
Gordon: Is there a concern that being weak in challenges might be a liability earlier in the game?
Sandra: It is, but at the same time remember Randy was there and so was Courtney. So among the weak you can’t be the weakest.

Gordon: Why did you have so much trouble getting the Heroes to go against Russell?
Sandra: Because no one believed me. But I told Rupert, and he believed me, and he told JT, and JT told Russell. So right there and then my plan was foiled. The second time it was Candice who told on me to Russell. But when JT went home, everyone realized I was telling the truth. And when Amanda went home, she realized “Sandra was trying to help me.” So, when I go up against Parvati and Russell I got their votes. I got all five Hero votes and Courtney’s vote.

Gordon: So, last night when you burned Russell’s hat…it was almost like a perfect symmetry to Samoa where Russell burned Jaison’s socks. Now, of course you hadn’t seen “Survivor: Samoa” so you had no way of knowing, but do you think Russell appreciated the irony of that moment?
Sandra: He might not have, but Jaison did, because when I saw him at the CBS 10-year reunion I went up to him and I said, “He burnt your socks, but don’t you worry because I’ll get him in the end.”

Gordon: I know you have a very busy day ahead of you, but this may be the most important question you’re asked all day; how did your nails stay painted throughout the game?
Sandra: (Laughs) That’s the most important question?
Gordon: It is.
Sandra: My blue fingernails were from when they gave us the paint to paint the flag. But after a couple of hours it started to chip.

Gordon: OK, let’s do some word association. Let’s start off with Parvati.
Sandra: Beautiful.
Gordon: Russell?
Sandra: (Expletive deleted)
Gordon: Jerri?
Sandra: Difficult.
Gordon: Colby?
Sandra: Handsome.
Gordon: Rupert?
Sandra: Loving.
Gordon: Amanda?
Sandra: Sweet.
Gordon: Randy?
Sandra: Misunderstood.
Gordon: Danielle?
Sandra: Feisty.
Gordon: Coach?
Sandra: Confused.
Gordon: JT?
Sandra: Humble.
Gordon: Flammable hats?
Sandra: (Laughs) Polyester.
Gordon: It did burn up quick.
Sandra: That’s because it was sweaty and dirty and nasty.
Gordon: Boston Rob?
Sandra: Exciting.

Gordon: What was it like being in Samoa while your husband was serving in Afghanistan?
Sandra: The first time my husband was home, and this time was different because he had left for Afghanistan. So I’m going to go all of these days without talking to him, whether I’m in the game or not. And I wonder if he’s OK, and if he wasn’t OK would they tell me, and when would they tell me? And how are my kids doing? It was rough.
Gordon: It seems like your Uncle Fernando has a bit of cutthroat game play in him too. He hadn’t been on the show for two seconds and he’s trying to swipe water from the other players.
Sandra: (Laughs) I kept throwing water and it wasn’t reaching him. And I told him the only way he was going to get water was to get it from the other people. So that was my fault.
Gordon: So that’s how the Diaz family throws down when it comes to challenges?
Sandra: I was hoping he’d have to do it himself because I didn’t want to do it.
Gordon: (Laughs)
Sandra: It should have been a bug-eating contest because he would have won hands down.

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‘Survivor’ Headed to Nicaragua

May 17, 2010

Shortly after wrapping up what many consider to be one of the best “Survivor” seasons of all time, host Jeff Probst announced that the 21st season of the popular reality show will be filmed in Nicaragua.

Very few details are known at this time, however the promo that aired at the end of the finale promised, “A brand new set of Survivors, exciting and innovative challenges, and something that may surprise them all.”

Another tidbit that was revealed in Jeff Probst’s EW blog is the crew’s desire to make the hidden immunity idols more difficult to find. This is of course due to Russell Hantz’s uncanny ability to pluck idols from mid-air.

“Survivor: Nicaragua” will premiere in September of 2010. Be sure to visit Fancast Xfinity TV for behind-the-scenes interviews, analysis, and more.

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‘Survivor H.V.V.’ Finale Recap: Russell Vs. The World…Again

May 16, 2010

Last Thursday: Jerri upset Russell by not taking him on the reward outing, Sandra upset Russell by telling him she was against him, and yet Rupert was sent to the jury, thus upsetting Rupert’s legions of fans.

And then there were five…

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Here is the tribe as it currently stands…

The Yin Yang Tribe

Colby Donaldson – 35
Sandra Diaz-Twine – 34
Russell Hantz – 37
Jerri Manthey – 38
Parvati Shallow – 27

Quick Note: I’m a big believer that Russell should have won “Survivor: Samoa.” He was more deserving than both of the people (Natalie White and Mick Trimming) who were sitting in front of the jury with him. I can’t say the same for this season. He’s been more abrasive than ever and Sandra and Parvati have both played games that were as strategic as his.

Another Quick Note: The worst thing about holding the “Survivor” finale on Sunday? I have to sit through Andy Rooney at the end of “60 Minutes.”

Yet Another Quick Note: The opening for the finale featured an awesome recap of the final five’s previous “Survivor” experiences. It was awesome seeing all of those old clips. And it was a little sad see Australia Colby vs. this season’s Colby.

OK, let’s do this. We start up after tribal council and Russell is not pleased that Sandra lied to them about having an immunity idol in her bra. Sandra defends her play because Russell never told her when he had an idol. Ah…touché.

Russell isn’t so upset that Sandra lied to him, but he’s convinced that Parvati knew about it and didn’t tell him. He approaches the Australian crew and proposes voting out Parvati. Uh oh, trouble in the Samoan royal family…

The following morning the tribe is greeted by tree mail in the form of a bag of puzzle pieces. The clue makes it sound like a dish-related challenge. Maybe it’ll be dish spinning like on the “Ed Sullivan Show!” Hey, an old-school Nick at Nite fan can dream.

Immunity Challenge: Players will balance ceramic dishes on a balancing arm. (Darn it!) The more dishes they have, the harder it is to balance. When your dishes fall, you’re eliminated. Last player standing (or balancing, as it were) wins immunity.

The first several rounds go off without a hitch. Once we are nine dishes into it, Jerri and Sandra start to wobble. Sure enough, Sandra’s dishes fall eliminating her from the challenge. At the fourteen-dish point, Jerri continues to have problems with her entire stack eventually falling.

Down to three. On the sixteenth dish, Russell’s stack of dishes succumbs to the pull of gravity. The “Survivor” production crew then utilizes their power over nature to summon a huge gust of wind, but Colby and Parvati manage to keep it together.

After adding a large bowl, Colby’s stack falls. Everything’s bigger in Texas, except for the stacks of dishware. Parvati wins her second immunity challenge in a row.

Back at camp, Colby rolls over again, telling everyone that he’s not going to make an attempt to stay in the game.

Really, Colby? Did you just give something you called a “Surrender Speech?” All of that razor endorsement money must be making him soft.

Oh wait, I take that back, apparently he has one more move left in him. Colby approaches Russell with the idea of getting rid of Sandra so they’ll have a better shot of taking Parvati out at the last immunity challenge.

Russell seems interested, but he knows that if Colby gets to the final three that he’ll win. Honestly, Russell could get to the end with Andy Rooney and he’d still lose.

That night at tribal council, Rupert shows up in a new tie-dye shirt. I’d love to see his closet. I’m sure it’s more tie-dye than a Grateful Dead concert.

During the discussion portion of tribal, Colby feels bad about his lack of challenge prowess this season. Colby admits to trying to get Russell to take him over Sandra. He admits to Sandra that he thinks everyone wants to get to the end with her.

Sandra says, “This is ‘Survivor’ you can’t believe nobody.” Which is a double negative. She is crafty.

Parvati says it’s news to her that she’s someone nobody wants to face in the finals.

J-Pro asks Russell if there’s anyone that he trusts 100%. Russell gives a roundabout answer that doesn’t come close to answering Jeff’s question at all.

Voting Time: Parvati votes for Colby, Colby votes for Sandra, Sandra votes for Colby, and you know the other two votes are gonna have to wait.

J-Pro gets his tally on and is ready to read; one vote for Colby, one vote for Sandra, one vote for Colby, and the sixteenth person voted out and the eighth member of the jury is…Colby.

Once we’re back on the beach, Parvati confesses that she didn’t know that she was such a big jury threat. Really? That’s just hitting her? She’s won a billion immunity challenges. And she’s not Russell.

Tree mail arrives the next morning, and sure enough it’s an invitation to the Rites of Passage. Oh! They should call it the Torch Trek.

During the leisurely, respectful stroll, nobody has anything to say about Sugar. Well, they weren’t on the same beach as her.

Stephenie is the first person to be referred to as a “Tough competitor.” I’m putting the over/under on the word “competitor” during this segment at four.

Randy being decimated by James in the mud wrestling challenge is shown in slow motion. I don’t think I can do justice to that moment with words, but I’ll try…let’s say it was five-star awesome dipped in Christmas morning.

They say Cirie is underestimated as a physical competitor. The “competitor” count is now at two.

They all agree that Tom was very trustworthy.

Tyson is of course remembered for his sense of humor. And if you’re not following him on Twitter, you should be.

James is called a competitor by Jerri. That’s three.

During Boston Rob’s remembrance, Russell takes the time to brag about getting the best of him. Sandra takes the time to tell America about a borderline racist comment Boston Rob made about her.

Coach is referred to as “Jerri’s boyfriend.” I need to remember to ask her about that tomorrow.

Courtney’s moment is particularly poignant due to the fact that her physique resembles that of a bamboo torch.

As they walk by JT’s torch, they discuss JT’s give-the-idol-to-the-most-evil-player-in-the-game strategy.

Parvati makes a point of mentioning that “Heroes Vs. Villains” was the first time Amanda had ever been voted out of the game. I prefer to remember Amanda for her brief brawl with Danielle.

Candice’s legacy apparently revolves around stepping out of a challenge to get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Russell doesn’t think that’s worth a million dollars.

Parvati refers to Danielle as the Boston Brawler. Parvati’s very sad she’s gone. Russell is not.

Rupert’s moment revolves around his pirate-like ways. They also hope his toe heals quickly. (Actually, it was two broken toes.)

And finally, Russell refers to Colby as a true hero as they pass his torch. Yes, I’m reminded of that issue of Superman, where Superman gave his “Surrender Speech” to the Legion of Doom.

And with that, they arrive at an awesome (read AWESOME) Tiki bon fire set-up. Jerri sets it ablaze, and now all of their souls are at peace. Or something like that.

Quick Note: Before we get to this immunity challenge, my fingers are crossed for a stand-somewhere-until-everyone-quits challenge. You know, like the old-school ones that would go on for 14 hours. I love those.

Immunity Challenge 2: Electric Boogaloo: And…I’m out of luck. The players will each be blindfolded. They’ll make their way through a maze. At each corner of the maze they’ll have to retrieve a necklace. The first person with all four necklaces wins immunity.

And, if my memory is correct (and it rarely is) this is the same challenge that Fancast columnist Jenna Morasca won in the Amazon.

Russell gets off to a lead as the first person to get to two necklaces. Jerri manages to pass him though as she’s the first person to get three necklaces. Parvati is right behind her. Eventually, Russell and Parvati both get their fourth necklaces. They both stumble toward the exit. Meanwhile, Jerri has claimed her fourth necklace.

All three of them are groping around with the immunity necklace right in front of them. Russell just barely gets to it first. Russell wins immunity. Awesome finish.

Politicking around camp center around Jerri vs. Parvati. Russell tells Sandra he’s taking her to the final three because he knows he can beat her. Sandra says she’s cool with this because she’s happy with the $100,000. I love when those two are honest with each other.

Parvati makes the case that Courtney, Amanda, and Candice will all vote for Sandra.

Russell also seems to believe that Jerri will give him her vote if he sends her to the jury. He’s not sure if Parvati will do the same.

That night at tribal council, Jerri admits that she stuck around camp to stay on top of all of the political discussions.

Sandra discusses her strategy of cozying up to the immunity winner because she knows they’re not going home.

Parvati tells J-Pro that she feels very vulnerable without immunity.

Jerri tells us that she’s been pushing the agenda that Parvati is a huge threat. Parvati says she’s been pushing the agenda that he’ll have to take Parvati to prove that he’s loyal to the jury.

Parvati also thinks she’s been protecting Russell. Russell takes exception to this. She revises her statement to say they’ve been protecting each other. He takes exception to that too.

Voting Time: Parvati votes for Jerri, Jerri votes for Parvati, and the other votes are lost to the magic of editing.

Jeff goes to tally the votes.

Fun Fact: When Jeff says he’s tallying the votes, he’s actually getting in a quick game of Farmville. I may have made that up.

One vote for Parvati, one vote for Jerri, one vote for Jerri, and the seventeen person voted out of the game, and the ninth member of the jury is…Jerri.

As Jerri hugs Russell, she tells him she can’t wait to hear the story later. And during her farewell confessional, she admits that she’s leaning toward voting for Russell.

We meet up with the final three after tribal, and Sandra is having a tough time being away from her family. She admits that the only reason she’s on the show is to win the million. She won’t be satisfied with anything less.

The following morning, tree mail consists of all the food in the world.

Russell thinks he’s got the million in the bag. His strategy was to bring people that he thought he could beat. I’m not sure those people exist. Maybe if they cast Osama bin Laden.

Parvati admits that if Russell had voted her out that she would have voted for Sandra. Russell is shocked by this because he would have voted for Parvati if he were on the jury.

Sandra, for some reason, decides to burn Russell’s hat. Somewhere Samoa’s Jaison is giddy. Revenge of the socks!

Apparently Sandra’s strategy revolves around Russell’s bald head making him look bad in front of the jurors. Well, it’s certainly a unique strategy. Unfortunately for her, he still has his buff.

Wow, they’re showing a lot of Sandra. I wonder if that’s a clue…

Quick Note: Is the tribal council set supposed to be like the Ewok Village?

During Sandra’s opening statement, she admits to trying to get rid of Russell three times.

Russell makes the case that he played as hard as he could play. And that if he offended anyone, that he apologizes. For some reason his “Rupert as the second coming” speech just popped into my head.

Parvati claims to have partnered with Russell because everyone was gunning for her from the beginning.

J-Pro then throws it to the jury. Colby starts it off, asking Russell if he thinks he got to the end without any luck. Russell thinks he got there because of his strategy. Colby thinks he’s delusional for thinking he got to the end without luck. He then asks Parvati what makes her a better pick than the other two. Parvati says that everyone was gunning for her and she had to fight harder.

Coach goes next, he has a grand time bashing everyone. However, he gives Parvati credit for being good in challenges. He lets it be known that his vote will be based on what is said tonight.

Amanda takes the third slot, she asks Sandra how her strategy was better than Russell or Parvati’s. She admits that she wishes she had a better strategy because she couldn’t get Russell out of the game.

Courtney bats clean-up, and she has much love for Parvati and Sandra. She even gives Sandra the opportunity to talk about how loyal she was to Courtney.

Next up we hear from JT. JT wants to know if Russell thinks he did a good job getting jury votes. Russell hopes the jury respects his game. Parvati gets the same question and gives the same answer about how everyone was gunning for her. Sandra claims she would have given JT the idol back if he had given it to her.

Danielle is the next to go, and she’s sporting some weird accent to start. OK. Danielle claims that Russell has done a poor job with his jury management. Russell doesn’t regret that because if he didn’t make the moves he made he wouldn’t have made it to the end. She claims that he isn’t going to get any votes because nobody respects the way he played the game.

Next up we hear from Jerri. She claims to be undecided on who to vote for. Jerri calls Russell out on voting for her over Parvati. Russell claims that he didn’t take Jerri because he doesn’t think he can beat her. Parvati claims Russell wanted her on the jury because he thought he’d get her vote. Nice to see the cougar and the kitten getting along.

Candice takes the stage next. She thinks Russell went too far by telling “Dirty lies.” She compares Parvati to an abused wife who never got out from under her abusive husband. Ouch.

Rupert (and yet another tie-dye shirt!) gets to go last. He starts with Russell and reads him the riot act for lying and manipulating people. Rupert wishes he had listened to Sandra more. He thinks she deserves a “Thank you” because she tried to warn them about Russell. He starts on Parvati, but she claims that she didn’t have a choice but to side with Russell because everybody wanted her out. Rupert finishes by saying that Parvati deserves to be there for how hard she played in challenges.

My Take: That did not go well for Russell. Parvati did a decent job, but she didn’t have much to say other than, “I’ve always had a target on my back.” Meanwhile, Sandra’s “I tried to warn you about Russell” argument is very strong.

Voting Time: Jerri votes for Parvati, Candice votes for Sandra, Danielle votes for Parvati, Courtney votes for Sandra, Coach votes for Parvati (because she’s a warrior), Rupert votes for Sandra, and the rest of the votes are gonna have to wait till we get to New York.

Wow, I’m assuming that means no votes Russell.

And we’re in New York…and Gabon’s Charlie Herschel is in the house!

And, Russell does not look pleased, but he does have a new hat.

One vote for Parvati, one vote for Sandra, one vote for Parvati, one vote for Sandra, one vote for Parvati, one vote for Sandra, two votes for Sandra, and the winner of “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” and the first ever two-time winner is…Sandra!

Verdict: I think “Survivor” has been on a major roll since “Survivor: Micronesia” and this season is no exception. I won’t go so far as to call it the best ever, but it’s definitely up there. It probably comes down to how you feel about All-Star seasons, and as I said earlier in the year, I’m all for them.

Notes from the Reunion Special:

•    Parvati and Sandra both made their cases for being the best player ever. Sandra’s case was way stronger.
•    Russell thinks Sandra is a terrible player as she has no social or physical game. He also makes the point that there must be a flaw in the game of “Survivor” if Sandra can win the game twice.
•    JT tried to throw the letter he gave to Russell into the fire, but Russell was able to save it.
•    Russell admits to not caring about the social game at all, he just wants to get to the end.
•    Tyson looks like Jesus. Well, if Jesus ever wore bright pink shirts.
•    The Dumbest Move in “Survivor” History Award went to JT for giving the idol to Russell. I absolutely disagree with that call. Erik Reichenbach giving up immunity, Colby taking Tina Wesson to the final, and Tyson screwing up the Boston Rob alliance vote were all way worse.
•    Rupert and Russell were the top vote-getters for the Sprint Player of the Season award…and Russell won.
•    Randy Bailey is now bald.
•    The next season of “Survivor” will be held in Nicaragua.

More “Survivor” Business: We’re going to have interviews with all of the final five this week as well as Jeff Probst’s surprising thoughts on the best “Survivor” players of all time.

What Do You Think? Where does this season rank? Should Sandra have won? What changes would you like to see for “Survivor: Nicaragua?”

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Interview: Rupert Boneham

May 16, 2010

OK, I’ve got a confession to make…

I’ve never been a Rupert fan.

With the exception of his hilarious shoe-selling maneuver at the beginning of “Pearl Islands,” I’ve never seen his appeal. I never thought much of his game play, I never liked how brutish he was toward Jonny Fairplay after he thought he had voted for him, and I never bought into his good-guy image.

And quite frankly, the beginning of “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” was proving me right. His injured toe made him a grump around camp, his inability to make fire made him appear useless, and sticking with James seemed to go against the Heroes mindset.

But, a funny thing happened on the way to tribal. He saw right through Russell when he arrived at the Heroes camp, he cleverly tricked the Villains into thinking he had an immunity idol, and he competed with all his heart to try to win immunity (while Colby would quit).

And as for his good-guy image? What follows is my second-ever interview (you can read the first one here) with the man many consider to be the most popular Survivor ever, and I truly believe that what you see is what you get with him. He’s a good-natured guy with an upbeat attitude who feels blessed to do what he loves.

Am I becoming a Rupert fan? Maybe a little. I’ll wait to see how he does in “Survivor 30” before deciding.

Gordon Holmes: Let’s get this out of the way immediately, you didn’t believe for a second that Russell was going to side with you and Colby, did you?
Rupert Boneham: I was sure hopeful, and I wanted Russell to believe that I believed him, but no. I looked at Colby right afterward and I said, “You know it’s still just you and I.”

Gordon: So, I take it you don’t have the highest opinion of Russell?
Rupert: Russell is one of the most evil people I have ever met. He is the epitome of the manipulative, self-centered kind of guy who just looks at people for what he can get out of them. I tried to show them that when you use people to get to the top that you’re still never going to be a winner.

Gordon: Last episode was a family visit episode. You were very emotional when you got to see your wife, Laura. What does it mean to have her out there during such an intense game?
Rupert: I was crying just watching the video and thinking about her being there. This is the first anniversary that we haven’t spent together, so that was like our anniversary celebration. That was a big deal. I have to say, even though it’s only thirty days it feels like a lifetime because of all the craziness going on. Everything is intensified.
Gordon: Laura’s been out there twice to visit you, when are we going to see her as a contestant on the show?
Rupert: (Laughs) I don’t know that Laura will ever be a contestant. We’ve talked about being on “The Amazing Race” but the “Family Survivor?” My wife and daughter would not really be too happy to be out there playing “Survivor.”

Gordon: There’s been a lot of talk this season about Heroes acting like Villains and Villains acting like Heroes and you haven’t been immune to that. There were some things that you did that could be considered villainous, such as sticking with James and JT early in the game. Did you worry that your moves could tarnish your reputation as one of “Survivor’s” biggest heroes?
Rupert: If you go out there as a complete good guy you’re not going to win the game. But you have to show that you don’t have to be such an evil villain. It does matter how you treat yourself and the people around you. And when you’re using and manipulating everyone, of course you’re going to be seen as a villain. But, I’m no angel. I went to some people and said, “They’re coming to get you.” That’s part of the game.

Gordon: How much of an affect did your broken toe have on your ability to play the game?
Rupert: I finally found out after I was voted out, it wasn’t just one broken bone in my toe, it was two broken bones in my toe, and the toe we were taping it off to was broken also! I am out of my mind in pain every day on “Survivor.” When my toe was looking back at me, and I straightened it and taped it off to another broken toe, I was in more pain than I’ve ever felt in my entire life.
Gordon: Was it affecting your mood around camp?
Rupert: Even my daughter when she’s watching it on TV says, “Oh Dad, you looked a little mad last night.” And I told her, it’s not that I’m mad, I’m just in pain. I’m a little shorter with my “Survivor” cast mates. The pain in my toe definitely affected my attitude.

Gordon: Last week when your rock-in-the-shorts gamble worked. How many high fives and fist bumps were exchanged around the Boneham household?
Rupert: (Laughs) Oh my God! My wife and daughter were so proud of me. And they never showed it, but I never said I had the hidden immunity idol. I wasn’t being a big liar about it. But I made sure everyone saw the big rock in my pocket. That was a great moment in our household.

Gordon: OK, let’s do some word association. Let’s start with Jerri.
Rupert: Mean cougar.
Gordon: Colby?
Rupert: I want to say good guy, but I’ll say good soft guy. Cause he was kinda soft.
Gordon: James?
Rupert: Toughest man I’ve ever met.
Gordon: Amanda?
Rupert: Sweetest Survivor in history.
Gordon: Parvati?
Rupert: A little girl who’s used to batting her eyes and getting what she wants.
Gordon: Danielle?
Rupert: Glad she was gone before me.
Gordon: Sandra?
Rupert: Not what you think.
Gordon: JT?
Rupert: Silly…silliest move ever!
Gordon: And your buddy Russell?
Rupert: Evil…pure evil.

Gordon: We talked earlier about your reputation, and a lot of that ties into your Rupert’s Kids charity, what do you hope your kids learn from your performance on “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains?”
Rupert: That I’m still tough. I’m 46 years old, but I’m still the tough guy on “Survivor” and it still counts how you play the game. My kids love seeing that

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‘Survivor H.V.V.’ Episode 13 Recap: Family Matters

May 13, 2010

Last Week: The rock in Rupert’s shorts was a successful ruse, Sandra finding an idol was welcome news, Russell proved once again that he has a short fuse, and both Candice and Danielle were left singing the blues.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Here is the tribe as it currently stands…

The Yin Yang Tribe

Rupert Boneham – 45
Colby Donaldson – 35
Sandra Diaz-Twine – 34
Russell Hantz – 37
Jerri Manthey – 38
Parvati Shallow – 27

Quick Aside: I’ve always been of the belief that no jury would ever let someone win “Survivor” twice. It’d be like admitting that someone was better than all of them. And here we are, with a two-in-six chance (three-in-six if you count Rupert…which I don’t) of that happening.

We start off after tribal council and Rupert is giddy to still be alive and kicking. Parvati, on the other hand, is very concerned. She lets us know that she’ll continue to play with Russell so she can get rid of Colby, Rupert, and Rupert’s beard.

The next morning, the Yin Yangers are greeted by tree mail in the form of a Palm Pre by Sprint.

Sprint – the Now Network

The phone features a cryptic clue as well as videos from each of the remaining players’ family members. Colby’s brother Reed, Parvati’s dad Michael, Sandra’s uncle Fernando, Russell’s wife Melanie, Jerri’s sister Jennifer, and Rupert’s wife Laura are all featured in the videos.

Reward Challenge: Before the challenge is introduced, we get to meet the family members behind the videos. I can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that it got a little dusty in the Holmes family living room during this segment.

With that being said, I’d have to rank Russell’s reunion with his wife a solid eight on the creep-o-meter. It’s just weird to think of him as a functional member of society with a wife and family. I now have both the heebies and the jeebies.

The Rules: The Survivors will have to go to the ocean to fetch a pail of water. They’ll throw that water toward their family member who will dump the water they’re able to catch into another bucket. First team to fill that bucket with enough water to trigger the cool see-saw wins reward. Reward will be a trip to the Blowholes, which if I’m not mistaken is where the “Survivor: Samoa” opening was filmed. They’ll also be given a Palm Pre by Sprint to record the day’s events.

I haven’t commented on J-Pro’s hats this season, but that orange number is awesome. I have a birthday in August if anyone is contemplating getting me a gift.

The challenge gets underway and there’s not a lot to describe except for water being tossed and caught.

I take that back, I’ll describe how Colby was angrily chewing out his brother for his lack of water-catching ability. I’ll also describe how Fernando was trying to swipe the water Russell was throwing to his wife…which was awesome.

It looked like the Hantzs were going to take it, but the Mantheys surpassed them to win the reward.

Jerri is given the opportunity to take two people with her, she chooses Parvati and Sandra. Russell is not amused. As he hugs his wife goodbye he says, “She screwed up.”

While the ladies and their family members are enjoying their reward, they learn that they can toss a coconut into the blowhole and it’ll launch into the air with the water burst. No word on if a drunken Iron Man would try to shoot it out of the sky afterward.

Next up, they were treated to a delicious picnic lunch. They were also each given four immunity idols. I may have made up that last part.

Afterward, Jerri expresses concern that Russell may try to get revenge on her for not taking him on the reward. Overreacting to something small? That doesn’t sound like Russell at all.

Sure enough, back at camp Russell is furious over who Jerri chose to take on the reward. Rupert, showing that he’s a much better competitor than I’d given him credit for, is totally feeding Russell’s anger. Go Rupert.

Russell is so frustrated that he makes a deal to go to the final three with Rupert and Colby. I don’t buy this for a second. There’s no way Russell thinks he could beat Colby or Rupert in front of a jury.

That night, Rupert decides to do some carpentry while the other members of the tribe are trying to sleep. He’s sawing wood, breaking things, blowing an airhorn, setting off explosives, scratching blackboards. Seriously, Rupert? That’s like an entry-level “Survivor” mistake.  That’s sneaking-beef-jerky or washing-your-underwear-in-the-water-pot level stupid.

Immunity Challenge: Players will stand against a post with their hands out. On the back of their hands will be a pole. If their hand drops, their poles drop. Last person with both of their poles up wins immunity.

Fun Fact: Crystal Cox was eliminated from this challenge in one second in Gabon.

Another Fun Fact: Colby is eliminated from the challenge in 15 seconds. Crystal’s record is safe!

Sandra is out next, followed by Russell and Jerri. It’s down to Parvati and Rupert.

Rupert struggles to keep his pole standing (Oh, grow up!) and is eventually eliminated. Parvati wins immunity.

Back at camp, Russell is relieved that he doesn’t have to get rid of Parvati. He decides to flip on the guys.

Meanwhile, Sandra approaches Rupert about getting rid of Russell. Rupert immediately shares this information with Russell.

Russell, who is unhappy with this latest development, flat out asks Sandra if she’s with him or against him. She bluntly replies, “I’m against you.”

I think the most under-appreciated highlight of this season has been when Russell and Sandra are brutally honest with each other. Good times.

Sandra lets Rupert know how she feels about him by saying, “Loose lips, sink ships.”

Jerri sums up the bizarre strategy around camp by saying, “This camp has turned into crazy town.”

That night at tribal council, Sandra makes the case that Rupert was trying to cause problems between her and Russell. Russell isn’t sure if he buys that.

Parvati tells Jeff that the Villains need to stick together because they can’t beat a Hero in front of the Hero-heavy jury.

Jeff announces that tonight is the last night a hidden immunity idol can be played.

Voting Time: Sandra votes for Rupert, confident that he’ll vote for her to win the million, Rupert votes for Sandra, and the rest of the votes are secret.

Jeff goes to tally, tallies, then returns. Jeff asks if anyone wants to play the idol, Sandra stands and retrieves it from her bra. That’s a popular hiding place this season.

One vote for Rupert, one vote for Sandra, one vote for Rupert, one vote for Sandra, the fifteenth person voted out and the seventh member of the jury is…Rupert.

The tribe has something to say, and that something is that they don’t want you in the game anymore. Maybe that’s why I don’t get to write catchphrases.

In Other News: When the voting was showed, the final tally would have been four to two in favor of booting Rupert.

Verdict: It seems like there’s a pretty definitive jury-voting pecking order. Colby would win over Jerri, who’d win over Sandra or Parvati, who’d win over Russell.

The one thing that would make the finale mind blowing? If Colby had been faking it all season. If he turned it on in the last two immunity challenges and won the whole thing. I doubt that will happen. But it’d be cool.

Who’s Going to Win? If Jerri can get into the final three she’s a millionaire. If I’m Russell, I want to take Parvati and Sandra because they’re former champions. If I’m Parvati or Sandra, I want to take Russell and the other champion. If I’m Colby, I feel terrible for yelling at my brother on national television.

Power Rankings Results: Tocantins favorite, S.W.V. superstar, and former Power Rankings champion Tamara “Taj” George had Rupert in spot six, so did I. Rocky and Apollo tie at six points apiece. The final score for the season is All Stars 111, Team Gordon 124.

I’d like to thank my family, my friends, and both of my fans for supporting me. This Power Rankings victory is for you.

Even More “Survivor” Business: We’re going to have interviews with all of the final five next week as well as Jeff Probst’s surprising thoughts on the best “Survivor” players of all time.

What Do You Think? Who’s going to win this thing? Who are your picks for the best “Survivor” players of all time? Did seeing Russell with his wife give you the creeps?

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‘Survivor’ Power Rankings: Tocantins Favorite Tamara ‘Taj’ George

May 12, 2010

Apollo Creed: When you won that last fight you won by one second, you beat me by one second, one second that’s very hard for a man of my intelligence to handle.
Rocky Balboa: Didn’t you say after I beat you that you learned to live with it?
Apollo Creed: I lied.

Last season, Tamara “Taj” George beat me by one point to claim both the title of “Survivor: Samoa” Power Rankings champion and the coveted Probsty Award. That makes her the Italian Stallion and me the Count of Monte Fisto

The Rules: Each week a member of our “Survivor” All-Star team and your beloved “Survivor” recapper Gordon “Truth Seeker” 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 combatants will earn. For example, if Jerri is voted out this week, Fancast’s “Survivor” All-Star Team and Gordon will both receive 4 points. At the end of the season, the person (or team) with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Tocantins finalist Stephen Fishbach had Candice in spot eight and Danielle in spot six for a total of fourteen points while I had Candice in spot five and Danielle in spot two for seven points. The current score is now All Stars 105, Team Gordon 118.

OK, before we get into this anticipated rematch, let’s check in with the lovely and talented Tamara “Taj” George

Gordon Holmes: Where do you keep your Probsty Award?  I’m going to assume it has a place of honor on the mantle.
Tamara “Taj” George: I keep my Probsty Award over my fireplace with a light shining on it so everyone can see my accomplishment!
Gordon: Really?
Taj: Honestly, there’s no light.

Gordon: What’ve you been up to since your glorious Probsty Award victory?
Taj: First, I left that night for Asia with SWV, then I had to go back and forth between Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York for work.  I finally landed back in Nashville just in time to have knee surgery for a torn ACL that I suffered fighting over a candy cane on December 26th.  Before you ask, it was organic!

Gordon: Russell was responsible for all of your Tocantins buddies being voted out of “Survivor.” Do you think he has what it takes to win this season?
Taj: Russell convinced everyone to vote out my guys and everyone else.  He’ll never win the million dollars if he continues to make enemies on the jury. JT and Stephen were mostly worried that everyone liked me too much in the end and were convinced the jury would vote for me.  So, as much as I hated being blindsided by my younger brothers, I did understand. I still love them and I’m so happy for JT’s win.

Gordon: By my count there have been 147 immunity idols in the past season.  Do you think that’s too many?
Taj: I definitely don’t think there could ever be too many immunity idols.  They keep the game interesting.  I especially loved the move that Parvati pulled with the double idols.  Sweet!

Tamara ‘Taj’ George’s Picks
All-Star Team’s Current Score: 105

sandra #1 Sandra: I think Sandra is going to hold onto that idol until she absolutely needs it.  She’s a great player and very underestimated.
parvati #2 Parvati: If Russell is the “Prince” of “Survivor,” Parvati is the “Queen!”  She’s going toe to toe with Russell and it’s driving him crazy.  Since she’s already won a million dollars I doubt the jury will award her twice.
russell(2) #3 Russell: Russell is sneaky enough to maneuver his way back into the final two or three.  Because of his aggressive play, I would be shocked if someone can pull a fast one to put him on the jury.
jerri #4 Jerri: With Jerri voting out Parvati’s sidekick her loyalty to anyone is up in the air.  With that being said, she’ll be around until no one needs her vote which does not included the final two or three.  She was always on the tail end of Parvati, Danielle, and Russell’s original alliance anyway.
colby #5 Colby: Simply because he’s a “Hero” and worked against the “Villains” since the merge. Russell will use him to try to rally against Parvati according to last week’s preview.  Colby is just not cold-hearted enough to play with Russell and Parvati.
rupert #6 Rupert: This guy is becoming one of my favorite Survivors.  I would’ve loved to play with him.  I loved the way he stood up to Russell and creates ways to stay alive.  The fake idol was priceless.  Unfortunately, he’s way too nice of a guy to play hardball with Russell and Parvati.

Gordon Holmes’s Picks
Gordon’s Current Score: 118

sandra #1 Sandra: Sandra’s been up and down this list more times than I can count. Just when I think she’s finally on the outs, she manages to stick around. And now that she’s got that immunity idol she’s an easy pick for the final four. Add to that the fact that she’s a former champion and that makes her an attractive pick to take to the end.
russell(2) #2 Russell: Russell will not be receiving a check from Jeff Probst at the end of this season. His little rant against Rupert is just the latest piece of damning evidence in the case of Russell vs. The Feelings of the Jury. In fact, if I were in the game, I’d be doing everything I could to take Russell to the end.
parvati #3 Parvati: I was tempted to put Parvati lower on this list, but there’s a reason Russell went after Danielle instead of her. I don’t know what that reason is (maybe he wants to take a former champion to the end) but there’s some reason.
jerri #4 Jerri: I think Jerri is going to walk out of “Heroes Vs. Villains” a rich woman. I don’t know how the fallout from the Russell/Parvati feud is going to be settle, but I’m pretty sure the order of vote-ability (meaning the likelihood that person will win if they get to the final) is Colby/Rupert/Jerri/Sandra/Parvati/Russell. And I don’t think there’s any way they’ll let Colby or Rupert get to the finals.
colby #5 Colby: I never thought I’d hear the words “Colby sucks at challenges” in the game of “Survivor,” but I think I heard it about 40 times last week. Nobody is worried about him or his game, and if Danielle and Candice are to be believed, he checked out a loooong time ago. However, getting Colby out of the game isn’t the Villains’ top priority.
rupert #6 Rupert: Right now getting Rupert out of the game is the Villains’ top priority. In a Hero-heavy jury he’d be sure to garner a lot of votes. I’m thinking his time is probably up.

More “Survivor” Fun: Check out my Exit Interview with Danielle DiLorenzo and Candice Woodcock and find out Who Former Survivors Picked as the Worst Villain of All Time.

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‘Survivor’ Castaways Interview: Danielle DiLorenzo and Candice Woodcock

May 10, 2010

The last episode of “Survivor” was a lesson in “twos.” Two immunity challenges, two tribal councils, two shocking votes, and two lovely ladies headed to the jury.

But, it was also a lesson in “toos.” Russell is too paranoid when it comes to his position in the game, Jerri wasn’t too comfortable with her place in the Villains alliance, and Danielle was getting too close to Parvati.

I had a chance to (see, another “to”) speak with the two newest members of the jury, Candice Woodcock and Danielle DiLorenzo, to find out what it’s like to be stranded on a beach with Russell, how Jerri’s moves shocked them both, and who’d really win in a fight between Danielle and Amanda.

Gordon Holmes: Candice, were you shocked when the Villains had agreed to vote Colby out of the game and Jerri got everyone to go against you instead?
Candice Woodcock: I was actually really surprised. Obviously I thought I was safe or I wouldn’t have gotten down for peanut butter at the immunity challenge. (Laughs) I was very nice to Jerri all the time. I like her, I slept next to her. But thinking about it, I don’t know exactly what their alliance was. Maybe she felt like she was near the bottom of the alliance and I had moved up. If I was in her position I would have done the same thing.
Danielle DiLorenzo: She saw you and Russell and she thought you might have replaced her. I think that’s why she wanted to get rid of you. And also the fact that you flipped. We were thinking that since you flipped once you could flip back.
Candice: Everyone thinks that, but my thinking is once you’ve flipped, the people you flipped against will never take you back. But I guess that’s not what people think.

Gordon: Staying on Jerri and the moves she made last episode, Danielle were you shocked at how easily Jerri flipped against you at tribal council?
Danielle: I almost felt like Jerri had some sort of jealous thing toward me for most of the game. I thought I’d won her over, but she was very close to Russell. She was riding his coattails. He could make her do whatever he wanted her to do. He was controlling her. He threatened her like he threatened everybody else. I just wish that she’d have thought about our alliance with me and Parvati.
Gordon: Do you think the Villain women could’ve made a move to boot Russell?
Danielle: We could have pulled Sandra in and Rupert and Colby and gotten Russell off. That was my next move.

Gordon: When your names appeared on the “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” cast list a lot of people (including me) were left scratching their heads. Did you feel like the fact that you weren’t as well known as some of the other players meant you had something to prove?
Candice: I didn’t really feel like I had anything to prove. I don’t have a chip on my shoulder about anything. I thought it was kind of an advantage. You don’t want to be the biggest name out there.
Danielle: All of the other people had big targets on their backs, like Parvati and Amanda. It was stressful for them. And I think we both proved our worth.

Gordon: Danielle, during the last episode you said that you trusted Russell 110 percent. It’s comments like that that drive our message boards crazy. Was that game play, or did you actually trust Russell that much in the game?
Danielle: I did, I trusted him to a certain extent. I knew once it got down to the wire that I couldn’t trust anybody. I was playing him too, I was making him think, “Don’t worry, I’d never turn on you.” They didn’t show it, but I had talked to Sandra and Parvati about voting him out. My next move was to get him off. But I was trying to make him comfortable, to think that I’d never make a move on him.

Gordon: Now Candice, it seems like you were never really able to get a foothold in an alliance. Was that by design so you could play different angles or were you just having trouble clicking with people?
Candice: I think I had a problem from the very beginning. A lot of people are friends, and knew each other. I’m not saying they had an alliance or anything like that, but if you know somebody you feel more comfortable with them to begin with. I think that in the beginning the Heroes were all suspicious of me because the biggest thing I was known for was the mutiny and switching tribes. So they didn’t want anything to do with me because they thought I should be a Villain. And to be honest, I thought I should have been on the Villains tribe. And the way I play the game I think I would have done much better if I was on the Villains. The Heroes wouldn’t listen to me from the beginning. I’d say things and JT would pretend like he didn’t even hear me. I was miserable.

Gordon: I noticed at different points you’d go to tribal council wearing body paint that said “I Love Somebody.” I don’t remember the names, but I think both of you did it at one point. I guess my question here is, when are we going to see some “I Love Gordon” paint? Like when you’re both on “Survivor: 30” can we make this happen?
Candice: (Laughs) You’ll have to ask my husband.
Gordon: If you could ask him for me, I’d appreciate it.
Danielle: I don’t have a husband, so I can do the “I Love Gordon.”
Gordon: Excellent. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
Danielle: (Laughs) I hope you have your DVR set.

Gordon: Has Colby checked out?
Candice: Oh God, yeah. He checked out a long time ago…day two. In challenges, in strategy play, I don’t know, he’s just off. I thought that maybe he’d turn it on and that was part of his strategy. But as the days went on it never happened. He just checked out. He would go on these long walks and sit out and meditate in the water for hours. It was so weird. One time when we were trying to get rid of James I had to drag Colby out of the shelter because they were trying to vote Colby out. I pulled him out of the shelter and pulled him into the circle of conversation. I’d tell him to be part of the team or else he was going home. It was just so weird. And when I watched the show last week, when Colby was strategizing with Sandra my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe Colby was talking strategy with anybody.

Gordon: I spoke with Amanda last week, and I asked her if she had a straight-up fight with Danielle who would win. She said she would’ve won. I’m interested in your prediction on that fight.
Danielle: She’s from the Midwest and I’m from Boston. I kickbox, box, I’ve fought. I’d kick her butt. Sorry, Amanda.
Gordon: Candice, I’m sorry…but this means you have to be the tie-breaker.
Danielle: (Laughs)
Candice: Oh gosh, here’s the problem with that, I already betrayed Amanda and I voted her off and I feel really bad about that…so I can’t…
Gordon: C’mon, Candice.
Candice: I think Danielle would win.
Danielle: (Laughs)
Candice: Amanda is too sweet. Danielle will get nasty if she has to. Danielle is very sweet, but she has some fight in her.
Gordon: Danielle, I don’t want to cause any trouble, but I’m from the Midwest.
Danielle: Oh no! I wasn’t saying it like that. In the Midwest they don’t fight.
Gordon: Uh-huh.
Danielle: That wasn’t a knock on the Midwest, there’s just a different mentality.
Gordon: I’m not starting trouble. You could probably beat me up too.
Danielle: (Laughs)

Gordon: A hot debate on our forums is whether or not Russell Hantz is the best player of all time. Now that you’ve seen “Samoa” and experienced “Heroes Vs. Villains” how do you feel?
Danielle: He’s not the best player in this game. Just judging from the way he played last time, getting all the way to the end and not having the respect of the jurors. That to me is not the best player in the game. Part of the game strategy is knowing the people you voted out along the way. So, if you play the game with no integrity, no humanity, no respect for people, then yeah, you played a nice game but then you won’t win a million dollars. That to me is the best player.
Candice: I think there’s something kind of pathologic about him. It’s great to watch how aggressively he plays. It’s very interesting, but if you think about it, in real life, people don’t get in your face and threaten you, that doesn’t happen to people.
Gordon: I’m told that happens all the time in Boston.
Candice: (Laughs) Well, that’s why Danielle knew how to handle him.
Danielle: Seriously!
Candice: But the thing is, when he came up and started threatening me in the episode where I voted for Amanda, I didn’t know what to do. I’m not used to someone being that aggressive with me. It’s weird and it’s kind of creepy.

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‘Survivor H.V.V.’ Episode 12 Recap: Is That an Idol In Your Pocket?

May 6, 2010

Last Week: Danielle threw down, Colby let his tribe down, and Amanda’s bid to stay in the game was voted down.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Here is the tribe as it currently stands…

The (We’ve got immunity idols out the) Yin Yang Tribe

Rupert Boneham – 45
Colby Donaldson – 35
Candice Woodcock – 27
Sandra Diaz-Twine – 34
Danielle DiLorenzo – 28
Russell Hantz – 37
Jerri Manthey – 38
Parvati Shallow – 27

We meet up with the Yin Yangers after tribal council. Rupert feels like he and Colby are the last Heroes standing now that Candice has sided with the Legion of Troll.

The following morning, Russell tells Sandra that Colby and Rupert don’t trust him.

Ahem… Doy.

Rupert proves Russell’s theory correct by saying that Russell is worse than Jon “Jonny Fairplay” Dalton.

Ouch.

Rupert later calls Russell out for swearing on his kids’ lives. Russell does his trademark job of sweet talking the jury members by telling Rupert that he doesn’t care what he thinks.

Russell then breaks into a pretty weak Rupert impersonation by saying he’s, “The good guy, the second coming of Christ.” We’ve come a long way from Australia’s Keith Famie being a villain for being bossy around the campfire.

Immunity Challenge Numero Uno: All of the players will be standing on a wooden perch. They’ll have one hand in the air. That hand will be tethered to a bucket of colored water. When the arm drops, the water will dump on them, and they’ll be eliminated. Probst also promises a twist after the challenge. Maybe the twist will be that the colored water is actually Hi-C!

Gross Fact: Seeing everyone with their arms raised and sporting 30 days worth of stubble is making me regret purchasing an HDTV.

J-Pro decides to tempt the players with food, but before he can announce what it is, Russell and Sandra both agree to step out. Jeff unveils the food, and they’re both happy to discover a plate of cookies instead of a bowl of sea water.

A few minutes later, Jeff shows up with a plate of donuts. Colby agrees to leave the game for the donuts.

Really, Colby?! Dude has checked out.

Thirty five minutes into the challenge, Probst shows up with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a bowl of candy. Danielle, Jerri, and Candice take him up on it.

As Danielle gets doused, her bikini bottoms slip off. What is it with peanut butter and nudity on this show?!

An hour and ten minutes into the challenge, Rupert loses his footing and accidentally eliminates himself. Parvati wins immunity.

After the challenge, Probst reveals the twist which is another immunity idol clue. Instead of just handing it to Russell, he reads it out loud.

Another immunity idol…awesome…

Once everyone returns to camp, an idol-hunting free-for-all breaks out. Miraculously, Sandra manages to find it. She smartly decides not to tell anyone.

Rupert hatches a plan to make everyone think he has located the idol. He finds a large rock and puts it in his pocket. Go, Rupert. That’s the best thing he’s done since selling the shoes in the Pearl Islands.

Russell falls for it, telling Sandra that they’ll have to split the votes. She doesn’t let him know that she really has it.

During strategy talk, Jerri tells the others that she’d rather vote out Candice over Colby. Aww…Australia represent.

Rupert and Colby get wind of this strategy and decide to vote for Candice as well.

Quick Aside: Again, very impressed with Rupert.

That night at tribal, Colby and Rupert have it out with Candice over her decision to jump on board the S.S. Villain.

Russell has her back telling J-Pro that the jump was the smartest thing she’s done in the game.

Voting Time: Colby votes for Candice, Candice votes for Rupert, and the rest of the votes are secret.

Jeff asks if anyone would like to play an idol. Rupert decides not to play his rock.

J-Pro reads the votes; three votes for Rupert, four votes for Candice, and the thirteenth person voted out and the fifth member of the jury is…Candice.

The tribe has spoken.

Back at the beach we get an awesome animal metaphor as we’re shown a shot of a crab being picked apart by ants. Very subtle, “Survivor” crew. Emmys are in the mail.

Russell thinks the girls made a horrible decision by letting their hatred for Candice get in the way of their team strategy. He’s also a bit uneasy with the amount of pull Parvati has in the alliance.

Immunity Challenge Numero Dos: Each player will race to dig up a peg. Once they have their peg they’ll have to maneuver it around a maze puzzle. The first five people to complete the maze will advance. From there they’ll use four pegs to reach the top of a climbing wall. The first three people to reach the top of the wall will advance. From there they’ll have to complete a sliding puzzle. First person to complete their puzzle wins immunity.

Rupert, Sandra, Russell, Parvati, and Danielle complete the maze portion first and advance to the climbing wall portion.

In the next round, Russell scales the wall like a ring-tailed lemur! Parvati and Rupert are up next. They’ll all advance to the final round.

Not much to describe during the slide puzzle portion except for some heated puzzle sliding. Russell completes it first, winning immunity.

Back at camp, Parvati lets us know that it’s time for Rupert to go home.

However, Russell seems very annoyed that Parvati and Danielle are so close.

He tells Danielle that it might be time to send Parvati home. Danielle disagrees, but tells Russell that she trusts him 110%.

Bahaha! Danielle is like the 40th person on this show to talk about how much they trust Russell.

In the very next shot, Russell tells Parvati that Danielle just told him that she wants to boot Parvati when they get to the final five or six.

Parvati wants to talk to Danielle about it, but Russell tries to talk her out of it…

…And he isn’t successful. Danielle and Parvati share notes and decide that Russell has been lying to them.

Russell realizes he’s in trouble, so he talks to Colby and Rupert about voting out Danielle. Surely Rupert wouldn’t work with the man he considers to be the most vile villain of all time, right?

Wrong. Rupert’s all for it. They even bumped fists.

“Survivor” is the best.

Now that the gentlemen are on board, Russell makes a move for Jerri’s vote. It’s masterful. He convinces her that if Danielle doesn’t go tonight that they’ll be gunning for her next.

That night at tribal, J-Pro asks who’s running the show. Rupert thinks it’s between Parvati and Russell. Danielle thinks all of the Villains are working together and making decisions.

Really, Danielle?

The Parvati vs. Danielle debate is brought up with Russell sticking to his story. Except, now he claims that it was his way of testing Danielle’s loyalty.  This actually causes Danielle to break down in tears.

From the jury box, Courtney says, “Boo hoo.”

Most entertaining juror ever.

In trying to make peace, Danielle stumbles and says she’s closer to Parvati than Russell thinks.

Can open…worms everywhere.

Russell mouths to Jerri to vote for Danielle.

Voting Time: Parvati votes for Rupert, Russell votes for Danielle, Jerri casts a mystery vote that will “Seal her fate,” the rest of the votes aren’t shown.

Time to read the votes; three votes for Rupert, three votes for Danielle, and the fourteenth person voted out of the game, and the sixth member of the jury is…Danielle.

The tribe has spoken…again.

Verdict: Wow. I thought Colby and Rupert were dead in the water. Shows what I know. Another awesome episode. The post-Boston Rob lull is officially over.

Who’s Going to Win? That immunity idol makes Sandra extremely dangerous. But, I don’t think the jury will vote for a past winner. So, I’m sticking with my Jerri vote.

Power Rankings Update: Stephen Fishbach had Candice in spot eight and Danielle in spot six for a total of fourteen points while I had Candice in spot five and Danielle in spot two for seven points. The current score is now All Stars 105, Team Gordon 118.

That lead is probably too much for the All Stars to overcome, which is good because the final challenger is none other than the Probsty Award-winning, defending Power Rankings champion Tamara “Taj” George.

What Do You Think? Was Russell foolish for turning on Danielle? Do you think less of Rupert for siding with Russell? Which player has surprised/impressed you the most this season?

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‘Survivor’ Power Rankings: Tocantins Finalist Stephen Fishbach

May 4, 2010

The Rules: Each week a member of our “Survivor” All-Star team and your beloved “Survivor” recapper Gordon “Truth Seeker” 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 combatants will earn. For example, if Jerri is voted out this week, Fancast’s “Survivor” All-Star Team will receive 5 points and Gordon will receive 3 points. At the end of the season, the person (or team) with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Last Week: Samoa’s Ashley Trainer won one for the All Stars as she had Amanda in spot six while I had her in spot three. The current score is All Stars 91, Team Gordon 111.

Alright, before the man Coach dubbed “The Wizard” squares off against the man Coach dubbed “The Truth Seeker,” let’s take a minute to check in with the “Survivor: Tocantins” runner up Stephen Fishbach…

Gordon Holmes: What’ve you been up to since coming back from the Brazilian Highlands?
Stephen Fishbach: Since I’ve come back from Brazil, my biggest achievement has been returning to a normal physical condition. I also have a small media consulting company, and I do corporate speechwriting as well. My interests include candlelit dinners, long walks on the beach, and watching “Survivor.” Check out my blog about “Survivor” strategy at www.people.com/stephen.

Gordon: Are you enjoying ‘Heroes Vs. Villains’ so far?
Stephen: Yes! This may be my favorite season ever. It’s been a wonderful mix of genius moves and mind-blowing idiocy. I think I’m enjoying the spectacular flame-outs even more than the blindsides or idol play.

Gordon: Russell Hantz has been partly responsible for getting some of your favorite people booted out of the game. What do you think of him? How would you have handled him?
Stephen: I can’t hate on Russell for knocking out JT and Courtney. After all, he sent them both to Ponderosa where they formed the Dragonz. If I were out there, I would have found 19 hidden immunity idols and given one to everybody but him. You’ve gotta fight fire with fire.

Gordon: Where do you stand on the great “JT giving Russell the idol” debate? Was it a stupid move, a risky gamble, or something else?
Stephen: Definitely a risky gamble. I would much rather have gone out in a blaze of glory than fizzled out like Amanda. Which is worse – making a big move trying to put yourself in a prime position to win, or laying down and dying? JT ends up looking bad because it’s easier to point to a move than a non-move and say “that was a mistake.” Look at someone like Danielle – she’s riding coattails and will probably get to the endgame, but she can never win. You have to play to win, and sometimes that takes you out early.

Stephen Fishbach’s Picks
All-Star Team’s Current Score: 91

parvati #1 Parvati: Parvati has an amazing ability to form friendships with the people she’s eliminating. If given a choice between her and Russell, undoubtedly the jury will vote for her. Her problem now may just be overconfidence. Hiding the idol from Russell may have secured Danielle as an ally, but it also antagonized the puppetmaster.
russell(2) #2 Russell: Russell is actually in a better strategic position than Parvati. He has his alliance with Danielle and Parv – but Jerri is more loyal to him, and now he has a side deal with Candice. Even if things go sour, he’s guaranteed to find enough hidden immunity idols to at least make the finale. The only reason he’s my number two is that I don’t think Russell can win. Too many people just hate him.
sandra #3 Sandra: Sandra is like a “Survivor” freedom fighter running an insurgency against Russell. She strikes from the hills and then disappears into the night. Her poker face at tribal council and ability to swallow her long-term goals for short-term necessity are truly impressive.
rupert #4 Rupert: It’s been a rough season for Rupert – but since the merge, Golden Age Rupert has returned! The Hero who talked too much about the Women’s Alliance now is bluffing Probst in Tribal. The problem for Rupert is that his awakening may have come too late.
jerri #5 Jerri: Could Jerri Manthey actually win “Survivor?” If the iconic villainess made it to the end against two dislikable players, she might just get some jury votes. Jerri’s challenge will be explaining what moves she made herself.
danielle #6 Danielle: Danielle’s probably safe for a few more votes and could make it to the final tribal. But I think Danielle has the least chance to win of anybody. In a season of superheroes, she’s just a sidekick.
colby #7 Colby: Colby showed last week that his heart’s just not in the game anymore. The only reason he may stick around is that he isn’t a threat.
candice #8 Candice: There’s a difference between jumping alliances and flip-flopping. By trying to navigate between two groups, Candice has pissed off both of them. Now the Heroes will want nothing to do with her, and Russell doesn’t need her anymore.

Gordon Holmes’s Picks
Gordon’s Current Score: 111

russell(2) #1 Russell: I think Russell has reached the point where keeping him around as a possible jury opponent is valuable. He may rule the (We’ve got immunity idols coming out the) Yin Yang tribe now, but I can’t see the jury voting to give him the million dollars he’d like and the “Sole Survivor” title he needs.
danielle #2 Danielle: Did you see Danielle snap when Amanda swiped her immunity clue? She’s got some fight in her. I doubt people like her or respect her game enough to vote for her, but she’s definitely in this for the long haul.
jerri #3 Jerri: Flying under the radar in the dominant alliance is a sweet place to be. If she can get to the finals the million-dollar check is as good as hers. That is, unless the other players recognize that and boot her beforehand.
parvati #4 Parvati: Could the Queen of Samoa go all the way? I think people are starting to realize that she’s going to be tough to beat in front of a jury. Anyone who witnessed her double-idol maneuver has to be impressed by her game play.
candice #5 Candice: Candice jumped from the sinking Heroes ship, but she didn’t do it in a manner that would impress her new Villain buddies. She still has time to maneuver, but the clock is ticking.
rupert #6 Rupert: I can almost see Russell preparing his victory speech where he tells the world how he got rid of “Survivor” legends like Rupert, Boston Rob, and Colby. I assume he’ll say something like, “I’d like to thank my Dumb A## Girls Alliance, myself, and the dozens of hidden immunity idols that made this moment possible.”
colby #7 Colby: I’m pretty sure Colby has checked out of the game at this point. I know he’s the all-American good guy, but he gave Danielle the clue over his alliance-mate Amanda for no good reason. It’s like he just wanted them to be quiet so he could watch the rest of the movie.
sandra #8 Sandra: Now that Candice is on board with the Villains, Sandra’s days are probably numbered. If she hadn’t let her Russell hatred get in the way of her “Anyone but me” strategy, she could have made it to the end.

More “Survivor” Fun: Check out my Exit Interview with Amanda Kimmel and find out Who Former Survivors Picked as the Worst Villain of All Time.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Interview: Amanda Kimmel

April 30, 2010

The Case: DiLorenzo Vs. Kimmel

The Facts: Danielle DiLorenzo finds an immunity idol clue in a bowl of popcorn. She fishes it out, then hides it on the floor. Amanda Kimmel, sensing something is up, starts sniffing around Danielle’s side of the bed. Amanda finds the dropped clue and tries to run off with it.

The Confrontation: The two bikini-clad young lovelies fight over the coveted clue as if they were on “Jerry Springer” instead of “Survivor.”

The Verdict: Colby Donaldson, ignoring the landmark ruling of “Finders Keepers Vs. Losers Weepers” rules that the clue should be returned to Ms. DiLorenzo.

The Result: Danielle and the rest of the Villains score yet another immunity idol, while Amanda is sent to the jury.

I spoke with Amanda the day after Judge Colby’s proclamation to get her take on that volatile situation, why she was chosen to go home over Colby or Rupert, and her relationship with the Queen of Samoa Parvati Shallow.

Gordon Holmes: I thought of something that could have saved you some trouble during last night’s episode.
Amanda Kimmel: Oh really? What was that?
Gordon: You turn to Colby and you say “Hey, possession is nine-tenths of the law.”
Amanda: (Laughs) That didn’t pop into my head, that’s for sure.
Gordon: Now Jeff Probst has said that there is no kind of “Survivor” rule that determines who had the legal right to that clue and that you could have kept it.
Amanda: I didn’t even know.

Gordon: So what’s the worse move, Colby giving Danielle the clue or JT giving Russell the idol?
Amanda: Giving Russell the idol was what started everything. We were in a good position until then. We were tying everything up, things were good. I didn’t agree with giving the idol from the beginning, but when you don’t have it there’s only so much you can say. But that’s what started that huge ball rolling down the hill.

Gordon: What was the reaction around camp when you told the rest of the Heroes that Colby had made you cough up the clue?
Amanda: There was a lot of disappointment because of the fact that we won the challenge to get the clue was a godsend. I kind of blame myself because I didn’t find the clue. I was looking for it the whole time. It was all that was on my mind. And, I was the one who gave the bowl of popcorn to Danielle.

Gordon: Did the alliance that you and Parvati had been working toward come to an end after her ninja double-immunity-idol maneuver?
Amanda: We didn’t trust each other. Both of us, in a way, wanted to work with each other, but there were a lot of things that happened. There were things that I told her that I found out that she had told somebody else.

Gordon: You said you had made a lot of mistakes. What could you have done differently?
Amanda: I should have just taken the clue, ran to the bathroom, locked the door, read it, and flushed it down the toilet.
Gordon: (Laughs)
Amanda: (Laughs) That’s exactly what I wanted to do.
Gordon: Now how upset would the people at Robert Louis Stevenson’s home have been if you’re clogging up their toilets with immunity idol parchments?
Amanda: I know! They probably would have kicked me off the show. (Laughs)

Gordon: You’ve been on “Survivor” for over 100 days. Do you ever get used to the outdoor conditions?
Amanda: To be honest, the only thing that I have a really hard time with is when it rains at night and it’s cold. But we didn’t really have a problem with that this time because our shelter was perfect.

Gordon: Why do you think they chose to boot you over Rupert or Colby?
Amanda: Because I tried to get the clue from Danielle.
Gordon: Really? That was it?
Amanda: To be honest here…
Gordon: How dare you be honest? Don’t you watch “Survivor?”
Amanda: (Laughs) I know! I love Colby and Rupert to death, but it’s really hard to play with them. They weren’t strategic and I’m used to playing with people like Todd (Herzog – Winner of “Survivor: China”) and Parvati. I kinda had to take everything into my own hands. I couldn’t plan it with anyone. That was the frustrating thing about Colby, he was just laying there enjoying the popcorn, he wasn’t helping me find the idol at all.
Gordon: He was more interested in watching “Treasure Island” than in watching two pretty girls in bikinis wrestle.
Amanda: I know! And I’m sorry, but the movie was awful. (Laughs)
Gordon: Man, you’re just digging yourself deeper and deeper with Robert Louis Stevenson.
Amanda: I’m never going to be allowed back into Samoa.

Gordon: You mentioned that you were used to playing with Todd and Parvati, and most people would consider those two to be Villains. Do you think they may have put you on the wrong team?
Amanda: I’ve done a lot of dishonest things in “Survivor.” I think everybody has. But in the end I feel like I chose to be loyal each time. It kind of depends; I could have been either probably. I think almost everybody could be either.

Gordon: OK, word association time…
Amanda: Are we going to play a game? That’s cool.
Gordon: We are going to play a game. Let’s start with Parvati.
Amanda: Villainess.
Gordon: Russell?
Amanda: Horrible.
Gordon: Danielle?
Amanda: Blank.
Gordon: James?
Amanda: Loyal.
Gordon: JT?
Amanda: Goofy.
Gordon: Colby?
Amanda: Statuesque.
Gordon: Sandra?
Amanda: Loud.
Gordon: The ridiculous amount of hidden immunity idols?
Amanda: Annoying.

Gordon: And finally, if there were no in-game rules against it, who would win in a straight-up fight between you and Danielle?
Amanda: Oh, come on!
Gordon: I know the answer, but I have to ask.
Amanda: I would! There’s no question.

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