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‘Survivor’ Castaways Tina & Katie: ‘I May Have to Vote Her Off’

September 4, 2013

Katie Collins and Tina Wesson (CBS)

Quick Note: I had a chance to sit down with all twenty of the “Blood vs. Water” competitors before the game began. I’ll be posting exclusive interviews with each pairing in the days leading up to the September 18th season premiere. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for those interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and more…

Name: Tina Wesson
Age: 52
Relationship to Significant Castaway: Katie’s Mother
Previous Season: Winner of “Survivor: The Australian Outback” and “Survivor: All Stars” – first player eliminated.
Current Residence: Robbinsville, North Carolina
Occupation: Motivational Speaker

Name: Katie Collins
Age: 25
Relationship to Significant Castaway: Tina’s Daughter
Current Residence: New York, New York
Occupation: Hedge Fund Support
Personal Claim to Fame: Raising thousands of dollars for the American Lung Association by climbing 55 flights of stairs at Penn Plaza.
Pet Peeves: Grammar misuses and poor manners.

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Gordon Holmes: Tina, you I know. A former “Survivor” champ, a former “Survivor” Power Rankings participant. Tell me about this Katie person.
Tina Wesson: My daughter Katie is this amazing young woman. When they called and said they had this concept to bring out a loved one, she’s got a brother who’s 13 months younger than her, and so I had to pick who to bring out here with me. And, I chose Katie because Katie is one of those people who’s very social, everybody knows “Survivor” is a social game. So, I thought Katie would do great with that. She never quits. I don’t care what they throw at us, my daughter will never quit. She’s an adventurous, independent woman and I’m just so happy to be out here with her.
Gordon: Katie, I was going to give you the chance to agree or disagree, but how could you possibly disagree with such a growing assessment?
Katie Collins: I know! (Laughs) I would disagree if she’d said I was just a rotten child. It is very sweet, but I have her to credit for this adventurous spirit that I have. She told me to be independent and break the mold. We live in the south and you get out of high school and you get married and you have kids. You stay in the same town. She encouraged me to follow my dreams, which is why I moved. I went for a goal that I set for myself. If she hadn’t encouraged me, I don’t know if I would have.
Gordon: You had to choose between your son and your daughter? My mom would never hear the end of it if she took my sister to “Survivor” over me.
Tina: I know! It really was brutal. And you have to be so careful about hurting their feelings. And they have this sibling rivalry of who I love most…
Gordon: And which one do you love most?
Tina: (Laughs)
Katie: I think it’s obvious.
Tina: Oh my gosh…
Katie: Me and my brother have different qualities and we could both bring something to this game. But, me and my mom, we’ve done more together. We’ve gone on trips together, we’ve hiked in Peru. I feel like we know each other really well. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and we’re a really good team. It’s no knock to my brother at all; I think we’re better suited.

Gordon: How old were you during “Survivor: The Australian Outback?”
Katie: I was thirteen years old. I was in middle school, that awkward stage of your life.
Gordon: Were you embarrassed?
Katie: I was a bit…
Gordon: Or was everyone impressed when she got the rice from the river?
Katie: Oh, that was huge! We would watch the show and during the commercials she’d say, “OK, this is what you didn’t see.” It was cool to have her be the commentator.
Gordon: Numbers-wise that season was a monster. We’ll probably never see anything like that again.
Tina: 36 million viewers, we beat out “Friends.”
Gordon: Tina, what was that like for you? People recognize the cast of “One World”, but Colby (Donaldson), Jerri (Manthey), and Tina were household names.
Tina: It’s crazy. I am not here for the television part of this experience. Besides Katie, I’m one of the few people who are not a television person. So, for me to get that, I had to adjust to it. I wasn’t used to attention and not being able to go anywhere. It was sheer insanity. I kept a journal that documented my itinerary and everything I did, and I look back at it and I’m thrilled and honored, and what a privilege. I got to experience things that nobody else got to experience. Colby and Elisabeth (Hasselbeck) got to have these amazing careers, but nobody got to have a year like I had.
Gordon: And, you whooped up on them. Jeff Probst didn’t hand Colby or Elisabeth a million-dollar check.
Tina: (Laughs) That’s right.
Katie: It’s neat. There were very few reality shows when she was on “Survivor.” Now you have tons and tons of reality shows. But back then it was just starting out.

Gordon: Katie, it says here that your pet peeves are grammar misuses and poor manners.
Katie: I sound like a stick in the mud. (Laughs)
Gordon: Now, it are possible that you could run into some of that out there.
Katie and Tina: (Laugh)
Gordon: Can you let that stuff slide or will that be a problem for you?
Katie: I was thinking more along the lines of when I’m on a date. That’s what came to mind when I was filling out the application. And it’s not like I’m going to throw a table over because someone…
Gordon: You didn’t conjugate that verb properly!
Katie: Don’t end a sentence with a preposition! When someone sends me a text that says, “U R…”
Gordon: You freak right out.
Katie: I don’t freak out. But if I go on a date and the guy sends me a text that says, “U R awesome” without a period…
Gordon: That’s a deal breaker.
Katie: It’s a deal breaker, actually.
Tina: (Gasps)
Gordon: You send him packing.
Tina: No wonder I don’t have grandchildren!
Gordon: This process is meant to introduce the players to the fans, but I feel like Tina’s the one who’s learning.
Tina: I am going to…
Katie: And contractions… and poor manners? I can deal with burping and other things. But don’t fart in front of me.
Gordon: I hadn’t intended on it, but now that I’ve been warned…
Katie: I know there’s going to be ten of us spooning under a shelter and someone’s going to do it. Maybe it’ll even be me, who knows?
Tina: Oh my…

Gordon: Nobody knows this better than you, Tina…winners have automatic targets on their backs.
Tina: I think that in All-Stars I got a really good taste of no winners allowed. I think that the fact that I won so long ago and some of the people were so young, that I’m hoping that I won’t be seen as this person who is a former winner. The bigger threat to me is that I’m an older woman. I’m the oldest woman, I’m almost 53. And when you first go out there you’re playing as a team and if you’re not contributing to help win that challenge, you’re out. So, that’s the thing that I feel more threatened about.
Katie: I’ll give her credit. We trained a little bit…well…we trained for one day before we got out here.
Gordon: That is a little bit.
Tina: One day together, we trained by ourselves before.
Katie: (Laughs) We were running side by side. We had one earbud each.
Gordon: That’s adorable.
Katie: We ran a couple of miles, we went kayaking. I think she’s going to be active until she’s almost 100.

Gordon: Francesca Hogi just set a “Survivor” record by being the only person to be voted out first in two seasons. Does that concern you that you could match that feat?
Tina: Absolutely. If I am first voted out, I don’t even want to say the words because that’s what Francesca did, that would be rough for me. I’m a very competitive person, but more so, I love this game. I love this game. I feel sorry for every single person who’s ever been voted out first, not because they were voted out first, but because they don’t get to experience “Survivor.” I like that we starve and we’re miserable because it gives us the opportunity to see what so many other people go through. We’re never tested to see what our true grit is. “Survivor” gives us that gift. Katie is going to find out exactly what she’s made of.

Gordon: This is the first time that people are entering the game as pairs. What strategies have you two been discussing?
Tina: We’re not real sure what’s going to happen. We don’t know if we’re apart or separate or what.
Katie: We could be on completely separate tribes. They haven’t told us one way or another.
Tina: I’ve talked to Katie about who to trust, who not to trust. I’ve seen every episode of every season. I love this show. Katie hasn’t had cable since she was in high school. If we’re together, I’ve got her under my wing and we can work together. She can go to the young people, because usually the young people don’t migrate to the older folks. Then, when we’re apart, she’s on her own.
Katie: We have to have two strategies; one as a pair and one as individuals. We don’t know, Probst could throw in 100 different elements.
Tina: It’s not like “Amazing Race” where you’re trying to go deep into the game as a team. There’s only one winner. She may have to vote me off, I may have to vote her off. And I told her, “Katie, don’t get so emotionally attached in this game because it ruins it. If you’re so engaged that you get voted off and you’re so mad, you don’t get to experience everything ‘Survivor’ is. And our love transcends this game. If you can go farther by voting me off, sister? Knock yourself out.” And I mean that.
Katie: Our relationship is not going to hinder our game. What we have to do on the game of “Survivor,” it’s not going to be taken personally.

Gordon: What do you think of the cast so far?
Tina: I think this cast is very interesting. Gervase is here from season one. I haven’t seen him in years. I’m so happy to see him. And then there are people who are villainous…Tyson…
Katie: There are some old-school and new-school people.
Gordon: Is there anyone in particular you’d like to align with?
Katie: We talked about it before we came out here. There are a few people, Aras and his brother. We think they’ll be good to have on our side. They seem like they’re trustworthy.
Tina: Which is so important in this game.
Katie: We’ve talked about Monica and Brad being on our side. And I’m going to try to reel in the younger crowd. I’m great at talking, and I can relate, and I’m hoping I can make some friends out here.

Gordon: Anyone you’re wary of?
Tina: Yes!
Katie: Tina.
Tina: (Laughs) Tyson! Tyson’s one of those guys that I don’t feel like you can trust at all.
Katie: I wonder how his girlfriend is going to be…
Tina: She dates him. That should tell you something.
Gordon: I don’t know. My girlfriend dates me and she’s a wonderful person.
Tina: (Laughs) Oh, stop it.
Katie: They had a stare-off at the airport.
Gordon: Wait…what?
Tina: He was looking at me with that very mean, serious stare and I wasn’t going to back down.
Gordon: Already, yikes.
Tina: But we could get out there on the beach and we could form an alliance. That’s what’s crazy about this show.

Gordon: What is it like when you guys fight?
Katie and Tina: We’ve never had a fight.
Katie: And I know that’s hard to believe.
Gordon: I don’t believe one word of it.
Tina: She was a great child.
Katie: I was terrified, because in the south you can still get spanked with the wooden spoon or the belt. It’s not like, “I’m going to take away your Nintendo DS.”
Tina: Katie was so easy growing up. It’s her brother that was the troublemaker.
Gordon: That’s why he’s not here.
Tina: (Laughs) That’s right.

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

Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.

Tags:jeff probst, katie collins, survivor, survivor blood vs. water, tina wesson
Posted in Fall TV 2013, RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor’ Castaways Tina & Katie: ‘I May Have to Vote Her Off’

‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Behind the Scenes: The 2nd Immunity Challenge

September 4, 2013

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water'' (XFINITY)

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There was no time for gloating after my Redemption Island triumph as I was immediately tossed into a van and carted off to the traditional Dream Team vs. Press Members immunity challenge run.

Note: The Dream Team is a group of production assistants who test out all of the challenges. Basically it’s the best summer job you can ever have.

However, because of the large amount of press at this season’s junket, we weren’t able to do a straight-up press vs. Dream Team challenge. So, we ended up with two Dream Teamers on our side and two Dream Teamers on the opposing side.

The challenge shakes out like this; one unfortunate tribe member will cram his or herself into a tiny barrel that wreaks of glue. Then, three of his or her tribemates, who are attached at the waist, will roll the barrel up and into a special barrel-shaped cradle. The barrel dweller will then hop out, climb onto the barrel, and untie a bag of balls.

From there, Mr. or Mrs. Unlucky will hop back into their barrel. The rollers will back the barrel out of the cradle, proceed to the next stand and continue the ball-retrieving process. There are four cradles in all and they are arranged in a zig-zag pattern along the course. Needless to say, this could cause some barrel-related collisions.

Once all four bags have been retrieved, the barrel will be rolled into a final cradle and the inhabitant will burst forth to present the rest of the tribe with his or her bounty. The four remaining players will then roll the balls up a skee-ball-esque structure. The first tribe to land six balls in place wins immunity and the adoration of everyone in attendance.

When given the choice of Dream Team members, I was quick to choose my nemesis from the Redemption Island challenge, Andrew. I knew he had the goods. Our second pick was much more strategic as we went with Dexter, the smallest Dream Teamer available (some might even call him barrel-sized).

The rest of my team was made up of “Survivor” Hall of Fame executive committee voters Dalton Ross, Dru Moorhouse, Shawna Malcom, Mara Reinstein and “Survivor” Hall of Fame Inductee Parvati Shallow. “Team Survivor Hall of Fame” might not have been the most clever name, but that’s what we went with anyways.

We did some quick strategizing and decided that a trio of myself, Dalton, and Parvati handling the barrel pushing was the best way to go. I think our logic was that because Dalton and I are similar heights and Parvati is slightly shorter, that somehow our reach would match the contour of the barrel. Meh…it sounds kind of ridiculous now, but it made sense at the time.

Anywho, we took our positions and Jeff Probst asked, “Survivors, ready?” Then, without even waiting for our answer, he said, “Go!”

So rude.

Dexter hopped into the barrel and we were off. When we hit the first cradle, we had some trouble going straight up the ramp, so Dalton and I just lifted it up and plopped it into place. Illegal? Maybe. But, nobody said we couldn’t.

Dexter popped out of the barrel and quickly went to work. We steadied him on the barrel while he attacked the knots and retrieved our first bag.

Quick Aside: Dexter is a champ. It was a billion degrees out there and that barrel stunk.

We were able to complete the rest of the course ahead of our opponents utilizing a mixture of Dexter’s agility and the quasi-legal lift-and-drop method.

For the skee-ball portion, it basically came down to figuring out who our ball-rolling talent was and sticking with them. (This wasn’t a tough call as one of our skee-ball tossers…who shall remain nameless…missed the ramp entirely.)

The other tribe was game and even managed to take the lead at one point, but our ball rollers were able to come back and win it. Team “Survivor” Hall of Fame had lived up to their name.

And having completed two challenges in the scorching sun in less than two hours, I finally had time for the gloating I’d missed out on earlier. But, I went for a nap instead.

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

Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.

Tags:jeff probst, parvati shallow, survivor, survivor blood vs. water
Posted in Fall TV 2013, RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Behind the Scenes: The 2nd Immunity Challenge

‘Survivor’ Castaways Rupert & Laura: ‘We Are Going to Be Able to Dominate’

September 3, 2013

Laura and Rupert Boneham (CBS)

Name: Rupert Boneham
Age: 49
Relationship to Significant Castaway: Laura’s Husband
Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Pearl Islands – second jury member, “Survivor: All Stars” – sixth jury member, won $1 million fan favorite vote, and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” – seventh jury member.
Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Occupation: Mentor for Troubled Teens

Name: Laura Boneham
Age: 44
Relationship to Significant Castaway: Rupert’s Wife
Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Occupation: Merchandiser
Personal Claim to Fame: Raising a bright, independent, beautiful daughter who is now thirteen years old.
Pet Peeves: Mean people and people being treated unfairly.

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Note: Survivors are not permitted to talk or interact before the game begins. So, this interview was the first time Rupert and Laura were allowed to interact in days. Immediately after sitting down, the two embraced and started kissing.

Gordon Holmes: You guys have been married forever and are still smooching like that?
Laura Boneham: They won’t let us sit together. They’re torturing us.
Rupert Boneham: This is my best friend.

Gordon: We spoke at the “Survivor” 10-year reunion a few years ago and I asked you two when Laura was going to be on the show. You were both like, “No, she wouldn’t be into it.”
Laura: (Laughs)
Gordon: Then I show up here this morning, and look who’s here.
Laura: Here I am!
Gordon: Why would you guys lie to me? That’s messed up.
Rupert: At the time there was no way in heck Laura would have played.
Laura: I’ve changed a lot. I’ve grown with this experience, with the fame. I’ve come into myself.
Rupert: Laura’s a lot stronger now. And, with all the paperwork we’ve ever signed…
Laura: It said, “Family members are not eligible.”
Rupert: Family members will never play. They changed the rules.
Laura: It shocked the (expletive deleted) out of me when they called.

Gordon: There’s never been a season like this. What strategies have you prepared going into the game?
Rupert: You know, we’re the best camping team I know. You might’ve seen me swimming in “Survivor,” Laura’s a better swimmer than I am.
Laura: We’re both care givers, we’re both providers, we’re both protectors. We both love the water, love the ocean. And we’ve dealt with a lot of crap and difficult people.
Rupert: I am way too trusting. I believe everyone.
Laura: I don’t believe anybody.
Rupert and Gordon: (Laughs)
Laura: We’re here for a million bucks. I keep him grounded and remind him of that.
Rupert: It’s already started with this little scenario we’ve got right now. I smile at everybody. I think everybody likes me. And then I realize there’s stuff going on behind my back.
Laura: Of course.
Rupert: And Laura is helping me see that.

Gordon: The fans gave you a million dollars for being likable. That’s going to put a target on your back.
Rupert: It’ll put a giant target on my back, and there’s only a few winners out here. There’s a lot of people that want to win.
Laura: And want the fame.
Rupert: The fame that we never asked for.
Laura: We just want to play a game.

Gordon: What’s your early take on this cast?
Rupert: We are going to be able to dominate them, oh my gosh.
Laura: The first night people went inside when it started raining! It starts pouring down rain…
Rupert: And they run!
Gordon: I was here for that. I ran inside. I curled up in the fetal position under my bed. But I made it through.
Rupert: (Laughs) And that’s very good.
Laura: They’re scared of things moving. One girl had to have the staff come and sweep the ants away from under her chair. There’s going to be discomfort.

Gordon: The game has evolved so much from Pearl Islands, from Heroes vs. Villains, have you been on top of all the changes?
Laura: You can never be prepared for this game.
Rupert: One of the encouraging moments during the meeting yesterday was when they said they want to get back to the basics.
Laura: They want to show the struggle.
Rupert: That’s what we’re ready for.
Laura: Forget the idols, forget bringing back people who’ve already been voted out.
Rupert: If we get an idol it’s going right in our pocket and you’ll never see them again until we need them.

Gordon: “Survivor” is known for its wacky twists. Is there anything you’re anticipating?
Rupert: They’re going to put us together and then rip us apart.
Laura: Of course they’re going to mess with us like that. They’re going to tease us together.
Rupert: It will be very emotional.
Gordon: Were you the family visit all three times?
Rupert: In Pearl Islands Laura spent one night and then went back. I got voted out that night.

Gordon: Laura, it says your pet peeves are mean people and people being treated unfairly. Have you seen “Survivor?”
Laura and Rupert: (Laughs)
Gordon: Are you someone who can see things you hate and keep it inside, or do you have to do something?
Laura: I’m not going to make any huge moves if I don’t have to. I’ll keep it inside and be tolerant.

Gordon: Rupert, this is your fourth time at the dance. Each time you went deep into the game. Do you know how many days total?
Rupert: A hundred days. The only male, there are two females to make it 100 days in three games.
Gordon: Amanda Kimmel and Parvati Shallow.
Rupert: It’s a little different when you can let something flop out and rub it on someone and say, “Please keep me.” And I watched both of them do that.
Gordon: You never tried that move?
Laura: (Laughs)
Rupert: When Parvati did that to Russell (Hantz) and said, “I love you.”
Laura: Eww…
Rupert: And she stayed.
Laura: She tried it on Rupert too, but it didn’t work.

Gordon: What advice has Rupert given you about surviving the game?
Laura: Lots of what to eat, how to build a shelter. What to look out for.
Rupert: Where to get your greens.
Gordon: What could Rupert have done better during his time out there?
Laura: Not trust people!
Rupert: (Laughs)
Laura: But he made it to the final four playing the way he did.
Rupert: Laura is going to be that strength that says, “Stop believing everything.”
Laura: We’re all here for a million bucks. People lie.
Gordon: It feels like the best case scenario in these pairings is when the returnee’s weakness matches their loved one’s strength.
Laura: We’re the yin and yang, we complement each other so well.
Rupert: We’re coming up on 16 years of marriage and we still love each other like best friends.

Gordon: You look like you’re in better shape than we’ve seen you in the past.
Rupert: I usually go into these around 260, I’m now at 205 and that scares me.
Gordon: Was this an intentional move to make yourself more mobile?
Rupert: Running for Governor will knock the weight off of you. The stress? Lack of food? Lack of sleep? Seven days a week.
Gordon: Like “Survivor.”
Rupert: Right. It’ll knock it off of you.

Gordon: Now, you guys are disgusting because you’re still madly in love after 16 years.
Rupert and Laura: (Laughs)
Rupert: We’re not going to be too huggy/kissy out there.
Laura: We can’t bond too much.
Gordon: Very happy for you. But on the flip side, what is it like when you fight?
Laura: We try not to go to bed angry. We try to resolve it. I yell a lot. He’s very passive.
Rupert: (Laughs)
Laura: I let him have it and he just takes it.
Rupert: We fight. Everybody fights. You’ll see that in the game. We’ll try to tell each other what to do and the other will say, “Shut the hell up.”
Laura: We both try to be the boss.

Gordon: Is there anyone you’re wary of? Anyone you want to align with?
Rupert: I’m always wary of the kids and one of them who is already starting to smile at me is little Kat.
Laura: And we love Tina. We adore Tina.
Rupert: And I feel so bad that on All-Stars I was on the tribe that put her out first. Tyson was involved with the breaking of my foot.
Laura: Not on purpose.
Rupert: I had Boston Rob and Tyson and they’re beating the hell out of me and the next thing you know my foot is broken.
Laura: His girlfriend is not going to make it.
Rupert: His girlfriend is the one that is terrified of…
Laura: Of everything.
Rupert: Gervase I love.
Laura: They both have been very separate.
Rupert: I feel so bad for that girl.
Laura: She looks terrified. I don’t know if she’s his daughter or what.

Gordon: This is the first pairs pre-game “Survivor” interview I’ve ever done. And I’ve gotta tell you, Rupert. You’re gonna want to look out for Laura.
Rupert: (Laughs)
Gordon: She means business. She might be gunning for you.
Laura: Vote out America’s sweetheart?
Rupert: I’ve already told Laura, if she needs to vote me out it’s OK.
Gordon: Did she say the same thing?
Rupert: (Laughs)
Laura: I don’t think there’s a scenario where I’d write his name down unless he was in the finals.
Rupert: I’ll never write Laura’s name down. You can bank on that.

Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.

Tags:jeff probst, laura boneham, rupert boneham, survivor, survivor blood vs. water
Posted in Fall TV 2013, RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor’ Castaways Rupert & Laura: ‘We Are Going to Be Able to Dominate’

Behind the Scenes of the First ‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Immunity Challenge

September 1, 2013

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (XFINITY)

Quick Note: I had a chance to sit down with all twenty of this season’s competitors in the days before “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” began. Starting Tuesday, September 3rd I’ll be posting exclusive interviews with each pairing. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for those interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and more…

The big hook around this upcoming season of “Survivor” is; what will happen when loves ones have to compete against each other? Can a wife take down her husband? Will an uncle play fair against his niece? Will a fiancé give his all against his future spouse?

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The first time we’ll get to see the “Survivor” pairs square off will be in the immunity challenge on day three. I was on location for this confrontation and brought back a look at what the tribes will have to do to bring home that all-important first immunity…

First up, six members from each tribe will sprint across the beach, and then up and over this net obstacle.

From there, they’ll have to get all six members over this weird, rolling log thingy.

Next up, they’ll all have to climb onto this platform. They’ll then have to climb to the top of the stack of crates and leap back into the water.

For the final part of the water section, they’ll swim to their tribe’s boat, swim down to release it, then row it (and the chest of puzzle pieces) back to shore.

Once the chest is back to shore, the tribe will crack it open and retrieve the puzzle pieces. Then the final three tribe members will use the pieces to construct a wheel. Once the puzzle is together, they’ll use it to raise their tribe’s flag. First tribe to raise their flag wins immunity and Thanksgiving dinner bragging rights for the rest of their lives.

Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.

Tags:jeff probst, survivor, survivor blood vs. water
Posted in Fall TV 2013, General, RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on Behind the Scenes of the First ‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Immunity Challenge

A Sneak Peek at the First ‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Redemption Island Duel

August 30, 2013

'Survivor' Dream Teamers Stephanie, Gordon, and July (XFINITY)

One of the highlights of my “Survivor” visits is always the Press vs. Dream Team immunity challenge.

Note: The “Dream Team” is Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer’s crack team of production assistants who run the immunity challenges to make sure they’re safe, fair, and entertaining.

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These test runs really give me a feel for what it’s like to be in a Survivor’s muddy shoes. As I’ve said in the past, I’m always looking for an angle for how my mindset as a challenge participant can compare to an actual in-game competitor’s. Over my four previous set visits, I’d gone from being a wide-eyed newbie, to someone hungry for his first victory, to a grizzled veteran. But, there was one thing I was still desperate to experience…

An individual challenge.

Now usually there aren’t any individual challenges to test while I’m out there. But luckily for me, the 37 twists being used for this season included a Redemption Island duel (or tr-uel) on Day Four.

So, when John Kirhoffer asked if I wanted to participate in the first Redemption Island dress rehearsal, I jumped at the chance.

And it was a full-on dress rehearsal. We were going to do a walkthrough of everything that would take place during a Redemption Island shoot.

When I arrived at the super impressive Redemption Island set, I was sent to stand with the other Dream Teamers in the jungle. It was there that I met my fellow competitors and soon to be worst enemies, Stephanie and July.

The other Dream Teamers filed into the stadium and up into the bleachers while Stephanie, July, and I waited for our cue. I did my best to bribe my two opponents, but was unsuccessful. Apparently the lure of official “Survivor” Hall of Fame water bottles wasn’t enough for either one of them to take a dive.

Finally, a producer gave us the nod and we crossed the field and took our marks in front of “Survivor” host Jeff Probst.

My first impressions of the new Redemption Island set is that it is hot. Like, ridiculously hot. It’s also huge. The camera may only show the bleachers where the loved ones are seated, but there’s a much larger set of bleachers on the other side. And for this day’s challenge they were packed with crew members. To call this environment stressful would be an understatement. Hundreds of eyes, all pointed at the three lightly toasted combatants.

Never one to miss taking a shot at me, Probst pointed out, “Nice to see John finally hiring an older Dream Team member. Who is this guy?”

Never one to miss an opportunity to annoy a 40-time Emmy winner, I responded, “Jeff…it’s me, Gordon Holmes from XFINITY. I interviewed you yesterday.”

Sufficiently annoyed, Probst laughed and shook his head. He then went about introducing the season’s new twist. If a Redemption Island combatant’s loved one is still in the game, they are allowed to swap places before the duel. For the purposes of the dress rehearsal, Stephanie swapped with her loved one Andrew. She joined his tribe and he took the floor to face me in the challenge. July talked with her loved one, but decided to stay. I didn’t get a chance to confer with anyone. I assume it’s because my loved one is long gone in this scenario, but a part deep down in my psyche worries that it was because nobody loves me.

Then it was on.

The challenge was a reworking of one that had been done in “Survivor: One World.” The players would use metal rods to lift and guide wooden spools through a metal maze. Once the spool was through the maze, they’d place the spool on top of the maze. They’d then get another spool and do it again. Sound easy? Here’s the tricky part. The maze is held up by a spring. That makes for some shaky times. Hit the maze too hard and you could knock over your stack of spools and have to start all over again. The first two people to stack all ten of their spools would get to stick around. The third would be out of the game.

I tried to remember if Kim Spradlin had done anything specifically brilliant to win this challenge, but came up blank. All I could think of was, “slow and steady…don’t be the one who loses their stack.” Also, I figured it was OK to work quickly during the early stages when there was less of a chance of knocking over the spools.

We took our places, Mr. Probst hit his trademark lines, and we were off.

The biggest problem early on? That metal rod bends like crazy. I had enough trouble placing my first spool on top of the maze, I was dreading what it’d be like to place number ten.

But, I soldiered on. In fact, Andrew and I swapped the lead a few times in the early going. I even took some pride in the fact that my stack seemed straighter than his. Not bad for someone nearly twice his age.

It was about halfway through the challenge that I heard the sweetest words that have ever left Jeff Probst’s lips.

“July’s stack is down!”

I don’t know what happened. I didn’t see it. And frankly, I didn’t care. I just knew that she had bought me all the time in the world and I was determined to use it. As there was no difference between a first and second-place finish, I wasn’t going to do anything to risk coming in third. If Andrew slips up, awesome. If not, I hope he enjoys first place.

I immediately put things in deep freeze. I took my sweet time with each spool. I even took some time to use my rod to knock some spools into better alignment in my stack.

Andrew continued on at a solid pace and eventually won the challenge. I was only a spool behind him, July was several spools behind me. I cautiously threaded the spool through the maze, then cursed under my breath as the stupid bendy pole made placing the final spool an exercise in frustration.

A Victory Fist Pump (XFINITY)

When I was finally able to figure it out, Probst counted down from three, I was safe, and July was defeated. We shook hands and returned to our places in front of the arena. Andrew was given an immunity clue to give away. He chose to give it to his loved one Stephanie. Andrew and I were also given “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” buffs to commemorate our victories. All poor July got was the honor of being the first person to leave the “Blood vs. Water” Redemption Island in shame.

What was my big takeaway from the experience? I think the thing that stood out the most was how incredibly stressful it was. Everyone’s looking at you. You have no teammates to rely on or share the blame with in case of a mistake. And, as always, Probst was having a blast poking fun at us. I couldn’t imagine the stress I would have felt if July catching me would have cost me a million dollars. If July had come from behind and gotten the best of me in this exhibition, it wouldn’t have effected my life at all, but I was still a jittery mess. The only thing her win would’ve hurt was my challenge record.

Which is now an Ozzy-esque four wins and one loss.

Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.

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‘Survivor’ Host Jeff Probst Explains the Many ‘Blood vs. Water’ Twists

August 21, 2013

"Survivor" Host Jeff Probst (Photo: CBS)

Thirteen years ago, a group of sixteen Americans traveled to a distant land to play a simple game. Every three days they’d get together to vote someone away, then the last two people standing would face a jury of their peers. That jury would award a million dollars to the person who they felt was the most deserving.

This ain’t that game.

Oh sure, someone will still be awarded a million dollars by a jury of their peers, but the path to get there will be different than any other version in the show’s history.

To get some clarity on all of these crazy twists, I voyaged to the jungles of the Philippines and hunted down host Jeff Probst. Once I had him trapped, I forced him to shed some light on what has the potential to be the most unpredictable season of “Survivor” ever…

Quick Note: I had a chance to sit down with all twenty of this season’s competitors in the days before the game began. Starting Tuesday, September 3rd I’ll be posting exclusive interviews with each pairing. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for those interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and more…

What Is Day Zero?
For the first time since “Survivor: The Australian Outback,” the game will last longer than 39 days. The night before the game starts, players will be paired with their loved ones and left in various places around the jungle. Jeff Probst clarified that this was all Mark Burnett’s idea, “Start the game the night before. Let them get dirty. Let them feel what it’s like, now you’ve got a taste of it. Now you vote them out…”

Wait…Vote Them Out?
When the pairs arrive on the beach, they’ll immediately be split into tribes and forced to vote someone off. No talking, no strategizing, no alliance forming, just voting. However, the two people who are voted off aren’t sent directly to Redemption Island. Their loved one will have the opportunity to take their place. Why was this done? Jeff Probst explained, “The producers thought it was very important to brand Redemption Island right out of the gate.” This new twist will accomplish this as the second episode will kick off with a three-way duel between the first two eliminated players and the person who is voted out during the first Tribal Council. The first two people to complete the challenge get to stay. The third person has some buff burning to do.

The Return of Redemption Island
Why did “Survivor” bring back one of their most polarizing twists ever? “One of the reasons that those of us who like Redemption Island like it so much is it keeps great characters in the game a little longer,” Probst said. “That’s what you want, you want your best characters on screen. It’s like the loser’s bracket, but they’re still playing. I don’t have any issues with the second chance, I don’t come from that world. I get it, some people think when you’re out, you’re out. That’s a fair argument, I just don’t agree with it. I grew up playing sandlot baseball. I liked the loser’s bracket. You still get to play on Sunday. It made sense this time because we’ve got returning players, so we’re going to keep some of them longer.”

The Ol’ Redemption Island Wife Swap
Redemption Island isn’t immune from the mega-twist treatment either. Now players who are still in the game will have an opportunity to take their loved one’s place before the duel. Probst hypothesized, “At each duel you’ll get the chance to take (your loved one’s) spot. So, as we get closer to the merge, maybe I decide I can win two duels. My wife hasn’t been eating, she isn’t doing too well. I’m going to put her back in the game and take myself out. Everybody’s going to be there. Everyone is going to see your decision. You’ve got to do it in front of everyone. You’ll get a minute to come down and talk it out with your loved one. What’s the vibe, where are you at? And then suddenly that person who was just about to fight for their life? They get to put the buff back on and they’re safe and their partner is down there in a duel. Somebody’s going to make that move at Redemption Island and it’s going to be exciting.”

And Those Pesky Immunity Idols?
“This year, we have a twist with the hidden immunity where we’re going to hide them so they’ll require a clue,” Probst revealed. “But, the clue will be given out by the winner at Redemption Island. So, now you have another layer where at Redemption Island I’m fighting for my life, and if I win I’m in charge of who gets the clue. I can give it to anyone I want on either tribe. Will I try to win favor back? Will I give it to my spouse? A lot of strategy because the person who is giving the clue wants back into the game. And the clue is currency. I’ve got to get something for it.”

Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.

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First Look at the ‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ Castaways

August 21, 2013

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (XFINITY)

During the “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites” finale, the good folks at CBS teased us with the visual of a drop of red dye splashing into a pool of clear water and a snazzy logo that said “Blood vs. Water.” Today I’m here to tell you exactly what they were hinting at…

The 27th season of the legendary reality competition “Survivor” will feature several game-bending twists (which Jeff Probst breaks down here), the return of the polarizing Redemption Island, and one of the most unique casts ever. This new cast will consist of ten returning players, each with their own loved one. This motley crew includes…

•   Three former million-dollar winners.
•   One of the most popular players of all time.
•   One of the most hated players in recent “Survivor” history.
•   A former “Big Brother” winner.
•   A player who is returning to a “Survivor” beach for the first time in thirteen years.

	Name: Tyson Apostol Age: 34 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Rachel’s boyfriend Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Tocantins” – second jury member and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” – sixth person voted out. Current Residence: Provo, Utah Occupation: Former Pro Cyclist/Shop Manager Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I returned to “Survivor” to play with my loved one so we could make some sweet cash, have a rad experience, and an excuse to take all life’s responsibilities off for a couple months.
	Name: Rachel Foulger Age: 33 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Tyson’s girlfriend Current Residence: Provo, Utah Occupation: Cocktail Waitress/Graphic Designer Personal Claim to Fame: Starting and owning my own business that landed sales with Target and QVC. Pet Peeves: Chewing with your mouth open, driving slow in the fast lane, getting in my personal space. Three Words to Describe You: Motivated, creative, and happy. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I’m hardworking, people friendly, and sneaky.
	Name: Rupert Boneham Age: 49 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Laura’s Husband Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Pearl Islands – second jury member, “Survivor: All Stars” – sixth jury member, won $1 million fan favorite vote, and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” – seventh jury member. Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana Occupation: Mentor for Troubled Teens Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: “Survivor” has been one of the most exciting experiences in my life. And to have the chance to share that with my wife is amazing. To have Laura out there on the island with me, we will have the chance to share one of the greatest adventures one can have. You can describe what “Survivor” is like, but until you’ve lived it, it is hard to understand. To be able to go out and play with my best friend will be a dream come true.
	Name: Laura Boneham Age: 44 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Rupert’s Wife Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana Occupation: Merchandiser Personal Claim to Fame: Raising a bright, independent, beautiful daughter who is now thirteen years old. Pet Peeves: Mean people and people being treated unfairly. Three Words to Describe You: Strong, smart, and brave. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am a huge competitor and game player. I am a leader that can positively bond our tribe. I can fish, forage for food, and work exceptionally hard at camp.
	Name: Aras Baskauskas Age: 31 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Vytas’ Brother Previous Season: The winner of “Survivor: Panama – Exile Island.” Current Residence: Santa Monica, California Occupation: Musician Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I want to play “Survivor” with Vytas because I know we’ll have a great shot at winning. More importantly, I know an experience like “Survivor” will bring us closer together. Early in our lives, we had a very rocky relationship. Taking on adventures as adults gives us the chance to make up for lost time.
	Name: Vytas Baskauskas Age: 33 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Aras’ Brother Current Residence: Santa Monica, California Occupation: Yoga Instructor/Math Professor Personal Claim to Fame: Beating heroin addiction, yoga discipline, and receiving a graduate degree in math. Pet Peeves: Stupidity and show-offs. Three Words to Describe You: Smart, strong-willed, and unique. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am very assertive. It is unlike me to not get what I want. I am also smart and sociable so my people skills will do me well. I have a good social awareness. My personality is unique and although I may not be the most-liked, that’s not such a bad thing in getting to the end.
	Name: Gervase Peterson Age: 43 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Marissa’s Uncle Previous Season: “Survivor: Borneo” – third jury member Current Residence: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Occupation: Cigar Lounge Owner Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I wanted to return to “Survivor” because I felt that I could win the game if given another chance, and what better way to play than to play with my niece, Marissa. She is just as driven, focused, and competitive as me. This is the ultimate experience and I get to share it with her.
	Name: Marissa Peterson Age: 21 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Gervase’s Niece Current Residence: Chapel Hill, North Carolina Occupation: Student Personal Claim to Fame: Putting myself through college. Pet Peeves: When people say they’re going to do something and don’t do it. Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous, and passionate. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I have strong will power, I’m mentally and physically fit, and I don’t give up.
	Name: Kat Edorsson Age: 23 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Hayden’s Girlfriend Previous Season: “Survivor: One World” – sixth jury member Current Residence: Orlando, Florida Occupation: Full-time Student/Sales Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: I couldn’t ask to play a better game with a better man. “Survivor” has change my life in more ways than one, so to return for a second season and to compete for a million dollars with someone I love is a dream. Living states away for a year now, winning “Survivor” would change our lives. Besides, who doesn’t want to see what their man is made of!
	Name: Hayden Moss Age: 26 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Kat’s Boyfriend Current Residence: Springtown, Texas Occupation: Real Estate Personal Claim to Fame: Winning “Big Brother 12.” Pet Peeves: Wrinkly clothes. Three Words to Describe You: Athletic, popular, and respectful. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I have already played and won a game very similar to “Survivor.”
	Name: Candice Cody (formerly Candice Woodcock) Age: 30 Relationship to Significant Castaway: John’s Wife Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Cook Islands” – fifth jury member and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians” – fifth jury member Current Residence: Washington, D.C. Occupation: Physician, Anesthesiology Resident Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: We are both successful in our individual lives, but we never get a chance to be competitive and play together on a team. I can’t think of anybody I would trust more to be on my side as a teammate. I’m very proud of my husband and I want to show him off!
	Name: John Cody Age: 30 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Candice’s Husband Current Residence: Washington, D.C. Occupation: Physician: Army Orthopedic Surgery Resident Personal Claim to Fame: Being a West Point grad, graduating from Georgetown Medical School and training at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for my Orthopedic Surgery residency. Pet Peeves: Slow thinkers, talkers, and movers, people who eat paper, illogical, irrational and inflexible people, excuses, mouth breathers. Three Words to Describe You: Competitive, off-the-cuff, and loyal. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I have a well-rounded mix of athleticism, grit, and social emotional intelligence.
	Name: Laura Morett Age: 43 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Ciera’s Mother Previous Season: “Survivor: Samoa” – third jury member Current Residence: Salem, Oregon Occupation: Co-owner of Morett Construction Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: So that Ciera will understand what I went through. Now for the rest of our lives we’ll always have this experience to remember and share.
	Name: Ciera Eastin Age: 24 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Laura’s Daughter Current Residence: Salem, Oregon Occupation: Cosmetology Student Personal Claim to Fame: Despite the fact that I got pregnant at 17, I am most proud of the fact that I finished high school, worked three jobs to support my daughter, and now I am happily married with two beautiful children. Pet Peeves: Incompetent people, slow moving people, and negative people who bring the mojo down. Three Words to Describe You: Competitive, social/personable, and sarcastic. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I bring a “get er’ done” attitude. I don’t sulk or whine and I’m an intense fighter and competitor. I’ll be great to have around camp because I’m resourceful and creative. I’m hard working, I’m goofy and fun which can be uplifting and encouraging. I’m all around great for this game.
	Name: Monica Culpepper Age: 42 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Brad’s Wife Previous Season: “Survivor: One World” – fifth person eliminated Current Residence: Tampa, Florida Occupation: Former NFL Wife, Homemaker Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: I wanted the chance to redeem myself from my early exit on One World and there is no better way to do that than with the love of my life and lifelong tribemate, Brad. He’s my guy and having my “shield” out there is an adventure in itself.
	Name: Brad Culpepper Age: 44 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Monica’s Husband Current Residence: Tampa, Florida Occupation: Attorney and Retired NFL Player. Played for the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears. Personal Claim to Fame: My 21-year marriage. Pet Peeves: Hypocrisy and long goodbyes. Three Words to Describe You: Tenacious, independent, and forward-thinking. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I grew up in a stilt house on Dog Island in the Gulf of Mexico, spent 18 years in various locker rooms dealing with all kinds, and have devoted my last 12 years as a trial attorney, persuading people to understand my clients’ positions.
	Name: Colton Cumbie Age: 22 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Caleb’s Fiancé Previous Season: “Survivor: One World” – medically evacuated on day sixteen due to illness. Current Residence: Collinsville, Alabama Occupation: Student Teacher Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I probably wouldn’t have said yes to returning if not for this specific twist. Last time I played I was extremely homesick and missed Caleb like crazy. He is my best friend and probably is the one between the two of us who should’ve been on “Survivor” in the first place. While I’m a highly emotional person, Caleb is very logical. He also keeps me calm in stressful situations. Having him with me will give me the emotional stability I need to combine with my already strong concept of strategy.
	Name: Caleb Bankston Age: 26 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Colton’s Fiancé Current Residence: Collinsville, Alabama Occupation: Post Office Manager/Farmer Personal Claim to Fame: Shooting a 12-point buck on my first deer hunt. Pet Peeves: People who don’t put down their cell phones. Three Words to Describe You: Hard-working, hard-headed, and outdoorsman. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am very good at working with my hands, really good at figuring things out, and problem solving.
	Name: Tina Wesson Age: 52 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Katie’s Mother Previous Season: Winner of “Survivor: The Australian Outback” and “Survivor: All Stars” – first player eliminated. Current Residence: Robbinsville, North Carolina Occupation: Motivational Speaker Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: “Survivor” gets in your blood. It is a thrill and an honor and a quest to get to play! Then to be able to share the experience with my daughter who happens to also be my best friend, what a gift!
	Name: Katie Collins Age: 25 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Tina’s Daughter Current Residence: New York, New York Occupation: Hedge Fund Support Personal Claim to Fame: Raising thousands of dollars for the American Lung Association by climbing 55 flights of stairs at Penn Plaza. Pet Peeves: Grammar misuses and poor manners. Three Words to Describe You: Creative, funny, and driven. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I’m wildly creative and that translates to everything I do; cooking, games and strategies that would put my team and I ahead of others.