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‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Episode Recap: A ‘Survivor’ First and a ‘Survivor’ Worst?

March 13, 2013

'Survivor: Caramoan' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Last Week: The favorites were visited by a bushman named Tata, while a grain of sand and a lack of challenge prowess respectively forced Shamar and Laura to say, “Ta ta.”

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Bikal Tribe (wearing purple)
Andrea – Entertainment Host and Writer, 23
Brandon – Chemical Disposal, 21
Brenda – Paddleboard Company Owner, 30
Cochran – Harvard Law Student, 25
Corinne – Pharmaceutical Sales, 33
Dawn – English Professor/Power Rankings Champ, 42
Erik – Comic Book Artist, 27
Malcolm – Bartender, 25
Phillip – Chief Executive Officer of Enter Software Sales, 54

The Gota Tribe (wearing orange)
Eddie – Firefighter/EMT, 23
Julia – Racecar Driver/Student, 21
Matt – Brand Manager of Two BMX Brands, 38
Michael – Event Planner, 44
Reynold – Sales, 30
Sherri – Fast Food Franchisee, 41

The countdown to Hantzageddon kicks off with a seemingly calm Gota camp after Tribal Council. See, one speck of sand helped bring the Gotians together. And while they aren’t yelling at each other, they do make it clear that Idol Hunt Part Deux is going to kick off at dawn.

Over at Bikal, Brandon is feeling bad about leaving his family to play “Survivor.” He tells everyone to vote him off the next time they go to Tribal Council. Wait, is this a “South Pacific” rerun?

The next morning, Brandon tells everyone that he doesn’t want to leave, he wants to play. Buh…

Reward Challenge Time: Two members from each tribe will hold onto ropes that are holding up nets. Members of the other tribe will shoot coconuts into the net basketball-style. When both of a tribe’s nets drop, they’ll lose. Winning tribe gets everything needed for a delicious barbecue.

Andrea, Dawn, and Erik will sit for Bikal.

Brandon and Phillip will hold nets for Bikal, Michael and Matt will hold for Gota.

Quick Note: This is very similar to a challenge that was used in the original “Fans vs. Favorites.”

Not much to describe here except for Phillip shouting out some kind of weird strength chant. Kinda like Alan Rickman in “Galaxy Quest.”

Another Quick Note: “Galaxy Quest” is very underrated.

Brandon is the first to drop his net, he’s followed by Matt. It’s a tough struggle between Phillip and Michael, but Michael can’t last and his net drops. Favorites win reward.

Yet Another Quick Note: When the Favorites went to pick up their barbecue stuff, Corinne made a beeline for the wine. That’s my girl.

Back at Gota beach, Sherri is not pleased that getting rid of Laura didn’t results in a challenge win. Because Laura would’ve been great at holding up twice her weight in coconuts.

The Gota idol hunt commences, and Matt lets us know that he definitely wants to find the idol. Thanks, Matt.

However, that’s quickly a moot point, because Reynold finds it again. This dude has won one challenge and found two idols.

Meanwhile at Bikal, Brandon is in a bad mood again.

Brenda pitches the idea of repositioning the tarp, but Phillip would like to conserve energy for challenges. Brandon comes to her defense (and Phillip wasn’t being confrontational) and says that Phillip is acting like a dictator.

Phillip stays level-headed, but Brandon wants to argue. Wow, I never thought I’d type the words, “Phillip stays level-headed.”

The two try to make peace…somewhat. They shake hands, but Phillip lets us know that Brandon’s going home at the next opportunity. Later, Phillip says that he’ll throw the challenge to get rid of Brandon. He even sounds concerned that Brandon could be a physical danger to someone. That’s telling.

Brandon and Phillip chat again and it goes downhill fast. The breaking point might be when Brandon starts making fun of the Stealth R Us Too nicknames. Too far, Brandon.

Oh wait, Brandon snaps and dumps out all of the beans and rice. He then yells at Phillip as Phillip smartly walks away. OK, that’s too far.

Quick Take: I will say that this is easily the least shocking “shocking” moment of all time. During our pre-game interview, Brandon was ready to flip out in an air-conditioned office. What did they expect would happen under the stressful, luxury-deprived conditions of “Survivor”? Actually, that’s probably exactly what they were expecting…

Immunity Challenge Time: Two members from each tribe…

Just kidding. Brandon tells the Fans not to let Phillip get to the end of the game. Reynold wants to know where Brandon is going to be.

Corinne steps up as the Favorites designated spokesmodel and says that they would like to forfeit the immunity challenge. This announcement doesn’t break the Fans’ hearts.

Probst smartly calls Brandon over before he gets a chance to straight up murder one of the Favorites.

Once Brandon has his own platform, he outs the Stealth R Us Too alliance and claims that Boston Rob is the only reason Phillip got to the end of “Redemption Island.” Well, he’s got a point there.

From there, Brandon rants on about a dozen other topics. This is not fun to watch.

Andrea breaks down and cries because she’s grown close to Brandon during their time together.

Brandon then claims that he dumped the rice to make things even for the Fans. Uh huh…

Phillip thinks Brandon needs to grow up. Brandon thinks Phillip needs to shut up. I think that when they look at me they throw up. (“Stand by Me” and “Galaxy Quest” in the same recap!)

Phillip brings up Brandon’s kids and that’s too much. Brandon starts to step toward Phillip, but Probst quickly diffuses the situation.

Probst then has the Favorites give the idol to the Fans. Reynold wants Probst to declare them the winners, which is hilarious.

From there, JPro let’s us know that they’re going to do Tribal right there and then. Sweet, night off for the crew.

Voting Time: Brandon votes for Phillip, everyone else votes for Brandon.

The sixth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites” is…Brandon.

Verdict: Well, that certainly happened.

I’ve often compared “Survivor” to a circus in that there’s really something for everyone. If you don’t like the smart strategy or the big personalities you might like the buff bodies or the physical challenges. And if you don’t like any of that, here’s some dude freaking out.

Are some people into that? Sure.

Is it my cup of tea? No.

“Survivor” at its best is a triumph of the human spirit over adverse conditions. When people from different walks of life can work together and create a community.

This was the exact opposite of that.

So, now that the Jerry Springer-inspired portion of the season is over, I’m looking forward to what the people who have a chance of winning this game are going to do.

Was It Irresponsible to Have Brandon Back? This reminds me of one time when I was babysitting my niece and my nephew. He was smaller than her and had knocked over some block structure she had built. She was livid, literally shaking. Ever fiber of her being wanted to knock that poor kid into next week. You could just sense it. She even raised her hands as if she was about to clobber him.

But she didn’t.

Why? Because she knew she would have been in serious trouble if she did.

It’s probably the same with Brandon. If he was truly crazy he could’ve just punched Phillip in the mouth.

So, I’ll reserve judgment on this issue until I’ve had a chance to interview some of the other members of Bikal. If they felt like they were in physical danger, then bringing him back was a mistake. If not, then it’s all part of the game.

Who’s Going to Win? If Reynold can find thirteen more idols, the million dollars is his. If not, my money’s still on Erik.

Power Rankings Results: Clearly Michael Skupin and I are psychic. How else could we have predicted that it was Brandon’s time to go home? We both had him in the bottom spot. The current score is Team Skupin 65, Team Lightning Punch 81.

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

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‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Power Rankings: Meltdown Edition

March 12, 2013

Brandon Hantz (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

The Rules: Each week Michael and Gordon will create separate Power Rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the two players will earn. For example, if Cochran is voted out this week, Michael will receive 4 points and Gordon will receive 2 points. The person with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the ‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Power Rankings champion!

Last Week: Michael and I both had Shamar in spot seventeen. Michael had Laura in twelve, while I had her in spot thirteen. So, Michael gets 29 total points, and I get 30. That brings our current score to Team Skupin: 50, Team Lighting Punch: 66.

Before we kick off this week’s rankings, let’s check in with our competitors…

Michael Skupin: Two challenges are back!
Gordon Holmes: Oh, I knew that would make you happy. What’d you think of last week’s episode?
Skupin: The fans are still wearing shoes for every water challenge…what a disadvantage…think competing in soggy, heavy, squishy sneakers. And we got a celebrity appearance from a man named after women’s floatation devices, “TaTa” and he certainly lived up to his name. I was as interested in his shelter building as I was his island chef routine. The fans “sans tarp” sure could have used him. And for the recond, I loved the “local flavor” of this twist!

Holmes: Any parting words for Shamar?
Skupin: There’s so much irony in a man that did two tours in Iraq (90+% sand) and one grain of sand takes him out of this game.  I’m sure the pain was intense, but enduring pain on “Survivor” is part of it. As a soldier, you have ALL my respect and admiration forever no questions asked, as a Survivor…you never quite got it.  I’ll miss you out there.

Holmes: And for Laura?
Skupin: A gutsy, semi-strategical game we saw out there. You were potentially a couple of sessions through P90X short of making the merge.

Holmes: Do you think Gota can turn this thing around?
Skupin: Although it appears the fans have a decimated tribe (which is partially true), it may have actually been strengthened. Although a beast, what role would Shamar have played in the immunity challenge?  They remind me a bit of Matsing (blue tribe from “Survivor: Philippines”) when they were down to three pretty powerful athletes, Malcolm, Denise, and Russell Swan, but ended up one rice pot short of a victory.

Set Your DVR to Record ‘Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs Favorites”

Michael’s Current Score: 50

Any advice for Michael? Drop him a line on Twitter: @mikeskupin

Gordon’s Current Score: 66

Any advice for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Brenda: Stays at number one. We didn’t see much of the favorites…Tata got all their airtime and was certainly more interesting. A challenge beast again, this chica came to play.
  1. Malcolm: Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that this Wednesday’s episode will be forever known as “The One Where Brandon Freaks Out.” I’m assuming it’ll also be a perfect example of why Malcolm is so dangerous in the game of “Survivor.” Namely, the dude knows when to duck into the background and let other people fight. When Russell Swan was losing it, Malcolm was quiet. When Tandang was imploding, Malcolm was quiet. I expect to hear next to nothing from Malcolm this week.
 2. Malcolm: After living in Malaysia for 18 months and often catching his own dinner to make ends meet, he likely was the most entertained by Tata. Even with two challenges, nothing happened to make the favorites change any of their positions, although they didn’t put Malcolm in charge of the carnival games for the first time.
  2. Cochran: It’s hard to write about any member of Bikal this week without tying it into the impending meltdown. So, instead of going into how I think everyone should fade into the scenery, I’ll give odds on how that person set Brandon off… Odds – 30 to 1: Cochran asks for his “South Pacific” sweater vest back and Brandon is overcome with grief because he left it in Samoa.
 3. Dawn: She may have taken a vacation in this episode…maybe “mom” was out shopping or at the mall.  3. Dawn: Odds – 1000 to 1: Brandon has had it with Dawn’s constant cursing and spitting around camp and finally gives her a piece of his mind.

  4. Cochran: Although the red hue in his arms appears painful, understand pain is a part of the game. If Cochran ever says he was going “deer” hunting for food, we now know he’s more than likely “dear” hunting. I’m voting him most likely to be blindsided by Victoria’s Secret (she’s in this season … right?)
  4. Erik: Odds – 50 to 1: Erik proposes starting up a “Guys Who Foolishly Gave Away Their Immunity Idols Right Before Being Voted Out” support group. Brandon doesn’t react well to this idea.

  5. Michael: They haven’t shown any real relationship or alliance with Sherri but I see one brewing here. He moved up in the rankings because it appears he’s beginning to follow the power in his tribe. If the Michael/Matt alliance explodes, I’m afraid “The Beard” will be seen as the bigger threat and rightfully so. His “we’re not winning with you guys” rant regarding Reynold and Eddie was spot on.
  5. Michael:  Michael and Matt are two peas in a pod. They’re running the show over at Gota. However, Michael is doing a slightly better job, because it doesn’t come off like he’s controlling the game as much as Matt is.
 6. Sherri: The best expression at Tribal Council since Eliza Orlins! She lost a few spots based on her “yes, I said that,” uncharacteristic of her level-headed play thus far.  She’s still in a strong position and her name is not coming up during the many Tribal Council conversations swirling around the Gota tribe since they’ve gone three straight times.
  6. Matt: Basically what I said about Michael, but a little less subtle. And, the reason I’m pushing this point is it looks like Gota is going to hit the merge down numbers. When that happens, you don’t want to be the guy people are viewing as the leader. He’d be better off letting the remnants of Gota pitch ideas rather than coming up with them by himself.
 7. Matt: We’re way underestimating this guy I put as 19th in the Power Rankings week one.  He steadily moves up the charts. Matt’s methods are working great and I believe he literally has an alliance with everyone on his tribe.  He’s underestimated physically and has this calm…“It’s all good” non-threatening way. 
  7. Sherri: Alright Sherri, you’ve got some reorganizing to do. You lost your Phillip and your Natalie in a two-day period. That’s no good. I’m not too worried about you though. You should make it to the merge easily, and then have some room to maneuver while the alpha-types battle it out.
 8. Phillip: The first seven minutes of the episode were all Phillip and his antics. If corporations and coconuts have anything to do with success, we’re seeing the next Zuckerberg.  There’s so much other drama from what should be a drama-free, winning, eating, Tata-loving tribe…he’s beginning to fall under the radar.  Although it appears he’s scorning the most strategic player out there, Andrea.
  8. Andrea: Odds – 25 to 1: Brandon is mad that Andrea took him down last week with a side headlock takedown. However, Andrea refuses to give him a rematch.
 9. Andrea: She’s been scrambling it seems since day one out there but there are few more capable.  She’s good in challenges and strategically I think she’s safe.  She’s a farmer out there as she is constantly planting seeds and watching what blooms. 
  9. Corinne: Odds – 2 to 1: Brandon loses his cool when Corinne calls him “An unemployed, uneducated leech on society, and the only thing I’d vote to give you is a handful of anti-depressants so that no one else has to be subjected to your constant crying anymore.”
 10. Eddie: He appears to be less of a threat, yet less of a challenge beast than Reynold.  He’s been on the wrong side of every vote thus far.  If he could start playing both sides, he could possibly save himself if he makes it to the merge and create an entirely new game for himself. 
   10. Brenda: Odds – 10 to 1: Brenda’s…um…attractive physique…accidentally sparks some kind of Mikayla flashback.
 11. Julia: Although she was outted at Tribal Council as being the strongest female, and although strategically she doesn’t appear to be playing a strong game or in a good position, I think she’s safe for now.  She’s not this low in the ranking based on her safety in the game but based on her “power” in the game to change it. Step on the gas, race-car driver!
   11. Phillip: Odds – EVEN: Phillip’s crazy mixes with Brandon’s crazy and they have a bit of a crazy showdown.
 12. Corinne: I had so much hope for you out there this time.  The shift in your game play was awesome until you got over-charmed by Malcolm as so many have.  Instead of joining a two-person alliance, and being a three-headed force, you joined the new guy out there who is scrambling to find his place out there.
   12. Eddie: You and Reynold are kind of a matched pair at this point, but you might want to distance yourself from him. Reynold seems to be rubbing everyone the wrong way, but people seem to really like you. Maybe you, Julia, Sherri, Matt, and Michael can hold numbers until the merge.
 13. Reynold: Goodbye, “Not-so Hidden Immunity Idol.” Goodbye, chance of making the merge. The only reason you’ll live to see another day is you finding a way to beat the favorites in the immunity challenge. Sadly, your time left out there may be as short as your shorts. I really wish you understood this game, you’re a heck of a competitor. And one lesson you need to learn…people lie on “Survivor.” Even my day-one alliance and good friend Lisa Whelchel learned that eventually.
   13. Julia: If Gota loses again, they’re in deep trouble. As in, Pagonging-on-the-on-deck-circle kind of trouble. (How’s that for a mixed metaphor?!) Anywho, Sherri’s proven that she’s in well enough to avoid the “We need to get rid of challenge liabilities” hammer. And while Julia may be better in challenges, Matt and Michael are the ones calling the shots and they saved Eddie and Reynold last week.
 14. Erik: He seems a little in over his head this season. He may be the most athletically gifted in challenges but mentally and emotionally I think he’s still playing the “what if” game from his last time out there. 
 		  14. Reynold: C’mon, Reynold. You need to win friends and influence people. Instead you’re telling everyone how you don’t trust them. Matt and Michael appreciate that they need you if they’re going to get to merge in decent shape. Play nice and act like you want to align with them even if you don’t.
 15. Brandon: Although I loved his challenge beast-ness, Brandon may have too much pride for this game.  Pride may be a softer word than ego in this case.  All Hantzs have a lot of fight and a lot of passion in them.  Russell strategically channeled his fight. Brandon sadly doesn’t have that skill set yet. He’s definitely entertaining. Team dynamics are as big as alliances this early in the game. Brandon’s doesn’t appear to be playing a “team game.”   15. Brandon: Are you shocked that Brandon is going to freak out? I’m not. Other members of the press who interviewed him before the game started aren’t shocked either. The guy just doesn’t respond well to the pressure of “Survivor.”

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Laura: ‘Shamar Tried to Quit the Day Before’ His Injury

March 8, 2013

Laura Alexander (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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It’s been said before and I’ll say it again, “’Survivor’ is not a fair game.”

Case in point, if Laura Alexander had been on Bikal, or Tandang, or Kalabaw or any number of other tribes, her place in the dominant alliance would have kept her safe until the merge where her savvy strategy would have helped her get to the end.

But alas, she was placed on the “Survivor” equivalent of the Washington Generals and was sent to packing. Gota simply couldn’t afford to lose any more challenge strength.

I spoke to Laura the morning after her elimination and got her take on Shamar’s dramatic exit, Eddie and Reynold’s attitudes, and the person behind her backstabbing…

Gordon Holmes: Were you blindsided by last night’s vote?
Laura Alexander: Yes. I probably would have been more than they showed. My alliance didn’t let me in on the fact that they were trying to get me out. The whole time I thought it was just Reynold and Eddie throwing me under the bus. I had no idea that Matt was leading the whole thing. I think by the time he went to Michael it was set because they were desperate at that point. So, they had numbers no matter which way Sherri or Julia voted. I don’t know for sure, but I think Sherri and Julia didn’t have much of an option. But, I had no idea. We had this majority and we thought a swap was coming up, why screw it up at this point? And Eddie and Reynold weren’t exactly polite around camp.

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Holmes: Did you think Shamar was looking for a way out when he went down with the eye injury?
Alexander: Absolutely. Shamar tried to quit the day before. Any time Shamar left the shelter he was injured in some shape or form. It was just something else to bitch about. When he got a couple of grains of sand in his eye I was like, “Are you kidding me?” And then when Jeff came to the island I think they thought, “Here we go, let’s give Shamar a big dramatic exit, just like he wants it to be.” I was pretty shocked at that time though because Shamar was a big part of my strategy, a big part of my alliance. He was a guaranteed vote for me no matter what.
Holmes: They made it seem like Sherri was protecting him. How safe was he? Because it seemed like he was, for lack of a better term, a “cancer” around camp.
Alexander: He was a cancer around camp to everybody else, even to Sherri and I. It was difficult to live with him and deal with him on a daily basis. But, Sherri and I saw him as an opportunity. The more Shamar caused havoc, the greater it was for Sherri and I because he soaked up attention. Nobody looked at me and said, “We need to get the weakest link out.”

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Sherri.
Alexander: Sherri…smart, cunning, ally.
Holmes: Matt?
Alexander: Wacky, eccentric.
Holmes: Michael?
Alexander: Witty.
Holmes: Julia?
Alexander: Julia is organized.
Holmes: Eddie?
Alexander: (Laughs) Eddie was amusing.
Holmes: Reynold?
Alexander: Egotist. Am I going to get in trouble for that?
Holmes: Nobody reads this stuff. Let’s finish with Shamar.
Alexander: Dramatic, disrespectful.

Holmes: Did you learn anything about yourself during your time in the game?
Alexander: I don’t think it dramatically changed my life in any way. I haven’t changed that much. But, I think you come back and you appreciate subtle things. You appreciate your family and your loved ones. Things that you might take for granted in your day-to-day life. You get to know people from a lot of different backgrounds. I think I won’t make assumptions about people based on first impressions.

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

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Shamar: ‘I Do Not Take Any Crap from Anybody’

March 7, 2013

Sgt. Shamar Thomas (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Doing the pre-game “Survivor” interviews is one of the best parts of this job. I truly enjoy getting to speak to these people before they go out on their big adventure. There’s just something intoxicating about the mix of nerves and excitement that is flowing through them.

I remember when I met Sgt. Shamar Thomas before “Survivor: Caramoan.” My first instinct was; “America’s going to love this guy. He’s like a big, bad-ass teddy bear!”

My instincts are not always awesome. I’m the same guy who picked Michelle Chase to win “Survivor: Gabon.”

I had a chance to speak with the controversial Sgt. Shamar after we was removed from the game due to an eye injury and asked him about the fighting, the lounging, and the “No Talking” list…

Gordon Holmes: First off, how’s the eye?
Shamar Thomas: The eye is doing quite well. Thank you for asking. I appreciate it.
Holmes: Good to hear. You hate to see someone leave with an injury, especially something as serious as an issue with their eye.

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Holmes: You had already discussed quitting earlier in the game. Were you looking for a way out when the eye injury occurred?
Thomas: I don’t think I was looking for a way out. I had actually injured my hand and the pain that I was going through, I didn’t show it because I’m a big, tough Marine, but the pain along with elements, the dehydration, the starvation, it angered me a little bit. I knew I wasn’t going to be the challenge monster that I was. And that’s where my anger came from, I was kind of demoralized. Because if I don’t do well in these challenges, then I’m out of here.
Holmes: That’s why it seemed like you were always on edge.
Thomas: That’s a tough show, man. I was psyching myself out because I was dealing with the pain all day. And in “Survivor” you don’t have anywhere to go, so I just had to deal with it. It was tough.

Holmes: Before the show started you said your goal was to make people uncomfortable so they would quit. Then the show starts and every time they cut to you, you’re in a fight with someone. Was that intentional or were the elements getting the better of you?
Thomas: I wanted people to be miserable, but what I meant by that is I wanted the game of “Survivor” to be rough for them. I wanted them to quit. But it wasn’t my nature, it was trash talk. I wasn’t serious. It isn’t in my nature to actually harm people. Going into the game I told people that I’m a nice guy, but I do not take any crap from anybody. What you saw was, me being combative because people were saying things to get under my skin. I put people onto the “No Talking” list for a reason so I wouldn’t get into confrontations, but they kept talking to me. I said, “Oh my God, leave me alone! I don’t want to argue with you! Especially because you’re not in my alliance!” (Laughs)

Holmes: Before the game, you struck me as a super positive guy. Your plans for the money if you won involved creating businesses in your neighborhood to help employ troubled teens. Now “Survivor” comes out and you’re portrayed in a negative light. How’ve you been dealing with that?
Thomas: I don’t really take everything that everybody says seriously. I got a lot of positive feedback, I try to stick to that. I love freedom of speech and I’m glad people are watching the show. I’m a really big fan, I appreciated the opportunity so much. I wish they could have shown a few light moments.

Holmes: Do you know how much weight you lost while you were out there?
Thomas: I lost eighteen pounds in eleven days.
Holmes: That’s no joke.
Thomas: The funny thing is, I didn’t want the rice. People would offer me coconuts. I wanted the water. I was so dehydrated.
Holmes: Is that why you spent so much time in the shelter?
Thomas: That’s why you see me laying in the shelter, it’s because I knew the challenges were my strong point and if I spent my energy climbing rocks I wouldn’t have any energy for the challenges. Dehydration was my biggest enemy out there.

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Sherri…
Thomas: A great player.
Holmes: Matt?
Thomas: Weak in challenges.
Holmes: Michael?
Thomas: Don’t really know.  (Laughs)
Holmes: Julia?
Thomas: Don’t really know. (Laughs)
Holmes: You’re not doing this right, but we’re short on time. Eddie?
Thomas: A great guy. He’s somebody that I respect.
Holmes: Reynold?
Thomas: He’s an awesome “Survivor” player.
Holmes: Laura?
Thomas: Laura…not really sure. (Laughs)

Holmes: It’s unfortunate, but sometimes bad blood remains after the show. But, it seems like you had some nice things to say about Eddie and Reynold in the word association. What do you think you relationship will be like with Eddie and Reynold in the future?
Thomas: I’m sure that we’ll all be cordial. Because of being a “Survivor” now, I know what the elements can do, I know how the game is played. So, I don’t really take anything personal. There were a few comments that I didn’t like, but other than that I have no issues. I hope those guys do so well. I don’t hold any grudges with anybody. I live a really, really good life. I’m trying to inspire, so grudges are the furthest thing from my mind.
Holmes: There’s the positive Shamar I remember!

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

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‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Episode Recap: Reeling Fans

March 6, 2013

"Survivor: Caramoan" (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Last Week: An idol was found, Hope was lost.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Bikal Tribe (wearing purple)
Andrea – Entertainment Host and Writer, 23
Brandon – Chemical Disposal, 21
Brenda – Paddleboard Company Owner, 30
Cochran – Harvard Law Student, 25
Corinne – Pharmaceutical Sales, 33
Dawn – English Professor/Power Rankings Champ, 42
Erik – Comic Book Artist, 27
Malcolm – Bartender, 25
Phillip – Chief Executive Officer of Enter Software Sales, 54

The Gota Tribe (wearing orange)
Eddie – Firefighter/EMT, 23
Julia – Racecar Driver/Student, 21
Laura – Administrative Officer, 23
Matt – Brand Manager of Two BMX Brands, 38
Michael – Event Planner, 44
Reynold – Sales, 30
Shamar – Iraq War Veteran, 27
Sherri – Fast Food Franchisee, 41

The evening’s fun starts off after Tribal over at Casa de Gota where…

(OK, if you’re not sitting down, I’m going to need you to sit down.)

…Where people are arguing! Shocking, I know. This time however, it’s Sherri, Michael, Laura, Eddie, and Reynold. Remember when everyone thought the Faves were going to be mega dysfunctional?

The next morning, Phillip is giving the members of Stealth Rn’t Us nicknames so they don’t feel left out. Henceforth, Brandon will be known as the “The Conqueror” and Erik will be known as “The Silent One.” Andrea does not approve of all of this unauthorized nicknaming, but she’ll deal with it as long as Brenda doesn’t receive a nickname.

CUT TO: Phillip giving Brenda a nickname. She’ll be known as “Serenity.”

Quick Aside: During the nickname montage, a clip is shown of Andrea giving Brandon a headlock takedown. Why wasn’t more of this wrestling match shown?! Give people cool nicknames and all the sudden they start acting like Hulk Hogan.

Reward Challenge Time: Six members from each team will run out to a platform where a tribe member is stranded. When they get there, they’ll untie steps, then hold the steps so the stranded member can walk across them to a second platform. On that second platform is a second stranded member. The two stranded members will then use the steps to get to a third platform. From there, the first tribe to get everyone onto a tower wins an afternoon with a bushman.

Cochran will sit out for Bikal.

Not a ton to describe here, except for some nervous, dainty stepping. It’s very even in the beginning, but the Faves eventually grab the lead and win it.

In an odd moment, Shamar starts screaming as if Gota had won. Phillip doesn’t have a problem telling him he’s wrong.

When the bushman arrives at Bikal, Brandon refers to him as a “little guy.” Do we need a joke there? Can we move on?

Oh, Brandon wasn’t kidding. Tata the bushman is teeny tiny. He gets to work immediately and starts showing them how to prepare food and improve their shelter.

Later on, Tata got his dance on with the ladies of Bikal. They even gave him a five-way kiss. Man, that’s a foursome of lovely ladies. I’d try not to think about the fact that they haven’t brushed their teeth in weeks.

Over at Gotavia, King Shamar pronounces that he will stay in the game if someone brings him rice once a day. Sure enough, Sherri does it. Seriously, the Boston Rob/Phillip thing has got to be a new red flag. People are going to see it in future seasons and want to break it up like they do showmances.

Somehow during his busy afternoon of lounging and eating, Shamar managed to scratch his eye. Medical is brought in and they find two divots in his eye. The doctor wants to pull Shamar from the game and he doesn’t seem to have much of a problem with that.

And then there were seven…

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will swim out to a platform, climb to the top, jump off, and break a tile. The tile will release a key. The players will grab the keys and swim back. Once five keys are returned, two tribe members will unlock a chest to retrieve sandbags. First tribe to use the sandbags to knock all of their blocks off of a beam wins immunity.

Man, no puzzles this season?

Corinne and Dawn will sit for Bikal.

The Faves jump off to a huge lead when Sherri is unable to break her first tile. Embarrassing. The Faves are able to maintain the lead throughout the key-gathering portion of the challenge.

Phillip and Cochran are the lock team for Bikal. They release their bags and Phillip starts knocking down the blocks.

Reynold and Laura eventually get their keys. However, Laura seems to be winded by the task of unlocking a crate. That can’t be good. Reynold starts tossing for Gota and makes up some serious ground, but it’s too little too late as Phillip wins it for the Faves.

Oh, and for those of you scoring at home, the Fans are now 1-and-5 in challenges.

Politicking around Gota beach starts off with people gunning for Eddie and Reynold. However, Matt appreciates that they’re dead in the challenge water without those guys. He proposes getting rid of Laura.

Michael doesn’t love this idea because he trusts the alliance they already have.

Matt approaches Reynold with this plan, but Reynold is giving him grief because he doesn’t trust him. Reynold, what choice do you have? When someone offers a starving man a BLT, he shouldn’t complain because he doesn’t like mayo.

Sherri doesn’t like this plan for obvious reasons. She just lost her Phillip, don’t try to get rid of her Natalie.

That night at Tribal Council, Matt thinks the tribe has less tension now that Shamar is gone.

In other news, “Duh.”

Sherri misses Shamar because he was a part of her alliance. Remember when “alliance” was a dirty word? The worst thing Richard Hatch did was start an alliance. Now it’s a necessity.

Laura thinks tonight’s vote comes down to strength versus loyalty.

Reynold doesn’t think trust matters when your tribe keeps losing.

Sherri isn’t sure keeping Eddie and Reynold will help them win because they haven’t been winning with them.

Eddie thinks Sherri and Laura are the weaker players. He thinks Julia is one of the stronger females. Who the hell is Julia?

Laura thinks Reynold and Eddie might not be loyal if there’s a tribe swap.

Eddie says he’ll like the tribe better if he’s still around in twenty minutes. What, during “Criminal Minds”?

Voting Time: Eddie votes for Laura, Laura votes for Reynold, and the rest of the votes will wait for some quality JPro tallying.

Probst does that tallying and returns. He asks if anyone would like to play an idol…and Reynold does.

Alright, we’ve got two votes for Laura, one vote for Reynold, one vote for Laura, and the fifth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites” is…Laura.

Verdict: The Fans made the right move in getting rid of Laura. They’re already at a major disadvantage playing against an experienced tribe, they simply couldn’t afford to lose any more challenge strength.

And Shamar…well…I don’t get Shamar. He was one of the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet during the pre-show interviews. Sometimes the game just gets the best of you.

As for this season, it’s getting a little boring watching the Fans suck. But, if next week’s trailer is anything to go on, things are about to pick up…

Who’s Going to Win? Whatever is “The Silent One” going to do with all that money?

Power Rankings Results: Michael and I both had Shamar in spot seventeen. Michael had Laura in twelve, while I had her in spot thirteen. So, Michael gets 29 total points, and I get 30. That brings our current score to Team Skupin: 50, Team Lighting Punch: 66.

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

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‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Power Rankings: Round Three

March 5, 2013

The XFINITY TV 'Survivor' Power Rankings Alliance (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

The Rules: Each week Michael and Gordon will create separate Power Rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the two players will earn. For example, if Cochran is voted out this week, Michael will receive 5 points and Gordon will receive 2 points. The person with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the ‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Power Rankings champion!

Last Week: Michael had Hope in spot thirteen, Gordon had her in spot seventeen. That brings our current score to Team Skupin: 21, Team Lighting Punch: 36

Before we kick off this week’s rankings, let’s check in with our competitors…

Gordon Holmes: We were definitely treated to “The Gota Show” last week.
Michael Skupin: Back to one challenge for the second week in a row, how Season 25 of them :(. We were spared Phillip’s nickname game, we were “treated” to his new island workout routine. I’m not confident we’ll begin seeing “buns of steel” developing out there as energy conservation will become a necessity shortly.

Holmes: Any parting words of advice for lovely Hope?
Skupin: Goodbye, Hope. Is it fair to say now that the CKLTA (Cool Kids Lunch Table Alliance) is now as extinct as minty fresh breath out there? Shamar served you up your seven-figure safety net but you said you wanted to play the game with integrity…yet you participated in trying to blindside Shamar in week one. Note to fans: there’s no honor in honor on “Survivor,” especially when on day one, you’ve already dishonored your honor. I applaud your attempt to stay in the game by throwing Shamar under the bus…you went out fighting!

Skupin: Why are so many so afraid to make big moves in this game? Fear is an amazing motivator.
Holmes: It’s that. Some people aren’t that strategic. Some people can’t see past the next few rounds.

Holmes: We can’t talk about last week’s episode without talking about Shamar.
Skupin: I realize there’s a “get rid of Shamar” fan club out there but remember the game he’s playing. Weakening your tribe this early is strategically questionable and keeping Shamar keeps the heat off some other type As out there (Sherri). If Reynold could only see what an easy path he could have to the merge, but like our famous returning player hater Jeff Kent, he’s forgetting that while he’s busy sparring with Shamar, there’s a game going on that he’s missing out on.

Holmes: Looks like this next episode is going to be a wild one.   
Skupin: In scenes from our next show, they showed everyone freaking out when the rats arrived in the shelter, and all I can think about is they’re getting served breakfast in bed.  What a treat!

Set Your DVR to Record ‘Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs Favorites”

Michael’s Current Score: 21

Any advice for Michael? Drop him a line on Twitter: @mikeskupin

  Gordon’s Current Score: 36

Any advice for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Brenda: Can’t say enough about how impressed I am with her evolved game. She knew how she would be perceived and she’s so far under the radar, she’s in submarine territory.  She definitely is here to win this game.  In the challenges, she’s an asset and still found the energy to work out on the beach.  Her ability to avoid the drama is extraordinary. Don’t be fooled, she’s playing really hard!
  1. Malcolm: Hidden immunity idols are attracted to Malcolm like lovely ladies are attracted to Malcolm. Now, some people may think that finding it with Corinne wasn’t his ideal situation, but Corinne has proven to be very loyal in the past.
 2. Malcolm: In Russell Hantz-like fashion, Mr. Hidden Immunity Idol finder has success two seasons in a row without a clue (but Malcolm really does have one).  Although he was beat by Reynold again in the carnival game portion of the challenge, he’s still a positive factor in the challenges. I’m worried that he said “game-set-match” when he found the idol, isn’t that what he said last time? I hope he realizes it can help you but it certainly guarantees nothing. Spending too much time with his favorite female out there (Corinne) has the other favorites worried now. I’m smelling a blindside at Corrine’s expense if the Favorites lose and Malcolm goes along with it.
  2. Cochran: Andrea hatches a plan to do some restructuring within Stealth R Us Too and who does she go to? Our good buddy Cochran. Cochran’s everyone’s BFF. Nobody’s worried about good ol’ Cochran. Which is exactly what he wants. Nothing to see here...
 3. Dawn: We saw a quiet week from Dawn but a strong underwater performance from the 42-year-old mom. No tribe will get rid of her as a challenge weakness. “Survivor’s” favorite mom is in a good place once again.  3. Michael: Man, the Fans are just a mess. Everybody has a reason that someone could target them. Eddie and Reynold are the remnants of the non-dominant alliance. It’s obvious that Sherri is protecting Shamar. Julia has health issues, Laura is a challenge liability, Matt hasn’t been able to stay out of fights. And Shamar is…well…Shamar. Everyone has a target except for Michael. Well played, sir.

  4. Sherri: Dropped four spots only because we saw Eddie finally get to her in the scenes from episode four. Her brilliant strategy saw a crack as her type A+ personality is finally let out. Also, Hope was one strategic move away from disrupting all her plans. I love your looks at Tribal Council each week as your plans unfold perfectly and talking Shamar off the “quit” ledge shows you really understand the game.
  4. Erik: Brandon, you could learn a lesson from your new buddy Erik. The reason you don’t burn down the shelter when things aren’t going your way is because you never know when things are going to be shaken up. You never know when there’s going to be a tribe swap or when an alliance is going to turn on itself. Sometimes it’s best to wait for some cracks to appear and then make a move. And if all else fails, then you urinate in the rice.
  5. Cochran: Living his Wednesday night at 8pm may be a first ever reference to CBS by a castaway and this actually being a show. I’m not sure how him being around beautiful girls is a Freudian picnic (I even Googled it) but it was funny nonetheless.  He’s still positioned perfectly strategically. 
  5. Dawn:  Alright, Dawn. From here on out you’re like a bottle of baby shampoo…no more tears. Cracks are forming in Stealth R Us Too, but Dawchran seems like they’ll be fine no matter which way the pieces fall. Slow and steady, guys. Slow and steady.
 6. Michael: They haven’t shown any real relationship or alliance with Sherri but I see one brewing here. He moved up two spots because it appears he’s beginning to follow the power in his tribe.
  6. Matt: I’ve got to hand it to the Bearded Wonder, he has a lot more strategic fire than I had anticipated. My only question is; how good is he at hiding it? Eddie and Reynold already know that he can be shifty. It might have been best just to side with Team Sherri without pretending to be with the Cool Kids. However, this is all just nit picking at this point. Matt’s in good shape with his current alliance.
 7. Andrea: Many have questioned the strategic logic of her going to Brandon with her plan but it’s a proven “Survivor” method; go the person on the bottom of another alliance to gain traction. She’s also made sure that the budding showmance of Malcolm/Corinne has been noted by all. She’s playing this game as hard as anyone strategically. The reason she’s not ranked higher is too many people know how hard she’s playing and I haven’t forgotten all those votes in episode one.
   7. Sherri: A lot of people think Sherri is playing a perfect game over on Gota beach, but the world’s hottest Cardinals fan Hope said that everyone knows that Sherri is protecting Shamar. That’s not good. In the same way showmance couples are quickly disposed of, the new trend could be to get rid of any Boston Rob/Phillip dynamics.
 8. Corinne: She dropped a few spots because she’s broadcasting her alliance with Malcolm in front of very strategic players, yet has the distinct disadvantage in that pair of having her game seen before. If one of them has to go, it’ll be her first.  She believes Malcolm would share the idol if she was in trouble but we all saw that Malcolm had two idols last season and wouldn’t give one to Denise, which cost him the seven-figure payout. I’m not sure a two-person alliance with the newbie on the Favorite’s team is her best game play.
  8. Phillip: I’m interested to see how he feels about Andrea going into business for herself with that little recruiting mission. Phillip has made it clear that Brandon isn’t worthy of a slick nickname and a stylin’ red Power Rankings graphic just yet.
 9. Matt: Matt dropped three spots as he again decided to pick a fight after Tribal Council with Shamar. Aside from his verbal head-butting with Shamar, he’s playing a pretty solid game. Picking a fight with Shamar is a strategic blunder.  Shamar may not understand the game the best, but he’s smart enough to expose parts of your game the others may not see.
  9. Andrea: Is Andrea playing the game too hard, too early? Time will tell. I’ll give her this though; there isn’t a duo I’d rather take to the final three than Phillip and Brandon. However, keeping those two in line is probably harder than pushing smoke into a Coke bottle with a baseball bat. (Special thanks to Dr. Peter Venkman for that analogy.)
 10. Erik: The only thing we saw on Erik was his rear end during the challenge and there was only one of them. It appears his alliance with Brandon and Brenda won’t stay a threesome in the long haul.  His best bet is to stay buddied up with Brenda and let Phillip continue to think he’s the CEO of coconut land.   10. Corinne: Buh. I hate to see a target on your back for something as innocent as buddying up with Malcolm. But, that’s the game we’re playing these days. Anything that looks like a showmance or an over-aggressive strategy is going to raise eyebrows. That, or maybe Andrea doesn’t like that you’re not acting like a pain-in-the-ass like everyone was probably expecting.
 11. Phillip: I doubt Phillip’s coconut bench-pressing work-out will ever make it to retail and if getting “all-air” (which means missing the basket completely) is now a good thing in basketball…I’m watching the wrong channels (or was the all-air comment about his nicknames and corporation?) …And this has what to do with “Survivor”?  Unfortunately, this is what we’re subjected to when there’s only one challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I find Phillip entertaining; I just want my Wednesday nights at 8pm to be filled with “Survivor.”
   11. Eddie: I’m pretty sure you and Reynold are safe. At this point there is no way Gota can afford to lose any challenge strength.
 12. Laura: I’m still trying to decide if she’s playing a good game or not but I do like the fact that she is playing. After threatening to defect with the Reynold-Eddie-Hope group, she stuck with her original alliance. That would have put her on the bottom of a five-person alliance instead of near the top of a six-person alliance.  When she said there was a fun part to Shamar, it leads me to believe there is a fun side to Shamar that we’re not seeing. Her swimming weakness was exposed as a factor and made her a potential liability, but I did chuckle when I saw a person who can’t swim try an advanced stroke like the back-stroke…butterfly would have been a much better option.
   12. Reynold: It’s time for you and Eddie to wheel and deal. Promise to play nice with Shamar. Remind them that they’re dead in the water if they go against the Favorites down in the numbers. Then do your best to get to the merge or the tribe shuffle. (C’mon, we all know a tribe shuffle is coming, right?)
 13. Brandon: Although it sounds like an oxymoron, we actually saw a calm Brandon for an entire episode. Watch out when they lose a challenge and Phillip goes on a rant, I bet we see the Mad Urinator resurface. Although he’s a beast physically in every challenge, his torch will only remain hot if his temper doesn’t.
   13. Laura: Laura is playing a very smart game. However, she is a challenge liability on a team that is being beaten badly. The Fans have lost three out of the four challenges and the one they did win was extremely close. If they lose again, loyalty is going to take a backseat to challenge strength.
 14. Eddie: Eddie finally ruffled the feathers of the kingpin or queenpin (Sherri) during the scenes from episode four. His cocky has turned to funny and he’s now less of a threat than his bro-mance (Reynold). We’re potentially seeing a strategic side to him and if he can turn on Reynold quickly, he can make it to the merge and create an entirely new game.   14. Brandon: “Survivor” is a funny game. Just when you’re about to unleash a yellow flood of vengeance on those who have wronged you, a blonde angel from America’s Dairyland descends from the heavens on a winged unicorn and offers you a lifeline. Even if that doesn’t pan out, the very fact that Andrea approached you with a deal could be enough to break Stealth R Us Too wide open.
 15. Julia: The burns are healed and we’re seeing the Julia that casting saw emerge slightly… Although strategically, she’s not in a good place, if she can just get to the merge, she may make it to at least mid-game. Fear of a big move may hold her back.   15. Julia: Julia is in the same boat as Laura. Julia is probably better at challenges, but she’s had some health issues with her severe sunburn. While she may be over it now, things like that can linger with people who are scrambling and looking for a reason for someone else to go home.
 16. Eddie: It’s been since season two (“The Australian Outback”) that we saw someone go back for a contestant with sub-par swimming skills (Rodger Bingham and he made it to 5th place.) But, Reynold’s temperament and Shamar-bashing is getting him in hot water. Even the idol isn’t going to save this guy. “Survivor” is a social game and making friends is paramount.
   16. Brenda: Brenda is still this low in the rankings because I’m not convinced that Andrea’s plan to get rid of Corinne was set in stone. If Bikal loses and Brandon hasn’t had his Hantz-brand meltdown, Brenda will stick out as the most strategically threatening member of Stealth Rn’t Us.
 17. Shamar: I believe the entertainment we’ve enjoyed from Shamar may end soon. It seems no-one but Sherri understands him so it’s gotta be pretty lonely out there.  His demands for calories and water have to be 3-4 times that of the rest of his tribe and it’s going to take a toll on him physically and emotionally.  Sans fishing kit, the fans are weakening by the minute and when they lose Shamar a Pagonging is in their future. The “no-talk” list will be talked about for seasons to come.   17. Shamar: Alright, Shamar. If all of this is an act, if you’re just trying to upset everyone so they’ll quit, then you need to clue us in during a confessional because America is hating you. As far as the game goes, you’re getting to be too much of a liability for Sherri to keep around. Eventually they’re going to have to pull together as a tribe and start winning challenges.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Hope: ‘Shamar Was Sherri’s Puppet’

February 28, 2013

Hope Driskill (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6680657917899399112″ program_type=”series”]

Let’s take a look at the list of reasons why people are early targets in the game of “Survivor.”

Always arguing?
Not helping around camp?
Spilling their alliance’s plans?

All of those things apply to “Survivor’s” newest problem child, Shamar. And yet he’s safely by Sherri’s side while Hope was sent to hang out with her buddy Allie.

I spoke with Hope the morning after her elimination and had a chance to ask her about the Sherri/Shamar alliance, why she didn’t take the offer to flip, and why Reynold held on to his idol…

Gordon Holmes: I’m very bummed to see you go. We don’t get nearly enough Missouri girls on “Survivor.”
Driskill: I know! I’m so bummed that I didn’t last longer. It’s hard to watch your torch get snuffed.
Holmes: And your name is so good for puns. The fans are Hopeless, Hope is lost. The one everyone missed? The fans have Driskilled their chances.
Driskill: (Laughs) I know, and I was waiting to see the #keephopealive trend start going.

[iframe http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/watch/Survivor%3A-Caramoan—Fans-vs.-Favorites/6680657917899399112/19902531654/Survivor%3A-Caramoan—There-s-Gonna-Be-Hell-To-Pay/embed 580 476]

Holmes: So, last night Shamar was trying to get you to vote for Eddie. Why didn’t you make that move?
Driskill:  The entire day had been filled with everyone running around, talking, panicking… There were so many trust issues going on. Everyone was talking and strategizing with everybody else. And I was sitting there in the water and I was looking at Shamar and I honestly didn’t know if I could trust him. I didn’t know if he was telling me the truth. Or, if he was telling me something that his alliance had told him to tell me. I know that he didn’t really like me. But at the same time, there was something in his voice that made me think he was telling the truth. He hates Eddie enough to do this. So, I went back and told the tribe what he had said in hopes of maybe getting them to see that he was untrustworthy and potentially vote him out.
Holmes: Before the challenge, Shamar had talked about quitting, but Sherri talked him into sticking around in case you lost the challenge. After the challenge, was there any more talk of Shamar just quitting at Tribal?
Driskill: I’ll just say this about Shamar…he really didn’t want to be there. He was just making everyone miserable. He said that himself, that was his strategy to make life miserable. He for sure did that. My whole logic on this was, “Let’s put him out of his misery. He doesn’t want to be here. Let’s send him home.”
Holmes: Whoa…hold the phone here, Hope. You’re trying to tell me that Shamar was making people miserable? Cause I talked to Allie last week and she seemed to adore him.
Driskill: (Laughs) Oh, he was so much fun to be around. It was great.

Holmes: Sherri has taken Shamar under her wing as her Phillip. Was it obvious to you guys that that was her plan?
Driskill: Shamar was Sherri’s puppet. It was obvious to me while we were out there. There were so many interviews…which you probably didn’t see of me…but Shamar was her puppet. He was doing every single thing that she was telling him to do. And she was loving it. She was living it up. She’d get him rice and water, and let’s make Shamar comfortable. It was so irritating to watch. That played in to why I didn’t switch my vote and vote for Eddie. I knew that Shamar was completely being played by Sherri and that fed into the lack of trust that I had for him.
Holmes: You, Reynold, and Eddie had been on the outs for a few days. But do people like Matt, Michael, Julia, and Laura appreciate what’s going on? Does the Sherri/Shamar alliance concern them at all?
Driskill: I think. The day I got voted out, I do think that it was a little concerning to them because we’re all there for the same reason, to win. So, in the back of your mind you can’t really trust anyone. I think they all knew that Sherri was extremely strategic. And if she’s using Shamar like this, she’s going to keep him around as long as possible.

Holmes: Was getting the tribe to turn on Shamar the only angle you guys were working before Tribal?
Driskill: They didn’t show how much of a huge panic we were all in. Everyone was pulling people to the side. There was so much talking going on. Just thinking about it is stressful for me. There was a lot of talk very early on about Laura and her performance in the last challenge. So, we all thought at first, let’s talk to Matt and Michael and get Laura out. She’s not helping in the challenges and we need to start winning.
Holmes: Don’t be stressed out, this is a safe place.
Driskill: (Laughs) I’m safe now.

Holmes: Being down six to three, you couldn’t really use the idol to defend against a split vote. Was there any talk of trading the idol straight up for safety for your alliance?
Driskill: There really wasn’t. We had our hands full with talk of them trying to flush the idol. And all of the talk of them splitting the vote, it just made Reynold nervous. So, he kept the idol to himself knowing he’d need it later. And I don’t blame him at all for that.

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Allie.
Driskill: Friendship.
Holmes: Eddie?
Driskill: Clown.
Holmes: Did you say “Frown”?
Driskill: (Laughs) Clown! Like a class clown.
Holmes: OK, I had to be sure because I messed up last week. Allie said “Hero” and I thought she had said “Virile.”
Driskill: She told me about that, we were laughing.
Holmes: He’s both, but that’s not my call to make.
Driskill: (Laughs)
Holmes: Sherri?
Driskill: Strategizer.
Holmes: Laura?
Driskill: Swimmer.
Holmes: Julia?
Driskill: This is bad…but I think of puss blisters.
Holmes: That is bad. Michael?
Driskill: Jokester.
Holmes: Shamar?
Driskill: (Laughs) Sleepy.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Reynold.
Driskill: Actor.

Holmes: You were out there for nine days, which in “Survivor” isn’t a long time, but for the real world, nine days in that situation is a big deal. Did that time change you at all?
Driskill: I went on “Survivor” because it was something that was so out of my comfort zone. And I like to keep life exciting. I didn’t last as long as I wanted to, but I was out there for a decent amount of time. I did get to sleep in the rain and experience dehydration and all of the hardships. And I think that after the show I’m proud that I did it and it’s made me appreciate a lot of things in my life. It’s opened my eyes that I don’t need as many materialistic things as I thought I did.

Holmes: Alright, this is probably the most important question…
Driskill: (Laughs) There’s no telling what this could be!
Holmes: It’s a tough one. How hard was it to be away from Cardinals baseball during your time out there?
Driskill: (Laughs)
Holmes: That seems like a nightmare.
Driskill: It was a nightmare and I was nervous about that. But, it was so far from my mind. All I thought was, “We need to boil the water.”
Holmes: So it goes water, food, shelter, baseball?
Driskill: It was water, shelter, baseball, then sunburn.

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

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‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Power Rankings: Round Two

February 26, 2013

'Survivor: Caramoan' (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

The Rules: Each week Michael and Gordon will create separate Power Rankings. The ranking of the person who is voted out of the next episode will determine the number of points the two players will earn. For example, if Cochran is voted out this week, Michael will receive 4 points and Gordon will receive 7 points. The person with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the ‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Power Rankings champion!

Last Week: Michael Skupin’s first attempt at the Power Rankings didn’t go well. But at least nobody got hurt. He had Allie in spot eight while I had her in spot nineteen. The current score is now Team Skupin 8, Team Holmes 19.

Before we kick off this week’s rankings, let’s check in with our competitors…

Gordon Holmes: So, the fans had a rough run of it last week.
Michael Skupin: Fans, fans, fans…haven’t you been watching the show? Didn’t you develop a pre-game strategy? You tried to vote off your strongest player (Shamar) but ended up voting off potentially your strongest female and maybe the only strong swimmer (Allie, high school nationals) in a water challenge season. You have to “win” challenges to keep your torch lit, but you knew that…right?
Holmes: You guys pulled off that “Put the swimmer in the water” strategy nicely with RC last season.
Skupin: If you have a swimmer that went to nationals in high school and it’s a water challenge, please consider putting her in the water…wait, too late. They severely weakened their tribe last Tribal Council.

Holmes: Alright, how are you feeling about the favorites?
Skupin: There’s a pink elephant in the room; where is the hidden immunity idol? There are only a few trees on that island. Did they learn nothing at Russell Hantz’s idol finding school?
Holmes: Idol finding seems to be taking a backseat to nickname assigning.
Skupin: Well in case you’re wondering, I refuse to use any of Phillip’s nicknames in any of my Power Rankings.

Set Your DVR to Record ‘Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs Favorites”

Michael’s Current Score: 8

Any advice for Michael? Drop him a line on Twitter: @mikeskupin

Gordon’s Current Score: 19

Any advice for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Sherri: I flat out love her game.  She’s there to play and she’s there to win. Her returning-player-like strategies and view of this game shot her right to the top of my Power Rankings. In Boston Rob-type fashion, she’s not only leading the fans’ alliance, she’s built a powerful sub-alliance with Shamar (note that she was the only one smiling as Shamar tried to “shut-up” the camp). Other than Allie, she seems to be the only fan that truly understands this game. If the fans can somehow get it together in challenges, she will be a serious factor in the outcome of this game.
  1. Malcolm: I would trade all of the San Miguel beer in the Caramoan Islands to know exactly what was going through Malcolm’s mind when Phillip was introducing his Stealth R Us Too codename to the camera. It had to be some mix of “Yes! Phillip’s the leader and that’ll take heat off of me,” and “Oh crap, America’s going to see this.” Anywho, my boy is super safe this week.
 2. Brenda: She’s quietly playing as everyone’s friend. She did not forget how to play this game, but this 2.0 version of hers is very, very impressive so far.
  2. Andrea: So, Andrea got the second most votes at Tribal Council, yet Dawn immediately took the heat off of her back at camp. Was that intentional? Probably not. But, I’m sure Andrea appreciated it. Now she just has to sit back and let Phillip draw all of the attention for Stealth R Us Too’s moves. Best of all, after her moves in the first week, she’s probably the person Phillip trusts the most.
 3. Malcolm: He’s carrying a lot of firewood and has the respect of his tribe. They keep putting him into the “go to” spot in challenges which is a double-edged sword. We know his game, they don’t. I still can’t help but wonder how the short break in games will take a toll on him physically and emotionally.  3. Corinne: What I said about reading Malcolm’s mind? Make that double for Corinne. There had to be a few choice four-letter words buzzing around her brain. But, kudos to her for keeping those words to herself and playing along. Stealth R Us Too is ruling the roost at Bikal beach and there’s no reason to rock the boat.

  4. Corinne: More brilliance from the queen of curls. No reason to start playing too early and she understands that. She’s wanted to come back for a long time and appears focused on end game as much as anyone out there.
  4. Cochran: There really isn’t much of a reason to swap around the top seven people in my rankings. They aren’t going anywhere. But, Cochran gets a bump this week because he seems to be the best bet to keep Brandon in check. Even though Brandon’s days are numbered, he can make life difficult for them in immunity challenges if he wants to.

  5. Dawn: Dawn fell from the top spot because I was surprised that she allowed Brandon to drive her to tears. As a veteran she’s well aware that emotions run high, keeping them in check is a necessity (unless you’re Lisa Whelchel). I still have a ton of faith in the mother of six and believe her resolve will toughen like rhino skin before it’s too late.
  5. Erik:  Erik’s in a weird place right now, but he was smart to try to stay neutral during Brandon’s meltdown. Even when it was just the two of them he was going out of his way to not encourage or discourage him. If he can find a way to stick around until the merge or the tribe swap (which we all know is coming) he could get a new lease on life.
 6. Matt: I totally underestimated his game. It may have been his looks, maybe the edit, maybe the outburst against Shamar on day one but it appears he has an excellent handle on things. He’s smarter than the average bear (not that I’m comparing him to a bear, but he does have a lot of hair). As the only fan that appears to have alliances on both sides, if he can keep his game in stealth mode, he may be able to avoid hanging out with Franny and Allie.
  6. Phillip: OK, if you don’t want people to think you’re in charge, don’t call yourself the CEO. And send me an application for the company that brings entry level people in at middle management. And, just so you think I’m not picking on Phillip, he’s to be commended for nailing that clutch shot at the immunity challenge.
 7. Cochran: After realizing he can’t take the burn title away from me, he started to get smart and stay out of the sun. There are so many disruptive personalities out there on the favorites tribe, all he has to do is sit back in the most famous sweater-vest since David Cassidy and continue to strengthen his alliance with Dawn.
   7. Dawn: I’m thinking there was a lot more to the Brandon/Dawn discussion last week, because what we saw didn’t seem to warrant her reaction. Either way, it really doesn’t matter. Dawn’s safe and sound for the time being and the proud owner of a sweet new nickname.
 8. Michael: If watching people implode or eat each other alive is a good strategy, then Michael gets the gold star this week. Up from 13 last week, he’s showing a strategic side that I didn’t see before.  It’s still hard to determine if he’s Matt’s Phillip or Matt is his Phillip.
  8. Sherri: Sherri is hands down the fan who’s showing the most fire. She’s also playing a very dangerous game. But fortunately for her, it’s one with a very easy-to-use escape hatch. She can try to keep Shamar along as her Phillip, but if the heat of being his defender gets to be too much, she can always send him packing.
 9. Erik: Soooooo good in challenges that they have to keep him. If he can hold his trump cards and stops verbalizing his disdain for Phillip we’ll get to see him compete many more times.
  9. Michael: In the tribe where the fans are being loud and making rash moves, Michael stands out for his quiet strategy. Solidifying his alliance with Matt is super smart. They have a ton of options and will be the most fluid if they end up together if there’s a tribe swap.
 10. Andrea: As I said last week, a non-stop strategist. I believe she understands this game as well as any of them. If the favorites lose a challenge and her name doesn’t come up again, she’ll have adjusted beautifully.   10. Matt: So, from what I understand, you were almost a part of the cool kids alliance. That’s interesting. My only worry for you is that if you’re targeting Shamar, Sherri might start targeting you. Your best strategy is to just stand back and let the people that are in trouble continue to make bad moves.
 11. Phillip: Dropped a few spots this week because although entertaining and an attempt to stay necessary…it’s already raising eyebrows. Sadly, over-the-top attempts at humor, strategy, idol-hunting and gameplay usually end with a parting gift – your favorite meal on the south end of Tribal Council.
   11. Julia: Whaaaaaat happened out on the platform? Usually “Survivor” does a good job of assigning blame when someone isn’t doing well in a challenge, but I’m still in the dark as to what happened last week. Other than that, there isn’t much to say about Julia except I’m hoping her sunburned face doesn’t cause her too much trouble.
 12. Laura: Although it appears it was more than Laura who spotted the bulge (Sherri), and although it appears Probst had to literally beat it out of her at Tribal Council, she did glance in his direction.  And even though she was unwilling to “out” rump-loving Reynold, Probst seized the moment to call out her glance at him and she is now credited with “brilliant” gameplay.  She’s this far down in the rankings because I’m thinking a one-on-one with Reynold could have put her in the driver’s seat where even the racecar driver Julie can’t seem to get into. Also, as you stated…how would Reynold playing the idol have messed up your plan to get rid of Allie? Anyway, we all loved your tweet “I always notice a bulge,” take note, guys.
   12. Laura: I’m really torn on Laura at this point. She brings up Reynold’s idol at Tribal but doesn’t go the whole nine yards and call him out specifically. I don’t understand that move. If Probst doesn’t connect the dots, is it still a secret?
 13. Hope: Her good looks as a strategy might be fading as fast as hairless armpits out there. She’s still in an obvious two-person alliance (coined “showmance” on reality TV) and not a physical threat. I sure “hope” (pun-intended) that she can do puzzles.
   13. Reynold: Normally I wouldn’t have all of Gota’s challenge stars this far down, but something has to give in this tribe. You can’t have people screaming at each other on a day-to-day basis. Shamar and the cool kids are all on the chopping block this week.
 14. Reynold: Awesome!!! You found an idol without a clue! I don’t mean you don’t have a clue, I mean there wasn’t a clue to the missing idol…or maybe I did mean it. 🙂 You must understand it’s power, my friend.  We can tell there was no surprise in your alliance at Tribal Council when you Abi-esquely flashed the idol. That means you told your alliance that you had it. Maybe you should have taken a lesson from Malcolm in saving that moment for when you needed it. As if you weren’t a threat before, potentially being the ringleader in a three-person alliance with Hope and Eddie, now you’re a bigger target. Pulling it together during challenges may be your only hope from elimination.   14. Eddie: In a season where it seems like the faves tribe has a definitive strength advantage, you’d think Eddie would be super safe until the merge. But, Hurricane Shamar is shaking everything up.
 15. Shamar: The largest human to ever play “Survivor” is struggling. The calories are just not available (I was there) and although I’m 6’3”, 220, I’m a whole teenager smaller than him. We’ve seen the “game” affect many players throughout the years…self-coined “boo-boo the fool” may be affected the most. He’s definitely playing the villain (too bad Abi’s not there to hit him in the head with a coconut).  Maybe he is playing a better Phillip than Phillip did. Being Sherri’s “Phillip” is not an awful position to be in. If you want to win brother, pull in the reins just a bit.   15. Brenda: She’s trying. She’s trying so hard. Go back and watch last week’s episode and you’ll see her dancing with Phillip. You only dance with Phillip if you’re trying out for a junior internship with Stealth R Us Too. I think her best bet right now is a Bikal winning streak or a complete Brandon meltdown. Speaking of which…
 16. Eddie: Claims Shamar spent 19 of 24 hours in the shelter…and I thought Lisa slept a lot. 🙂 I also was wondering if he’s that good with a sun-dial.  I wonder if he has the game smarts to possibly join the “other” alliance and stay alive until the merge where he can breathe new life or will he stay committed to the now underdogs at the CKLTA. In any case, he needs to make a move.   16. Brandon: Part of me wants to see Brandon flip out on Bikal. If only because “The Urinator” is a solid Stealth R Us Too nickname.
 17. Julia: Making a run for most-sunburned out there, I can see a game inside of her but she doesn’t appear to be playing it. As a race-car driver, she would have never made it through casting if they didn’t see that fire also. This game can sneak up on you and you could be at the wrong end of Probst’s torch snuffer if you don’t make a move pretty soon.   17. Hope: Here’s what I see playing out if the attack on the cool kids continues. Option one has Reynold playing his idol and the others splitting their votes. That leaves us with a three-three-three tie and Hope going home in a re-vote because Eddie and Reynold are too valuable. Option two is pretty much the same, except Reynold holds on to his idol.
 18. Brandon: Brandon sees “Survivor” as a game, not a life-changing seven-figure opportunity. As one of the youngest to ever play, Probst said he changed…I’m not seeing it. In Pete Yurkowski fashion (and Pete should get another shot), he’s pushing hard in a game when the enemy hasn’t arrived yet. I’ve enjoyed the entertainment he’s always brought.
   18. Shamar:  Before the season started, Shamar said his goal was to get people to quit the game. This plan is flawed. People aren’t going to quit because you’re annoying them, they’re just going to vote you out. And Sherri is obviously super sharp, but even she has to realize that keeping her Phillip around is a risky strategy when your Phillip is picking fights every five minutes. At least the actual Phillip was doing stuff.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Allie: ‘I Never Hooked Up with Reynold’

February 21, 2013

Allie Pohevitz (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”

Allie was an easy pick for the most promising “Fan” of the new season. In her pre-game interview she proved to be smart, savvy, sneaky, and a bunch of other positive “S” words.

Now the “S” word that best fits is “Sayonara.”

I had a chance to talk with the first fallen Fan the morning after her elimination and asked her about the Gota alliances, Shamar’s lack of effort around camp, and the cuddling controversy…

Gordon Holmes: You broke my heart.
Allie Pohevitz: I know, me too.
Holmes: You were my Fan pick!
Pohevitz: I know! I’m so upset. Ugh…the worst.
Holmes: I thought you were going to tear this game up.
Pohevitz: Wah wah…
Holmes: Wah wah indeed.
Pohevitz: (Laughs)

Holmes: Night one, it’s looking like some business is going on with you and Reynold.
Pohevitz: Oh, goodness…
Holmes: This is your opportunity to state your case to everyone. So what was going on there?
Pohevitz: I never hooked up with Reynold. I will never hook up with Reynold. We were cold and we were cuddling and that is the extent of it.
Holmes: So what appeared to be groping was just…
Pohevitz: We were cuddling. It looks so much worse than it was. I’ll stand by that until the day I die. We weren’t doing anything.
Holmes: I used Elyse Umemoto as an example of a woman who was sent packing when it seemed like she was in a couple. In those cases, they’re never going to get rid of the guy because with Ozzy and Reynold, they’re both strong challenge competitors. You know your stuff, so you had to know that was a possibility. So, I was wondering if you even knew people thought of you as a couple.
Pohevitz: To be honest, we weren’t acting like a couple. I know it’s so hard for everyone to believe because people think we were basically making out on night one.  A lot more happened. We really weren’t together that often. The one minute you see of us in the ocean is one minute out of five days. We hung out, but it was usually with groups of five and six. But, we didn’t realize that Matt and Laura were running back with the information that the four of us were saying.
Holmes: The thing I found interesting about that was Laura was saying, “Oh, look at all of that business going on.” But at Tribal when asked about your alliance, people thought that Eddie and Hope were the couple.
Pohevitz: I would agree with that. It looked like a good story because we were the ones cuddling. But, we were also the two on the end getting soaked by the rain. So, we were rubbing each other’s backs. It’s not as sketchy as everyone’s making it out to be.
Holmes: Is there some romance going on between Hope and Eddie?
Pohevitz: No…God no. Everybody is good friends.

Holmes: I was trying to figure out how the lines were drawn before last night’s episode. Was it the cool kids on one side, the three ladies on the other, with Shamar floating, and Michael and Matt as swing votes?
Pohevitz: Originally we thought we were with Laura and Matt. And once we realize that Laura had turned, we thought that Shamar would get voted out and once he was gone the four of us plus Matt would be versus the other four. We never thought it was us four against the rest of the tribe. We always had five or six. But clearly we didn’t have them as tight as we thought.
Holmes: I didn’t think you guys would think four was a majority in a tribe of ten.
Pohevitz: Yes. (Laughs) I passed Kindergarten.

Holmes: So, Shamar…
Pohevitz: Yeah…
Holmes: He is a US Marine. My brother in law is a Marine, I’ve known some Marines, none of them are as lazy as Shamar appears to be.
Pohevitz: Every human being I know is not as lazy as Shamar.
Holmes: Walk me through a day in the life of the Gota tribe as far as productivity went.
Pohevitz: Honestly, everybody worked really hard. Julia had really bad sunburn, so she stayed in a lot. But, that wasn’t because she was lazy, it’s because her face was peeling off. But, she was doing things around camp. The rest of us would get firewood. I went on ten water runs a day. We were constantly getting coconuts and things like that. Shamar would wake up, go to the ocean for three minutes, go to the bathroom, and proceed to lay in the shelter and bitch at us for the entire day.

Holmes: What was your first impression when you saw which Favorites stepped off of the helicopter?
Pohevitz: They weren’t my favorites. It was more like people who had made fatal errors as opposed to actual fan favorites. They were people who needed to redeem themselves.

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association.
Pohevitz: (Laughs)
Holmes: What’s so funny?
Pohevitz: I’m nervous.
Holmes: This is very important. You’ll be judged harshly and given a letter grade when it’s over. Let’s start with Sherri.
Pohevitz: Privileged.
Holmes: Eddie?
Pohevitz: Hero.

EDIT: Allie’s response to Eddie was originally misinterpreted as “Virile.”

Holmes: Hope?
Pohevitz: Soul mate…best friend. I love her.
Holmes: Julia?
Pohevitz: Quaint.
Holmes: Laura?
Pohevitz: Strategic.
Holmes: Shamar?
Pohevitz: Oh…I don’t know if you can print these words. Um…vile, dishonorable…disgusting.
Holmes: Reynold?
Pohevitz: Complicated.
Holmes: Matt?
Pohevitz: Stoic.
Holmes: We’ll finish with Michael.
Pohevitz: Witty.
Holmes: Your letter grade is an A, congratulations.
Pohevitz: Oh good, just what I was looking for.

Holmes: You said “privileged” for Sherri. You now know that she is well off financially. She’s the Wetzel’s Pretzels queen. Did you know that at the time?
Pohevitz:  I didn’t know exactly what, but you don’t come out there looking the way she did and not have some money in your background. Just the way she presented herself and carried herself, I know that it’s very different than the people I’m around on a day-to-day basis.

Holmes: It was sad watching your parting words last night. You’re a huge fan and this was a dream for you. Now that some time has passed, what are some of the good things you took away from your experience?
Pohevitz: Yeah, I met some of my best friends out there. And some of the people I met from the other tribe after the game. Just everybody I’ve met has been very cool. You never get to make those bonds with people from across the country if you’re not put into a random situation like this.
Holmes: Is it any consolation that you weren’t voted out first twice?
Pohevitz:  At least she got to play twice! Maybe I can be voted out second twice.
Holmes: That’s the right attitude.
Pohevitz:  That’d be horrible. If I go back, I’m destroying people.

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

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‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Episode Recap: The Battle of the Bulge

February 20, 2013

"Survivor: Caramoan" (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

Set Your DVR to Record “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”

Last Week: Phillip put together Stealth R Us Too, Malcolm gave everyone an X-rated view, Reynold and Allie shared an amorous rendezvous, while poor Francesca experienced some heartbreaking deja-vu…

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog

Let’s take a look at the tribes as they currently stand…

The Bikal Tribe (wearing purple)
Andrea – Entertainment Host and Writer, 23
Brandon – Chemical Disposal, 21
Brenda – Paddleboard Company Owner, 30
Cochran – Harvard Law Student, 25
Corinne – Pharmaceutical Sales, 33
Dawn – English Professor/Power Rankings Champ, 42
Erik – Comic Book Artist, 27
Malcolm – Bartender, 25
Phillip – Chief Executive Officer of Enter Software Sales, 54

The Gota Tribe (wearing orange)
Allie – Bartender/Nanny, 25
Eddie – Firefighter/EMT, 23
Hope – Recent Graduate of the University of Missouri, 23
Julia – Racecar Driver/Student, 21
Laura – Administrative Officer, 23
Matt – Brand Manager of Two BMX Brands, 38
Michael – Event Planner, 44
Reynold – Sales, 30
Shamar – Iraq War Veteran, 27
Sherri – Fast Food Franchisee, 41

We meet up with the Bikalians after Tribal Council and Lil’ Hantz is getting ready to throw a big fit. Dawn tries to state her case, but he isn’t having any of it. Smartly, Dawn removes herself from the situation and has a bit of a cry. It’s OK, that’s her thing. She’ll feed off of those tears and use them to dominate a strength challenge later.

Later, Brandon pulls Erik aside and tells him that he’s feeling “revengeful” and is going to unleash his inner Russell. He then proceeds to do a break-dance wave. No, I’m not kidding.

The next morning at Gota beach, we learn that Shamar isn’t doing any work around camp. Oh, he’s one of those lazy Marines you never hear about. Allie thinks he needs to be sent home if they go to Tribal.

Later, Sherri brings Shamar into her alliance with Matt, Michael, Laura, and Julia. Oh man, the cool kids might get an early dismissal. Sherri later tells us that she wants to keep Shamar around because he’s her Phillip. Nice…look out for Boston Sherri.

Back at Bikal, Cochran is trying to make peace with Brandon. Brandon admits that he was going to destroy the camp, but  he doesn’t want to be known as a quitter. Cochran is disturbed by how quickly Brandon goes from rage to tenderness.

Brandon talks to Phillip about joining up with Stealth R Us Too. Phillip says he might be willing to bring him in as middle management. I would have gone with “Junior Partner.” At any rate, Brandon isn’t thrilled with his starting salary and immediately tries to turn the rest of the tribe against Phillip. Oof…how do you decide between those two? It’s like being stuck between a rock and an insane place.

Immunity Challenge Time: Really? This seems early.

Before the challenge gets underway, the Fans admit that they feel terrible for poor Francesca. Then, Phillip drops the Bikal flag and almost impales Corinne.

OK, three members from each tribe will swim out to a raft. Three other tribe members will pull the raft toward a platform. Once they’re at the platform they’ll dive down and release rings from a cage. When they have all nine rings they’ll return to shore and play some ring toss. First tribe to get three rings onto their posts wins immunity and fishing gear.

Laura will sit out for Gota. During the pre-game strategy discussion, Shamar’s woobie is hurt when people turn down his ideas. Seriously.

Brenda, Erik, and Andrea will be the raft team for Bikal, while Sherri, Julia, and Hope will go for Gota. Both tribes get to the platform quickly, but the Fans are having some serious trouble releasing their rings. The Faves get all of theirs rings back to the shore and start throwing before the Fans are even able to retrieve all of theirs.

Malcolm hits the first two shots and Phillip hits the third to bring home a win for the Favorites.

After the challenge, Phillip finally unveils Malcolm and Dawn’s nicknames. Apparently Malcolm is “The Enforcer” and Dawn is “True Grit.” Honestly, anything’s better than Fabio and Purple Kelly.

Meanwhile, the mood is somber over at Gota. During a post-challenge pow-wow, Reynold calls out Shamar because of his attitude. This goes about as well as you’d imagine. It ends with Eddie and Reynold walking off while Shamar yells at them.

Politicking around Gota is coming down to Shamar vs. Allie. It seems like Matt and Michael are going to be the swing votes. However, Matt wants to vote out Shamar because they’d still have a five-to-four advantage over the cool kids.

Realizing that he’s in some serious danger, Reynold starts hunting around for the immunity idol. Sure enough, he finds it almost immediately. C’mon “Survivor” production team, what happened to hard-to-find idols?

Before they head off to Tribal, Laura notices that Reynold has an idol-shaped bulge in his pocket. I’ve been doing this for years and I still giggle whenever someone talks about bulges in people’s pants. I’m not an adult.

That night at Tribal Council, Michael calls out the cool kids as an alliance. The Plastics do their best to play it off as more of a book club, except without books and they all vote together.

Shamar admits that he isn’t used to a situation that doesn’t have a military hierarchy.

Reynold thinks the tribe is frustrated with Shamar because he critiques people but doesn’t do any work.

Eddie claims that Shamar was in the hut for nineteen hours the previous day. Shamar admits it. He thinks he’s a scapegoat because he’s big and loud.

Before the vote, Laura lets everyone know that somebody has the immunity idol. She doesn’t say who has it, but Probst points out that she’s staring at Reynold.

Reynold immediately confesses. Meanwhile, I immediately wonder if Reynold or Shamar have ever seen this show before.

Reynold says he wasn’t going to play the idol because he thought everyone was voting for Shamar. However, now that it’s out he’s going to play it. Sure you are, Reynold.

Voting Time: Eddie votes for Shamar, Sherri votes for Allie, and the rest of the votes aren’t shown.

JPro tallies and returns. He asks if anyone wants to play an idol, Reynold doesn’t. We’ve got four votes for Shamar, five votes for Allie, and the second person to be voted out of “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites” is…Allie.

Verdict: Nice to see the Fans finally playing, too bad they aren’t playing well. Don’t get me wrong, Sherri, Laura, and Michael could do well, but the rest left me scratching my head.

I had high hopes for Allie too. But, as a fan she should know that showmances will earn you a quick ticket home.

Who’s Going to Win? A Favorite. A Favorite is going to win. It’ll happen when a Fan trades their immunity necklace for a handful of magic beans.

Power Rankings Update: Michael Skupin’s first attempt at the Power Rankings didn’t go well. But at least nobody got hurt. He had Allie in spot eight while I had her in spot nineteen. The current score is now Team Skupin 8, Team Holmes 19.

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Posted in RealityTV, survivor, TV News | Comments Off on ‘Survivor: Caramoan’ Episode Recap: The Battle of the Bulge

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