More Whatnot

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Last Week: Taylor vowed to get even, David and Zeke formed a couple that was odd, and Michaela was voted out because we can’t have nice things.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor Blog…

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

The Ikabula Tribe (wearing green)

Bret – 42, Police Sergeant
Hannah – 24, Barista
Jay – 27, Real Estate Agent
Sunday – 45, Youth Pastor
Will – 18, High School Student

The Takali Tribe (wearing purple)

Adam – 25, Homeless Shelter Manager
Jessica – 37, Assistant District Attorney
Ken – 33, Model
Taylor – 24, Ski Instructor

The Vanua Tribe (wearing orange)

Chris – 38, Trial Lawyer
David – 42, Television Writer
Michelle – 28, Missionary Recruiter
Zeke – 28, Asset Manager

We start off back at Ikabula Beach where Jay is pretty proud of getting rid of one of the game’s fiercest challenge competitors. Hannah swears she would have voted with them if she had known. Or, ya know, if someone had told her in the middle of Tribal with the promise of a good reason to be provided at a later time.

The next morning a boat arrives with news that they have just reached Mergeville, Population 13.

Ikabula and Takali are both taken by boat to Vanua Beach. However, Zeke’s lower third informs us that it is now Vinaka Beach. Vinaka? Still better than Nobag.

While the new tribe goes to town on the merge feast, Jay breaks down his options for us. He has Taylor and Michelle back, Will and Hannah, and hopefully Bret and Sunday. And if all else fails he has an idol.

Eventually, all of the old alliances touch base and wonder  how they can make these number schemes work in their favor. You’ve got Bret and Chris, the Tri-force (sans Figgy) and the Millennial AV Club (Adam, Zeke, and Hannah).

Once Zeke has all of the intel about last week’s Ikabula vote, he becomes very wary of Jay. He is determined to break up the bro-liance.

Adam sneaks out during the merge feast and finds a very unique advantage. This new twist will let him steal someone’s reward. Hmm…that seems like it’s just going to annoy potential jurors. That’d have to be some reward. Well, maybe if it was a challenge advantage or something.

Anywho, you have to use it right after the person wins. I’m sure Hillary supporters are wishing something like that existed last night.

(Yeah, probably too soon. Sorry about that.)

At any rate, Adam is very excited to be a part of “Survivor” history. Well, Dan Foley was probably excited to have the first extra vote too…

Later that night, Taylor decides to go all Coconut Bandit on his tribe with the merge feast rations. Unfortunately for him, he forgets the key part of Tyson and Gervase’s brilliance where you don’t let someone see you steal the food.

Bret sees Taylor’s theft and decides to hold onto the info. Adam sees the theft and sees it as an opportunity to build trust with Taylor. That might be the clearest example of passive vs. aggressive strategy I’ve ever seen.

As Taylor is chowing down, Adam lets him know about his reward-theft advantage. Adam also pitches the idea of getting rid of Jay’s new right hand, Will. Taylor pretends to go along with it, but he thinks it’s a dumb move. And he still holds a grudge over Figgy-gate.

Taylor immediately shares this info with Jay and Jay (as you’d imagine) is not pleased. They agree to target Adam. Zeke overhears this and scrambles to find a way to keep Adam safe. If only he had an idol. Ahem…

The next morning Bret outs Taylor as the food thief to the other members of Gen-X. Along with Zeke and David, it looks like Taylor is going to be sent packing.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will stand on a perch while holding a handle over their heads. The last person left standing will win immunity.

Survivors are ready, and they go. And Crystal Cox is immediately out.

Just kidding.

Sunday is the first to go. She’s followed by Chris and Bret.

Ten minutes pass and Jay, Zeke, Ken, and Hannah are out.

Twenty minutes pass and we lose Michelle, Taylor, David, and Adam.

We’re down to Jessica and Will.

An hour and a half passes and they’re still battling it out. Wow.

Finally, Jessica flinches a bit and loses it. Will wins immunity.

Back at camp, Jay and Will try to rally the Millennials around the idea of getting rid of Adam. Michelle doesn’t think it’s the best course of action.

Zeke and Hannah let Adam know that Jay is on to him. And Zeke is hopeful that they can sway sentiment to get rid of Taylor.

The Gen-Xers seem like they’re into the plan, but David is worried about idols so they can’t decide on who to target.

Soooo…Adam goes back to Taylor to try to cut a deal. Taylor hilariously chastises Adam for targeting Will because information leaks. HE LEAKED IT!

Aaaaand, David sees Adam talking with Taylor and gets nervous. Zeke and Hannah are over Adam’s shenanigans as well.

You know, Shenanigans, that restaurant with all of the goofy (expletive deleted) on the walls and mozzarella sticks.

Oh, and Will and Taylor are convinced Adam doesn’t have an idol because he’s scrambling so hard.

That night at Tribal, David immediately makes a crack about the Millennials eating more food than Gen-X. Give him a break, David. Gen-Xers grew up on Capri-Suns, Millennials have to deal with that Honest Kids organic crap.

Bret doesn’t beat around the bush, he tells everyone it was Taylor. And Taylor doesn’t deny it. He claims it wasn’t stealing because his stomach was messed up.

Probst does a quick poll and everyone is hungry. Hannah even tells J-Pro, “I could eat you.” Of course, he’s full of Pro(bs)tein.

(Wow, that’s a new low in these recaps. And I’ve been doing this for a long time. I apologize.)

Chris thinks this was a selfish move. But Taylor counters that he wasn’t hungry, his stomach was “freaking out.”

Back to the game, Adam doesn’t believe the Millennials are an alliance anymore.

David again tries to coin “the people I trust vs. the people you trust.” Much like “fetch,” it isn’t going to happen.

Michelle wonders if alliances are just who you mesh with best. Whoa…

Will has a clear objective in tonight’s vote.

Chris says lines will be drawn in the sand.

Michelle hints that trust will be broken.

Taylor looks right at Adam and says that there’s nothing that can be done at this point.

Voting Time: Taylor votes for Adam, Zeke votes for someone he has never been able to trust, and the rest of the votes are lost to the magic of editing.

JPro tallies and returns. He asks is anyone wants to play an idol…and nobody does.

We’ve got one vote for Adam, one vote for Michelle, one vote for Adam, one vote for Michelle, one vote for Adam, one vote for Michelle, one vote for Adam, three votes for Michelle, and the eighth person voted out of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” is…Michelle.

Verdict: There are about a dozen different ways this season can go from here. So many fractures, so many strong players. I’m loving it.

Power Rankings Update: Michele Fitzgerald had Michelle in spot 11, Shirin Oskooi had her in spot 8. So, the current score is Team Michele 69, Team Shirin 64.

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

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

The Rules: Each week our two combatants 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 players will earn.  The person with the most points at the end of the season will be declared the “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” champion.

Last Week: Michele Fitzgerald had Michaela in spot 5, Shirin Oskooi had her in spot 7. So, the current score is Team Michele 58, Team Shirin 56.

Quick Note: XFINITY “Survivor” loudmouth Gordon Holmes will be unable to participate in this season’s Power Rankings due to being more than a bit spoiled. Therefore, he has invited defending Power Rankings champion Shirin Oskooi to take his place.

Michele Fitzgerald and Shirin Oskooi’s Rankings

Team Michele’s Score = 58 Any questions for Michele? Drop her a line on Twitter: @meeshfitz	Team Shirin’s Score = 56 Any questions for Shirin? Drop her a line on Twitter: @theshirin
1. – David:  Creating a bond with a Millennial shows that you are playing this game with an adaptability that will be essential in the merge.	1. – Sunday: Sunny, yesterday your life was filled with rain. Sunny, you smiled at them and really really eased their pain. Now the dark days are gone and the bright days are here…
2. – Zeke:  This game is similar to a diet. You need pace, self control, and if all else fails, just close your mouth.	2. – Zeke: He’s got a watch with a minute hand, Millennial hand and a Gen X hand. When they meet it’s a happy land. Powerful man, universe man.
3. – Ken: You had a quiet week, but you shouldn’t have trouble adapting in this merge.	3. – Adam: Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Merge with an idol, No escape from reality tv. Open your eyes, Look up to the skies and see.
4. – Jay:  This game strips you down and exposes you. What started as a sheep, may actually be a wolf.	4. – David: Do you know what Gen Xers said when they saw his first idol arrive? ‘Be careful with that one, love. He will do what it takes to survive.’ #Burn
5. – Jessica: Luckily since the infection has cleared up, you seem to be keeping your eyes open.	5. – Ken:  All I do is win win win no matter what. Got money on my mind, I can never get enough. And every time I step up in confessional All my rippling abs go, ‘wut’
6. – Will: Hear that deep voice? Will has finally hit puberty.	6. – Chris: No one fights like Gaston, Douses lights like Gaston, In a wrestling match nobody bites like Gaston! For there’s no one as burly and brawny.
7. – Adam: Comfortably in the middle of Millennials and Gen X again.	7. – Taylor:  YOLO. Say no no. Isolate yourself And just roll solo. Be care-folo. You oughta look out.
8. – Taylor: You believe Figgy was the light, but in this game, you shine brighter without her.	8. – Michelle:  This is not The Greatest Michelle in Survivor, no. This is just a tribute. Couldn’t remember The Greatest Michele in Survivor, no, no. This is a tribute.
9. – Sunday: Last week you gained a voice, and it was pure and heartfelt. I look forward to hearing more of it.	9. – Hannah: Waiting for an invitation to arrive. Going to a party where no one’s still alive.
10. – Bret: The only funeral you will be directing is your own if you continue with that lie.	10. – Will: What’s he like? It’s not important. Particle man.
11. – Michelle: Reuniting with your Millennials is your saving grace this week.	11. – Jay: Leave it to me to be holding the matches When the fire trucks show up and there’s nobody else to blame.
12. – Chris: Will your manners reappear at the merge feast?	12. – Bret: At every occasion he’ll be ready for the funeral.
13. – Hannah: It is not good when people leave you out of decisions because they can’t trust your response. Time to reassess those alliances, girl.	13. – Jessica: If I should stay, I would only be in Ken’s way. So I’ll go.

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Gordon Holmes: A friend of mine told me her daughter was worried you were going to stab Jay last night.
Michaela Bradshaw: (Laughs)
Holmes: How close did you come to stabbing Jay?
Bradshaw: I try not to be violent in regular life. But, I was filled with emotions. I’m glad there was nothing sharp in the vicinity.
Holmes: Because I figured when you said, “My shoes” and went back…that we were seeing a ruse that would let you get close enough to clobber Jay.
Bradshaw: (Laughs) I was so shocked. They didn’t show it, but I walked up to Jeff without the torch. And he just looked at me. So I went back to get the torch and I was like, “Uh uh, I need to get my shoes.” And my shoes just happened to be right at Jay’s feet. Oh…there was so much passion. Devastation. But, these things happen. I can look at it as a compliment.
Holmes: Right, it wasn’t, “Michaela is annoying,” or “Michaela sucks in challenges.” It was “Michaela is too smart and too strong.” I get that all the time.
Bradshaw: (Laughs) That’s why we’re friends, Gordon. I take it as a compliment. In the moment it’s like, “Man, we were a team.” In regular life I play for my team. If I help the team win, we win. I like those scenarios.

Holmes: Were there any signs heading into Tribal that Jay and Will were making a move on you?
Bradshaw: I wouldn’t say there were no signs, but I would say I was willing to test it. Number one: We hadn’t talked about who Bret and Sunday are voting for. And two: Will and Jay know that I know that they have an idol. And three: I know that Jay didn’t intend for me to know that he had an idol. He didn’t invite me into the forest. So, when you put those things together the skeptical part of your brain says, “Watch out for Jay and Will.” But your heart will say, “No, we’re in this as a team.” It’s that struggle between your head and the need to be suspicious of people and your heart that wants to trust. In that game, it’s better to go with your head and not your heart.

Holmes: Why didn’t you tell everyone about Jay’s idol on your way out?
Bradshaw: In the exact moment that I saw my name pop up, my mind was like…I knew that was the last time I was going to see him. So all I was thinking was, “Why would he break up the trust that we’re building?” I play for the team, so it’d be hard for me to go from, “I’m devastated that you broke up our team,” to flipping on someone and ruining his game. I’m not a vengeful person. So, by the time I got on the boat to go to Ponderosa, I was thinking, I should’ve. But, I can respect good gameplay. That part of me isn’t going to throw salt on someone’s game.
Holmes: You say you’re not a vengeful person, but I think there’s a tree at Tribal Council that would disagree.
Bradshaw: (Laughs) The tree I hit! That wasn’t vengeance, that was just getting all of that negative energy out of my body. Sometimes you’ve got to let it go. It’s better to hit a tree than to hit a person.
Holmes: That’s true.

Holmes: Let’s go back to the Figgy vs. Mari vote. Why did you end up siding with Jay, Taylor, Figgy, and Michelle?
Bradshaw: That alliance started on the second or third day of the game. It was all I had. The first episode, nobody would talk to me. So if we lost the first challenge, I bet I would have went home. I was the outcast in the beginning. I wasn’t the cool kid and I wasn’t the nerd either. I was in the middle, you know, cute and smart. (Laughs) So, Jay and Michelle were the only two people who would actually talk to me. Everybody else kept me at arm’s length. I told them, “I’ll have your back the rest of this game.” That’s where that started. But, they never said they’d have my back the rest of the game, so I knew I could only trust them to some extent.

Holmes: During the ball puzzle, you were giving Hannah some stern advice. Do you think that hurt her feelings or did you two have the kind of relationship where that was OK?
Bradshaw: Those challenges take so long and it gets so hot the longer you stay out there. And you’ve still got things to do back at camp. So I just wanted to not lose. Me and Hannah had a great relationship. She was a person that I talked to a lot. Even more than Jay. And from Hannah’s perspective, she wanted to show that she could contribute. That’s a big thing for Hannah. I get it. My thing is; you have intrinsic value to me because you’re a person and you’re on my team. Right need I need you to fall back so I can make sure that we don’t go to Tribal. I figured out the puzzle and in my mind it took one person and the second person was there to cause conflict. So, I was telling her, “You need to hold the table and let me work the balls in the holes.” She wanted to keep helping. But I tried to explain to her nicely at first, “Helping is just standing still.” But at a certain point, you just have to get people to listen. So, I came across a little snappy and I apologized to her after.

Holmes: Alright, word association time. Let’s start with Figgy.
Bradshaw: Attention.
Holmes: Taylor?
Bradshaw: Blonde.
Holmes: Adam?
Bradshaw: Smart.
Holmes: Will?
Bradshaw: Childlike.
Holmes: Bret?
Bradshaw: Cute cop dad.
Holmes: Sunday?
Bradshaw: Mom.
Holmes: Hannah?
Bradshaw: Goofy.
Holmes: Michelle?
Bradshaw: Sweet.
Holmes: Zeke?
Bradshaw: Genius.
Holmes: Mari?
Bradshaw: I want to say, “Underplayed.” Like, there was more…but we didn’t get it.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Jay.
Bradshaw: Bold.

Holmes: What was the dream end-game scenario if Bret had gone home last night?
Bradshaw: Now looking at it, I know it’s unrealistic. But, myself, Will, and Hannah sticking together. That was my thing with the shells. There was a clear path to the end. But, that path involves letting go of the other alliances that you have. And that includes Michelle and Taylor. For Jay and Will, that would not happen. In reality, that plan would not have worked. But, nobody wants to take me to final four because I can win immunity and get to the end. I was thinking it was the least complicated way, but that’s not how “Survivor” works.

Holmes: I think we were all excited when we saw how diverse the casting was on the women’s side. And yet, five of the first seven people out were women of color. What is your take on this outcome? Did something feel off out there or is that just how the cards fell regardless of race?
Bradshaw: It feels like America. You don’t feel it in the moment until you step back and look at it. Then you realize that we’re playing a social game. Part of making alliances is who you feel like you can trust. Part of who you feel like you can trust is who you feel familiar with. Part of who you feel familiar with is who you’re typically around. And part of who you’re around is who people look like. In a social game, what you look like can have an effect on what’s familiar to a person which can impact how quickly they trust you and how long they trust you. And so, maybe that had something to do with the boot order, maybe it was random. But I can say that I noticed.

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

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Last Week: Adam took his vote and got Figgy with it.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor Blog…

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

The Ikabula Tribe (wearing green)

Bret – 42, Police Sergeant
Hannah – 24, Barista
Jay – 27, Real Estate Agent
Michaela – 25, Vacation Club Sales
Sunday – 45, Youth Pastor
Will – 18, High School Student

The Takali Tribe (wearing purple)

Adam – 25, Homeless Shelter Manager
Jessica – 37, Assistant District Attorney
Ken – 33, Model
Taylor – 24, Ski Instructor

The Vanua Tribe (wearing orange)

Chris – 38, Trial Lawyer
David – 42, Television Writer
Michelle – 28, Missionary Recruiter
Zeke – 28, Asset Manager

We start off after last week’s Tribal and Adam immediately wants to clear the air with Taylor. Adam admits to screwing Taylor and ruining his romance.

Well, now that it’s come to light that Taylor is expecting a child with another woman…hopefully Adam doesn’t feel too guilty about it.

Taylor plays it cool, but he does plan on destroying Adam. Bro-venge is a dish best served totally chill.

(I’m old.)

Over at Vanua, David shows Zeke his idol in an attempt to gain his trust and make the most adorable alliance ever. Team Zavid! Deke? I’ll work on it.

Reward Challenge Time: Teams will work to release a bag of three balls. They’ll then shoot them through a hoop. From there they’ll take the balls and throw them onto a perch. First tribe to finish will receive a meal prepared by a chef. The second tribe will receive kabobs that they’ll have to cook their own darn selves. Third tribe receives self-doubt.

Quick Aside: So many basketball-type challenges. Was Scottie Pippen originally supposed to be on this season?

Before the challenge starts off, Jay is shocked to learn that with Figgy gone, his triforce is now a bi-force.

Michaela, on the other hand, is amused.

Bret and Sunday will sit out for Ikabula.

We start off and Ikabula is the first tribe to get to the ball-shooting portion. However, the other two tribes aren’t far behind.

Vanua is the first tribe to move on to the final stage and it looks like Chris’s height is going to be a big help in getting the balls on top of the perch.

Sure enough, Vanua wins it easily.

It’s Ken vs. Michaela for second place with Michaela coming from behind to win kabobs for Ikabula.

Another Quick Aside: I love me some Jeff Probst. He’s a hell of a guy. It makes my skin crawl when he talks about bellies being full.

Back at Vanua beach, Chris, Zeke, and David seem to be having some kind of burping/farting contest. This might be the grossest thing since Kaoh Rong’s “Show us your festering sores” montage.

Michelle is a little worried that she might be an easy vote because she isn’t participating in the parade of bad manners. Well, there’s one way to remedy that, Michelle.

At Takali, Taylor and Ken are enjoying a political debate. No, seriously.

Later on, Taylor claims to be a free agent and swears allegiance to Ken and Jessica. Jessica likes that Taylor is much less strategic than Adam.

Meanwhile at Ikabula, Michaela compares her intensity to Michael Jordan. Yeah…but Michael didn’t need to win a popularity contest at the end of the NBA Finals.

In other Ikabula news, Hannah is sizing up the competition. With four Millennials facing two Gen-Xers, she thinks Bret or Sunday should be next to go. And she simply doesn’t trust Bret. She asks him what he does for a living and he says, “Definitely not a cop.” OK, he didn’t say that, but his funeral director story is just as bad.

Sure enough, she’s convinced that he’s a cop.

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will race to throw coconuts into a net. Once the net is full, it will raise a flag that will reveal a combination. The players will use the combination to open a lock and release a slingshot. The first two tribes to use the slingshot to knock down all of their targets will win immunity.

Hannah and Will are gonna sit for Ikabula.

The Survivors are ready…and they go.

Takali is the first tribe to reveal their combination, they’re followed by Ikabula.

Vanua is waaaay behind and Michelle’s problem with the combination lock is not helping matters.

Fortunately, the other tribes aren’t doing well with the slingshot. Jay asks Michaela if he can tag in, but she turns him down.

Vanua finally makes it to the slingshot and Chris starts hitting some shots.

Ken and Taylor manage to nail all of the targets, winning immunity for Takali.

It’s back and forth between Vanua and Ikabula with Vanua finally pulling off the win.
Politicking around Ikabula starts with the four Millennials ganging up on the Gen-Xers. Michaela doesn’t care who goes home because they’ll still have the numbers.

It’s decided to split the vote in case one of them has an idol.

However, Jay is worried because Michaela is smart and a challenge machine. He approaches Will with this plan. Will is on board and points out that Michaela knows about Jay’s idol.

That night at Tribal, Probst points out that both of the majorities have voted out one of their own since the merge.

Michaela isn’t worried about that because her tribe is full of trustworthy people. #famouslastwords

She’s also bummed they have to vote out “Uncle Bret” and “Mama Sunday.”

Bret says he’s been genuine with everyone. This comment causes Jay to give a Eliza-Orlins-on-a-jury-type reaction.

Will thinks a Tony Vlachos game is dangerous. It worked for him.

Jay believes that you should follow your gut.

Will and Jay both agree that tonight’s vote will make the tribe stronger.

Michaela hopes that Bret or Sunday don’t feel like they’re on the bottom after the vote.

Voting Time: Hannah votes for Bret and it’s the only vote shown.

J-Pro tallies and returns. We’ve got two votes for Bret, three votes for Michaela…

Note: At this point, Michaela yells, “What?!” and asks Jay if he was responsible for that vote. He coldly responds, “Yep, I did it.”

And the seventh person voted out of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” is…Michaela.

On her way out, Michaela tells Jay that he “Just (expletive deleted) up,” and that he’s “Going to feel like an (expletive deleted).”

This whole incident sets off another panic attack for poor Hannah.

Verdict: This season, man. Wow.

And now we’re heading into a merge with a fractured Millennial alliance and three idols in play. Crazytown.

Power Rankings Update: Michele Fitzgerald had Michaela in spot 5, Shirin Oskooi had her in spot 7. So, the current score is Team Michele 58, Team Shirin 56.

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

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Gordon Holmes: How are you?
Jessica Figueroa: I could use a margarita.
Holmes: You and me both.

Holmes: Seems like you should’ve taken Probst up on his offer to get married last night. No way anyone is getting voted out after that.
Figueroa: (Laughs) Something like that, right! I was like, “Hey, ‘Survivor’ first, let’s make it happen.” I got the boot. I kinda saw it coming, then I kinda didn’t. So, I’ve got mixed emotions.
Holmes: What kind of heartless bastard would vote out a bride on her wedding day?
Figueroa: Adam Klein. That’s who.

Holmes: What happened between the challenge and Tribal? Did you know something was up?
Figueroa: Adam knew he was in the power position. When we first swapped tribes we didn’t see that. We just thought it was three Millennials. But, there were two Millennials, two Gen-Xers and Adam…someone who tried to vote you out. So, when we all came back, I was like, “Adam, who do you want to vote out?” I had to make Adam feel like he was on top of the world. “Tell me what you want and I’ll do it.” At that point I was at his mercy. “You want me to feed you grapes? You want me to fetch you water? What would you like me to do?” It was that game at camp. Then he and Ken would go on walks. So would Jess. And Taylor is just chilling, flipping his hair, and eating coconuts.
Holmes: What was your read on Adam right before Tribal?
Figueroa: When we walked in, I had this gut feeling that it was me. I turned to Taylor and said, “I think it’s going to be me.” And he said, “No, you’re going to be OK.” And we walked in and it didn’t feel real. It felt like I died and my ghost came out of my body. It was such a bad feeling.

Holmes: Taylor said that Adam would have problems with the other Millennials if he voted for you. Without giving anything away, at that time did you think you had friends that would try to avenge you?
Figueroa: I think my little tri-force of Taylor and Jay would try to avenge me. My boys will have my back…and they will ride into the night! I think they will definitely do some justice for Figgy.

Holmes: Did you or any of the other Millennials suspect that Adam had an idol?
Figueroa: No, we did not. Like David’s paranoia where he needed to get an idol, we were all that way. We had speculated that he may have had one early in the game, but we didn’t know for sure. And we were like, let’s not look for one at Takali, it’s probably not here. But yeah, nobody knew. I wish I would have.

Holmes: What was your relationship like with Taylor after the game?
Figueroa: Um…you know…life…on an island is one thing and life in the real world is another. So…yeah…(Laughs)…we dated a little bit longer than the show. And real life got in the way. So…yeah.
Holmes: Still friends?
Figueroa: (Silence)
Holmes: (Silence)
Figueroa: That’s interesting. (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs)
Figueroa: You could say no.
Holmes: That’s a shame. Because “Survivor” has a better track record of successful relationships than “The Bachelor.”
Figueroa: Well, when real life relationships get in the way and you find things out outside that things aren’t all peachy…that can really affect a relationship.

Holmes: Were there any things that happened out there that we didn’t see that you wish we had?
Figueroa: Maybe me strategizing would have been nice. You go back to episode two and you see me, Michaela, and Jay signing a peace treaty and strategizing about the Mari vote. People would say, “Boston Rob and Amber, are they going to be like them?” I was Boston Rob and Taylor was Amber. I strategized and he listened and batted his blue eyes at everybody and would do what I said. Even Adam said it in episode five. “You’re going to do whatever she says.”

Holmes: Alright, word association time. Let’s start with Jay.
Figueroa: My boy.
Holmes: Zeke?
Figueroa: Sneaky.
Holmes: Mari?
Figueroa: Bye.
Holmes: Jessica?
Figueroa: Smart.
Holmes: Taylor?
Figueroa: (Laughs) There are so many words I want to say.
Holmes: You can use as many as you like.
Figueroa: Hmm…
Holmes: I feel like I should’ve gotten you that margarita.
Figueroa: You should have! All I want to say are things that are aside from the game.
Holmes: There are no wrong answers here.
Figueroa: (Laughs) Oh man… ARGH! Why are you doing this to me! It’s morning.
Holmes: We can come back to him. Will?
Figueroa: Rat.
Holmes: Adam?
Figueroa: Sweet.
Holmes: Michelle?
Figueroa: My girl.
Holmes: Hannah?
Figueroa: Spaz. (Laughs)
Holmes: Michaela?
Figueroa: Machete.
Holmes: Ken?
Figueroa: Bossy.
Holmes: And we’ve come back around to Taylor.
Figueroa: Can I say, “A little bitch”?
Holmes: You absolutely can.
Figueroa: I think that’s a good way to put it.

Holmes: Jumping back into that, you called Will, “A rat.” We really didn’t see much interaction between you two.
Figueroa: He’s a rat! He’s hunting down cheese on the island. He’s running around in the middle of the night. He’s a little rat. He’s someone to keep an eye on. I consider him to be a little mouse. He’s all over the place.

Holmes: What’s your takeaway from this experience? Unlike “The Bachelor,” this show seems to change lives.
Figueroa: You just reminded me, I wish they had shown when I went spearfishing and I caught two fish. Even from that experience, I literally can do whatever the (expletive deleted) I want. I went spearfishing! I was afraid to get out there and I took away so much mentally and about myself. When I was out there, you didn’t see me meditating and doing these things. I became one with the island out there. It was really cool to do all of this growing. And I’m ready to redeem myself at this point.
Holmes: So you’re ready to book a return trip to “Survivor”?
Figueroa: Hell yeah. You kidding me? I’m waiting for Jeff to call me right now…after I’ve had my margarita, of course.
Holmes: That wedding would have guaranteed a return trip.
Figueroa: I know! That’s why I said, “A ‘Survivor’ first, let’s go.” And Taylor was all, “Wha?! Duhhh…”

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

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Last Week: An idol was found in the Wright place, the tribes were split in three, and CeCe said, “See ya.”

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor Blog…

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

The Ikabula Tribe (wearing green)

Bret – 42, Police Sergeant
Hannah – 24, Barista
Jay – 27, Real Estate Agent
Michaela – 25, Vacation Club Sales
Sunday – 45, Youth Pastor
Will – 18, High School Student

The Takali Tribe (wearing purple)

Adam – 25, Homeless Shelter Manager
Figgy – 23, Bartender
Jessica – 37, Assistant District Attorney
Ken – 33, Model
Taylor – 24, Ski Instructor

The Vanua Tribe (wearing orange)

Chris – 38, Trial Lawyer
David – 42, Television Writer
Michelle – 28, Missionary Recruiter
Zeke – 28, Asset Manager

We start things back off at Vanua beach where everyone is in good spirits because the vote was unanimous. David declares the end to the Millennials vs. Gen-X twist and renames it “People I Trust vs. People You Trust.” Neither of those is very catchy.

Meanwhile, Zeke is blown away that the Gen-Xers threw away their advantage on the only tribe where they had a numbers edge.

Over at Ikabula, Jay shares a heartfelt moment and says he wants to take care of his tribe like he takes care of his family back home. He then says he’s going to win “Survivor” for them. Have we talked about how much I love Jay?

Later, Jay manages to find his tribe’s hidden idol. Unfortunately, Will is with him when he does. Even more unfortunately, Michaela walks up on the two of them.

Michaela lets us know that Jay is in her alliance, but if he turns on her, she’ll happily snitch. Wait…she’ll run around until the seeker catches her?

Reward Challenge Time: A caller for each tribe will stand on a platform and shout directions to their blindfolded tribemates. The tribemates will stumble out to gather puzzle pieces and will undoubtedly crash into crotch-level obstacles. Once all of the puzzle pieces have been retrieved, one player will complete the puzzle while STILL WEARING THEIR BLINDFOLD. The first tribe to finish the challenge will receive a variety of snacks. The second tribe will receive chocolate chip cookies. The third tribe will receive bruises.

Jessica will sit for Takali, Hannah and Bret will sit for Ikabula.

Before we start off, Figgy admits that she’s really happy that her girl Michelle is still around instead of CeCe. Probst asks Michelle if she’s worried that Figgy’s honesty will get in her in trouble, to which she responds, “I think the truth works well in this game.” Sure…

Quick Aside: Probst is wearing a white shirt. It’s like a chase figure.

Michelle, Figgy, and Jay are our callers. Other than that, there isn’t much to describe except for stumblin’ and wipin’ out.

Takali is the first to return all of their pieces, but Ikabula isn’t too far behind them. Vanua eventually joins them.

During the puzzle portion, Hannah claims that she’s feeling faint. Probst tells her to let him know if she wants him to call in the medical team.

Zeke and Michelle manage to come from behind and complete the puzzle for the win. Jay and Michaela claim second place.

Figgy is not happy that her tribe lost their big lead.

Doctor Joe is brought in to check on Hannah. Luckily, it seemed like she was only having breathing issues due to the excitement of the challenge. She sums it up as saying that she was just having a panic attack.

Over at Takali, Taylor and Figgy decide to come out to their tribe as the couple known as “Fig Tails.”

Hilariously, they’re comfortable coming out because Adam is on their side and they have the numbers. #famouslastwords

Figgy breaks the news to Jessica and her response was, “You think?” Ken’s reaction is similar.

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will race across balance beams and retrieve bags of coconuts. Once they have all six bags, they’ll maneuver three balls through a table maze. The first two tribes to complete the maze will win immunity.

Adam will sit for Takali, Will and Sunday will sit for Ikabula.

The Survivors are ready, and they go. Not much to describe at first except for balancin’ and runnin’.

Jay gives Ikabula a big lead, but Taylor manages to jump ahead for Takali. Power of love!

Figgy and Jessica are the first to try the maze. They’re eventually joined by Michaela and Hannah and Zeke and Michelle.

Michaela hilariously barks orders at Hannah, and it works. Ikabula wins immunity.

Figgy and Jessica seem to be working well together, but Michaela decides to even things up by offering advice to Vanua. Huh…

Apparently the advice helped, because Zeke and Michelle were able to come from behind to win immunity.

Probst asks Michaela why she was helping the other tribe, and she says that she’s trying to keep Millennials safe. Ken points out that there are Millennials on his tribe, but Michaela isn’t worried because they have the numbers. #famouslastwords

Michaela was also worried that Russell Hantz was about to be victimized by an all-woman alliance on “Heroes vs. Villains.”

Back at Takali beach, we learn that Adam is the swing vote between the two sides.

Taylor wonders if Adam is way smarter than he has given him credit for and is thinking of flopping. Man, if Taylor thinks you’re dumb…I’m not sure how you come back from that.

Jessica and Ken make a play to get Adam on their side, telling him that they’ll never write his name down.

Adam proves that he’s psychic by saying, “The whole world is probably screaming, ‘Get out the power couple!’”

That night at Tribal, Taylor is pretty confident that the Millennials are all going to stick together. Because that’s what they’re known for; thinking of others.

Figgy even forgives Adam for voting for her earlier.

This segues into Probst asking if Taylor and Figgy are in love. What is this, “The Amazing Race” blind date season where that was the first thing the couples were asked when they arrived at the mat?

Fun Fact: Probst loves love. The guy’s a romantic.

Probst says that Millennials are so fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants that they could get married right now. He even offers up his services as an ordained minister to make it happen.

The couple doesn’t bite, so we miss out on the first “Survivor” Tribal Council wedding. Maybe if they’d offered a wedding cake.

Figgy doesn’t think that it’s a big deal that they’re a couple because they’re just voting together like every other alliance.

Adam admits that he’s in the middle. Wait, why would you say that if you’re not flipping?

Taylor makes the point that Adam shouldn’t flip because there are more Millennials left in the game and that would put a target on his back.

Adam claims that he really likes who he’s voting for tonight.

Voting Time: No votes are shown.

JPro tallies and returns. We’ve got one vote for Ken, one vote for Figgy, one vote for Ken, one vote for Figgy, and the sixth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” is…Figgy.

So unchill, Adam.

Adam offers to explain himself to Taylor, but Taylor doesn’t seem interested in what he has to say.

Figgy simply says, “Win” to Taylor.

Verdict: This season, man. It seems like every vote has been a blindside. And a tribe swap where none of the previous alliances have stuck together? Good times.

Add to that people worth rooting for (Adam, David, Jay, Michaela, Zeke, even Ken a little bit) and you’ve got one of the best pre-merges ever.

Power Rankings Update: Michele Fitzgerald had Figgy in spot 13, Shirin Oskooi had her in spot 9. So, the current score is Team Michele 53, Team Shirin 49.

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

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

The Rules: Each week our two combatants 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 players will earn.  The person with the most points at the end of the season will be declared the “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” champion.

Quick Note: XFINITY “Survivor” loudmouth Gordon Holmes will be unable to participate in this season’s Power Rankings due to being more than a bit spoiled. Therefore, he has invited defending Power Rankings champion Shirin Oskooi to take his place.

Michele Fitzgerald and Shirin Oskooi’s Rankings

Team Michele’s Score = 40 Any questions for Michele? Drop her a line on Twitter: @meeshfitz	Team Shirin’s Score = 40 Any questions for Shirin? Drop her a line on Twitter: @theshirin
1. – Jay:  Ultimate “Survivor” Checklist: Survival Skills (check) Challenge Prowess (check) Social Ability (check) Funny Confessionals (check)	1. – Adam: Aligning with Ken to show Figgler what a real power couple looks like. #IfIWereARichMan
2. – Michaela:  The ice queen melts with fire.	2. – Ken: People fall all over themselves to give him gifts. First a legacy advantage from Jessica, and inevitably a numbers majority from Adam.
3. – Chris: I know two people from Oklahoma. Person #1	3. – Jay: Between stoking Michaela’s flames into fire and keeping the tribe’s torches alive with his challenge dominance, Jay’s life in this game is lit.
4. – Zeke: Person #2	4. – Michaela: The pre-merge will not claim all the women of color.
5. – David: That challenge was much like your “Survivor” experience. You get the ball, you lose the ball, you chase the ball, you struggle with the ball, you get the ball in, you apologize to your tribe.	5. – Chris:  They won’t come for the Sooner until later, OK.
6. – Adam: You have finally found the one situation where being a third wheel is fun.	6. – Zeke: His newfound alliance with Chris will at least advance him to a Bowl…of merge food, OK.
7. – Ken: You may not have the numbers, but with those soft words and hard abs, it shouldn’t be hard to win people over.	7. – Taylor: Tails: the brains are the ones making the #BigMovez™, so I call Heads.
8. – Will: You skipped school again?	8. – Jessica:  If the Millennials want to keep eating and winning, they’ll target her first.
9. – Bret: It is good to let the youngsters feel like you aren’t bossing them around. I saw you building shelter on Gen X and I’m not sure I believe you are as incapable as you are making it appear.	9. – Figgy: She’s likely still Adam’s target, but considering the tribe’s challenge prowess, target practice is not in session.
10. – Sunday: Sundays are a day of rest.	10. – Will: Blending into his tribe, right into the background.
11. – Hannah: When Zeke told you to go away… he didn’t mean, like, forever.	11. – Sunday: She’s been bowing her head in silent prayer these last few episodes, and it brought her a faithful new tribe.
12. – Taylor: 1. “Lets openly make out because we have the numbers” (see Figgy) 3.“But- You. Are. Hot” (See Figgy)	12. – Hannah: Hannah has shallow roots… like a water hyacinth plant. Some people she clings on tightly. And wind and waves blow them apart. #TaiDrop
13. – Figgy: 2. “No, that’s dumb” (See Taylor) 4. “*Giggles* OK, let’s go tell everyone we are together” (End Scene)	13. – David: Looks like Chris won’t choke you, so don’t choke on playing that idol.
14. – Michelle: Making logical points to illogical people makes your logical points seem illogical to people.	14. – Michelle: She may have stumbled upon a real life dragon in her new tribe. David breathes fire in this game.
15. – Jessica: If you told me you would give me your legacy advantage once you get voted out, the first thing I would do is vote you out.	15. – Bret: Millennials hate micro-management: taking it, as well as giving it.

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Gordon Holmes: Were there any clues that David and Chris were going to blindside you last night?
CeCe Taylor: Yeah, I felt a little uncomfortable when I came back down to the beach and Chris, David, and Zeke were already there and they were talking. And before I walked up, Chris yelled out, “Yeah, we’ve got the numbers.” And I was like, we already discussed voting out Michelle, so why was he so eager to audibly say that again? That was alarming to me because Chris never does that. He’s never eager to tell me about his plan, especially when we already talked about it. Also, there was a little bit of scattering around camp with Michelle. But, I thought it was a numbers game and if they were planning to vote me out, it was going to be what it was going to be. I did my best to state my case at Tribal.

Holmes: Did you have any interest in working with Michelle or were you solid with the Gen-Xers?
Taylor: At that point I was interested in working with her. But, I didn’t want to be the first person to flop on the Gen-Xers. I didn’t want that hanging over my head in case the merge happened soon. I was thinking; if I flip and vote out David, I’ll have these other Gen-Xers coming for me. And there was no guarantee that I would’ve got in with the Millennials. Michelle said she would have had my back, but who’s to say that she would’ve?

Holmes: We’ve had swaps after the fourth eliminations a lot lately. Was that something the Gen-Xers were preparing for?
Taylor: We talked about it a little, but we thought it’d just be a swap of two tribes. We had no idea that it’d be three tribes. That threw us totally off.

Holmes: Were you closer with David or Ken?
Taylor: I think it was equal. Ken was more trusting right off the bat. Ken never wrote my name down once. David, it was kind of ehh with him because he was with the majority in the beginning. And then he reneged on that. Then the whole thing with Jessica, and he flipped on that. So…maybe I was closer to Ken.

Holmes: Everyone assumed David had that first idol, were there any clues that he had found the second?
Taylor: None whatsoever. If I thought he had an idol I would have begged him, made a deal, everything. I would’ve had his back to the very end. We just thought that nobody found the idol.

Holmes: Alright, word association time. Let’s start with David.
Taylor: Manipulative.
Holmes: Paul?
Taylor: Jerk.
Holmes: Jessica?
Taylor: Unloyal.
Holmes: Lucy?
Taylor: Flip-flopper.
Holmes: Ken?
Taylor: Loyal.
Holmes: Zeke?
Taylor: Smart.
Holmes: Rachel?
Taylor: Fun.
Holmes: Bret?
Taylor: Good guy.
Holmes: Michelle?
Taylor: Sweetheart.
Holmes: Sunday?
Taylor: Untrustworthy.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Chris.
Taylor: Alpha male.

Holmes: There’s been a disturbing trend this season with four of the first five eliminations being women of color. What is your take on that?
Taylor: I always have that feeling every season. It comes down to numbers. It’s visible on TV, you see there are two black people or two Asians. So, even if people are not saying it, it’s definitely in people’s minds. Especially as a minority. I don’t think it’s deliberate. We had such a diverse season. It was great to see. I really think it came down to that they were trying to get rid of the strong women who could change the game later on. If you look at the ones that were voted out; Lucy had a voice, Mari had a voice. They were trying to get out the ones who could cause some trouble.
Holmes: It makes me nervous for my girlfriend Michaela. She is a strong woman.
Taylor: She’s strong in challenges, she’s mentally strong. The only thing is she says what’s on her mind and that might get her in trouble if she doesn’t back off a little bit.

Holmes: Was there anything out there that happened that we didn’t see that you wish we had?
Taylor: Absolutely! So much! They cut out all my good stuff. In the second episode I went to all the girls and said, “Let’s do an all-girl alliance.” I said, “This is the time to do it, and we can pull in Ken as our guy to get the numbers.” And what you see on camera is Jessica and Sunday talking to Paul about it, but it was my idea. I even brought it up to Figgy at the summit. I asked her if there had been any talk of an all-girl alliance, but she shut that down. I always think they should try an all-girl alliance. You didn’t see my confrontation with Lucy after Paul went home. She was upset because she was supposed to be with the majority and she wanted to smooth things over with Chris and Bret.

Holmes: When we spoke before the game, you said your kids were too cool to be excited about your big adventure. Did they ever come around?
Taylor: (Laughs) No, they’re teenagers. “Yeah, you’re on TV…whatever.”

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

‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X’ (CBS)

QUICK NOTE: XFINITYTV.com is the place to be for all of your bug-eatin’, back-stabbin’, “Survivor” coverage. During the season we’ll have insightful weekly Power Rankings, exit interviews, and full episode recaps. Follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X” 

Last Week: Adam got more than a clue, Michaela provided a view, and David’s idol got rid of Lu…cy.

39 Days, 20 People, 1 “Survivor Blog…

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

The Vanua Tribe – Millennials (wearing orange)

Adam – 25, Homeless Shelter Manager
Figgy – 23, Bartender
Hannah – 24, Barista
Jay – 27, Real Estate Agent
Michaela – 25, Vacation Club Sales
Michelle – 28, Missionary Recruiter
Taylor – 24, Ski Instructor
Will – 18, High School Student
Zeke – 28, Asset Manager

The Takali Tribe – Generation-X (wearing purple)

Bret – 42, Police Sergeant
Chris – 38, Trial Lawyer
CeCe – 39, Insurance Adjuster
David – 42, Television Writer
Jessica – 37, Assistant District Attorney
Ken – 33, Model
Sunday – 45, Youth Pastor

Oh boy…we meet up with our Gen-X friends after Tribal and David’s got some splainin’ to do. He’s bummed because he played an idol for someone that nobody wanted to work with. Yeah, that’s like #7 on the list of 14 Reasons David Shouldn’t Have Played His Idol.

Later on, Jessica apologizes to Ken for not believing in her. She then tells him that she would leave her legacy advantage to him if she’s voted out. So…now he won’t want to vote her out?

The next morning it’s Idol Hunt ’16! All of the Gen-Xers rush out like they were handing out free Pearl Jam tickets. (That’s a Gen-X stereotype, right?)

As they’re searching, David finds the tribe logo on a log. He cracks it open and finds himself yet another idol. Wow. Very Hantzian.

Reward Challenge Time: Psych…

Instead of running a challenge, it’s buff droppin’ time. And not only that, we’re going from two tribes to three.

Wait! Sixteen isn’t divisible by three! You maniacs!

The Vanua tribe will go to Millennial beach, the Takali tribe will go to Gen-X beach, the green buffs will be called Ikabula and will have to start from scratch. To offset that disadvantage, they’ll have an extra tribe member. Mmm…I’d rather have a shelter and food.

Alright, we’ve got Taylor, Figgy, Adam, Jessica and Ken on Takali. Taylor is psyched to have Figgy on his tribe and he’s pretty sure he has the numbers. Really? Cause Adam voted with you guys?

Vanua is made up of Zeke, CeCe, Chris, Michelle, and David. And Ikabula consists of Michaela, Sunday, Hannah, Bret, Will, and Jay.

Michaela is really not happy about being on the start-over tribe. She says she wanted to flip Jeff off for sending her to an empty beach with no food. So that’s the difference between her and Sugar.

Over at Ikabula Beach, Jay is not happy with his new Gen-X tribemates but he isn’t worried because he has the numbers.

Meanwhile, his former Tri-force buddies Figgy and Taylor have decided to hide their showmance from their new Takali tribemates. And by hide, I mean Taylor whispers “you are hot” to Figgy behind Ken’s back.

Later on, Adam admits to Ken that he was on the bottom third of his tribe. The two hit it off immediately. It’s like Ken collects adorable nerds.

At Vanua, Michelle is not thrilled with her new predicament. It doesn’t help matters that Chris and Zeke are able to bond over Chris’ experience as an Oklahoma Sooner football player.

So, everything is going to be OK for Zeke?

Ahem…OK.

(Moving on.)

The next day, we learn that Ikabula tribe hasn’t been able to make fire. Jay and Bret both give it a try, but eventually give up. Michaela, who is incapable of giving up, finally makes it work. Because she is the best. Team Michaela.

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will dive into the water and retrieve a buoy. Once all five buoys have been collected, the team will have to decide between shooting baskets with the buoys, or using a line to pull the buoy closer and then shooting baskets. The first two tribes to sink all five shots will win immunity.

Will will sit out for Ikabula.

We start off and Sunday immediately has trouble releasing her buoy. This will cost her tribe a ton of time. Michelle has similar problems.

CeCe isn’t setting speed records either, but at least she got a buoy. She’s like the anti Joey Amazing. That, or she’s holding back so she doesn’t seem like an individual immunity threat.

Then, David can’t get up on the platform with his buoy. It’s so comically bad that Zeke wonders if he’s trying to throw the challenge. Seriously, the only thing David’s performance was missing was the “Benny Hill” theme.

Takali is the first with all of the buoys. Ken uses the lasso to pull the target closer. Ikobula is next, Michaela uses the lasso as well.

Then Michaela shows that bikini tops don’t hold her back by easily sinking the first two shots while remaining clothed.

Vanua finally gets their buoys and decides to not bother with the lasso.

Michaela is on fire, she hits the fifth and final shot before any of the other tribes has two.

Vanua makes the call to change things up and go for the lasso. Unfortunately while they’re doing this, Ken finds his rhythm and puts the game away. Takali and Ikobula win immunity.

Back at camp, CeCe is bummed that they lost the challenge, but psyched because Gen-X is the majority. Yup…

Gen-X discusses targeting Michelle, however, Chris has other plans. He wants to target CeCe.

He approaches David with his plan and while David isn’t excited about it, he does appreciate that Chris has Zeke and Michelle on his side.

They tell the youngsters what’s going on and Chris says that if David crosses him, he’ll strangle him in front of Jeff Probst. Well, this has been a season of many firsts.

Michelle, not being happy with following Chris and David’s lead, tries to talk strategy with CeCe. But, CeCe doesn’t seem to give her anything.

CeCe tells David that Michelle is targeting him, which makes David realize that he’ll be the weakest player when CeCe is gone. Oh man, we might see that Tribal choking yet!

That night at Tribal, David thinks the Gen-X three is very strong and none of them think they are on the bottom. Seems like the CeCe vote is in.

Zeke thinks it’s hard to work with the Millennials because they have more numbers, but he can be a bridge for a Gen-Xer to partner with a Millennial.

Chris admits that the Millennials have been trying to work with him. I thought the Millennials didn’t work at all?

It concerns CeCe to see Chris talking to the Millennials.

Chris points out that he’s been blindsided twice and this vote can go a long way toward rebuilding trust.

David says he’s going to use this vote to prove his loyalry.

Then, Chris says he was kidding about choking David. Darn it.

Michelle wouldn’t want to work with someone who blindsided her twice. She then says she’d target David.

Voting Time: No votes are shown. Dun dun dun…

JPro tallies and returns. He then asks if anyone would like to play an idol and…nobody does.

We’ve got one vote for Michelle, two votes for CeCe, and the fifth person voted out of “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X is…CeCe.

Verdict: Three tribes?! And now we have to learn tribe names?! Can’t we just call them by their colors?

Ugh…

Anywho, I’m still liking this season. There are people to root for and it hasn’t gotten unnecessarily mean-spirited. Good times.

It is, however, a little disturbing that four of the first five people out are women of color.

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