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‘Survivor: Worlds Apart’ Power Rankings – Millionaire Mike or Carolwyn? Edition

May 19, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (CBS)

Quick Note: The season might be coming to an end, but stick with XFINITY after Wednesday’s finale for interviews with the final five contestants. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Finale Rules: For the finals, each player will rank the remaining Survivors in the order in which they think they will finish. The first contestant is the winner, the second received the second most votes at Tribal, etc. Each correct placement is worth two points.  The person with the most total points for the season will be named the “Survivor: Worlds Apart” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Worlds Apart”

Last Week: Josh and Reed had Dan in spot five while I had him in spot four. So, the current score is Team Josh: 84, Team Reed: 92, Team Gordon 92.

Let’s check in with our three competitors before we put a bow on this season…

Gordon Holmes: So, what’ve you two been up to since we saw you on the show?
Reed Kelly: Since our time in San Juan del Sur, my personal favorite player from season 29 proposed to me on stage during the Broadway Boyfriends cabaret at 54 Below.  No, it wasn’t Missy, it was the ever-cunning Coyopa kingpin, Josh Canfield!  He did a great job of keeping me so focused on prepping for the cabaret that it truly was a #blindside and I could not be more thrilled about it.
Josh Canfield: I’m still on cloud nine and we have now begun to plan the wedding.

Holmes: That’s awesome to hear. How are things professionally?
Canfield: I’ve also gotten back into the swing of theatre.  I recently opened on Broadway in the show “Doctor Zhivago” as Liberius, a morphine-addicted soldier for the wrong side.
Kelly: Professionally, I’m back to doing what I do best: lifting famous girls and kicking my leg for money.  As we speak, I’m getting ready to start rehearsals to bring “Bombshell” (the Marilyn Monroe musical from NBC’s “SMASH” staring Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty) to Broadway.  I’m super excited about getting to revisit this wonderful chapter of my life after having such a blast on “Survivor.”

Holmes: When it’s all said and done, where do you think “Worlds Apart” will rank against the other seasons?
Canfield: Definitely not as good as “San Juan del Sur” ;-), but I thoroughly enjoyed “Worlds Apart” and would probably place it between 10-15 as far as my favorite seasons go.  A lot depends on this finale and who ends up in that final three.
Kelly: I really enjoyed Season 30 and it would definitely make the merge if it were competing against the other “Survivor” seasons: it’s totally dateable.

Holmes: I’ve made my “Second Chance” picks, who are you guys pulling for?
Kelly: I’m thoroughly looking forward to “Second Chances,” especially if Keith gets on and figures out how to actually stick to the plan without talking about it. Other than that; Stephen, Vytas, Spencer, Joe, Mike, and Carolyn are at the top of my list.
Canfield: I’m really looking forward to seeing Vytas, Spencer, Troyzan, Stephen, Carolyn, and Tasha play again! Here’s hoping they all get that Second Chance!

Holmes: Well, before we head into the final round, I really want to thank you two for being such awesome competition.
Canfield: I’m so grateful that I was asked to be a part of the Power Rankings!  It’s fun to voice my thoughts even though I’m often very wrong!
Kelly: I love this game and I love this show.  This whole experience really has been like a fairy tale, and we all know how much I love those too.  Thanks, Gordon and CBS for asking us to do the rankings this season!  #BigSmiles

Josh’s Score = 84

Any questions for Josh? Drop him a line on Twitter: @joshuacanfield

 Reed’s Score = 92

Any questions for Reed? Drop him a line on Twitter: @thereedkelly

 Gordon’s Score = 92

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Mike: I’m hoping Mike is our winner, it would be a great end to a good season.  We have seen him make mistakes, we have watched him go from the top to the bottom of alliances, and we’ve seen his humor and his dark side.  A very well rounded and satisfying winner. #pleasebethesolesurvivor   1. Mike: Who doesn’t love an against-all-odds, fight-to-the-end, underdog story?  I know I do.  I have my fingers crossed that this is what we are building up to.  As far as Mike’s tribe mates go: they’d be foolish to keep him around until FTC if they can help it, because I believe the jury would reward his underdog story too.
  1. Mike: I’m not usually one to back somebody who needs to win out to get to the end, but Mike is a force of nature.  He’s also been eating regularly (if you consider one big meal every three days “regularly.”) The title for his autobiography will be “From Scorpion Dinner to ‘Survivor’ Winner.”
  2. Sierra: She is the perfect second-place survivor, just look at last season and Jaclyn.  They are similarly edited and are even playing a similar game in ways.  The only reason she will get votes is if you have angry jury members who are voting against someone else. #secondplaceisbetterthaneleventh
  2. Rodney: I can’t figure out if the things we’ve seen from him this season add up to a million dollar win; for me they don’t, but he and Will seem tight and maybe that’ll be enough to get him into the FTC.  I sure enjoyed watching Rodney’s madness.  It reminds me of the time I saw [Sports Icon] miss that [Sports Action] and lose the [Year] [Championship Event]. Yeah, Rodney was just like that.
  2. Sierra: Everyone thinks taking Rodney and Will to the end is a solid strategy, but I disagree. Like Rodney or not, he ran the show for a while. Sierra seems like a safer bet to bring along. Her autobiography will be titled, “Barrel Racin’ and Second Placin’.”
  3. Will: Will is the ideal third-place goat, also look at last season and Missy.  He will make it to the FTC because everyone knows he won’t get any votes, and he doesn’t have a loved one with him to toss a sympathy vote. #whoareyouagain
   3. Will: Good for him for getting this deep into the game.  It takes all kinds to play Survivor.  He apparently had just the right combination of “non-threat” in both the social and physical elements; and the right personality for this group to get to where he is.  From where the viewer is sitting, he seems like the quintessential goat, but who cares?  Goats make great money!
  3. Will: Does Will get a single vote? Even one? Does anyone bring up that he never delivered on his day-one promise to have sandwiches for the No Collars? His book is titled, “Where There’s a Will, There’s Literally No Chance This Dude Is Going to Win ‘Survivor.'”
  4. Rodney: If the final 3 is Rodney, Sierra, and Will, who do you vote for? I guess you force yourself to write Rodney even though you would be screaming and crying as you did so.  Rodney’s “Survivor” legacy is complaining, misogyny, and all around negativity. #nobirthdaypartyforyou
   4. Sierra: Feels like she played a solid game of Make It To The End and sometimes that is the best a person can do within the confines of their season.  I’d be totally cool with getting to see her plead her case at the FTC.
  4. Rodney: Rodney is too well-liked to take to the end. There’s a young voting block there. Better to bring someone who never made a move like Sierra. Can’t wait to pick up his book “First Impressions” when I catch his Vegas show.
 5. Carolyn: The only other person who deserves to win besides Mike, that’s why I think it will be one of these two with the first snuffed torch of the episode.  She has maneuvered this game so well, and has made it to the home stretch.  If she finds herself gone, I will look forward to seeing her on S31.  #SecondChances
  5. Carolyn: Has played a fantastic game throughout and looked good doing it, I just worry for her that people have now clearly figured that out.  If I were anyone else still in the game, I certainly wouldn’t want to go up against her in the FTC.  Right now she would be a super-satisfying winner for me.  All in all, this just feels one episode too soon to be making the last order and I’ve done them like 10 different ways; going with this one finally and can’t wait to see what happens!
  5. Carolyn: Mama C. and Mikey T. (“T” for Texas? I don’t know. Stay with me) are the game’s remaining big guns, and only one of them can win that first immunity challenge.  Her title? “A Second Chance? Yeah, Baby!”

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

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Dan – “I Really Felt Like I Was Not Properly Portrayed”

May 14, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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In pre-game interviews there are two questions I always use on new players; are you willing to lie and are you willing to flirt? A lot of people hate these inquiries, but I always ask them so we can set a baseline for how someone’s going to play.

For example, in Dan’s Ponderosa video, he points out the difference between his bluffs and Mike’s lies. But, he said this before the game started…

Gordon Holmes: Are you comfortable lying in this game?
Dan Foley: (Long pause) Yeah. Oh yeah. Pretty much the only thing I won’t do is sleep with somebody else, and that’s pretty much it. That’s my line in the sand.

I spoke with Dan the morning after his elimination to get his take on if there is a lying line that shouldn’t be crossed, his post-game belief that he’d be portrayed as a hero, and last night’s crazytown Tribal Council…

Gordon Holmes: Last night’s Tribal was a doozy. Did anyone know that Carolyn had an idol?
Dan Foley: I’m pretty sure Mike had a good idea that she had it and he manipulated her into playing it. And it was a good move. Good on him.
Holmes: In hindsight, do you think you playing your vote advantage tipped her off?
Foley: I don’t think it would have mattered. I think Mike had gotten into her head enough that it was irrelevant. She was going to play her idol no matter what. What they didn’t show was Mike, Carolyn, and Will went on the reward together. When they got back, Sierra comes up to me and says, “Hey Dan, listen…Will’s talking about getting rid of you now.” She said, “He asked me if now is the time to get rid of you.” Sierra and I mended fences, so that was percolating in my mind. To use my line against myself, “I can do basic math.” Why would I use my advantage when there’s an odd number of people to make an even number of votes and maybe cause a split? There’s no sense in that. I wanted to wait until there was an even number of players.
Holmes: Smart.
Foley: So, Will’s talking about flipping. That’s a potential three vs. three. My vote doubling makes it four vs. three. And, Will specifically said, “If Dan has an advantage, he’d better play it tonight.”
Holmes: Oh did he?
Foley: Yeah, he came out and said it.
Holmes:  Will trying to flush an advantage. Amazing.

Holmes: Mike’s move at the auction really seemed to hurt you. Having watched the edit, I know that Mike knew he was being targeted beforehand. Now that you’ve seen all the pieces, does that change your opinion on that move?
Foley: The whole thing started back when the mix-up happened and Joaquin came into our tribe. We intentionally threw that challenge and Mike and Sierra wanted to get rid of Joe. I said, “No, Joaquin is the bigger threat because Joaquin and Tyler are tight.” Every time we see Carolyn at a challenge, she’s winking and nodding and waving. We knew they were still tight. We assumed they’d still be tight with Shirin….that’s four. And Rodney was gone. If Joaquin stayed in that game, Rodney was gone. There was no getting around it. I knew Rodney was making deals on the side. Power couples have to go. So then we got rid of Joaquin. I knew Rodney was trying to make side deals, but so was I. So was everybody. And when Mike said, “I am 100% blue,” what they didn’t show was when I said, “You weren’t 100% blue when you turned your back on me at the auction.” So, trust is earned, not given. Mike lost his trust and he kept looking at me like I had betrayed him.
Holmes: In your Ponderosa video, you pointed out the difference between lying and bluffing.
Foley: Right.
Holmes: “Survivor” is a game where lying is expected. Where was the line drawn for you that this was a lie that goes too far?
Foley: Wow…that’s tough to say. Where’s the line for anything? Are there ever concrete lines in the sand? For some things, of course there are. But, in a game like this where all the lines are blurred and convoluted. I looked at Mike as a friendship. And it’s easy if you’ve never played the game to play armchair quarterback. When you haven’t eaten for weeks and you’re missing your wife and children…when I saw my letter, and it was right in the front, I could see it and I started to cry the moment I saw it. When Carolyn came up with the idea that one person bid and we all go in on it…I looked at Mike and I was sobbing.  I said, “Please.” And he said, “OK.” That’s when he lost my trust. I thought we’d made a connection. And at that moment I felt like he’d betrayed my trust. That goes way beyond the game for me. Where is the line? I don’t know. But in my world, that goes beyond the line.
Holmes: So, the difference is your lies were gameplay and Mike’s move with the letter seemed personal?
Foley: I lied to Tyler when he was going home. Joe asked me who going home, I told Joe the truth. Shirin asked me, I told Shirin the truth. I was willing to lie. But there’s still degrees of lying to people. That’s just gameplay. What Mike did at the auction was different. That went beyond gameplay. If he’d not gone back and he stuck with it…it wouldn’t have mattered. He’d still be public enemy number one.

Holmes: In your Ponderosa video, you said that you were going to be viewed as a hero. Obviously that was not the case. What were you anticipating as far as your edit at that point?
Foley: They don’t cast people because they know how to knit and talk about their feelings. They cast people because they’ve got big personalities. And I believe you and Probst said before the game started that you were waiting to see the real Dan. You guys hadn’t seen the real me yet. Have you seen the real me now?
Holmes: I feel like…
Foley: I’m actually asking you that. I’d like an answer to that. I’ve been waiting to ask you that question.
Holmes: Sure thing, I think…
Foley: Forget it. Nevermind.
Holmes: No, no, we can absolutely have that conversation.
Foley: We’ll have to do it later cause we’re on a time crunch. The thing is that I just…now I’ve got myself all distracted. (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs)
Foley: When I went to my final round of interviews, Lynne Spillman asked how I thought I’d come back, and I said, “I think I’ll come back a hero.” And the first thing she said was, “Heroes don’t win this game.” And I said that I wanted to prove that heroes can win this game. We all have our own baggage. I’m not saying any is equal to another, but we all have our own stuff. I’m the fat guy. I own it. It is what it is. I’m an honest guy, some people don’t like that. I got picked on in school  a lot because the fat guy never does well in school. When you push me, I will push back. I don’t care who you are. I don’t care about your race, your gender, your creed, your orientation. I will push back. And, I really felt like I was not properly portrayed because lots of things were withheld that could have portrayed me better. I understand that there’s a limited amount of time. But perfect example…Shirin? The most accurate portrayal she has was in Tyler’s Ponderosa video. Sixty percent of his video was her complaining about him. If that’s how she was shown through the entire season, I don’t think people would have sympathy for her. And I think because they showed her differently, we’re all seen differently than we wanted to be seen. I know damn well that I didn’t look like a hero. I looked like a very bad person. And, that’s not who I am. And the people who know me know that isn’t true.

Holmes: Did you prepare a word association for us, or do we get to do this the way it’s meant to be done?
Foley: I’ve got something…oh…where is it…
Holmes: Did you lose it?
Foley: My wife cleaned up and now it’s not here.
Holmes: Nice. Thank you, Mrs. Foley. Let’s start with So.
Foley: Lady Deathstrike.
Holmes: Vince?
Foley: Blackhawk.
Holmes: Nina?
Foley: Who’d I put Nina as…one of the Wonder Twins.
Holmes: Lindsey?
Foley: Banshee.
Holmes: Max?
Foley: Professor X.
Holmes: Joaquin?
Foley: Beast.
Holmes: Kelly?
Foley: Juggernaut.
Holmes:  Hali?
Foley: Catwoman.
Holmes: Joe?
Foley: Cyclops.
Holmes: Jenn?
Foley: Um…Jenn’s definitely a bad guy. Poison Ivy.
Holmes: Shirin?
Foley: Spiderwoman.
Holmes: Tyler?
Foley: The Riddler.
Holmes: Mike?
Foley: Captain Merica! (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs) Nice. Sierra?
Foley: Psylocke.
Holmes: Carolyn?
Foley: Mystique.
Holmes: Rodney?
Foley: The Joker?
Holmes: Will?
Foley: Aquaman. (Laughs)
Holmes: (Laughs) Got one for yourself?
Foley: The Hulk.

Holmes: In a Secret Scene, you mentioned that you hoped “Survivor” might help you meet your birth father. Is there any update on that front?
Foley: No, to the best of my knowledge, he actually doesn’t know I exist. He doesn’t know he has a son. Obviously I’d like to find a way to see if that can happen.

Holmes: Whenever a super fan goes on, I worry that it’ll wreck their love for the game. Where are you with the show now?
Foley: It’s kind of like when you go to Universal Studios when they pull back the curtain and show you how the movie magic is done. Do I still love the show? Of course I do. I’m part of one of the greatest reality programs that has ever existed. I spent 14 years of my life trying to get there. I’m thrilled I got the chance and would I do it again? Yeah. (Laughs) I’d play again.

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

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‘Survivor: Worlds Apart’ Episode 13 Recap – With All the Trixin’s

May 13, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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A Second Quick Note: Check out my twenty votes for “Survivor: Second Chance.”

Last Week: Someone had a case of the birthday blues, Mike played his idol despite Rodney’s ruse, and Carolyn made sure Tyler got some bad news…

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog…

Let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stands…

The Merica Tribe (wearing purple)
Carolyn – Corporate Executive, 52
Dan – Postal Worker, 47
Mike – Oil Driller, 38
Rodney – General Contractor, 24
Sierra – Barrel Racer, 27
Will – YouTube Sensation, 41

We kick things off after Tribal where Mike tells us that he needs to find an idol or win the rest of the challenges. How hard can that be? Fabio did one of those things.

Dan’s not impressed though, as the idol only saved Mike for one more cycle. He goes on to say “To hell with Mike.” Well, that’s the best possible Season 31 endorsement Mike could get.

Carolyn, meanwhile, wants Dan to go because of his advantage. She approaches Mike and spills the beans that the advantage is an extra vote.

Reward Challenge Time: The tribe will be divided into two teams of three. The teams will run down a net, then climb over some obstacles. From there they’ll use a hatchet to release blocks with letters on them. The first tribe to unscramble the six-word phrase will win a chopper tour of Nicaragua and enjoy a surf and turf dinner.

On one side we have Rodney, Dan, and Sierra. On the other is Mike, Will, and Carolyn.

Before the challenge starts, Rodney hopes someone will be nice enough to give him their reward. Mike thinks it’s tough to watch Rodney suffer, but if he just wins he’ll be guaranteed to go.

The challenge starts and Team Rodney has a slight lead up until the word puzzle. But..then…it…slows…down…

An hour goes by and they still can’t get it. Seriously, this is not one of those trademark Holmes exaggerations you’ve grown to love.

Probst gives them like a billion clues. Finally, Carolyn figures out that it’s “A Reward With All the Fixins.”

Probst asks Carolyn if she wants to give her reward to Rodney…and she keeps it. Is there merit in feeding Rodney so he can beat Mike in a physical challenge? I know Carolyn has done well in endurance challenges, but what if the next one involves power lifting or impersonations?

On the reward, Mike pitches Will and Carolyn as a final three. Carolyn’s into it because they represent all the collars. Well, that would make Lindsey’s day-one prediction of a blue collar winning come true.

Back at camp, Dan finds some mystery fruit. They cut it open and find six immunity idols. Just kidding, but they do have a nice little feast. This puts Rodney in a much better mood.

Before we head off to the challenge, Mike  tells Sierra that Dan can only beat Will and Rodney at final Tribal. Just thinking of that made me throw up in my mouth.

Immunity Challenge Time: Players will use grappling hooks to retrieve three bags of balls. Then they’ll use one of those balls to complete a table maze. First person to complete the maze wins immunity.

The first person to grapple all three bags is Mike. Dan is right behind him. Sierra and Will eventually join the party.

We watch Mike’s ball roll around the final hole for about a half an hour (there’s that Holmes-trademark exaggeration) before it drops in. Mike wins immunity.

MERICA!

Back at camp, Dan tells us that he wants to get rid of Carolyn next.  Rodney, Sierra, and Will agree. And, Sierra tells Dan that the others are targeting him.

However, Rodney, Will, and Carolyn ask Mike if they should get rid of Dan.

Mike takes this news and goes right to Dan. But, Dan doesn’t buy it.

Later on, Mike points out to Carolyn and Sierra that Dan and Rodney are sleeping together and thus working together. He thinks they’re going to target Carolyn.

Wait…don’t get the wrong idea. They were sleeping in the shelter together. Get your minds out of the gutter.

That night at Tribal, Rodney…can’t…put…a…thought…together. He says it’s because of limited food. Well, if SOMEBODY would give up a reward…

Eventually, Rodney admits that he’s sick of being around the same people for so long. But, he’s sticking with his alliance.

Carolyn knows her head is on the chopping block, so she’s nervous.

Dan believes that he’s in trouble too.

Will is also nervous…because? Why be nervous, dude? You’re the most secure finalist ever.

Dan thinks tonight would be a good time to use his advantage, but next Tribal could be better.

Voting Time: No votes are shown.

Probst goes to tally…and Dan stops him so he can play his advantage.

Dan’s Special Voting Time: The vote isn’t shown.

OK, now Probst tallies.

And before he can read them, Carolyn plays her idol. Stop interrupting the man!

We’ve got five votes for Carolyn, one vote for Dan, and the thirteenth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Worlds Apart” and the sixth member of the jury is…Dan.

Hmmm…would Carolyn have played her idol if Dan didn’t spook her with his vote? They still would’ve won four to two.

Verdict: Dan was like “Blam!” And I was like “Wha?!” And Carolyn was all, “Not tonight, Mister.” And I was like, “Oh, snap!”  Then Probst was all, “Tribe has spoken, Dan.”

That was pretty cool. But, I’m worried that “Survivor” is starting to turn into Calvinball.

Who’s Going to Win? If Mike can get to the end, it’s all his. But, Carolyn’s got a solid shot.

Power Rankings Results: Josh and Reed had Dan in spot five while I had him in spot four. So, the current score is Team Josh: 84, Team Reed: 92, Team Gordon 92.

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

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‘Survivor’ Power Rankings Round 11 – First-Chance Edition

May 12, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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The Rules: Each week our three 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 three players will earn. For example, if Carolyn is voted out this week, Josh and Reed will each receive one point and Gordon will receive two points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Worlds Apart” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Worlds Apart”

Last Week: Josh had Tyler in spot four, Reed had him in six, and I had him in seven. So, the current score is Team Josh 79, Team Reed 87, and Team Gordon 88.

Josh’s Score = 79

Any questions for Josh? Drop him a line on Twitter: @joshuacanfield

Reed’s Score = 87

Any questions for Reed? Drop him a line on Twitter: @thereedkelly

Gordon’s Score = 88

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Carolyn: She betrayed her closest ally Tyler this past week.  Was it the smartest choice at this point?  Would Tyler have done the same to her soon?  Regardless, she is killing it in this game.  She’s strong in challenges, has made big moves, and still has the idol.  If the others let her in to the Final, she will win the whole thing. #yeahbaby   1. Carolyn: I love that she made the push with Mike to take out the threat, Tyler; wise on her part.  Wondering if anyone else knows about her idol now.  She has several viable options and in addition to that idol.  Without an act of overconfidence, I don’t see her going home this week.
  1. Will: Oh man, Will’s such a lock to go to the end of this game. Seriously, why bother going to immunity challenges? Why go to Tribal?  Just jot down your vote on a spare piece of paper and let Rodney deliver it.
  2. Will: The best goat this season.  I can’t think of one reason that a jury member may vote for him. #golden
  2. Will: Are we just to assume that he is so ensconced in numbers and such a non-threat that he’s just going to sail to the FTC?  It’s always fascinating to me to watch this particular archetype get so far along season after season.
  2. Carolyn: Mama C stabbed her biggest ally in the back last week. Good move? Well, if Mike loses one of the next immunity challenges and they can finally send him home, she’s a genius. If Mike can run through a Tyler-less field and get to the end, she’s going to regret it.
  3. Sierra: She needs to do something, anything, so that she can have content in her FTC speech. #ghost
   3. Sierra: Wondering who is going to align with her to take advantage of her eager vote.  I feel like she is constantly poking around the edges, trying to find her way into a solid sub-alliance.
  3. Rodney: For the love of all that is good with “Survivor,” will someone please bring a birthday cake to the finale? Can Probst lead the audience in a chorus of “Happy Birthday”? I felt terrible. And in spite of his crushing disappointment, at least he was trying to come up with a way to trick Mike into not playing the idol.
  4. Rodney: Poor, sad, angry birthday boy seems to be the man that everyone looks to for decisions, which is really strange to me.  How did he get this position?  By being the loudest, or maybe the most sexist?  Perhaps.  Whatever the reason, it’s worked and he is in the final six eyeing FTC. #loudleader
   4. Rodney: Besides seeing him pout over it being the worst Birthday ever (which I don’t know how any other BDay could top one being celebrated during a game of “Survivor”), we didn’t see much from him in this episode.  Not sure if that means there could be a lot of him coming up in a boot episode or if he goes even deeper.
  4. Dan: Everyone is afraid of Dan’s advantage and this next Tribal is the best time to use it. It turns an even vote into an odd vote and as we’ve discussed before, odd votes are the best time to make moves. If I’m Dan, I pick my two partners and make my move now. If it works, the next vote will be final five and you’ll already have the numbers.
 5. Dan: He is paranoid after votes have been cast his way.  He will make some (more) mistakes this next episode as he tries to do anything to get the focus off of him.  #treadingwater
  5. Dan: I feel people (like Carolyn) would be smart to align with him to capitalize on his advantage and then sit next to him at the FTC.  He needs to start advocating to others the benefits of him being the perfect goat if he’d like to make it to the FTC.
  5. Sierra: So, the consensus among the exit interviews seems to be that most people want to go to the end with Rodney and Will. Makes sense to me, although, I think the jury might like Rodney more than they’ve been showing. But what about Sierra? It seems like she might not get points for her gameplay, but she’s been a prominent part of the Ladies Couch. The jury likes her. If Mike wins immunity, I’d target her.
 6. Mike: He successfully fractured the alliance by playing his idol and sending Tyler packing.  This guy is hanging on for dear life, and will do anything to stay in the game. #lastchance
  6. Mike: He is playing a balls-to-the-wall game right now because he has to and he caused the majority alliance to cannibalize one of their own.  As much as I love rooting for him as an underdog story, I’m not sure if he’ll make it past this week or next.
  6. Mike: Forget the “Second Chance” vote, Merica Mike can win “Survivor: Worlds Apart.” But, he’s gotta be perfect. He needs to find an idol or go on a perfect challenge winning streak, because anyone who decides to throw him a bone and vote with him is playing for second place.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Tyler: “Had I Known, I Would Have Blown It Up”

May 8, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Every “Survivor” bio has a question that annoys me; “Which ‘Survivor’ Player Are You Most Like?” Now, the reason I hate this question is because the answers are usually terrible. It tends to be something like, “I’m a mix of Parvati’s flirting, “Boston” Rob’s social game, and Ozzy’s challenge skills.”

I was so busy hating the answers that I’d never really thought about which “Survivor” player am I most like? When I finally sat and tried to figure this out, it was a lot more difficult than I had anticipated.

Until I watched Tyler.

Based on what I saw on my television, Tyler is a solid representation of how I’d like to play the game. While others were exploding, he was quiet and reserved. He kept an eye on everything. He kept lines of communication open with many people.

It wasn’t enough to blow up and be someone people would want to take to the end. It was about getting in front of the jury with a chance to take the whole thing.

Unfortunately for Tyler, this gameplay made him a target. And when his alliance was forced to boot someone, he was considered the biggest threat.

I spoke with Tyler the morning after his elimination and asked him about his gameplay, Carolyn’s blindside, and Will’s explosion…

Gordon Holmes: What happened last night? I wasn’t shocked to see you go out, I was shocked to see who voted for you.
Tyler Fredrickson: So was I, dude! So was I! She did me dirty. But good on her, she was able to get me before I was able to get her. So, I can’t blame her.
Holmes: Everyone is saying, “Tyler’s a threat”…which is true, but Mike’s the biggest threat to win out there. It makes sense to me to keep my challenge competitors on board until Mike’s gone. Was that ever part of your pitch to stick around?
Fredrickson: Honestly, I didn’t know they were coming for me. It was a complete #blindside for me. Looking back at the edit, were the signs there? Were they pointing to me? Yeah, but you’re not a part of that. From what I knew we had a core four. And we were going to rock and roll and push forward. We had to throw some votes at Mike in case he doesn’t play the idol. Of course he’s going to, but you don’t know that completely. We throw a few votes at Dan, then we move forward. Had I known, I would have blown it up. Gordon, I would have blown everything up. “The advantage is this, idols are here…here’s the core four. Mike, what do you want to do, bro? Let’s go. Let’s go the end. Me and you, two strong players.” Mike’s a strong guy, but Mike’s not unbeatable. I feel like I’m a pretty competent player too. I just hate stupid endurance challenges.
Holmes: (Laughs)
Fredrickson: It doesn’t play to my strengths as an athlete at all. Especially after I’ve lost almost thirty pounds. Looking at it now? You’re right. Will’s not going to do anything in challenges. Rodney is challenge kryptonite. Sierra has proven to be completely inept. And Dan’s just…Dan. So, Carolyn is going to compete against Mike? She’s great, but no offense, my money is on Mike. I’ll take that every step of the way. But, you’ve got to think eventually he’s going to lose and they can get him out, but you never know.
Holmes: Did you ever ask Carolyn to play her idol for you?
Fredrickson: It came up. We talked about it. I kind of beat around the bush about it. I didn’t want to say,  “Yo, if this happens, you need to hook me up. You need to play this.” I never wanted her to feel pressure. It got to the point where I wondered if she was avoiding talking about it too much. And she even said that she did not bring her idol to the Tribal where Mike and Shirin blew me up. When she didn’t throw it out there, I said, “Yo, if we’re in this together and you’re not willing to play this at that point, are we not in this together?”

Holmes:  You gave Carolyn kudos for getting you before you got her. How close were you to pulling the trigger on her?
Fredrickson: I knew she had to go, she had the idol, we’ve gotta make our move. Rodney’s pissed at her for not taking him on reward. Will’s wants her gone. Dan’s over it too. We’ve got all these people on board to get Carolyn, and then she wins immunity. Then I have to pull back. I’ve got to continue to trust our core four, get past this vote, then I’m going big. I’ve reworked the scenario in my head so many times. Do I tell them, “I’ll tell you something after Tribal that will blow your mind?” Everybody would say, “Tell us now or you’re going home.” All six of them wanted me gone and not a single person said anything about it. What can you do?

Holmes: You looked through Dan’s bag. You knew about his advantage. The game has never had something like it. What were you worried he might do with it?
Fredrickson: Because I didn’t have the extra vote, I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about what I might do with it, or how I would get in Dan’s graces and then try to maneuver with it. Our core group was big and strong. What I tried to do was build it up to be something extremely powerful. “We don’t know what it is. It could be a vote doubler, it could let him rip up a vote, he could immediately send someone home. We don’t know what it is, all we know is it’s scary. And you don’t have it, right Will? Right Rodney? OK, so we’ve got to think of targeting this dude sooner than later.” But, when you’re dealing with people who are rather reactionary, things like that aren’t in the forefront of their mind. It’s more about being hungry and not having a reward.

Holmes: If  I gave you the booking power to write out how “Survivor: Worlds Apart” should have ended, what was your dream final three scenario?
Fredrickson: It was me, Will, and Rodney. I think you ask a lot of people and Will and Rodney are going to be there. At least in the top four. Will was just sitting back, he hadn’t made a lot of moves. Rodney is talking a massive good game. But, it’s all talk. So much talk. Where’s the strategic mastermind? Where’s the subtle good game? Where’s the puppetmaster? Where’s that strategy? We have a season where there are big personalities and people like to fight.
Holmes: Hold the phone there, you’re telling me Rodney’s not subtle?
Fredrickson: (Laughs) Not subtle. We were on a season where people yelling and fighting and arguing was apparently much more interesting than strategic gameplay. Maybe I have myself to blame for that. Maybe I was boring in confessionals. It was difficult for me to get out of a quiet, more subtle kind of gameplay on the island. It’s hard when you’re immersed. It’s hard when you’re hungry. It’s hard when you’re exhausted and beat up. Rodney’s good TV. He’s better TV than me, I’ll give him that.

Holmes: It was portrayed that you were somewhat responsible for Will’s meltdown, being that you were the person who told him about Mike, Jenn, and Shirin doubting his snack story. What is your take on that ugly situation?
Fredrickson: These are pretty complicated issues. They’re layered issues. They require educated discussions from people who have more degrees than I do. All the bullying, the victim, the passive bullying…bystandering or whatever it’s called. Shirin and Will are two of my friends. I get the way they’re feeling and I want to respect that. Here’s what I’ll say, Gordon…there was an argument between two people and it grew pretty heavy. I believe that Will took it much further than it needed to go and I actually encouraged him to apologize to Shirin after that. At Tribal she mentioned that I was the only person to do so, but that was edited out for some reason. I really think it’s now up to them to work through. Hopefully CBS will give them the chance to do that.

Holmes: I was there on day three when the White Collars voted out So. It seemed like Max, Carolyn, and Shirin were a pretty solid group. When was the decision made to partner up with Joaquin?
Fredrickson: Max and I bonded really quickly, but I could never trust Max. Max makes a horrible first impression. He’s an incredible dude. A caring, great, freaking smart guy. But on the island it’s like, when is Max going to make his own thing? I can’t trust him. I wanted a Carolyn or a Sierra. Someone I could lock in to. So, when Carolyn came to me I thought, this is more important than Max. Max had Shirin because they were geeking out over the whole situation. When So departed, Joaquin realized that this game is bigger than him and he’s playing with fire right now. What was great about Joaquin is I could walk up to him and say, “All we’ve got to do is win. Forget the strategy. We win and we never go to Tribal again.” We had the best streak of first and second finishes. We never went back again until the mix-up when we threw the memory challenge. And we still would have won that…and they got rid of Joaquin. Joaquin and I were on a streak of like five or six in a row.
Holmes: In the early going, you made it seem like you didn’t want to strategize at all.
Fredrickson: It wasn’t that I didn’t want to strategize. I strategized consistently. But, the reality was if you acted like you didn’t want to strategize, you came across as less threatening. People were already going to assume I was a threat based on my size and because I carried myself more quietly. All I wanted to do was be a meathead and talk about winning, it’s us vs. them. Shirin is still befuddled about that to this day, which I chalk up as a really great response in my favor.

Holmes:  Alright, let’s do some word association…
Fredrickson: You’re going to hate me, dude.
Holmes:  You wrote yours out in advance too?
Fredrickson: …I did.
Holmes: You people are monsters.
Fredrickson: I’m sorry! And I did everybody like Shirin did.
Holmes: …
Fredrickson: Think about it this way; people know your work. We all talk about it. We all anticipate really great questions like this.
Holmes:  Well, that I like. In order, let’s start with So.
Fredrickson: Spike.
Holmes: Vince?
Fredrickson: Discovery.
Holmes: Nina?
Fredrickson: Outdoor Channel…closed captioned…
Holmes: (Laughs) OK…I get it. Lindsey?
Fredrickson: BabyFirst TV.
Holmes: Max?
Fredrickson: Adult Swim.
Holmes: Joaquin?
Fredrickson: Playboy.
Holmes: Kelly?
Fredrickson: Bravo.
Holmes: Hali?
Fredrickson: CW.
Holmes: Joe?
Fredrickson: Netflix.
Holmes: Jenn?
Fredrickson: MTV.
Holmes: Shirin?
Fredrickson: Lifetime.
Holmes: Mike?
Fredrickson: Showtime.
Holmes: Sierra?
Fredrickson: CMT.
Holmes: Carolyn?
Fredrickson: Esquire.
Holmes:  Dan?
Fredrickson: History.
Holmes:  Rodney?
Fredrickson: Food Network.
Holmes: Will?
Fredrickson: BET.
Holmes: Alright, anything for that guy Tyler?
Fredrickson: Amazon. Because I’d be trying to be cool and mainstream. But in the end, not known primarily for good TV.

Holmes: So, five of your “Worlds Apart” buddies are eligible for the Second Chance season. Assuming that Mike and Carolyn remain eligible, rank the players based on who you’d most like to see play again.
Fredrickson: As a viewer…you’re putting me on the spot with my Dirty 30…I’ll go Joe, Mike, Max, Carolyn, and Shirin. That’s from most to least.

Holmes: The Second Chance is a huge topic of conversation now. If given a second chance, what would be your strategy?
Fredrickson: I have no regrets in the game I played. Relating to people and forming relationships was really key. Listening before speaking. I probably would have approached my confessionals a lot more aggressively. I’d try to be who I really am, “I’m running this show and everybody’s got to listen to me.” I’d have taken more advantage of that opportunity. For the actual gameplay, I’d try to play slightly more aggressive. Or maybe try to anticipate blindsides a little better. (Laughs)

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

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‘Survivor: Worlds Apart Episode 12 Recap: All My Axis Lose to Texas

May 6, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Last Week: Tyler went through Dan’s stuff, Mike had a clever bluff, and the Axis decided Shirin had had enough…

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog…

Let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stands…

The Merica Tribe (wearing purple)
Carolyn – Corporate Executive, 52
Dan – Postal Worker, 47
Mike – Oil Driller, 38
Rodney – General Contractor, 24
Sierra – Barrel Racer, 27
Tyler – Ex-Talent Agent Assistant, 33
Will – YouTube Sensation, 41

The bell rings and the fighters come bounding out of their corners. Dan throws the first cross saying that he voted for Shirin and you know that’s the truth because he put a pretty star on his vote. A PRETTY STAR, DARNIT!

Tyler counters saying he had to vote for someone else because he knew his name was being tossed around. Dan disagrees. Which is odd because he often says, “I can’t disagree with you.”

Will admits that he voted for Dan too because he wanted to split the vote…but Shirin and Mike were safe if Mike played the idol. So, split between Dan and Tyler? Why bother?

Later, Tyler lets us know that he has no problem voting for Dan again. Yeah Tyler, I don’t have a  problem with you voting for Dan again either.

Actually, Dan said he’d be in the bottom of the “cuddle puddle” during our pregame interview. Makes sense that he’d be on the bottom of this alliance.

The next morning…it’s Rodney’s birthday! I bet he gets so many Facebook messages today, bro. But, Rodney doesn’t care about Facebook messages, he just wants to go on a reward.

Reward Challenge Time: The tribe will be split into two teams of three. First, they’ll use maypole ribbons to release a key. They’ll then build a ladder and use the key to retrieve a bag of balls. Finally, they’ll launch those balls into five targets. First team to hit all the targets wins a trip to deliver supplies to an orphanage and a barbecue.

Yay! I love the charity-themed rewards.

They do a school-yard pick to see who doesn’t get to compete and Dan chooses Tyler and Rodney while Carolyn gets Mike and Sierra. Will doesn’t get to play because…you know…Will.

We start off and Mike, Sierra, and Carolyn get their keys first, they hold this lead until they get to the ball-launching stage.

Rodney forgets his team’s bag of balls and has to go back to get them. Birthday bummer.

Apparently Dan is some kind of ball-launching genius, because he’s able to catch up and pass Mike. Sierra wants to tag in, but Mike won’t let her.

Mike eventually regains the lead and wins the reward for his team.

Probst asks Rodney if he wants someone to give up their reward, but Rodney says it’s up to them. Mike declines and Rodney’s cool with it. Sierra and Carolyn decide to pass as well…and Rodney is not happy.

After the break, we join Sierra, Mike, and Carolyn at the orphanage. It’s a good thing Rodney wasn’t there. He’d have all those kids in line at a mall to buy him Jordan sneakers.

During the meal, Carolyn considers teaming up with Mike. Mmm…not likely, baby.

Back at camp, Rodney is raging over Carolyn and Sierra’s birthday diss. He swears that he’ll be the only person to go to the end. Umm…Rodney might not know how the end of “Survivor” works.

He approaches Tyler, Dan, and Will with a plan where he tells everyone that he wants out of the game and this will trick Mike into not playing his idol. Well, that’s something.

Tyler doesn’t think it’ll work because it’s “Survivor” and you “have to anticipate crazy.” Wow, that might be the best description of “Survivor” I’ve ever heard.

When Mike, Carolyn, and Sierra return to camp, Rodney puts his plan into effect. He rants and raves about not getting a reward and he tells everyone he wants out.

Mike doesn’t buy it. Apparently he anticipates crazy.

Over at the Ladies Couch, Tyler wonders if Carolyn would play her idol for him. She doesn’t say either way, but he convinces her to start taking it to Tribal. WHY WOULDN’T YOU ALWAYS TAKE IT TO TRIBAL?!

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will hold onto a rope and lean over a pier. As time goes by, they’ll have to move further down the rope. Last person standing wins immunity.

We start off and Rodney is in bad shape early. But, he still outlasts Will. Oh Will.

Will’s followed by Dan, Sierra, and Rodney.

It’s down to Carolyn, Tyler, and Mike.

They move down a knot and Mike is immediately out. Boo…

Shortly after, Tyler is gone too. Carolyn wins immunity.

Before we hit the commercial, Dan says there’s a lot of talk about his advantage. Use it or lose it, buddy.

Back at Merica Beach, Carolyn pretends like she wants to divide the vote between Mike and Tyler. But, she’s really targeting Dan.

Tyler approaches Will and they both agree that Dan should go. His hope is they’ll knock out Mike’s vote and Dan’s advantage in one Tribal.

Carolyn again considers joining up with Mike, but how does that make sense? Nobody can beat Mike in front of the jury.

That night at Tribal Council, Mike lets Jeff know that he has his idol with him and that one of the Axis is going home. He also thinks Dan and Tyler should both be worried.

Dan isn’t happy about the votes he received at the last Tribal, and he’s pretty sure that he’s on the bottom of his alliance.

Tyler says he didn’t scramble, but he touched base with his alliance. So White Collar.

Carolyn is worried about Dan’s advantage because she doesn’t know what it is. Yeah, you do…baby.

Dan says everyone has approached him about using it.

Sierra thinks there’s going to be a big, shocking move and she’s keeping her options open. Dude, stop saying that. Your alliance must hate that.

Tyler says he’ll be surprised if he goes home. Oh boy…

Voting Time: Dan votes for Mike, Mike votes for Tyler, and the rest of the votes aren’t shown.

Probst does his tally thing, then returns. He asks if anyone wants to play an idol and Mike…totally does. To nobody’s surprise, he plays it for himself.

We’ve got four votes for Mike, one vote for Tyler, and the thirteenth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Worlds Apart” and the fifth member of the jury is…Tyler.

Oh…and then Probst drops the bomb that you get to help pick the cast of “Survivor: Second Chance.”

Verdict: So, Sierra and Carolyn voted for Tyler. Hmm…

That vote really feels like a mistake. Nobody will beat Mike if he gets to the final Tribal. And, Tyler was their best bet to beat Mike in physical immunity challenges.

Who’s Going to Win? Who can it be but Mike? Maybe Carolyn?

Power Rankings Results: Josh had Tyler in spot four, Reed had him in six, and I had him in seven. So, the current score is Team Josh 79, Team Reed 87, and Team Gordon 88.

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

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‘Survivor: Second Chance’ Invites Viewers to Select the Castaways

May 6, 2015

"Survivor: Second Chance" (CBS)

Quick Note: XFINITY TV will be sending me deep into the wilderness to bring you all kinds of “Survivor: Second Chance” goodness. Before the season airs, I’ll have all manner of behind-the-scenes interviews, images, and more to share. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

[xfinity-record-button id=”7116600190773202112″ program_type=”series”]

For the first time in “Survivor” history, CBS is letting the fans decide who will be given a shot at the show’s million-dollar prize. The twenty competitors will be chosen by an online vote from a list of thirty two former players who meet these criteria…

1.    They have only ever played the game once. (Sorry, Rupert.)
2.    They have never won the game. (Sorry, Fabio.)

The voting will take place at cbs.com/survivorsecondchance from now until Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans may vote once a day for the ten men and ten women they’d like to see return. The winners will be announced by “Survivor” host, executive producer, and Emmy glutton Jeff Probst during the “Survivor: Worlds Apart” finale.

Note: Mike Holloway and Carolyn Rivera will be deemed ineligible if they are crowned the “Worlds Apart” sole survivor.

Name: Kelly Wiglesworth
Season: “Survivor: Borneo”
Finish: Finalist
Why You Should Remember Her: In the season of “Survivor” that first captured America’s imagination, Kelly went on an impressive individual immunity run (four straight wins!) and was the victim of Sue Hawk’s legendary “Rats vs. Snake” speech.
Name:  Kimmi Kappenberg
Season: “Survivor: The Australian Outback”
Finish: Twelfth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Kimmi accidentally let Tina Wesson know that a member of her tribe had previous votes against him. That tribe member was…
Name: Jeff Varner
Season: “Survivor: The Australian Outback”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Jeff was eliminated from the game because of the old rule where tie votes are broken based on the amount of previous votes that were cast against the tied players.
Name: Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper
Season: “Survivor: Africa”
Finish: Fifth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Teresa used the show’s first ever tribe swap as a way to get rid of her rival. She also cast a vote that caused Lex to freak out.
Name: Andrew Savage
Season: “Survivor: Pearl Islands”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: The leader of the Morgan Tribe was sent home after eventual finalist (and one of two returning Outcasts) Lil turned against him.
Name: Shane Powers    
Season: “Survivor: Panama”
Finish: Fifth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Shane tried to use “Survivor” as a way to kick his smoking habit and was able to score some smokes during a reward outing. He was also hilarious.
Name: Terry Deitz
Season: “Survivor: Panama”
Finish: Third Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Terry won five consecutive individual immunity challenges and was the first person to have a “Whaaaaambulance” called for him.
Name: Peih-Gee Law
Season: “Survivor: China”
Finish: Fifth
Why You Should Remember Her: Peih-Gee threw a challenge in China by tossing away a piece of the puzzle and then laughed about it. Classic.
Name: Stephen Fishbach
Season: “Survivor: Tocantins”
Finish: Finalist
Why You Should Remember Him: “The Wizard” orchestrated the show’s first-ever cross-tribe alliance but received no votes at the final Tribal Council.
Name: Monica Padilla
Season: “Survivor: Samoa”
Finish: Seventh Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Monica was offered a spot at Russell Hantz’s side at the merge, but she decided to stick with her eight-person Galu alliance. This ended up being a mistake when the Foa Foa four managed to overcome those steep numbers.
Name: Natalie Tenerelli
Season: “Survivor: Redemption Island”
Finish: Finalist
Why You Should Remember Her: Natalie partnered with “Boston” Rob Mariano to get to the final Tribal Council, but received no votes. That’s less votes than Phillip Sheppard received.
Name: Stephanie Valencia
Season: “Survivor: Redemption Island”
Finish: Fourteenth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Stephanie is one of the few people in “Survivor” history to team up with Russell Hantz and not win a million dollars.
Name: Jim Rice
Season: “Survivor: South Pacific
Finish: Twelfth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Jim’s Savaii alliance was in a good position to take over the game until Cochran’s flip led to him losing the numbers and the game.
Name: Mikayla Wingle
Season: “Survivor: South Pacific”
Finish: Fourteenth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Mikayla’s time at Upolu beach was made very uncomfortable when Brandon Hantz got the impression that she was tempting him.
Name: Troyzan Robertson
Season: “Survivor: One World”
Finish: Eighth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: As one of two people with “Tarzan”-based nicknames that season, Troyzan was able to stand out by winning two immunity challenges. Also, IT’S WAS HIS ISLAND!!!
Name: Sabrina Thompson
Season: “Survivor: One World”
Finish: Finalist
Why You Should Remember Her: Sabrina was a key part of the dominant women’s alliance that owned “Survivor: One World.”
Name: Abi-Maria Gomes
Season: “Survivor: Philippines”
Finish: Fifth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: The Brazilian beauty is best known for stabbing her alliance-mate RC Saint-Amour in the back.
Name: Vytas Baskauskas
Season: “Survivor: Blood vs. Water”
Finish: Tenth place
Why You Should Remember Him: The brother of “Survivor: Panama” champ Aras Baskauskas made a strong showing for himself, but was quickly voted out after the merge when the brother pairing was deemed to be too powerful.
Name: Brad Culpepper
Season: “Survivor: Blood vs. Water”
Finish: Fifteenth place
Why You Should Remember Him: Brad might be best remembered, not for anything he did, but for Marissa Peterson’s “(Expletive deleted) you, Brad Culpepper!” catchphrase.
Name: Ciera Eastin
Season: “Survivor: Blood vs. Water”
Finish: Fifth place
Why You Should Remember Her: Ciera became the only person in “Survivor” history to vote out a family member when she sent her mother Laura Morett packing.
Name: Spencer Bledsoe
Season: “Survivor: Cagayan”
Finish: Fourth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: This “Young Lad” almost went the distance after “Survivor” host Jeff Probst (and…uh…someone else) went on record saying he had no chance to win.
Name: Tasha Fox
Season: “Survivor: Cagayan”
Finish: Sixth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: With her back against the wall, Tasha pulled off three consecutive immunity challenge wins.
Name: Woo Hwang
Season: “Survivor: Cagayan”
Finish: Finalist
Why You Should Remember Him: Woo probably would have won “Survivor: Cagayan” if he had chosen to take Kass to the final two over eventual winner Tony.
Name: “Chaos” Kass McQuillen
Season: “Survivor: Cagayan”
Finish: Third Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Kass earned her “Chaos” nickname by turning on her alliance and voting out Sarah Lacina. She also had a very dramatic come-from-behind win at the final four immunity challenge.
Name: Jeremy Collins
Season: “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Jeremy had a very impressive run in the game, but he might be best remembered for sending his wife to Exile Island after beating her in the opening challenge.
Name: Keith Nale
Season: “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”
Finish: Fourth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: Keith accidentally got his own son voted out of the game when he tipped Jon off by urging Reed to “Stick to the plan.”
Name: Kelley Wentworth
Season: “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”
Finish: Fourteenth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Kelley and her father Dale ended up on the losing end of a family feud that pitted them against Baylor and Missy.
Name: Joe Anglim
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: Tenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: “Joey Amazing” was a challenge stallion and he crafted the most impressive fake immunity idol this side of “Runaround” Bob Crowley.
Name: Max Dawson
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: Fourteenth Place
Why You Should Remember Him: The “Survivor” professor gave new meaning to the term “’Survivor’ buff” with his naked ways.
Name: Mike Holloway
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: To Be Determined
Why You Should Remember Him: He ate a scorpion. Oh…he also found a hidden immunity idol without a clue, caused a fracture in the Axis of Evil alliance, and choreographed a happy dance.
Name: Shirin Oskooi
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: Eighth Place
Why You Should Remember Her: Shirin got back at Will after his tirade by not allowing him to read his letter from home.
Name: Carolyn Rivera
Season: “Survivor: Worlds Apart”
Finish: To Be Determined
Why You Should Remember Her: Did she find an immunity idol without a clue? Yeah, baby! Did she form a solid final-four alliance? Remains to be seen, baby!

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

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‘Survivor’ Power Rankings Round 10 – Axis Explodes Edition

May 5, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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The Rules: Each week our three 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 three players will earn. For example, if Carolyn is voted out this week, Josh and Reed will each receive one point and Gordon will receive two points. At the end of the season, the person with the most points will be named the “Survivor: Worlds Apart” Power Rankings Challenge Champion.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: Worlds Apart”

Josh’s Score = 75

Any questions for Josh? Drop him a line on Twitter: @joshuacanfield

Reed’s Score = 81

Any questions for Reed? Drop him a line on Twitter: @thereedkelly

Gordon’s Score = 81

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
 1. Carolyn: I’m still on the Carolyn bus.  She has the idol, she didn’t betray any one at the last Tribal.  She is holding the wheel in this game and I will be a big decision maker in this upcoming vote. #Speed   1. Carolyn: Continues to crush this game.  She’s in an alliance with bigger physical/social threats she can point to, potentially has two sub-alliances set up, and has an idol.  It’s going to take something beyond crazy to knock her out this week.
  1. Mike: Mike killed it last week. The only possible tweak I would’ve suggested would be to let the Axis know he had the idol back at camp where it would’ve given them more of a chance to plot against each other. Now, if you lose immunity this week, don’t try to be cute and not play that idol again. You’ve already put it in their heads that you might not play it.
  2. Mike: Great job, Mike! Wow, what a fantastic play to fracture the opponents of 6, and boy did it fracture.  He has the ball, and he can change this game.  Don’t let us down. #Rudy
  2. Sierra: Is doing a good job stating what appears obvious to us outside the game: Tyler is a big threat.  I really respect this tactic.
  2. Carolyn: The Axis has no choice but to turn on itself this week. Everyone’s in danger… well…everyone except for Mama C. She’s got an idol in her back pocket and she isn’t afraid to use it.
  3. Sierra: Mike’s bluff didn’t cause her to stumble, she stayed strong.  I don’t see why anyone would vote her out right now.  She seems easy-going, and I’m sure everyone will want her to vote with them. #FarFromtheMaddeningCrowd   3. Mike: It’s hard to recover lost trust in this game, but so far him winning immunity has made that almost irrelevant.  Almost.  Loved the bluff at Tribal and completely support him keeping the idol for himself — it’s a better move long-term.  Looking forward to seeing the conversations that ensue back at camp after this.
  3. Will: Nobody’s voting for Will. They need his challenge prowess to help get Mike out of the…phffft…hahahahaha…almost got that out with a straight face. Will isn’t going anywhere because he’s everyone’s end-game goat.
  4. Tyler: Tyler has been consistent, but he realized how little power he had when he got called out at Tribal, and he showed his weakness when he switched his vote.  But I think Mama C will have his back and carry him up this Everest of a vote. #TheLordoftheRings
   4. Will: I’m just not that interested in his game right now, although that vote towards Dan may cause some interesting conflict.  We don’t see much of his strategy beyond that (which I know from firsthand experience doesn’t mean it’s not happening), but I’m still left with a bad taste in my mouth after the past two episodes.
  4. Rodney: Bro, I’m pretty sure you’re safe this week. Although, your talk about going home in the preview has me a little nervous. Unless you were impersonating someone wanting to go home, in which case you nailed it again.
 5. Rodney: Was he in the last episode? If the previews are to be believed he is ready to go and wants to be voted out, but somehow I just don’t see him letting go that easy.  He’s a hothead who will stretch his power to make it another day. #FantasticFour
  5. Rodney: Not a lot on Rodney in this episode so I don’t have a ton to say on this one.  It was just one of those episodes I guess.
  5. Sierra: Sierra is the last person to the Axis of Evil party and it’s pretty clear that she’s buddies with a lot of people on the jury. Add to that her little comment about not having enough votes to flip things at last week’s Tribal and you have the member of the six that is easiest to boot.
 6. Will: Of course Will got scared and flipped his vote to Dan.  He has no idea what he’s doing out there, and he’s just desperately trying to stay above the water. #LifeofPi
  6. Tyler: Got nervous and wrote down Dan’s name.  An understandable yet unfortunate slight that could have ramifications on his game — namely, now having to kiss some big, hairy Dan booty.
  6. Dan: The only reason I can think of to get rid of Dan is if that extra vote makes Tyler and Mama C too nervous. He can’t win if he gets to the end unless he’s sitting next to Will and a popcorn kernel that’s stuck in your teeth.
 7. Dan: Here we go.  Dan is not going to let Tyler and Will get away with voting for him.  He’s angry, he’s big, he has an extra vote, and he will make war in the tribe.  #TheHulk
  7. Dan: Tyler’s vote for him will likely snap him out of his complacency with being part of the “top six” alliance.  If he were smart, he’d start pointing out how dangerous and game-threateningly cunning Tyler is in this game — that is if he can see it.
  7.  Tyler: The seed has definitely been planted that Tyler is going to be a tough player to beat. But, the Axis is going to need all hands on deck to defeat a motivated Mike at the next few immunity challenges. Tough times for Tyler.

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‘Survivor’ Castaway Shirin – “I’ve Offered to Donate $100 for Every Act of Misogyny”

May 1, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Usually my “Survivor” exit interviews take place over the phone in my office at the Comcast Center. This one took place in the waiting room of an Intensive Care Unit.

Quick Aside: Before we get too far into this, the procedure was a huge success. High fives!

My mother, my uncle, and I were the only ones in the room so the interview wouldn’t be bothering anyone else. And hearing from the recently booted player would take our minds off of the serious situation at hand.

As the interview went on, more and more families started to pour into the waiting room. And before I knew it, this little interview had turned into something of a live podcast.

When we finished up, everyone had questions about the show. They wanted to know how real it was, where the contestants went to the bathroom, why this guy Will was such a jerk to this nice woman. And from there, conversations continued with people saying how they’d play the game.

And while I think the one guy’s strategy of “hiding in the woods” probably wouldn’t pan out for him, it’s nice to think that “Survivor” could be a welcome diversion for him and for everyone else on what must’ve been a stressful day.

See…”Survivor” is awesome.

Fortunately, Shirin agrees with me. After the verbal abuse she suffered at the hands of Jay Leno’s favorite karaoke artist, she’s still high on the reality hit.

When life gives you bologna skin, you make bologna skin-ade.

Shirin Oskooi: Gordoooooooon!
Gordon Holmes: Whoa…holy cow.
Oskooi: Homie G!
Holmes: I love that enthusiasm.
Oskooi: Let’s do this. Come at me, bro.

Holmes: Alright, you’re in a supermarket somewhere. Maybe you’re picking out some produce or something. And then Bon Jovi’s hit “Living on a Prayer” comes on over the loud speakers. How do you react?
Oskooi: (Laughs) I sing along. I sing along louder, and more obnoxiously…with so much enthusiasm and love in my heart, because I’m living on a prayer.
Holmes: We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got.
Oskooi: (Laughs) Because we’re only half way there.
Holmes: I’m proud of you for not letting your island experience ruin that amazing song.
Oskooi: You can’t. Honestly, I don’t even know if we should get into this. But when the Will attack happened, all of the people who were in camp who were watching and were complicit in what was going down with the way I was being treated, they’re all incredibly religious people, including Will himself…I didn’t grow up Christian. I’m not religious. The reason Will always loathed me…he claimed that I didn’t have a soul. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know where that came from. I’m guessing there might’ve been some kind of religious tint to that. So after it all happened, my knee-jerk reaction was to look at Christianity. Did religion do this to me? But then I remember, no…Mike Holloway exists and Mike Holloway is a man of God. It’s his faith that made him step in for me. You can’t take these outliers and make them make you think ugly things. You’ve got to look for the positive. When you make yourself smile, if you eradicate the hate in your heart, then life is so much better. So, I’m not deeply religious,  but I love Christianity and Christians, I love Mike Holloway.

Holmes: Someone like Jenn would say that you’re annoying. Which isn’t a great thing to hear about yourself, but it’s such a far cry from something as malicious as “This person doesn’t have a soul.” What didn’t we see that led to such an escalation?
Oskooi: So, back at the tribe swap, it was clear that Will didn’t like me. He wouldn’t make eye contact with me. He’d rarely talk to me. So, I pulled him aside a couple of times and said, “Hey, I get the feeling that you don’t really like me. Can we work through it?” And he’d say, “No, it’s all in your head, baby girl. You’ve got to get that out of your head.” But once the merge happened he tried to blame his flip on me. He was trying to say that I flipped and not him. He was calling into question my integrity and telling people not to trust me. That’s when he’d say things like, “You can’t trust her because she doesn’t have a soul.” And so, it started to emerge that he loathed me because I don’t have a soul. And he never explained it further than that.
Holmes: Well, this is coming from a guy who thought he could make sandwiches out of ocean water.
Oskooi: (Laughs) They never got those sandwiches. I was never a part of the sandwich deal, but I can assure you Jenn was very upset that she never got those sandwiches.
Holmes: The argument was so weird and baseless. You have no family, you have no friends. That’s clearly not the case. Does that make it better that the world is on your side or does seeing again just bring you back to that place?
Oskooi: I can’t lie.
Holmes: Don’t lie to me. We’re better than that.
Oskooi: (Laughs)
Holmes: The game is over. Time for healing.
Oskooi: It was rough. I’ve been anxious for the last seven months leading up to this episode. It was a horrible thing to live through and watching it again…I knew I had to relive it. But, when I watched it I watched it with Mike and Jenn and Sierra and Hali. I was surrounded by so much love and support.  We all cried together and laughed. This brought us closer together. Nothing can break up the Ladies Couch. It was a weight lifted. I thought CBS and “Survivor”  handled it very well with the editing. And people are having the right reactions. We don’t want to focus on the ugly and the negative. We’re trying to make this a positive. We’re raising awareness with a “Raise Your Hand” campaign against bullying and abuse. I’ve offered to donate $100 for every act of misogyny on this entire season.
Holmes: You’re going to go broke.
Oskooi: I’m going to go broke. I’m donating to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. And the response has been so positive. That’s amazing! Let’s do this, right?! Even if I go broke, it’s worth it.
Holmes: Agreed. And when I spoke to Jenn she said it was a crime all three of you were guilty of. You, her, and Mike…but he focused on you. Why would he do that unless it was socially acceptable to pick on you? That’s Bullying 101.
Oskooi: He told Jenn…a couple of people actually…that, “I don’t speak to women that way, but she’s not a woman.”
Holmes: Anybody who saw you running around half-naked knows you’re a woman.
Oskooi: (Laughs) Tyler was there! He should’ve jumped in and said, “Yeah, she’s a woman.”

Holmes: Were Dan and Sierra your best bets to make a move last night?
Oskooi: Unfortunately, Dan just is…his judgment is clouded by his personal feelings for people. He just disliked me so much that he was never going to vote with me, even if it was strategically sound to do so. Which it clearly was. We know he’s on the bottom. And with Sierra it was a matter that she needed to know that someone was going to come with us. She wouldn’t come alone.

Holmes: What about Carolyn?
Oskooi: I worked really hard on her. She was out there hustling. She’s playing a really understated, but stellar game. She’s got that idol. She’s always in the majority. Even with this Axis of Evil thing, Tyler’s kind of on the outside of that. It was supposed to be Will, Rodney, Carolyn, and Kelly. Carolyn is always in control of her destiny and she’s determined to get to the end.
Holmes: What was your pitch to her?
Oskooi: You’re going to go to the end with these people, but you’re not going to beat them. No Collar people didn’t like her that much. The people who like Carolyn who would vote for her to win are the Axis of Evil. They’re her friends in the game. Those are the people she should be putting on the jury. She should be sitting next to me because they’re the ones who don’t like me. I genuinely believe when I was voted out that Carolyn lost the game and Sierra lost the game and even possibly Dan. I don’t know if they can win with the people remaining because Mike, Tyler, and Rodney are such big threats. And it’s unfortunate because the only people left that I want to win are Mike, Sierra, and Carolyn…in that order.

Holmes: Tyler unearthed Dan’s voting advantage last night. Had that spread around the camp while you were there?
Oskooi: At that point he had just shared it with Carolyn.

Holmes: Alright, we typically would do a word association exercise at this point. But, your Dirty 30 buddies are trying to mess with my happiness and are coming up with their answers in advance. Did you plan ahead?
Oskooi: I have planned ahead. I have a word for every single person on this season. Even people I didn’t play with. So, I want you to name everybody.
Holmes: I’m starting to hate the Dirty 30.
Oskooi: You love me so much! You are Team Shirin!
Holmes: I am, but I’m also Team Word Association.
Oskooi: And now you have to be Team Mike.
Holmes: Alright, you want everybody?
Oskooi: Everybody.
Holmes: In order…let’s start with So.
Oskooi: Pansy Parkinson.
Holmes: Vince?
Oskooi: Professor Trelawney.
Holmes: OK, I see where this is going. Nina?
Oskooi: Percy Weasley.
Holmes: Lindsey?
Oskooi: Sirius Black.
Holmes: Max?
Oskooi: Somewhere between Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
Holmes: Joaquin?
Oskooi: Draco Malfoy.
Holmes: Kelly?
Oskooi: Katie Bell.
Holmes: Hali?
Oskooi: Luna Lovegood.
Holmes: (Laughs) Joe?
Oskooi: Cedric Diggory.
Holmes: Jenn?
Oskooi: Fred Weasley.
Holmes: Do you have one for yourself?
Oskooi: Hermoine.
Holmes: Alright, let’s hit who’s left. Mike?
Oskooi: Harry Potter.
Holmes: Sierra?
Oskooi: Seamus Finnigan.
Holmes: Carolyn?
Oskooi: Narcissa Malfoy.
Holmes: Tyler?
Oskooi: Lucius Malfoy.
Holmes: Dan?
Oskooi: Wormtail who’s spent his whole life thinking he’s Gilderoy Lockhart.
Holmes: (Laughs) Rodney?
Oskooi: Voldemort.
Holmes: And we’ll finish with your buddy Will.
Oskooi: Horcrux.

Holmes: I have a theory that people in the game like Rodney a lot more than people watching him on TV. What was your relationship with Rodney like?
Oskooi: He really is kind of how he appears on TV.  He’s a Boston bad boy. He’s whining a lot. He’s pretentious and reactive and explosive. But, he’s also comic relief. He’s the only person on the evil side who brings levity to the game and puts smiles on our faces with impressions. Rodney’s impressions I could listen to for days and days. And what you’re not seeing is that everybody wants to go to the end with Rodney and Will. They’re underestimating the power of humor in that swamp of (expletive deleted).
Holmes: Let’s not get too into this. But, I feel like your Jenns and Joes and Halis enjoy the guy and he could take it against the right competition.
Oskooi: A lot of people aren’t seeing that. Rodney’s a young, funny guy. The people on the jury are young dudes and dudettes who could support a funny guy. And the other thing is; he’s reactive and explosive, but he’s not vicious. He’s been kind to me on a number of occasions. He’s rarely proactively mean the way the others are. And that goes a long way.

Holmes: When a super fan goes on “Survivor,” there’s always the risk of hating something you used to love. Where are you with “Survivor” now?
Oskooi: I still absolutely love “Survivor.” I think it’s one of the greatest shows ever on television. I’m so grateful to be a part of the experience even though I had to go through some hardships. Those hardships did lead to some of the best moments of my life. Mike running in to save me, that was the first time anyone had ever stood up for me, let alone in a situation like that. For that to happen, I would take that attack over and over again just to relive Mike saving me.
Holmes: My mom already has a crush on Mike. You’re just making it worse.
Oskooi: That crush is valid!

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

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‘Survivor: Worlds Apart’ Episode 11 Recap – Dan’s Best Friend

April 29, 2015

"Survivor: Worlds Apart" (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 Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Last Week: Sierra felt Mike letter down, Will went on a snack attack, and Jenn got to the jury in a hurry…

39 Days, 18 People, 1 “Survivor” Blog…

Let’s take a look at the tribe as it currently stands…

The Merica Tribe (wearing purple)
Carolyn – Corporate Executive, 52
Dan – Postal Worker, 47
Mike – Oil Driller, 38
Rodney – General Contractor, 24
Shirin – Yahoo Executive, 31
Sierra – Barrel Racer, 27
Tyler – Ex-Talent Agent Assistant, 33
Will – YouTube Sensation, 41

We kick things off the morning after Tribal where Shirin is still upset over Will’s harsh comments. In particular, she brings up Will’s assertion that he wasn’t verbally assaulting her while he was LITERALLY verbally assaulting her.

Dan lets her know that he feels bad about what happened. However, he does this in the slow…insincere…Dan voice he used to “apologize” to Sierra. He follows this up by letting us know that he thinks Shirin is a two-faced liar and that it’s karma and she deserved it. Well, you said one thing to her and something else to us…so…who’s a two-faced liar?

Also, someone should just take the word “deserves” out of Dan’s vocabulary.

Reward Challenge Time: The tribes will be split into two teams of four. They’ll use four barrels, a piece of rope, and two planks to cross a stretch of land. If a player or a plank touches the ground they’ll have to start over. The first team to get to the end gets a catamaran ride complete with burgers and pie.

Mike, Shirin, Sierra, and Rodney will be the blue team. Carolyn, Tyler, Dan, and Will are red.

No fair! Sierra is a barrel racer!

Anywho, the challenge starts and it…is…awkward. The red team employs a stand-up barrel approach while Mike is using himself as a human plank.

The blues have a decent lead, when a mental lapse has them putting a plank on the ground. Probst sends them back.

Then, the blues hilariously try to individually barrel roll to the end. This does not work. Red’s slow-and-steady approach wins the race.

Dan says he feels bad that Rodney hasn’t had a reward yet. Probst offers him the opportunity to trade with him, but Rodney lets Dan off of the hook.

Back at camp, Sierra tells Rodney that Tyler is going to win if he gets to the end.  Go Sierra! Not only can she talk, but she can say sooper smart things!

Rodney isn’t very concerned though because he’s running the show and he has his three Cs. How many Cs does Tyler even have?

On the reward boat ride, Tyler, Will, Carolyn, and Dan are psyched that they don’t have to talk about the game because Mike and Shirin aren’t there. Dan says Mike is like teflon because no matter how much he screws up, he manages to fix it. That is not what teflon does.

Immunity Challenge Time: The players will hold onto a handle that is supporting 25% of their body weight. The last man and woman holding onto their weight will win immunity.

Sierra is the first person out at 15 minutes. She’s followed by Tyler, Will, and Dan.

We’re down to Rodney vs. Mike and Carolyn vs. Shirin.

Shirin struggles and she can’t hold on, giving immunity to Carolyn.

Dan tries to inspire Rodney with words of wisdom, but it doesn’t help. He drops out and Mike wins it.

Sooo…time for Mike to play that idol Malcolm-style and let the final six turn on each other?

Back at camp, it’s pretty obvious that Shirin is going to be the target.

Shirin talks to Dan and tells him that they’d be dumb to get rid of her because she’s not a threat. Dan agrees with her, but he isn’t going to do anything about it.

Later, Shirin lets Sierra know that there isn’t a final six at the last Tribal. Sierra says she’d get rid of Tyler if she had the numbers.

Then, Tyler goes digging through Dan’s bag to learn about his advantage. He shares the info with Carolyn and declares the Dan/Sierra alliance to be too dangerous. How did we end up with a Dan/Sierra alliance?!

That night at Tribal, Shirin explains that her relationship with her mother is strained due to what they’ve been through. Dan says he understands because he’s adopted.

Probst asks if Dan has a history of abuse, and he responds that he was adopted. Ummm…

Shirin points out that Will hasn’t apologized yet. Will said he won’t apologize because it wouldn’t be sincere. That’s some solid jury management there, Will.

Then, Shirin says that she’s going  home and that’s a mistake because Tyler is the real threat.

Tyler claims that his alliance knows that he’s loyal to them. Yeah, but that’s not her argument, dude.

Sierra points out that she’s one vote and doesn’t have the power to do anything.

Mike knows that if he wins immunity one more time, that they’ll have to attack each other. He wants them all to vote for Tyler.

Rodney says they were a strong seven until Mike’s letter stratagem.

Before they vote, Mike takes out his idol and says he’s going to play it for Shirin. He then says Shirin is going to vote for Tyler and he’s going to vote for someone else. Malcolm-style!

Voting Time: Shirin votes for Tyler and the rest of the votes are secret.

Probst tallies and returns. He asks if someone wants to play an idol and Mike…puts his idol in his pocket.

We’ve got one vote for Tyler, one vote for Shirin, one vote for Dan, one vote for Tyler, one vote for Shirin, one vote for Dan, one vote for Shirin, and the twelfth person to be eliminated from “Survivor: Worlds Apart” and the fourth member of the jury is…Shirin.

As Shirin goes to have her torch snuffed, Mike points out that Dan got two votes.

Note: Will and Tyler voted for Dan and Mike and Shirin voted for Tyler.

Verdict: Smart move by Mike. He gets the benefit of getting the six to turn on each other without playing his idol. And now that they know he has an idol, they’ll have three days to turn on each other.

But yeah…another crazy Tribal leading to the obvious vote.

Who’s Going to Win? If I were ranking people based on their chances of winning, meaning the higher person on the listing would beat anyone below them in the listing at a final vote, I’d go…Mike, Tyler, Carolyn, Rodney, Sierra, Will, Dan.

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

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