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‘Survivor Castaway Keith – ‘It’s the Black Widows, They’re Gonna Kill Me’

December 21, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” finale coverage with “all the fixin’s.” You’ll be able to watch every episode and read interviews with the final five. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

MEGA IMPORTANT NOTE: Check out the three members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

Gordon Holmes: Last night Jaclyn wins final four immunity and your pitch to her was to target Missy over Natalie. It seem to me like Natalie was a much bigger threat.
Keith Nale: I was thinking, well I probably wasn’t thinking…
Holmes: (Laughs)
Nale: I thought Missy was going to get some sympathy votes out there. But looking back at it now, Natalie was the player. I thought I had Jaclyn, it was another lie, but I thought I had her thinking let’s get Missy out. But, it was a long shot. I was out there with four women, so what are you going to do? They took it to me.

Holmes: Natalie saved your bacon there with that Alec vote. Did that cause you to have any loyalty toward her?
Nale: Oh yeah. Natalie saved me a couple of times. Natalie was a player. I can’t take anything away from her. She knew the game. And she did tell me, “They want me to vote for you, but I’m going to vote for Alec.” I don’t know what her reasoning was, but I was fine with that. It gives me one more chance.

Holmes: During the “Stick to the Plan” Tribal Council, when Jon played his idol, you or Wes were going home no matter what. Would there have been any way to save the idol?
Nale: You’ve got about five seconds to make that decision. When Jon played his, I turned to Wes and said, “We’ve got to do something. I can give it to you.” I was going to give it to him cause he can run faster and jump higher. I’ll take one for the home team. Or give it to Wesley and he doesn’t have to play it. We were in a bad way right there. But, he said, “That’s your idol.” He gave me the go-ahead. But, I never should’ve said, “Stick to the plan.” What in the world was I thinking? But, Reed was hammering on me pretty good. And in Louisiana you don’t let people hammer on you like that.
Holmes: And Reed is a professional actor.
Nale: He’s a nut too! He’s good at the game.
Holmes: There must’ve been some redemption when you blindsided Jon and you had people digging into you and you stuck with the plan.
Nale: (Laughs) Isn’t that funny? Natalie was ramrodding this show. She said we’re gonna vote for Jon and we’re gonna do this, this, and this. I said, “Hey, I’m slick with that.” Jon didn’t see that coming, so he went to the house with an idol.
Holmes: What you should’ve done is turn to Jaclyn at the final four and say, “Jaclyn, stick with the plan!”
Nale: (Laughs) That would’ve been slick! Golly! When they sent Jon to the house I said, “Man, it’s the black widows, they’re gonna kill me.” I was happy there for a while, I said, “Rooster in a hen house. One rooster and four hens.” That’d be all fine and good if we were chickens. But I knew I was doomed. I knew I had to win out.

Holmes: After the premiere they showed a montage of moments from the season, and there was something where you said something along the lines of “I made the biggest mistake in ‘Survivor’ history” or something like that. I don’t think we ever heard you say that. What was it referring to?
Nale: You’re right. But unless they were talking about the “stick to the plan” deal. It was a stupid move. But, I think there might’ve been some worse than that through the years. But, it was probably top five.
Holmes: But you think that’s what you were referring to with that quote.
Nale: That’s probably it. I can’t think of nothing else that I did really dumb.

Holmes: Now that you’ve had a Nicaraguan massage, is that part of your daily regimen? Sneaking out to the spa?
Nale: (Laughs) Hey, I’m telling you, Gordon…I liked that. Maybe not daily, but I might have to slip off so nobody can see me. A guy from Louisiana slipping into some spa? The hardest part is they fed me so much and they had me laying on my belly. That was the pain you were hearing me groaning and everything.

Holmes: When you head into this adventure, it isn’t as simple as, “We’re just gonna dump 18 people into the wilderness.” There’s immunizations, and camera people, and a million other things. What about the process surprised you the most?
Nale: I’ve watched it. I’m not the superfan. But I was thinking these people are really in the bush. But, I’m an outdoors guy. I’d rather sit in the backyard than on the couch. I’ll hook up a TV in the backyard. Me and Wesley were thinking, “We got this.” But, it’s something you can’t practice. You can train, you can treadmill, but the food was the big deal. You’re going down on day one.

Holmes: What were you thinking during Reed’s big speech toward Missy?
Nale: Oh gosh. I remembered that from back, and Reed’s a good speaker. I think maybe he didn’t like Baylor and he was taking it out on Missy. But, he’s a Broadway guy. Dancing and floating around. Words just float off his tongue, unlike me.

Holmes: Alright, word association time. We’ll start with Josh.
Nale: Josh he was a player.
Holmes: Reed?
Nale: (Laughs) Reed was a speaker!
Holmes: Jeremy?
Nale: I like my brother firefighter, but he was a big threat.
Holmes: Jon?
Nale: Attitude? Mr. Michigan.
Holmes: Jaclyn?
Nale: Miss America.
Holmes: Alec?
Nale: Alec’s a good ol’ boy.
Holmes: Natalie?
Nale: Sly and cunning.
Holmes: Missy?
Nale: Kind of a coaster.
Holmes: Baylor?
Nale: (Laughs) Maybe a brat.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Wes.
Nale: Likable, naïve. (Laughs) He was a pretty good player.

Holmes: I’m watching this final immunity and there’s a firepole. How is that fair?
Nale: Golly, I said, “I got this!” But, I never made it to the firepole the second time. I liked it, it was pretty fun. But you saw Jaclyn needs a little practice.
Holmes: You need to take her down to the station and have her do a few reps.
Nale: (Laughs) She hit hard!

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor’ Runner-Up Missy – ‘Does Baylor Act Bratty Sometimes? Yes.’

December 19, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” finale coverage with “all the fixin’s.” You’ll be able to watch every episode and read interviews with the final five. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

MEGA IMPORTANT NOTE: Check out the three members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

Gordon Holmes: Reed’s speech was not subtle.
Missy Payne: It was completely out of left field and totally inappropriate. I know in my heart that Reed is a performer. That’s what he does best. I’m pretty sure he rehearsed that monologue probably in front of  a mirror. So, that was his big spotlight. I know on a human level that if he knew more about my personal life that he wouldn’t have labeled me like that. He still would’ve attacked me because he knew I could handle it. But, it was totally uncalled for. And to watch my kid be ripped apart was horrible.
Holmes: One of the things he accused you of was giving Baylor extra rice and saving her better sleeping arrangements. Was that accurate?
Payne: No. Like I was in control of the rice and where people slept? Give me a break. What’s ironic about this is Reed ate the most of anybody. And Reed slept in the middle of our shelter. He spread out and slept like a baby. I feel like we call people out for things we do.

Holmes: One of the things that frustrated me this season was when Reed called Baylor a brat and you jumped to her defense. As someone watching from the comfort of my couch, it doesn’t make sense to attack someone who seems destined for the jury. When that happened, were you thinking about the game at all, or did you just click into mom mode?
Payne: Of course the mama bear came out, that’s my kid. Does Baylor act bratty sometimes? Yes. I’m not going to lie to you. Every kid acts bratty. But, it’s so hard to look back and go “I wish I would’ve.” Because at that point Reed was so mad that I wouldn’t align with him. He tried so many different angles. The problem is; he was so inconsistent that you couldn’t trust him. He admitted it.
Holmes: Have you and he had a chance to mend fences?
Payne: We’ve talked a couple of times. Not about Baylor being a brat or the speech, because in the heat of the moment he believes it. I have a lot of respect for his talents, but I’m not going to send him a Christmas card. Everyone else in the cast, we’ll all be in touch. But, I don’t foresee that happening with Reed.

Holmes: A lot of the exit press sentiment toward you and Baylor was very negative. Were you aware of that during the game?  I wouldn’t say you two were villains because you weren’t making excessively underhanded moves. But did you anticipate how you were going to come off?
Payne: I think for me as a mom, nobody wants mom to be mad at you. Everyone opened up to me because I was that mom figure. And I’m super human and I’m super compassionate. But in the game, they say, “How can you do that mom?” So, I don’t get the negative feelings toward Baylor and I. We’ve had tons of positive feedback and amazing fans. Our social media has been both ways. In my lifetime, I don’t think people really can fathom how people can always be happy, and Baylor and I always are. We share the truth and we’re pretty humble people. And I think Baylor got a bad rap because people forgot about how young she was. She’s 20. She’s a kid. Hindsight 20/20, I’d like to play the game without her. It’d be less weight to carry and I wouldn’t have to worry about people picking on my kid. It was hard.

Holmes: Julie seemed very turned off by your approach with her. What do you think happened there?
Payne: Julie came to me. I was being honest, I said, “Why don’t you wait?” We were literally going to Tribal. The timing for most of these people was horrible. I felt like I was reining in kids all the time. I meant what I said to her. Was she our number? Yes. Did it hurt our game? No. I don’t think she understood much about the game. I don’t think she was a player at all. So, I don’t know how I would’ve made that better. Would someone else say, “Julie, suck it up.”? I was the last person she spoke to, so maybe that’s why she said that. But, I think perception is reality. So, maybe she thought I was going behind her back. But as you’re watching these edits, you get what you see with me. I’m not a liar. Julie’s a great friend, so I don’t know if you talked to her now that she’d say if I was believable or not.

Holmes: Did you and Baylor ever discuss one of you stepping down, so there’d be a definite vote and an advocate on the jury?
Payne: Absolutely. Baylor was going to step down because it was smarter for us to split up. It was concocted by Jon. But, as we got further in, Baylor was like, “Wait a minute, I want to go to final three. I played the game too.” So, at that point it got a little fuzzy. She was going to go to the jury so she could campaign for me.

Holmes: Natalie seemed like a slam dunk as a winner. How hard was the push to get rid of her at final four?
Payne: Jaclyn came to me, again, let’s talk about timing, we were literally leaving for Tribal. So, maybe if we talked about it in the game before.  But after my injury I wasn’t able to go off and talk strategy. Jaclyn came to me moments before we left and I said, “Jaclyn! Terrible timing!”
Holmes: So, your goal should be to get back on the show with cast members with better timing and two healthy feet.
Payne: Exactly! (Laughs)

Holmes: Word association time. Let’s start with Josh.
Payne: Josh…determined. He was a go-getter.
Holmes: Kelley?
Payne: She was wound up super tight. She was so serious.
Holmes: Natalie?
Payne: I think Natalie was a super tough athlete. The strongest woman I’ve ever met. Fun, funny, and charming.
Holmes: Keith?
Payne: Good ol’ boy. Can do anything in the wilderness. A gentleman. Not a great game player.
Holmes: Dale?
Payne: Oh…he’s the smartest man in the room and the expert on every topic. Not a great listener.
Holmes: Jon?
Payne: A very sweet young man. Super compassionate. Kind, giving, loyal, with an age-appropriate amount of arrogance.
Holmes: Jaclyn?
Payne: She had a sense of insecurity that would drive her decisions and cause a lot of paranoia.
Holmes: Reed?
Payne: (Laughs)
Holmes: You knew it was coming.
Payne: I knew. I think Reed is an unbelievable actor. I don’t think he is very genuine. It’s hard to figure out what’s real.
Holmes: Let’s finish off with Baylor.
Payne: Fun-loving, go-getter, a little bit of a wild buck. Sometimes needs some reining in.
Holmes: I did that exact same exercise with Baylor and for you she said, “Mother Dearest.” I’m thinking she’s never seen the movie “Mommie Dearest.”
Payne: (Laughs)
Holmes: Are you going after Baylor with wire hangers? Cause that’s terrible.
Payne: (Laughs) Yup, just out me here and explain how I became the wicked stepmother.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Runner-Up Jaclyn – ‘………..’

December 19, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” finale coverage with “all the fixin’s.” You’ll be able to watch every episode and read interviews with the final five. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

MEGA IMPORTANT NOTE: Check out the three members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

Gordon Holmes: I gave your fiancé the comparison that he’s basically the trusting Sultan and you’re like Jasmine who knows that Jafar is up to no good.
Jaclyn Schultz: Totally. Jon’s a trusting guy, and I have a hard time trusting anybody. I’m always thinking, “What’s your ulterior motive?”
Holmes: Well, they say that the best couples have alternate strengths and weaknesses.
Schultz: We notice that a lot. He’s a more social player, he can make friendships with lots of people. And I’m more reserved off the bat. We definitely fill the voids.

Holmes: So, Natalie’s move at final five to save you bleeeew my mind.
Schultz: (Laughs) Me too.
Holmes: When she approached you with that, did you believe it could really happen?
Schultz: I knew I was at the bottom. I packed my stuff to go home. I talked to her and said, “Whatever you want to do, I’m down. Use my vote.” So, she came up to me ten minutes before Tribal and she was like, “Put Baylor’s name down.” And I said, “Why?! Are you and Keith voting for Baylor?” And she would not tell me. I had no idea she had an idol. But when that happened I was like, “Dang!”

Holmes: What’s it like for Probst to come out with an urn that you’re sure is filled with votes with your name and you get to go back to camp afterward?
Schultz: It was awesome. At that point it’s like, “One more day!” Because I can win the final immunity challenge. I have a shot now.

Holmes: At final four you got rid of Keith, which made sense because he had the underdog story and he had friends on the jury. But, Natalie’s resume of big, bold moves was really impressive. Walk me through that decision.
Schultz: Well, when I was in the game I didn’t realize Natalie was playing as hard as she was. Watching the edit I’m like, “Wow, girl. You totally got us.” I knew Keith would have the guys’ vote because they were all in his alliance and everybody loves Keith. So, I knew he was a shoo-in. Thinking of every option, I thought Natalie was a threat too, but I thought Natalie was my best shot. I didn’t think I had a huge shot at winning.

Holmes: I talked to Alec about the situation where Jon was at Exile. He said that he’s not a sexist person, but he’s not going to sit around and be quiet if someone isn’t pulling their weight. Were you doing enough around camp?
Schultz: That was the first time I’d heard anything. I did pull my weight. Nobody complained or anything. So, when he said that it totally threw me off guard. I was doing as much as Natalie. I’m up doing stuff. I’m getting firewood, I’m getting water. It threw me for a loop.

Holmes: So what happened on the final challenge with the fireman’s pole. It looked like it really hurt.
Schultz: Oh my gosh. It was wood. So when you slide down I was getting splinters and my reaction was to let go. Which, unfortunately means you fall.
Holmes: How unfair is it that there’s a fireman’s pole in a challenge with a fireman?
Schultz: (Laughs) I know!

Holmes: When Missy blindsided Jon, it was hard to get a feel about how you felt about her afterward.
Schultz: I was totally blindsided. Missy and Jon connected on like a religious, spiritual level. Talking about God all the time and she called him “Jon Jon” and he called her “Mom.” So, I was like, “OK, this is totally unshakable.” And I even said to Missy, “I know players in the past have used family as leverage or religion or God. But that isn’t gameplay to me, that’s real.” So, I was really hurt. And when I got back to camp that night it was a brawl and they were bashing Jon, saying, “Him praying before every challenge? That’s bullcrap. He’s the fakest person ever.” And I went in to defense mode. I don’t care about the million dollars. This is the man I’m spending the rest of my life with. This isn’t gameplay, it’s his character. So, that was…”OK, screw these girls. I don’t care if I’m voted out.”
Holmes: Jon seems like the real deal. Even when people were trying to vote him off, he seemed to appreciate the gamesmanship of it all.
Schultz: Yeah. People suck in this world and he’s just a good guy. It hurt. I think I take things a little more personally than Jon. Like when Reed tried to blindside Jon I was so mad and Jon was laughing.

Holmes: There was no chance for Jon to pass you the idol after he was blindsided?
Schultz: He slid it to me, but then production took it. He would’ve had to have given it to me before the votes were read.

Holmes: I’ve been a victim of the silent treatment a few times, but never with the stakes as high as a million dollars.
Schultz: (Laughs)
Holmes: And it’s easy to sit on my couch and be like, “Girl, you need to chill.” What was it like to watch that back?
Schultz: I was like “You didn’t even say anything. Why was I so mad?” But in the moment it was the cherry on top. The whole game, me battling for my voice to be heard. I’m making decisions on my own. And Jon saying, “I already knew that. “ And I was like, “What the hell! You’re saying this now too?” And I just lost it. Under the circumstances it was totally magnified.
Holmes: I’m always looking for ways to better understand the experience. So , I’d like to know what it’s like to get the silent treatment from a “Survivor” finalist.
Schultz: (Laughs) So, you don’t want me to talk.
Holmes: Right, starting now.
Schultz: …
Holmes: Wow, that’s harsh. Coldblooded.
Schultz: I can go for like five hours. (Laughs)

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Alec.
Schultz: College bro.
Holmes: Reed?
Schultz: Great guy.
Holmes: Josh?
Schultz: Great guy.
Holmes: I’m sensing a theme. Jeremy?
Schultz: (Laughs) Um…a really good friend. I went to Boston and spoke at a children’s hospital and had dinner with Val and Jeremy. They’re just great people.
Holmes: Wes?
Schultz: Good ol’ boy.
Holmes: Keith?
Schultz: Reminds me of my dad.
Holmes: Natalie?
Schultz: Hilarious.
Holmes: Missy?
Schultz: Fake.
Holmes: Baylor?
Schultz: Spolied.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Jon.
Schultz: Marriage material.

Holmes: Reed’s speech…
Schultz: Oh my gosh, it was awesome.
Holmes: So you were ready to give high fives afterwards.
Schultz: Yeah, that was an incredible performance. During the game I didn’t see how she was treating people who weren’t in her alliance. So, it was almost out of left field. But after talking to Jeremy and Josh and Wes about all that, I was like, “Woooow.”

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor’ Champion Natalie – ‘If I Was Baylor I Would Have Punched (Reed)’

December 18, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” finale coverage with “all the fixin’s.” Starting Thursday, you’ll be able to watch every episode and read interviews with the final five. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

MEGA IMPORTANT NOTE: Check out the three members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

When a pair of twins plays “Survivor” and one is voted out first and the other wins the whole thing…I don’t feel so bad about how terrible my pre-season rankings are.

I spoke with the winning Twinnie the morning after her victory and have a chance to ask her about her big moves, missing her loved one, and Reed’s jaw-dropping speech…

Gordon Holmes: I was totally wrong. I thought Nadiya was going to win and you were going to be voted out first.
Natalie Anderson: (Laughs) Really?
Holmes: No. Nobody could’ve predicted one Twinnie going out first and the other winning.
Anderson: I know! It’s like Twinnie bookends.

Holmes: I have a theory that every season of “Survivor” is the product of the last season the cast saw before they went out. In your case, the last thing you saw was Tony being rewarded for making big moves in “Cagayan.”
Anderson:  Yeah. For my preshow interviews they asked which “Survivor” player you are most like, and I said Tony. I watched Tony and it was something that sticks with you, the way he played.  But, some of the (expletive deleted) he did was so reckless. I would never do some of the stuff he did. I took a lot from how Spencer played too. But Tony changed the way you look at “Survivor.” Do what you need to do and don’t be scared.

Holmes: I thought you were unbeatable against the final five if you could get to the end. But, going against Baylor and Missy seemed like a slam dunk.
Anderson: I had the option of going with Missy and Baylor, but it wasn’t a done deal because if I were them I wouldn’t take me to the final three. Now, I can’t assume the best, I have to assume the worst. They could say, “Forget Natalie, let’s go with Jaclyn.” I didn’t want to be greedy and try and get a unanimous win. Although, that seemed really attractive. I figured I could keep Missy as a shield and keep winning immunity. So, when Keith won it was a blessing in disguise because he was the perfect vote-off to get to the final three. If he wasn’t there I’d be exposed as the biggest threat.

Holmes: Was there any worry that they may have put Jon’s idol back on Exile and Jaclyn could’ve gotten it?
Anderson: No, I knew that was a done deal that that idol was dead. And she only had one night on Exile which was so much easier! But, I knew that idol was dead.

Holmes: Did Missy and Baylor discuss having one of them stepping down so they’d have a vote and an advocate on the jury?
Anderson: When I first put out the idea of them going to the end together, they said pregame that one of their goals was to make it to the final three together. Baylor was a wildcard to me. Baylor started getting this cocky attitude around camp and me and Missy both discussed it that Baylor was feeling like she deserved to be in the final three. And that was never something that I promised Baylor. So, the decision to get rid of Baylor was mainly because she was more of a wildcard moving forward.

Holmes: Reed’s rant was epic.
Anderson: If I was Baylor I would have punched him in the face right there. I would be so protective. It was really hard to watch, too. What Reed did was so weird. I was sitting there and me and Jaclyn were looking at each other like, this is so awkward. I’m trying to win the million bucks, so I couldn’t be my usual self and cuss him out. I thought it was unnecessary. But the things he was saying to Missy were the things him and Josh were guilty of. They’d save each other rice. I was over it. This guy is being a queen right now.

Holmes: Reed trusted Keith and we ended up with “Stick with the plan.” You trusted Keith and it worked out. Were you worried Keith would screw up again.
Anderson:  I was worried that he was going to blow the plan, but nobody expected anyone to be stupid enough to work with Keith. So, that worked in my favor. When me and Keith would go off, I was very open with him. I thought voting off Jon was a dream come true and telling Keith was a big gamble. But, Keith learned from his mistake. It was still scary. I was thinking, “Please Keith, keep it together!”

Holmes: Now that you’re a “Survivor” champ, do you consider yourself more of a Survivor than a Amazing Racer?
Anderson: I think Nadiya would say she wants to play “Survivor” again cause she got (expletive deleted). It totally sucks. I’d say because I didn’t win “Amazing Race” that I’d consider myself more of a Survivor. But I have such a close bond with my “Amazing Race” family. But, now I’m part of the “Survivor” family. But I’d do “Survivor” again.

Holmes:  Alright, championship word association time. Let’s start with Jaclyn.
Anderson: Naïve.
Holmes: Missy?
Anderson: Mom.
Holmes: Baylor?
Anderson: Sister.
Holmes: Jeremy?
Anderson: Oh man…basically my Twinnie.
Holmes: Alec?
Anderson: Such a bro.
Holmes: Keith?
Anderson: Keith’s a good guy.
Holmes: Wes?
Anderson: Wes is a funny guy.
Holmes: Josh?
Anderson: Josh is a drama queen.
Holmes:  Reed?
Anderson: Reed is totally fabulous.
Holmes: Let’s finish with Nadiya.
Anderson: She’s my Twinnie bestie and I love her.

Holmes: It was a “Blood vs. Water” season, but you had next to no time with your blood. What did the experience away from Nadiya teach you?
Anderson: We’ve always taken each other for granted, but we’ve been there for each other no matter what. Being apart from Nadiya, that missing feeling, and realizing how much I need her in my life…at the same time it was so hard for me. I had no idea how she was doing. When we did “Amazing Race” together, we did it together. Not being able to be there for her, it was so hard.  But, it was a driving force for me in the game.  I saw Julie complaining about missing John Rocker and she’s known him for three years. I wanted to be like, “I’ve been with Nadiya for 28 years. We’ve been together before we even met each other. Put yourself in my shoes.”

Holmes: “Amazing Race” host Phil Keoghan said he wouldn’t talk trash to Probst if you won. Are you above that? Did you talk trash?
Anderson: Yeah! (Laughs) Before the season he said I was very unorthodox.  I don’t know what that means, but he didn’t expect me to win. “Survivor” people on “Amazing Race” this season were eliminated very early. What’s their name?
Holmes: Keith and Whitney.
Anderson: Yeah, they didn’t win. So if someone can come off “Survivor” and then win “Amazing Race,” then maybe Jeff can say something.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor’ Host Jeff Probst Spills the Beans on ‘Survivor: Worlds Apart’

December 17, 2014

'Survivor: Worlds Apart' (CBS)

XFINITY.com is the place to be for all of your “Survivor: Worlds Apart” scoop! I delved deep into the Nicaraguan wilderness on a mission to bring you all kinds of stuff including behind-the-scenes tidbits, pre-game interviews with the cast, insights from “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, a look at the first Tribal Council, and much more. I’ll be cranking out this goodness daily in the weeks leading up to the premiere, so be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute updates on all of this season’s “Survivor” fun.

Gordon Holmes: Alright, explain how this Blue Collar vs. White Collar vs. No Collar concept works.
Jeff Probst: The truth is; we had our cast together, but we didn’t have a theme. And everyone’s trying to think of a theme, and I just had the cards spread out on a table, and I kept coming back to Brains, Brawn, and Beauty. We had the perfect blend for that, but we didn’t want to do that again. So, kind of what you do is you just pair them together and you’re like, “We’ll these two could go together, and what about her? And this guy over here…”
Holmes: Because I feel like I’ve heard White Collar vs. Blue Collar tossed around a few times.
Probst: We never wanted to do White Collar vs. Blue Collar because it’s too flat. That’s very basic. That’s what “Survivor” is, we do it every season. But over here I had these cards that we couldn’t figure out what to do with and I said, “We’ve got these gypsies and beach people,” and then it just hit me. These are the No Collars, which wasn’t a term that I’d heard before but made sense to me. Our “Survivor” crew, we’re No Collars. Most of these people have spent the last 15 years on islands in the middle of nowhere doing a TV show. Then I thought of my boss, Mark Burnett. He’s a No Collar. Then I thought; White Collars make the rules, Blue Collars follow or enforce the rules, and No Collars break the rules.
Holmes: And you’ll get full credit when “No Collar” ends up in the dictionary.
Probst: I should get full credit. For me it was a discovery like discovering that the world was round. That’s how good I felt. I was jumping around my house going, “I got it!”

Watch Every Episode of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”

Holmes: This is the 30th season, I think people were expecting a big returning player showdown. Instead, we’ve got 18 new faces. How was the call made to just let the show stand on its own merits?
Probst: We didn’t start with the “let it work.” I wish we were that smart. We actually started about two years ago saying, “If we get to 30, let’s think about the big, blowout season.” We did pitch a few things to Mark and CBS that were fun and different. But even as we pitched them they felt predictable and tired. Nobody was getting excited. It was Mark Burnett who said, “Do we need to do an all-star season?” So, that gave us permission to get rid of the all-star strategy. Maybe it will be our last, who knows? Maybe when we get to 40 we’ll be asking the same question. But I’ll tell you this; not doing all-stars was the best decision because it would have deprived us of 18 of the most interesting people we’ve had on the show in a long time.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2014 Inductee – ‘Heroes vs. Villains’ Episode 10 Tribal Council

December 17, 2014

'Survivor' Hall of Fame 2014 Inductee: 'Heroes vs. Villains' Episode 10 Tribal Council (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” This Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the season finale, and starting Thursday you’ll be able to watch the finale and read interviews with the new champion and the other castaways. Be sure to follow Gordon Holmes on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

The candidates for the 2014 “Survivor” Hall of Fame were nominated by a panel of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Producers Jesse Jensen and Matt Van Wagenen, the current members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame, the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” dork Gordon Holmes. Those nominees were then voted on by fans like you.

Follow the “Survivor” Hall of Fame on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

The Class of 2010 included Parvati Shallow, Russell Hantz, Rob Mariano, Richard Hatch, and Sandra Diaz-Twine…

The Class of 2011 included Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, and Tom Westman…

The Class of 2012 included Amanda Kimmel, Rob Cesternino, and Ethan Zohn…

The Class of 2013 included Kim Spradlin, John Cochran, and Jonny Fairplay…

Earlier this week, we inducted the “Survivor: Borneo” Final Tribal Council and the “Survivor: Micronesia” Episode 13 Tribal Council into the Class of 2014.

And now, the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to announce that the “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” Episode 10 Tribal Council is the final member of the Class of 2014.

What the fans said about the “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” Episode 10 Tribal Council…

“Queen Parvati makes a move that gives the advantage to the villains for the rest of the game. I think it was Candice saying if they have an idol they’re not going to give it to Jerri… and they did, well Parvati did.” – Ignas

“Parvati’s intuition and playing in the moment is why she is one of the greatest players of all time, Cook Islands not withstanding. Russell playing Ricky Ricardo treating Parvati like Lucy “you have some ‘splaining’ to do” is funny.” – Alexander

“JT deserves a special nod for his part in handing over his idol to poor, ournumbered Russell.” – Deborah

What the Executive Voting Committee said about the “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” Episode 10 Tribal Council…

Kim Spradlin – “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2013 – “This was so amazing to me. Not only that she played them both, but neither one for herself – this move changed the game.”

Jonny Fairplay – “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2013 – “Any time the idol king Russell gets caught with his pants down and egg on his face is a great moment for me and the viewers. I’m not a fan of Parvati, but she is easily the lesser of two evils.”

John Kirhoffer – “Survivor” Challenge Producer – “Showing why she is a Hall of Famer, Parvati played two idols and gave them to Jerri and Sandra…and JT went home. The looks on the rest of the tribe’s faces was great…shock and awe! It changed the direction of the game. HUGE move.”

Don’t miss the finale of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” tonight at 8p ET on CBS.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Amazing Race’ Host on Natalie’s Possible ‘Survivor’ Win: ‘What an Upset, Right?!’

December 17, 2014

'Survivor'/'The Amazing Race' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” This Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the season finale, and starting Thursday you’ll be able to watch the finale and read interviews with the new champion and the other castaways. Be sure to follow Gordon Holmes on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

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Former “Survivor” players have been ripping open “Amazing Race” clues for years.  “Boston” Rob and Amber, Jenna and Ethan, and Keith and Whitney have all traded in their colored buffs for giant backpacks. And while their journeys were very different, they all ended with “Amazing Race” host Phil Keoghan telling them that they were the last team to arrive and that they have been eliminated.

No team had ever gone the other way until “Race” favorites Natalie and Nadiya, “The Twinnies,” signed up for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water.”

I spoke with Keoghan on the eve of the “Survivor” finale and had a chance to get his thoughts on what could be an “Amazing Race” win if Natalie can make it to tonight’s Tribal Council and get the votes she needs…

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor:  San Juan del Sur” and “The Amazing Race“

Gordon Holmes: The “Survivor” finale is tonight and Natalie of “Amazing Race” fame is in a decent position to win the whole thing. If she pulls it off, are you going to give Jeff Probst some grief?
Phil Keoghan: (Laughs) No.
Holmes: Cause I love to give Probst grief.
Keoghan: I think it’s amazing. It’s the first time, if I’m not mistaken that an “Amazing Race” player has gone over to another franchise like that. Goodness knows we’ve done it a few times. She’s representing and she’s there. What an upset, right?! Nobody saw that coming.

Holmes: I was debating this with some friends; Probst gets to go to one location for 39 days while you get to go to many locations for 21 days. He gets to know one place better, while you see a wide variety of places for shorter periods of time. Who has the better gig?
Keoghan: I’m sure we’d both have our arguments. I love that he owns his gig, he has a passion for “Survivor” and he’s really made that show his own. I can’t imagine that show without him. I was up for that show and now I can’t imagine having done it because I’ve been so involved in “Race.”
Holmes: But is it better to see many places quickly, or to take your time and get to know one place really well?
Keoghan: Well, what I like about my gig is I do get to see more and that it’s this frantic…I love the pace of the shooting. It’s without a doubt the toughest job I’ve ever done in my life as far as trying to stay on top of my game. It’s not easy. But, I feel really lucky that I’ve had this opportunity. I feel like it came in my career at the right time. There are very few gigs that would appeal to me like this. I think “Survivor” would be a fun thing to do, I was very excited about it when it was a possibility. But, ultimately it’s worked out for the best.

Don’t miss the finale of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” tonight at 8p ET on CBS.

And, don’t miss the finale of “The Amazing Race” this Friday, December 19 at 8p ET on CBS.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame 2014 Inductee – ‘Survivor: Micronesia’ Episode 13 Tribal Council

December 16, 2014

'Survivor' Hall of Fame 2014 Inductee: Episode 13 Tribal Council (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” This Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the season finale, and starting Thursday you’ll be able to watch the finale and read interviews with the new champion and the other castaways. Be sure to follow Gordon Holmes on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

The candidates for the 2014 “Survivor” Hall of Fame were nominated by a panel of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Producers Jesse Jensen and Matt Van Wagenen, the current members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame, the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” dork Gordon Holmes. Those nominees were then voted on by fans like you.

Follow the “Survivor” Hall of Fame on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

The Class of 2010 included Parvati Shallow, Russell Hantz, Rob Mariano, Richard Hatch, and Sandra Diaz-Twine…

The Class of 2011 included Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, and Tom Westman…

The Class of 2012 included Amanda Kimmel, Rob Cesternino, and Ethan Zohn…

The Class of 2013 included Kim Spradlin, John Cochran, and Jonny Fairplay…

Yesterday, we inducted the “Survivor: Borneo” Final Tribal Council into the Class of 2014.

And now, the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to announce that the “Survivor: Micronesia” Episode 13 Tribal Council is the second member of the Class of 2014.

What the fans said about the “Survivor: Micronesia” Episode 13 Tribal Council…

“It was like watching a car crash in slow motion. I was screaming at my TV ‘Dude! What’re you doing?!'” – Thomas

“My all-time favorite Tribal Council and episode where the women masterfully blindsided Erik in one of the greatest moves in “Survivor” history.  I have rewatched this Tribal so many times through the years.” – Matthew

“Erik seems like such a nice guy, but that move was so mind-blowing that you can’t even really be mad at Parv, Cirie, Amanda, or Natalie.” – Patricia

What the Executive Voting Committee said about the “Survivor: Micronesia” Episode 13 Tribal Council…

Cirie Fields – “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2011 – “We’re coming up on our 30th season and prior to the gazillions of idols floating around how many people gave away immunity at TRIBAL COUNCIL and were voted OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS?”

Parvati Shallow – “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2010 – “I was so glad I was sitting behind Erik, and he couldn’t see my face. I think if he saw how hard my jaw hit the floor he would have changed his mind and kept his necklace. Thanks to the team of superhero women I was working with in Micronesia, this became one of the most incredible Tribal Council blindsides of all time.”

Jeff Probst – “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer – “You can’t have a Tribal Council Hall of Fame and not include this memorable moment because it speaks to a part of “Survivor” that often gets overlooked – “Life Lessons.” I don’t remember this as Erik making a dumb move, I put it in the same category as my first girlfriend, Rhonda Smith whom I gave all my Halloween candy to simply because she said she liked me. It’s a lesson every boy has to learn: “Don’t get blinded by the breasts!” Poor Erik had all these beautiful women working him over emotionally and he just fell victim to it all. The saddest part for Erik is he really did have a legitimate shot to win the game.”

Be sure to check back Wednesday to see the final member of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

And, don’t miss the finale of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” this Wednesday at 8p ET on CBS.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ Power Rankings – Finale Edition

December 16, 2014

'Survivor: San Juan del Sur' (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” This Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the season finale, and starting Thursday you’ll be able to watch the finale and read interviews with the new champion and the other castaways. Be sure to follow Gordon Holmes on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

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Important Announcement: The “Survivor” Hall of Fame has announced the first member of class of 2014.

Another Important Announcement: This season’s Power Rankings competition is over and Gordon Holmes has claimed his fifth straight victory. We at the Power Rankings Regulation Committee would like to thank Spencer Bledsoe for being such an entertaining and insightful competitor.

Yet Another Important Announcement: The following rankings are based on where our two competitors think the individual Survivors will finish the season.

And One Final Important Announcement: This edition is for exhibition purposes only. Betting on the “Survivor” Power Rankings is frowned upon.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” on Your Computer

Any questions for Spencer? Drop him a line on Twitter: @SpencerBGM

Any questions for Gordon? Drop him a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

 1. Jaclyn – Top 5! Top 5! This week, my rankings are simply a stab at exactly how this final 5 will go down. Gordon Holmes dominated Power Rankings this season like Probst dominated flint negotiations. However, I’m going for redemption with an unconventional winner prediction: Jaclyn Schultz will take down the $1M prize Wednesday night. She’s shown the game insight that Jon didn’t have. She has a great shot of making the final three against Missy and Baylor. She has a story at the end that she needs the money to start a family. As long as Jon gives her credit for her great plays, she’ll have a case to make.
   1. Natalie – You’ve gotta do it, Natalie. You’ve gotta win this thing. And, I really think you can. I think you’re taking home the check no matter who you go to the end with. But, your best bet is obviously against Missy and Baylor. Neither will have a family member on the jury and the other jurors aren’t their biggest fans. The trick will be making sure they don’t realize what a mega threat you are.
 2. Missy – She’s no Phillip Sheppard, but Missy seems to have made herself an appealing person to take to the end. She’s not a threat in challenges anymore, but she has a final three deal with at least Natalie, so I don’t envision Nat, Keith, and Jaclyn unifying against her. To Missy’s credit, despite the middle fingers and blowouts, she’s played a strategic game, keeping herself in the majority, and I see her carrying more winner equity than most realize.
   2. Missy – Missy’s going to the finals. With a broken foot and her Bay (or “Bae”) by her side she’s going to the finals. She may even pick up a vote or two if someone appreciates her strong strategies, big moves, or her gutting through an injured foot. But, she won’t be winning.
 3. Baylor – Everyone and their mother, including Baylor and her mother, wants these two in the final three. I see no reason they can’t pull it off, but based on Baylor’s recent word associations in XFINITY exit interviews, I worry about her chance to win.
   3. Baylor – What do Gervase Peterson, Sherri Biethman, Dawn Meehan, Chelsea Meissner, Albert Destrade, Natalie Tenerelli, Matthew “Sash” Lenahan, Russell Hantz, Mick Trimming, Stephen Fishbach, Jessica “Sugar” Kiper, Cassandra Franklin, Dre “Dreamz” Herd, and Becky Lee all have in common?

 4. Natalie – If Natalie makes final Tribal Council, I think she completes the season as a mirror image of her twinnie and wins it all. For that reason, and the fact that she has an idol, I can only see her getting two places: First or fourth. She’ll be in a solid spot at final four as the best challenge competitor. If Missy is there, she could even have over a 1-in-3 shot at immunity. Still, I think it’s a bit more likely she gets cut right before the end.
   4. Keith – Here’s where it gets iffy. I’m thinking that Natalie and Maylor (Baysy?) are going to go after Jaclyn first because she’s going to be annoyed about them sending Prince Ali Fabulous He Ali Ababwa to the jury. That would be a mistake. Jaclyn hasn’t done anything challenge-wise this whole time and Keith has held the necklace on a few occasions. And if Keith can get to the end, he can win. Probably not against Natalie, but against anyone else, he can win.
 5. Keith – A Keith win would be one for the ages. As an event, it would instantly ingratiate itself in “Survivor” lore as one of the biggest upsets ever. The sky could come crashing down as Keith performed his signature maniacal laugh. Sadly, I think he’ll be the biggest non-immune jury threat at final 5, and without any real close allies, he may not have any solid plans to stick to.
  5. Jaclyn – Shouldn’t there be an 80s metal song called “Blindsided”? Man, I’d use its lyrics in every headline. “Blindsided! Ooo, baby you cheated. Blindsided! My heart has been defeated.” Anywho, I can’t imagine Jaclyn being cool with the remaining ladies after last week’s vote. Can she keep a cool head long enough to convince Maylor that Natalie is the real threat? Probably not.

Watch Full Episodes of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” on Your Computer

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‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame: And the Best Tribal Council of All Time Is…

December 15, 2014

'Survivor' Hall of Fame 2014 Inductee: The Final Borneo Tribal Council (CBS)

NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to go for “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” coverage with “all the fixin’s.” We’ll have Power Rankings with “Cagayan” fave Spencer Bledsoe, every Wednesday evening we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode, and every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.

[xfinity-record-button id=”6034085997813089112″ program_type=”series”]

The candidates for the 2014 “Survivor” Hall of Fame were nominated by a panel of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Producers Jesse Jensen and Matt Van Wagenen, the current members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame, the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” dork Gordon Holmes. Those nominees were then voted on by fans like you.

Follow the “Survivor” Hall of Fame on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

The Class of 2010 included Parvati Shallow, Russell Hantz, Rob Mariano, Richard Hatch, and Sandra Diaz-Twine…

The Class of 2011 included Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, and Tom Westman…

The Class of 2012 included Amanda Kimmel, Rob Cesternino, and Ethan Zohn…

The Class of 2013 included Kim Spradlin, John Cochran, and Jonny Fairplay…

And now, for the first time ever, the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to honor a Tribal Council…

The nominee with the most votes was…the “Survivor: Borneo” Final Tribal Council!

What the fans said about the “Survivor: Borneo” Final Tribal Council…

“I remember quoting Sue’s ‘Rats and Snakes’ speech with my coworkers for weeks afterwards. Iconic!” – Kathy

“Sue’s speech remains one of the most cutthroat moment in reality TV history. Never before have we witnessed someone lash out such an intense speech on our television sets before. Iconic and one of the biggest moments in the show’s history.” – TJ

“If the Borneo Tribal doesn’t make it into the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame, the voters deserve no water. They should just lay there and let the buzzards do what they will with them.” – Erin

What the Executive Voting Committee said about the “Survivor: Borneo” Final Tribal Council…

Dalton Ross – Entertainment Weekly – “Over 54 million people watched the season 1 finale in which Richard Hatch faced off against Kelly Wigglesworth with a million dollars on the line. And 54 million mouths dropped wide open when Sue Hawk delivered her infamous ‘rat and snake’ speech. And they dropped even wider when the show’s villain — Hatch — walked away with the loot.”

Rob Cesternino – “Survivor” Hall of Fame: Class of 2012 – “When I was in college, we forgot to pay the cable bill and our TV service was shut off.  I had a VHS tape of the finale of the first ‘Survivor’ and we watched it over and over.  At one point, I had Sue’s whole speech committed to memory.”

Parvati Shallow – “Survivor” Hall of Fame: Class of 2010 – “The very first season of ‘Survivor’ rocked my world even though I didn’t see it until a week before boarding my plane to the Cook Islands. When Sue Hawk tore into the final two, describing her desire to ‘watch the snake eat the rat,’ she spoke to the raw emotion people feel upon being voted out or betrayed. That was my first glimpse into the heavy reality of competing in the ‘Survivor’ arena.”

Be sure to check back Tuesday to see the second member of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

And, don’t miss the finale of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water” this Wednesday at 8p ET on CBS.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter at @gordonholmes.

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