Survivor Nicaragua 11.10.10

After tribal, Naonka felt badly for Jane.  Really?  She admitted that if it had been Marty going at her, she would have fought back.  Jane re-dubbed Marty "Farty" and said that he was grasping at straws, and she wasn't planning on changing her game.

Next day, Marty lamented that he was playing the game with stupid people.  Hetold his group that they should tell people they were voting Naonka out, and they should vote Holly instead, and it would flush out the idol.  He was gunning for Holly because Sash told him it was her who wrote his name down.  Interesting plan..

Reward Challenge

They will be randomly divided into two teams, through an obstacle course to collect three keys, and then use the keys to unlock three locks.  First to raise their flag wins.  They win a zip line experience, and a Survivor BBQ.

Teams are randomly Men vs. Women, with Chase not selected.  If Chase selects the winning team to back, he's going on the reward with them.  He admitted to doing something crazy and backed the ladies.  The two teams are seriously neck and neck... until there was a stick blockade that they had to break, and the men brute forced through first.  And then, poor Jane fell behind.  The men won it as the women tried to get through their walls... and Chase was staying at camp with the women.

Purple Kelly broke down crying because she was hungry.. Probst gave the men a chance to offer reward to someone on the women's team they thought deserved it for working so hard.  They declined the offer.  Nothing for the ladies.  Marty called Chase joining Jane "like watching Dumb and Dumber."  Tell us how you really feel, Marty..

The reward looked amazing.  Dan said that there aren't any zip lines in Brooklyn, unless you are a burglar.  And the food?  Looked like heaven.  Marty was excited to have a chance to talk to the guys about his plan.  Everyone seemed to buy into it.  But, Sash admitted in confessional that while Marty's plan makes sense, he thinks that he and Brenda are the smartest two people in the game.

Back at camp, the women gave Chase some hugs, before Brenda admitted that Chase wasn't making smart decisions.  The girls all want Marty out.  Chase doesn't want to ruffle Brenda's feathers, and he worried that she might be in with Marty.  He and Naonka went to talk with her on the beach, and she was very quiet.  She called him a little baby and too paranoid, with the illusion of alpha male persona.

Tree mail brings clues to an Immunity challenge, which seems to be a Trivia.  and so it is.


Immunity Challenge

Memory challenge - It's like Simon. A series of symbols will be shown, and they will have to repeat them with cubes with symbols on them.  Jane and Naonka are the first ones out, at just the third symbol.  Then Dan pulled a symbol that wasn't even in the first group.  Next, Holly, Kelly, and Sash fell.

There were five left for the second round.  Jud Fabio was out next, followed by Chase, then Benry.

It's between Brenda and Marty, and then Brenda won it.

Back at camp, Jud Fabio was talking with Benry, and Jud Fabio said that he hates playing stupid, but it's easy.  Wait... is this stupid all a strategy?  Then, Marty told Chase it was going to be Naonka... so, they aren't telling him of the Holly switch?  Chase told Holly that they told him they were voting Naonka, but he thinks they are going to blindside Jane.  Then, Marty went to tell Brenda that Sash's plan is to say they are voting Naonka and then blindsiding Jane.  Is that the new plan?  Brenda said that Marty isn't running the game, she and Sash are.  She and Sash talked, and they were vascillating between Marty and Jane.


Tribal Council

Probst talked of the random men vs. women at the challenge, and Jane said the hardest thing was the bamboo sticks and the "brick" wall, which they bounced right off... Sash admitted that they used the time out to strategize, and Jud Fabio brought up that back at camp, the girls plus Chase were strategizing, but he was happy to be eating while strategizing.  Brenda admitted that Jane is more of a threat against the jury, because she is so nice, whereas Naonka is a trouble maker, so she wouldn't be so tough against.  Probst brought up the food theft again, and Naonka said that it wasn't something she wanted to talk about anymore, and then called herself a "humanitarian," which she took to mean only human.  Um, not quite.  Even Jud Fabio looked aghast at her gaff.  Then, she got into it against Marty, saying that his "walk sucks," and she went on and on about how she was fighting him, and she was going to scare him.  Jud Fabio tried to stop her, but she kept going on.  Then, Marty said that it gave him the insight into the kind of person she is.  Jud Fabio said that she wasn't making any sense, and that she was saying she was sorry, but she still did it.  She said that they were still talking about the damned flour.  Jud Fabio admitted that Naonka's behavior irritated him, and she said that she was irritated by him, too.  She said "this is who I am," and said that she's not putting on a show, this is who she is.  Wow.  nice.  Probst said that he wonders if her recurrent outbreaks and continued presence in the game meant that she was going to be carried to the finals... maybe.  Ugh.

At the vote, Jane said that she wouldn't let her kids or grandkids play with Marty's, and that he is a disgrace to all fathers.  Wow.  Personally, I would put those same words to Naonka being a teacher... and Naonka didn't play the idol.  Guess she's feeling pretty confident.

Votes go to Jane and Marty... and Marty is going home.  Guess that's what you get when you announce to the person who is charge of the game (Brenda/Sash) that your plan is the only plan... buh-bye.

And next week - Something terrible happens and they didn't show us.  Just shocked dismay.  I wonder if an animal gets into their food or something?  We'll have to wait and see...

Survivor Nicaragua: 11.3.10

Sorry that I didn't blog last week, it was a crazy week with Halloween and all..


Time for a merge!

Benry is plotting against Alina.  Espada is surprised to see Jill gone.  Marty feels like it's home sweet home and he's been given a new lease on life.  They open the treasure chest together and find a wealth of bread and food and new buffs.  Jud Fabio is more excited than anything about the merge.  Marty dubs the new tribe Libertad.  And then, there is rum in the treasure chest.  and cookies.  And salami.  Naonka was shoving food in her clothing - peanuts in her bra and the like.  Brenda was super excited to see Naonka again.  Ugh.  I hate that Naonka is in a strong alliance.  They went for a walk and discussed everything that had happened, including Marty giving Sash the idol.

Jane and Chase discussed North Carolina and her prowress in P90X.  I could dig this alliance.  And I have even more respect for Jane.  P90X is rough.  Good for her.

Naonka is annoyed because she made tortillas and she got the last, smallest one.  And then, she took the flour in her bag and left camp.  Holly saw her do it.  She buried the flour.  Wow.  I really can't stand her.  She then took all sorts of fruit and cooking tools and hid them, too.  She is such a baby.  And then, she decided to share with Alina, and told Alina that people would be gunning for her, and so she needed to win immunity.  I don't get Naonka.  I do, however, like Alina, so... Naonka admitted in confessional that she told Alina so that she would have her vote in the jury.

Then, the tribe realized that there were some things missing - bowl, frying pan, flour... and Jud Fabio said "that doesn't get swept away by the tide."  And Holly brought up that she saw Naonka take the flour.  She denied, denied, denied.  Alina felt badly about not saying anything.  Sash and Alina told Naonka that she needed to admit that she took the flour and the other things.  She did admit it, but then threw Alina's name in the mix, too.  And she said she brought it away to portion it out so they didn't go through it all.  Marty wasn't buying it. 

Jane continued the be The Man, and was catching fish left and right.  Marty felt threatened by Jane in the game, and said her connections would spread like "cancerous tentacles" through the tribe.  Marty brought up his problem with Jane to Brenda, and she didn't think that he had the right idea about Jane, but worried that he would be able to bend others to his will, so maybe they should just go with him, in order to lessen his influence.  What?


Immunity Challenge

They have to hold onto a steel handle and keep tension on it, to not let it slip down a pole to drop break their plate.  The last man and the last woman will win immunity.  And Purple Kelly and Dan are out almost immediately, followed by Alina, and then Brenda and Benry.  Sash followed, and Naonka.  And Jane won Woman's Individual Immunity, but continued, saying that she wanted to stay in the challenge and see if she could beat the men.  She said "Picking up 80 lb dogs helps."  Marty lost it, and it's between Jud Fabio and Chase for the men's immunity.  And Jane was still hanging on.  Chase dropped his bar, and Jud Fabio won - and Jane held out strong right to the end.  Nice job, Jane.

Jane really wants Marty out.  It's between Marty and Alina.  Sash told the group that he promised Marty when he gave him the idol that he would give it back if he was in trouble for the next tribal.  Jane worries that Marty might get the individual immunity the next time, and she worried that she was Marty's target.  They assured her that they were her alliance.

Then, Dan went to Marty and told him that Chase was gunning for him.  Marty confronted Sash and Brenda and was upping his own paranoia.  Sash said he was digging his own grave. 

Alina went up to Jud Fabio and asked him to vote for Marty, but Jud Fabio brought up the (very valid) point that Naonka should be going home.  Then, he told her that her strategic thinking is why people want her gone, and he told her that he gets along with Marty, and she stormed off, saying "seems to me that we got along, too."  Oh, Jud Fabio, you just can't win...


Tribal Council

Marty immediately attacked Jane, saying that if Jane makes it to the final 3, he would vote for her, because the people who let her get there made a terrible mistake.  He said "If you think someone's going to take a million dollars out of your pocket, that's what you have to think about."  Alina said that perhaps Marty just called himself out as the biggest threat in the tribe.  Then, Dan brought up the food theft, and told Probst that it was Naonka and Alina.  To Naonka's credit, she took all of the blame for it.  Then she said she was punished because no one talked to her for the rest of the day.  Poor baby.  And Alina admitted that she knew about it, but called herself the ultimate swing vote, she they should keep her around.

We'll see...

Benry called Alina a "dirt squirrel" in his vote for her.  I don't get the animosity, but again, we don't see everything...

Votes went to Alina... and she's gone.  That makes me really sad.  She didn't do anything wrong, except for not having a really solid alliance... Sad.

Next week, Sash and Brenda try to maintain power, and ... another tribal of Naonka being a grade A beotch and Jud Fabio scoffing in disbelief at her behavior.  Ought to be fun...

Survivor: 10.20.10

Uh oh... Did not know that Yve was not told about the ouster of Tyrone.  This could get messy.  Holly has come around from her near quit, and realizes that you should suck it up and finish what you've signed up for.  This is just as Dan decided to be done.

Yve is upset about being left out of the decision, and Holly told her that they didn't tell her because she and Tyrone had an alliance... which she didn't.  Holly says maybe they should be more open and honest.  Then she told Yve that Dan had declared he was done....

Over at La Flor, Marty and Jill worry that the young people just sleep all the time and don't do chores... but Jane fits right in and Becky says that votes would be split between Marty and Jill at a tribal, and it would flush out the idol...


Immunity Challenge

And.... it's individual immunities.  Both tribes are going to tribal and voting someone out.  Each tribe will have someone immune...

Everyone has to go out and dig in an individual area for rings, which they have to toss over their shoulders into baskets on their backs.  First back with all their rings wins.  Then, the winners compete for tribal reward - a feast enjoyed while watching the other tribe's Tribal Council.  That's a ring toss.

Holly wins immunity for Espada.  And Jill wins for La Flor.  The best laid plans of Becky are dashed.

And Jill won it for La Flor.  Fantastic.

And the schemes began... the plan was to split votes for Marty and Kelly B. - but tell Kelly B. they were voting for Jane.  Not sure about that...

And of course, Jud Fabio is the wild card.

Marty of course has a plan.  He told Jud Fabio that he is a grand master in chess and pulled some tennis player's name out of his butt as being the best strategist for the situation... and Jud Fabio ate it all up.  Marty admitted that he could pull anything out of the 70's on these kids, and they would buy it.  I think that is mostly true of Jud Fabio.. not so much all of the others.

And Espada was trying to figure out their move... Dan and Yve seem to be on the chopping block.  Naonka continued to show no sympathy for people with physical ailments and said that Dan's knees are about to give out and sooner rather than later he's going to be walking on nubs.  Nice.

Yve tries to pull in Naonka and Alina and tells them that she's got good relationships with the old Espada tribe, and this would be good for them somehow.  Alina brings up the point that this is the perfect reason to vote her out.

Chase was not sure what to do, and Naonka told him to not vote with his heart, but to vote with his gut.  She said that if they want to vote out Yve, she will write her name down and then smile in her face.  Nice.  Oh, nice. 

And La Flor, Jane thinks she is as thick as peanut butter and jelly (her words) with the younger people.

Sash told the plan of the split vote to Jud Fabio, and Jud Fabio is reticent to vote for Marty, because he thinks he's in thick with Marty.


La Flor Tribal Council

Becky brought up that Jane should perhaps be worried about Marty and Jill voting her out.  Marty told her that was preposterous - because he and Jill are two, against the rest of the group.  Kelly B. feels pretty safe in the tribe.  Uh oh.  Marty says he felt less secure than before Brenda started talking.

And of course, because Becky brought up Marty's plans, Jane voted for Marty.  Marty voted for Brenda, saying she was a black widow, king cobra, and black mamba all rolled into one.

Marty made a STUPID move and did not play his hidden idol.. Votes went Split between Marty and Kelly B, with Brenda getting Marty and Jill's votes.  And it's a tie.  Revote.  This is Kelly B going home, I'm pretty sure, because Jill isn't voting for Marty...  I am really sad.  I liked her.  She had spunk and never did anything to deserve to go home.  Boo.  I guess Kelly B. was going home no matter what, though, even if Marty had played the idol.  He probably figured that and that's why he didn't play the idol...


Espada's Tribal Council (while La Flor feasted)

Naonka pointedly did not look at the eating.  She looked close to tears.  Probst told Dan that they could hear the ice cubes plunk into the glasses, and he said if it wasn't a martini, it didn't bother him.  Yve brought up Dan's complaints and that he said he wanted to quit.  Probst tried to get them to admit that Dan was bad at challenges.  And Dan said that Yve is just speaking up because she's in trouble.  She admitted that was fair.  Then, he called her arrogant, and she countered with the fact that she is not the one talking about her cars and houses and the like, and Dan admitted that he does that, but thinks it's her attitude that's arrogant... ummm... ok.

La Flor left before the vote, and Yve is gone.  Lesson learned - saying what a great competitor you are and how the other guy is no threat?  Not the best strategy to be kept around.

Next week looks good - Sash is trying to get the idol away from Marty, Jane is cooking a fish in the forest on the sly, and Jud Fabio likes to pee in the water that they will all be competing for the challenge in.  Nice.  I forsee that being talked about on the reunion show...

Survivor Nicaragua: 10.13.10

Post Jimmy T's ouster, Espada despairs at having to go to tribal again and again.  Holly didn't have any idea that Jimmy T was going and she's really upset.  Marty called tribal a slam dunk and declared himself in charge of the game.  He "can't imagine anything going wrong" and tells Dan the same.  This is sure to be foreshadowing.

And over at La Flor, Naonka is proud to be on the younger tribe, and she has a happy alliance, has her hair done, has her shoes clean, and thinks if she looks good, she's going to do "good."


Challenge Time.

And.... ha.  Drop your buffs.  Tribal shake up.  So there, cocky people.  Probst brought out a bag of rocks and they drew for new captains.  The new captains are Brenda and Holly.  Brenda gets three people from the older tribe, and Holly got four from the younger.  Jane, Jill, and Marty joined La Flor.  Aline, Benry, Chase, and Naonka joined Espada.

And no more Medallion of Power.

It's Survivor Plinko - with balls going down what is essentially a plinko board, after being thrown up a flat wall, with tribe members at the bottom catching the balls.  If you drop, the other team gets the point.  First to three points wins.  And they are playing for two chickens and a rooster.  Naonka can't wait to "wring them necks on them chickens."

Right off, it was tied... and then Marty dropped one for La Flor, and Espada pulled ahead.  Then, Alina dropped one for Espada, and it's tied again.  And Marty dropped a second one, and Espada headed back to camp with the chickens.

Newly mixed tribes got to know each other.  Tyrone wanted to leave all the chickens alive for a while so they would produce eggs, and seemed to be stepping right into leadership role of the tribe with Marty gone.  And he was telling all of the new tribe members what to do, keep things clean and do chores and such... and Naonka took offense to being told that there were things to do.  Holly felt like the "kids" were receptive to her.  She and Naonka got on well together right off.  Two crazies together.  Awesome.  Alina was hanging with them, too.  Naonka wants to go where ever the numbers are, so suddenly she's ok with Alina.

And on La Flor, Jud Fabio is pretty stoked about the switch.  Then, Marty starts asking about responsibilities and tribal chores, and Brenda just looks bemused, with Jud Fabio looks confused at the concept.. Jane likes new tribe and their easy-going attitude.  She wants to get rid of Marty and Jill.  Then, Marty found out about Naonka's tussle with Kelly B, and her running away with the clue, and Jud Fabio said "I guess we're the young tribe, and we really don't know what we're doing."  Marty talked to the tribe as a whole and told them that he has the immunity idol.  Brenda thought it was cocky of him, and said it was like he walked in and declared himself king.

The new Espada is feeling rather unfortunate... the resources at their camp don't seem as lush as at La Flor, and the shelter is built in such a way that the rain drives right through them.  Naonka is cold and she doesn't do well when she's uncomfortable.  Poor thing.  Alina said that Naonka seems like a PMSy high school girl, and thinks it's better for her if Naonka is despairing and wants to go home.  She told Naonka "You have the rest of your life to be warm and comfortable."  Chase came and told her a story about a rainbow that appeared when his dad died.  But it's hard!  And she's cold!  And wet!  And she wants to go home!  Oh, Naonka... sorry this isn't Club Med.  I have a hard time finding any sympathy for her.

Immunity Challenge

La Flor is happy to have a great camp with a dry shelter, and Alina said that Espada bonded in a different way because they were wet. 

And this challenge is crazy.  Three tribe members will be strapped to a revolving wheel, and they will be spun around to go briefly under water to grab water in their mouths, which they have to spit into a pipe on the top of the wheel to fill it and release balls.  Then it's Survivor Skee Ball to break tiles to win. 

Kelly B, Purple Kelly, and Brenda are on the wheel for La Flor, with Yve, Holly, and Alina on the wheel for Espada.

La Flor was spinning fast, but missing their target, while Espada had a more comfortable pace and filled their pipe first.  Tyrone and Benry were off to the Skee Ball game.  Shortly thereafter, La Flor released their balls and Jud Fabio and Jane threw for them.  It was all tied up, and then Jud Fabio won the challenge for La Flor. 

Naonka had a feeling they were going to lose, and she's ready to go home, thinking Espada's cursed.  She says if she continues to go, kudos to her, but if not, she's happy.  Naonka wants to eat before Tribal, and they decide to eat one of the chickens.  Tyrone is in disagreement of the idea.  They put it to a vote and the chicken dies.  Tyrone didn't take part in chicken prep, but was ready to eat when it came to it.  And he seemed to eat more than anyone else, after telling people to be mindful of their neighbors when they were getting food.  Alina and Benry also brought up the fact that Naonka was totally mentally checked out... we'll see.  I'm hoping for Naonka's swift exit, that's for sure.

Tribal Council

Alina brings up that she felt a bit like a child coming into the tribe, and Tyrone was the obvious boss man.  Naonka said that the night was the worst for her, except for getting a divorce at 26, but she blames herself for that.  Then, she did some weird math and said that she wanted to quit, and there weren't 24 hours in that day, there were 26, but it felt like 48.  huh?

Probst tried to get the others to admit that it would be easy to vote out Naonka, because she was breaking down.  Benry feigned that he had no idea what Probst meant, but Yve admitted that she was looking for longevity in people to keep around, and if Naonka broke down, she could easily break down again.  During the vote, Benry declared it was time to dethrone the king of Espada, saying "Benry's here, baby," before knocking something off the voting table.  Nice, dude.  Smooth.

Votes go to Naonka and Tyrone, with the person going home .... Tyrone. 

While he was abrasive at times, I think they are going to regret that vote mightily. 

Next week, Dan is pretty well ready to go home, and Marty reveals that he is a chess grand master... and there's another twist - no tribal immunity.  Wow.  Can't wait.

Survivor Nicaragua: 10.6.10

Oh, Marty... got rid of Jimmy J.  Will this be a mistake?  And can Naonka be any more hateful?

Let's see!

After the ousting of Jimmy J, Jimmy T denied that Jimmy J was a good leader at all.  And then he broke out into a really weird impromptu song.  Really?  Marty called it the Jimmy T. Show, and said that he needs to hear his own voice.  Marty said if you give Jimmy T a little rope, he'll hang himself from the nearest branch.  Wow.  Faith in your tribe, Marty.  Amazing.

The next morning, they had some serious beach flooding and washed up debris.  No more swimming in the ocean.  Also no fishing.  Jill brought up the point that there was no food and no means of getting it - 2 c of rice a day and that's it.  They watched a pelican fishing and decided they should fish like him.  Jimmy T tried to fish all by himself and refused help.  As you can imagine, that went well.  Jane wants someone to step up as Captain and Co-Captain... we'll see.

Over at La Flor, Naonka said she slept so well that she didn't even know it had rained until she got up and it was damp out.  And then Brenda figured out the hidden immunity clue.  She and Naonka fund the idol.  Crap.  And Naonka said that Brenda helped her figure it out, but the idol is hers.  Classy, Naonka.  That was Brenda all the way.  Naonka said "Not even a one-legged person would stand in my way.  One shove, and she's out of there."  Wow.

Alina and Kelly B. have formed a bond, and they had found the previous clue, so they went out searching for the idol, and Naonka said she was going to go get in their heads and scare them.  Mostly, she made herself look crazy.  Well done.

Espada was still starving, but thinks that they are doing well.  Marty wants one voice to delegate what they are going to do in the challenge, and he nominated Tyrone.  Jimmy T. spoke up and said he usually wants to be a leader, and he is aware that he is going to snap every once and a while, begging to be played, but he doesn't want to be a leader in this case.  He thinks that Marty doesn't like him because he is insecure and feels threatened by him.  Ummm... I don't think that's it.

Tree Mail brings messages of a possible blindfolded challenge.  They practice listening to Tyrone blindfolded.  Then Jimmy T. spoke up to make sure that everyone would listen to Tyrone.  Ummm.  Ok.


Challenge

No chanting (visibly) from La Flor upon arrival at the challenge.  That's good.

Pairs of blindfolded people will be directed by vocal calling to gather 10 items, then find keys to unlock a chest.  Winner gets all first.  Also, the challenge winner gets to choose three of the items to keep.  La Flor decided to use their medallion of power and they start with 2 of 10 items back on their mat.  Dan sits out for Espada, and the two Kellies sit out for La Flor.

Brenda and Tyrone are callers.  Even with the practice, Brenda was doing a better job of getting people to items and back with them.  It wasn't even close - 4 items made it back for Espada and La Flor already had all of their items.  And guess what?  Jimmy T (who gave the speech about listening to directions) wasn't listening even a little, and La Flor won.

Three groups of items going back to their camp are fishing supplies, a tarp, and cooking supplies.  Excellent.

Back at camp, Espada tried to decide who was going to be going home.  Jimmy T. wants the opportunity to be a leader, and said that coaching basketball teams in his regular life means he would be good.  Everyone was pretty annoyed with him, it seems.

And at La Flor, Chase quietly found a clue to the Hidden Idol.. and he shared the knowledge with Brenda.  He had no problem at all figuring out the rebus clue.  She felt badly leading him on a wild goose chase, and after ascertaining that he trusted her more than anyone else on the tribe, she told him that Naonka had the idol, and told him that she found it for Naonka. She urged him to keep his mouth shut.

Espada resorted to eating sea urchins.  And according to Jimmy T, Marty was eating too many, and he called him out for not being a team player.  Then the talk was getting rid of Dan (because he's weak), or Jimmy T (for obvious reasons).  Marty wants to keep Dan.  Jimmy T. kept talking about how he wants his chance to lead. 


Tribal

Probst called them out when they said that they thought it was close in the challenge.  It was not close.  They are delusional.  And then Jimmy T complained about not getting his chance.  Daniel admitted that he wasn't good at challenges.  And Holly thinks that Jimmy T. should have his chance.

Too little too late, though... Jimmy T. is gone.  Hurrah.

Survivor Nicaragua: 9.29.10

La Flor realized that they had a lot of coming together to do before they were going to be successful.  Naonka of course thought it was all fake, and had some bitchy words about it.

Espada were stalking Howler Monkeys because they realized that they would lead them to food.  And Jimmy J. had a conversation with the monkeys.  Yve thinks Jimmy J's soul is inspiring.  Marty is just pissed off that Jimmy is a celebrity.  And no one is paying any attention to Marty.  Jill wanted Marty to calm down and think of the current tribe, not the threat Jimmy would be at the future merge.  She wants to show the hidden idol that they found to the others..

Over at La Flor, Jud Fabio was breathing in smoke from making fire, and he maintained that his strategy was to hang out and make people laugh, and he wants to be kept around for his spirit.  Naonka thinks that if you knocked on his head, you would hear hollowness, and she just can't stand him.

And Marty did what Jill wanted to, and showed the idol, saying they could share it as a tribe.  Jimmy T. thinks that this reveal strengthened the tribe 5x, but secretly thought that he was a moron (though a nice one) for sharing it.  Tyrone wondered at Marty's motives for sharing the idol, and still thinks he's shady.

After some bad sleep, Dan O' the Expensive shoes and the Bad Knee worried that the tribe would see him as a weak link.  He thinks he's stronger than the girls.  I don't think so.

And the younger tribe was trying to figure out what to do next.  Alina looks to be in the minority, along with Kelly B.

Chase seems to be in an alliance with Naonka, Kelly "Purple" (I hate that, by the way), Sash, Brenda.  Hmmm.


Challenge

Both tribes will race out to collect 10 barrels from a field and arrange them on a platform, and then one person at a time will toss sandbags onto the barrells.  First tribe with sandbags on all barrels wins immunity and a Survivor garden - spices, oils, and a sustainable herb garden.

La Flor decided not to use the medallion.  I think that's a good idea.

Both tribes spent some time on strategy first, and then they started.  The younger tribe got the barrels back just before the older tribe, but the stacking went faster for the younger tribe.  Dan was lagging behind.

Even so, they started throwing at about the same time.  Benry and Tyrone started, and Tyrone was a rock star.  Benry was doing a god job for the younger tribe, and tied it up at 6, then pulled ahead.  Tyrone didn't let anyone else have a chance, and Jimmy T was muttering about being wasted.  Jimmy J. acted coach and sent in Jimmy T... and he got one, but then Benry got the last one and won it for La Flor.  Benry, stupid name in all, really showed his stuff at that challenge.  Good on him.

As they grabbed their reward, Kelly B. saw a hidden idol clue, but unfortunately, Naonka saw it as well...

Back at camp, RUMBLE for the clue.  Naonka grabbed the clue right out from under Kelly B. and smushed bananas in the process.  Naonka said that she would do it again, and would push her so hard that her "damned leg" flew off.  Wow.  She really has an irrational hatred for Kelly B.

And then she shared the clue with Brenda, who is much smarter than she is, I think.  Naonka had no clue about the clue, but Brenda seemed to figure out a little...

The older tribe is reeling from their loss.  Jimmy T. in particular thinks that his talents are being wasted and asked Jimmy J. to evaluate him.  This started a bit of a heated grump about everything...

And Marty is gunning for Jimmy J.  He wants to shake the tribe to its core and make everyone follow him instead of Jimmy J.  I think it's ridiculous to get rid of Jimmy J. first.

Holly is sure her name is going to be on the chopping block, but Dog Trainer Awesome lady (forget her name) told her that she hasn't heard her name.  While fishing, Jimmy J. told the ladies (including Yve) that he knows he's in danger.

Tyrone thinks that Jimmy J. is all about motivating others, and he worries that Dan has physical ailments.  Marty sees his reluctance as weakness, and not thinking clearly.  I see it as smart.


Tribal Council

Probst wants to talk about the challenge.  Jimmy T. again brings up that he was not used properly.  Jane said that Jimmy J. is the most accomplished strategist among them, so obviously they listen to him.  Jimmy T. asserts that he hasn't had a chance to talk to Jimmy J.  Tyrone finds it baffling that Jimmy T. thinks that Jimmy J. is threatened by him.  Jimmy J. thinks that he and Jimmy T. have a good relationship, even though they haven't really talked.  Jill wants the tribe to be strong, to face La Flor.  Dan says that he is average in strength.  Jane brought up his obvious knee scar/weakness.

Probst asked what went down after the challenge, and Jimmy T. said that they are planning to keep the tribe strong, and refuses to call out names, but says there are 3-4 weak people he can think of.  The only person to admit he is one of the weaker people is Jimmy J.  Marty wants to accelerate the game.  I think he's a dumbass.

Vote time.

All votes go to Jimmy J... (except his for Dan) and I am so sad.  I don't think that was the smartest move at this point... Jimmy's parting words are to tell him tribe to win the million.  Probst tells them that they just voted out the proven leader, and wonders who is going to step up to fill those shoes.  I predict lots of roosters crowing around camp next week.

Also next week, there's warning for Hurricane Naonka.  Good lord.  She really annoys me...

Survivor: Nicaragua 9.22.10

Over at the elder tribe, Marty is grumping about not sleeping well.  Time for a group "conversation."  Jimmy J. stood while nearly everyone else sat, and they decided to rearrange their shelter.  Jimmy T. tried to bring up an idea, but he was shot down so that Jimmy J. could finish his idea, and T. felt

And over at the youngin's camp, Sash and Naonka bonded over their minority status, and he said he wanted to form a minority alliance, and bring Brenda in.. hmm.  They felt that Kelly B. was a threat because she's a "charity case."  Hmmm

At Oldsville, Jill was eating snails and Holly grumped about it, saying they were inedible, and ended up looking mentally unstable.  Then, Holly got upset because Dan was mocking her behind her back.  So, she did what any mentally stable person would do and filled his shoes with sand and sunk them.  Wow.  And... turned out that Dan brought $1600 alligator shoes to Survivor.  Ok, maybe he deserved the shoe sinking... who on earth brings $1600 shoes on Survivor?

Holly came clean about the shoe sinking.  He said that if she were a guy, he would have knocked her out.  Tyrone said every time she speaks, she gets more and more crazy, and he said he would keep one eye on her, and one eye on his shoes...

La Flor is bug bitten, and Naonka is missing a shoe and calling sabotage.  So she stole someone else's socks.  And they were Jud's socks.  I'm sorry, we're calling him Fabio now.  They are even subtitling him as Fabio now.  That's funny.  There's no love lost between Jud Fabio and Naonka, that's for sure.

Holly is having a chat with Jimmy J. about her place in the game.  She wants to go home.  He urges her not to give up yet.  He said "You can do it for one more day, right?" She is unsure, but the pep talk seemed to help her a little.


Reward & Immunity Challenge

And La Flor entered the challenge again with a dumb chant.  Oh man.  That alone makes me root for the older tribe...

One person from each tribe at a time will race through mud to dig through hay for four balls.  Then the other people will bounce balls on paddles to targets.

Reward is a choice of a tarp or fishing gear.

Will the older tribe use the Medallion?  The advantage is a ball in their bucket to start, and because of that, they can sit out a weak person.  They choose to use it, and the medallion goes to La Flor.

Dan is sitting out on the Older Tribe, and Naonka is sitting out for the Younger.

Brenda and Jimmy J were head to head through the mud, and Jimmy J got the ball first.  Kelly B. did not let the artificial leg bother her and busted out he last ball for her team.  Holly took a super long time finding the last ball for her team, and then Benry got a ball in and tied it up.  Then, the older tribe pulled ahead as Tyrone brought them in, and won it for them.  They chose the fishing gear instead of the tarp, despite their grumping about their shelter.

On top of getting their reward and safety from tribal, Estrada found the key for the immunity idol.  They were much better at figuring it out, and Jill told Marty when she figured out the last clue... and while Dan was there when he told her, he was not there when they found the idol together.  So, hopefully Marty will stay true to Jill, because he couldn't have found it without her.

Over at La Flor, plotting begins.  Naonka said that she sat out to see if Kelly B. used her leg as an excuse to get out of physical challenges.  And she didn't.  She busted it out.  So there. Worries about Brenda and Chase getting too close made people aim for Brenda.  Naonka was gunning for Jud Fabio.  And Shannon because he's too strong.  And then she talked to Brenda about the minority idea, which made Brenda happy. 

Chase went to chat with Brenda about the fact that everyone else was gunning for her, and she wondered why they don't just go for Shannon.  Looking like it might be a tie.  And ... Alina overheard their conversation.  Confusion abounds.


Tribal Time!

Shannon had never been camping before this. Wow.  And then he called Chase out saying "I hope his girlfriend stays with him when everyone else is gone."  Wow.  Chase said he was between Shannon and Brenda the whole time.  Probst is excited because never has an opening question in tribal open that much whoop ass.  Shannon went off on everyone saying that no one trusted him and he didn't trust anyone.  Then Sash spoke up, and Shannon said that he's from New York, and New York is just full of gay people.

Say WHAT?

And Jud Fabio wanted them all to be friends.  Probst told him to get his head out of the trees.

Then Brenda didn't know why she was a threat.  Shannon said that it was going to be Naonka, but then they talked about Brenda instead.

On top of that, Naonka let it be known that she really hates Fabio, and he just didn't like her attitude... I tend to agree with him...

Jud Fabio ended with "Can we just vote now?" and Naonka said "Yes, CAN we?"  Wow.

During voting, Sash called himself the biggest bachelor in NY.  Humph.  I don't think I can get behind him, either.

I have to say, I don't think I like any of the men on La Flor.  Maybe Chase.  He seems a solid guy just caught up in a bunch of crap...

At least Shannon is gone.  So much for making sure a dude wins this season, dude with a girly name.  Won't miss him at all.  Probst told them that the biggest threat to their tribe is the tribe itself.  Yup.

Looking forward to next week!  Shannon said that he should have been with the older tribe because he's been married for 11 years, so he's really 41.  Oh, I feel sorry for his wife. 

Yay for a New Season! Survivor: Nicaragua 9.15.10

Wednesday for Survivor, huh?  Not sure how I feel about that... but I'm very excited about this new season.

I did watch the preview, but did not blog about it.  There are some really interesting characters this season, that's for sure.

Namely, Shannon, who says he doesn't want another girl to win this season.

Instead, let's let the guy with the girly name to win.

This season, the tribal lines are split by age.  I really can't get behind Benry.  Because his name is Ben Henry and he goes by Benry.  That speaks to some sort of mental imbalance, in my opinion.

Just saying.

They started out not split by age lines.  Tricky.

Kelly B. is an amputee and is trying to not show her prosthetic leg (and she had a special leg made for the game).

Probst revealed the new twist in this game - The Medallion of Power.  It's hidden somewhere down the beach, and the first person who brings it back wins it for the tribe.  But they have not yet been told what their tribes are.

Brenda skitters up a tree and gets the medallion first.

NFL coach Jimmy Johnson congratulated her.

Marty was proud of Brenda for winning the medallion, because he thought it was for his tribe.  No such luck, as they are told to separate by age.

 And CRAP.  I just lost a whole bunch o' blog because my computer had a hiccup.  Boo!  Basically, tribes separate, older women rock it out and start a fire, Jimmy Johnson is the first to puke and gives his team a pep talk, the truth about the prosthetic leg comes out (from the owner),  Shannon beats his chest and declares himself alpha male, and Brenda flirts with Chase and he has to decide whether to side with the cute girl or the alpha male.  And Wendy has a really hideously fringed jacket.

Onward to the Immunity challenge, La Flor tribe enters with a really cocky and annoying chant/dance.  The challenge is to pour water down a chute of gutters into a bucket to release a bag of puzzle pieces and the first tribe to solve the puzzle wins.  Espada decides to not use their medallion (which would give them a bucket of water advantage) and goes on to lose the challenge by a hair.

Back to play by play... stupid computer.

Espada is back at camp, and Jimmy T. is feeling down after the loss.  He is voting for Jimmy J.  Then he proceeds to talk in a really annoying manner about how stars blind people.  Jimmy J. admitted that he is one of the weakest players, and says that he thinks it's between him and Wendy.

Marty and some of the girls stand around and try to talk about who to toss out, and no one is willing to really say anything.. interesting.

Tribal Council

They talk first impressions, and Jimmy T. says he felt annoyed by the presence of Jimmy J.  Jimmy J. reiterates that he is not going to be a threat to win ... Jimmy T. disagrees, because if he's such a good leader, the jury might reward him.

Holly is concerned that she made an alliance that was too quick (with Wendy).   And Wendy was annoyed because no one even asked her age.  And the others say that you never ask a woman her age.  She then said that she stayed quiet because she didn't want to get on the outs with anyone, but then she continued to talk talk talk about how much she talks, and how much she could bring to the tribe.  To me, it was a demonstration of "I'm much more annoying than you think I am at first glance!"  And I think she may have just shot herself in her unblistered feet.

Wendy gets votes, and Eve got a vote.  Really? Wonder if that was Holly. Well, at least she looks good for 48.  Really good.  On her way home.  Goodbye, stupid fringe and giant hat.

Good first episode!  What did you think?

Next week, someone gets his shoes filled with sand and sunk.  Wow.  That's a rather Russell move.

Finale Alert: Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains

I am really pleased with this Top 5 - except for wet noodle Colby.  They are tricky and sneaky and conniving and I kind of love it.

Back at camp after Tribal, Russell is pissed that Sandra kept the knowledge of her idol to herself.  He's grumpy.  And he is starting to distrust Parvati, thinking that she knew about the idol.

And Colby is feeling pretty pleased with the "disfunctional family" of villains.


Individual Immunity Challenge

Simple - stack dishes on top of a platform balanced on a ball, last to drop wins.  Probst calls out instructions of what kind of dish to stack.  I had written "what kind of fish to stack."  That would make it a much more interesting challenge.  As it is, it's all bowls, plates, and cups, of varying sizes.

Sandra is out first.  Jerri is out next.  Russell is (sadly) out next.  It's down to Parvati and Colby.  Colby is down, and Parvati wins.

Hopefully, they will stick together, and Colby will be out.

Back at camp, Colby gave his "Surrender" Speech, which he said was so good, he almost believed it himself.  Then, he had a very long pause during his confessional, saying he was not planning on quitting, and he said when the time was right, he made one last ditch attempt.

That's right.  He went to Russell.  And said "Why don't we get rid of Sandra tonight, and then it's the three of us against Parvati in the Immunity Challenge."  Good plan, actually.  Russell says he's going to decide at Tribal Council.


Tribal Council #1

At Tribal, Colby admitted that he went to Russell and wants to get rid of Sandra, and wishes that Sandra had won immunity, because then he could have tried to go after Parvati, because no one wants to go up against him.  Everyone admitted to being at least a little distrustful of all the others, and Colby just wants to shake up the dissent, to give himself a little bit of a chance.

Too little, too late.  Colby is gone.

The Villainous Final Four returns to camp, and Parvati said that Colby opened her eyes to the fact that she's a threat with the jury.  Next morning, Parvati went out for water, and Russell went to Jerri and told her that they have to win, or Parvati will take it all.  He admitted that he is at a crossroads, because his main alliance has been Parvati, but he's leaning towards sending her home.

Final Tree Mail - They will go to a ceremonial beach, perform the "Fallen Comrades Rights of Passage," which I always like, as a reminder of all those who came before, and then go on to the Final Immunity Challenge.

Sugar, Stephanie, Randy (who Jerri called a good friend to her... which might be a surprise to he of no friends), Cirie, Tom, Tyson (first "victim of his own stupidity"), James, Boston Rob (oh, if only he and Russell could have played nice), Coach (who they said "Namaste" to), Courtney, JT (second "victim of his own stupidity"), Amanda (her first time voted out of the game ever), Candace, Danielle, Rupert, and finally, Colby.  After collecting talismans, they tossed them onto a bonfire (Burning Man) and watched them burn.


Final Immunity Challenge

Survivor Maze, blindfolded, with symbols at guideposts with, in effect, braille markers, leading them towards necklaces.  They get all of them first, they get immunity.

Russell and Jerri are first to get necklaces, followed by Parvati.  Sandra ran into Parvati and tried to take her necklace off.  Sandra finally found her own first necklace, as Russell got his second.  Parvati found her second, then Jerri found her third, and Parvati found her third.  Sandra is chasing after Parvati instead of using guide posts.  She finally found her second necklace, and Russell got his third.  Parvati and Russell found their fourth necklaces and ran for the exit, chased by Jerri who found her fourth.  They were in a race for the exit.  Russell walked right past the pole with the necklace on it, and then found it, just as Jerri and Parvati found it.  It was within inches.  Jerri declared it a fun challenge.  Sandra, out of the maze with no hope of winning, said that it sucked.  Probst agreed that it was one of his most exciting finishes of any challenge ever.

Russell insisted that Probst put the Immunity Necklace on him.  Parvati wanted to chat with Russell.  Russell said that he plans to use Sandra to help him win the million, and tells her so.  She said "That's alright, I'll take the $100,000."  Parvati brings Russell aside, and tells him that she thinks Sandra will get a bunch of votes.  Russell tells her that his best strategic move is to keep Jerri and Sandra, and she said that's not true, because Sandra will win.  He says that he'll just ask what strategic moves she made to get there, and he'll win because he's better...

Because he doesn't yet know that that strategy failed him his first time around....

Tribal Council #2

Probst asked Jerri what changed at camp, and she said that she didn't do as much solo contemplation after the challenge.  Sandra said that her strategy was to go to the person with immunity, and admits that she told him that she couldn't win, and said that Russell keeps telling her that she can't win.  Parvati admitted to being nervous.  Jerri said that she pushed the point that Parvati is a huge threat.  Parvati said that if Russell wants to redeem himself as being loyal to one person from day one, he should go with her.  She said that she has protected him, and Russell snorted, and she said they'd been protecting each other, and he snorted and said that he has been protecting her.  She maintained that she never went against him, and that is the same as protecting him.

I think that Russell might actually gain some votes in the jury if he did keep Parvati, because certain people would respect that loyalty.

In the end, it's Jerri going home.  Didn't see that coming.  Neither did she, and as she hugged Russell goodbye, she said "I can't wait to hear this story later."

Jerri's boot off interview started with "Crap!" and she said that she is leaning towards Russell, because though he's crazy and hot headed, he makes decisions that make sense.  Except for tonight.  Ha.

Back at Camp, the final three rejoiced.  And the next morning, they rejoiced more when they say their beautiful feast.  And Russell was thrilled that he made it to Day 39 two times.  Interstingly, he said "Last season, I brought two people to the end who I thought I could beat and I didn't."  I thought he didn't know that he hadn't won?

Then, Russell asked Parvati who she would have voted for if he had voted her out, and she said she would have voted for Sandra.  As he went off on a walk, Sandra and Parvati giggled about how Russell doesn't know that he's up against two women... and then ...... Sandra burned Russell's hat!  She said "Screw it!  That's payback for everything he's done to me in this game."  Russell was desperate to find his hat when he got back, and she said that she didn't know what had happened to it.  He declared that he wasn't leaving without his hat.  Somehow, I think he will.

Final Tribal Council

Sandra was the first person to make her case to the jury.  She said that she get where she is by herself.  Russell said that in some cases, the game is one of luck, but not in his case.  He said he tried to play hard, and apologized if he offended anyone, but he played the game.  Parvati said that she didn't realize what a threat she was when she started playing the game, and said that she kept Russell, the Dragon, as her pet, instead of slaying him.  She thinks that she played the ultimate social game, the ultimate physical game, and the ultimate strategic game.  I don't think that Russell probably liked that statement.

Colby is up first, and he asked Russell if he really believed that there was no luck involved, and Russell said that he did, and Colby called him delusional.  He asked Parvati what strategic moves she made, except for in challenges.  Parvati brought up the play of her two idol giveaways.  That was pretty impressive.  He doesn't even address Sandra.

Coach called Parvati a Charmer and a Manipulator, and Russell a Schemer, and also the liar, and Sandra the coattail rider.  He called Russell a small man in stature and deed, and quoted "Only the penitent man shall pass," and wished that he had admitted that he crossed the line.  He called Sandra weak, and we all know that Coach believes Iron sharpens iron.  He called Parvati an unexpected warrior in challenges, and said that the day he trusted her was the day she helped vote him out.  He promised that he has not yet made up his mind.

Amanda asked how Sandra's strategy was better than the other two, and she admitted if her strategy was better, Russell wouldn't be there, but she could never get Heroes on her side.

Courtney is proud of her fellow villainesses.  She appreciated Parvati's physical strength, and wanted Sandra to explain her loyalty as a strength.  Sandra cemented Courtney's vote by saying how loyal she was to her.

JT addressed Russell.  He said that getting to the end of the game is only half of winning the game, and Russell said that he believes that the jury will respect his gameplay, especially in this jury full of previous players.  Parvati said that she was a huge threat from day one, but Sandra was not, because she only gave 50-60% in challenges.  Sandra said that she gave her all, but she isn't as strong.  She did say that she wished she could have thrown that idol back in JT's bag.  JT says that he is not out for vengeance.

Danielle wanted to know if Russell would change anything in his game after hearing what the jury has to say.  He said that he wouldn't change anything and he doesn't regret it, because he wouldn't have made it this far any other way, and he isn't going to tell her what she wants to hear.

Jerri asked for the story from Russell on how he came to the decision to boot her out.  He said that she hadn't hurt anyone in the jury and would get votes.  Parvati said it was because he was sure he would get her vote.  Jerri told Sandra that though she claims to watch backs, she didn't watch hers.

Candace said that lying is part of the game, but Russell told unnecessary dirty lies that hurt people.  She told Parvati that she was like a spouse in an abusive relationship, and she wanted her to get out, but she never did.  She is basing her vote on how they played the game, but also what they fell for.

Rupert is the antithesis of Russell, and said that Russell took the easy way out in being deceitful and conniving.  He wished he had listened to Sandra more, and called Russell a despicable human being.  He said that Parvati deserves to be in the final three, even though she aligned herself with a terrible person, because she fought with all her might.

Guess Jerri decided against voting for Russell - she voted Parvati.  Candace voted for Sandra.  Danielle of course voted Parvati, and Courtney gave her vote to Sandra, of course.  Colby's vote is not revealed, but Coach voted for Parvati, saying that King Arthur's journey has ended.  What?  Rupert is in love with Sandra and gave her his vote.

Off to New York with Probst and the votes!

And Russell's got a new hat.

At least he's got that.  Because he is not getting any votes.

Sandra wins.  And Parvati was right, Sandra did win when Russell brought her.

I don't think that Russell was winning in any case, though.  Poor Russell - always the Bridesmaid, never the Bride.

Reunion

Sandra is the first person to ever win twice.  She said that makes her the queen (put on a crown), and said she is the best player ever.  Parvati said that she has played three times, played the most days, and is a challenge dominator. Russell said that Sandra is not a strong social player, not a strong physical player, and not a strong strategic player, and thinks her whole strategy was getting rid of him, which never happened, so her strategy failed and she was rewarded for it.  He said there is a flaw in the game, if she could win twice.  He wants America to have a percentage of votes, and Sandra said he still wouldn't have won, because the only people who like him are his family.  Probst said that Survivor has set rules, and the jury decides.  End of story.

He asked Tom what it means when Sandra has played twice and won twice, but has never won a challenge, and even Courtney has won a challenge.  Tom said that whoever wins deserves to win.  Russell said that he didn't play twice, he played once, for a long time... and brought out the laminated letter from JT and said if he can make a winner look like the dumbest player in history, that means he's good.

Sandra's husband is home from Afghanistan, for two weeks, and then he's heading back. wow.  Parvati that she had to win challenges, because no one believed she was playing as strongly.  She has the most days played, and is tied with Colby at individual immunity wins.  Russell figured that something had happened to his hat, but didn't get the strategy of burning it. Sandra said "It was dirty, it was funky, I threw it in the fire."  He said that burning his hat may have flustered him at Tribal Council, and said that Parvati should have won, and Probst said "That's a different game; that's called Russell Decides Who Wins Survivor."  Probst had to calm Russell down, when he started going off, and asked him if he is aware of the jury votes when he is playing, and Russell said he didn't care, and he makes it to the end.  He makes it to the end, but he never wins.

Probst asked Rob what would have happened if they had teamed up, and Rob said it would probably have gone pretty well.  He said that Russell plays the game, but doesn't play to win, and Russell said that Rob's never won, so... Rob said that he would go back and kick Russell's butt anytime, and Russell wants it to happen.  Probst says "Future Season - Rob vs. Russell"  I'd watch that.

Tyson looks like he's trying out for Jesus Christ, Superstar, and said that if his move had worked out, it would have been genius.  JT said that he felt odds were against him, so he played the odds, and didn't know about Russell's villainy when he trusted him. 

Dumbest Survivor Move Ever? It's a Poll.  JT asked if there was a monetary prize.  Probst said "No, you have to give money back."

The winner is ... JT.  Yes, yes... I would agree with that.

Wow. Rupert's toe that was broken?  It was taped to another toe.  That was also broken.  He still likes being called a hero.  Colby was brought back because he embodied Hero previously, and he knew right off that physically, things were different.  He said he had more fun watching it than playing it.  He missed the exploration parts of it, because they couldn't go in the water, and they couldn't go explore the forest, because they were quarantined. Really?

Amanda?  Lacking killer instinct in the game, and Probst asked if she is lacking that in life, too.  She said that it just happens, and she can't do it. 

Stephanie knew that her lack of relationships with other people in the game didn't bode well, and then she plugged her pizza restaurant.  Have to admire that.

Cirie thinks maybe the perception of her coming in was what doomed her.

Coach's insecure tears with Tyson in the night was up next.  He admitted that he came off as an arrogant ass in the first season he was on, and he just wanted to change perceptions of him.  He thinks he is a more humble, chivalrous and down to earth person now.

Rob and Amber's baby is in the audience.  She's adorable.  Of course, she's with Amber.

Rupert and Russell are the finalists for Fan Favorite.  Good vs. Evil.  Evil won.  Russell won Fan Favorite.  Good for him.

Probst was proud of Jerri's game this season, thinking that everything came together this season.  She said the first time she played, everyone hated her and wanted her gone. This time, they liked her too much to keep her around.

Danielle said that her breakdown at Tribal proved that she wasn't a villain.  And she said "Russell, Damn you."

Probst said that Courtney always seems to be having fun.  And Randy didn't seem to be having any fun, and he said that he didn't.  Poor Sugar, went out the the end of her season, and was out first this season.  And Candace got married.  Good for her.

Freaky Survivor Fun Morph - all winners together, create one super Survivor winner.  That was weird.  I would rather have heard more from people.

And next season?  They are off to Nicaragua.  Awesome.  Looks fun.  Can't wait to see it.  "And Something That Might Surprise Them All!"  - Rob and Russell?  Somehow, I think not.

Fantastic season.  Wish Russell had won.  Or Parvati.   I really didn't want Sandra to win... oh, well.

Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains - 5.13.10

Post Tribal, Parvati was stunned that Rupert didn't go home, and Rupert was gloating.  Jerri told Parvati that Russell threatened to vote her out if she didn't go with him.  Parvati didn't like his scare tactics, and doesn't trust him anymore.  She wants to get rid of Rupert and Colby first, then deal with Russell.  Russell ascertained that Danielle was going to go after Parvati, and she and Jerri wanted assurance that they were tight.

The next morning's tree mail brought them a Jungle Sprint Palm Pre.  There were videos from loved ones, who will be visiting and doing the challenge with them. 

Am I the only one who misses the Eat Gross Things Challenges?  I loved the season where the loved one had to eat gross things.

Parvati's dad, Jerri's sister (in from Germany), Russell's (very hot) wife, Colby's brother, and Rupert's wife.  And it's Rupert's anniversary.  Cool.  Last out was Sandra's uncle.

The challenge - they have to scoop water from the ocean with a pail, from which they will toss water to  their loved one, who will fill a bucket.  First to fill the bucket wins.  They get a plane trip to someplace where they will experience "the blow holes," and they get to save their memories on a brand new Palm Pre.  Colby is getting very frustrated with his brother, and Russell's wife is wringing water out of her hair.  Slick.  Colby was close to swearing at his brother.  Jerri and her sister won the reward!

They get to choose more people to go with them, and Jerri makes perhaps the stupidest decisions EVER and chooses neither Russell nor Rupert on his anniversary.  As she chose Parvati and then Sandra, Russell muttered how she had made a terrible mistake, and as he went back to camp with Rupert and Colby, I think something's brewing... Jerri... stupid.

The blowholes were pretty slick.  They got some plugs in for the Sprint Palm Pre, because what would a reality show be without some product placement?  They got food, too.  Sandra cried about the fact that her uncle is there because her mom died a year ago, and her husband is in Afghanistan.  Jerri realized that Russell was pissed of.  Parvati said that she wasn't worried.  Sandra said that the only way to get to the end for Russell was to get rid of the two guys.

Meanwhile, back at camp, Russell fumed.  He called the girls a bunch of unappreciative little bitches, and suggested a Final Three with Rupert and Colby.  They shook on it.  Rupert said "He is a villain, but he's the best villain I've got, and if I can bring the best villain with me, that guarantees me a win."  They scheme to get rid of Parvati, and Russell thinks that Jerri will go along with it.

When the women returned to camp, Jerri wanted to talk t Russell, but he and Colby were sleeping.  And Rupert was sawing.  And annoying everyone.  And making it so that no one could sleep.  Jerri thought he was completely inconsiderate, and wasn't sure if it was cockiness or stupidity.  She wants Rupert gone more than anything.  Of course, she couldn't sleep, so she went to talk to Russell, who also woke up.

Russell told her he wasn't mad, he just wanted to see his wife.  He said that all he wants is her with him in the finals.  He told her that he just doesn't want Parvati to sway her from him.  She declared there was no way of that happening.  He did not bring up his plan to vote out Parvati.


Immunity Challenge

With arms outstretched, they have to hold two poles against an overhead board, and balance it (poles are on the tops of their hands).  Pole falls, they are out.  Colby is out in 15 seconds.  Sandra is out next.  Gads!  Russell was out next, and looked stunned by it.  Jerri was out next.  It's Parvati and Rupert.  Rupert adjusted some, which was foolish, but it didn't fall.  Parvati was also close.  Rupert adjusted too much, and Parvati won immunity. Ruh roh.  What's Russell going to do now?

He is planning on flipping back to the girls and voting out Rupert.  Sandra wants Russell out badly.  Rupert told Russell that Sandra is pushing hard for him.  Russell went right to Sandra and said "Are you with me, or are you against me?"  She replied "I'm against you, Russell."  He claimed to be comfortable in the game and not worried.  Sandra told Rupert "loose lips sink ships."  Parvati wanted to know who invited Boston Rob back to the party with the "Are you with me or against me" talk.  Jerri said the camp has turned into crazy town.  As Parv and Sandra giggled together in the shelter, the guys and Jerri talked about getting rid of Sandra.  She said that she will bring the idol with her to Tribal, but she isn't worried and probably won't play it, even though it is the last day to play it.  That's just plain stupid.

Tribal Council

When Danielle came in for jury, Parvati mouthed "hot," and I'd have to agree.  She looks much better with make-up.  Sandra brought up the conversations with Rupert and Russell.  Probst was stunned to hear that Sandra flat out said she was against him (and Parv had a good Sandra immitation).  Parvati sees no point in switching it up, because if one Hero is in the final three, they'll get jury votes. Rupert said you have to be able to show that you are the Top Villain or the Top Hero, and Parvati says that she is a Hero on the inside.

Sandra voted for Rupert.  Rupert voted for Sandra.  All other votes were hidden.  Sandra played the idol, saying she would hate to go home with the idol in her bra.  Russell was stunned, and everyone else agreed that they have no clue she had it.  Rupert is voted out.  Colby looked pouty.  Not all the votes were read, so Sandra has no idea that Russell voted for her.   

Season Finale is on Sunday!

And... astoundingly, Russell did NOT vote for Sandra.  He voted for Rupert.  But, Rupert doesn't know that.  Very very interesting....

Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains - 5.6.10

Two Immunity Challenges!  Two Tribals!  Things are getting thick!

Jerri is excited that Candace flipped, but says that she is now a threat, because someone who flips so easily can flip back.  Colby and Rupert are talking about how weak, pitiful, and self-centered Candace is.  Rupert declares that he and Colby are the only true heroes.

The next day, Rupert told Russell that he is a disgusting, dispicable human being for swearing on his kids' lives, and says that he doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself.  Russell said "Rupert, I'm a villain."  And then, he called him a dumb ass.  Nice.


Immunity Challenge #1

They will be standing barefoot on a small wooden platform, with a hand up tethered to a bucket.  Bucket falls, they lose.  And temptations will be offered, along with a twist.  Sandra and Russell are the first two to step out, without even seeing what their temptation is.  That was stupid.  They are sharing cookies and milk.  That was seriously stupid.  I love cookies as much as the next girl, but...

The next challenge is four donuts and an iced coffee.  They get 30 seconds to think about it before he gives them to Russell and Sandra.  Colby takes it. 

Next is pb&j, candy, chips, and milk.  Jerri, Candace, and Danielle share this one, leaving Parvati to battle it out against Rupert.  And Rupert fell (with no food temptation) and Parvati wins!  Good for her.

And the twist?  There is a clue to a hidden immunity idol at the camp.  "Salvation is hidden where two paths meet... etc..."  And, how long will it take Russell to find it?

The mad scramble was on to find the idol.  Wow.  Sandra found it.  Didn't expect that.  She put it back because she wanted to read the note later by herself.  Rupert put a rock in his pocket to make people think he has the idol.  Russell can spot an idol in a pocket from 40 yards, and says they just need to vote for Rupert.  Sandra said that's fine by her.  Jerri is gunning for Candace.  Rupert and Colby plan quietly to also vote for Candace.

Let's see what happens.

Tribal Council #1

Amanda is looking hot in the jury.  My brother will be pleased.  Everyone is sure that Rupert has the idol.  Rupert eyed Candace with pure hatred.  Votes go to Rupert and Candace.  Candace looked flabbergasted to be getting so many votes, and she is going home.  Amanda looked gleeful. 

Post tribal, Russell was mad because the votes went against Candace instead of Colby.  No one thinks that Rupert actually has the idol.  Russell does not like that Parvati holds equal control, and vows to take charge.

Immunity Challenge #2

They will race to find a peg in the sand that they will use to maneuver through a table maze.  Five move on. Next, they have to get up a ramp using four pegs as foot and handhold.  Three move on.  Last, there's a slide puzzle.

Rupert is first with his peg.  Parvati, Sandra, Danielle, and Russell find theirs, followed by Jerri.  Colby finally finds his. Rupert, Sandra, Russell, and Parvati move on, and Danielle takes the last spot.

In the second round, Russell got halfway up the wall with no pegs at all.  He's up first.  Rupert and Parvati move on, too.

Final round, and Russell won immunity.  Awesome.

Parvati wants to get rid of Rupert.  Russell thinks that it might be the time to vote off Parvati, because he doesn't want her in the final two.  He then went to tell Parvati that Danielle is gunning for her.  Russell didn't anticipate that Parvati would want to talk to Danielle about it.  Oops.  Russell went to the Heroes and told them to vote for Danielle.  Danielle and Parvati went to Jerri to tell her of Russell's plan.


Tribal Council #2

Rupert says that it's Russell and Parvati calling the shots.  Danielle says that the villains all agree with each other and play together, and Probst asked if it is just quiet around camp.  Jerri said Hell, No.  Then, the drama of the pitting of Danielle vs. Parvati against each other.  Parvati said that she thinks Russell is testing loyalty.  Danielle got very frustrated and started crying.  Danielle then said "I'm closer to Parvati than you think."  "Oh, really," said Russell.  That doesn't look good.  Vote time. 

And, Danielle is gone.  Wow.  Parv is mad.  Jerri threw her lot in with Russell that may bode well for her in the long run.

Next week, Russell tries to make a pact with Colby and Rupert as the other villains turn against him.  This could get interesting.

Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains - 4.29.10

Post Tribal, Rupert and Colby are feeling doomed.  Russell is feeling betrayed, and Sandra played right into it.  "Oh, you didn't know either?"  Russell went to talk to Parvati and told her that he felt like she lied to him, and it pissed him off that she didn't share with him.  Parvati said that it was a secret, no harm done.  She admitted that she wanted to shake his belief that he is in control of the game.  Amanda told Rupert that the Heroes are solid, but they need to swing over someone.  He wants to talk to Sandra.

Russell, the next morning, went to talk to Candace, to see if she would jump ship and join them, because the Heroes ship is sinking.  He promised her that if she was the last Hero standing, he wouldn't let her go at #6.  Russell went to talk to his ladies and told them that he thought Candace might flip to them.  Interesting.

Reward Challenge

It's Survivor Shuffle Board.  They are playing for a trip to Robert Louis Stevenson's home, which is a museum, watch the Treasure Island movie, and get to sleep in a real bed.  Parvati wonder

Candace, Parvati & Jerri vs. Rupert, Russell, and Sandra vs. Colby, Danielle & Amanda.  Russell right off the bat got the best toss, but then Rupert (also red team) got even closer.  Danielle knocked Rupert's puck out of the way, but Russell's was still nice and close.  Colby had the last shot, and he WON it.  He got directly on the bull's eye.

Danielle is the only chance the Villains have at finding the clue to the idol.  Amanda has her mind set on getting the clue.  She was obsessed. And then, Danielle found the clue in the bowl of popcorn, and hid it under the bed, but Amanda saw it and snatched it from her.  There was a cat fight.  Colby just sat on the bed and enjoyed it.  Danielle called Amanda psychotic.  Colby agreed that it is Danielle's clue.  Amanda felt betrayed by Colby.  I say, Amanda was acting like a total baby.  I like her, but that was not ok.

Danielle brought the clue to her alliance, and explained the cat fight to them.  They went to find the idol, and Russell's Idol Radar worked again.  He found it.  And hid it from the rest of them.  He once again declared himself the King of Hidden Immunity Idols.

When the rain stopped Russell went to Candace and told her that he had the idol, and she wanted to see it to believe it.  He told her "Stick with me, and I could take you places."  She is beginning to trust him.

Sandra had a chat with Colby about her place in the game.  Colby is pretty sure that Danielle has the idol and will keep it.  He is gunning for Parvati or Russell.  Sandra told Russell then that Colby is uptight with no personality and wouldn't talk to her.  I think Sandra is dangerous.  He then told her that they have one of the Heroes on their side, so it wouldn't be good for her to flip, because it would be a tie.  Sandra then went and told Rupert that she is in to get rid of Russell, and then told him that Russell told her that someone from their side has flipped.

The heroes are gunning for Russell or Parvati.  I hope that Parvati wins immunity and then Russell plays his, and then a hero goes home.


Immunity Challenge

It's house of cards time - with tiles.  First person to 10' tall wins.

It's pretty much down to Russell and Jerri.  Russell ran out of cards and had to re-shuffle, but Jerri brought home the immunity by a hair.  It's her very first immunity ever.  Good for her.  I have no idea what is happening at Tribal.

Russell told Candace that they were voting for Amanda.  Why Amanda and not Colby or Rupert, I don't know.  Candace told Russell that they are planning on his name, but they were wondering why Sandra was looking so sure of herself.

Sandra told Rupert that Candace is flipping.  Candace denied flipping.  They all decided to vote for Parvati instead,  because they think that Danielle has the idol.  They said if it doesn't work, it's Candace's fault.  Sandra told Candace that they needed to stick with Parvati, and said that she is jumping ship because of her.  Candace still wants to vote Amanda.  Sandra was freaking out.  Candace seemed torn.  I have no idea what is going to happen.

Tribal Council

How about that, Coach is wearing a shirt.  And a baseball hat.  He still looks like a douche.  Rupert admitted that the Villains have no reason to switch.  Sandra said that she is feeling on the outside of her own group.  Russell said that Danielle is aggressive, and so is he.  Jerri is cool-headed.  Parvati is charming.  And Sandra asks, what about her?  He said "Sandra, she's just here with us."  Wow.  The Heroes are all totally sure that Danielle has the idol.  Parvati is feeling vulnerable, because she gave her protection away.  To Sandra.  Who plans to switch.

And... Russell played the idol for himself.

When votes are going to Parvati, Russell swore quietly to himself.  Amanda is going home. Villains remain in control.  It's the first time Amanda has even been voted out.  Parvati told Russel that he wasted the immunity idol, and he admitted to being nervous.  Was that an eye-roll she gave his play?

Next week, trouble in paradise... Russell looks to be threatening members of his alliance.  This could get interesting.

Survivor Heroes vs. Villains 4.22.10

At Hero Camp, they can't wait for the Merge, and want to see Russell and four girls walk in.  Well, they will... just not the four girls they want to see.  Amanda and Rupert worry that they might be annoying people.  They get Tree Mail, and it's a giant box, saying "Don't open this Box until you have the key.  Make Room in your Camp, Company will be arriving soon."

At Villain Camp, they get a key and the map to Hero Central.  Russell can't wait to go over to their home turf and weed them off one by one.  Russell plans to tell them that he played the Idol, but Parvati played one too, and that's why Parvati is still around.  This would have been genius if Sandra hadn't been listening in and looking like a spy.  Gah.  They should have kept Courtney.

When the Villains arrive, and JT saw the make up of the tribe, he said "Russell played the idol, and Parvarti had to have played another one."  They open the box and there are new black buffs, a big ol' ham, vegetables, fruit, and they settled to figure out a new name.  Jerri wants to call themselves "All Villains" because they are all villains.  Colby couldn't get over her audacity.  Russell was chatting with Candace and Amanda, and Amanda was telling a story about a parasitic worm or something. 

And Parvati is pissed because no one is taking her seriously and they are underestimating her.  "They don't know it, but they are about to get picked off one by one."  Russell went to chat with JT, spinning the Immunity Idol Playing Tale, and said that he is comfortable in a way he hasn't been since Day 4.  I love to see Russell playing.  JT called him a "good ol' country boy," and admitted that it's possible that Russell is the leader of the girls, but he doesn't believe it, and he trusts him.  Russell, meanwhile, was gleeful about how they bought it, hook line and sinker.

Meanwhile Sandra went to rat on her former tribe and told Rupert the real deal.  She told him that she is the last person of her alliance.  Sandra told him to agree to whatever Russell says, but don't believe it, because Russell is the leader, and Parvati is his second in command.  Rupert said "This is where the game gets crazy."

After they had eaten, Parvati and Danielle made enemies by breaking the Banana etiquette when they went to have bananas after the meal was done.  Rupert went to tell the rest of the tribe that Russell was playing them, but JT and Amanda refused to believe it.  They still decided that would tell Russell they were voting for one person, to test his loyalty, and then vote someone else without telling him.  JT said that there is a reason that he's been doing Rupert's strategic play this whole time.  "Do you believe what Sandra told you, or do you believe the obvious truth?" 

Amanda and Parvati went for a walk, and Amanda told her that everyone wants her gone, and that she has no power.  She told Parvati that she is trying to get rid of Sandra.  Parvati put on her innocent trustworthy face and asked Amanda to tell her who they were voting for.  Then Parvati made a dumb ass decision of telling Amanda that she has an idol.  Amanda said "how did you get another one?" and Parvati said "I'm crafty."  Amanda said that she likes Parvati, but knows that if she gets to the end, she's going to win again.


Immunity Challenge

They decided on the name Yin Yang.  Cool.  Good and Evil.  Their challenge?  Hold onto a pole as long as possible.  Giant totem poles.  JT, Candace, and Parvati have all competed in this challenge before, and none of them won.  Colby is down nearly immediately, followed by Sandra.  Russell is out next.  Wow.  Rupert goes next.  It's JT and the girls.  Amanda is out next.  JT almost fell, but got back up, then fell right out.  Candace, Jerri, Danielle, and Parvati are left on their poles.  Parvati looked like she could stay there forever.  She was standing on it with one foot.  Jerri was out next, at 1 1/2 hours, claiming dehydration.  Candace was out next, and everyone looked at her like she was crazy.  Parvati asked Danielle if she wanted her to win, and Danielle said (hopefully quiet enough that the rest of the people down below couldn't hear) "I'll win, because you have the Idol."  Parvati stepped down.

Rupert shows some brains when he suspects Parvati of having the idol, or she wouldn't have stepped out.  True, dude.  So true.  They should have fought it out and Parvati should have pretended to fall.  That would have been a more clever move.

JT also found it suspicious how Parvati stepped out.  They plan on telling Russell they are voting Parvati, and they will vote for Sandra.  Or Jerri.  Russell plans to give the idol to Parvati, save her, and vote off JT.  She said "Oh, you!  You shouldn't have!"  She's now got two in the bag.  Literally.  Amanda told he to play her idol.  "Just in case."  Parvati knew she was lying when she said they are voting for her.  Because Amanda is a terrible liar. 


Tribal Council

Coach is wearing an open robe in the jury, and Courtney looks clean and shiny.  Rupert brought up Banana etiquette and Danielle thought the whole thing was ridiculous, and Russell wanted the banana wars to be over.  He said that tonight will dictate the rest of the game. 

JT lamented that no one wanted to talk to him, and Russell said that it's paranoia, and he talked to JT all day.  Sandra said that she hasn't talked strategy with anyone.  Parvati said that she felt like a leper and no one was talking to her, and Probst asked if it was just because she was used to getting attention in her whole life.  Colby said that maybe they weren't talking to her because they know she is going to be around for a few more days.  JT said he had no idea who had idols.  That is true, though he doesn't know it.  And Parvati made a slip (I think) when she said that the idol broke a solid alliance in the Villain's tribe and changed the game.  That means that it's out in the open that an alliance was broken, and that points out that there is no all-girl alliance.

Before the votes were read, Courtney said "If that little troll plays the idol..." Parvati said that it would be downright depressing to sit and watch green bananas turn yellow without her little villains, and proceeded to GIVE HER IDOLS AWAY to Jerri and Sandra.  They both played them.  Wow.  I did not see that coming.  Bye bye, JT...

And Rupert mumbled "I knew we shouldn't have trusted that..." And JT is gone.  That's what you get for trusting a villain.  And Russell ... not pleased about Parvati's having a second idol.  "Someone's got some explaining to do," he whispered to her, and she shrugged and whispered "Secret," back.  That may bite her.  He guns for people who lie to him. 

In previews for next week, Russell is pissed, and Sandra is gunning for Russell.

And JT felt like a total idiot, and said that you shouldn't trust villains or women.  Maybe he should have thought about that before. 

Good episode.  What did you think?

Survivor Heroes vs. Villains 4.15.10

Will the Villains continue to self-destruct?

Post-Tribal, Sandra is tickled that her plan worked.  Jerri is scared that she is next with Coach gone.  Danielle told her that she is not.  The camera men are showing rats all over the place.  Russell told Jerri that he had an inkling about what was going to happen, but he didn't write Coach's name down.  And he didn't.  Smart move, bucko.

Tree Mail - it's the stand between two planks challenge from Tocantins, and they have to rank themselves for strength, and they will be put against the other tribe's rankings.  The Villains decide that the girls with smaller feet will probably do better.  Over at the Hero Camp, Rupert wants to go first, because he thinks he is stronger than anyone.

Reward Challenge

The Heroes are absolutely convinced it's a woman's alliance on the Villain Tribe, and they are not shy about saying it.   Bwah ha ha.  First tribe to three points (won by winning a head to head match) wins a HUGE feast by Outback Steakhouse.  Way to get the sponsors in.  Russell sits out.  Smart, because then he's there for the Immunity Challenge.

Danielle vs. Candace, Courtney vs. Amanda, Parvarti vs. JT, Jerri vs. Colby, and Sandra vs. Rupert.

Interesting pairings.  First round, 10 minutes.  Head is fine for leaning, no hips, no butt. 

It's the 100th Day that Amanda has played 100 days.  She's the first person to reach that milestone.

I'm sure my brother is very happy.  Let's say, he's an Amanda fan.

Everyone's still in it when they move to the next level, smaller footholds.  Sandra talks about how much she loves Outback Steakhouse.

Love it - on the bench, Russell made pleading motions to JT, planting the "Russell Seed."

Third and final foothold, and it's a tiny one.  They stay there for as long as they can.  That foothold is 1/4" wide.  Yikes.  Colby is the first out, with the first point scored for the Villains.  Rupert and his broken toe are fine.  Jerri told Sandra that she can do it, because she's popped out some babies.  Sandra said "Two of em, and didn't even get an aspirin."  Rupert is down, and Sandra brought the second point.  Amanda fell on her 100th day, and the Villains won the reward.

As they gave the "Good Game" shakes, JT muttered to Russell to "Hang in there, buddy."  Bwah ha ha.

Outback Feast.  Great.  Advertising works.  Now I really wish I had some Outback right now.  Sandra sucked down some drinks super quickly.  First they get some salad, with napkins, and.... Parvati found the clue for the hidden idol in her napkin and shoved it in her underwear before anyone saw it.    Wonder if she will share with Russell?

They all giggle about how the other tribe thinks it's an All Girl Alliance.

Mmmmm, Loaded Baked potatoes.  Wonder if they are given lines to say to get the advertising in.  Parvarti snuck away to pee, and Danielle went too... and Parvati showed her the clue.  She did this as a way of getting Danielle feeling closer to her than to Russell.  They don't plan on telling him, unless it's a need to know basis.

Over at Hero Central, JT said "I don't care about steaks," and told them about his plan... his plan to give Russell the hidden idol at the next immunity challenge, to secure him with them, to get rid of Parvati.  Amanda thought it was really crazy, because they don't know for sure what's going on over there.  Candace thinks it might be a good idea.

Danielle and Parvati went out in search of the idol.  Quietly, without telling Russell.  With shovels.  They found it, and Parvati doesn't plan on telling Russell right off.  That might burn her if Russell finds out that she has it.  She said that Russell is not the King of Survivor, she's the Queen.  "And usually, the King does what the Queen says, anyway."

JT drafted his letter to Russell, detailing what he should do with the idol.  Rupert told him if it works, it could be a great plan.  This ought to be interesting. 


Immunity Challenge

Both tribes will start on platforms in the water, and one person at a time will get bags of puzzle pieces to bring to the mat through an obstacle course.  They have to build totem poles to win Immunity.

Jerri and Rupert are out first.  Rupert got to the mat first.  JT and Danielle are out next, and JT is back before Danielle barely has time to start.  Amanda was out next, and got it in.  When Colby and Russell are the last ones left on the platforms, Colby told Russell to go see JT after the challenge, after getting  the assurance that Russell thinks he's going home...

Without much difficulty, Heroes won it, and JT passed the idol to Russell.  How Russell stopped from giggling, I have no idea.

Russell said "See now, I don't even have to find the idol.  People are giving them to me.  You don't give the idol to the enemy, especially when his name is Russell Hantz."

JT is happy about this whole plan.

And over at Villain Central, Russell showed the thing to Parvati, and they giggled together about the whole idol debacle.  JT's note really was pretty humorous.  Parvati said "Why would you give a villain your heart?  JT just gave Russell his heart, and Russell's going to stab it, and then he's going to hand it to me, and I'm going to eat it."

Sandra and Courtney went out for a sad chat, and Sandra said that her without Courtney is like rice without beans.

Parvati talked with Courtney and said that she would try to save her if she could, because she thinks Courtney would be more loyal post merge.  Parvati tried to subtly push the vote towards Sandra.  She's good.  She's very good.

Tribal Council

It's down to Courtney vs. Sandra, and Danielle said that Sandra wasn't in her alliance, and Sandra was called Rob's Sidekick.  Parvati says if you ask the Heroes, she's the boss, because she's obviously running a crazy women's alliance.  She said it's Boston Rob's Girls vs. Russell's Girls.  Courtney says that Jerri flipped in time to save her butt, so "Awesome for you."  I hope that Courtney stays just for her one-liners.  And, it's always fun to see if she's going to snap in half like a twig if she happens to be forced to compete in a challenge.

Votes go Jerri, and then all Courtney.  Oh, well.   Sandra is safe for another day.  And the day after Tribal is Parvati's 100th Survivor Day.  Nice.

Next week, JT sees Parvati enter the camp for the merge.  And Sandra looked to be flipping, talking frankly to Rupert.

This could be epic.

Survivor Heroes vs. Villains 4.8.10

Post-Rob Boot, Russell and Parvati are feeling pretty happy about their awesomeness.  Coach thinks that Russell is a bully, and Jerri is feeling guilty about going along with it.  Coach says that they won't win any more challenges, and they are just going to have to pray for the merge.  Good attitude, there, Coach.  Wonder what he does when a key player gets injured on his team?  Well, might as well just throw in the towel, no use in trying... 

Over at Hero Central, JT disappeared to go look for the Immunity Idol, and Amanda (in her cool glasses) caught him.  He had to tell her that he had it.  Then, he told Candace.  Then, he decided to tell everyone else.  Hmmm.  That negates the "hidden."  He says they can use it for the first person who needs it after the merge.  Candace told Amanda that it was a good thing she walked up to JT as he found it, because who knows if he would have said anything otherwise.  Candace doesn't trust JT at all, and thinks that he's a threat because he's got ins with everybody, and he's the Golden Boy.

Back at Villain's Camp, they get Tree Mail for Reward Challenge, and it promises food.  They are hoping that it's a merge, and decided to bring all of their stuff to the challenge with them.  Not a bad strategy, but... I don't think it's the merge.

Reward Challenge

There's a load of pizza and brownies and good stuff waiting.  The Heroes are shocked that Rob is gone, and assume it's an All-Girl Alliance.  JT leaned over and mouthed to Russell to "hang in there," meaning that he would rescue him from the girls.

Probst told them to drop their.... cheers all around... expectations.  No merge. 

Survivor Bowling.  Everyone gets 2 rolls, and the first to 3 points wins.  Villains sit out Sandra and Courtney.

Parvati vs. Rupert first, and Parvati gets a gutter ball.  Rupert knocked over 3.  On the second roll, Parvati gutter balls it again.  One point for Heroes.  Next is Danielle vs. JT.  JT got 6, Danielle got gutter ball.  JT got gutter ball on his second roll, and then Danielle got another gutter ball.  Heroes have 2 points.  Russell vs. Colby next, and Russell gets a gutter ball first.  Colby also gets nothing.  Russell gets some down in the next roll, but Colby only gets one, so there's a point for the Villains.  Coach got 5 down next, vs. Amanda who also gets 5 down.  Coach got one more in his roll, and Amanda got 2... winning it for the Heroes.  The Villains are going back to camp, no pizza, to re-make their shelter, etc.

Back at camp, Jerri is pissed that they have to put the camp back together, and thinks that the decision to sit out Courtney and Sandra (made by Coach) was stupid, because now they have to play in the Immunity Challenge.  Jerri wishes that Sandra and Courtney had some get up and go.  Sandra thinks that she should be with the Heroes tribe, and that the Villains are the worst tribe ever made, and she hates them all.  Sandra told Courtney that the way to get rid of Coach would be to tell Russell that Coach is gunning for him.  Good plan, actually.

She went for it, and Russell ate it up.  He went to tell Parvati that Coach is after him.  Russell also said that if there is only him left, the other tribe will absolutely think it's all girls against guys in Villain-land, and bring Russell right on in with them.  True enough.

Immunity Challenge

They will be belted together in pairs, going over and under obstacles through mud to retrieve flags.

One match up will be one on one.  Villains sit out Jerri and Danielle.

First is Amanda and Candace vs. Sandra and Russell.  Heroes got their flag first, and Sandra was having a really hard time.  My brother will be thrilled to see Amanda mud wrestling.  Sandra is completely stuck.

Coach vs. Rupert next.  Coach got his flag seconds before Rupert, but Rupert made up a lot of time on the obstacles.  Coach managed to get it first.

Finally, it's Parvati and Courtney vs. JT and Colby.  Parvati and Courtney are slow slow slow.  JT and Colby win without any problem, and the Heroes win it.

And, Courtney, apt to break, hurt her ankle.

Danielle is gunning for Courtney.  Back at camp, they all clean up, and Coach said that the mud was like going to the spa.  He did some Dragonslayer Chi, and says everyone is down, but he's coming into his own.  He thinks that they are all going to vote for Courtney.  Russell wants to get rid of Coach, because of the seed that Sandra planted, but Danielle told him that they should get rid of Courtney, and Russell refuses to even listen to her. 

After thinking about it, he told Parvati that Danielle is right, and maybe they should get rid of Courtney... Parvati thinks it's stupid, and they should stick to the plan.  Who knows what's happening.

Tribal Council

Probst asked them if they regretted getting rid of Tyson and Rob before weakling Courtney, and then added "no disrespect, Courtney."  Bwah ha ha.

Coach says that he wants Courtney to stick up for herself and go for it, and he says that he is not the one who is demoralizing the tribe. 

Probst tells them that they are working under the assumption that there is going to be a merge.  Courtney says that she is the poster child for weak survivor, but she's a skinny little bitch who will fight.  Russell says that it's about keeping the tribe strong and keeping trust in place.

When Courtney voted for Coach, she called him a freaking lunatic.  Nice.  She hasn't had enough sound bites this season.

Votes go for Coach, Coach, Courtney, Courtney, Courtney, Coach, and the person voted out was Coach.  He's in the jury.  He looked shocked.  As much as I think that Coach is, in fact, a lunatic, Courtney should have left tonight.

Probst says the problem with trust is, you don't know that it's gone until it's too late.

In the preview for next week, JT was telling everyone that he might give the hidden idol to Russell.  I just cackled a little.  I'm sure Russell would be right there with me cackling like a mad man.