The Emmy-winning host of ‘Survivor’ has agreed to drop us a line every week with his take on the latest episode and the behind-the-scenes action in Gabon. It doesn’t get any better than this, folks. –PopWatch
So we let the Survivors pick their own tribes, which is always risky, and this episode only reinforces why it is probably not a great idea.
What were the people on the Fang tribe thinking? I am constantly amazed at the choices that get made on this show. Friday morning quarterbacking is easy to do on Survivor but some of the choices still make me scratch my head. It’s not the last time they’ll make questionable choices either.
I loved the opening-challenge dilemma of either selfishly racing to the top of the hill or selflessly staying behind to help your tribe. Actions speak louder than words. Marcus and G.C., good for you. Hope that first episode immunity really pays off for you ’cause it may cost you later.
Not sure what to make of Ace. I love him on the show. He’s gold. But I have the same question everybody else probably has…is the accent real? If not, how much effort does it take to keep it "on" all the time?
Did you see Crystal hoofing it up the side of that hill? Crystal is a former Olympic athlete. Wait, GOLD MEDALIST! I thought for sure she was pretending to be slow as a strategy, but she wasn’t. She said she was used to "lighter shoes." Fair enough. She was a track star not a rock climber.
Randy getting injured was a nice bonus for episode 1. Anytime there is an injury, along with blood or stitches, it’s usually good for the show. Randy is going to be a star if he can last long enough. Everything he says cracks me up. I also think most of it is heartfelt. He’s mean as an alley cat, and trust me they’re mean.
But nobody can touch Corinne on the Bitch meter. I only feel comfortable saying this because Corinne told it to mein person. She said it drives her nuts when somebody says she is"pleasant" or "nice," it’s insulting. She wears it like a badge ofhonor and I’ll be bringing it up for as long as she is around. In herfavor, Corinne plays the game hard, she knows how important alliancesare, and if she forms a good one she could be around for a while.
Question: Is Corinne more or less hot now that you know she’d burnyour house down if she got mad at you? Corinne, I hope you’re laughing.You know I’m joking. If not, I sure hope you don’t know where I live.
One of my favorite moments is the "termite love scene" between Kennyand Michelle. Makes me laugh and smile every time I see it. They wereboth so earnest and Michelle so cute when she ate the termite. I washoping something might develop there…
…but instead, Michelle disappeared.
Not sure what happened to Michelle’s attitude. I had her picked as afavorite in my preshow picks. Yes. A favorite. Something happened andher zeal disappeared. A major disappointment. I’m sure it was tough forher as well.
Episode 1 is over. Kota dominating. Fang in trouble.
Episode 2
The mismatched tribes continue to haunt Fang. I kept reminding them,"Quit complaining. You did it to yourselves." I like being a pain inthe ass. Sometimes, like today as I write this blog, that’s just thekind of mood I’m in.
The real truth is I would probably make equally foolish decisions ifI had to step up and actually play the game. Instead I get paid tocomment without ever having to put my money where my mouth is. Yes, I’maware.
At the first tribal council, G.C. reluctantly accepted theleadership position. The question is how long will he last and howeffective will he be? I would have never chosen him as my leader. Thisis the guy that raced ahead to get immunity for himself. It is a sign.Fang is in major trouble at this point. They’re all afraid to doanything and coming from a place of fear is never a good idea.
Over at Kota, Ace is cracking me up. I love him! Doing yoga in hisorange shorts with the accent and never ever breaking character. Majorkudos.
Sugar cries a lot. Just warning you. But I think you’re going to like her. Maybe even root for her.
Marcus is getting a lot of love from everybody. They love hisleadership, they love that he’s a doctor, and they love how calm he is.He drove us nuts as producers because he was telling everybody to actrationally! What?! What are you doing? Quit ruining Survivor,dude. Marcus is waaaay too good for this game. He could easily win.When we were out on location it seemed that every girl wanted him, evenhalf of our production crew. That’s just annoying.
Dan’s visit to Exile Island tells you everything you need to knowabout Dan. He’s lovable and extremely well-intentioned but heoverthinks everything. He’s Hamlet. Trust me when I tell you, findingthe idol is not that difficult, as you’ll see in upcoming episodes. Hejust plain overthought it. Too bad, the idol is a powerful weapon. Ilove that his tribe thinks that because he is overdoing it with hisadmission that he doesn’t have it, that he probably does have it! Ifthey only knew the truth, they’d hope for him to be sent to Exile everysingle time.
Another tribal council for Fang, and Gillian is gone. I have to saythe truth about Gillian. And Gillian, if you’re reading this, I saythis with love. Gillian is a very nice person and she absolutely meanswell. She was so excited to be on the show, she had applied everyseason! She is originally from South Africa, and when she found out wewere going back to her homeland, she was thrilled. I actually likedGillian quite a bit during casting. But once the show started,Gillian…you became a little annoying. You simply talked too muchwithout saying anything substantive. You were a cheerleader, and let’sface it, cheerleaders are…well, annoying. We hated to see you go, butif you hadn’t been voted out, we may have removed you ourselves.Gillian, you’re smiling, right? It’s a blog. I’m just having fun. Ifyou’re not smiling and you’re mad, please don’t tell Corinne where Ilive.
Episode 2 done. Fang down 2 members. Kota still going strong.
Next week on…Survivor: Fang needs a win. Sugar needs a Kleenex.
Okay, that’s it for this week. More next week. Reporting for Dalton Ross and Entertainment Weekly, I’m JPiddy.
Now check out our video tour of the tribal council and watch Jeff vote off our own Dalton Ross, then be sure to read Dalton’s first Survivor TV Watch of the fall season!
Comments (1-30) of 125 Add your comment
Ahhh Jeff, I love you .. you have such a great sense of humor. Congrats on winning the Emmy. I have watched every episode of every Survivor season and still find the game and the show as fun to watch as ever! I think this season is going to be great.
What is up with everyone in their underwear and suit and ties? You would think they would have seen what past seasons were like and wear something much more comfortable and versatile?
Jeff Probst blogging Survivor every week is going to be amesome. Congrats to Jeff on winning the Emmy, it’s nice to know Emmy voters still appreciate Survivor and his greatness after all these seasons.
I second what Colleen said. Congrats on winning the Emmy — you’re the best reality host on TV. Even crappy seasons are just a little better because you’re there.
Jeff, you are too funny. Love the blog
Oh My Goodness! That video was too funny. I laughed out loud at the office! I’m sure people think I’ve lost my mind! I’m so glad Survivor is back on! Go everyone!
I’m thrilled that Jeff is blogging, mostly because I’ve always wondered what he thinks about these people. I look forward to his weekly insights!
I love love love Jeff! Absolute best, Im 24, single, & hot Jeff, even though I think your taken, lol. I love that we’ll be privy to Jeffs opinions & some behind the scenes info, survivor is truly an awesome social experiment
Fabulous idea of having Jeff blog!! Looking forward to reading it each week!!
i love how jeff is so honest!! lol..and yes jeff,ur ass is awesome,,wooottttttttttt!!!!! is dalton ok?:P
oh ya,congrads jeff!!!! ur rock!! survivor is the best show ever!!!!!
JPiddy…. LOL. LOVE it! Probst deserved the emmy if only because he actually adds substance to his show. Seacrest can kill time with the best of them, but the analysis is usually, well, dull. Keep it coming, Jeff!
Jeff’s sense of humor does not come accross on the show like his blog and be sure to watch the Voting Dalton off video clip. Nearly put me into labor
Is it just me or did the new survivor show look like it was taped years ago? It did not look like any of the other survivor shows in the past. It just didn’t look like it was a new episode at all. It had that soap opera or documentary picture quality if ya know what I mean. I like the show but hate the new filming of it. I hope the next episode is like the others in the past. If not I will stop watching the show. Before the shows looked almost live, now they look like man vs wild or mythbusters. It looked like I was watching an episode on the internet. Watch an old episode and you’ll see what I mean.
Jeff, you are a riot, loved the video. I have been watching this show since the begining and I am still amazed at the complainng that goes on… Are they NEW? I’m not on the show because I know I couldnt last 39 days with out my ice water, tooth brush, shower and my blankie. Geeeee’s Do they think their at the Hilton?
Tammi Thompson of Tucson Arizona
Hey Jeff, Great blog. Marcus has my wife getting all hot and bothered. Whats up with the queer guy he is extreemly happy. I have to agree gillian was the worst player ever. Jeff give me a hand sign next show . Do the I rock or hang loose at the next trible council.
Congratulations on your Emmy, Jeff, you were absolutely the most deserving. First is best, but hey–best is also best, an you’ve always been the best, man.
Also: this show got me through finals last year. I pretty much owe it my life.
That is all.
Oh my gosh, the video between Dalton and Jeff – absolutely hysterical. Should win another Emmy for that. Both Dalton’s recap and Jeff’s blog were too funny. Love your senses of humor. Keep it going.
You DO realize these episodes are taped months in advance, right? And “queer”? Really?
Best thing about Survivor: Gabon? The Jeff Probst Blog. I’ve watched every season and this is an excellent idea, way overdue. Thanks Jeff!
Best idea ever! Having Jeff blog about Survivor gives a whole new perspective to what I see each week. I love knowing someone else agrees with me about how STUPID the Survivors can be.
SWOOOON! Cute photo of the BEST REALITY HOST! Congrats Jeff and thanks for this GREAT BLOG!
Love your dimple!
Thanks for blogging Jeff, I love getting an insider’s point of view, it really adds to my enjoyment of your show. Keep on rockin’!!
Try getting rid of those rabbit ears and switch it up to HD-TV. Also, turn your tuner to CBS. You were obviously stuck on Bravo.
Jeff, awesome job once again. Please keep the laughs coming and your questions at the tribal councils last night were probably some of your best. Loved the look when everyone started arguing after the first question.
Jeff Probst blog every week? Even more of a reason to watch this season…Jeff, I’ve been a fan of you and the show since the first season premiered the summer before I entered high school. Now I’m a college grad and still with the show largely because of Probst’s quick wit and relatability. Congrats on the Emmy – the fans have known you’re a big reason for the show’s success for years
Hey Jeff!
Loved the blog. Congrats on the Emmy! Sooooooo happy Survivor is on again. I think it’s the best show on television and I’ve been a fan since day one. Even my family knows they can’t call during Survivor…I won’t answer the phone. No homework help, do dinner cooking, it’s all about Survivor on Thursdays, 8:00 PM EST. Love YA!
Very funny blog. Congrats on the emmy! Also you were so cute running up the hill yourself. I think that’s the first time we’ve seen you running in a challenge.
Congrads on the Emmy. Great show, it’s it probably the only show that my husband I watch together. My only negative comment is, “What’s with all the COMMERICALS”. Timed them, 5 minutes, WOW.
Keep at it!!!1
That was fantastic. The Blog rocks! The show rocks! Jeff Rocks! And…. B*tch, put you on Big Brother……….. I cannot stop laughing. My favorite show for 17 seasons – THANK YOU JEFF & CBS! The Emmy could only have been yours. xo
great showw.. love the blog