I have to say, I really enjoyed tonight’s episode. It was very different from your typical Survivor episode and maybe that’s what I liked about it. I don’t always like an episode dominated by strategy talk but tonight was an exception. Tonight, I loved the dizzying amount of strategizing.
There are so many alliances going on that for the first time in 18 seasons I am delightfully confused. I can barely keep track of them all. It doesn’t take a very smart 5th grader to tell there are going to be a lot of blindsides coming up in the next few weeks. It’s almost guaranteed with this many alliances, not all of them can hold up. Betrayal is coming. To win this season of Survivor you are going to have to play a fantastic mental game from here on out.
If you let your guard down for one moment or trust that anybody is telling you the truth, your odds for being out skyrocket.
Which brings me to Coach. He is one of the most naïve dragon slayers I’ve ever met. He took JT’s handshake and promise of loyalty straight up without a chaser, no ice, just down the hatch. If he didn’t have all the tattoos I would seriously wonder if Coach was a real dragon slayer. All the dragon slayers I’ve met are notoriously lacking in the trust department. It is part of the dragon slayer training. Even Wikipedia has a pretty extensive manual on dragon slaying and the third rule is "trust no one, slay every one."
Speaking of Coach’s tattoos, they all look very new. The ink is very bright and colorful. I would think given all of his adventures and death defying escapades that the ink would be a bit faded if for no other reason than all of the wear and tear. QUESTION: Is it possible that he actually got most of the tats in anticipation of Survivor? I bet at least two of them are within the last six months. I’m giving 5-1 odds.
By the way – so many people got upset last week because I said Taj was ’second tier’ smart. It had nothing to do with her being a woman, it had to do with the way she is playing the game. I think she is playing a bit passive and that’s just my take. Remember, I’m just a reality show host,.. and yes, I get paid either way.
While I’m at it, let me share for those of you who don’t read the comments that people make in response to this blog that last weeks collection of responses was the most negative ever! Record setting in veracity and volume. I actually printed out all of the comments and posted them on my refrigerator… and my oven…and my kitchen table…and then I moved to the living room…and finally the downstairs bedroom. The rest of them I took to the local recycling plant, which refused them due to excess weight.
PERSONAL INSIGHT: I hated the stupid "flashes of lightning" we added to Coach’s meditative stretching at the top of the show. I don’t like any of those cheap effects but clearly I was outvoted this time.
Anybody else wonder how JT still has a belly? I think it’s getting bigger, too. Is that from the merge feast? That kid must have eaten a lot. It doesn’t take a huge imagination to imagine JT at about 65 years old. Same ole swagger, bit of a grin as he sips on his third beer. He could easily be a sheriff of a small town. Or that guy who everybody knows because he can fix anything. He’s the somewhat surly old man who doesn’t say much, mostly just nods, which makes him even more mysterious, but when he does talk, the townspeople, they listen.
It’s the same on Survivor. People seem to listen to JT. Dunno why exactly but he has an easy way about him and that charm is working very well. People who get other people to listen to them do very well in this game.
QUESTION: Why is everybody so turned off by Brendan? Are they jealous or just threatened? I like Brendan. I can see that he’s a threat but everybody seems to have a lot of animosity toward him. I really don’t get it.
Tyson is a blast to watch and I love his witty commentary… but Tyson hates everybody. I am so curious what is driving his hatred of Sierra. Doesn’t he know, Sierra could end up married to a Survivor producer and then if there’s another all-star season and Tyson is on it, he might have to deal with a producer who married Sierra and that could make him feel bad, requiring therapy and possibly acupuncture? Doesn’t he think about stuff like that? Who doesn’t think about stuff like that? It could happen.
I loved the immunity challenge. For my money, this is the perfect type of Survivor challenge. Very simple in concept but very difficult to execute. Hang on for as long as you can until you have to let go at which point prepare to lose most of your skin.
The best/worst moment of the night had to be Sierra sliding down the post. I still cringe thinking about how much skin scraped off as she caught every part of that pole on her way down. Sierra is a model and I’m guessing her day rate will be greatly diminished as a result of that challenge.
In case you are wondering, my reactions to those things are not fake, we don’t come back and shoot them later – I really do make that kind of ridiculous face when I see things like that happen. Biggest drag of the night – losing Joe to an injury. You could tell from his reaction that Joe was in some serious pain. I can tell you from his comments to me after the docs gave him the news that he did not want to leave. He was very disappointed.
INSIGHT: Our medical team checks on the Survivors throughout the course of the show so it was not unusual for them to take a look at Joe. The rules of Survivor are very clear regarding injuries. You can stay in the game as long as you like, unless our doctors decide that an injury is life threatening, at which point our doctors can pull you from the game whether you want to go or not. That is what happened to Joe. Joe did not want to leave, we did not want Joe to leave. The doctors insisted he leave. There was nothing we could do about it. Just like when they took out Penner and James in Fans Vs. Favorites. The doctors have a big voice on Survivor when it comes to the health of the contestants and for good reason. We are in the middle of nowhere and if someone gets in trouble it is not a quick trip around the block to the nearest hospital. In Tocantins, we were several hours by car and nearly two hours by helicopter from the nearest hospital. They looked at his leg and decided the infection was too risky. He was evacuated and taken to hospital and he is doing fine. We have an amazing medical team. They not only take care of the Survivors but also our crew of over 400.
Last word of the night goes to Serena who absolutely hates Stephen. She thinks he is a "three-faced, lying, manipulative, scheming, back-stabber, follower!" To further quote Serena, "He probably started liking the Lakers when Shaq and Kobe won their three rings together." Clearly Serena likes her hoops as well. This is an assessment I agree with completely (except for the follower part) and is further evidence of why I refer to him as a very smart player, definitely first tier.
Goodnight.
–Jeff Probst
Also, check out Dalton Ross’ TV Watch from last night’s episode as well as the Survivor deleted scene, embedded below.
Comments (1-30) of 350 Add your comment
I am not very patiently waiting for coach to get his phony ass voted out. That will be the highlight of my season this year regardless of any other surprises that may come.
Weak episode…At least give us loyal Survivor fans (who stuck with you guys during three weeks of NCAA coverage and non-Survivor eps) a tribal council…This season sucks Probst!…
Loved seeing you emerge at camp in the pouring rain, Probsie! Thought of your commment a few blogs back about what the rain does to you. Hot!
This was a thorough blog and I enjoy reading your comments. I thought it wwas one of the better episodes of the season as well. But let me just say for the record that I DO NOT want another AllStars! These people have had their chance and there are still so many people who want their own chance to play the game!!! We just had Micronesia which had previous players and I much prefer to see new people. Past players defeats the whole premise of Survivor which is a group of strangers trying to come together and build their own world.
Tyson and Coach seem to be getting a heck of a lot of screen time. Both going soon? I HOPE! Brendan had hardly any face time so I assume he’s safe for a while. HOPE SO. The bottome feeders are jealous of him – hope he makes the right alliance choices to avoid a blindside.
I love the new alliance which’ll form next week
some of my faves in that allaince
brendan, taj and JT
my only hope is that Erinn joins them somehow i love that girl seriously!
Have to say I really don’t like when there’s no Tribal Council at the end of an episode. With all the whirlwind strategizing, the anticipation for TC was huge. If a player has to be removed, I’d prefer you start the season a week later and ensure that every episode has a TC. Was dying to see what was going to happen last night and then…thud. Really kills the momentum.
The show got a little more interesting last night like it usually does after the merge. At first I was like “not enough Jeff in this show”, but then you came walking out of the jungle in the rain and all was ok, lol. As usual Tyson had the funniest line of the night in regard to Sierra “giving hope to stupid people around the world”. Sierra seems cool, but she’s not making much of an impact at all. Coach has just gone from laughable to sad. I figured those lightning strikes at the beginning of the show was you guys kind of mocking him, no? I wonder if he’s like this in real life. If he is people must think of him as a joke–I know I do. As always, thanks for the blog Jeff and have a great weekend. Do you celebrate Easter? If you do, have a good one!
I agree with you Jeff, I was truly confused with all the strategizing going on in last night’s show- first time in all the seasons I felt truly confused!!
3GreatThings: About this episode
1. Jeff’s Blog. I love it when Jeff responds to our comments. I wish Jeff would have done one more thing with our comments — ou them on castinig director Lynn Spillman’s and producer Mark Burnett’s refrigerator, oven and bathroom mirror.
2. Tyson. Just More Tyson. One can never be too rich or have too much Tysoon on one show. The Dude needs his own show. Even funnier than Dalton.
3. Best use of Survivor Chopper. Ah, the chopper, the glory and thrill of seeing the chopper do what the chopper does best — take the most boring-ever player out of the game. LOVED to see Joe go. The puss in his knee had more personality than he did.
Thanks for my $0.02 King Solomon
Hey, would love to hear from 3Awful, NorthofNYC, dr Zechariah and mmuray….
I would liketo reiterate my earlier prediction: Debbie to take it all — teh whole million. have you noticed no one has ever mentioned voting her out ? Her social game is perfect. She excels at challenges, works hard, and no one sees her as a threat. Debbie is the bonafide dragon slayer. Giving 3 to 1 odds.
Why can’t the Survivor doctors take care of a cut before it gets so infected that they have to take the player out of the game? I hate to see people go home over things like this over and over again.
I cannot say it enough….I LOVE Tyson!!!!!! And love laughing at Coach—notice AT not with. This season is so fun to watch….soooooo happy with the final 9. On the show or in your blog you didn’t mention Joe coming back as a juror so I guess it’s safe to say we’ll have a final 2 this season….my personal choice
A Coach, Tyson, JT, and Stephen final 4 would be a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!!!!
Thanks for blogging Jeff!!!!
You asked why everyone is turned off by Brendan. I assume you mean the other Survivor Timbira and Jalapao contestants. ENVY. Brendan is better looking and is a self-made millionaire. The guys envy him and wish they were him. Brendan hasn’t done a good enough job of bringing his enemies/competitors close to the fold. Competition is too important to him. He has a need to win. That will be his downfall — and JT’s too — their pride. Tyson is playing humble and “second fiddle” in Crotch’s orchestra. Brendan won’t allow himself to do that and neither with JT. King Solomon
I loved this episode! I’m glad there was no Tribal council, it made for a great build up next week. I also agree with Anne – truly confused for the first time about all the alliances. I love Tyson and I agree with Toronto Tom – HOT!
Jeff – Wow, what an episode! What a crazy mix of alliances! You’re right, dizzying. Gotta love a post-merge that leaves the game truly unpredictable. So, is Serena a Red Vines or Twizzlers kinda girl? Really glad to hear of your long hair preference, maybe that traveling companion gig isn’t such a long shot after all.
But was that blonde or brunette?
Good question. I hope Jeff answers it for you. A little disinfectant would prevent a life-threatening infection. But I suspect that’s just it. Burnett likes the drama of a life-threatening injury because he likes to make “great TV.” KS
I like that you like Errin. I like her too. She’s big enough to see Crotch for what he is and gutsy enough to say so. However, unless she gets caught up in an alliance by chance, I think she’ll be gone soon. She has no alliance beyond Brendan and he’s scheduled for the guillotine soon. Debbie for the win. KS
If you have a medical evac. why does that preclude a tribal council? I’d be pissed if I were Tyson because my hard fought immunity win is for naught. If Peyton Manning gets hurt they don’t just call the game and send everyone home. Injuries happen, keep playing!
easily the best episode in this season. lovee brendan. lovee tyson’s evil remarks. love coach’s retarded self.
Tyson is a damaged little boy who revels in insulting other people. ISSUES! Whenever they have a smug, over-confident player who runs off at the mouth about how great they are, you know they’re downfall is imminent. Same goes for Coach. Both are being set up for a fall. It can’t come soon enough!
Probst..so glad to hear you read the comments each week. I will try to be as positive as possible for you this week. Liked the episode, the constant strategy scramble, Tyson looking like a spider monkey on that pole (the reference to his face being his money-maker-lol),you making the trek in the rain to let them know Joe was out. All good. Not so good–no tribal!!! I can’t wait to see how all this plays out. I think JT is a man people listen to, however Stephen is the mastermind..playing to JT as the little nerd brother who knows nothin’ about the outdoors..classic brainiac moves. I think everyone better watch out for Stephen…he’s a manipulative genius!!
DEBBIE?!? NO, NO, NO. I hate when the fun, interesting players lose out to someone “under the radar”. UTR = boring, univolved, uninteresting, easily done without. Not worthy of winning especially if they let everyone else PLAY the game and then skate through on the “I didn’t lie or backstab so I deserve to win” nonsense. Not good TV. You know if Debbie goes up against Coach or Tyson or Taj, it’ll be all about how she deserves to win because she didn’t do anything. It’d be like giving the SuperBowl MVP to a player on the bench because at least he didn’t fumble or drop a pass. Crazy!
Hey, JP, Enough with the Sierra/Producer talk. It’s like baby talk. A little goes a long way. Spill it…give us the goods on Sierra and the mysterious producer or well, um, please be quiet. K?
Love your passion. I am on the other side of the fence about Debbie — I think she is the master of the social game. Tina Wesson like. It takes a lot of self-discipline not to scream at other players and play up and brag about oneself. She really wants the million. So does JT, but his ego is in the way. I think (respectfully) that you misjudge Tyson. I believe Tyson’s comments are so dry that his humor is missed. I believe he is mocking the dragon-slayer and other like-minded players. I also think he has a crush on Debbie. Thanks for commenting. lvoe to read your blogs, KS
Good blog as usual Jeff, still missing you on Musical Jeopardy.
I believe that Brendan’s problem is that he has spent too much time with the other tribe. Tyson quickly picked up on the fact that he has probably formed a relationship with Taj, and of course he’s right. Tyson’s not one of my favorites, but I do like how he’s playing the game.
Coach I go back and forth on. One day I like him, the next week I don’t like him. I guess it depends on who he is after. I loved it when he was irritated with whichever girl it was, but once he went after Brendan I no longer cared much for him.
TJ has been one of my favorites from the very beginning. I just like someone who comes across as honest and playing the least deceitful game they can. I don’t believe you can play the game 100% honestly and win. It’s just not possible.
Jeff, just wanted to say that all of the “harsh” comments last week were made out of love for the show. Tough love, but love nonetheless. I hope they did not offend and will be taken into consideration. You really do have a loyal audience here who love the show even if sometimes it seems otherwise.
You asked why Tyson does not like Sierra. The answer is simple to me. Sierra is not amused with Tyson’s antics. Every Timbira contestant seems to appreciate Tyson’s antics — except Sierra, and that pisses off Tyson. Tyson, I suspect, has been the funnyman all his life and expects people like Debbie to adore him. When Sierra doesn’t appreciate his nonsense, it pissed him off. He can’t control her and that’s why he hates her. Same with Crotch. He can’t control Sierra. That’s why he is so hard on her. …whaddya think, Dr. Zechariah the shrink? Am I right on? KS
Oh, Tyson is great. Usually I hate players like him, but he just cracks me up everytime he opens his mouth (especially that straight-faced “money maker” comment).
LOL…good post, Jeff! Amusing AND insightful. I don’t think you meant “veracity”, though, did you?