Let me begin by admitting that I blew it big time on my last blog. Asmuch as I enjoyed everything I wrote…and I did…I completelyoverlooked one of the greatest blindsides in the history of Survivor.
Tyson’s blindside was brilliant, and I can tell from the word on thestreet that you guys loved it! So I had to start tonight’s blog bygiving credit where due – that was a fantastic blindside and I thinkeven Tyson appreciated the execution of it, so to speak.
Okay, onto tonight’s episode – J.T. is a great player. The moment theygot back to camp, he immediately went to Coach and explained why hedidn’t tell him which way the vote was going. No matter what else Coachmay think, he will forever appreciate J.T.’s ”honesty” and if J.T. isin the final and Coach is not, J.T. probably gets Coach’s vote. That’show important the social politics are in this game. You have to manageevery single person every single moment of every single day.
Debbie, Debbie, Debbie… she is a sly one. I wonder if anybody is buying it? I wouldn’t let Debbie last much longer if I had my way because she is too likable, completely untrustworthy, and if she gets to the end she’d have a great shot at winning.
How in the heck did Timbira let themselves get into the situation you ask? It’s why this game is so damn good. No matter how strong your alliance is, there is ALWAYS somebody on the bottom of that alliance and that person is ALWAYS looking to move up.
Erinn knew she was low person on the Timbira totem pole. She was vulnerable. Jalapao sensed it and took advantage. It doesn’t matter if you watch every episode of every season and then get a chance to play Survivor yourself – you stand the same chance of making the same mistakes because this game is based on human nature.
Erinn didn’t betray anybody, Erinn is playing the game. She made the best move for herself in this game and it kept her alive. That’s why this game works season after season. There is no ”foolproof game plan” that will keep you safe. Hindsight is always 20-20 but in the moment it is a very difficult game.
INSIGHT: Last night’s reward challenge – where the tribe members try to guess who was voted ”biggest pain in the ass” and other things like that – has run its course. I think we need to avoid this challenge for a while because I think what happened this year is that the Survivors had already discussed amongst themselves whose name they were going to write down if this challenge came up. I can’t prove it, but that’s my guess. I don’t think we’ll be seeing this one again for a while.
INSIGHT: Erinn had a miserable night on Exile Island. Brutal. In 18 seasons of Survivor, I’d venture that was probably one of the worst nights that anybody has endured. It didn’t come across nearly as bad as it was. She definitely earned her Survivor stripes.
Okay, I’ll admit it. I had no idea Taj would be this well liked, even by me! When she picked up that little girl at the reward, it reminded me of how special moms are to us all. How important they are to the world and that I need to get on it and order some flowers for Mother’s Day!
Taj is also smarter than I realized. She has mastered the art of staying out of the way. The big risk Taj is flirting with is letting Stephen and J.T. get so tight that they’re inseparable. What she has going for her is that sooner or later one of those guys is gonna want to take the other out and that could put Taj in a great spot.
(Deep breathe.) Debbie and Coach were so annoying tonight. I am so done with them lecturing Sierra. I kind of expect it from Coach and almost laugh when he does it, but Debbie was irritating. Here’s my take: I imagine that Sierra was definitely a pain in the ass and annoyed people but damn, enough is enough. ”Can’t we all just get along?”
HYPOCRITE: Coach. Coach. Coach. Dragon Slayer, you know I love you, but dude, you are one major hypocrite. Coach: ”Sierra is gonna do whatever she must to get as far as she can without any honor.” Honor? Oh for crying out loud. It’s a game and YOU are playing it as much as anyone! You lie as much as anyone else, Coach. You do see that, right? Please tell me you are smiling as you read this because you know that I know that you know that we all know that you know! Ya know? Please.
And Debbie, don’t think I don’t see you hiding there in the brush. Debbie: ”I’m too old for this.” No, you’re not too old. You’re just frustrated that a 46-year-old woman got busted by an annoying 23-year-old. We all saw the episode. We all heard what we heard. You and Coach lied. Period. The funny part is all of you are nuts anyway because once again, it’s a game! You’re supposed to lie, that’s part of the fun! ”Who can I trust?” is the single great question of the game.
MINI ORGASM: More rain. Wasn’t very hard but it did make me a little moist. The rain. The rain made me moist. Relax everybody. Please don’t waste your time writing to tell me I’m a pervert. I just ignore those posts.
The Dragon Slayer won immunity. Oh man, he is so happy! I love it. Imagine how great a story this will become as it grows over the next 20 years.
Coach: ”And then, it was raining so hard that you literally could not see. Even Jeff said, ‘It’s raining so hard, I can’t see.’ But I dug deep and I used my ability to meditate while standing and that allowed me to see through the impenetrable rain. Something only Jedi masters can do.
”Then, I used my telepathic powers to guide the ball through a maze that was so difficult it had never been accomplished by anyone before. Even Jeff said so: ‘This challenge is so difficult, no human being has ever accomplished it before!’
”When I finally won, Jeff tried to put the immunity necklace around my neck but due to me bench pressing 350 lb tree trunks earlier in the day my neck was too big for the necklace. That was another first. Even Jeff said as much, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen a neck so big as a result of bench pressing 350 lb tree trunks that I can’t get the necklace around. That’s impressive.’ ”
I’m so happy that I’m gonna be part of a Coach tall tale!
Finally…I will miss Sierra. I’m sure she earned most of the grief people gave her, but I still found her to be a bit of an underdog. That’s just how I roll. She certainly made the show interesting. I’m not sure if she’s a hero or a villain but she was definitely memorable. Goodnight, Sierra-Moto.
That’s all I’m gonna say about this subject. Period. Paragraph. (Yes, that is a Coach-ism. I just couldn’t resist.)
Now check out our exclusive deleted scene below and then read Dalton’s ‘Survivor’ TV Watch.
Comments (1-30) of 417 Add your comment
I am first
In my mind, the better vote last night would have been Debbie, who is in need of some kind of chill pill. She was nasty, she lied, and she’s more dangerous than Sierra so should have been sent packing. Much as I hate it, Coach’ll be around a little longer, not because he’s good TV, but because he’s lousy at most challenges and he is easy to put a group together to get rid of him. And his ouster wouldn’t be a blind-side and we’re supposed to see lots of those. My guess is that in the near future, we’ll see either Stephen or JT get knocked out. Those two have got to realize that sooner or later, one has got to go….
Jefff….as much as I love this season, I am still incredibly bored b y it, frustrated by some of the stupid contestants, the lack of major strategic moves. I m waiting for this great season that was promised. Ven though I still love the season, I’m a bit disappointed by it. And the challenges have been really mediocre and boring. Bring in someee water challenges
other than that, your blog and you yourself are awesome though I am tired of the constant focus on coach. Also, what was with erinn’s vote for stephen? and will it get better in the weeks to come? Please god I hope it does!
Great post again Jeff, look forward to it every week. I really think this is one of the best seasons ever. Can’t wait for next week!
I have watched every single season and every single episode of Survivor and I do not think (okay, actually I know) I have not hated someone as much as I hate Ben (coach) – Dragon Slayer my a–. What a tool.
I look forward to that reward challenge every season. It’s a very revealing challenge. Just make the questions less predictable. Do not do away with it. From that challenge the viewers and the contestants learn where they really stand in the game as well as where everyone else stands.
I said at the last post that I did not like Debbie from way back when she was quite flirty with Tyson and she is suppose to be this high and might married woman, teacher. Don’t trust her and I laughed at her outburst last night because Sierra did call her out on it! Both Coach and Debbie lie as well but the fact that they say they don’t and preach it is worse than the person who does to play the game.
If Sierra is not well liked – why not try and keep her to the end because whoever is next to her would probably win? I was surprised they voted her off. Next to go – please PICK DEBBIE THAN COACH!
i agree Riz. I also agree with steve that its one of the better seasons but from all the hype I was really expecting another micronesia-ish season with tons of blindsides.
Oh Jeff, I love you. You should have your own regular column (that’s not just recapping what you thought of a Survivor ep) where you just spout stuff off on what you think about…stuff. I’d read it!
Jeff,
I LOVE that you’re a pervert! Never change.
*love the rain too!
Good episode last night, though I was hoping they’d take Debbie out. Sierra seems like a free ride vote…dump her when you don’t need her, or take her to the final because no one likes her.
Coach better keep winning immunity, because I could see him going next…it’s him or Debbie, I think. Coach may get a respect vote from Brenden, and Tyson for sure, so he’s already up 2-1 on the jury.
Interesting thing also: while we keep hearing folks talk about seeing if the immunity idol that Brenden had was re-hid, we haven’t heard much of the other idol. I’m not even sure who has physical possession of it right now between Taj or Stephen, or even JT!
Also, what’s with everyone putting the idol in their bag? Ever since they went through Yau-Man’s stuff, anyone who has an idol should have that sucker on them 24/7, because while it can’t be stolen, it can be discovered.
I can’t resist commenting on the gorgeous tourquoise parrots you’ve been filming in every episode. Is it the same 3 or is there a big flock.
They are beautiful.
One of favorite lines of the night by Coach at tribal council: “2 things I hold most precious are honesty, integrity and courage”
I could not believe JT and Stephen actually had to question whether Coach was being dishonest with them! Coach, a liar? Could it be possible? Did they not hear the Amazon story?!?
I was sorry to see Sierra go, but she did go out with a bang! I am hoping for Debbie and Coach to be next.
Jeff, Election Day took place during the Tocantins season. Did you tell the results to the survivors or did they have to wait until they were voted off/taping ended to find out?
Why did Erinn vote for Stephen? Are we going to see in the net episode that she blew their voting block against Debbie? (Has Erinn switched teams?)
Jeff, I have a question for you – why does everyone hate Sierra? Did I miss something or did the edit potray here differently than she really is? She certainly did not come across and the monster everyone made her out to be. I felt so sorry for her at the last night at the reward challenge.
Jeff – LOVED Coach’s “tall tale”!!! Really sad to see Sierra-Moto go.
Of course, if I would have to choose between love or money as my Survivor souvenir, I’d choose love. Money is easier to find. And what a love story! First, to be able to say you met the love of your life in Brazil, or China, or Africa, how cool is that? But you also get the bonus of of meeting while filming tv’s best reality show. Sierra also made it a lot further than anyone would have guessed from that first episode. Jury is really good. I look forward to her comments. Oh and Jeff, it’s raining at my place, will be all day. Just in case you want to stop by.
Jeff, you have now officially become the best part of my Survivior experience. Through the entire episode, I kepp saying, I cant wait to see what Jeff says about that tomorrow! Coach and Debbie make me sick. What is scary is that they seem to beleive their own lies. I know we did not see everything that made them hate Sierra so much, but I really think it was a bad move to not cut Debbie when they had the chance. I think JT and Steven have gotten too cocky, and that may bite them later. Pa Gal– i totally agree with you. and Sheryl–i cracked up when he Coach listed his 2 things.
what an idiot.
Ok…Debbie is too “old” for this…yet cried like a baby. Coach, need I say more? JT is likable..but on the other hand, very devious as the rest of them. You have to be in this game. I was hoping Debbie would go home. Taj is my fave so far. GO TAJ!!!
Coach may be good TV but he is a rotten human being. My abhorrence for him has exceeded my dislike of Johnny Fairplay and is approaching the level of Brian the puppy killer/wife beater. You have to lie and scheme…but to pretend you’re above it while you do it just makes me sick.
I forgot, can someone tell me what Erinn wrote at the on her vote for steven? I thought it said “never again” adn then something else, but I could not make it out.
Jeff, I don’t know HOW on earth you can stand there and not absolutely crack up everytime Coach opens his mouth and speaks! Talk about a legend in his own mind! HolyMoly! And he BELIEVES himself, that’s what’s so funny. Seriously Jeff, I would LOVE for you to just bust out laughing the next time the Dragon Slayer spouts off!
The Timbira members have shot themselves in the foot. Coach and Debbie are probably the next two to go and then Erinn will probably follow. I have to give credit where its due, I thought JT, Stephen, and Taj made a big mistake betraying Brendan but they managed to take the goodwill they got from that to put themselves in the dominant positition.
Jeff, two comments:
1. PLEASE keep the “biggest pain in the ass” challenge. It’s so entertaining. Just because there is consensus on answers doesn’t mean that contestants agreed on them before hand, it just means the answers were very obvious. Make the questions more interesting, like “Who is most full of themselves” or “Who thinks they are in control of the game but actually isn’t”?
2. I am SO DISAPPOINTED in Sierra’s lack of strategy. If I were her, instead of whining, I would have told Coach and Debbie, “Look, no one thinks I deserve to win so I would be the best person to take to the finals. You two can’t beat JT, Stephen or even Taj in a tribal council vote so you need to make sure you go up against me or Erinn. Let’s form an alliance and take out Jalapao. Keeping me is in your interest.” THAT’S why I hate Sierra.
3. Every season, there’s women who survive by being followers but never ultimately win. WHY?!! This strategy never works!
I sat here and laughed my arse off when Coach Blowhard gave that “verse” about Stephen being stoned in the temple and saying, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This guy is SERIOUSLY messed up. If you’re gonna quote scripture, at least get it right. Those were Jesus’ words. GAH!
Seems to me that Stephen wasn’t the only one “stoned.”
*rolls eyes*
I went back and watch an episode form a few weeks ago. The thing that blows my mind is that this entire Coach vs Sierra feud started because Sierra said he looked silly doing his meditation…which, in all fairness, he does. The lesson as always is never tell a narcissistic, delusional, sociopath that they look ridiculous.
Lol Jeff at Coach’s tale about his immunity win! Sounds about right for him. I was so mad he won, I was trying to will that ball to fall in a hole or something. I was disappointed that Sierra was voted out instead of Debbie. Debbie’s a bigger threat in challenges and at final tribal. My favorite scene was when Sierra told Debbie and Coach that they only had each other and Debbie flipped out. Also, glad you included that scene with Taj holding the little girl after she fell, that was very sweet. Great blog Jeff–thanks!
Jeff, thanks for calling out Coach and Debbie in your blog. Last night’s episode is the only time I can recall the ‘lying’ component of the game turning really ugly in my opinion. Some of the things said and done this season by several people about Sierra has been downright hateful and it’s really been pissing me off. She deserved better IMO.
Mike Matsumoto, that’s who.