BOSTON ROB ALMOST GOES HOME
Boston Rob is a stud. The dude can make fire without flint, he can single-handedly win a challenge for his tribe, he is always good for a memorable quip (“Again I’m on the buffoon tribe”) and… he married Amber. Not bad. But even Boston Rob cannot stomach the Samoa flu.
Turns out that’s all that was wrong with Rob, a bout of the local Samoan flu. But hear me when I say this was no ordinary flu. During the season it took out a lot of our crew members and a lot of the locals on the island. It hits the body very hard and according to our doctors, one of the worst parts was the accompanying headache which felt like a nail being repeatedly pounded into the back of your head.
INSIGHT: When the doctors and I first got to Rob at camp, he was flat out on his side. Flat out. He was shaking uncontrollably and he was slobbering from the mouth. I knew it was bad because Rob is not the kind of guy who ever complains about physical pain. He’ll complain about damn near everything else, but he’s pretty self-contained when it comes to pain. He was out of it. Before the docs diagnosed it as merely the flu, I thought he was going to have to be evacuated. I doubt Rob has any idea how bad it really was, I don’t think he remembers much of what happened.
After the doctors had run their tests and determined that he was okay to continue, he and I sat and talked for quite a while. He just needed time to get strong enough so that he could stand up and walk back over to the rest of the tribe. It was a pretty funny, and at times emotional, exchange. He kept repeating that he didn’t want to “let anybody down” because he loved the game so much. But as his mind cleared up a bit, those noble feelings were replaced by a more familiar Boston Rob refrain: “Screw it. I’m gonna win this damn game.”
I half expected him to stand up, staggering to maintain balance and yell to no one in particular: “Adrienne! Adrienne!
A DREAM ALLIANCE
Russell is obviously annoyed with Rob being the one in charge, but if Rob and Russell could get rid of their egos and team up they could run this game to the end. Russell offers Rob the energy to play a very aggressive game and Rob offers Russell the wisdom of when to simmer down. If it happens, watch out.
BETTER KEEP AN EYE ON CIRIE
Cirie is amazing. I am so impressed by how good a player she has become, so subtle with her maneuvering of people. Like her or not, I’d put Cirie in the top twenty players of all time. She will definitely have her hands full this season because she is playing against a lot of very good players but she is quite clever and if they let her last for long she will be in an alliance that will be too tight to break.
NOW TO THE BIG NEWS…
The heroes are clearly starting to fall apart. I still do not understand the rationale of players who come into this game, some of them for the third time, and continue to make selfish decisions, based solely on alliances, in only the SECOND WEEK OF THE GAME!
Voting out Stephenie? Really? Even on Ambien that makes no sense. The Sugar vote made sense. This vote… no sense. Obviously, I’m not out there playing, so it’s easy for me to sit back and judge. But Stephenie? This vote really surprised me and it was all based on alliances. Week-two alliances.
FUTURE PLAYERS, HEAR ME WHEN I SAY THIS: Voting out great players in the second week is idiotic. It almost always works against you. Look at the history of Survivor. When the game starts it is a “team” game. The more you win as a team the longer you are guaranteed to stay in the game. The more you lose, the more you go to tribal council and the more likely you are to be voted out.
This very simple strategic idea has been lost over the years. It used to be a no-brainer to keep your tribe strong, but the game has changed. It makes no difference to me how people play, but if the heroes continue to lose keep that idea in mind.
Maybe next year we’ll get a group of people who play a little more “old-school” Survivor and then we can see if my comments hold any water.
There are certainly many examples of winners who formed alliances on day two that took them to the end. Of course there are, because most everybody is forming those kinds of alliances so obviously it will work out for one player. But for everybody else, it will fail. It is not the smartest way to play this game. You need to be able to balance your alliance while keeping the tribe strong.
And while we’re on the topic, “strong” doesn’t just mean in challenges. Strong means work ethic, attitude, ability to provide food or build shelter, as well as leadership abilities and a whole host of other qualities.
WHICH LEADS ME TO…
I’m going to say something that will probably be very unpopular but if I were on the Heroes tribe I would have to seriously consider getting rid of James. I know he’s the strongest guy to ever play this game, but his attitude is just not there and that is more damaging long term than his biceps are helpful short term.
He ran around camp telling everybody that Stephenie was a loser and she should be voted out. He caused as much disharmony with his running around as Stephenie did by talking during the challenge. But it was his outburst at tribal council that was most unnerving.
But here’s the issue…
Players get so locked into their vote that they rarely change their mind at tribal council.
NOTE # 2 TO ALL FUTURE PLAYERS: If you are at tribal and something is going south – have the guts to change your mind and call an audible. Make a stand. To get a shot at the million dollars you have to make it to the end and to get to the end you have to avoid tribal council and to avoid tribal council you have to win.
STEPHENIE AND BEYOND
The hero tribe will need some time to recover from tonight’s vote and not simply because they lost a very strong player in Stephenie. The real damage came at the hands of James. His comments must have left a bad taste in the mouth of every other member on the Hero tribe.
The hero tribe now needs to heal and come back together as a tribe. It’s only day six. The problem is, healing takes time and Survivor waits for nothing and no one.
Some of the best one-liners of the season are in next week’s episode. Enjoy.
More Survivor:
Survivor: Heroes vs Villains recap: More like Heroes vs Heroes!
Glad to see Boston Rob made it out of his trance ok and rejoined the game! Of course, the scene still inspired another illustration…
chrisillustration.blogspot.com
Boston Rob and Russell combo is the deadliest alliance since the Joker and Lex Luthor made an alliance.
It is funny on the other side Tom and Colby are like a Superman/Batman alliance. Too bad Wonder Woman was voted off.
But seriously, this season is REALLY ENTERTAINING. Survivor is truly the Superbowl of Reality TV.
The fan and the drama all rolled into one. From Season 1 to Season 20, each one has their own merits to be viewed. Perhaps someday there will be a DVD edition and hoping it is uncensored.
Again Zech, no one cares. Do the neurons in your feeble little brain just start popping off at will and cause you to flood the board with this kind of incoherent drivel? It’s a disease, brother, less is more and the mere sight of your name makes me break out in hives.
@Zenith Thanks for the comments. I enjoyed your insight and I would take it as a compliment when the trolls come out to criticize.
Nihilistic,
Wow, good thing you have so much to add… Just an idiot who thinks his (her??) opinion is the only one that matters. FYI, nobody cares about YOUR comments, but thanks for playing along!
Ya’ll comments were funny nihillbilly-istic.
Not that it should matter, but I also vote for Dr. Zenith’s on-topic post (whether I agree or not) versus the troll stalking him writing nothing about Survivor.
It seems like alot of the Heroes are kinda annoying in this season – is it possible that it was the editing that made them look “good” in past seasons, that made them “heroes”. On the flip side, I really like the villians tribe, and at least according to the footage that CBS shows us, they arent doing too many evil things.
For example if I didnt have any prior history of Survivor, just by watching this season’s first 2 episodes I would have thought that:
James – is pissy, temperamental
Tom – ungracious, and kinda racist
Colby – annoyed at the world
Rubert – thinks too highly of himself
Stephanie – so bossy and opinionated
Cirie – crafty, untrustworthy
On the other hand just by watching THIS SEASON’s footage (and ignoring previous knowledge)
Rob – self-depreciating
Russell – funny in a “Pinky and the Brain” sort of way
Coach – thoughtful
Jerry – fun person
Courtney – lovable brat
Just my 2 cents
I Agree
Tom – ungracious and kind of racist?what? How is sticking up for his friend against a non-stop tirade from a bully ungracious? And racist? why because the bully (James) is black? Don’t know what show you were watching but there was nothing ungracious or racist about anything Tom’s done to this point. Maybe you’re the racist?
wizard62,
Look buddy, I am not the only person with that thought. You can find 5 or 6 similiar posts.
So please stop your melodramatic fakeness. I’m just giving my opinion. If you dont like it than go away.
I don’t get Rupert as a Hero either. Maybe in real life with his charity work, but on the show I always found him to be a bully. Remember him screaming at his tribe after TC because he got one vote? He thought he was untouchable. This season I think he is a little more realiztic about himself.
And I love Crie, but she is definitly crafty and manipulative, so I was surprised she was labeled a Hero. Good choice for the show though.
That is one of things that I didlike about All-Star seasons. People who I LOVED in the past come back and I hate them. Not sure if it is the edit from the first time (or this time) is different, but I think it is more likely that they have been bitten by the tv bug, and what people have said about them, and buying their own hype so they have egos or chips on their shoulders. I have found this in other seasons of survior when they bring people back, as with when they brought people back on Big Brother, etc
Sounds to me like your the punk. Why don’t you do us all a favor and go find yourself some friends. I can tell just by your post, no one likes you in the real world.
Kyle needs to take a chill pill. The guy was just expressing his own opinion. To call somebody names because you disagree with their opinion is childish.
James has been one of my favorite players in the past, but after his bullying tantrums in last night’s episode, I cannot stand him. I dislike him because he is a jerk, not because he is black. That does not make me a racist, and Tom’s standing up for Stephenie against James does not make him a racist either.
I don’t think that’s what Paul was referring to. I think Tom was saying alot of negative things about James needing to know his role and his place as a winner/loser, etc… I do get that uncomfortable feeling with Tom as well. He aint nearly as nice as he was last time around. But thats with alot of the characters!
Actually Tom didnt really stand up for Steph, it was actually Colby. So get your facts straight sister.
Paul, I was wondering the same thing as Wizard about your comments regarding Tom being kind of racist. Your response to his post was ridiculous and juvenile. Who cares how many people agree or have said the same thing? Why did you say it? I see no evidence after watching the show to support your allegation.
Racism? youre looking a little too hard for that. Actually he was standing up to a bully, just as I’m sure he would do in real life
To Jay,
Why did I say it? Cause thats how I felt, and I was stating that it wasnt just me feeling that way it several other people on here have stated the same.
Just because YOU and i’m guessing Daul didnt think there was any doesnt make it so.
Try telling that to Rosa Parks!
Douchebag.
James is the racist.
@Paul
You need to grow up and take a chill pill. You are not the only “douchebag” allowed to expressed their opinions at this board.
@John
Your a d*ck, its called free speech. If he thats how the guy feels, thats how the guy feels. What, we cant express our opinions?
Paul -”Why did I say it? Cause thats how I felt”
That is not a reason. If you’re going to accuse someone of being a racist at least come up with one instance of them acting in a racist manner. “That’s just how I feel” is not a good enough argument.
SHUT UP Paul-fool
you dont know anything about those people.
Tom racist? what a idiot…
I don’t understand why you are calling Tom a racist? Is Colby a racist?
Great observations, Paul. And James did say, before “Heroes vs. Villains” started, that he thought he was very favorably edited in previous editions.
“Russel-funny in a “Pinky and the Brain” sort of way” Can’t stop laughing!!!! So true!
The name says it all…just go away Paul you deranged little man
And Amanda is a stupid player, Candice nobody care about her, Sugar soooo anoying, Rupert, NO strategy!
Come on, you know Stephenie, Rob, Colby, Jerri, Russel and Tom are the legends of Survivor, the others are just a bunch of amators. BTW Parvati, have no game play except of Flirting with everybody!
Probst, having 3 people from Micronesia on one tribe = too strong of a pregame alliance. I understand the dilemma. James = no brainer to cast b/c he was 2x America’s favorite. And you were struggling to cast strong/interesting females, which Micronesia delivered on.
But after watching yesterday, I think I would have sacrificed a little personality for a game that was more balanced in terms of past seasons. You could see that alliance a mile away (+ Candice who had no other Cook ally here except Parvati). I think 3 seasons may be too much for these survivors, especially when you keep bringing the same chunk back to play together.
I couldn’t agree more. I am not a fan of all the pre-made alliances. It’s created this very strange scenario where strong, capable players are on the outs right from the start.
If people could see that alliance a mile away, the other 7 people on the team should’ve teamed up to eliminate them. It’s not the Micro alliance’s fault that the others are all stupid and aren’t doing anything.
Voting out great players in the second week is idiotic = Villain wins
No the tribe mix up will sort that out.
Im sorry Jeff but this is what you get when you put three micronesia ppl in one group. amanda n james are so dull anyway – why they invited a THIRD time arnd?????? seriously tina wesson wld have been a better female hero.
Cirie is so definitely with amanda and james and just playing dumb about it. so obvious.
Thank you Probst. I could just see you shaking your head tonight at the producers thinking: why did we cast James for a third time now? 2 episodes in and one of the most popular survivors of all time is eliminated. Makes no sense whatsoever. One thing is for sure: James will not be winning America’s Vote at the end of the this and he will NEVER be invited back again on the show.
Stephenie may be one of your favorites, but she was never one of mine. She always blamed someone else for the defeat, and never took a bit of the blame herself. James was right: she was the problem.
Aww, did some girl turn you down when you asked her to the prom? Grow up, “Big” Dave.
I say this. She was problem but only in one challenge.(Palau? we dont have to talk about that if you saw ) Is that good reason to voted her out? Of course yes if you want to keep losing.
Stephenie was great the first time around. The 2nd time, when she was forced down our throats? Not so much. That is the peril of these people appearing on more than one Survivor – those who may be seen as a hero one season, can just as soon be seen as a villian(James) or an entitled biatch (Steph) Glad she’s gone but wish James’ dignity didn’t have to go with her
Totally agree! Never enjoyed Steph. Would Tom and Colby stood up for someone that wasnt in their alliance? Dont think so! Enjoy the Villians so much more! Boston Rob IS the show.
I totally agree Big Dave. She was annoying.
Agree that Stephenie was always a bit overrated. Yes, she’s a strong girl has the work ethic blah blah but there was always something about her gameplay that caused her to fail. A whiff of arrogance together with extremely bad luck, which sometimes is caused by the choices you make. Won’t miss her but yeah, do agree that strong players shouldn’t be voted out so early.
Josh, ALOT of people didnt like Steph, me included. So dont patronize Big Dave, it is you my friend who looks like the fool
Well, I agree with Josh, and with Probst. James was a huge bully to Steph and Steph should not have gone home last night. But then again, neither should have Amanda. I was okay with what James said back at the camp after the challenge. But what he did at Tribal crossed a line IMO, and judging by the previews, it looks like it will continue.
Awww that’s cute, Josh has a crush on Steph. Sounds like the person who really had the girl problems in high school was you. Steph was the absolute worst and I’m glad she’s gone.
I agree. I never ever liked Steph. So happy to see her go!
I was appalled when she and Bobby Jon got a second chance in the season after their debacle. I, too, find her arrogant, with her “I threaten Rupert’s popularity” nonsense. Also, I think the reunion show should be a 2-hour episode so everyone will have a chance to air their many grievances!
spot on, stephenie did nothing and won nothing, James was extreme, but what is gonna wake these people up. Your losing, take your head out of the sand, they are playing individual before the merge.
When you as a competator have done all you can do to win for your team, Like Steph, how can you blame yourself? Big Mistake getting rid of her. For the first 6-7 weeks you keep the strongest member – no alliances, you dont worry about the merge, you worry who your going up against in the final 2 or 3. It Team streanght FIRST
Danger Dave…
Can we vote out posters on this comment page? If so then I vote for Big Dave. Or should I say Big D ouche!
um people, Steph is my cousin so stop hating! I am sad
You’re right – Stephenie never takes responsibility for what she does. I didn’t like her before and I don’t like her now. It’s good she’s gone. P.S. What’s with those eyebrows she has?? I can’t even look at her for long! They’re like the female version of “Uncle Leo’s angry eyebrows!” LOL
Hee! I thought James had been working on his social game!
Then again, he *did* get Steph voted off, and being a bit of a bully is viable strategy to get far in the game (see Russell).
James is a douchebag
Was a big fan of Steph and yes, James may have been a bit hard on her, but after thought – she does not accept responsibility when she’s wrong. I think had she of said, yes, I screwed up at the challenge and owned up, it may of helped her gain some forgiveness. She became too bossy and needed to go. Her having the last words at tribal only proved this all the more. She just couldn’t accept it. James – he was just fed up. Every week good players are going to get voted off this season. We need to get used to that.
James wasn’t the only one that felt
that Steph was talking too much and screwed up the challenge. All she had to do was own up to it, but
she didn’t. Tom was talking during the challenge too.
Tom is not nice this time and Colby picked a bad alliance, while Steph was bossy, and wouldn’t admit she was at fault.
I totally agree with you.
Ya just because your precious Stephanie got ripped by James doesn’t mean he’s any less popular…Sure James’ outburst probably didn’t help his game but at least he shows a desire to win…Stephanie is good at one thing losing challenges…she had to go
Steph’s good at losing tribe members too as James pointed out like a million times. Couldn’t care less to see her go as I want JT over Tom or Colby, but now with James off the chart and not anywhere near ready to “keep his mouth shut” who knows where JT turns next? Rupert’s gotta be loving this!!!
He’s less popular to me. Granted, I never really liked him to begin with…but I actively detest him now. Not because I’m particularly a big fan of Stephenie…just because he’s an a*s.
I don’t believe James would have ever told one of the guys to “keep (their) mouth shut.” I think his bullying will be the end of him in the game.
Talk about losing – James goes down as one of the dumpest loser in Survivor history. Tow idols!
For Steph being such a loser, she sure did a great job losing all the way to the final 2 in Guatemala.
I don’t like Stephanie, never did; I liked James but felt he was overrated, but he seemed like a good guy…so his attitude did change my opinion. I was wanting Steph gone until James went off the deep end. Yes Steph had a bad first run with her team loosing, but didn’t James make one of the worst moves in survivor history by not using his idol.
Stop talking about Steph or any others player, when you’ll be on that island, with nothing to eat then THAT time, you’ll be allowed to say if Steph is nice or not. The fact is that the bunch of amators players like Amanda, James and Parvati are NOTHING beside Steph, Rob, Colby, Tom, Jerri and Russel. Look at Amanda past season, she slept with Ozzy! Just because Stephenie was there to play the game doesn’t make her a bad player, she’s a great player and she know HOW to play, James has been evicted two times, in China he loose with TWO idols in his possession, so in my opinion HE’S the bad player, and the one who should be hate. Steph, Rob, Colby, Jerry, Tom and Russel are legend and whatever you could say doesn’T going to change that. Parvati, Amanda, Candice, Courtney, JT, Sugar and the others are just a stupid bunch of kids who don’t really know how this game should be play! And whoever love Parvati should remember how stupid she was in her first season: FLIRTING WITH ADAM when he was the minority… Not so intelligent! Amanda, taking Brad and Parvati over Denise and Cirie… VERY intelligent. James… Two idols, voted out, good! Courtney, lmao, look at how she was doing in the challenges in China. Candice, same things than Parvati, flirting with Adam, intelligent! Danielle, taking Aras with her in final was a dumb move. So, i respect the way you think and i agree with some of your points, but the fact is that Stephenie is a legend and one of the best player ever!
Cire and Sandra are great, but they have a lot to learn tough.
Yeah I think the people who were with James this week aren’t going to be with him next. Are they really going to go through with their alliance and continue to vote off Tom and Colby that will just make their tribe even weaker and the Villian’s will roll them over.
I agree. Voting Tom or Colby off next week would make them weaker.
I like Steph’s toughness, and she plays a smart game. But I have a feeling that Survivors get somewhat supersticious (sp) and Steph is kinda a bad luck charm. If I was watching the immunity challenge correctly JT had a block in the right place and Steph called for it to be moved. Yes, James is a hot-head who said things that should not have been said. I would have voted out Cirie.
You absolutely can’t trust what you’re seeing in the challenge. I’m not saying the producers cheat or intentionally mislead or anything, but those things are edited to hell and back to create a simple, exciting narrative. JT’s never particularly struck me as a puzzle guy anyway. Although for that matter neither has Stephanie.
I don’t blame James for being frustrated, no one was working together on the puzzle and no one was listening to JT. Could he have maybe toned down his outburst a bit, sure, but I still like him
Steph did also yell for a block to be moved that JT had in the correct place. I like both James and Steph but must admit I am a bigger fan of James. I would have been gunning for Cirie though had it been me out there, and I would have been thinking of getting rid of Steph for other reasons such as her alliance with Tom & Colby, I would have wanted to break that up early in the game.
My favorite part about James was his rationale against Steph – it was basically like she was just bad luck. ‘Krytonite’ he called her. Nevermind her challenge skills. She’s just bad voodoo.
You’re somewhat right. Yes, Steph kinda lost it for them but there was no reason to go on and on about losing the challenge and pointing fingers. There was way to go about it by blindsiding her but James took it too far by going after for her on her past seasons. His first season was way worst because he didn’t use the two idols he had and got voted out.
Regarding the challenge, as I said on the other recap, JT did not know what he was doing! They would’ve lost even if Steph had kept quiet. James was acting so immature and irrational. seriously…
I gotta say, there are alot of ladies in my office that have very quickly become James haters, in spite of his hunkiness.
that’s because most women don’t like to see a big guy bullying and disrespecting a woman. he acted like a d**k and tom and colby’s defense showed how a real man should act.
Tom and Colby were defending their alliance, make no mistake. It wasn’t nobility which governed their behavior. Tom is a baby boomer, 1950′s bred which is some indication of how he feels about James (Remember how he wanted to tell James where he fit in on the winner/loser scale, on what grounds was James a loser for being frustrated? The whole team was flustered, not just him). And Colby cold-shouldered Sugar from day one. Neither one of them are anywhere near the ideal in my perspective of a moral compass. James made the very human flaw of taking the annoyance, the group’s sentiment about the loss, and assuming it as his own, making it an opportunity to sulk. There was chauvinistic undertones to his wanting to silence ‘Stephenie’ (evidently how her name is spelled, I hope she gave her parents hell for that one) and to get her to listen to the men of the group. To me they’re all marginally out of line, just a group of sulking team members taking out their frustrations on one another. Better to instead refocus the energy into a plan, a strategy to begin winning challenges. By deciding after hearing the rules of the challenge who will lead via their confidence of understanding and belief in their ability to succeed in the challenge and then having everyone else take their direction.
Are you insinuating that because Tom was a baby boomer born in the 50′s, that makes him a racist against James? Does that mean all baby boomers are racist? What a ridiculous thing to say. Maybe Tom just thinks James is a jerk and isn’t going to put up with his idiotic comments. And Colby a male chauvinist because he doesn’t want Sugar rubbing up against him? I think you need to examine your own moral compass.
I read your first sentence and could tell I was dealing with someone with a low IQ. It you almost a book length to state the crap you said? I feel sorry for whoever has to deal with you on a regular basis.
Steph was not one of the most favorite. Her second season, in fact, I’d say she was very disliked. She lost the million bc of her personality.
You are so right, Mary.
In Stephenie’s first season, I loved her. By the end of her second season, I disliked her instensely. Now, I can’t stand her.
She is arrogant. Her last act was to show she had the last word and insult James. She belongs on that Jersey Shore reality trashy show, not Survivor. JT is set to win it all. He had to make a move, away from Colby and Tom, and discreetly sat back and let others fight it out. HE IS SO SMART.
JT is WISE beyond Baby Boomer years. I love JT I love Boston ROb. I love Cirie
I love James, but when Steph made her last comment, he should have kept his mouth shut. She was on her way out, she meant no harm. Vote out Cirie, she smart and bad at challenges, come on!
Oh she meant harm, i.e., getting her last dig in. His retort was that of a stupid schoolyard boy who doesn’t know what to say back. James, I like ya but you should have zipped it after calling her out ONCE.
There are lots of things, many obviously so, that players should have done over the seasons, but haven’t. That’s part of the entertainment value.
she was goading him, she could have just walked out, it showed her pettiness, I would have told her more than James did.
Agreed. She useless
Steph is a lot of things, but she’s not stupid. She made that final “zing” comment at James after the vote because she knew he’d flip out and say something back. She’s making him look like even a bigger a**. Even if you disagree with how Steph acted at the challenge or her lack of accepting responsibility for her actions, neither of those things negates the fact that James took his criticism wwaaaay over the top. The guy is toxic to his team. If they keep him around, they’ll keep losing.
Love Steph, she plays with heart! I hate when they vote the strongest out first. Look out Colby and Tom, they’ll be gunning for you next!
I never really thought James was much of a true player. Yes, I admired his work ethic and strength, but he never seemed to get the point of how hard it is to make it to the end. He acted like a total jerk last night!
Big Dave is gay Josh, and yes Big Dave I agree with you, not liking the heros…although I do like JT
You realize that the people aren’t voting based on who the viewers like, right?
If James gets a FOURTH chance at Survivor I may have to stop watching.
You mention “even on Ambien”. Does that mean you are taking that as you wrote your blog? And that it’s such a casual drug that everybody knows how it is to take it? Because not everybody takes everything that some people do.
And no, it’s not a complaint, just a question…
Yeah, I had no idea what he was talking about there. I guess he should have said ‘even on sleep medication, that makes no sense’.
Uhh, Ambien is a prescription sleep aid that is non-habit forming and often prescribed and moreover, has a huge marketing budget so most people in the developed world are familiar with what its for. It’s not like Probst said, “…even on heroin,” so one can assume that most slightly non-ignorant people would realize he means “even in your sleep” or some equivalent.
I would say that I am “slightly non-ignorant” but I didn’t know what that meant. I am Australian though.
What the hell are you talking about? Are you one of those anti-medication Scientologists or something? We’re not talking morphine here.
Ambien has been joked about for enough years now on various TV shows/media outlets so that writers, especially writers on pop/cultural topics like “Survivor” should be able reference it today and not have to explain to everyone what it is.
Pre-game alliances are the main reason I don’t like all-star seasons. I like to see the entire game unfold in front of the cameras.
I agree. I think having a cast of people who’ve all played before (some even 2 times before) takes something away from show. I think why Micronesia worked so well was because it was a mix of people who played before and people who hadn’t. And there also weren’t a lot of people who previously played the game together.
I hated Micronesia for that very reason. I think whenever one tribe has a distinct advantage over another it kind of ruins the dynamic, and having played the game before is definitely an advantage. It’s the same reason I didn’t like Fiji when they did the “haves” and “have-nots”. Obviously no two tribes are ever going to be entirely equitable, but having such glaring disparities like in Micronesia and Fiji I think takes away from the competitive spirit of the game. If a tribe happens to just suck for whatever reason like in Palau then so be it, but people should at least get a fair shake at it from the get go. So I much prefer an all-star type season to a mixed fan vs favorites type season, but if they did do fans vs favorites again they should mix it up by putting an equal amount of favorites on either tribe from the get go, sort of in the same vein of what they did with Steph and Bobby John in Guatemala.
Speaking of pre-game alliances, did anyone else find it hypocritical that Stephanie (who was, in some way, targeted for a perceived pre-game alliance with Tom) wanted to vote out Amanda (for a perceived pre-game alliance with James and Cirie)? Sure, Steph said she considered Amanda to be the “weakest link” but Amanda won several individual immunities and has shown strong physical competitiveness in the past, so I don’t buy the weak player angle. So if Steph was willing to vote out Amanda based on perceived alliances, she should be willing to fall to that same axe.
Almost as hypocritical as Tom accusing someone of Bullying.
Amen!
Nailed it.
There is a slight difference between having been on the same season as someone and having been on the same tribe as someone on the same season. Now Stephanie and Tom may have formed some bonds after the season was over, but they didn’t play on the same tribe for as long as the other three.
JT is not very smart. He should have stuck it out with Colby, Steph, and Tom. Tom and Stephenie are a two person alliance but Amanda, James, and Parvati are a strong 3 voting block! Some people just don’t know their math.
“Ammmm-buh!!! It’s Ovuh!” So BR was really sick, was half-convinced that he was faking for sympathy and all the more subsequent power to manipulate, still I think he played it to his advantage when he started to come around. “Crybabyitis” LOL!
Gosh are all the ones saying that everybody who they don’t want to win are stupid are stupid and need to “keep their mouth shut.” I mean really! And Jeff, you of all people, trying to judge THIS Suvivor alongside all the others! WTF? All the histories and past alliances have got to figure in to this, and it is practically every man and woman for himself or herself every step of the way with tribe strength a secondary concern especially when tribal council is looming. So James went way overboard, so what? Cry me a naïve river! Now Tom and Colby are at a disadvantage as long as everybody can put up with James. Rupert’s gotta be loving all of this in any event. And suddenly JT has become a swing vote of sorts that nobody can afford to lose, where is he stupid? And Cyrie? Oooo! Are they dumb to keep her in. Just last week Tom was gunning for her and now what look what happens… I don’t want any of them to win anyways! I am for the other chicken killer Russell the Robbed! Gwahahaha!!!!
For god’s sake, take a Xanax. You’re ridiculous, incomprehensible rant is making my head spin! “Cry me a naive river”? Is English your second language?
No kidding, this rant is ridiculous! Get a grip.
what?!?
Shut up and learn how to read! Something you’re too stupid to comprehend doesn’t necessarily equal incomprehensible. The “rant” as labelled was addressed to Probst and no one else, so get a life losers!!!!
I agree. Tom was right when he said they should stick together. He and JT are both huge targets, and divided they’ll be easier to pick off.
Um. Pavarti is not on the heroes tribe with James and Amanda.
Not now. But if all 3 make it to the merge…
I think Rupert changed his mind. At least that’s how I saw it.
I was thinking about the exact same thing regarding R & R because they would be unstoppable. Can’t say enough good things about Boston Rob and bad things about his lazy tribe. Stephenie had no chance on her tribe because all of them-although I am mostly talking about you James-were threatened by her. Yes she started talking during the challenge but he took it to another level. The so-called heroes completely fell apart and took James berating them and bullying Stephenie. I cheered when Colby and Tom jumped to her defense, because James got really ugly. He is toxic and definitely needs to go next. I think his fame from Survivor went to his head.
You do realize that making the Villains look useless was all editting to make us fall for Rob, right?
I don’t know, that “shelter” they built didn’t need any editing to look bad.
You know, I really didn’t like this episode. I loved the premiere, but the ugliness of the Tribal Council really put me off. I love James, but his outburst was really uncomfortable, and Stephanie sure didn’t help matters. James just seems really bitter this time around. Nothing like the happy, docile guy he was the first two times.
Rupert also seems like a shell of his former self. His enthusiasm all seems forced and fake, when he can even muster the will to be enthused at all.
Love that Russell caught a chicken. Very impressive. Now when is he going to catch a hidden immunity idol without clues? He’s got to start hunting, right?
Russell finding every one of those idols last season rocked! l can’t wait for him to continue that trend while the rest just wait for their clues as per their ‘usual’ game strategy…
l, too, am a James fan, but dayamn’, y’all! Maybe he DOES need to go this time ’round…
There’s no idols this season.
Oh, yes, there are.
I think Rupert’s toe pain is taking its toll on him and he’s trying his best not to say much about it as to do so would not bode well for him.
Yep.
Yup. I know. I am a little surprised that no one has thought of voting Rupert out.
I doubt they’ll show him hunting for it unless he actually finds it – I mean, what would be the point when you only have 44 minutes to fill? Also, I think after last season, the idol’s will be much harder to find since they know who/what they’re working with.
I agree, the heroes tribe is a real let down. Rupert where are you? Where is that laugh that is contagious?
The villains tribe on the other hand rocks. Making fire with no flint, one person single-handed killing a chicken, love story between jerry and coach. They are having a good time on their side.
I am routing for Russell once again. He’s hilarious.
Or Cirie. She is pretty awesome too. I like how she just sits back and only talks when necessary.
I can tell that Rupert’s heart is not in it this time.
Jeff, I know you had to get out to Rob and on first sight think “oh hell, we just had Russell nearly die on us a month ago, please not another one, especially this guy…” But I was glad he was alright. Really, I think it was a metamorphosis…Rob Mariano the husband and father came to Samoa to play, preaching patience, and that helped with the fire. But Boston Rob is the one who came out of that episode. You said it quite well: Mariano’s back. (And I imagine he’d be shouting “Ambuh!” and not “Adrian!”)
I’m surprised James survived that vote as well. Even before tribal he was so vindictive that I’m shocked no one said “he’s strong, but he’s not helping us win either.” I still don’t get where Amanda is the weak link either…take her to the end, she can’t put a jury speech together!
Looking at next week, if the Heroes lose immunity, it might not save him. As it was, James was right in a way…before the challenge they all agreed to listen to JT and then panicked when the Villains started getting it together. Imagine how much more the Heroes would panic if they knew a) the Villains started fire with no flint, which I don’t think they were told, and b) Rob had come close to medical evacuation and came back, especially given his performance. Again, no sense they knew what had happened.
Interesting to note, we haven’t seen a hint of an exile island or an immunity idol. Are those still to come when reward and immunity are separated, or did you guys get tired of Russell finding the idols? (Or did he find too many and used up your supply for HvV!)
I’m guessing this season is about getting back to basics. No Exile Island or hidden immunity idols. I would also venture to guess that there will be no mix up of tribes before the merge. Glad to see Steph go, but James the Roid-Rager was way out of line. Go Boston Rob!
There is def no swap because the tribes are called “Heroes” and “Villains”
But I would be shocked if they didn’t include the HII.
It wasn’t just James. Rupert wanted her gone, too and believe or not, James was right, he just went at it the wrong way.
And her closing comment was stupid. Just leave quietly or you deserve what you get.
I know Rupert isn’t known for his stragical prowess, but why oh why the random hatred of Stephenie? Why would he choose to be a low man on the Micronesia totem pole instead of a member of a more power balanced alliance of Tom/Colby/Steph? Same goes for JT. Obviously the Micronesia 3 + Candice (Parvati’s cook islands ally) are together, why not fight them instead of join them? Stupid moves that show Micronesia deserves to make it to the merge and the other heroes deserve to be picked off.
The only problem I had with Steph going home was that dumb oaf Rupert got his way and he didn’t deserve to. His reasons for wanting her gone were absolutely ludicrous and he did nothing to effect her ousting, it was all James and yet Rupert is prospering from it now.
It’s strange how easy it is for some to confuse virtue with beauty.
exactly, what happened to..the tribe has spoken leave the area immediately. Steph got what she deserved. Adios
I think what we’re beginning to see is that there really are no Heroes or Villains. With the exception of a few players, most people play the game the same way, which is doing what is in their own self-interest and gives them the best chance to remain in the game the longest. The main difference is circumstance… most of the heroes were in circumstances in prior seasons where doing the “right” thing happen to coincide with the right strategic move, and most the villains were in circumstances where doing the “wrong” thing was their best or only strategic move. Also, the villains generally tend to be more disparaging (and IMHO funnier) in their solo interviews and/or in the game itself (e.g. Randy, Jerri). The main players that stick out to me as not fitting these molds are… Colby – he will do the right thing even if it’s bad strategically (e.g. Tina over Keith). Coach – right or wrong thing, whichever option involves slaying the most dragons is where he’s at.
I like your insight.
You are absolutely right. Also, I have recently watched the exile island season and why Danielle is on the villians tribe is beyond me.
I’ve never liked Stephenie; I’ve always thought she was overrated. I don’t see how she was such a great player or a hero for that matter. Not only was she the only one left in her tribe in Palau, but her whole tribe in Guatemala hated her. She got one vote in the finale from Rafe who was bitter that Danni didn’t take him to the end. I’m glad she’s gone.
Totally agree with you. She’s the most overrated player in Survivor history.
I agree as well, Stephanie is totally over rated and I am happy to see her gone. She talks the talk, but the reality is she is a Loser. Glad she didn’t stay long enough for all the complaining about the lack of food to start. Never liked her from the first time round.
I think James is trying a different tactic to the quiet nice guy from the past 2 times – but this is not working for him either.
I haven’t been a fan of the Robfather either – but I was glad to see he he has matured and I actually think I might be able to respect his game this time around. Last two times he was cocky and lazy, good to see some work ethic in him and some self awareness.
100 % agree!! I don’t see why people are forgetting Guatemala. She was a real biatich!
So glad Stephanie is gone. She is completely overrated. She looks strong but she’s never really done anything as far as helping her tribe win. James was right, but jeezs that guys bitter. Love him but he’s next I think
I am not sorry to see Stephenie go. Firstly, she is a total ego maniac-sure she is strong, but she will never let your forget just how strong. Those eyebrows are awful (they are total meth brows) and she spells her name stupid.
James was totally right in what he was saying, but he is just so angry. I LOVE him but his totally flying off the handle almost reminded me of ‘roid rage.
It’s the eyebrows. The eyebrows won her the hearts and minds of America.
Yes! Glad to know someone else noticed those arched brows…I always said she has the best looking eyebrows next to Catherine Zeta-Jones….
I love that Stephenie looked at a beauty book dated 1973, found an inspiration for her eyebrows, and hasn’t changed them since.
Actually, I believe, Rafe voted for Steph in Guatemela because he wanted her to win. I even think Rafe persuaded Danni to take Steph to the final two. I could be wrong but I remember Steph breaking down after she lost the final immunity and Rafe feeling sorry for her.
With all due respect, Jeff, Stephenie has proven herself as disruptive and self-involved as James is within her tribe.
And the irony of Colby shutting down James for berating her when he all but did the same thing to Jerri…please. These “heroes” are proving the exact point Boston Rob made about egos getting in the way.
Its amazing that the Heroes keep losing with their massive egos despite the fact everything else is going for them. The Heroes have a physical advantage but keep losing on the mental end of the spectrum. While the villains suck at camp but kick butt at the challenges. Anyway take Amanda any day over Steph because one sucks at speeches. James needs to take a chill pill but he has been right when he talks, however, he just doesn’t day things correctly.
In terms of the villains ‘kicking butt’ at the challenge, let’s not forget that it was basically Boston Rob making up for the whole useless team in winning both challenges. If the heroes had listened to JT the way the villains bilndly fulfilled Rob’s orders then they could have won. Stephenie pissed me off too, so glad to see her gone.
Rob is a leader, and they know enough to follow his lead. That makes them a better team overall. The heroes need to get over themselves or they are going to keep on losing. Go Villains!
Too many “A” type personalities on the heroes. They all want to be in charge.
The Heroes are mostly people who played well because of their physical strength in challenges. Tom would be a good example. He kept winning individual immunity based on his athleticism. The Villains, on the other hand, are all people who got far with their cleverness. The girls were complaining all of the hunks were on Heroes, because the Villains are strategists, not athletes. When a purely physical challenge comes, the tide will turn.
Not ALL villains are clever. Look at Courtney and Randy.
and Coach
Where would Survivor, heck, the whole reality TV industry be without massive egos? Would we watch a bunch of selfless, humble people make consistently logical decisions?
I was just waiting for someone to stand up and say that no one is worth undermining the tribe and challenging the tribe to vote off James. Instead, they only went part way and outed the strength of their alliance.
Who’s alliance and besides in challenges James is dominating the physical aspect while Steph was just as corrosive in the actual puzzle challenge.
The strength of the Steph, Colby, Tom alliance.
The bottom line is that James is undermining the tribe. I know that we only see a fraction of the tribal counsel. I’m sure there was much more that went down at tribal than we were privy to and what we saw would have made me want to get rid of the cancer…which appears to be James as the promos appears to show the tribe still in turmoil.
I have to agree with you Lynn. This whole episode left a bad taste in my mouth. And honestly, I can’t believe how many people on this board are siding with James on this one. He was such a massive, douche-y bully. And he’s afraid that Stephanie’s a bad luck charm? Really?!? I haven’t seen James in any of his other seasons, but he must have been charismatic as hell for everyone to give him a pass here. I’m not saying that Stephanie was great in this challenge or anything, but the vitriol he laid on her was ridiculously uncalled for. I’m really proud of Tom and Colby for coming to her defense even when they knew she was going home. I think they would have done the same even had she not been in their alliance. Conversely, I was disappointed in JT for just siting there with his head down even though this whole scene must have been very uncomfortable. Sack up, dude.
I couldn’t agree more, Frank. I for one loved them both coming into this season. Maybe James was technically correct about Steph and the challenge. But why continue to berate her? And throwing in the last word AFTER she was voted out? What a cruel move. This is not the James I loved, and he doesn’t get a pass from me. I hope to see a turnaround.
As for everyone here attacking Steph, she is among (or tops) the elite females in terms of athleticism and heart. Two qualities shared by James. How many of you actually watched both her seasons? Last night, they were both flawed. But only James kicked a puppy after it was already down.
What James doesn’t seem to realize ize is that how you treat other people sometimes plays heavily into what happens at the end of the game. If he made it that far and some of his current teammates were on the jury, his actions are going to hurt him. I can’t see Tom or Colby voting for him under any circumstances (and I would think that JT and Rupert would probably think about it seriously too.)
this episode showed a lot about the Heroes and the character of the tribe. it revealed a lot about almost everyone on that tribe.
JT is a coward, a snake and a failed leader
CIRIE’s a backstabber for hire. a free agent assassin who will say anything to anyone to get what she wants. its day 6 and shes already playing an individual game. shes a detremind to the tribe because theres only selfish loyalty.
AMANDA is weak, and only gets by on looks and coat tails of better players thinking for her.
RUPERT is so self concscious and insecure its almost painful to watch. it just looks like hes grasping a straws when he tries to put in his input and advice.
JAMES had it right in his original outburst…they need to come together. they need leadership and he let them have. HOWEVER.. he was wrong to selfishly go after and further berate Stephanie. steph may have lost the challenge, but the dude lost his mind.
TOM seems to have brought with him a bit of ego and entitlement this season. a lot of people are pulling the racist card on him, i believe his ego was just bruised by james comments…
CANDICE is desperate, lonley… and the perfect useful idiot to bring along in an alliance… make no mistake about her alliance with Cirie… Cirie is simply using preying on the weak.
COLBY like someone else pointed out seems to be annoyed at the world. and why is it when hot girls throw themselves at him in the game… he gets annoyed? your really gonna kick surgar outta bed?? seriously? he seems to be the one person on this tribe who is actually a Hero.. unfortunately… no one cares about Team anymore… and he’s likely to be axed early because of a dysfunctional tribe full of backstabbing, nihilistic free agents.
Frank you Rules.
Gotta wonder if JT is thinking he chose the wrong alliance.
I think the main difference between the heroes and the villians is that the villians are perfectly happy and content in their villianous skin while the heroes are still all jockeying around for position. Maybe James’s problem is that he secretly wishes he was sitting with the cool kids on the villian’s side of the island instead of being relegated to sit with the nerds on the bland side. I’ll say this, nobody can accuse James of blandness after tonight. Regardless the ugly attitude, it would still make more sense for the Heroes to unload Cirie and Rupert before casting their eyes James ward should they be once again summoned to Tribal Council in the treehouse of doom. Cirie for being a physically weak liability in challenges who can’t even do puzzles and Rupert for being an aging wolfhound on a rusty chain – all yap and no bite.
Not to mention the entire, “Come into my parlour”, said the spider to the fly, dynamic of Cirie’s game play.
She is crafty.
I have a sister named Mary Elise–pretty name.
Cirie drives me batty. Because she looks like Shamu, the women don’t perceive her as a threat. Because she’s as skilled as a corpse, the men give her a pass. All the while, she’s sharpening the knife (with an electric sharpener, since she couldn’t do it manually to save her life), waiting to plunge it in everyone’s backs.