Each week, Survivor host Jeff Probst answers a few questions about the most recent episode of Redemption Island.
David made a big argument about how keeping someone who can help in challenges is much more important than keeping someone you can trust, and while I don’t want to minimize the importance of going into a merge with numbers, haven’t we also seen on seasons like Tocantins and Samoa that a united smaller group is often more effective than a splintered larger one? What’s your take?
It depends on the situation. It can go either way. I think this is more about David trying to improve his place in the alliance. He is so good at the oral argument he could argue either side. Sarita is still in trouble. She’s got to pull up her britches and start getting dirty.
Last night Phillip was yelling at Ashley and Natalie for not pulling their weight around camp. We must have seen this exact scene a million times before — with different people — on this show. Put yourself in his shoes and tell me how you would handle it if a bunch of girls were lying around all day plucking their underarm hair out while you were hungry and tired yet still taking care of the camp.
The truth is there is a lot of free time so lying around once in a while is not that unusual. The mistake was not the girls lying in the sun, the mistake was Phillip calling them out for doing it. Phillip helped his case for staying in the game longer but lessened his shot at winning.
I know you worried about it laying things on a bit thick, but I always thought it was hilarious in Tocantins when you’d see Coach out doing his warrior poses and you’d hear the sound of an eagle squawking that had clearly been added in for comedic effect. Then with Phillip last night we heard several lion roars punctuating a few of his comments. How do you guys determine how far you can go in playing stuff like that up for laughs?
Usually it starts when one of our editors (who are uncredited Producers in their own right) finds something humorous and makes a moment out of it. But to make it on the air it has to get past the EPs (Dave Burris and myself), Mark Burnett and then CBS.
I couldn’t help but notice you told the witnesses at Redemption Island to “come on in” as opposed to “come on in, guys.” Don’t tell me you’re thinking of tweaking one of your catch phrases? “Wanna know what you’re playing for?” is already on the endangered species list. Don’t take this away from us too!
Ah, I understand your confusion, Dalton. “Come on in, guys” is reserved only for challenges. “Come on in” is used for duels. I felt it very important to distinguish the two. I came up with hundreds of options but at the end of the day, “Come on in” was so unique in it’s own right that it was the only real choice.
Teaser time! Hit us up with a clue for next week.
Next week – one of the best challenges ever. So good we’ll be using it again next year.
For more from Jeff on last night’s episode, check out jeffprobst.com. To read Dalton’s recap, click right here. To watch an exclusive deleted scene from last night’s episode as well as our pre-game interview with Krista, simply watch the video player below. And for more Survivor scoop, follow Dalton on Twitter @EWDaltonRoss.









Why do they not show who voted for who this season?
I think for time- to show the voted off contestant headign to RI.
On the CBS site they have the “insider” on who voted for who.
Thank you!
The Redemption Island concept really makes the show dull. There’s no climax at the end when someone gets voted off… not when we know they’ll be back the next episode. It doesn’t work, and this is one of the first seasons I have actually missed episodes and not cared to make the up.
The more episodes that go by, the more boring the show gets. I love Boston Rob, but I am not enjoying him at all this season. I have no problem when it’s an All Star season, but when it’s a bunch of newbies, it doesn’t feel right. Do you think that someone who has played before would fall for “upset stomach” scenerio? Although I don’t like Russell’s way of playing, I think he had a major disadvantage this season. Again, all the newbies wanted to take credit for taking Russell down. Hopefully Zapatera will continue to loose but will manage to get Rob out.
the difference is Russell is an Ass Rob is likable No where near the same, Phillip blows off about his service to America as if he is ENTITLED to be there ~ really ~ and he deserves their respect ~ AND What? The girls ae lazy, and it always strikes me as funny when some idiot gets up there and blows off about being in charge of his Tribe, and they ” aint ” got a clue ! Boring, there is so much that could be done with this show, but they could play it with their clothes on in my back yard for alot less money these locations baffle me~ all the rewards nothing like the first few seasons these guys are spoiled
This season is getting boring, hope it picks up, the first few episodes were so good.
yes, i’m getting frustrated now too—not sure any of them will be able to take out rob—it’s getting boring and predictable.
Me too. And I think the problem is–we the viewers are not seeing any strategic gameplay! That’s what happens when the casting directors hire a bunch of boring people (with no strategic sense) like Grant, Ashley, Natalie, Phillip, Andrea, and everyone on the Purple Tribe except maybe David. I prefer last season over this season. At least Marty, Brenda and Sash had more strategy. And I liked last season’s characters better, such as Chase, Fabio, and Purple Kelly. At least Purple Kelly, Naooka, Brenda, etc. weren’t pageant queens like a lot of the females this season.
last season was horrible. It was a big brother cast. This season’s players have much more potential.
boring eh??? I have an idea. let’s bring back the Medallion of POWER!!!
That will liven things up!
Goodbye Stephanie – you made your bed now lie in it.
I hope Matt comes back to take it ALL. I think the tribe was smart to vote stephanie out..russell’s toadie…. and they knew she was lying to their faces just to stay in the game…
Dalton, you keep talking about how the phrase “Wanna know what you’re playing for” is either missing or in danger. What about, “(Tribe A) getting your first look at the new (Tribe B.) (Contestant) voted out at the last tribal.” Now with Redemption Island, that “classic” phrase IS gone. Jeff, thanks for twittering while the show is on. I know that since you host the Stern Celebrity Super Fan Round Table that you got that from Howard Stern doing it while Private Parts was airing. Fun addition to the experience. Thanks for doing it, these Q&As, and your own blogs on your website. Baba Booey to ya!
I miss that phrase too. And the shocked expressions on the players’ faces.
So tired of all the whining about the game not being the same since RI. Do these people have the attention span of a 5 year old? Do they constantly need to be entertained and can’t tolerate a single change in the game plan? And, do they get bored so easily that they can’t watch two episodes in a row (unless something mind blowing occurs) without complaining about being bored? What a bunch of toddlers!!!! Grow up!
Do toddlers like to see intelligent, strategic game play, which is sorely lacking this season? If so, then I’m a toddler. And that’s why this season has lost my attention span so far.
I must say that Phillip crossed the line from psycho to absolutely hilarious in this episode. His speech about how Rob and Grant(?) were hiding the clue was a slight against America was hilarious.
Now that that little Troll Russell is gone, we need some comic relief, guess that’s Phillip and his pink panties..If that guy was working for our Country, no wonder we’re in a mess…lol…
He said he was an agent for four years, isn’t that usually a career job? They must have gotten tired of his bluster too! Lol
FBI was it ?
I applied to the FBI in my youth, the Application required a weeks worth of self discovery, from every nickname you had been called to every person you ever said “HI” to. I can’t imagine Phillip ever finding a sponsor,(Yes I had to have a sponsor)let alone being able to keep his mouth shut about anything.
Hey Jeff, on behalf of editors everywhere: Thanks for the shout out/acknowledgment of us as “uncredited producers”. Nice to know someone notices! And glad to know your editors have such creative input.
We are always looking for editors as we lose them to scripted shows, respond back with your email and I can put you in touch with some of the hiring staff.
Yeh, like that’s how Jeff would spell his last name. Give me a break!!!
Sorry guys, there are a lot of phonies out there! This guy can’t even spell my name right!
Did someone mention my show?
Remember me on Music Jeopardy?
Imagine the confusion when me and Jeff are in the same scene. Someone will call out: ‘I need Jeffprobste over here.’ And we both show up!
Name spelled wrong? Hmm, give it up Ralph! Quit pretending to be Jeff!
Hey Jeff, Redemption Island sucks with Matt winning all the time. Make him come back already. He is already losing the connection with Andrea so I don’t see how he can influence the tribe. It’s also boring to watch. I even want Stephanie to win next week just to shake things up.
I agree! It’s like when the same team wins every leg of the Amazing Race. It doesn’t make the show better. I was ok with REdemption Island but lately it’s just kind of boring and I feel like it’s a waste of the first 20 minutes of the show.
I love that Matt is winning his competitions. He seems to have a real knack for keeping his cool. So funny when Andrea made that catty remark about Matt & (whatever her name was) sharing their bible moment. I’m like, he’s not you boyfriend, you only knew him for like 3 days. Now she’s happy he’s gone, hilarious.
Any answers to these question? I have 2 theories about when the winner of redemption island will return. 1. As soon as whom ever gets voted off goes right to the jury. or 2. The redemption island winner will make the 3rd person on a final 3. What’s your opinion?
The Redemption Island winner will probably make up the third person on the jury. Otherwise that person is dead meat walking if they come back into the game before the end. Even if they have a special immunity for one time.
I also want Matt to win, or Boston Bob, and I also like Grant. Three nice guys. And Jeff you are still eye candy. peace out.
Agree…totally…:-)
This was the morst boring episode ever shown on Survivor. I don’t expect something mind blowing, but for crying out loud, Mr. Rogers is more entertaining than this snoozfest.
That was supposed to be the “most” boring. I hate it when don’t catch my typos before I post comment.
I am loving every minute of this season and so are all my family and friends! Keep it coming!
I miss Jeff’s column! We learned so much from them!
go to jeffprobst.com for his usual blogs on each episode
I agree – bring it back please! And lose Dalton, the Middleman.