Jeff Probst blogs 'Survivor: Gabon' (episode 5)

Linda L Overman Fri, Oct 24, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

Jeff, I really hope the elephant is not the only exciting moment this season. So far this has been one of the most disappointing seasons I have seen. You are the only one that has been entertaining the look on your face has been priceless. I feel like the producers choose badly this time. Terrible cast! In a jungle and starving??? Whats up with that? OMG!! Give us more than Fang they are boring!!

Jo Fri, Oct 24, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

I love Survivor and wath it faithfully. But have never seen suh an obnoxious person as randy.....
Wis he would be next to go.

jose Manuel Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

So?! regardless of my country of residence and nationality I just need to be entertaining and pleasant to stare at and write the name of no nation or state on the show to be considered to be on it? is that what you are saying? cool then... I am not Mexican but i figure that is irrelevant so long as I am not a U.S. citizen

To jose Manuel Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST

The word is add, not at. I guess that '...mostly californian" means Mexican. Californian should be capitalized. Don't apply unless you have a six-pack, and I don't mean Tecate.

jose Manuel Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

Jeff, Q: I am not a U.S. citizen and would like to be one of the cast aways, Is it possible? I lived in the U.S and the UK for a year so my english is fairly understanble, don´t think it should be a problem for people to get me as my accent is mostly californian... I guess it would at some flavour to the show as it is something that has never been tryed before.
I have been watching every episode of survivor for the last 5 years and I guess that this is remarkable given that I have been living in 4 different countries during this period and none of them is the U.S. or Canada... I just enjoy the show and the strategy part of it.

EAStanley Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

I love your blog, Jeff! Keep it up! =)

http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poem_detail.aspx?ID=123513

Dave Tett Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

Love your blogs Jeff, keep up the good work, your my favourite celebrity ever, you rock!!!

Diggin' to To Diggin' Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

Well, you're obviously not an athlete, because the majority of them thrive on competition. The prize could go to charity, because they all could use a tax break. How about thinking outside your box. Pick a name. Your vision of 'diversity' is skewed. The consensus is that this cast sucks. Obviously you're not reading the boards, just spouting off.

Allison Herbert AKA SurvivorAlli Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

Thank for the blog, great info, now go eat!

To Diggin' Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

Just to be sure I've got this straight ... you think this cast is bad, and your suggested solution is to turn instead to football and basketball players who make more money in a month than they would make if they won the show?

I'm glad casting isn't getting their advice from you. How motivated do you think they'd be? How diverse would the cast be? How interesting? Exactly. SEG, go with what's working. China and this season work.

Diggin' to c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

I agree. I think we saw the first 'Survivors' make do with whatever they were wearing at the time. It didn't seem to be picked out for them like it is now. NOTE TO MARK BURNETT: Enough with the over-production already! By the way, I'd like to see Survivor:NFL-vs-NBA! ;~)

Diggin' to Lo Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 09:40 PM EST

Well, it would have to be a LSU Tiger, because tigers are native to Asia, not Africa. So, unless, Ziegfried is touring without Roy, the big cat attacking would be a Lion, the most powerful cat of all. Or, it could be a Cheetah or a Leopard, which is also a Jaguar and, especially on these Survivor boards, a Cougar. You do get 10 compassion points for the fish love, however. LOL!

Lo Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

I find "Survivor" fascinating because even though those people are not in REAL danger (I'm only assuming the crew has guns or darts, should a tiger attack), the hunger and fatigue are real and it's truly unpredictable. Here is something that bothers me though: Does it never occur to any of the Survivors to chop a fish's head off and end its gasping struggle to survive, instead of letting it writhe? They are living creatures, you know.

c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 08:51 PM EST

Thank you for the answer. Agreed that is stupid idea. Don't think it was like that early on, better to let everyone pick what they want to wear. Ok I'm done with this.

To c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

We've all wondered the same thing. I think that the production staff has become way too involved with orchestrating what is supposed to be a reality show.

To c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

Well, since you asked so nicely, the production staff picks out their outfits.

c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

well I've never heard the answer. Pardon me, could you be so kind as to fill me in? I haven't been around as long as you

Nick Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

GC sucks. Read about GC sucking here:
http://thelittlestwinslow.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/survivor-gabon-playing-with-fire/

To c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

That question has been asked and answered 100 times.

stephen Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

what's going on between charlie and marcus?? it gets me hot and bothered to think about it. i pray this turns into the romance of the year.

c Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

Will someone please explain how the 'survivors' end up wearing dress clothes when they are 'stranded' ? They are in Africa about to be dumped in the jungle and they have sportscoats on?! And matching underwear it seems too.

deb Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 06:03 AM EST

Jeff, you rock. If this Survivor gig doesn't work out for you, you have a fantastic career ahead of you in writing. Love this blog.

Sean Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:23 AM EST

I don't know how many of you dislike this cast so much? This is certainly one of the best cast Survivor has ever had; they are all so unique and "individualistic". It's cool, just as Jeff said, that these guys were different in that they were all 'individual' and didn't form the same unity as in other seasons.

I'm telling you, this unsettling cast will make the season one of the best as the show comes along. This season has some GREAT characters that are considerably unique: Ace, Ken, Crystal, Randy, GC (was a unique character), etc. If many of these, or preferably all stay until far into the game, this season will be spectacular.

sean Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:11 AM EST

Hey Jeff,

I love survivor and I love Stern. So you on celebrity superfan roundtable was awesome. Say hi to sugar for me!

Adam Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 12:09 AM EST

Jeff, I hope EW is paying you well for doing this blog because next to Doc Jensen's "Lost" articles, it is the best thing on the site. Keep up the great work!

Derrick Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:15 PM EST

What is with this cast of Survivor? It seems like every season the cast gets dumber and dumber. Wasn't it in China where James didn't use one of his many idols? Wasn't it in Fans vs. Faves where the white dude who won immunity decided not to use it? And now in Gabon we have G.C. forgetting about a challenge and just up and quitting because he didn't have the intelligence to realize how tough Survivor would be? I really miss the days when Survivor was in Borneo and Australia.

prplrose5 Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

Love you, Jeff! I'm not sure Sugar didn't know precisely what she was doing with the idol. It sure seemed that way to me with the remarks she made at TC. I'm really glad GC is gone. Dude was working my last nerve. I hate it when people go on here and then up and quit when they find out it's a little bit harder than they thought it was going to be. Whatever. Good riddance, I say.

Miss M to Wallet Thief Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

ROTFLMAO!

Miss M Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:08 PM EST

LOL Jeff! Loved your parting line. OMG I thought I was the only one who wished I was there watching the elephant or touching an electric fish! Sugar was definitely a ding dong about the idol. I can't remember Survivor pre-Jeff's Blog! You're only going to get praise from me every week. Thank you for enriching my Survivor experience.

Lynn in the Desert Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 07:23 PM EST

Jeff Probst, if you stop now, I will hunt you down, force a pencil into your hand, and MAKE YOU keep writing...genius, my man, pure genius...I love every insightful, sarcastic, tough-love word you write here, and look forward to it each week.

Lisa Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 06:44 PM EST

Honestly, I thought the elephant material was boring and got too much airtime. Survivors stare at elephant for five minutes. YAWN. What's interesting about that?

Sugar was dumb not to hide the idol. She got lucky with GC asking to go home.

Diggin' to CeeLee Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

So . . . you would really forego food for three days so that you could search for another idol that's never been alluded to? Really? Please never apply.

STEPHANIE Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

I think you are fabulous Jeff. I look forward to your blog every week. If and when you call me to be on the show, bet me the idol would be buried in the dirt until I needed it.

Diggin' Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 05:41 PM EST

Why waste all that fruit? There are hungry people in Gabon, and it was a dumb production mistake to be so wasteful! Use dung pods the next time. Especially with that crappy cast. Fitting.

Diggin' Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 05:32 PM EST

Hey, Jeff - You're getting better each week! The show, however, is not! This is the worst cast ever! Ever!! Who's responsible for this travesty?

NicWester Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM EST

I loved the electric fish, and "Bob's Mystery Berry" that's only available at CBS's site. The game is great, I love watching it, but I also want to see how people live in camp. Things like Bruce's rock garden, or Sean's bowling alley, these are fascinating.

Flora Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

Jeff's blog is awesome, I love all this backstage info we're getting.
I loved the challenges yesterday, they're so creative. Really, whoever designs them needs some kind of award. The survivors this year, however, yeah, not the smartest. Randy's trick on Ace during immunity was great though.

Patti Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

Loved the elephant scene! And the electric fish was awesome. Lets see more of this kind of action. Yeah, I was hoping that GC was gonna just float down the river and not come back. Doing a great job Jeff!

Jackie Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 04:07 PM EST

I have enjoyed all the Survivor shows.
I think there should be some type of penalty if other survivors go through your personal bag, but also take more care on hiding the idol.

Survivor Lover Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

The elephant scene was spectacular, and made even better by the men's bravado.

I'm lovin' Ace, Sugar, Bob, Matty, Marcus, Charlie and Dan. Randy and Crystal have their moments too, but I hope we'll see more of feisty Susie and ultra-B Corinne. They're practically invisible so far.

Django to Julia Kelly Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Nothing has been so lopsided as the failed Rich Tribe/Poor Tribe dynamic of Survivor:Fiji! That was even worse than this one. I'm enjoying this season so far... then again, I'm easily amused.

Julia Kelly Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

I have watched religiously every single episode of Survivor, since the beginning. What irritates me about this season is how lop sided the teams are. At first you are pulling for the underdogs but now it is like let sleeping dogs lay and wake them up when the competition is over. I think the true excitement is when the two teams merge and you see more personality conflicts. I would like to see Crystal & Corrine. They will either form a bond or be a witchy burden to each other

Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Jeff, considering the elephant came five minutes in, I figure you too agree that this ranked as one of the worst Survivor episodes ever. Maybe you guys should get back to casting people who've seen the game before. Seeing people make the same mistakes year after year is like watching the Three Stooges. Once is funny, twice is boring.

Django Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Thanks to Jeff for his insights (and also loved his Fang-critical opening commentary in the ep... and also, lay off the man's spelling, he *said* he was hungry and tired!) Anyway, my favorite moment last night was when the winning (non-Fang) tribe was told their tastebuds were going to be treated, no one looked all-that thrilled to see an Herb Garden, except for Bob who did this total pelvic thrust of excitement! Thanks again Jeff, hoping for more.

Pete Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

Absolutely we love the electric fish, elephant-observing moments! While challenges & tribal councils form the essential skeleton of the Survivor experience, these extracurricular experiences are what demonstrates not only the reality of the Survivor's situation. Their reactions also tell us much about their character. Was it any mistake Ace & Matty were the two bold (or dumb?) enough to get a closer look?

When I'm on the show, these are the things I anticipate most -- many of the moments that will end up on the cutting floor. This is part of what bonds these people together in a way that makes this more than a game, no matter what people think or say going into the experience.

A month with total strangers in a high-stress foreign setting makes it so you cannot be strangers any longer. And perhaps the thought they would look through your stuff doesn't even occur to you until you stop and remember, "Oh yeah, I guess it is a game after all." Sort of.

Sera Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 01:52 PM EST

Oh Jeff you're so hot, and who knew you were this freaking funny too? Great blog, hope you keep this up from now on, we love it! I was agreeing with everything you said!

Anth Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

"Does anyone else love moments like the catching of an "electric fish"? Sure, it won't impact the game and will never come up at tribal council, but it always reminds me of the authenticity of Survivor. I think sometimes we forget to tell that part of the story since so much of Survivor is based solely on strategy."

Absolutely. This particular scene wasn't spellbinding but it's those little scenes that don't really impact the game and just let us focus on the characters that make Survivor what it is. The early seasons had these all the time and now they're few and far between unfortunately.

JMJ Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

Thank God GC is gone! He wasn't fun to watch and his whining got old after week one. Thanks for the blog Jeff! I also agree with you that it would have been much better television if GC had missed the challenge altogether, not that it would have made any difference since he was a total waste of space anyhow. And as for the electric fish? YES! More moments like that! That was almost as cool as the elephant! Bob is my hero.

coley Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 12:44 PM EST

Jeff, I'm suprised you didnt take GC to task for giving up or quitting, was waiting for you to throw his torch down. not getting soft I hope

Chuck in Maine Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

Jeff - nice recap. and in the words of the legendary Dave Barry - "Electric Fish would make a great name for a rock band." btw - Dave Barry, Stephen King, et al - you should do a Survivor with writers. How many would volunteer to spend a night in the jungle or the woods with Stephen King's imagination and spiders and snakes and rabid St.Bernards?

MsDaisy Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM EST

I do believe that there is a rule against stealing from another contestant. Going through their stuff is rude, but allowed as long as you don't take anything.

cj Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

I love that Jeff gets 'all up in their business'. Those are some of the funniest moments of the show, when he calls out something idiotic the contestants do during the game!

graco Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

Love Sugar. Attractive and appealing. Thought she was daring the Ken alliance to vote for her with her "I left my bag lying around" comment at TC.

to ilovematty Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

Um, maybe Jeff is all up in their game because ITS HIS JOB AS HOST! Not to mention his role as one of the executive producers. And remember, you are reading his blog entry, not an essay to be submitted for nomination for the Pulitzer Prize. The blog is his opinion, therefore can be as biased as he wants to be if that's how he feels.

Ryan Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

Ya know what Jeff...you're kinda funny! I've noticed that you've made a lot more (accurate) observations this season - good to see the producers are incorporating your personality into the show more.
Anyways - yah, lets not even talk about GC (no loss).
Loved the elephant scene too - that's what Survivor is based on; being in the wild, not knowing.
Uhm... Jeff. Is Ace's accent real? Actually, is Ace real? There's a lot of love for him from Dalton and on board posts, but this guy just seems so slimy and fake to me.
Also, is it just me, or is a serious bromance developing between Marcus & Charlie?
Insightful recap Jeff!

Hoodbury Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

Nice recap. Glad to see GC out and Sugar still there.
I'm all for the 'electric fish' and 'Elephant' scenes. I actually wish there was more coverage of what goes on at the tribes camps. Challenges are fun and all, but after 17 seasons, they are getting a bit repetitive sometimes so it's nice to see the funny camp encounters.
Any chance of a web only show; perhaps that is just watching the camps? I think someone said Big brother does this or something like it besides just the main show.
I guess most of the camp life is actually pretty boring, but there's gotta be a bit more fun stuff for us to watch.

CeeLee Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

If I'd been in Sugar's place, this 3rd trip to Exile, I would have foregone the comfort and searched for a second idol. Ya never know - what a coup THAT would be! Just fantasizing. Thanks for the blog, Jeff!

Janey Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

Jeff,
You Rock!

ilovmatty Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

your unnecessary commentary during the recap is completely biased. why do you hate the fang tribe so much? your involvement in the game aspect is getting too much and you shouldnt be all up in their business.

lovekenny Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

why do you continually recruit people that dont even want to play the game? sugar obviously doesnt even want to play the game, shes just there to get some time off to think about her dead dad. get people on the show who actually want to play the game! stop looking for your alpha males so that you can drool over and obsess over each season!!

Sam Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

I loved the comments on the elephant. Yes, it was likely not too bright to get that close (elephants can move very quickly--spent a night accidently parked to a herd-long story). It reminded me of the attitude in Canada to moose. You do not want to encounter a rampaging moose. Too bad that part of the object of the show is to tell bodes in skimpy costumes as parts of Canada could be a real challenge--fighting off killer blackflies, getting lost in the woods, shooting the rapids, trying to find a way to push up the Canadian dollar. The real survivors these days are on Wall Street. BTW the comment on the spelling--give me a break!

Lene Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

Love the inside scoop in these posts. And speaking of... please tell me you ended up doing a Palau, letting one tribe be decimated to the last member? Fang deserves the humiliation. Bunch of losers (except Ace, fake accent or no, at least he's playing).

Ebola Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

I'd love for the producers to unleash a deadly virus upon one of the tribes, preferably Fang. They are dying a slow death as it is, might as well get some cool shots out of it.

Amy C Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

I was wondering that about the idol, too. Why couldn't someone else just steal it? Is there a rule against that?

Wallet Thief Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

Where do you park your car Jeff?

AliB Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST

I wondered that as well, but I bet there are rules against stealing the hidden immunity idol and using it yourself. But wow nothing to say agains GC Jeff? Dalton had alot to say. I think it sucks when things like this happen, but I always think these moments show just how challenging survivor is and how some people just can't handle it.

Eolra Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

I found the "recap" at the beginning of last night's episode interesting. In Your blog last week, Jeff, you described Ken's choice of Kelly as a smart play, however the recap described it as "foolish". Hmmmm...Very manipulative to your viewing audience - the producers nudging us to see Fang as poor players to help the story? Cool to see your take on it free from "storyline". Love ya!

Kevin Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

So here's a question -- what would keep someone from STEALING that hidden immunity idol and using it as their own?

Robin Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

Jeff,

You spelled "drift" wrong.

AA Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 08:27 AM EST

But Jeff, to Dalton's point, if people can't keep their stuff (including the HII) in their bag, what happens if they get switched up to a different tribe? Could they go back and retrieve it? Seems risky to hide it in one location.