Survivor: Redemption Island

[tyketime]

Sixteen of "Survivor: Redemption Island's" 18 castmembers were announced today by CBS.

The reality show's 22nd season newcomers are joined by two former Castaways, to be named later this week, also competing for the million-dollar prize and "one last shot at redemption."

The delayed announcement is sure to fuel the campfire rumors that this season—the second in a row to be filmed in Nicaragua—would feature a showdown between all-timers Boston Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz.

Rest of article here (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41006341/ns/today-entertainment/).

I've gone back and forth on this whole return of Rob vs Russell. I think I'm currently leaning towards "bad idea". Especially if what one thing I heard is true:

Rob & Russell are "immune" until the merge. If not, then they would probably be the first two to go. And thus ruin the whole hype of the season.

[Alan T]

As much as I enjoyed watching Russell his first time, and somewhat liked his second appearance, this probably would be past the line of too much over-saturation of these two I am guessing.

[wade moore]

I mostly agree on "too much Russell", but at the same time I said (I think even in a thread here) that a "Russell Tribe vs. Rob Tribe" would be awesome. Now, I'm not sure how you make it work without an unfair advantage to those too, but...

But the explanation of redemption Island they gave at the end of last season, I think it's more complicated than some immunity straight through.

[Racer]

Rest of article here (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41006341/ns/today-entertainment/).

I've gone back and forth on this whole return of Rob vs Russell. I think I'm currently leaning towards "bad idea". Especially if what one thing I heard is true:

Rob & Russell are "immune" until the merge. If not, then they would probably be the first two to go. And thus ruin the whole hype of the season.

I read that somewhere to and hope it's not true. I think being immune for the first tribal would be fair but anything more then that would be stupid.

[Maple Leafs]

Personally, I love the idea. Maybe I'm losing interest in the franchise, but last season was the first one I just didn't bother with and that was mostly due to the lack of interesting players. the Rob vs. Russell episode from all-stars may have been the one I enjoyed more than any other, so even with the risk of over-saturation I'm looking forward to this one.

As for the spoiler (which I've seen reported too), it's a good idea. We all know what would happen if they didn't do it that way, and it would defeat the purpose of the show.

[tyketime]

The worst kept secret has now been "revealed":

"Boston" Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz are getting another shot at $1 million.

The veteran "Survivor" bad boys will join 16 new contestants for the 22nd edition of the CBS reality TV competition, the network announced Thursday. It will be the fourth time competing for Mariano ("Marquesas," "All-Stars," "Heroes vs. Villains") and the third for Hantz ("Samoa," "Heroes vs. Villains"). Neither has ever won the $1 million grand prize.

Mariano and Hantz infamously sparred as members of the villains tribe on the 20th season, with Hantz ultimately besting Mariano by forming an alliance that blindsided the veteran player with his surprise dismissal. Mariano and Hantz will join separate tribes this time, CBS said. Other castaways include former NFL players, an Iraq war veteran and a cheerleader.

"Survivor: Redemption Island" is scheduled to premiere Feb. 16.

[molson]

The less Rob and Russell are treated like regular contestants the better. When I first heard about the concept, I kind of assumed that they would both just be the "captains" of the tribes, maybe competing with each other for some kind of seperate prize if one of their tribesman won the game (or something).

[Swaggs]

This starts tonight (don't forget the move to Weds.).

[Groundhog]

I can't believe I'm actually excited about this. A friend of mine has forced me to watch a few seasons, including the first season with Russell and the last All-Stars one, and I'm totally pumped for this.

[EagleFan]

Holy crap, CBS is loaded for bear tonight.

Survivor, Criminal Minds and the new Criminal Minds.

[Raiders Army]

Thank you FOFC. We would've missed it.

[Dutch]

What a great start to this season. Hilarious!

[Sublime 2]

What a great start to this season. Hilarious!

Agreed, that was amazing!

[Jas_lov]

Phillip made that a pretty entertaining episode. I'M A FORMER SPECIAL AGENT!

It's amazing Rob has already won the young girls over and seems much more likely to make the merge than Russell. Kristina is an idiot for wanting to use the idol on the first tribal.

[saldana]

shit...didnt realize this started tonight...will have to watch it online tomorrow and then set the DVR

[EagleFan]

That was probably the best first tribal councils ever...

[Swaggs]

Excellent. It is already easy to identify a bunch of interesting folks (as opposed to last season, when the few that they had went out early). This is looking like a good season.

Hopefully, Phillip sticks around long enough to provide some UIC for awhile. :)

[EagleFan]

Excellent. It is already easy to identify a bunch of interesting folks (as opposed to last season, when the few that they had went out early). This is looking like a good season.

Hopefully, Phillip sticks around long enough to provide some UIC for awhile. :)

+1

[atatange1]

Loved the first episode. Phillip, Russell, Boston Rob...should be a good season. However, can't take the Sprint 'What if' things, they're brutal.

[EagleFan]

Loved the first episode. Phillip, Russell, Boston Rob...should be a good season. However, can't take the Sprint 'What if' things, they're brutal.

Luckily I DVR'd the episode so I was able to skip those commercials.

Can't wait to see how Redemption Island starts to come into play.

[B & B]

Luckily I DVR'd the episode so I was able to skip those commercials.

+1


When does this show normally air? Just Wednesdays?

[Atocep]

They are crazy if they don't vote off Boston Rob and Russell early.

Strongly disagree. The mindset in recent seasons has been to vote out your strong players and then those people get to watch as they lose every challenge and enter the merger at a severe disadvantage.

Your strong players are vital early. Rob more so than Russell, but both are going to fill very important roles for their tribes the first several days.

I think they'd be idiots to vote either of them out right now. They need to target them when it gets closer to the merger.

[Maple Leafs]

That episode was a lot of fun. Phillip was one of the all-time great clueless blowhards.

So, I guess the spoiler in the first post (which was widely reported) turned out to be wrong?

[kingfc22]

That was probably the best first tribal councils ever...

Definitely! My wife and I couldn't stop laughing during tribal.

[molson]

That was fun.

Immunity Idol Chick: "Do you know what this means, it means we (i.e., the three of us) decide who goes home tonight (somehow)"

That law student/lawyer/claimed federal agent alliance has to be the worst in history.

It's fun to watch terrible players WHEN their terrible playing actually puts them in a bad position. I think Russell and Rob being around help to promote that dynamic that's been missing the last few seasons. And both of those guys know this show - I'm sure they'll do what they can to make things entertaining, and make things work from a TV perspective. It's like having 2 producers on the cast.

[tyketime]

So, I guess the spoiler in the first post (which was widely reported) turned out to be wrong?
It's nice to know that they don't get them all right. I try to avoid spoilers, but this one was all over the place.

[EagleFan]

+1


When does this show normally air? Just Wednesdays?

Yeah, that still gets me since I am used to it being Thursdays. Luckily last season sucked so I didn't really care. Have to catch this season though, if it stays this good.

[Kodos]

Add me to the list of people who really liked last night's episode. :D

[law90026]

Honestly, that lady with the idol is plain stupid. Even if you manage to vote Rob off, he's not gone yet! If he comes back, you're dead.

And Francesca? C'mon, why are you sticking with that deadbeat alliance when you can just saunter over to Rob and tell him what's going on? Are you honestly concerned that crazy lady and crazy guy will be able to swing things to vote you off?

[Atocep]

Honestly, that lady with the idol is plain stupid. Even if you manage to vote Rob off, he's not gone yet! If he comes back, you're dead.

And Francesca? C'mon, why are you sticking with that deadbeat alliance when you can just saunter over to Rob and tell him what's going on? Are you honestly concerned that crazy lady and crazy guy will be able to swing things to vote you off?

She's a dumb player that got her hands on an idol and wanted to be known as the person that got Rob voted out. She's just not smart enough to think things through. Even if she got Rob voted out she's at a severe numbers disadvantage and she's pissed off the rest of the tribe.

I'd like to see people be more aggressive with the immunity idols, but not this early in the game. I don't know what she was thinking she could accomplish.

[Maple Leafs]

Even if you manage to vote Rob off, he's not gone yet! If he comes back, you're dead.

Was thinking about this... given the Redemption Island twist, don't you pretty much have to try to vote out the strong players as soon as possible? If you can get rid of Rob now there's no way he survives, what, a dozen or so one-on-one challenges to get back into the game. But if you wait until a merge to blindside him, you could be screwed.

(Although I'll predict it now: whoever survives Redemption Island will be voted out permanently at the allowable first tribal council after they get back.)

[Atocep]

Was thinking about this... given the Redemption Island twist, don't you pretty much have to try to vote out the strong players as soon as possible? If you can get rid of Rob now there's no way he survives, what, a dozen or so one-on-one challenges to get back into the game. But if you wait until a merge to blindside him, you could be screwed.

(Although I'll predict it now: whoever survives Redemption Island will be voted out permanently at the allowable first tribal council after they get back.)

The problem is as I mentioned earlier if you vote out Rob your tribe loses any chance at winning challenges. It's a weak tribe to begin with so voting out your strongest player just increases your own chances of going home since you're going to spend so much time at tribal.

[Raiders Army]

If the first episode wasn't scripted, the producers must've thought they have a revitalization of Survivor on their hands. That was the best first episode of any reality series we've watched.

Also, I've had enough of the "What If" segments. They don't say anything and they're stupid.

[EagleFan]

Also, I've had enough of the "What If" segments. They don't say anything and they're stupid.

+1

The DVR is my friend...

[Cap Ologist]

I really hope the contestants in game don't get updates on the duels at redemption island. Would be great for them to have to sweat out who may be coming back.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

(Although I'll predict it now: whoever survives Redemption Island will be voted out permanently at the allowable first tribal council after they get back.)

Not necessarily. If the person comes back and was previously allied with an alliance that is in control at that time, they likely survive because they only further strengthen that alliance.

[Maple Leafs]

Not necessarily. If the person comes back and was previously allied with an alliance that is in control at that time, they likely survive because they only further strengthen that alliance.
Yeah, but that would mean an alliance that was well in the minority at one point, but gained control of the game within a few episodes after. Not impossible, but unlikely.

But it does add another element to the game -- if the player you vote out might come back, you have to keep playing even after the vote. No more celebrating or taunting... in fact, you might see guys get voted out and have the entire tribe acting like they were shocked.

[Poli]

Every time I see this thread bumped, I think I missed the next episode.

[molson]

I really hope the contestants in game don't get updates on the duels at redemption island. Would be great for them to have to sweat out who may be coming back.

I read this in one of the mainstream media previews (so not a spoiler, I don't think - though I'll use the tags just in case). At some point, tribe member(s) gets to view a duel. It wasn't clear how many duels are witnessed, or how many players witness it, or how those players are determined, but the obvious dynamic there is that some players have the information, and some don't - unless they tell others, and unless those other players believe them.

[saldana]

Francessqua. He even spelled it wrong when he wrote it!

One of the best tribal meldowns ever

[Swaggs]

Man, Phillip is Hall of Fame crazy. Gotta hope that he lasts awhile, so the cringe-worthy moments continue. I think the pink underwear is what really takes it to the next level. :)

I'm really liking the casting this season. I'm looking forward to seeing what the farmer is capable of pulling off against Russell.

[EagleFan]

Man, Phillip is Hall of Fame crazy. Gotta hope that he lasts awhile, so the cringe-worthy moments continue. I think the pink underwear is what really takes it to the next level. :)

I'm really liking the casting this season. I'm looking forward to seeing what the farmer is capable of pulling off against Russell.

What happened to the Redemption Island challenge? Last week's preview for this week said we would see the first Redemption Island challenge this week.

[Suicane75]

Another good show last night. Phillip is batshit crazy. I know whack jobs are everywhere but to imagine him as a special agent for the government is a terrifying thought.

Russell is suck a douche but I can't help but root for him. It's like watching someone play Russian roulette and seeing how long he can survive.

[Alan T]

I like how when listing his occupation on the show last night, Survivor had him listed as:

Phillip - Former Special agent ?

With the question mark as if they aren't sure exactly what he is either :)

[kingfc22]

I like how when listing his occupation on the show last night, Survivor had him listed as:

Phillip - Former Special agent ?

With the question mark as if they aren't sure exactly what he is either :)

Totally missed that but I can't stop chuckling now. Dude is loco!

[FrogMan]

I like how when listing his occupation on the show last night, Survivor had him listed as:

Phillip - Former Special agent ?

With the question mark as if they aren't sure exactly what he is either :)

Totally missed that but I can't stop chuckling now. Dude is loco!

Also missed it during broadcast yesteday but a coworker mentioned it this morning and I also had a good laugh. Guy's frigging caught into his own world. :lol:

FM

[Raiders Army]

Phillip is great.

Rob--I'll put my right hand on the person you need to vote for."

[LloydLungs]

So what does everyone think of Rob's move strategically? I tentatively think it was a good move, but pretty dangerous. Will be interesting to see the ramifications.

Either way, I feel great pondering these questions again after last season. Already, this season feels like college calculus compared to last season's third grade math.

Rob--I'll put my right hand on the person you need to vote for."

I was cracking up thinking of Kristina watching that at home going "Ohhhh, THAT's what that was. I thought Rob was just being a weird creepy asshole."

[Atocep]

The next all-stars season absolutely has to have Phillip and Coach on the same tribe.

[Draft Dodger]

wow, Phillip is fucking crazy. He has gallantry though

[CrimsonFox]

:lol: Okay I wasn't gonna watch this season but EF talked me into it. And I"m so glad. So funny!


OMG OMG OMG OMG! hehehehehehe Francqufresca

[CrimsonFox]

The next all-stars season absolutely has to have Phillip and Coach on the same tribe.


I was also thinking I have not seen that kind of batshit crazy since Coach. Philip can tell stories of his Federal Agent days while Coach tries to tell stories of being hunted by pygmies in South America.

[Draft Dodger]

the white-haired guy who looks like John G McGinley has come across like a big tool as well, but Phillip so far has been getting all the crazy face time.

[Swaggs]

the white-haired guy who looks like John G McGinley has come across like a big tool as well, but Phillip so far has been getting all the crazy face time.

He is apparently a former NFL player that played for like 8-10 seasons. I had never heard of him.

[molson]

He is apparently a former NFL player that played for like 8-10 seasons. I had never heard of him.

Ya, he was an offensive tackle/guard, so not a household name, but you can tell he's huge and stayed in good shape.

Steve Wright, G at NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/players/stevewright/profile?id=WRI654394)

[Swaggs]

Dola.

He is Steve Wright. Former OT for Dallas, Baltimore/Indy, and the Raiders from 81-93.

There is another NFLer, as well: Grant Mattos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Mattos)

Looks like he was a practice squad/marginal roster filler for 3 years.

[CrimsonFox]

the white-haired guy who looks like John G McGinley has come across like a big tool as well, but Phillip so far has been getting all the crazy face time.

McGinley...nice. :)

Yeah he was getting all touchy-feely with RUssell as soon as he came over to the group. He probably wants to be the one Russell takes to the end. :)

[CrimsonFox]

Watched second ep. I now think that Philip is really Glenn Beck in disguise.

[Poli]

Mattos I remember, Steve Wright not so much.

[EagleFan]

LOVED it!!!

But why didn't Ralph tell his alliance that he had the idol, that was a stupid move. They wouldn't have needed to split the vote at that point.

[CrimsonFox]

LOVED it!!!

But why didn't Ralph tell his alliance that he had the idol, that was a stupid move. They wouldn't have needed to split the vote at that point.


True. Although, it was very shrewed. May just help him down the road. Cause mose people that reveal they have the idol become targets of people "trying to blindside" him.

[Mota]

His doom was playing the exact same game as past seasons. He should have aligned himself with stronger players instead of letting them band together. Keep your enemies closer.
This could make for a great revenge tale in several weeks though!

[LloydLungs]

There may well be something I'm missing, but how come Russell didn't go pretend to do the recruitment of a fourth vote himself, come back and assure his alliance that he had gotten it, then quietly change his vote to Stephanie so she'd get a fourth vote and go home instead? It would have been about as ruthless a move as this show's seen, but hey, it's Russell. Certainly no long-term benefits to it, but he would have survived three more days, and who knows what the future holds?

[Maple Leafs]

There may well be something I'm missing, but how come Russell didn't go pretend to do the recruitment of a fourth vote himself, come back and assure his alliance that he had gotten it, then quietly change his vote to Stephanie so she'd get a fourth vote and go home instead?
That was probably plan B. But he believed he had the old woman on his side, and went for the major blindside.

Great episode.

[CrimsonFox]

I honestly don't think he thought of that. The key is that he really isn't that good at Survivor. His entire game was immunity idols and bullying. When he loses that option HE AIN'T GOT GAME!

[heybrad]

The key is that he really isn't that good at Survivor. His entire game was immunity idols and bullying. When he loses that option HE AIN'T GOT GAME!
+1

Russell was an unknown quantity to his tribe in his two previous seasons due to the timing of the filming. Now that the cats out of the bag he has shown no ability to adjust at all. I think it highlights how good of a player Boston Rob is as he's done his share of backstabbing in the past but his tribe seems to genuinely love having him around.

[CrimsonFox]

I still can't figure out just why Rob made that Matt move SO SOON. Matt was a puppy dog of loyalty. They could easily have made that move after two more tribals. Meanwhile Philip is just a whackjob and has already tried to flip several times. No loyalties to anyone really. I actually think Christina might be a good person to keep around now.

[Thomkal]

I still can't figure out just why Rob made that Matt move SO SOON. Matt was a puppy dog of loyalty. They could easily have made that move after two more tribals. Meanwhile Philip is just a whackjob and has already tried to flip several times. No loyalties to anyone really. I actually think Christina might be a good person to keep around now.

I think because he has first hand experience with it given what happened with him and Amber. He knew that the stronger their bond got, the harder it would be to split them up and if they turned on him at some point it would be the two of them together turning against him.

[CrimsonFox]

Some point yes. BUt NOW when they need Matt's strength to win? THen again, unknowingly, them sending Matt home may be the KEY to sending Russell permanently home at Redemption Island. :)

[LloydLungs]

Re: Rob's Matt strategy, I think you could make a great case either way. A six-person alliance is unwieldy and has a VERY short lifespan -- there is something to be said for Rob getting ahead of the game and chopping it up a bit before they turned on him, which in a six-person alliance was likely to happen very soon. On the other hand, they do lose strength and loyalty. Might Andrea have been a better choice if you were determined to break up the couple? Was Rob playing a bit too emotionally because Matt was acting so buddy-buddy with the other tribe?

Like I said, either way, I love contemplating this stuff as opposed to "Why are Marty, Brenda, and Sash the only ones that seem to be aware that a game is going on? And even they're not that good at it" from last season.

[CrimsonFox]

Hahahahaha. GOod point. I so hated that old lady.

[EagleFan]

My favorite part of that episode was that woman looking at Russell and smiling as if she was following along with him all along. Not sure how much of that was just edit though. If it really happened that way it was great. Then the look on his face when he saw what happened.... priceless.

As for why she didn't just vote the annoying chick that was because Bubba never revealed that he had the idol and they thought Russell did. They couldn't risk that he gave it to annoying chick.

[saldana]

i love the stupid little stephanie chick..."theres a storm coming!"

NO THERE ISNT!!! you are getting voted out in 3 days!

i love when teams think its a good idea to throw a challenge...every time they have done it just to get rid of someone they have paid for it later.

[molson]

If Russell wins in his first redemption island duel I wonder if they'll throw him right back in the game. That whole gimmick does seem to be a convenient tool for producers - I bet they'll be some staggered re-entry points (depending on who's out there), along with a couple of double elimination shows to keep things moving.

[EagleFan]

My guess is that they bring back whoever is left at the time of the merge.

[Maple Leafs]

If Russell wins in his first redemption island duel I wonder if they'll throw him right back in the game. That whole gimmick does seem to be a convenient tool for producers - I bet they'll be some staggered re-entry points (depending on who's out there), along with a couple of double elimination shows to keep things moving.
Could depend on how things are going with Rob. No doubt the producers would love the idea of a Rob vs. Russell one-on-one elimination match.

[CrimsonFox]

i love the stupid little stephanie chick..."theres a storm coming!"

NO THERE ISNT!!! you are getting voted out in 3 days!

i love when teams think its a good idea to throw a challenge...every time they have done it just to get rid of someone they have paid for it later.


Yup! :) This takes me back to memories of Shii-Ann and the fireman and Z Robb and Jed.

And this Stephanie chick I think is in the running for biggest young little bitch they've ever had. Who else? Eliza (season 9) was a little bitch but in Fans vs favorite she redeemed herself by actually being funny.

Ghandia was a bitch (seasn 5) but anything but little.

Kimmy season 2 possibly - "I won't eat a bug for a challenge. WAH!".

Jenna (All-stars/season 1)).

Sue (Season 1) -again not little, nor young.

All the others I think knew enough to flirt and try and make people like them.

[CrimsonFox]

If Russell wins in his first redemption island duel I wonder if they'll throw him right back in the game. That whole gimmick does seem to be a convenient tool for producers - I bet they'll be some staggered re-entry points (depending on who's out there), along with a couple of double elimination shows to keep things moving.


I kind of got the idea that from the way they described everything that only one person would return to the game if they survive the place.

That, for instance, Matt would have to fight and survive however many more people come to Redemption island and at the end of it if he beats everyone, he comes back. This pleases me as EVEN if eventually ONE of these people will be able to beat Russell.

[Ironhead]

Really don't see Russell lasting long on Redemption Island. For all of the success he had in getting to the end of the game he was never very good at the challenges.

[molson]

I kind of got the idea that from the way they described everything that only one person would return to the game if they survive the place.

That, for instance, Matt would have to fight and survive however many more people come to Redemption island and at the end of it if he beats everyone, he comes back. This pleases me as EVEN if eventually ONE of these people will be able to beat Russell.

That's what I assumed too - until one the players made some comment during a tribal council that "there was a lot of talk in the tribe about how many people come back from redemption island, and when they're going to do it", with Rob chiming in that would be nice to know.

It was odd to include that comment in the final edit - obviously they wanted to at least get the idea in the viewer's head that there could be multiple re-entries, and the tribes have no idea when any such re-entries would take place.

[CrimsonFox]

But somewhere along the line SOMEONE indicated it was only one.
And I think that person was Jeff in a voiceover. So if that's the case they wouldn't know.

[ntndeacon]

Shoot Russell wouldn't have gone to the finals if folks would have done what Rob planned the last time they met. Let's go Matt!

[EagleFan]

Not sure what to expect from the way they are pushing the commercials for this week's show. Some sort of surprise, at least in the commercial edits.

Is Matt going to forfeit to allow Russell to remain?

[CrimsonFox]

So maybe if they locked Russell in a room with Charlie Sheen and whoever's delusions are greater wins?

Loved it loved it lovedit. Poor little russell needs a tissue...

[EagleFan]

I didn't expect to see him burst into tears. I expected his meltdown after that but no the tears.

Is Phillip getting nuttier each episode?

Still waiting to see what kind of "move" he was going to make at tribal. Apparantly making his move meant voting exactly like rob wanted him to?

[CrimsonFox]

Well, I think that Christina sealed her own fate. She had the right idea of staying quiet. Then all of a sudden she forgot what she said. They were so going to vote out Phil then she opened her mouth about the idol clue. Maybe DOWN THE ROAD someone might think of that. If she'd have stayed quiet Phil would have gone home.

And about Phil's "move", I think he was ready to reveal stuff and try to "blackmail the tribe" (in his mind) until Christina bashed him. Then I think it was all bets were off. (Bad move two for Christina).

Wonder how long Rob can stay 20 moves ahead of everyone. Oh deary dear Ralph ralph ralph. Awesome rubbing it in Russell's face. Really only Phil thinks Ralph has the idol. But that info really won't do him any good until way way down the line if he made it. All the other info was worthless.

[LloydLungs]

I'm no fan of Russell's -- in fact, even though he was really in an impossible situation, he still showed this season why he's overrated -- but I may be LESS of a fan of his tribe. Their pathological Russell hatred is just childish and not pleasant to watch. They're spending way too much time being delighted with themselves and how oh-so-clever they think they are. I don't really think they're any better than he is. Hard to see how that won't catch up with them a little bit, even if Rob's tribe appears incapable of winning a challenge without help.

At the very least I can't imagine Ralph lasting too much longer.

[Swaggs]

Phillip is just awesome (for us viewers) to have around. I really hope he can somehow survive to the merge. If he gets there, he will not be a threat and may stick around.

Agreed on Ralph. I guess I understand that it would be hard to keep a lid on finding an idol since you are around each other 24/7, but it has almost always been proven to put a target on your back. I can see sharing it with one or maybe two very close allies, but I don't understand why people always think it will buy them trust in large groups. Another example of Rob showing that he knows what he is doing.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah Ralph's getting overanxious. And I really don't think the partying about Russell being tossed was overblown. Seemed more of an immense collective sigh of relief. I think most watching let out the same little cheer that they don't have to endure his repetitive narcissistic drabble anymore.

Not sure if you saw the first 3 episodes but he already lied to them, already lied to their face and was caught, already threatened them, already went off and formed his own little perverted Russell alliance again, and already has said really terrible things about them. Every step along the way they knew which lies he was telling and yet they were all very scared of what COULD happen. Well, nothing is the answer, but Russell had built such a mystique about himself being such a master player I'm sure they were all afraid of what COULD happen.

[CrimsonFox]

Phil >>>>> Coach

[Maple Leafs]

A request: Can we start labelling spoiler tags? There's a pretty big difference between commenting on something that just happened (and could be a spoiler for west coasters or PVRers) vs revealing major details about future events.

I'd hate to get used to clicking spoiler tags to find out what people thought of the last episode, only to find out who wins six weeks early.

[Draft Dodger]

and, maybe use spoiler tags for actual spoilers. Once it airs, I don't think it needs to be in a spoiler

[EagleFan]

Lance Bass is gayLike that?:devil:

[law90026]

It's always awesome watching Phil at tribal council! I'm waiting for the Phil vs Coach season where they get an entire bunch of loonies to take part.

[CrimsonFox]

Lance Bass is gayLike that?:devil:

I think that took me into another dimension! :eek:

[Lathum]

A request: Can we start labelling spoiler tags? There's a pretty big difference between commenting on something that just happened (and could be a spoiler for west coasters or PVRers) vs revealing major details about future events.

I'd hate to get used to clicking spoiler tags to find out what people thought of the last episode, only to find out who wins six weeks early.

yeah
you deserve to be spoiled
if you havent watched this weeks episode and come in here

[EagleFan]

West Coast Spolier

WTF?!?!

Steve is pissed because the two people that "the alliance" is getting rid of voted for him?

[Swaggs]

They really did a great job with casting this season.

The combination of Phillip's behavior, UIC value, and how he is perpetually in danger of being voted out makes it must see TV for me. :)

David is interesting. It seems like he is really smart and knows how to play the game, but for an attorney, he really is not as articulate as you would expect (especially when he is flustered).

[CrimsonFox]

This episode was not very good. KInda boring. Philip....wow, philip.

David is starting to wig out a bit, yes. His eyes are bugging out so watch out. They were wise to not fall for Stephanie's crap, which started to go into overdrive again. They can't trust her a bit. And EF, I agree about Steve. WTF? They have to vote for someone. He's been pretty pissy about them lately so why is he surprised.

Grant is really really under the radar I think. Has he even said anything in interviews yet? :) Rob might be getting too cocky and taking too many chances. But I don't think the girls on his tribe are really playing much. I hope Andrea works her way back into things.

[Raiders Army]

I agree that Grant is doing well. I'm sort of rooting for him (and Boston Rob...maybe if he wins, this will be his last season!).

Every time I see Andrea, I see an blonde Anime cartoon.

[molson]

Stephanie may be a little bitch but I have a strong inkling that she has some spectacular talents that she can only exhibit in a hotel room.

[Draft Dodger]

Stephanie may be a little bitch but I have a strong inkling that she has some spectacular talents that she can only exhibit in a hotel room.

absofuckinglutely

[CrimsonFox]

Stephanie may be a little bitch but I have a strong inkling that she has some spectacular talents that she can only exhibit in a hotel room.


Which is why it boggles the mind why she didn't do that to begin with. She had David and the other guy who would have eaten out of her hand, so why'd she try to hook up with a pig like Russell.

[Maple Leafs]

I just now got caught up on the last two weeks. This has been a great season so far.

Watching the blond girl instantly turn on her boyfriend because he was nice to another girl was fantastic.

[Draft Dodger]

wow, what an idiot

[Jas_lov]

Seems like it was the best move for Rob because even if they take out Steve and they're up 7-4 he would still have to worry about Andrea and Matt flipping the next week. It's a lot tougher for one lone person to flip up 6-5 and go to the bottom of a 5 person alliance than it is for 2 people to flip to a 4 person alliance. It also isolates Andrea and Zapatera used its HII. Rob should be safe for a few weeks at least.

[EagleFan]

What was the final vote count?

[Landshark44]

6-5-1

[EagleFan]

Andrea voted for Matt?

[Swaggs]

Matt screwed Andrea over by opening up, about their plans, to Rob.

He kind of hung her out to dry and, by this time, she has spent far more time with her tribe than with Matt.

[LloydLungs]

Rob probably isn't going to win, but up to this point I think he's playing the best game of Survivor I've ever seen. This season has been a joy to watch, especially after the clunker that was last season.

The Redemption Island concept has turned out a lot better than I thought it would. That said... I can't believe someone could theoretically be voted out TWICE and still win. I'm not sure I'm on board with post-merge Redemption Island. I thought it worked as a way to spice up the pre-merge game.

[Swaggs]

Agreed on reintroducing Redemption Island.

They probably just should have made it so that winning 4 or 5 in a row (on Redemption Island) returns you to the game (and maybe with a hidden immunity idol, so you get a chance to re-establish yourself in the game).

I am happy now, as I can see Phillip making it to the finals now. He is not a physical threat and not a threat to get a win from the jury.

I think the key to this season has been 1) that there are a lot of really interesting characters and 2) they have actually advanced pretty far in the game.

[kingfc22]

Rob has been fantastic this season. Just goes to show how much better his style of gameplay is compared to Russell.

I'm going to guess that Redemption Island will see between 3-4 more challenges before the "survivor" returns to the game. I just can't see it going any longer than that.

[Mota]

I was cheering for Matt because his redemption was a fantastic story. Now I think he's a total knob for making the exact same mistakes immediately after coming back in.

[CrimsonFox]

This show has gotten really boring. No one says anything. They all just sit around. None of Rob's tribe will even make comments to the camera anymore.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This show has gotten really boring. No one says anything. They all just sit around. None of Rob's tribe will even make comments to the camera anymore.

It was obvious why they made it a 'double elimination' when it was nothing more than two condensed episodes. Would have been two boring hours rather than one.

Although it makes for predictable results, hard to argue with their method of riding Rob's coattails. Will make for some interesting end-game. I'm guessing there will be some back-stabbing by Rob along the way.

[Barkeep49]

I haven't seen last night's episode, but I'm curious to see how Rob plays out the end game so as to maximize his chance to win the million.

[Swaggs]

I don't see Rob making it to the finals. I think Natalie is the only one that will stick with him. Grant, Phillip (surprisingly), and the two blonde girls know what they are doing, I think. I would imagine that Rob's tribe will vote off one more of the other team's players (probably Ralph?) and then, when it gets to 6-2, you will see a group of 3 Omotepes (sp?) splinter away with those remaining 2.

The interesting thing is that, other than Rob's perceived final 3, we haven't really seen much of what Grant or the girls have been doing behind the scenes with alliances. Phillip and Andrea seem friendly, but it almost seems like she is just being polite.

Also, I wonder what's up with Redemption Island. Are they just going to get a big group of folks on it and then have one giant challenge or what?

[CrimsonFox]

I hope you're right. But the way they are acting (Grant and the 3 girls), I'm afraid they are just going to willingly close their eyes and be led to the slaughter. Andrea could have tried to make moves. But she didn't.

As much as I'd like to see Matt make another comeback I'd say his time is done. Would like to see David come back actually.

[molson]

I haven't seen last night's episode, but I'm curious to see how Rob plays out the end game so as to maximize his chance to win the million.

The people Rob's getting rid of now, from the other tribe, seem to respect him, and are ridiculing his followers. I think he would get their votes at the end. Then he would just need to probably get half of the votes of his alliance, which I think he'd be able to do (he's only going to really need to blindside 1 or 2 of them.) I think he'll win if he gets to the finals (imagine a Phillip v. Rob final). It was strange we saw that defense attorney (Dave?) talk twice - both the night of tribal, and the next day, about how "genius" Rob was, like they're setting up that storyline - this ain't Russell backstabbing his way to the end, Rob is doing it and actually earning respect along the way. I think that could be the theme of this season when its all over.

But will Rob's followers instead turn on him the second the other tribe is vanquished? I'd actually be kind of surprised if that happend. Who's going to make that move? Grant maybe, but then the girls would immediately turn on him.

Great season.

[Draft Dodger]

and to think, if Matt had done the smart thing and voted for Grant the situation would have been completely reversed. he and the other tribe could have been whittling away Rob's group one by one.

that one vote changed everything.

[Dutch]

and to think, if Matt had done the smart thing and voted for Grant the situation would have been completely reversed. he and the other tribe could have been whittling away Rob's group one by one.

that one vote changed everything.

I'm pretty sure Russell's tribe has made more than that one error. Which is why they are in the predicament they are in. Starting with eliminating their strong players. They are just paying for it now.

In the end, Rob is playing to win and deserves the money, I'll be happy with that outcome.

A cool outcome though would be if we find out Phillip is really sane and was just making up the whole "Secret Agent" crap (which appears fake anyway) and then starts playing Rob. That's what I'm hoping for anyway, but sadly he's probably just nutty.

[Maple Leafs]

Just a strange thought that's probably a non-starter ... did anyone else find Jeff's parting comments at the tribal councils a little forced? He usually gets in some sort of observation, but this time they seemed... off. The first one was about "keep digging", the second was "look for a crack".

With no more reward challenges, is it possible that Jeff is now the source of the immunity idol hints?

[CrimsonFox]

Wow that is really interesting Maple! :) I did think they sounded off. LIke what does that mean? At first I thought he was trying to influence Rob's tribe to make more decisions for themselves. Look for a crack and keep digging sounded weird. :)

Well spotted Maple

[EagleFan]

Just a strange thought that's probably a non-starter ... did anyone else find Jeff's parting comments at the tribal councils a little forced? He usually gets in some sort of observation, but this time they seemed... off. The first one was about "keep digging", the second was "look for a crack".

With no more reward challenges, is it possible that Jeff is now the source of the immunity idol hints?

I was thinking that as well when he said it. As you said, it just seemed like he was looking for a way to force it into the conversation.

[Suicane75]

I noticed that too. My feeling was that the idol is buried right in between the flags cause i remember he said something about walking right in or something about the entrance.

I want to believe Phillip is pretending to be that crazy but the preview for next week gives me pause.

[Draft Dodger]

Phillip is batshit crazy. no doubt about it

[chrisj]

A cool outcome though would be if we find out Phillip is really sane and was just making up the whole "Secret Agent" crap (which appears fake anyway) and then starts playing Rob. That's what I'm hoping for anyway, but sadly he's probably just nutty.

I was thinking about that today too... what if we get to the jury vote, and Phillip is like "I just played you. I'm really quite sane. I can't believe you guys bought all that."

I think he'd end up winning. It'd be great strategy. You always want to bring the guy who isn't a liability in challenges, but doesn't seem like a threat to win.

[EagleFan]

I was thinking about that today too... what if we get to the jury vote, and Phillip is like "I just played you. I'm really quite sane. I can't believe you guys bought all that."

I think he'd end up winning. It'd be great strategy. You always want to bring the guy who isn't a liability in challenges, but doesn't seem like a threat to win.

Would be great but based on his "confessionals" alone I would say that is quite the long shot. Though it could be blamed on editing but I tend to doubt that at the moment.

[Atocep]

The people Rob's getting rid of now, from the other tribe, seem to respect him, and are ridiculing his followers. I think he would get their votes at the end. Then he would just need to probably get half of the votes of his alliance, which I think he'd be able to do (he's only going to really need to blindside 1 or 2 of them.) I think he'll win if he gets to the finals (imagine a Phillip v. Rob final). It was strange we saw that defense attorney (Dave?) talk twice - both the night of tribal, and the next day, about how "genius" Rob was, like they're setting up that storyline - this ain't Russell backstabbing his way to the end, Rob is doing it and actually earning respect along the way. I think that could be the theme of this season when its all over.

But will Rob's followers instead turn on him the second the other tribe is vanquished? I'd actually be kind of surprised if that happend. Who's going to make that move? Grant maybe, but then the girls would immediately turn on him.

Great season.

Andrea and Philip have both mentioned that they need to make a move at some point. The lack of confessionals from anyone on Rob's tribe also makes me wonder if something is up.

It's Rob's game to win if he gets to the finals, but I don't think he's getting there.

[wade moore]

If they're going to make a move on Rob, I think the next vote at 6 vs. 3 i when you have to do it. Then, you only need 2 from Russel's old tribe. You can then rejoin with the Ometepe folks and take out the remaining 3.

I don't know that it will happen, but to me that's the time to do it.

[LloydLungs]

Usually, the big moves on Survivor are made at 9, 7, and to a lesser extent 5. Also, it felt there was a distinct change in Rob's editing this week. He's been cocky all along, but the show was highlighting it extra hard this week, complete with Godfathery music. Hmm...

Honestly between the solid alliance, his incredible ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and his hidden idol, it's hard to see how he doesn't go to the end, but the editing definitely felt like it took a "setting up for a fall" tone this week.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah I noticed that too Lloyd. The commercials indicated Philip was going to make a move on Rob. But Phil's too much an insecure yesman now. Granted he's very unstable and is apt to change his bipolar mind at a moment's notice.

I think the only thing that will prevent Rob winning at this point is if they "unmerged" the tribes and forced Rob out. :)

I don't see anyone on this show having any brains or balls.

[Landshark44]

what if they bring two people back from "redemption island? 6-4 now, but if matt and dave come back it goes to 6-6.

producers don't want to see robs' group systematically kick out the other tribe. too boring....

[CrimsonFox]

As opposed to what's happening now?

[molson]

I don't mind a couple of predictable shows in a row at all, it gives everything a sense of structure, a season-long storyline, as opposed to just random alliances constantly forming and breaking every week. If every vote is up in the air, it's probably not a very good season.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah I see your point. I just get disappointed when people play stupidly. Matt is not cut out for this game. Andrea will never make a move I think./ It's like Cathy from season 4/allstars. The answers are right in front of her and yet she has been too scared to act. I think the most irritating thing is that really no one but Rob talks to the camera.
I thought his throwing the clues into the volcano was hilarious. But I don't particularly like watching people bully other people.

[Jas_lov]

Andrea and Phillip will make a move, it's just not time yet. It wasn't in their best interest to flip to the other tribe at the merge and become the minority in that tribe. They should be able to get Grant to go along with a plan to blindside Rob and with the remaining 1-2 members of the other tribe they can control the game. Expect a move in the next couple weeks. Rob does have the HII so it will be interesting to see if he can sniff it out.

[Thomkal]

I think it would be interesting to see what would happen if the two remaining members of the other tribe told the others that all the people from their old tribe got together and decided they will be voting for Rob to win the million dollars because the rest of you have done nothing to play the game (well perhaps Phillip in his crazy way). Just to get Rob even more paranoid than he already is and to get the others, who have to know that Rob wins if he gets to the Finals, to finally make the move they need to make if they want to win and get rid of Rob. Or just to create doubt in the other tribe that they start looking at themselves to vote out rather than the two from the other tribe.

[Swaggs]

The tribe with only three remaining will have a play once one more of their members are voted off. Three Ometepe folks will pick the remaining two up, vote Rob and someone else off, and then it will be a free for all for the final five (six w/ redemption island if they come back later rather than sooner).

I actually think Andrea did a very smart thing during the last challenge by convincing the other two girls to drop out so that she could win. If Andrea is able to win another challenge or two, she has more credibility going into the final vote for a million dollars.

[saldana]

the explanation of the name of the new tribe might have been the funniest thing ever to happen on this show.

i wonder what amber thins everytime they show rob sleeping with his arms around two of the three girls

i think the whole sequence when Rob wouldnt let grant eat all the fish was edited to show that he isnt gonna win...they are gonna turn on him at some point.

[EagleFan]

I missed the name explanation, what was it?

[saldana]

I missed the name explanation, what was it?

rob said it meant "united from the ocean" or some corny crap like that, and everyone was all "ohhhhh, thats wonderful", then they cut away to a confessional and he explained that it doesnt mean shit...its just the name of amber's favorite stuffed animal

[EagleFan]

lol, that's excellent.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah that was my second favorite Rob thing this season. :) My first was "I don't need this clue as I already know what it says. So wheee I'll throw it in the volcano"

[B & B]

Havent seen one episode 'live' this season, usually catch it the following day or so, but this thread is always bumped up by that time.


Guess theres not much to say. Phillip's antics and UIC usually dont dominate the entire show but he did on this one. What was odd is that instead of being funnier than normal, it wasnt. Really.

The challenges were lame, the results were too. The whole Matt/God thing was terrible and the racism angle was neither cocky nor funny. Julie's line in the end of not finding his shorts ever was the clear highlight. Probably one of the worst episodes of the season.

[LloydLungs]

I want to reiterate my previous sentiment that I really hate this post-merge Redemption Island, even though I ended up sort of liking pre-merge RI. Hate it even more now that it appears it will be three-person duels with TWO people surviving.

So now, it's pretty much impossible for Matt NOT to come back, right? All he has to do is not finish last out of three people. He did not even win this last duel -- second place -- and he's STILL in the flippin' game. So, in all likelihood... We (a) have to listen to this guy go on about religion for 5 minutes every week, and (b) He's going to return to the game and have an actual chance to win after being voted out in two of the three tribal councils he's attended and spending 90% of the game away from everyone.

If that's how this plays out, it's going to be awful. I don't see how anyone could be happy with that no matter how much they like Matt.

[Racer]

I want to reiterate my previous sentiment that I really hate this post-merge Redemption Island, even though I ended up sort of liking pre-merge RI. Hate it even more now that it appears it will be three-person duels with TWO people surviving.

So now, it's pretty much impossible for Matt NOT to come back, right? All he has to do is not finish last out of three people. He did not even win this last duel -- second place -- and he's STILL in the flippin' game. So, in all likelihood... We (a) have to listen to this guy go on about religion for 5 minutes every week, and (b) He's going to return to the game and have an actual chance to win after being voted out in two of the three tribal councils he's attended and spending 90% of the game away from everyone.

If that's how this plays out, it's going to be awful. I don't see how anyone could be happy with that no matter how much they like Matt.

Yeah I feel the same way. I sort of ended up kind of liking the pre-merge RI. I'm hating the post-merge RI. Hopefully they get enough feedback from viewers to switch it next time to pre-merge only. Jeff Probst has indicated it's here to stay unless the viewers don't like it.

[CrimsonFox]

P.W.A.
(Philip Wit' Attitude)

[Draft Dodger]

I'm not anti-religion or anything, but I think it would be kind of cool for Matt to get struck by lightning during one of his rambling God rants

[Suicane75]

I almost felt sorry for Phillip during tribal. Yes he's crazy and I think he perceives things all wrong, but that is how he perceives them and he's gotta live like that.

And I'll 33rd the Matt shit. God can feel free to get him out of there any week now.

[Lathum]

I'm not anti-religion or anything, but I think it would be kind of cool for Matt to get struck by lightning during one of his rambling God rants

Or get eaten by a whale

[Swaggs]

If I did not think that Phillip was batshit crazy, I would think that he is playing this way so that he can get to the finals (and that he already realizes that he can't win). I assume the prize money for #2 is still decent -- I think it was like $100K for 2nd place awhile back.

At this point, who doesn't want to be up there next to him at the final tribal council?

[Lathum]

If I did not think that Phillip was batshit crazy, I would think that he is playing this way so that he can get to the finals (and that he already realizes that he can't win). I assume the prize money for #2 is still decent -- I think it was like $100K for 2nd place awhile back.

At this point, who doesn't want to be up there next to him at the final tribal council?

My wife and I were discussing that. It would be great if at the final tribal council he stood up and was like, I played you all!

I doubt that is the case though,I think he is insane

[Draft Dodger]

it would be great. but he's nuts.

[EagleFan]

Phillip is completely insane. I don't know what he went through growing up but he seriously needs to learn that acting like and pulling the race card out of his ass isn't going to help him win any support.

I wouldn't be surprised if that saved his ass though. No on in his group wanted to be labeled as racist by voting him out at that tribal.

Also, enough already Matt. We get it, you're religious.

"I'm here still because it's your will." Either that or God has been giving you enough signs that you aren't supposed to be there yet you aren't listening.

I think the redemption island part has been played out too far now. Someone could have been voted out twice yet still have a chance to win? That doesn't really sound right.

[CrimsonFox]

Phillip is completely insane. I don't know what he went through growing up but he seriously needs to learn that acting like and pulling the race card out of his ass isn't going to help him win any support.

I wouldn't be surprised if that saved his ass though. No on in his group wanted to be labeled as racist by voting him out at that tribal.

Also, enough already Matt. We get it, you're religious.

"I'm here still because it's your will." Either that or God has been giving you enough signs that you aren't supposed to be there yet you aren't listening.

I think the redemption island part has been played out too far now. Someone could have been voted out twice yet still have a chance to win? That doesn't really sound right.


Totally agree. Philip is just immensely insecure and a wannabe. The type that wants to be popular yet never is so latches on like a puppy dog to the cool kids and then starts bullying other people around. It's stupid.
Rob's tribe has treated the new tribe like completely shit. Good for them for standing up to them and good for Julie for hiding Phil's shorts! HAHAHA I love moves like that.

Spite makes right :)

I loved how she giggled giddily when she admitted it at tribal council! :)
Was so funny. :)

As for Matt. I agree with that EF. God does not care about survivor or a million bucks or anything like that. The thing is, he was using religion as his excuse NOT to actually play the game. He had a brilliant plan to oust Rob and he let the religion thing decide for him that he wouldn't do it and just let God tell him where he wants him to be because he made a promise or something. People use religion to decide the dumbest things.

He really should be happy instead of miserable. If he's "where he should be".


The second Redemption Island thing. Eh....it doesn't matter for me either way at this point. The hidden immunity idols-a-plenty has longsince made this show jump the shark IMO.

I'm finally glad we got to hear Grant say something!!!!! :)

[zums]

FOUR people on redemption island?!

[Swaggs]

I finally figured out who Steve's voice reminds me of: Tommy Chong. :)

I have to think that one of the remaining players realizes that Rob is going to win if he makes it to the finals, but I'm not sure anyone is willing to do anything about it. If he manages to continue dominating his tribe, he certainly deserves the money.

[Swaggs]

FOUR people on redemption island?!

I think the producers kept Redemption Island around too deep into the game. It was cool for a little while, but now that the players are positioning for the endgame and trying to figure out how people will vote, I think it damages the game to keep that many players alive this late in the game.

[LloydLungs]

I think the produces kept Redemption Island around too deep into the game. It was cool for a little while, but now that the players are positioning for the endgame and trying to figure out how people will vote, I think it damages the game to keep that many players alive this late in the game.

Yep. Totally agree. Liked it more than I thought premerge, hate it more than I thought postmerge. It's becoming a farce and screwing up what should have been a really good season.

SOMEWHAT SPOILERY RE: ENDGAME FORMAT BUT NOT ABOUT ANY SPECIFIC PLAYER
I believe Probst mentioned that there will be eight players in the season finale. Gah.

Anybody think Rob made his first misstep this week? I can't help but think he really missed a great chance to knock out Andrea. He had the support to do it, and Steve wasn't going to be able to do anything with only 6 people left. On the other hand, if you can successfully play it safe and do a straight Pagonging, it probably helps your chances with the jury. Not sure.

The thing is, the editing this season is really over the top. There's so much foreshadowing that Matt will come back again, probably team up with guilty-feeling Andrea and others and topple Rob. Either they're overly foreshadowing to throw us off, or they've just got a story to tell and they're going to do it. Hope it's the former -- I'd consider that a dreadful endgame. Rob has played too well to get knocked off by some idiot that has absolutely no business being there anymore, who's just taking advantage of a twist that has overstayed its welcome.

[CrimsonFox]

If it's one thing I know aobut this show: any foreshadowing and commercial buildup is all bull****.

[Alan T]

I don't know that I feel redemption island is messing up the show post-merge thus far.

To be honest, this has been one of the most boring post-merge groups I've ever seen. It has been a clinical removal of the opposition by the majority tribe. There has been no intrigue, backstabbing or great strategy (other than the obvious great strategy of removing all of the enemy).

Maybe that will change starting now and the shows will start becoming exciting again. You can tell the producers realized what was happening as they had the double elimination episode twice since the merge, just to get it over with.

[Maple Leafs]

My problem with Redemption Island still being around is that I think it's what is reducing the blindsides.

On the one hand, it's ridiculous for Rob's tribe to let him stick around knowing that he'll win the jury vote unanimously. On the other hand, what are they supposed to do? Vote him off and have him come back a few days later?

[Swaggs]

I agree with Alan. The ex-Ometepe tribe has really been "clinical" (great word choice) in removing the other tribe -- there has really been little question at any vote (and usually the producers can make it look like something is going on with just a couple of nuggets).

I guess these players have been smart and realized that they could draw up sides after the other tribe was eliminated, rather than blowing it up prematurely. As I said above, it will be interesting to see if and how anyone tries to challenge Rob at this point. He's still got an idol in his pocket (that he has amazingly kept quiet), so it will be interesting to see if he pushes for honesty/respect among his tribemates on who they are voting out, so he can see if they are voting for him and blindside them with the idol.

As an aside, I read a bit of an interview from Julie (the older lady who got knocked off of Redemption Island last episode) and she had two interesting nuggets (not really spoilers b/c I don't think it will come up any of the episodes). She said that Russell told their tribe, early on, that the producers had given he and Boston Rob idols to begin the game with and that they would have voted for Rob (as they did with Russell) early on, as well (to flush out his idol and get rid of him before he got well into the game).

[Draft Dodger]

I've been wondering if the redemption island survivor will get an automatic spot in the final 3 (or whatever number)

[Landshark44]

how the hell did phillip find his shorts....?

[molson]

how the hell did phillip find his shorts....?

Dude, his native american ancestor came to him in a vision, try to keep up.

[CrimsonFox]

Dude, his native american ancestor came to him in a vision, try to keep up.


A cameraman told him. :)

[molson]

A cameraman told him. :)

Allright, but the camera man may have been native american - and he still came within Phillip's vision. By standing in front of him.

[CrimsonFox]

I don't know that I feel redemption island is messing up the show post-merge thus far.

To be honest, this has been one of the most boring post-merge groups I've ever seen. It has been a clinical removal of the opposition by the majority tribe. There has been no intrigue, backstabbing or great strategy (other than the obvious great strategy of removing all of the enemy).

Maybe that will change starting now and the shows will start becoming exciting again. You can tell the producers realized what was happening as they had the double elimination episode twice since the merge, just to get it over with.

SOOO agree with you on this. This season has really been boring.
The phil stuff is just too much. Too much of it. We get it. He's an idiot that likes attention. We've all had to deal with "that guy" in our work life. We don't wanna see anymore.

Yeah Rob's tribe is a cult of lemmings. It's high school. They just run to rob and tell him everything. They don't even have any plans for after this game. Even Jeff is TRYING to tell them things are NOT going to be this easy tomorrow.

For the FIRST TIME we hear Grant. That was the FIRST Grant siting ever on camera talking about the game.

I am frankly happy there is the redemption island gang to watch. They at least talk to me.

The lack of reward challenges really changes the mood of the show. Also seems to change the mood of the contestants. THere is no more refueling going on.

Would be hilarious if the four on redeption became a tribe to compete against again and they basically had to start all over. :) That would really prove how little the producers have thought about this. I don't believe next week things are going to be really intriguing since they've already shown Rob worrying about things. Always means the opposite.

[CrimsonFox]

Allright, but the camera man may have been native american - and he still came within Phillip's vision. By standing in front of him.

LOLOLOLOL :lol:

[Mota]

Yeah post-merge this has to be the most boring Survivor ever. It really started with Russell getting voted out, after that their tribe has been getting picked off one after another. Obviously a bad move, getting rid of your stronger players first.

Now all these people weak in the mind are all working their best to get Rob the win. Are they even thinking about themselves? Did they not even realize that there's a hidden immunity out there? Is Rob the only guy that even bothered looking for it?

At this point Rob has such a hold on the game that I wouldn't doubt if the voting was unanimous every week, including the person getting eliminated voting for themselves. :)

[Atocep]

Yeah post-merge this has to be the most boring Survivor ever. It really started with Russell getting voted out, after that their tribe has been getting picked off one after another. Obviously a bad move, getting rid of your stronger players first.

Now all these people weak in the mind are all working their best to get Rob the win. Are they even thinking about themselves? Did they not even realize that there's a hidden immunity out there? Is Rob the only guy that even bothered looking for it?

At this point Rob has such a hold on the game that I wouldn't doubt if the voting was unanimous every week, including the person getting eliminated voting for themselves. :)

Yet another season that shows picking off your strong players early is an absolutely stupid move.

At some point people have to catch on, don't they?

[Mota]

Yet another season that shows picking off your strong players early is an absolutely stupid move.

At some point people have to catch on, don't they?

There seemed to be a formula at some point that made sense at least. Keep the best players until the merge, and then once you're merged pick them off as quickly as possible.

Then it became pick off the biggest threats immediately even though you still need them to win the challenges.

So yeah, people are stupid for clinging onto Rob for so long, but at the same time smart for riding him to a 6-0 advantage in old tribal lines.

[molson]

They only strong player they voted out early was Russell, and that was more based on paranoia. After that, they picked off the weak members of their tribe first.

If Russell had survived, his strategy would have been to get rid of the stronger players and surround himself instead with all those weak girls.

That's one thing redemption island has done, it's kept stronger players in the game longer. Without it, everyone would be putting Matt into that category of "strong players voted out early", when instead, he's been able to both dominate the challenges, and reveal himself as kind of a weak person who maybe wasn't all that strong after all. It's definitely a positive direction for the game, IMO. Even post-merge, it throws a lot of wrinkles into what would otherwise be a very straightforward season. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that Ralph and that Iraqi war vet are still actually in the game.

[Mota]

I do like Redemption Island. It makes for possible great stories. Unfortunately Matt screwed up the story the first time by making the same mistake of teaming with the guys that screwed him over in the first place.

Now he's on a roll again and likely to come back into the game, but he's just a shell of his former self. Can he make it? Will he make a difference? Tell you one thing, that story is about 500x more interesting than the weekly decimation that's been going on for about the last 4 episodes!

Rob is playing a FANTASTIC game, but this season it hasn't necessarily meant good TV. Now that the mid-game is done though, I'm sure it'll get really interesting, people HAVE to make things happen now, don't they?

[CrimsonFox]

What the heck? One episode this wednesday and the finale on SUNDAY? With 9 people still in the game? :)
I wonder what happens. Maybe they all get attacked by natives or something. Or Philip's Secret Agent buddies swing in and arrest everybody or something.

It hardly seems going thru all this trouble just to toss 4-5 people with one challenge.

Matt and Mike seem like incredibly strong people to beat in a challenge.
They do have a shot at this.

[Suicane75]

Well Wednesday will likely have an elimination the ultimate redemption island survivor which would leave us at 5 going into Sunday. I'm fairly certain they always eliminate two people on the finale so it's actually pretty normal. It's just the glut on redemption island.

[Swaggs]

It will be interesting to see if some of the bonds made during Redemption Island end up paying off for the person who gets back into the game.

[Maple Leafs]

I really hope the redemption "winner" doesn't go straight to the finals. They'll have a huge edge with the jury, it would be a shame if they didn't have to at least earn it with an immunity win or two.

[CrimsonFox]

by contrast I hope any winner from redemption doesn't go straight into tribal council as the rest of them will simply vote them off again. They really need to whittle themselves a way a little at this point so that they get the message that Rob is going to vote ALL of them off and win.

The commercials are trying to make us think Natalie and Ashley are fighting, therefore I think the whole tribe is completely unified and there will be no surprises.

[CrimsonFox]

Well that was odd. This may sound strange but I don't see Rob winning this thing at ALL now. Reason: his bunch not only has NO idea how to play this game strategically, but they are all really emotional. I see them absolutely carrying a huge grudge at the end and just plain not giving it to him out of spite. Have seen it happen before.

[molson]

Well that was odd. This may sound strange but I don't see Rob winning this thing at ALL now. Reason: his bunch not only has NO idea how to play this game strategically, but they are all really emotional. I see them absolutely carrying a huge grudge at the end and just plain not giving it to him out of spite. Have seen it happen before.

I could see everyone being a crybaby about Rob (that's always one of the more amusing things about Survivor every season - people who are just SHOCKED that someone would lie to them in the game). But this season has felt like a coronation for Rob. It would take quite a sell-job from the producers to make anyone else seem worthy enough in the finale.

The one thing that made me a little worried was two episodes ago, Phillip actually told his sister something about pretending to be a "loudmouth" to last longer. I don't think he's doing an full act or anything, but geez, if people have butthurt about Rob lying to them would they actually consider voting for Phillip - who I actually don't think has lied to anyone?

[Atocep]

I could see everyone being a crybaby about Rob (that's always one of the more amusing things about Survivor every season - people who are just SHOCKED that someone would lie to them in the game). But this season has felt like a coronation for Rob. It would take quite a sell-job from the producers to make anyone else seem worthy enough in the finale.

The one thing that made me a little worried was two episodes ago, Phillip actually told his sister something about pretending to be a "loudmouth" to last longer. I don't think he's doing an full act or anything, but geez, if people have butthurt about Rob lying to them would they actually consider voting for Phillip - who I actually don't think has lied to anyone?

I'll be surprised if Rob wins simply because the jury is going to end up with several people that don't want to see him win. I also wouldn't discout Philip's chances as the "anyone but Rob" vote. The comment to his sister actually does make me think his game is a little deeper than the producers are showing us.

If Matt can get into the final vote somehow I think he's a lock and it turns this season into a disaster of epic proportions. Redemption island was a nice pre-merge twist, but someone evening having a shot at winning after being voted off twice is a joke.

Natalie winning would be a surprise, but she is the person that's pissed off the least number of people and that's been the recipe to win in recent seasons. She's much more dangerous than Rob realizes. Rob seems to think that since he's played the best (and he has) then he can't lose at the end. He's played almost flawlessly but it's starting to feel really similar to All-Stars where it became more about Rob not winning than anything else.

[CrimsonFox]

The one thing that made me a little worried was two episodes ago, Phillip actually told his sister something about pretending to be a "loudmouth" to last longer. I don't think he's doing an full act or anything, but geez, if people have butthurt about Rob lying to them would they actually consider voting for Phillip - who I actually don't think has lied to anyone?


Last week Philip actually said he was "playing the villain". I'm not sure how much I believe that. I think it's true "somewhat" but I also think Philip is uptight and anal normally and would for sure drive people crazy. The big thing though is even if he says "I played you guys", he said some really flat out disgusting things that I also think the jury would find unforgivable and also not give him the win.

So if it's Rob + Phil + X in the final three...I think X will win.

WHich will most likely be whoever comes back from Redemption Island...or Natalie. But MIke and Matt are just too tough to beat in challenges. Not even Grant is as good.
I see Mike winning the final RI challenge. He's just got that steadiness and calm to do it.

[LloydLungs]

So do you guys think Rob screwed up voting out Grant over Natalie? A couple episodes ago I thought booting Steve over Andrea might have been a screwup, but that really turned out to be a non-issue. This, though... I feel like Rob is pretty much guaranteed to be on the receiving end of a 3-2 vote at the next tribal. Letting Nat stick around when she and Ashley have gotten so much closer... they're definitely teaming up with the RI survivor (unless it's Mike) to vote out Rob, right? Of course, Rob still has the hidden idol, so he should survive the vote -- provided he's still allowed to play the thing. I'm assuming he can since Probst didn't say anything about this TC being the last time you could play it.

I think I heard that they did a RI scenario on the Israeli version of Survivor and something happened very similar to the Matt scenario this year. The guy actually made it to the finals but the jury rejected him for not having played the game. I actually think the same thing would happen here and Matt would not get many votes. As likeable as people find him, I would like to believe Survivor juries will not sink below a certain level of silliness. Mike, on the other hand, would be a stone-cold lock to win the game if he makes it to the finals. He has NO shot at the finals short of winning every challenge left.

I do think there are a lot of scenarios where Rob wins IF he makes the finals (though I just have this feeling he won't). Most of what I've heard from Zapatera is actually grudging respect for Rob, and more anger at his alliance for being sheep rather than anger at him. Unless Mike is in the finals, I think Rob pulls most if not all of their votes.

I don't think Phillip can get more than one stray vote, no matter what he says at the finals. Any sort of "I'm not really crazy" reveal at the finals is going to be met by one colossal group eyeroll, even if it's true.

[CrimsonFox]

I can see Julie liking that type of phil reveal. That's about it. Don't think David would like him much.

[Raiders Army]

There was a lot of cameltoe in the last episode.

[Maple Leafs]

Three thoughts:

- Rob still has an immunity idol, yes? I can see him getting blindsided at the next tribal (by the two girls and the redemption winner) if he doesn't use it, although presumably he will since it's usually the last chance to do so.

- I know he loves his family, but can it really be good strategy for Rob to walk around wearing a t-shirt with a picture of his wife who has already won $1 million playing this game?

- The fact that producers often put a "?" at the end of Phillips "federal agent" description makes me think he really isn't one. I'm curious whether that's because he's lying strategically or if we'll find out at the reunion that he got caught exaggerating.

[Ajaxab]

What leaves me baffled is why these people aren't looking for an immunity idol. Have they forgotten that one should theoretically still be out there somewhere? Have they given up on it?

[Swaggs]

History tells us that ousted contestants respect (and vote for) dominant players like Rob. The wildcard will be, as mentioned, whether or not folks like Julie and Ralph (and the young girls) want to give a million dollars to someone who probably already (and publicly made) a lot of money.

In any case, I would think that Rob is the favorite over the field. Unless Matt has been making bonds on Redemption Island, and the camera is not showing any evidence of that, I think Mike is probably the only other reasonable choice to win a jury over Rob.

All of the original Ometepe are going to get labeled as coat tail riders. With three finalists, no one is going to vote for Phillip (he won't get protest votes). The camera went out of the way to make the girls look like they were lazy. And Matt and Andrea had a chance (Andrea has had multiple chances) to make game-changing plays and decided to follow along with Rob's alliance, instead.

Rob's pitching a perfect game and unless the girls team up with whoever comes back from RI AND Rob doesn't play the idol, it is hard for me to see someone else winning (outside of an exceedingly impressive end game from Mike).

[EagleFan]

Mike is definitely the wild card here. He is the one that can get the jury votes if he comes back and sweeps the challenges (however many there are after the return from RI).

I would hope that Matt doesn't get any votes if he manages to get there. It would be a major sham if someone can get voted out twice because he doesn't know how to play the game and then win over someone that played the game all the way.

[Jas_lov]

With Rob's HII he can basically choose who he wants to get rid of at F5 tribal- Ashley or Redemption winner - My guess is Ashley to make sure Natalie will vote with him in the F4. I will hate the Redemption Island twist if Mike ends up coming back, winning two immunities and then winning the whole game. Someone should not be allowed to sit on the Island and coast to the F5. These aren't even 1 on 1 challenges, it's just don't come in last and advance. I don't see Matt, Grant, or Andrea beating Rob in the finals but Mike will because his tribe is majority in the jury.

[saldana]

i definitely see david voting rob over mike though...david came right out and told rob he thought his move on matt was genius, and i think maybe steve will lean the same way.

[wade moore]

I'm finding myself really not liking how they've handled redemption Island. The fact that someone could get voted out at the merge, then come back in, win one immunity, and be in the finals is just ridiculous to me. This should have ended several weeks ago.

[LloydLungs]

I'm finding myself really not liking how they've handled redemption Island. The fact that someone could get voted out at the merge, then come back in, win one immunity, and be in the finals is just ridiculous to me. This should have ended several weeks ago.

Yep. Although I think they'd have to win two immunities to get to the finals. But still.

[Maple Leafs]

I really wonder how Matt making it to the finals would play to the jury.

On the one hand, he would have had one of the all-time great run of challenge success, while living in miserable conditions. On the other, well... it's Survivor, and he got voted out twice.

Would hope he'd get shut out but you never know.

[Barkeep49]

I actually think Mike stands a better chance than Matt of getting votes should he come back into the game. I only started watching this season when it became clear Boston Rob was dominating, as he's one of my favorite all time players, and so I will be sad to see anyone but him win.

[Jas_lov]

Rob should win if he gets to the finals, I will also be disappointed if he doesn't. He's no doubt carried his tribe to the end and he hasn't been overly arrogant like Russell. I don't think anyone in his tribe would beat him in the finals. My only worry is Mike gets back in the game, wins a couple immunities, and wins it all with his tribe and Matt's votes. As long as Rob can get Natalie to vote with him in the F4 I think he can get to the end as he would be a favorite in a tiebreaker challenge.

[General Mike]

Right person won

[Lathum]

I think it is pretty cool that after taking so many shots a Phillip the show lets him go out with some class.

[StrangeWay]

Awesome finale! Congrats to Rob, so deserved. I guess next season the two coming back will be Matt and someone, maybe Grant or Philip.

[Draft Dodger]

looked like Matt was in the promo - not sure if that means anything or not.

[LloydLungs]

Right person won, and I was glad to see it. Always liked Rob. His pretty much pitched a perfect game this season. Almost perfect -- with idiot Ralph playing the Jim Joyce role.

I think I say this every year, but I curse the day Sue Hawk made that speech, as great as it was at the time. Everyone still wants to be Sue damn Hawk and it's just beyond silly at this point, 22 seasons in. Yeah, you usually have to be a bit duplicitous to win, CHRIST, ENOUGH ALREADY. But worse is that it seems like people are going to the family card every year now, i.e. your father/mother/daughter/son/wife/husband whatever would be ashamed of the way you played, etc. Keep your nastiness within the confines of the game, please. That stuff is just not pleasant to watch at all. And then at the reunion the offender is always sheepishly going "Well yeah, maybe I went too far." Did Natalie really deserve that sort of abuse just for being a common coattail rider? Of course she didn't deserve any votes, but get ahold of yourselves, Survivor juries.

On another note, most awkward live television wedding proposal in recent memory?

[EagleFan]

Right person won, and I was glad to see it. Always liked Rob. His pretty much pitched a perfect game this season. Almost perfect -- with idiot Ralph playing the Jim Joyce role.

I think I say this every year, but I curse the day Sue Hawk made that speech, as great as it was at the time. Everyone still wants to be Sue damn Hawk and it's just beyond silly at this point, 22 seasons in. Yeah, you usually have to be a bit duplicitous to win, CHRIST, ENOUGH ALREADY. But worse is that it seems like people are going to the family card every year now, i.e. your father/mother/daughter/son/wife/husband whatever would be ashamed of the way you played, etc. Keep your nastiness within the confines of the game, please. That stuff is just not pleasant to watch at all. And then at the reunion the offender is always sheepishly going "Well yeah, maybe I went too far." Did Natalie really deserve that sort of abuse just for being a common coattail rider? Of course she didn't deserve any votes, but get ahold of yourselves, Survivor juries.

On another note, most awkward live television wedding proposal in recent memory?

Couldn't agree more. Too many people trying to be Sue.

On the proposal, did she actually say yes? She certainly didn't seem like she was going to. Was waiting for... "we've had fun but not ready for that step."

[CrimsonFox]

Does Ralph have a mancrush on philip? What was that? :)

And it's funny. Similar to what Lathum was saying in the Idol thread, at 5:30 I opened up facebook and the very first entry said
"Matt praising God even in defeat. classy dude." from someone in EST. At 9 during a commercial I was shutting down some applications and clicking through windows and saw boston rob's name now on the fb page. Wasn't even looking for it.
Ugh. :)

LOL it's funny how people needed to post spoilers about survivor. I indeed should not get on the internet if I want to enjoy some suspense.

[Jas_lov]

It was a good try by David but I expect that hesitant yes to be rescinded as soon as they are alone. It looked like she said yes just to be nice.

I think at least one woman will be returning, maybe two. It could be Matt and Andrea. I hated Matt's God talk but apparently it was popular with some people. I just hope it's not someone like Amanda or Ozzie that have already played multiple times.

[EagleFan]

I won't go close to facebook when there is something that I am taping (pretty much the best comparison here since I am east coast and don't hav the delay to worry about). That can lead to no good. :)

[CrimsonFox]

Oh yeah the Matt thing. I can totally see them bringing Matt back just cause his story was good TV. They brought Stephanie back that one season for similar reasons. Yeah too much ozzie already. Would be hilarious if it were someone like Richard Hatch. (if the judge lifted his sentence)

Can't believe Russell still bothered to fume and call others names about them voting him out. It's over already. Still singing that same song.

[CrimsonFox]

I won't go close to facebook when there is something that I am taping (pretty much the best comparison here since I am east coast and don't hav the delay to worry about). That can lead to no good. :)

so true...:) Was actually just playing games between commercials and was curious if a friend was online. Wasn't even thinking about that as survivor hadn't started yet.

Total pisser that the last redemption island challenge was a balancing challenge. Girls always win those. Just how their bodies are built. Big guys don't have as much chance. Was really hoping MIke would make it back in. OUtstanding how well Ashley pulled out that win. Can't believe she blew the last one. Rob got into her head by asking questions. Just realized I think that's what blew it for her. Those questions. "Let's work together. What do you have?"

[Jas_lov]

I didn't mind Russell calling out Steve who seemed to give up around day 30. One reason not to bring back Matt is he doesn't understand the game and neither does Julie. The best players have to tell some lies and be deceitful, it's just part of the game. It's no reflection on Rob as a person. It's like these people have never watched the game.

[EagleFan]

Not sure who I would like to see back. Definitely not Matt; don't want to hear a season worth of religious ramblings. He can feel that way all that he likes but I don't want tohear about it for every little thing. Dude, if there is a god he certainly isn't worried about you playing survivor... I would hope not at least; would hope there are more important things to be worried about.

Maybe it will be David and the woman he proposed to; a vengeance matchup after he is jilted tonight. I don't even remember her. How long could he have known her? A couple months tops? He is proposing already?

How about a special season of Amazing Race teams playing Survivor? I could think of a few teams that would be entertaining to watch; and to see how long they stick together. :)


Instead of Redemption Island I would like to see them expand the show a little for at least a season. Have it on two nights a week and have what appears to be two seperate seasons going on at once. Then after the merge they surprise everyone by introducing both of the remaining tribes to each other and they continue there as tribe versus tribe until the "final" merge.


Another route would be random tribes. Put all 18 players in one camp. Before each challenge they randomly draw teams. The players from the losing team go to that tribal. That way they can't just create a group of 4 and feel safe as they will never know what they group will look like at the next tribal until the teams are drawn up for the challenge.

[Draft Dodger]

btw, what the hell happened to Natalie between the island and now? yikes. I take it she's made the leap from "professional dancer" to "adult actress"?

[Lathum]

I think I say this every year, but I curse the day Sue Hawk made that speech, as great as it was at the time. Everyone still wants to be Sue damn Hawk and it's just beyond silly at this point, 22 seasons in. Yeah, you usually have to be a bit duplicitous to win, CHRIST, ENOUGH ALREADY. But worse is that it seems like people are going to the family card every year now, i.e. your father/mother/daughter/son/wife/husband whatever would be ashamed of the way you played, etc. Keep your nastiness within the confines of the game, please. That stuff is just not pleasant to watch at all. And then at the reunion the offender is always sheepishly going "Well yeah, maybe I went too far." Did Natalie really deserve that sort of abuse just for being a common coattail rider? Of course she didn't deserve any votes, but get ahold of yourselves, Survivor juries.


Totally agree with this, it is a freaking game already. Don't be mad at the people who played it better than you and didn't let emotions get in the way. I get that they spend a lot of time together, and real bonds form, but there are very few people I wouldn't screw over for a million dollars, and someone I had known for 39 days certainly isn't on that list.





Instead of Redemption Island I would like to see them expand the show a little for at least a season. Have it on two nights a week and have what appears to be two seperate seasons going on at once. Then after the merge they surprise everyone by introducing both of the remaining tribes to each other and they continue there as tribe versus tribe until the "final" merge.




Another route would be random tribes. Put all 18 players in one camp. Before each challenge they randomly draw teams. The players from the losing team go to that tribal. That way they can't just create a group of 4 and feel safe as they will never know what they group will look like at the next tribal until the teams are drawn up for the challenge.


To your first post, I like the format they have now. There is such a thing as to much of a good thing. Watching the first few weeks of American Idol becomes like a job.

I think your second point is a horrible idea. The fun of Survivor is the bonds people make, the alliances they build and watching those alliances crumble and seeing who navigates through that minefield. It is also fun watching the different personalities mix and tensions mount as the time they spend together increases. Mix up the tribes every 3 days and this doesn't happen.

[Alan T]

I would love to see a survivor season where they actually force the players to form their own tribes through social bonding or whatever. Instead of the various method that has been used before (pre-selected, drawn with marbles, picked playground style, etc). The first reward challenge would be basically 18 people playing for themselves and the winner could pick a few others to join them on the reward challenge. Players would then be forced before the first immunity challenge to pick their teams among themselves before they compete. They would have to place those picks based on whatever social interaction they had up to that point as well as perceived performance from the reward challenge previously.

Obviously Survivor would have to ensure before the start of the season that the various challenges were balanced to help favor all different types of tribes so any one type couldn't gain an advantage from overstacking. (ie: mix up strength based challenges, puzzle based challenges, balance based challenges, endurance based challenges, teamwork oriented challenges, etc).

Maybe it would be a flop, but I would love to see how a tribe that picked its own players based on social bonds ended up handling things when they had to then sacrifice their own.

[tyketime]

Let's get this out of the way up front - Rob won. He deserved to win. In fact, I was shocked it was not 9-0-0. So nothing taken away from him.

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I have to say that was one of the most disappointing, predictable, boring seasons ever. From the minute Zapatera threw the challenge to get rid of Russell, you could see how the entire rest of the season played out. Once the merge happened, the game went into cruise control.

Ultimately, Rob saw the flaw in his five other alliance members, and worked them better than any puppetmaster before. While I do tend to agree with Jeff that this was as close to a perfect play by Rob, you also have to give "props" to his supporting cast:

1. Andrea: Won one challenge (I believe), but was never a key factor in the game.

2. Grant: The best bud. Rob worked him over good. Appealed to male camaraderie. Didn't see the blindside coming.

3. Ashley: At one point, I actually wanted her to win (of the six remaining). One of the few they showed thinking outside the kool-aid. But when she had a chance to make a move when Andrea returned from Redemption Island, she melted. EVEN though they "knew" Rob had the immunity idol, they should have voted for Phillip.

The remaining three participated in the most pathetic final jury ever. Natale was just thrilled to be there and admitted riding on Rob's coattails. Phillip reminded everyone that he was such an asshole, and also gave credit to Rob. What the hell were those two thinking? Rob just sat back and smirked. Game Over!

[Swaggs]

A couple thoughts:

Unless I missed it, the producers never indicated that anyone knew about Rob's idol. The final two girls obviously did know and said that Rob even told them about it. Pretty weak/misleading edits to hide something like that from the audience, in my opinion.

Julie is an idiot. She stole and buried Phillip's shorts (which should have gotten her DQed, in my opinion) -- too bad Natalie didn't flip the question on her to ask her if her children and family would be proud of her behavior.

I was surprised that Grant took things so hard. He seemed like a pretty good, easy-going guy on the show. Rob voting him off was completely justifiable at that point in the game. Not cool for him to take it so personally.

Phillip was fun, but looked emotionally drained. He was great for the season, as I know I have quit watching a few of the seasons when the more interesting/volatile players have gotten kicked off. I don't know that bringing him back would be a good move.

I may be in the minority, but I like the All-Star seasons or, at least, when they bring back some familiar players. It certainly looked like Matt in the previews for next year, so hopefully they bring back some interesting players (and I'm sure it will leak shortly). I'm guessing Matt and Mike or Matt and Andrea would be interesting.

[Kodos]

They should have a Survivor of all the people who were voted out first. It'd be a comedy of errors all season long.

[Lathum]

They should have a Survivor of all the people who were voted out first. It'd be a comedy of errors all season long.

I've often said this would be interesting, but it would be a bunch of old people.

[molson]

There's a lot of little niche gimmicks that would be fun. Senior Survivor. Survivor in a tiny room. Disabled Survivor.

[FrogMan]

There's a lot of little niche gimmicks that would be fun. Senior Survivor. Survivor in a tiny room. Disabled Survivor.

Surviving in the cold...

FM

[molson]

Surviving in the cold...

FM

Survivor Arctic, ya, that would be interesting .

[LloydLungs]

I've often said this would be interesting, but it would be a bunch of old people.

Actually, it would skew a little older but you'd be surprised looking back how many young first boots there are. Plenty of 20-somethings, and almost all are (or were) under 50. Sonja from season one and the old guy from Guatemala being the only exceptions, I think.

I think it would be interesting and would serve to highlight the luck factor in Survivor -- I'd bet we'd discover a serious gamer/strategist or two that we didn't know existed.

[EagleFan]

I think your second point is a horrible idea. The fun of Survivor is the bonds people make, the alliances they build and watching those alliances crumble and seeing who navigates through that minefield. It is also fun watching the different personalities mix and tensions mount as the time they spend together increases. Mix up the tribes every 3 days and this doesn't happen.

You still get that. They would still live together the entire time. The only thing the teams would be used for is the challenges and which group goes to tribal. You actually get even more issues of people living together as the whole group is together.

[EagleFan]

dola: And it adds even more because now players have to try to form "bonds" with even more people in order to be safe as they never know if they will end up going to tribal with the 8 people that they never talked to at some point in the game.

[tyketime]

Apparently, you can't get enough of Russell:

We already know that "Boston Rob" Mariano is moving on following his victory on "Survivor: Redemption Island" with a show on The History Channel -- now, Russell Hantz has announced he's doing the same.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly after the live show Sunday night, one of the show's most notorious villains announced that he will be starring in a new A&E reality series entitled "Flipped" -- where he will do his best to try and flip homes for cash in his Houston area.

Russell, as per usual, is more than excited about the prospect of this series:

“There are tons of reality TV stars sitting on their couches and twiddling their thumbs because they haven’t created anything else. I expect to be one of the biggest house flippers in Houston and I am here to bring Houston’s economy back on its feet.”


Flip this...

[molson]

The History Channel does love its Survivor alums. Even Colby has a show.

[CrimsonFox]

They will fit nicely wedged in between shows about aliens and paranormal celebrities.

[CrimsonFox]

Let's get this out of the way up front - Rob won. He deserved to win. In fact, I was shocked it was not 9-0-0. So nothing taken away from him.

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I have to say that was one of the most disappointing, predictable, boring seasons ever. From the minute Zapatera threw the challenge to get rid of Russell, you could see how the entire rest of the season played out. Once the merge happened, the game went into cruise control.

Ultimately, Rob saw the flaw in his five other alliance members, and worked them better than any puppetmaster before. While I do tend to agree with Jeff that this was as close to a perfect play by Rob, you also have to give "props" to his supporting cast:

1. Andrea: Won one challenge (I believe), but was never a key factor in the game.

2. Grant: The best bud. Rob worked him over good. Appealed to male camaraderie. Didn't see the blindside coming.

3. Ashley: At one point, I actually wanted her to win (of the six remaining). One of the few they showed thinking outside the kool-aid. But when she had a chance to make a move when Andrea returned from Redemption Island, she melted. EVEN though they "knew" Rob had the immunity idol, they should have voted for Phillip.

The remaining three participated in the most pathetic final jury ever. Natale was just thrilled to be there and admitted riding on Rob's coattails. Phillip reminded everyone that he was such an asshole, and also gave credit to Rob. What the hell were those two thinking? Rob just sat back and smirked. Game Over!

Totally agree about the boring and predictable part. Every episode pretty much played out as expected with the exception of who won the immunity idols.

And oy all the indecision and people NOT making moves when the moves are right in front of them. It was like watching an entire tribe of Cathy's. (season 4/allstars).

LOL the stuff at the end about nat/phil. LOL that's hilarious. David put the icing on the cake. I always like the jury questions/comments. Usually pretty funny stuff and some much deserved taunting of phil/nat. :)
Rob looked like he was ready do burst out laughing the whole time.

[CrimsonFox]

I would love to see a survivor season where they actually force the players to form their own tribes through social bonding or whatever. Instead of the various method that has been used before (pre-selected, drawn with marbles, picked playground style, etc). The first reward challenge would be basically 18 people playing for themselves and the winner could pick a few others to join them on the reward challenge. Players would then be forced before the first immunity challenge to pick their teams among themselves before they compete. They would have to place those picks based on whatever social interaction they had up to that point as well as perceived performance from the reward challenge previously.

Obviously Survivor would have to ensure before the start of the season that the various challenges were balanced to help favor all different types of tribes so any one type couldn't gain an advantage from overstacking. (ie: mix up strength based challenges, puzzle based challenges, balance based challenges, endurance based challenges, teamwork oriented challenges, etc).

Maybe it would be a flop, but I would love to see how a tribe that picked its own players based on social bonds ended up handling things when they had to then sacrifice their own.

Really cool ideas here. As far as flop, it wouldn't be any worse or better than their other gimmicks. They seem to have a history of introducing a gimmick to urge players to stop playing a certain way but it always overcompensates.

Like they introduced...
tribe swaps of 3 people...to break up alliances early.
Hidden immunity idol...to keep good people without an alliance in the game ...but then no one used it.
THey introduced more idols and put them in camp with clues to make sure more people had them and use them. I really think the HII is the worst part of the game and they need to get rid of them.
exile island was an interesting twist. It really seemed to help sugar being there as she wasn't a target...but it's dull.
Redemption island at least added the duels which were cool. I think it's an interesting mechanic having someone re-enter. They already did that with the losers tribe in pirate island season (with rupert). But I think i prefer the regular reward challenge back. It added more to the show.

I guess when it comes down to it you can't force people to play. Maybe at this point it should be nothing but allstar seasons. They've already realized to boost the ratings they have to bring old people back.

[molson]

Phil and Natalie's games were pretty bland and awful, but the payoff for #2 and #3 finisher is pretty good (or at least it used to be, around $100k I believe, and $250k for all-star seasons, according to wiki). Hanging out in Nicaragua and playing Rob's lap dog is a pretty safe and easy way to make some cash. I wonder if that influences anyone's play, and if it would help to give everyone but the winner the same smaller, token "thanks for coming" prize.

[CrimsonFox]

true molson. It was really fun watching the ponderosa movies on the website. (where the jury hangs out between tribals.) Julie especially seemed to really enjhoy it as a vacation. I wonder how many people just go to make the jury and enjoy the vacation :)

I'm thinking I would do that.

[Mota]

I thought Phil had a chance if he came out and played the anti-crazy guy. Imagine this, he says that he pretended to be crazy all season so that people would keep him around. But meanwhile, he's actually a pretty smart and strategic guy, and was the one playing everybody around him.

Even if it's not totally true, I think it could get him some votes. Instead, he had a feather on his head, and proved to everybody that he was indeed crazy and that it was Rob's choice to drag him along because no one would vote for him.

So instead of using his game as a strength, he proved that he was indeed useless and got 1 vote.

Did anybody in this game but Rob actually WANT to win?

[law90026]

That's the thing: there was one snippet where Phil said he had some master argument which would help him win. I wasn't expecting much but I expected more than him bitching at the jury.

[kingfc22]

Complete domination this season by Rob.

He's long been a favorite of mine and glad to see him finally get the win.

I think Ashley's one play was to get the three girls to vote out Phillip when it was down to the 5 of them.

[Maple Leafs]

Fnally watched the finale... I pretty much agree with everyone else on two points:

- The right guy one. Quite possibly the greatest season ever played.

- I hate the juries. Every year I say I'll just fast forward the jury and get to the vote reading. Every year I don't. Every year I regret that decision.

[law90026]

To be fair, the jury section was entertaining this year because Philip was an ass! I've never seen someone actually think that telling a jury member "to hell with you" was a viable strategy :P

[CrimsonFox]

I always love the juries. :) They're funny. I think the last few episodes of the season are pretty bad to watch cause no one is enjoying themselves by that point. It's just half of them being nasty to the other half and many people being so oblivious that they are being played. Although last season I ONLY watched the last few episodes and it was kinda fun, especially the final jury episodes. :) Just kinda funny sometimes. It's like "Internet Trolls: The Live-Action Experience"

[LloydLungs]

I guess it's just that I'm really a Survivor strategy geek, and from my perspective the bitterness of the jury really gets in the way. I realize that pragmatic in-depth strategic discussion at the final tribal council would not excite the general audience.

[Maple Leafs]

To be fair, the jury section was entertaining this year because Philip was an ass! I've never seen someone actually think that telling a jury member "to hell with you" was a viable strategy
Was it the worst jury performance of all time? Can I get a ruling?

On the one hand, he was terrible. On the other hand, he had no chance to win so it's not up there with people like Russell or that girl with the sad eyes, who kept making the finals as the favorite and then self-destructing.

[Alan T]

Was it the worst jury performance of all time? Can I get a ruling?




I don't think with a perfect jury performance he could have won, so I wouldn't go as far as say this was the worst of all time.

I think that title is still Amanda who had a knack of talking her way out of a sure victory into embarassment.

[Swaggs]

Amanda bombed it the worst and probably lost the vote. She was smoking hot, though.

Phillip never had a shot.

[Lathum]

I think it may have been the worst, there were just no thought provoking questions. Reason why? Everyone had made up their mminds already. So instead of asking interesting questions that would help decide who they were going to vote for, everyone just used it as their personal soap box.