Survivor: South Pacific

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Premiere of the new season is tonight! Ozzy and Coach return for this one. Also saw on one of the promos that Russell's nephew is one of the contestants.

[gstelmack]

Coach, again? Isn't this like his third showing? He's a big reason my wife and I STOPPED watching.

[wade moore]

Premiere of the new season is tonight! Ozzy and Coach return for this one. Also saw on one of the promos that Russell's nephew is one of the contestants.

I was out at a bar or something and saw the preview out of the corner of my eye. I thought I saw Russell - is that why I thought that?

Coach, again? Isn't this like his third showing? He's a big reason my wife and I STOPPED watching.

Not thrilled about Coach, but Ozzy is one of my top 3 favorites of all time, so I'll let it slide.

[tyketime]

I've been a big fan of Survivor for many years, but I gotta say, I'm starting to grow a bit weary of it. Their fascination with all things Hantz is absurd. Not thrilled with "returning players". So unless 1st or 2nd show grabs my attention because of something different/unique, this may be one of the shows on a short leash competing for my attention.

[Racer]

I've been a big fan of Survivor for many years, but I gotta say, I'm starting to grow a bit weary of it. Their fascination with all things Hantz is absurd. Not thrilled with "returning players". So unless 1st or 2nd show grabs my attention because of something different/unique, this may be one of the shows on a short leash competing for my attention.

Yeah, I'm not really a fan of Redemption Island or always having returning players now. This may be the first season of Survivor I skip in quite some time.

[Maple Leafs]

This would have been 100x better if they'd brough back Ozzy and that girl (Amanda?) that he pathetically fell for during his last appearance.

(I'm assuming they've broken up now. Even better if they're both bitter about it. Come to think of it, a male vs female season where each side is lead by an embittered ex would be fantastic.)

[CrimsonFox]

It's been about 6 seasons since I made it through watching a whole season. Coach was unbearable. Perhaps he has gotten a sense of humor. I hope he's changed. Ozzy was awesome in his first season but was an arrogant prick his second. We'll see which one shows up.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The thing I've enjoyed about the returning players is that they have demonstrated that experience can play a factor in how well you do. If I was a newbie, I'd boot those returning players in a hurry because they're a threat. With that said, I'm amazed at how well some of them are able to do despite the target on their back right from the start.

[LloydLungs]

Not thrilled with "returning players".

Yeah -- I love returning players when it's once in awhile. Doing it every season pretty much saps it of any novelty. Once you're bringing Coach back for the third time, it's probably time to do a few good-old-fashioned seasons before going back to the returning players well. The original premise, after all, was 16 strangers forced to survive together and the dynamics that come from their all being strangers to each other. That did actually work well.

As for RI, I can only hope they at least learned to shut it down at the merge this time. I enjoyed Rob finally winning a season, but post-merge RI completely ruined the endgame last season.

With that said, I'm amazed at how well some of them are able to do despite the target on their back right from the start.

Me too, but I can't imagine they'll have any chance this season after Rob's run on S22. Everyone just saw that -- it's fresh in their minds. Ozzy and Coach are both well situated for fairly deep runs. Ozzy because he should be huge in getting his tribe a numbers advantage up until the merge, and Coach because anyone should want to drag Coach to the end. If any returning players would have a chance to stick around awhile immediately after Rob, these two would. But I still see them both being removed irrationally early because of the Rob factor.

[Maple Leafs]

The thing I've enjoyed about the returning players is that they have demonstrated that experience can play a factor in how well you do. If I was a newbie, I'd boot those returning players in a hurry because they're a threat.
Not sure on timing of filming, but if the players are aware of Rob's victory last season I can't imagine they don't do exactly that for Ozzy and Coach.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not sure on timing of filming, but if the players are aware of Rob's victory last season I can't imagine they don't do exactly that for Ozzy and Coach.

I think most thought they'd do it to Rob last year. What happens is that the newbies start panicking when the returning player starts stirring the pot. They start thinking that they're better off with the returning player even though the newbies could easily dispatch that returning player if they put their minds to it.

It's a fascinating thing to watch happen either way.

[Kodos]

I'd prefer an all-newbie cast, but Survivor is still one of my favorite shows.

I liked redemption island, but only 2 players at a time. And only have one player ever make it back into the game.

[Swaggs]

This one snuck up on me.

Have to catch the beginning on demand, I guess.

[molson]

I've gotten into this show just the last 3-4 years (after not watching since season 3), I would have totally missed the premiere without the bump, so thanks for that.

[EagleFan]

Amusing start so far.

The Hantz kid looks like a future serial killer/stalker. He talks about that one girl flaunting it and how that is not what he is about but every time they show him he is staring at her like se is the main course.

We get the crazy lady looking for the idol while the rest of the tribe makes the shelter putting a bullseye on her back.

Then we get Ozzie being the sage giver of advice.

That nerdy kid has no chance. Seriously asking Jeff to call him by his last name because that is how he refers to great players? Another great move to put a target on yourself.

Haven't people learned that it only takes doing something stupid to put a target on you as the first voted out?

[EagleFan]

that had to be one of the worst single challenge performances ever. It looked like she wasn't even trying.

[EagleFan]

if you're such a fan of the game and you are in trouble shouldn't you get off your a** and look for the idol?

[Mota]

She was so tiiiiiiiiiired though.... ;)

[EagleFan]

She was so tiiiiiiiiiired though.... ;)

:D

Even tired should be able to dig deep enough to try, that was pathetic.

[Lathum]

That one womans eyes are CRAZY!!

[Mota]

:D

Even tired should be able to dig deep enough to try, that was pathetic.

Yeah, you have to eliminate someone like that. In the competitions you're trying your best and so is the other team. You're both tired and hungry. If you have someone on your team that gives up, you have no chance.

[Maple Leafs]

Love the Hantz kid... "Ain't no way I'm gonna let anyone know my last name... which come to think of it could be tough since I have this giant tattoo of it..."

P.S. Could we label spoilers? Big difference between discussing something from last night's show that DVRers may not have seen vs. revealing an actual spoiler for future episodes.

[Lathum]

yeah, I don't think anything that has already happened on the show needs to be a spoiler. It's your own fault if you are in the thread and haven't watched yet.

This is a good reminder that I need to steer clear of FB until I watch though. East coasters ruin everything

[EagleFan]

This is a good reminder that I need to steer clear of FB until I watch though. East coasters ruin everything

That's why I spoiler tag my posts during the show, just to be safe.

[CrimsonFox]

Coach seems to have changed. He's not the uberannoying scapegoat of scorn he once was. Really seems to be well grounded and even has a sense of humor a little.

Ozzy hasn't changed a bit. He says he's more mature but he seems to already going back to the bully he was last time. And geez. "We should all go swimming right away, ya know....DUUUUUUDE there are some tasty waves out there. Then we could lie in the sand and uh...pretend to eat stuff and drink stuff. and WHOA my hands are HUUUUUUUGE!

[CrimsonFox]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCk2QWmyd7E/TfTZJ0BzXLI/AAAAAAAADbU/R70rq8K23B4/s640/1.jpg

Ozzy

[Draft Dodger]

I was torn. didn't want to see Samsha's rack go away, but I find the nerdy guy to be entertaining (if not entirely believable - he kind of reminds me a bit of the Idol contestants who are intentionally bad but fake being pissed off when they get critiqued)

[law90026]

There are some hotties this year I gotta say!

Ozzy has no chance to win if he's going to do the same old "I'm so cool" shtick again. Coach actually came off very likeable and kinda wiser.

[CrimsonFox]

Run Papa Bear run! I honestly thought his undies were going to slip off.


Next week's preview....I don't know....Cochran in charge and making a move? That crazy. But actually Keith and the blond girl are definitely going to get rid of ozzy for sure. Jim would sell out his own grandmother. I just don't think right NOW is the time to get rid of Ozzy when you keep losing.


Brandon = pschyo killer (f-f-f-f-ffa fa -f-f-f-f-f-faa-faaaa)

[larrymcg421]

Brandon is crazy. He said from the beginning he wanted to be different from Russell, then tried to pull a Russell move on Mikayla. Then the next episode he feels bad about it and says he's not going to do that anymore. The very next scene he is getting into a fight with Mikayla and causing a big scene at camp. I think the guy is bipolar.

[cubboyroy1826]

Brandon definitely is a whacked out dude. He reminds me of a lot of people that talk God God God and then turn around and are just plain nasty and constantly ask for forgiveness.

[Kodos]

He is doing no favors for the image of devout Christians.

[Lathum]

I'm not sure if Cochran is going to even come close to pulling a move or if they are just teasing us

[cubboyroy1826]

I think they are teasing but I would love to see him pull it off.

[Racer]

Run Papa Bear run! I honestly thought his undies were going to slip off.


Next week's preview....I don't know....Cochran in charge and making a move? That crazy. But actually Keith and the blond girl are definitely going to get rid of ozzy for sure. Jim would sell out his own grandmother. I just don't think right NOW is the time to get rid of Ozzy when you keep losing.


Brandon = pschyo killer (f-f-f-f-ffa fa -f-f-f-f-f-faa-faaaa)


But if you're in Cochran's position (bottom two on the tribe), you kind of turn the tables to change your standing in the tribe. The easiest way to least another 3 days is try to oust Ozzie. The other way to do it would be to create dissension among the 5, kind of like Russell did with his own tribe the first time he played. Gosh, I can't believe that guy has played 3 times already.

[Draft Dodger]

I would not let Brandon hold the machete, that's for sure

[EagleFan]

I would not let Brandon hold the machete, that's for sure

+1

[EagleFan]

A few years from now we're going be reading about the bodies found buried in Brandon's back yard.

I think that Cochran helped himself in a way that he didn't realize at tribal. When he said that someone getting the individual idol shows that a prson doesn't trust his tribe. They guy that Ozzie told popped his head up a bit on that one. Maybe he planted a seed there.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah Keith and the blond already want Ozzy gone and Ozzy is clueless about it. But he could easily wise up.

I mean he WAS ousted with the idol before. He might play it next week.

I think Cochran might be a goner if he tries something.

Well he could easily get Dawn. If he =finds out about the idol then he told JIm, Jim would go in too.

So Jim Dawn Keith Cochran Blond

That could be the new 5.

[larrymcg421]

I'm hoping Ozzy's tribe loses the immunity challenge tonight, so we can finally see if Cochrane/Jim can pull their big move off. I still think it's dumb to take Elyse out instead of Ozzy. If Elyse goes, then Ozzy will certainly play his idol the next time they go to Tribal, meaning he has a very good chance of making it to the merge. At that point, they won't be able to vote him out unless they get a comfortable advantage in numbers.

[larrymcg421]

Wow, that was an awesome episode of Survivor and finally the first really suspenseful tribal council. Cochrane is now in an interesting position, because the longer he stays the less of a target he'll be because others will want to bring him along to the end, thinking they can easily beat him in a vote.

If they lose the IC again, I hope the Jim, Cochrane, Dawn alliance are smart enough to target Keith/Whitney because Ozzy is sure to play his idol next time. This is why I think Keith/Whitney are idiots. They've pissed of not only Ozzy, but also the new alliance of three.

[CrimsonFox]

Moves glorious moves!

Not sure what exactly Keith and Whitney were thinkng.
But I'll take it all the same. Crazy. Not sure if they realized that NOT voting for cochran is the same as voting for Ozzy or elise :)

Anyway it was good that they jumped ozzy's ship. Keith REALLY needed to spill the beans on ozzy's idol. I really don't know why keith would even consider TELLING ozzy.

[Racer]

Agree with Keith/Whitney made a dumb decision. By putting their votes on Dawn instead of Cochran or Elyse, they

1.) they made themselves look like a pair which is what caused Elyse to get axed
2.) They gave both Ozzy and the Dawn/Cochran/Jim alliance a reason not to trust them

[Sublime 2]

Was I the only one partially gagging during the challenge, yet couldn't keep my eyes off it?

[heybrad]

Does anybody else think Cochrane looks like a vampire?

And on the vote... Coch Train? Really?

[larrymcg421]

If Ozzy was smart, he'd make nice nice with Keith/Whitney. His idea should be to get them to have the alliance of three target him so he can play the idol and knock out one of the three. But it looks like he is just going to pout.

With the fractured Savaii, it looks like Upolu is going to dominate this one, but things could change.

[Thomkal]

Was I the only one partially gagging during the challenge, yet couldn't keep my eyes off it?

I was gagging afterwards when the winning tribe took the meat back to camp to eat with them...and then heard the injuries the other tribe got during that challenge...blech!

[Thomkal]

It sure would have been great to see Ozzy's face last night if Cochrane, Jim, and Dawn pulled a fast one and voted Ozzy out-and with an idol in his pocket and not a fear in the world that he'd be voted out. Would have been priceless...and that tribe probably would have lost every challenge to the merge after that.

[larrymcg421]

It sure would have been great to see Ozzy's face last night if Cochrane, Jim, and Dawn pulled a fast one and voted Ozzy out-and with an idol in his pocket and not a fear in the world that he'd be voted out. Would have been priceless...and that tribe probably would have lost every challenge to the merge after that.

Yeah, but Ozzy will very likely tank at least one of the challenges before the merge. He's got a get out of jail free card, so he can afford to do that and weaken his current tribe if he wants to defect to Coach's tribe. An Ozzy/Coach/Albert/Sophie alliance of 4 would be pretty hard to beat.

Of course, I would hope that Coach is smart enough to not let Ozzy do that. He should immediately vote Ozzy out immediately post-merger unless the tribal balance is close and they need his vote.

[Lathum]

I was gagging afterwards when the winning tribe took the meat back to camp to eat with them...and then heard the injuries the other tribe got during that challenge...blech!

They showed a quick flash of them washing it off at least

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah, but Ozzy will very likely tank at least one of the challenges before the merge. He's got a get out of jail free card, so he can afford to do that and weaken his current tribe if he wants to defect to Coach's tribe. An Ozzy/Coach/Albert/Sophie alliance of 4 would be pretty hard to beat.

Of course, I would hope that Coach is smart enough to not let Ozzy do that. He should immediately vote Ozzy out immediately post-merger unless the tribal balance is close and they need his vote.


Hmmmm no precedence for this but a fun thought: Both idols being played on the same night and nobody going home! :)

[CrimsonFox]

Does anybody else think Cochrane looks like a vampire?

And on the vote... Coch Train? Really?

But he's not all glittery and sparkly though!

Ozzy no doubt wants to ride the cock train.

[CrimsonFox]

If Ozzy was smart, he'd make nice nice with Keith/Whitney. His idea should be to get them to have the alliance of three target him so he can play the idol and knock out one of the three. But it looks like he is just going to pout.

With the fractured Savaii, it looks like Upolu is going to dominate this one, but things could change.

That would work too since Keith and Whitney are so scared of Ozzy and want to keep him in their alliance. I still don't think they would have voted for Cochran if they didn't go Dawn. The same ole thing of "they have all the info in front of them and want to pull the trigger but are afraid to make a move".

And that's ALL Ozzy ever did was pout.

[larrymcg421]

Hmmmm no precedence for this but a fun thought: Both idols being played on the same night and nobody going home! :)

Well that would be considered a tie and they would revote, but it would be a free for all because Coach/Ozzy would be exempt.

[CrimsonFox]

What happens in ties nowadays? I've lost track.

[larrymcg421]

They revote and only the two people with most votes can be voted on next time. So I'm actually not sure how it would work if nobody had any votes against them, but my guess is there would be a 2nd vote for anyone but Coach/Ozzy since they played idols.

One thing I love about this season is how it has changed so dramatically from the start. Savaii was excited to have Ozzy, while Upolu was not happy to see Coach. The tables have definitely turned, haven't they? Coach's tribe seems ready to follow him to the end of the world right now, while Ozzy just loafed around and didn't pay attention to what was going on in his tribe.

[Racer]

Not sure why Coach's tribe kept Brandon tonight. That guy is crazy. I think he would have been better to vote out then either one of those girls.

[larrymcg421]

I soooo wish Albert or Sophie had pulled out the big guns and told Brandon that Coach hid the idol from him. I wonder if that would've made him rethink the importance of loyalty.

The problem for Upolu is that their former tribe member keeps winning immunity and now it looks like the returnee will be a disgruntled Upolu member, whether it is Christine or Mikayla. So even if they win immunity next week they might not have an advantage post-merge.

[EagleFan]

This is depressing, two weeks in a row and two hot chicks voted out...

[CrimsonFox]

My biggest suprise: Rick has an accent?

[larrymcg421]

Rick decided to follow Coach and Brandon over Albert and Sophie. I don't get that at all.

[Thomkal]

I want a Edna/Cochrane Final Two. Two of the least physical players in Survivor history-that would be great. :)

[Thomkal]

Brandon really needs to go-he just can't keep his mouth shut, and he's making the rest of his tribe deal with his own personal demons. I'm not sure what religion got to him, but its pretty scary watching him try to follow whatever beliefs he's supposed to have. He needs help pretty badly I think.

[EagleFan]

Brandon's going to end up butchering his tribe in their sleep one of these episodes. He seems to have some serious issues.

[CrimsonFox]

Rick is week. He is one of those that has no idea what show he's on nor what to do. He will be led to the slaughter by coach who will easilly manipulate him and vote him out. Albert and sophie should jump ship :) I actually like those two.

[CrimsonFox]

*weak

[CrimsonFox]

Does Cochrane seriously have that little clue? Sure he doesn't want to get voted out. Okay, fine. But he doesn't try. Doesn't try at all in challenges. He's like this scared little mouse. TRY dammit. Just HULK OUT or something.

[LloydLungs]

In the show's history, there have been several Survivor contestants where I've asked the question, "How the hell did they pass the psychological test?" Until now I've been semi-joking, but not with Brandon. This guy has some very, very serious issues that frankly are uncomfortable to watch and not fun to see played out on national television. I think they must have wanted a Hantz on the show so badly that they looked the other way with the psychological test. I'm extremely dismayed that this guy is married and reproducing already.

As for Rick, I got the sense he just didn't want to deal with Coach's inevitable hissy fit. It didn't seem like there was any actual strategy behind it.

[Maple Leafs]

I've been watching the season, but mostly on PVR and fast-forwarding through a lot of the camp stuff. Somebody catch me up on Brandon and why he's crazy?

[EagleFan]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/118S_9jGoS4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Draft Dodger]

what the fuck is a baseball / dating coach?

[cubboyroy1826]

I have to say as a huge Survivor fan this season has really been painful to get through. I think the whole Redemption thing has worn thin with me already.

[Atocep]

If they're going to do redemption island they need to have that person join at the merge and that be the end of it. They also need to get rid of the immunity idols IMO. Redemption island already gives players a way to stay in the game.

I'd rather they dropped redemption island and kept the immunity idols, but both is too much for me.

Brandon Hantz is making this season difficult to watch. His uncle was a game show villain and he wants to blame that for all of his issues in life? Really?

[EagleFan]

I don't know what to say about that.

Um... WTF?

Have they not seen how much that lady hates that other tribe?

[larrymcg421]

I don't know what to say about that.

Um... WTF?

Have they not seen how much that lady hates that other tribe?

Yeah, I can't believe they didn't think of that. What a stupid move. I'm rooting for Ozzy to lose so it becomes the dumbest move in Survivor history. Would also be funny if Cochran flips post-merge and doesnt give the idol back.

[CrimsonFox]

"God help us find the thing I lied about"

...

[larrymcg421]

Also, why give the idol to Cochran? What happens if the merge doesn't happen right away and Savaii loses again due to a Cochran screwup? They won't be able to vote him out because he'll play the idol. I'd love to see Ozzy's face if he's sitting there at Redemption Island and sees Keith walking up.

[CrimsonFox]

Also, why give the idol to Cochran? What happens if the merge doesn't happen right away and Savaii loses again due to a Cochran screwup? They won't be able to vote him out because he'll play the idol. I'd love to see Ozzy's face if he's sitting there at Redemption Island and sees Keith walking up.

Was also thinking...what if the tribe went against Ozzy's wishes and voted Cochran out anyway. :)

Well it is good TV. The other tribe has quickly become the tribe I want to FF through. Albert has really become a jerk so he fits right in with Coach and Brandon.

[Thomkal]

Yes Ozzy congrats you had the balls to go completely stupid to give up your idol and go willingly to Redemption Island to try to take out someone who's all but admitted that she's flipping over to your tribe if she survives till the merge...and given how she's done on Redemption, a much better ally and competitor than Cochran. Yes yes Ozzy, very well done. Congrats on perhaps the worse move ever in Survivor history.

[refrigerantcomp]

Does anybody else think Cochrane looks like a vampire?

And on the vote... Coch Train? Really?


Kinda. :)

[gstelmack]

Yes Ozzy congrats you had the balls to go completely stupid to give up your idol and go willingly to Redemption Island to try to take out someone who's all but admitted that she's flipping over to your tribe if she survives till the merge...and given how she's done on Redemption, a much better ally and competitor than Cochran. Yes yes Ozzy, very well done. Congrats on perhaps the worse move ever in Survivor history.

I still say "handing over your immunity idol right before making it to the end so the girls can vote you out" was the dumbest move EVER and will have a very hard time being topped. It's also pretty close to getting voted out when you have TWO immunity idols with THREE votes left to play them when you've been dominating most individual immunity challenges and thus are likely to win at least one of the two remaining after that.

[Thomkal]

I still say "handing over your immunity idol right before making it to the end so the girls can vote you out" was the dumbest move EVER and will have a very hard time being topped. It's also pretty close to getting voted out when you have TWO immunity idols with THREE votes left to play them when you've been dominating most individual immunity challenges and thus are likely to win at least one of the two remaining after that.

yeah that's why I put perhaps in there. :) For one, we'll need to see how this turns out. But giving up an idol at any time is a particularly stupid move, especially in this case if the merge happens-Ozzy is likely to be lynched first if he survives Redemption.

[CrimsonFox]

Cuddling up to Russell...Spooning with Ghandia...and several other of these are pretty dumb moves too :)

[larrymcg421]

I still say "handing over your immunity idol right before making it to the end so the girls can vote you out" was the dumbest move EVER and will have a very hard time being topped. It's also pretty close to getting voted out when you have TWO immunity idols with THREE votes left to play them when you've been dominating most individual immunity challenges and thus are likely to win at least one of the two remaining after that.

The latter is even worse when you consider that Jason had just narrowly escaped being eliminated by one vote the week prior.

[CrimsonFox]

The latter is even worse when you consider that Jason had just narrowly escaped being eliminated by one vote the week prior.

Was hilarious watching Ozzy and Elyse on the jury as they watched the Eric thing go down. :)

[gstelmack]

The latter is even worse when you consider that Jason had just narrowly escaped being eliminated by one vote the week prior.

I was thinking of James in Survivor China...

[larrymcg421]

I was thinking of James in Survivor China...

Yeah, I mixed the two up. Jason only had one idol in his pocket, but was really stupid for not playing it because he had just narrowly missed elimination.

JT giving the idol to Russell was also one of the worst moves ever.

[Bisbo]

what the fuck is a baseball / dating coach?

Unemployed.

[mauchow]

He coaches baseball and is a dating coach..

[EagleFan]

A-Roid should give him a call...

[molson]

Would also be funny if Cochran flips post-merge and doesnt give the idol back.

Just caught up now, and really hoping this happens. Cochran as the new "evil" Survivor mastermind would be great TV.

[Maple Leafs]

Just caught up to last week's episode now, so no idea what happened tonight.

So, uh... good lord.

I'd argue that Ozzie's move is even dumber than what's-his-name who gave the idol to the girls. That guy was a dumb kid who was 30+ days into the game and probably starving to death. Ozzie is basically a professional Survivor player who has had years to think about how he'd play if he had one more chance. And he does this. Unbelievable.

(And that's true even if it works. Punting on first down can work too, but it doesn't make it any less dumb.)

[Kodos]

Yay for Cochran. His tribe has treated him as second-class citizen all along.

[EagleFan]

That was the worst acting ever by Ozzy, pretty much gave away that it was a ploy.

Has that tribe never seen the show? Do they expect the person that they have treated like crap for all that time to show loyalty for them and risk his life in the game based on drawing rocks?

[larrymcg421]

That was the worst acting ever by Ozzy, pretty much gave away that it was a ploy.

Has that tribe never seen the show? Do they expect the person that they have treated like crap for all that time to show loyalty for them and risk his life in the game based on drawing rocks?

I was especially glad that Keith bit the dust, because he was the worst with all his crap at the beginning of the episode criticizing Cochran for letting people fight his battles for him. Hey, maybe now is the time to build the guy up since he is absolutely crucial to the plan your tribe is trying to execute, which will involve him talking to the other team for three days. Also if Cochran did as Keith suggested and volunteered to go to RI instead of Ozzy, that wouldn't be brave or manly, it would be STUPID.

[LloydLungs]

I've been going back and forth on whether Cochran made the right move here. Basically, using the rock strategy, he had a 71% of surviving AND having the numbers advantage without having pissed anyone off. But he also had that 1-in-7 chance of being out of the game completely. He traded that for 100% getting three more days, but being #7 outside a seemingly tighter tribe of six and having four probable jurors completely enraged at him (I doubt Dawn is enraged, just disappointed).

I wonder how much the whole ostracizing thing was actually happening. Yeah, Ozzy and Keith were both being classic condescending jock bully types, and Dawn seems to corroborate that he was not being treated particularly well... but Jim, Dawn, and Cochran had also made this power move earlier -- was he really the last guy on the totem pole there, especially in a post-merge world where weakness is a strength? Even if he was, he would've had a lot of time to maneuver while they whittled the other tribe down, and especially at final seven, with a 6/1 split, there would have potentially been room for a big move by using the remaining straggler from Upolu for an extra vote.

I know it seems like Jim is a douche, but isn't Cochran actually being sort of a coward? You have to OWN a move like this, not get all defensive and "let me explain" about it. Brandon offers to protect you, you go, "Thanks, but I got it." Geez. Nobody's going to respect Cochran unless he owns it forcefully. But we'll see how it plays out.

I'm not sure I see a path to victory in the new spot he's put himself in. Best case he's now a goat to take to the end. But of course there's always the emotional aspect of sticking it to someone like Keith, which I'm sure felt good -- although Keith doesn't leave, he just goes to Redemption goddamn Island, which apparently is going to plague this season's end-game, AGAIN. I really hoped they would drop it at the merge this time. Last season was great till the merge and went slowly downhill from there because half the remaining cast was dicking around on bloated RI, with people finishing third in duels and still somehow sticking around for weeks on end. This season has been very strong so far, I think, but I'm afraid it might meet the same fate.

[larrymcg421]

Survivor Video - Offer Final Four - CBS.com (http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/video/2163765698/survivor-south-pacific-offer-final-four)

This deleted scene makes Cochran's move make more sense. Of course, I don't buy the offer as genuine at all, but it's an offer and he didn't get shit at all from the other tribe.

[korme]

That. Was. Awesome.

And who cares if he's now 7th on a strong tribe of 6? It's a LONG way to go to get down to 7... and at that point he could easily switch some votes. Why wouldn't you want to take Cochran til the end?

[CrimsonFox]

I'll say one thing for him. He didn't pull a Matt and TELL everyone what he was doing altho he almost caught it from Dawn. Oh boy. I don't think that was a good move. Sophie stood there and soaked all his info up and then totally played him saying she wouldn't give him any info back. plyaplayplay

There's really no way Cochran will win the game. I think in the long run that was a bad move. But I do agree that Keith and co was really dumb in how they worked that.

The worst part of that move was giving the idol to Whitney.
Why did they do that?

I guess they were thinking that they would pick either Jim or Keith and couldn't decide which one and then flip to Whitney, the obvious one that would not have it. But man that was just a lot of bad moves. Ozzy doing that over acting thing was horrible.

As much as I hate coach, good for him. And wow he TOTALLY said the right thing to Cochran. TOTALLY TOTALLY INSTANTLY said the PERFECT THING to make Cochran feel welcome . Wow. And of course Coach will slice Cochran's throat instantly I'm sure. And selfrighteously tell him and apologize beforehand while he does it.

Poor Jim. I really like him. He's not gonna last long with his mouth. Hmmm...Things just got really screwed.

Cochran is so not going to be in the inner circle of Upolu. There's no way that is going to happen. Only thing I can see happening is Sophie and Albert joining him and Dawn and getting rid of others.

The other side of this. Brandon and Coach are just stupid and crazy enough with all this honor crap that they could indeed try to protect him.

I guess my problem with this altogether is that Cochran is doing it JUST to make a move. JUST for fame . JUST to be remembered.
The rock in a bag thing may not have worked in their favor but it was surely better odds than he has now. Also he has to live there with them now.

And I expect there to be some one on one battles coming. Jim will DESTROY him. :)
can't wait for that.

[CrimsonFox]

Best line: He's the dragon warrior and talks of Dragons and wizards and King Arthur..." HAHAHAHAHAHA

[Raiders Army]

Cochran is such a pussy. He wouldn't have even made it that far in the game if it hadn't been for his tribe. They make fun of him. So what? He deserves to be put down for bringing absolutely nothing to his tribe. He's a pathetic human being that for all of his intelligence can't grasp the simple concept of how the game works.

He essentially said last night that for the first time he was in control of the game. Why would that be? Perhaps he's not the player he thinks he is? When he was in control, he couldn't even make a decision. I agree with CF that he did it just to make a move for fame. What an idiot.

[Raiders Army]

Survivor Video - Offer Final Four - CBS.com (http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/video/2163765698/survivor-south-pacific-offer-final-four)

This deleted scene makes Cochran's move make more sense. Of course, I don't buy the offer as genuine at all, but it's an offer and he didn't get shit at all from the other tribe.

It makes more sense and less sense. I can see why it's deleted. I agree with you that it makes more sense, but it actually makes less sense from a storyline perspective because Cochran is allegedly a strategist and he acts like the outcast kid who clings to any friendship offers whatsoever. If he really had watched every season, why would he take their offers as genuine? It doesn't make sense for how they're trying to portray him.

[CrimsonFox]

There is a difference between being a master strategist and being a TVwhore couch potato. He is the second one. A master strategist would not have fallen for what just occurred.
The only thing on his side is that there is no way he will win an immunity challenge at all. I am very sad with how ozy's plan turned out. I would rather have seen Christine come back. Really liked her.

[Draft Dodger]

I agree that giving the idol to Whitney was just a bizarrely dumb move.

[CrimsonFox]

Survivor Video - Offer Final Four - CBS.com (http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/video/2163765698/survivor-south-pacific-offer-final-four)

This deleted scene makes Cochran's move make more sense. Of course, I don't buy the offer as genuine at all, but it's an offer and he didn't get shit at all from the other tribe.


Um....holy crap! Okay it's things like this that make me like Coach a LOT! It's the other honor system coach that make me hate him. They so have him wrapped around their finger for sure. And this makes total sense for Albert and Sophie to want Coch to come over because NOW they might have an extra member to vote off Edna and Brandon.

This is now going to be fun to see how Opolu eats themselves up.
Ozzy is toast for sure the first time he misses immunity (although he will win the next few I'm sure)

Whitney will slide under the radar for awhile.
Dawn is toast. (The strong woman)
Jim is probably toast unless he can make a deal with like Edna or something.

I'm NOT sure if they are going to blindside Cochran right away after the final 7 are Opolu + Coch or if they will start using him then or sooner to get an extra vote.

Not sure when Brandon is going to snap again but at least he has a bitch to keep him company now.

[CrimsonFox]

Oh yeah! Rick! I keep forgetting about him. Jim needs to bond with Edna and Rick like NOW!

[larrymcg421]

I agree that giving the idol to Whitney was just a bizarrely dumb move.

When drawing rocks, the people voted for are immune from the rock drawing. If both teams are going to rocks, then Whitney becomes a more likely target because Upolu would want Keith and Jim eligible for rock drawing. Cochran is not a target because he's playing double agent, while Ozzy/Dawn have immunity. Upolu just ended up trusting Cochrane's intel or it would've been a dumb move to vote Keith there.

[timmynausea]

I think it's funny that there's such backlash against Cochran. This is so much better than everyone riding Rob's coattails last year and thinking they were somehow going to win. I also think Dawn and Cochran's conversation shows how difficult it is for some personality types to do something bold in Survivor. They were mostly discussing and worried about hurting personal feelings, which is just insane. These are people they've known for 20 days that they are supposed to be trying to beat in a game for $1 million dollars.

Cochran now may have Dawn in his pocket as a vote to turn against Coach's alliance later, especially since Jim called him a coward and reaffirmed that their original tribe were somewhat abusive to Cochran, which had brought her to tears pretty recently. She flip-flopped so hard during the episode, it's hard to say what she'll be thinking, but she said Cochran reminds her of her son.

I do get the rationale that turning against so many people makes it hard to get votes at the end of the game, but it's called Survivor. You do what makes sense to keep you in the game the longest and keep fighting. It's not like Cochran was ever in a position to just coast to the end and have everyone adore him. If he found a way to be the pivotal guy in taking both Coach and Ozzy down, I think he'd have to get the respect of some of the voters.

[Racer]

Switching your vote like that comes across as cowardly. I think he would have been better off with just voting with Coach and company initially. Either way his tribe members were going to be super pissed at him but he might have gained a little respect from his old tribe members that way.

[larrymcg421]

Switching your vote like that comes across as cowardly. I think he would have been better off with just voting with Coach and company initially. Either way his tribe members were going to be super pissed at him but he might have gained a little respect from his old tribe members that way.

It would've been incredibly stupid to switch for the first vote. There's still a chance that Upolu doesn't trust Cochran and thinks the Whitney intel is false, so they actually do vote Whitney. If that happened, then Cochran gets exposed and Savaii wins the vote. That's the worst possible scenario for him. It made complete sense to wait until the 2nd vote and make sure a switch was needed.

[lcjjdnh]

Cochran is such a pussy. He wouldn't have even made it that far in the game if it hadn't been for his tribe. They make fun of him. So what? He deserves to be put down for bringing absolutely nothing to his tribe. He's a pathetic human being that for all of his intelligence can't grasp the simple concept of how the game works.

His tribe treated him like garbage for 20 days. The only cowardly thing he did was telling Ozzy he'd explain later instead of smugly noting to that prick Keith that now he'd have the chance to "redeem" himself, as he suggested Cochrane should have volunteered for.

The "pathetic human being," as you put it, is Dawn. She joined the bullying crowd piling up on Cochrane last week, too. And notice she only had her moral revelation about flipping AFTER she had earned immunity.

[Atocep]

Cochran comes off to me as someone that really wants to be the guy out there making the bold moves, but when it comes down to it he's a nice guy that struggles to do the underhanded things that are often required to make the bold moves.

I think he had put himself in a position where he really didn't have any good options last night. His best chance to get to the end was probably sticking with his original tribe. He would have been the perfect guy for one of the stronger players to drag to the end. He had no chance to win playing that way though. His best chance to win was probably the move he made last night. The downside is his chances of actually getting to the end are likely lower in his alliance with Coach, ect.

He's going to need to step up and make a move or two in order to get to the end now, but I haven't seen anything from him that would lead me to believe he has it in him at this point.

[Suicane75]

I am impressed and riveted by the plays being made in the game, the twists & turns and the level of excitement from week to week. I am also completely annoyed, unsympathetic and unimpressed by the people making them. Everybody on this island seems to be a turd. I'm rooting for Coach by process of elimination at this point.

[wade moore]

I'm surprised people are supporting this move by Cochran.

I thought it was one of the dumber moves made in survivor history. He basically guaranteed he has no chance of winning this game imo.

[larrymcg421]

I'm surprised people are supporting this move by Cochran.

I thought it was one of the dumber moves made in survivor history. He basically guaranteed he has no chance of winning this game imo.

What chance did he have before this? I doubt Cochran has been thinking he could win ever since his name came up at the first Tribal Council. He's been trying to survive from TC to TC. "Three more days" has been his mantra from that point on. This was the first tribal council he's attended where he knew with 100% certainty that he wouldn't go home.

And no matter how dumb you view Cochran's move, Keith was definitely the dumbest of the week. Why keep piling on to Cochran after you agreed to the plan and voted Ozzy out? When you're about to send a tribe member to be a double agent on the other tribe, maybe not belittle him and give him a reason to think the other tribe is preferable (see: Season 19 and Galu's treatment of Shambo). Yes, Keith you're all tough and manly and fight your battles for yourself (except when you cowardly threw your vote away and voted Dawn instead of Elyse), but you're an idiot and now you're on Redemption Island

[wade moore]

What chance did he have before this? I doubt Cochran has been thinking he could win ever since his name came up at the first Tribal Council. He's been trying to survive from TC to TC. "Three more days" has been his mantra from that point on. This was the first tribal council he's attended where he knew with 100% certainty that he wouldn't go home.

And no matter how dumb you view Cochran's move, Keith was definitely the dumbest of the week. Why keep piling on to Cochran after you agreed to the plan and voted Ozzy out? When you're about to send a tribe member to be a double agent on the other tribe, maybe not belittle him and give him a reason to think the other tribe is preferable (see: Season 19 and Galu's treatment of Shambo). Yes, Keith you're all tough and manly and fight your battles for yourself (except when you cowardly threw your vote away and voted Dawn instead of Elyse), but you're an idiot and now you're on Redemption Island

Cochran was still easily dumber.

You get to 6 vs. 5.

You get some of the 5 off and find the right moment to take say Chochran, Dawn, and Jim along with 2 or 3 of the blue team and now you're suddenly not #6 anymore.

So now he's gone from #6 to #7. REAL SMART.

[Alan T]

Cochran was still easily dumber.

You get to 6 vs. 5.

You get some of the 5 off and find the right moment to take say Chochran, Dawn, and Jim along with 2 or 3 of the blue team and now you're suddenly not #6 anymore.

So now he's gone from #6 to #7. REAL SMART.


Honestly the difference between 6 and 7 isn't really that much. You have to look more at who the 6 are on each side. If you look at the deleted scenes, the motivation becomes pretty obvious.

In his current 6, which of those show any signs of people he could pull aside and use to split that group up in his favor later on for an advantage? Only really Dawn, and even though she won the immunity, she doesn't come across as a power player. Just based on our point of view, you could argue perhaps Jim, but I doubt Cochran would have felt that way. So that seems a pretty solid guarantee of finishing 6th for him.

Then you look at the other tribe, and it seemed pretty obvious from the deleted scenes that even though they are a strong 6 now. once they get the numbers, they easily would want to cannibalize themselves. Whether or not he would be able to use that for his advantage is unknown, but he could easily hold on long enough for them to finally decide to dump Brandon and/or Coach's pet girl whatever her name is (the one in the suit).

In either case, I think Cochran's best chance really is hoping to last long enough to be pulled into the finals as a goat choice that no one would vote for.. but I think it is pretty obvious to me that this decision will have much more upside than just standing pat would have had. Whether or not it plays out that way, who knows.. but like I said finishing 6th or 7th isn't really a big difference at all in any shape or form. So why not take the chance?

[CrimsonFox]

This harkens bark to season 5 for me in two ways. On the one tribe we had Shii Ann who WAS GOING to jump to the other tribe once the merge happened. She just never got the chance to. It would have been interesting to see what happened if she did. This is that chance.

The other half of season 5 was Jan and Helen. Jan was such a waste of space. TOtally useless and did everything Bryan and Clay told her to do and PUNT she and Helen were then sent packing in the obvious order that was right in front of him. Since Jan there have been a long line of useless people that you just wanted to slap and say THIS IS THE GAME. THE GAME IS IN FRONT OF YOU. YOU ARE GOING HOME. IF YOU TALK TO EACH OTHER AND VOTE THE GUY THAT"S IN CONTROL YOU CAN WIN. but they never do. Well, Cochran just made that move. So at least I won't be hating him for not making a move and for not calculating his perceived place in the pecking order.


Granted on the other hand, I don't really see that his tribe have treated him like garbage. At the beginning they were going to vote him out twice yes but that talk has subsided. And now there is a merge. So no they would not even think of voting him out. And once the merge happens, the big strong people become targets. Blammo. And when it gets down to it his tribe was not the Boston Rob lemmings being sent off a cliff. Whitney and Keith have been gunning for Ozzy for awhile. Jim and Dawn both were in an antiOzzy position. And already had shown they would turn on him. Dawn being sympathetic was not ever going to bring up his name. In fact most of his tribe would probably HAVE taken him to the end or close to it just because of how ineffectual he is .

Cochran is a first for sure. He is the only player I've ever seen to progress himself in the game by doing nothing but whining.

[larrymcg421]

Cochran was still easily dumber.

Except Cochran is still in the game and Keith is on RI. Cochran's move guaranteed he is still in the game, while Keith's behavior pretty much ensured the decimation of his tribe, Galu-style.

You get to 6 vs. 5.

You get some of the 5 off and find the right moment to take say Chochran, Dawn, and Jim along with 2 or 3 of the blue team and now you're suddenly not #6 anymore.

There he was no indication he still had a chance to do that. He interviewed in the previous episode that he thought he had an alliance with Jim and Dawn, but he was wrong because they wanted to send him to RI. And Jim did nothing to assure him post-merge that they had any kind of endgame deal, whereas he did get an offer (fake or not) from Albert.

So now he's gone from #6 to #7. REAL SMART.

He went from #6 to #7 to guarantee he wouldn't be #12.

[Raiders Army]

As much as I want to believe this isn't scripted, I have to think that what we're seeing are the players' real feelings. When you're sleep and food deprived, you'd be surprised at what people are really like.

[CrimsonFox]

Good blog from Rob Cesternino about this episode:

Immunity Blog: Episode 8 - Survivor: South Pacific - CBS.com (http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/immunity_blog/72050/)

[larrymcg421]

Having thought about it some more, I'm not so sure Jim would see Cochran as a good goat. Sure, Jim would get votes from any Savaii on the jury but in that situation the jury will be mostly Upolu. They may respect the fact that against all odds, Cochran made it to the end.

But now as Rob C. argued, Cochran makes a great goat for someone on Upolu. The jury will now be mostly Savaii and that's at minimum 4 votes that will definitely NOT go to Cochran. I don't think he's necessarily #7 on that tribe. If anything, he could be an important swing vote to determine which faction of Upolu comes out on top.

[Alan T]

Having thought about it some more, I'm not so sure Jim would see Cochran as a good goat. Sure, Jim would get votes from any Savaii on the jury but in that situation the jury will be mostly Upolu. They may respect the fact that against all odds, Cochran made it to the end.

But now as Rob C. argued, Cochran makes a great goat for someone on Upolu. The jury will now be mostly Savaii and that's at minimum 4 votes that will definitely NOT go to Cochran. I don't think he's necessarily #7 on that tribe. If anything, he could be an important swing vote to determine which faction of Upolu comes out on top.


I think that is what I was trying to get at up above in my post. Maybe I didn't word it too well, but that is why I don't think cochran's play is bad, and in fact might be his only way of lasting to the end at this point.

[CrimsonFox]

Having thought about it some more, I'm not so sure Jim would see Cochran as a good goat. Sure, Jim would get votes from any Savaii on the jury but in that situation the jury will be mostly Upolu. They may respect the fact that against all odds, Cochran made it to the end.

But now as Rob C. argued, Cochran makes a great goat for someone on Upolu. The jury will now be mostly Savaii and that's at minimum 4 votes that will definitely NOT go to Cochran. I don't think he's necessarily #7 on that tribe. If anything, he could be an important swing vote to determine which faction of Upolu comes out on top.


It's really hard to say just HOW many factions there are in Opolu.
4 I guess?

Coach/Brandon Albert/Sophie/Coach Coach/Edna....and Rick :)

Jim is really good at making arguments. He might get Albert and Sophie saving him so they could gain more control. Or they might just get rid of him for being a strategizer.

Dawn might be able to bond with people like Rick and Sophie. WOw. Where did all the Opolu girls go?

[Mota]

I think it was a great move by the Coch-Train. It was pretty obvious that everybody in his tribe hated him, and they were basically bullying him all along. And now they're surprised that he turned on them?

[law90026]

Not sure why people would think this is a bad move by Cochrane. In his old tribe, he was clearly the one on the outs. Even if he makes the final 6, his chances of (a) making it further or (b) winning (if someone brings him along to the finals) are practically zero.

At least this gives him more room to play with and possibly argue he made a big move in the course of the game.

As for his old tribe, seriously, you treat someone badly and you expect him to just follow along with your plan? Even if it was not outright bullying, the clips shown (which could just be editting of course) show a situation where the "geeky little boy" is tolerated and it's made clear he's only being tolerated.

If that had been me, after Keith had been voted out, I would have turned around, flashed my middle fingers at Jim and Ozzy and said "F You".

As for Dawn, that was such a BS move. First she says she feels bad for him coz of the way he was treated. Then, after winning immunity, she suddenly flips and talks about the way he treats people and how he shouldn't flip. All a little too convenient don't you think? Complete hypocrite imo.

Coach btw was awesome the way he spoke to Cochran.

[CrimsonFox]

I'm not sure why all the Dawn dissing is going on. She was willing to think about his plan, realized that the motivation behind his move was mostly personal, and then thought about it and tried to talk him out of it when she realized she didn't think it was a better plan. She's still the one person that hasn't ostricized him. The thing I'm VERY surprised at is that she didn't tell anyone else what Cochran was going to do.

At LEAST she should have told Jim!

As far as "this was the only thing he could do " stuff, I still don't believe that. Ozzy, yes thinks that only strength matters period. He always had and always has felt that if you aren't physically strong, then you have to go. Keith obviously was starting to think that way too. Jim and Dawn is hard to tell. Saying Cochran should go when he blows the challenge for them is not really hypocritcal as he has been blowing challenges the whole game. IF they really had a 3 person alliance (Jim-Dawn-Cochran) they definitely should have been constantly checking in with each other and had another meeting. THAT was one of the biggest reasons Cochran did what he did. That and his lust for glory.

[ntndeacon]

I am surprised that Ozzie and the Ozzettes did not have a discussion about the odds of Cochran running to the arms of Coach. and used Cochran to give them the wrong name that they were going to give the idol too.that way Cochran is not giving completely accurate info if he does flip.

[larrymcg421]

I'm not sure why all the Dawn dissing is going on. She was willing to think about his plan, realized that the motivation behind his move was mostly personal, and then thought about it and tried to talk him out of it when she realized she didn't think it was a better plan. She's still the one person that hasn't ostricized him. The thing I'm VERY surprised at is that she didn't tell anyone else what Cochran was going to do.

But she conveniently thought going to rocks was the correct plan only after she knew she wouldn't be drawing rocks. Her morality is swayed by game conditions.

I agree she should've told her tribe, because then the correct move for Ozzy is to make Cochran immune, then if you win the rocks you can vote him out for disloyalty after you've consolidated a lead.

As far as "this was the only thing he could do " stuff, I still don't believe that. Ozzy, yes thinks that only strength matters period. He always had and always has felt that if you aren't physically strong, then you have to go. Keith obviously was starting to think that way too. Jim and Dawn is hard to tell. Saying Cochran should go when he blows the challenge for them is not really hypocritcal as he has been blowing challenges the whole game. IF they really had a 3 person alliance (Jim-Dawn-Cochran) they definitely should have been constantly checking in with each other and had another meeting. THAT was one of the biggest reasons Cochran did what he did. That and his lust for glory.

It's not the only thing he could do, but it's the correct thing. I don't doubt that emotional revenge against Keith was a factor in his flip, but he had no reason to suspect that he had F3 plans with anyone on Savaii. Jim isn't a hypocrite for wanting Cochran gone after blowing the challenge, but if Cochran isn't gone then he needed to backpedal and regroup that alliance. Hell, even Dawn didn't think there was any sort of long term alliance with Jim. The uncertainty that Savaii would take him anywhere combined with the 14.2% chance he could go home make it a pretty simple decision in my mind.

In my mind this is a repeat of Season 19 and Galu's treatment of Shambo. Both Shambo and Cochran did things that hurt their team in various ways and much of the negativity they received was deserved. However, you don't let people like that get to the merge! Or if you do, then you accept their mistakes, deal with them, and make them feel like part of the team. Neither Galu or Savaii understood this and it was the downfall for both tribes (assuming Savaii can't come back).

[CrimsonFox]

What is a Shambo?

[larrymcg421]

What is a Shambo?

A very odd lady with a mullet on Season 19 (Russell's first season). She screwed up alot early by letting chickens get loose and breaking fishing equipment. The tribe let her know their dissatisfaction with her constantly and sent her twice to the opposing tribe (that Russell was running) to sit in on their Tribal Councils. They were super nice to her. Her own tribe kept treating her like crap, but mysteriously kept her around to the merge, where they went in with a seemingly insurmountable 8-4 lead. They got rid of one of their troublemakers in an attempt to get Russell to flush his idol, which worked. 7-4 lead. They then targeted Russell, but he had another idol and picked one of them off. 6-4 lead. Except now Shambo switched to the tribe that was much nicer to her and it was all even up. They had a tie vote and revoted. Just like this season, someone on Shambo's original tribe flipped on the second vote and Russell's tribe took control of the game.

Russell's tribe went in the merge with only 4 members and they all made the top 5. And it all could've been prevented if the other tribe had either voted Shambo out or treated with her respect. Savaii made the same mistake and it was even bigger for them since at a 6-6 tie they needed loyalty from every member more than ever.

[EagleFan]

Ironically. If they voted Cochran out the last premerge vote he would have lost at redemption island (most likely) and the lady that came back would have basically replaced him and because of her hate for coach and company she would have been a VERY loyal replacement.

[ntndeacon]

Ironically. If they voted Cochran out the last premerge vote he would have lost at redemption island (most likely) and the lady that came back would have basically replaced him and because of her hate for coach and company she would have been a VERY loyal replacement.

And she was not shy about saying she was not a fan of the non Coach.

[larrymcg421]

Ironically. If they voted Cochran out the last premerge vote he would have lost at redemption island (most likely) and the lady that came back would have basically replaced him and because of her hate for coach and company she would have been a VERY loyal replacement.

Yep. She has said as much in interviews. This is why Ozzie's grand strategic play was stupid. It was a dumb, needless risk even if it was successful. I mean, they saw her flipping off her old tribe, giving away the tribe dynamics, Albert rooting Mikayla on to beat her, etc. I have no idea why they didn't think they could flip her.

[EagleFan]

And she was not shy about saying she was not a fan of the non Coach.

True, and unlike Ozzy it wasn't just bad acting trying to make it seem that way...

Unless they thought the other tribe had a plan of... "let's vote you out the first day, you can win every challenge at redemption up to the merge and then when you come back in the game you can infiltrate the other tribe and gain their trust."

[EagleFan]

Yep. She has said as much in interviews. This is why Ozzie's grand strategic play was stupid. It was a dumb, needless risk even if it was successful. I mean, they saw her flipping off her old tribe, giving away the tribe dynamics, Albert rooting Mikayla on to beat her, etc. I have no idea why they didn't think they could flip her.

Glad Cochran flipped. That tribe deserves to lose.

[larrymcg421]

True, and unlike Ozzy it wasn't just bad acting trying to make it seem that way...

Unless they thought the other tribe had a plan of... "let's vote you out the first day, you can win every challenge at redemption up to the merge and then when you come back in the game you can infiltrate the other tribe and gain their trust."

Hey now, don't give Ozzy any ideas for the next time he's on the show. It's clear they will keep casting him until he finally gets it right and wins, even if it's obvious by now that he never will.

[CrimsonFox]

What was that? sad sad episode...

Maybe they should make next season just one episode.
All tribal councils and nothing else.

Brandon needs to have his head dunked underwater. Sick of his yammering.

[Raiders Army]

I think because it's a foregone conclusion that one tribe will be taken out we have two tribals per episode.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah was thinking that. Plus the next redemption battles are 3-ways.
I just REALLY hope everyone doesn't just let Brandon and Coach lead things all the rest of the way. They NEED Savaii's votes to get to the end.


Speaking of redemption, unfortunately Top Chef has stolen that crappy idea. This season they started with 30 chefs and whittled them down to 16 by having them all cook one thing under the time constraint (to avoid starting oit with crappy chefs or those that just can't do this game) but the last two eliminated they put in a room and are calling it "Last Chance Kitchen" and having them go head to head with each person kicked off in the competition and eventually will be going for the win. Totally lame.

[larrymcg421]

I love that the guy who orchestrated the game's first blindside and is lying about his profession is the one who thinks Survivor should be played with honor. And then after that ridiculous display, he reneged on his promise to give Ozzy immunity.

[CrimsonFox]

I love that the guy who orchestrated the game's first blindside and is lying about his profession is the one who thinks Survivor should be played with honor. And then after that ridiculous display, he reneged on his promise to give Ozzy immunity.

He doesn't think that. He said it was all an act. He said it because those guys (Coach and Brandon) believe that shit. And that isn't the first time people have chickened out at doing something like that. And rightly so. It was a bad idea that wouldn't have saved anybody.

[larrymcg421]

He doesn't think that. He said it was all an act. He said it because those guys (Coach and Brandon) believe that shit. And that isn't the first time people have chickened out at doing something like that. And rightly so. It was a bad idea that wouldn't have saved anybody.

Survivor Video - I'm Not a Coward - CBS.com (http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/video/2166125628/survivor-south-pacific-i-m-not-a-coward)

He seems to actually believe that horseshit.

[Maple Leafs]

Anyone remember Ozzy's first season (the one where they divided everyone up by ethnicity)? Didn't Ozzy get his tribe to throw a challenge to vote off someone he didn't like because they were kind of a loser and didn't fit in with Ozzy's cool kid table?

I bet that guy is really enjoying this season.

[CrimsonFox]

Cochran is such a pussy. He wouldn't have even made it that far in the game if it hadn't been for his tribe. They make fun of him. So what? He deserves to be put down for bringing absolutely nothing to his tribe. He's a pathetic human being that for all of his intelligence can't grasp the simple concept of how the game works.

He essentially said last night that for the first time he was in control of the game. Why would that be? Perhaps he's not the player he thinks he is? When he was in control, he couldn't even make a decision. I agree with CF that he did it just to make a move for fame. What an idiot.


This is still my favorite post of the thread. :)

And I'm agreeing with it more and more. Here we are dissecting everything and calculating numbers and 6-5 and all thawhen all Cochran keeps saying is "I didn't want to draw for a purple rock" as his reason.


I really hope Albert makes a move but I doubt it. Whenever this show says something, the opposite happens. He should have taken Jim's offer.
But I kinda figured it would be Whitney that he would gravitate towards. I was wondering how long he was going to wait before he figured out Coach was never going to listen to him and he and Brandon were going to steamroll everything idea. And Rick is utterly useless.

[larrymcg421]

This is still my favorite post of the thread. :)

And I'm agreeing with it more and more. Here we are dissecting everything and calculating numbers and 6-5 and all thawhen all Cochran keeps saying is "I didn't want to draw for a purple rock" as his reason.

Well, he's not going to tell people that he has a final 4 deal of course. And yes, not wanting to draw a purple rock makes perfect sense for someone who doesn't have a strong winning chance, which was the case for Cochran. It doesn't make sense to risk going out in 12th when you can guarantee a much better finish by flipping.

I really hope Albert makes a move but I doubt it. Whenever this show says something, the opposite happens. He should have taken Jim's offer.
But I kinda figured it would be Whitney that he would gravitate towards. I was wondering how long he was going to wait before he figured out Coach was never going to listen to him and he and Brandon were going to steamroll everything idea. And Rick is utterly useless.

Albert has to make his move now or he can just quit because Coach is not going to take him to the end. Coach will have Brandon, Rick, and Edna. Albert will have Sophie, Dawn, and Whitney. That leaves Cochran as the deciding vote.

[larrymcg421]

Actually I take back my previous post. It would've been a bad move for Albert and I'm assuming that's why Sophie talked him out of it. The reasoning is that Albert/Sophie would've been a minority in a five person alliance with Whitney/Dawn on the other side and Cochran in the middle. That situation is too unpredictable.

[EagleFan]

I would love to see Cochran go to redemption island and then by some amazing chance beat Ozzy and send him to the jury.

Should be interesting to see what happens now though. I think Sophie and Albert lost their chance to make a move.

I still see Bradon, Coach and the two useless ones staying with Coach. That leaves Cochran, Albert and Sophie without the numbers.

If they got rid of Edna tonight they could have eliminated Dawn or Whitney next to keep themselves in a better position. They would still have 4-3 numbers over Coach, Rick and Brandon. They would also be 2-2 at worst with their group of 4 being them, Cochran and whichever of the other two they didn't vote out.

[LloydLungs]

I still see Bradon, Coach and the two useless ones staying with Coach.

Probably. I think the best move might be to stand pat as they did last night, and now that it's down to 7, tell Brandon about that scenario where Coach was leading this solemn group prayer to find an immunity idol that he already had. I believe Sophie and Albert know about that. Tell Brandon, wind him up and watch him go. Then again, you probably should not build your strategy around that nutjob.

Also keep in mind you will likely have Ozzy coming back into the game yet again at some point. That has to factor into any endgame strategy.

[EagleFan]

Probably. I think the best move might be to stand pat as they did last night, and now that it's down to 7, tell Brandon about that scenario where Coach was leading this solemn group prayer to find an immunity idol that he already had. I believe Sophie and Albert know about that. Tell Brandon, wind him up and watch him go. Then again, you probably should not build your strategy around that nutjob.

Also keep in mind you will likely have Ozzy coming back into the game yet again at some point. That has to factor into any endgame strategy.

We're going to find out it was all an elaborate plan the whole time. Cochran and Ozzy masterminded a plan to send Ozzy to redemption twice and they played everyone the whole time as they end up in the finals togethers. Cochran's approach during the final tribal will be to stand up and say "We played you b****** good!"

[Raiders Army]

Last night was just a filler episode. We all knew what would happen. Next week hopefully we'll see some fireworks.

[CrimsonFox]

It's at this point in the series that the ponderosa online videos are more entertaining than the actual show.

[CrimsonFox]

I think Albert just failed to think big enough. Edna was not the right move. COACH was the right move. Get rid of Coach and then

Loose Cannon Brandon has nowhere to go and explodes
Clingy Edna has no where to go
Worthless Rick has no one to obey anymore
Coach-in-training Cochran just has to marvel at your "big moves"

I think I agree with Jim about Cochran being a coward still...and Sophie...and rick... and...

I think it's too late to make a move now. Things seem all Boston-Robbed up.

[CrimsonFox]

As much as I hate "THe story so far" episodes, that one was pretty funny and did open up some mysteries and answer some questions.

Coach making fun of Ozzy was awesome as was Cochran mocking Keith's sports metaphors.

[EagleFan]

As much as I hate "THe story so far" episodes, that one was pretty funny and did open up some mysteries and answer some questions.

Coach making fun of Ozzy was awesome as was Cochran mocking Keith's sports metaphors.

I usually turn these episodes off but I actually watched this one. It was entertaining. I also loved seeing coach making fun of Ozzy. Didn't realize those two were that much of a couple either.

I didn't care much for Coach with his treatment of the girl that was feeling sick. Thought that was rather immature from someone that is supposed to be "above" that by the way he tries to carry himself.

What on earth is Cochran thinking telling some of those stories? Does he think people actually want to hear them? "I didn't want people to hear me going to the bathroom so I went in my pants." Seriously? Granted, he was a kid when that happened but why on earth tell that story? Especially to a hot chick. That is no way to make an impression.

[CrimsonFox]

Because that is what socially awkward people do.

Incidently it was interesting that RIck actually said something about the game. Whoa. Heavy.

And it is clear to me that Sophie has never seen a season of this show before.

Coach has got to make up his frigging mind just who he wants to take with him now. Is he going to pull a Colby and take people who "Deserve to be there"? Actually I don't think any of them deserve anything as none of them are really playing.

Bick and Brandon are just not going to get votes. Cochrane I don't know...Cochrane will not get votes from anyone on Savaii at this point. He could have gotten Dawn's but I don't think so anymore.

I don't see anyone but Coach winning at this point. They should have taken him out last week.

[Raiders Army]

Incidently it was interesting that RIck actually said something about the game. Whoa. Heavy.
I know, right? I told my wife that that was the first time I remember a confessional from him.

It was interesting to see how they reined in Brandon. I was wondering why he hadn't erupted more after the merge.

I'm not sure if last night's episode was more positive than negative for Cochran. Is he more likeable after last night's episode? Probably. He is more pathetic? Probably. His story about shitting his pants was both pathetic and strikingly endearing at the same time. It's not enough to make me want to pull for him as an underdog, but it's enough to feel badly for him.

[larrymcg421]

Last night's episode definitely makes me confident that Cochran isn't going out in 7th place. He got more screen time than anyone but Coach and that doesn't make sense if he's getting voted out in the next episode.

Ozzy came across as an even bigger douche than usual. Keith and Whitney are idiots for talking about trying to not let people know they are a couple while they cuddle together in the hammock.

[Raiders Army]

Last night's episode definitely makes me confident that Cochran isn't going out in 7th place. He got more screen time than anyone but Coach and that doesn't make sense if he's getting voted out in the next episode.

Ozzy came across as an even bigger douche than usual. Keith and Whitney are idiots for talking about trying to not let people know they are a couple while they cuddle together in the hammock.

Agreed with all. BTW, Whitney just got married before going on the show. Glad her Jesus cross protects her from adultery with Keith!

[EagleFan]

Agreed with all. BTW, Whitney just got married before going on the show. Glad her Jesus cross protects her from adultery with Keith!

Have a feeling there is a divorce in her near future if that is the case.

Edit: She could be served the papers live on the reunion show; how awesme would that be. :)

[CrimsonFox]

More awesome than awesome!

[Maple Leafs]

If you missed tonight's episode, you'll be able to see highlights in a few years on CNN running behind the headline "Former Reality Contestant Murders Dozens".

[EagleFan]

Never thought I would be saying this about tonight's result (prior to the last couple weeks at least)...

that sucked.

This further confirms my view of coach; once a douchebag, always a douchebag.

[EagleFan]

If you missed tonight's episode, you'll be able to see highlights in a few years on CNN running behind the headline "Former Reality Contestant Murders Dozens".

Witnesses heard him saying "The!" "Tribe! "Has!" "Spoken!" with each stab of the knife.

[Maple Leafs]

Can we just not have any more religious people on Survivor?

[Raiders Army]

If this show is truly 100% real, then Brandon is going to be fucked up for the rest of his life.

[Maple Leafs]

I haven't been fully paying attention. Is Coach really religious, or is he just amazing at playing Survivor?

I thought he was some kind of aztec spirit a few seasons ago.

[Draft Dodger]

I am relatively new to Survivor, but we have seen some absolutely idiotic gameplay this season. People should have turned on coach weeks ago. There isn't a single person who has a snowball's chance of beating him.

[Maple Leafs]

Purely on strategy, why didn't Coach just keep captain crazypants around? He's obviously no jury threat to him, and backstabbing the kid like that could be the sort of thing that turns what should be an easy jury against him.

[EagleFan]

I almost want either Ozzy or Brandon to win this thing now.

Albert might be the least objectionable at this point.

Always hated coach and his honor and integrity crap. Apparantly honor and integrity means not voting against him. He's as big of a bully as he accuses others of being.

[Suicane75]

Coach did the right thing. Brandon can't see through Alberts bullshit. Coach had to get rid of him, it's nothing but strategy. The mental case can't be reasoned with.

[LloydLungs]

Can we just not have any more religious people on Survivor?

No kidding. I swear I will find some way to supply CBS with the million dollar prize for next season if they promise to cast 18 atheists.

I'm an agnatheist myself and Coach is still offending me on behalf of actual real Christians. What a perversion of religion we're seeing this year, especially from him. All the way back to the group prayer to find the idol when he already had it. There's been an interesting discussion on another board about what you would do as an atheist on a tribe like this? Do you suck it up and join in the constant endless group prayers so as not to be ostracized? My guess is that's the deal with Sophie.

[Lathum]

Purely on strategy, why didn't Coach just keep captain crazypants around? He's obviously no jury threat to him, and backstabbing the kid like that could be the sort of thing that turns what should be an easy jury against him.

I thought the same thing.

[CrimsonFox]

Really all five of them are idiots. And it was funny that the biggest idiot had to give up his idol to help them make their next idiot move.

They should have used Edna to make any of the moves they wanted. Really Albert and Coach have been the only ones playing this game. Unfortunately for Albert he was in with the stupid crowd.

Yes Coach is as much a nut as Brandon but at least Coach is playing the game. He really needed to get rid of the whole Hantz thing.

And I think that's why he voted Brandon. Coach was really voting for Russell and Brandon's dad instead of merely for Brandon.

Really hoping Ozzy toughs it out and comes back. He probably can't believe his ears at all the crap that's gone down. (not that he was a good social / strategy player either)

[CrimsonFox]

My favorite part of this was watching the jury go "WTF?!?!?!?"
Kieth 's head was about to explode. Whitney was laughing her butt off and Jim and Dawn were just "WTF!" :)

[Kodos]

Is Brandon the craziest player ever on Survivor? Dude needs major therapy.

I can't help but root against players who wear Jesus on their sleeve. Do these people really think that God gives a crap about Survivor? Same thing applies in sports.

[Lathum]

. Do these people really think that God gives a crap about Survivor? Same thing applies in sports.

Usually I would agree, but Tim Tebow has me questioning everything I used to think.

[larrymcg421]

Wow, Coach and Sophie thinking that Brandon is a jury threat? That's a bizarre miscalculation that could cost either of them $1 million.

[Maple Leafs]

So am I wrong or is it basically Coach or Ozzie for the $1M now?

I guess it could be Angry Girl or Moustache Dude, since they doesn't seem batshit insane and could maybe get a few votes if somebody implodes in front of the jury. But Coach has basically played the Boston Rob strategy or surrounding himself with coat-tail riding losers all the way to the end. If Ozzie makes the finals then his bitter former tribemates will probably all vote for him (is that enough votes to win?) but I can't really see anyone else being a threat.

[larrymcg421]

So am I wrong or is it basically Coach or Ozzie for the $1M now?

I guess it could be Angry Girl or Moustache Dude, since they doesn't seem batshit insane and could maybe get a few votes if somebody implodes in front of the jury. But Coach has basically played the Boston Rob strategy or surrounding himself with coat-tail riding losers all the way to the end.

Except he just voted out one of his goats (Brandon) and kept a jury threat (Sophie) in the game. If this was Boston Rob, he'd be going to the finals with Brandon for sure, and then either Edna or Rick. Also, the jury has not been reacting well to Coach at tribal councils.

If Ozzie makes the finals then his bitter former tribemates will probably all vote for him (is that enough votes to win?) but I can't really see anyone else being a threat.

There are 5 Savaii on the jury, but one of them is Cochran. With 9 total jurors, he needs either Cochran's vote, an Upolu vote, or the other people in the F3 to split votes.

I'm rooting for Albert, since he's the only one whose been playing the game all season long. But it's a difficult road to the finals for him. He'll be safe if Ozzy doesn't win immunity at F5, but then I think he'll have to win immunity at F4.

[Maple Leafs]

There are 5 Savaii on the jury, but one of them is Cochran.
Oh, I could totally see Cochran voting for Ozzie. Would be the sort of fake redemption/one last strategic move that he'd probably be dying for.

[larrymcg421]

Oh, I could totally see Cochran voting for Ozzie. Would be the sort of fake redemption/one last strategic move that he'd probably be dying for.

Maybe, but Cochran has also stated in interviews that he'd be hesitant to vote for someone who returned from Redemption Island. I think if Albert gets to the end, he will get Cochran's vote. Outside of that, who knows.

[CrimsonFox]

Cochran is going to vote for Coach at the end I'm sure of it. Albert is good no matter who wins redemption. He and Ozzy will hook up no doubt. I just hope Ozzy wins redemption. Because Coach now HAS to keep his word and get Ozzy to the end. :)

So I can see a Coach Ozzy Albert (since everyone but Brandon hates Albert)
In that final 3 I totally see Ozzy winning as Coach and Albert will spend the whole jury episode arguing with each other.

If Brandon wins, Albert is toast. Albert just doesn't have the drive to win immunity. It will probably be Rick Sophie Coach in that case at the end.

[larrymcg421]

Cochran is going to vote for Coach at the end I'm sure of it. Albert is good no matter who wins redemption. He and Ozzy will hook up no doubt. I just hope Ozzy wins redemption. Because Coach now HAS to keep his word and get Ozzy to the end. :)

How is Albert good at F4 if it is Coach, Sophie, and Rick? They will vote him out there if he doesn't have immunity. I think Cochran will vote for Albert over Coach because Albert was the one person who actually tried to help him.

So I can see a Coach Ozzy Albert (since everyone but Brandon hates Albert)
In that final 3 I totally see Ozzy winning as Coach and Albert will spend the whole jury episode arguing with each other.

If Brandon wins, Albert is toast. Albert just doesn't have the drive to win immunity. It will probably be Rick Sophie Coach in that case at the end.[/quote]

It doesn't matter who wins RI. Rick, Sophie, Coach is the current internal alliance. Whoever comes back from RI + Albert will be the next two to go unless they win immunity.

[stevew]

Sophie really packed on weight between the end of taping and tonight's live episode

[EagleFan]

Kind of a crappy season overall. Too predictable after the Cochran move and not many people that were likeable when all was said and done.

Plus there wasn't much in terms of eye candy either. Makayla and the one that was attached to Ozzy early were about the only ones.

[Swaggs]

This was one of those few seasons where I checked out early and gave up after a few weeks. I've probably only done that four or five times throughout the series, but this one never hooked me.

[Draft Dodger]

Still reeling from the big surprise they revealed at the live show: Brandon is really k.d. lang

[Draft Dodger]

can't really think of anyone I would have liked to see win. Even Ozzy was pretty insufferable for a lot of the game. Honestly, towards the end I was kind of rooting for Brandon, which is really telling about how meh the competitors were this year.

[Landshark44]

was makayla at the reunion show? i didn't see her..........

[EagleFan]

can't really think of anyone I would have liked to see win. Even Ozzy was pretty insufferable for a lot of the game. Honestly, towards the end I was kind of rooting for Brandon, which is really telling about how meh the competitors were this year.

I was thinking pretty much the same thing. Brandon was the least objectionable of the final 6, and it may have saved his future victims. Pretty much once it got to the merge I can't think of anyone that I would want to win from that group. Maybe Dawn if she had figured out a better way to work herself into a position to win instead of trying to please her tribe by staying in step with them.

[EagleFan]

was makayla at the reunion show? i didn't see her..........

Good question, I didn't notice her either. Though it seemed that only Brandon, Coach and Cochran made it to the show, other than Sophie.

Oh, and the girl that got married before the she and already divorced I guess.

[LloydLungs]

Sophie was the best player, she just played a TV-unfriendly game. There was never any reason for her to make a huge move. Her moves were largely picking the right alliance at the beginning, talking Albert out of several shakeups at a few different points post-merge, not constantly pronouncing herself the paragon of honor and integrity, and beating Ozzy in the last challenge. She never had any reason to mutiny against Coach, because she thought she would beat him at FTC, and she did.

The presence of Redemption Island and the lack of tribal switches pretty much prevent most strategic shake-ups. People get way too welded to their tribes without switches. I'm not at all surprised after these last two seasons that they're going to have two tribes share a beach next time. Good idea. I predict there will be dramatically less tribal loyalty next season, and that will hopefully make for a TV-friendlier game.

[CrimsonFox]

Still have no idea how coach lost. Exept that he totally gave it away during final tribal. He did all the right things (aside from the honor bullshit). It was his to lose and he lost it. Maybe deservedly so.

Was rooting for Ozzy to win because the other 3 were just too annoying. Would have preferred Albert to Sophie I think. Ah but it's all water under the bridge.

Don't think Brandon's as nutty as you think EF but he's a very on the edge kinda guy. I mean after he was voted out he seemed indeed like he had no idea what the whole thing was about and was just happy to be out of it, no real regrets. At the reunion he was actually likable.

His family is a pile of dung that's for sure. Glad he's at peace though.

[CrimsonFox]

hmmm just remembering how much albert blew it by not voting sohpie out when he had the chance. He had rick and ozzy but didn't make the move. He was also stupid with brandon's question. I still am not sure why he got no votes seeing as how sophie wasn't a great candidate either. I think makybe it was coach just looking so weak and giving sophie props she didn't really deserve.

[Thomkal]

hmmm just remembering how much albert blew it by not voting sohpie out when he had the chance. He had rick and ozzy but didn't make the move. He was also stupid with brandon's question. I still am not sure why he got no votes seeing as how sophie wasn't a great candidate either. I think makybe it was coach just looking so weak and giving sophie props she didn't really deserve.

I think there was a good candidate with those three-she won more immunity challenges than them-a woman against those four athletic males she was with at the end there. And the come from behind win in the final immunity challenge to beat both Coach and Ozzy was huge-and she didn't even bring it up in the final Tribal which was a mistake on her part I think. Albert was too shady, and Coach really lost it in the last couple weeks when his "honor and integrity" went out the window and betrayed both Brandon and Rick, plus openly courting Ozzy for a Final 3.

And I think her breakdown in the previous Tribal helped to soften the hearts of some of the jury-especially Dawn, and made her more likeable. Even if Jeff Probst tried to belittle her for breaking down. And hey jury I hope you listened to Edna-all those stupid comments they made before she made her speech. If things had gone the other way and the other tribe was in control after the merge-they would have had to betray and lie to each other just like Coach's tribe did. You got outplayed by an alliance that held strong since day 1 and alienated Cochran to the point that he jumped to the other side.

Do we know who voted for Coach besides Cochran? Loved that Jeff rubbed it on Coach by asking for a vote if it was Albert, Rick, and him in the Final 3. Not taking Rick to the Final 3 was mindboggling-yeah he seemed like a nice loyal guy, but he won nothing and was out of most challenges early on. Albert kept saying how it was a mistake to take Sophie to the Final Three, and Coach didn't listen.

Oh and if there is a Brandon vs Russell Survivor-it will be the first Survivor I don't watch-until/if they both are voted out. I hope never to see a Hanse family member on that show/reunions. Previews for the new Survivor looked interesting-sharing an island and hopefully no Redemption Island.

[Draft Dodger]

Albert fancied himself as a strong player, but he was pretty much completely useless. He wasn't very good in challenges, was not good socially and his strategy pretty much was to ride Coach's coattails to the end. He was Phillip without the crazy and I think he was genuinely surprised to get no votes.

[gstelmack]

Still have no idea how coach lost.

When you get to the final tribal council and there is a relatively meek and quiet female who "backed" her way into it, she's going to win because everyone is pissed off at the other one or two folks on the council. This has happened season after season. Never ever take the female who has played a "weak" game to the end with you.

[Suicane75]

Coach lost because of the loyalty mantra and the religious shit. Not just that he did it but that he did it over and over and over to everyone. It's one thing to be betrayed, guys have talked their way out of doing that before. It's another thing to be betrayed by someone spouting how honest and religious he is.

Albert was absolutely useless and his performance at the final tribal was embarrassing. It's never a good sign when people are laughing at you. He was stammering and double talking right to the end, just like Coach. Neither one of them really owned their game. Sophie owned her game, she won challenges, she stayed true to her alliance without making promises to anyone and everyone.

Coach and Albert particularly looked weak when compared to Brandon who for all his crazy, made promises and stuck to them and was as brutally honest about his intentions as anyone has ever been.

[LloydLungs]

When you get to the final tribal council and there is a relatively meek and quiet female who "backed" her way into it, she's going to win because everyone is pissed off at the other one or two folks on the council. This has happened season after season. Never ever take the female who has played a "weak" game to the end with you.

How does Sophie fall into that category? She's clearly intelligent, has a very strategic mind (despite the breakdown at F5, her arguments at FTC were by far the most game-centric and clinical of the three), and won three post-merge challenges, including the one that finally knocked out Ozzy. She didn't back into anything. She just wasn't particularly interesting TV.

[larrymcg421]

When you get to the final tribal council and there is a relatively meek and quiet female who "backed" her way into it, she's going to win because everyone is pissed off at the other one or two folks on the council. This has happened season after season. Never ever take the female who has played a "weak" game to the end with you.

I don't agree with this at all for two reasons. First of all, Sophie doesn't even fit this description. She won three individual immunities, more than anyone else, and was a central part of the main alliance. Second of all, what you described rarely happens. It certainly didn't happen last season when Rob brought Natalie to the end. It happened to Russell, but that was a special case of someone pissing off an already bitter jury.

Coach's biggest mistake was actually not taking the meek, quiet female to the end. At F7 when he had the chance to make a move with Cochran and Edna and didn't do it, he cost himself the million. If he had taken them to the end, he would've won in a landslide.

[law90026]

Coach had the game won if he had done the "Boston Rob" thing, i.e. take Edna and one other (Brandon or Rick) to the final 3.

Unfortunately, he got stupid and started thinking that getting to the final 3 was the goal and he would somehow win then, regardless of who he took. Honestly, he threw this game away because of his contradictory philosophy.

[CrimsonFox]

I think there was a good candidate with those three-she won more immunity challenges than them-a woman against those four athletic males she was with at the end there. And the come from behind win in the final immunity challenge to beat both Coach and Ozzy was huge-and she didn't even bring it up in the final Tribal which was a mistake on her part I think. Albert was too shady, and Coach really lost it in the last couple weeks when his "honor and integrity" went out the window and betrayed both Brandon and Rick, plus openly courting Ozzy for a Final 3.

And I think her breakdown in the previous Tribal helped to soften the hearts of some of the jury-especially Dawn, and made her more likeable. Even if Jeff Probst tried to belittle her for breaking down. And hey jury I hope you listened to Edna-all those stupid comments they made before she made her speech. If things had gone the other way and the other tribe was in control after the merge-they would have had to betray and lie to each other just like Coach's tribe did. You got outplayed by an alliance that held strong since day 1 and alienated Cochran to the point that he jumped to the other side.

Do we know who voted for Coach besides Cochran? Loved that Jeff rubbed it on Coach by asking for a vote if it was Albert, Rick, and him in the Final 3. Not taking Rick to the Final 3 was mindboggling-yeah he seemed like a nice loyal guy, but he won nothing and was out of most challenges early on. Albert kept saying how it was a mistake to take Sophie to the Final Three, and Coach didn't listen.

Oh and if there is a Brandon vs Russell Survivor-it will be the first Survivor I don't watch-until/if they both are voted out. I hope never to see a Hanse family member on that show/reunions. Previews for the new Survivor looked interesting-sharing an island and hopefully no Redemption Island.


\So the rule of thumb is don't take bitches to the final 3. Got it. And yes it was stupid thinking of coach that people would vote for rick because he was a nice guy. People NEVER just vote for the nice guy that isn't even playing the game. Badbadbad. Ehhhh I still don't see how winning challenges is a factor of why to vote for someone to win. It kinda seems like if you're a woman and beat a powerhouse man it suddenly makes you worth voting for.

Ditto on everything you said about the future. I mostly fastforwarded through russ's gobbledygook. Brandon was actually pretty cool during the reunion show. I think he needs to move far away from his nutjob relative and even out of Texas to actually straighten himself out.

[CrimsonFox]

Coach had the game won if he had done the "Boston Rob" thing, i.e. take Edna and one other (Brandon or Rick) to the final 3.

Unfortunately, he got stupid and started thinking that getting to the final 3 was the goal and he would somehow win then, regardless of who he took. Honestly, he threw this game away because of his contradictory philosophy.


Actually I thought hhe played a pretty perfect Boston Rob thing. All he had to do was SAY that in final tribal and he didn't.

He really should have known that Sophie and Albert would both try and drum up votes by saying how good their strategy was. And he merely said he wasn't a strategist at all. bleh. Wanted to punch him .

[EagleFan]

Coach is a douche, the only thing better would have been if his ass got voted out when he didn't play the idol.

[CrimsonFox]

Coach is a douche, the only thing better would have been if his ass got voted out when he didn't play the idol.


Should we call him Couche then?

[EagleFan]

Should we call him Couche then?

We have a winnerr!!! :D

[Raiders Army]

I think Jim had the best advice last night: Don't assume that everyone in the game is playing the game.

Despite Richard winning season 1 being a villain, some (most?) players still vote based upon how they were screwed in the game. Instead of looking at it as a game, most people hold grudges and vote on a personal level. This is really the most interesting facet of the game. If it were strictly gamemanship, it would be far less interesting. :)

[CrimsonFox]

I think Jim had the best advice last night: Don't assume that everyone in the game is playing the game.

Despite Richard winning season 1 being a villain, some (most?) players still vote based upon how they were screwed in the game. Instead of looking at it as a game, most people hold grudges and vote on a personal level. This is really the most interesting facet of the game. If it were strictly gamemanship, it would be far less interesting. :)


What I found most funny was that Brandon was taking things way too seriously when IN the game and once he was out he was laughing about it realizing he had no idea what he was doing. And he seemed then to start thinking "wow I should have done something else".

[Mota]

I liked Coach this season for the first time, but he had intense "friendships" and deals with everybody that he broke week after week. Every time, it would be coach getting up to hug the guy and they'd be totally betrayed. Not by Albert, Sophie or Rock, but by Coach. So it's no wonder that he didn't win.

[EagleFan]

Maybe Brandon will come back for another season. He'll start out playing exactly like he did this time but then at the first tribal council when the person he made an alliance with turns his back Brandon pulls out a folding chair and hits him across the back with it.

Then we'll see Russell walking up the path towards the tribe though the fog and reach out towards Brandon. Brandon drops a few stomps on his betrayed 'friend' and walks to Russell's corner as he rips off his shirt to show his Hantz tat. "Welcome back to the family. Oh yeah, we're back bitches!"

[larrymcg421]

The thing is it wasn't even the people he broke deals with that cost him the victory. The three that voted for him were Cochran, Edna, and Rick, all people who he backstabbed in one way or another. The only person that held a grudge was Brandon. The 5 votes that cost him came from Savaii who couldn't stomach his honor and integrity crap. He should've really just said that was all BS he came up with to do well in the game. He might've won. But really, he should've gone to the end with some combination of Cochran, Edna, Rick, and Brandon. The jury wasn't gonna vote for any of them to win no matter how much they hated Coach.

[law90026]

Actually I thought hhe played a pretty perfect Boston Rob thing. All he had to do was SAY that in final tribal and he didn't.

He really should have known that Sophie and Albert would both try and drum up votes by saying how good their strategy was. And he merely said he wasn't a strategist at all. bleh. Wanted to punch him .

I think he didn't because Boston Rob picked the 2 pansies that he could take to the final which he knew had NO chance of winning against him.

Coach on the other hand decided (or had no choice) but to take Sophie with him.

Like Larrymcg said, any combination of Brandon, Rick, Edna and Cochran wins him the game. Big fail there on Coach's part.

[EagleFan]

Everyone it talking about Coach bringing Sophie, I think it can be argued that Sophie brought coach as well. She was presented with opportunities to change the game and seemingly didn't but maybe that was all part of her plan as well, know that she could beat him in the final.