In the original Fans vs. Favorites, the returning players completely dominated. There were three key elements: the returnees were a strong group; they had existing relationships; and the quality of the Fans was atrocious (so atrocious that this season marks the first time any of that group of ten Fans has returned, and Erik's claim to fame is pulling one of the dumbest moves in the history of the game). So, the first Fans vs. Favorites turned into the Globetrotters vs. the Generals.
This incarnation feels more like Fans vs. Misfits. There are a lot of low quality players returning. When Probst
was introducing them as they came off the chopper, I got the feeling
the Fans didn't know who some of them were (I heard crickets when
Corinne was introduced). Therefore, having won the first immunity challenge, should we give the Fans more of a chance?
I'm reminded of a scene from the classic sitcom, Taxi. Tony's brakes fail and he almost gets into an accident. He storms into the garage furious with management over their cavalier regard to driver safety. The other drivers vote Tony shop steward - he meets with Louie, and totally blows it (Louie manipulates him into doing nothing). The drivers recall him as shop steward and open the floor to new nominees.
Jim: I nominate Tony!
Alex: Jim?!?!? Why would you nominate Tony?
Jim: Alex, there is no substitute for experience!
And, that kind of sums up how I feel about the returning players. Yes, some of them were terrible, but I've seen many people improve significantly in their second appearance. Yes, they lost immunity, but they dominated both challenges (it's just that Malcolm couldn't close the immunity challenge - something he was prone to doing last season). I still believe the Favorites/Misfits will be stronger long-term.
But, there are warning signs. I thought Brandon could improve his second time out, but he looks shaky. He's repeating his same antics from his first season, i.e., targeting
strong women he is attracted to (Mikayla last time, Andrea last week).
He has no father figure to lead him this time the way Coach did last
(unless you count Phillip, who needed his own shepard in Boston Rob when he played). Brandon is talking about pulling a "Hantz" and seeding chaos. I'm not sure what that gets him. Why doesn't he emulate his uncle and find a hidden immunity? Just a thought.
Francesca deserved to go. If you're aim is to get revenge in your first vote, it will blow up in your face (see the Chinese proverb: before seeking revenge, dig two graves). There was no subtlety to what she was doing. They came back from the challenge and she immediately told 5 people to vote Philip. Awkward.
I'd still bet on the Favorites in the long-term, but it was a bad start for them:
Other thoughts:
- Was it in Philip's contract that he can only return if he wears the pink/purple undies? The producers must have insisted on that?
- Why is Chochran sunburned? I'm pretty sure they get lotion.
-
Erik, I'm sorry Phillip intimidated you about having the numbers. Get
over it. It's part of the game. He made you an offer you couldn't refuse, and you refused it. Fine. You're allowed to. Stop whining about it ("he didn't eve give me a choice..."). Did you want his offer to include an option where you could vote him out? Exactly what choices did you want Phillip to offer?
- I
think Cochran might be a lot stronger this time around. He's still
doing the Woody Allen schtick, but he doesn't seem as scared as he was
before.
- When I close my eyes while Eddie is speaking, I hear the voice of Dan Ennis' old roommate, Jeff (if you don't know who Jeff is, kindly disregard).
- Shamar is a showboat. He manipulated that whole water/shelter thing to look like the hero. It won't work. I don't have confidence in him to go deep.
- The 4-person alliance of the cool kids
among the Fans is likely doomed. That strategy has rarely worked.
These people want to play some deserted island dating game - have it on
TV - and then go home and enjoy the 15 minutes. This is one of the
reasons I'm skeptical about the Fans - between those 4 and Shamar, they
have a lot of questionable players.
Overall it was a good episode. They jumped right into a challenge and it never dragged from there. Malcolm's failures in clutch spots is something to watch. We'll see what happens in week 2.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Priorities
President Obama said the following in his Second Inaugural Address on Monday:
Betraying future generations on the climate = BAD. Leaving them a $20 trillion debt = OK.
We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.
Betraying future generations on the climate = BAD. Leaving them a $20 trillion debt = OK.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Survivor: Philipines, Post-Mortem
It has been my observation that the more returning players there
are in the game, the crankier the jury seems to be. I think returning
players carry higher expectations. They are also more likely to feel
betrayed by the actions of other returning players who they might have
had a previous relationship with.
Last season was a cast of all newbies, and the jury had been lied to like no other. But, because the Deceiver (Kim) was so dosh-garn nice about it, the jury couldn't find the will to punish her by voting for a more honest player.
Sunday's jury was not nearly as accommodating for arguably much less deceitful players. What exactly had Lisa or Skupin done that was so horrific? Lisa was reasonably loyal to her tribe. Skupin - less so, but they didn't even pretend to be loyal to him. One could argue the worst betrayal in the game was Kent's attempt to backstab Penner. Either way, Lisa and Skupin were much more honorable than Kim was last season. They burned Malcolm in advancing to the final 3, but Kim burned EVERYONE except the people who made it to the final 3.
The one other jury member who had a legitimate gripe this go-around was Abi. I thought Denise had been way too tough on her a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, Abi wound up voting for her tormentor, while Skupin was being mocked by the likes of Kent and Penner. It was the first time in Survivor history where a player was mocked for NOT getting any votes.
Any jury with Artis and Kent on it is going to be cranky, so maybe the returning players had nothing to do with it - but that jury seemed unduly agitated. And, don't forget that the most unruly jury in Survivor history was the one for All-Stars (ALL returning players). Returning players are generally more entertaining, but they often become rotten apples, spoiling the barrel. Anyway, Denise got a lot more support than I thought she would. I'm not saying I didn't think she could win. I just didn't think she would win so handily (6-1-1). She did hide behind Malcolm and his idol. I get the feeling Kent, Penner and Malcolm lobbied hard for Denise on Ponderosa - and it worked.
Other Thoughts:
Last season was a cast of all newbies, and the jury had been lied to like no other. But, because the Deceiver (Kim) was so dosh-garn nice about it, the jury couldn't find the will to punish her by voting for a more honest player.
Sunday's jury was not nearly as accommodating for arguably much less deceitful players. What exactly had Lisa or Skupin done that was so horrific? Lisa was reasonably loyal to her tribe. Skupin - less so, but they didn't even pretend to be loyal to him. One could argue the worst betrayal in the game was Kent's attempt to backstab Penner. Either way, Lisa and Skupin were much more honorable than Kim was last season. They burned Malcolm in advancing to the final 3, but Kim burned EVERYONE except the people who made it to the final 3.
The one other jury member who had a legitimate gripe this go-around was Abi. I thought Denise had been way too tough on her a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, Abi wound up voting for her tormentor, while Skupin was being mocked by the likes of Kent and Penner. It was the first time in Survivor history where a player was mocked for NOT getting any votes.
Any jury with Artis and Kent on it is going to be cranky, so maybe the returning players had nothing to do with it - but that jury seemed unduly agitated. And, don't forget that the most unruly jury in Survivor history was the one for All-Stars (ALL returning players). Returning players are generally more entertaining, but they often become rotten apples, spoiling the barrel. Anyway, Denise got a lot more support than I thought she would. I'm not saying I didn't think she could win. I just didn't think she would win so handily (6-1-1). She did hide behind Malcolm and his idol. I get the feeling Kent, Penner and Malcolm lobbied hard for Denise on Ponderosa - and it worked.
Bottom Line: that final 3 was much more ethical than an average
final 3, but the jury seemed a tad more disagreeable than usual.
Other Thoughts:
1. Denise's opening
statement was a bit arrogant. I though it noteworthy, though, that she
said she would make no apologies, and then apologized to Abi in the
Q&A. It might have gotten her another vote.
2. I thought Penner had a good season and a bad tribal council. You can make your points without resorting to name-calling (he called Denise a b*tch) or ridicule (he mocked Skupin that he wouldn't get any votes). None of this was on par with Susan's infamous Snakes and Rats Speech from Season One or the temper tantrums Lex and Big Tom threw in All-Stars (I thought they were going to burn the set down, they were so ticked), nevertheless, Penner's antics came across as classless. He recovered a bit in the Reunion Show.
3. In the Reunion Show, Kent was asked about his Penner obsession and played dumb (unlike Abi, who showed a lot of humility, and acknowledged she had room to improve). Instead, Kent decided to weasel out of the question. What a creep.
4. I'm glad Probst addressed the fact that he might have picked on Katie a little too much. That was one of my pet peeves this season.
5. I'm also glad Dawson was able to get one last (cringe-inducing) kiss in.
6. Next season is another Fans vs. Favorites. For those of you who never saw the first Fans vs. Favorites five years ago, the returning players absolutely dominated. At times it was humiliating (Globetrotters vs. Generals-type humiliation). I think part of the problem is the returning players were particularly capable, and the fans included two of the dumbest people ever to appear on American television (Erik and Jason).
2. I thought Penner had a good season and a bad tribal council. You can make your points without resorting to name-calling (he called Denise a b*tch) or ridicule (he mocked Skupin that he wouldn't get any votes). None of this was on par with Susan's infamous Snakes and Rats Speech from Season One or the temper tantrums Lex and Big Tom threw in All-Stars (I thought they were going to burn the set down, they were so ticked), nevertheless, Penner's antics came across as classless. He recovered a bit in the Reunion Show.
3. In the Reunion Show, Kent was asked about his Penner obsession and played dumb (unlike Abi, who showed a lot of humility, and acknowledged she had room to improve). Instead, Kent decided to weasel out of the question. What a creep.
4. I'm glad Probst addressed the fact that he might have picked on Katie a little too much. That was one of my pet peeves this season.
5. I'm also glad Dawson was able to get one last (cringe-inducing) kiss in.
6. Next season is another Fans vs. Favorites. For those of you who never saw the first Fans vs. Favorites five years ago, the returning players absolutely dominated. At times it was humiliating (Globetrotters vs. Generals-type humiliation). I think part of the problem is the returning players were particularly capable, and the fans included two of the dumbest people ever to appear on American television (Erik and Jason).
7. I get the feeling that Malcolm will be
returning to Fans vs. Favorites. The producers really sold him this
season, even though he lost. My instincts tell me he is not nearly as
nice of a guy, or as good of a player, as the cut he got. They have really sold players twice in the past (Rupert as superhero and Russell as supervillain), and both
had been invited to return the very next season. The producers were
making sure they stood out to the audience in their own ways.
Furthermore, Jeff asked Malcolm if he would play again. Jeff does that
when he knows something. One other point: Fans vs. Favorites has
already been filmed, which means no one would know who Malcolm is. I
bet he did poorly. When he was on stage in the Reunion Show, he looked
like a guy who had lost twice.
8. I hope the Favorites they bring back are
all players who have appeared only once before. I don't need to
see multiple retreads. I also hope they pull people from early
seasons. For example, I've always wanted to see Ian or Greg (from
Palau) play again. Heck, if you want to go old school, Greg from season
1 is one of my all-time faves. But, they will probably rely on recent
seasons (they've played 5 seasons since Heroes vs. Villains) so they
should have a decent supply of one-timers from that player pool. From
last season, alone, they could take: Colton, Kim, Kat, Sabrina, Tarzan
or Troyzan. From the season before, they could take Russell's nephew
(Brandon) and Woody Allen (Cochran). From Redemption Island: Philip and
Matt. From Nicaragua: Marty, Fabio and Holly. It looks like in the
coming season it will be 10 Fans vs. 10 Favorites. I hope they think
outside the box when bringing back former players. I don't need to see
the kooks again (Phillip and Tarzan). I'd much rather see the competent ones get another chance.
Overall, I thought it was an above-average season that ran out of steam towards the end. Six on a scale of 1-10.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Survivor: Philipines, Going into the Finale
I don't have too much to say about the last two episodes. Yes, they tried to create some drama about
whether Lisa would break her word and blindside Malcolm. I don't know
if she would have, but it was made moot by his two immunity wins. The
bottom line is this: the final four alliance held. It formed at seven, and methodically voted off Penner, Carter and Abi.
As for tonight, they all seem to think it will be three at the final tribal. If so, how are they going to fill a two hour show? Previous seasons that have had a final three, also had five survivors entering into the final episode. It sounds like they are going to fill the hole with a reward challenge. If so, the first hour tonight could really drag. I'm guessing this is happening because of Dana's untimely exit. They still had tribal council that episode (after many evacuations they don't). Anyway, they probably didn't stretch things out, they instead decided to just have four at the end and an extra reward challenge.
If all this is true, there is only one immunity left. If Malcolm wins that, he probably wins the game. If he loses that, he's probably gone, and then the voting becomes more intriguing. In that scenario, Lisa might become the favorite. Bear in mind, though, Penner has probably told everybody at Ponderosa about her child star status, and that could effect voting. Also, as I said a few weeks ago, I think Lisa might struggle answering the jury's questions.
Denise has to explain that she did more than hide behind Malcolm's idol. She is articulate, so she has a shot to do that.
As for Skupin - I just don't think enough jurors respect him. When Pete was trying to save himself, he said maybe Skupin will go for his plan because he doesn't think things through. Pete said it matter-of-factly and rather cooly. I got the feeling he wasn't the only one who thought that. Roberta will probably vote for Skupin, and Lisa might, if she were on the jury. But, I don't see where he'll get other votes from. Abi? Penner? Artis? Kent? I don't see it. When he made that pre-merge deal with Penner, his tribe went off on him (and looked like they had fun doing it). Then, again, Skupin might have ultimately been the most likeable person out there. And, if he's sitting next to Denise and Lisa, he might get votes.
All in all, it's a respectable final four. Any one of them would be a legitimate winner. Malcolm and Lisa have probably played the best games so far. But, for some reason, I find myself rooting for Lisa and Skupin over Malcolm and Denise. When I look at Malcolm, I see his early passivity when his tribe crashed and burned. There is something charming about Skupin's cheerful innocence. I look at Denise, and I see someone doing a job. I look at Skupin and see someone on an adventure. As for Lisa, I'm happy for her that she did so well.
Odds of Winning:
45% Malcolm
25% Lisa
20% Denise
10% Skupin
One last question: who will be the most excited person at tonight's reunion show? The winner or Dawson (tonight she gets to see Probst again)?
As for tonight, they all seem to think it will be three at the final tribal. If so, how are they going to fill a two hour show? Previous seasons that have had a final three, also had five survivors entering into the final episode. It sounds like they are going to fill the hole with a reward challenge. If so, the first hour tonight could really drag. I'm guessing this is happening because of Dana's untimely exit. They still had tribal council that episode (after many evacuations they don't). Anyway, they probably didn't stretch things out, they instead decided to just have four at the end and an extra reward challenge.
If all this is true, there is only one immunity left. If Malcolm wins that, he probably wins the game. If he loses that, he's probably gone, and then the voting becomes more intriguing. In that scenario, Lisa might become the favorite. Bear in mind, though, Penner has probably told everybody at Ponderosa about her child star status, and that could effect voting. Also, as I said a few weeks ago, I think Lisa might struggle answering the jury's questions.
Denise has to explain that she did more than hide behind Malcolm's idol. She is articulate, so she has a shot to do that.
As for Skupin - I just don't think enough jurors respect him. When Pete was trying to save himself, he said maybe Skupin will go for his plan because he doesn't think things through. Pete said it matter-of-factly and rather cooly. I got the feeling he wasn't the only one who thought that. Roberta will probably vote for Skupin, and Lisa might, if she were on the jury. But, I don't see where he'll get other votes from. Abi? Penner? Artis? Kent? I don't see it. When he made that pre-merge deal with Penner, his tribe went off on him (and looked like they had fun doing it). Then, again, Skupin might have ultimately been the most likeable person out there. And, if he's sitting next to Denise and Lisa, he might get votes.
All in all, it's a respectable final four. Any one of them would be a legitimate winner. Malcolm and Lisa have probably played the best games so far. But, for some reason, I find myself rooting for Lisa and Skupin over Malcolm and Denise. When I look at Malcolm, I see his early passivity when his tribe crashed and burned. There is something charming about Skupin's cheerful innocence. I look at Denise, and I see someone doing a job. I look at Skupin and see someone on an adventure. As for Lisa, I'm happy for her that she did so well.
Odds of Winning:
45% Malcolm
25% Lisa
20% Denise
10% Skupin
One last question: who will be the most excited person at tonight's reunion show? The winner or Dawson (tonight she gets to see Probst again)?
Survivor: Philipines, Ep. 11
Well, I guess Kent is finally happy?
Penner really blew it. Skupin and Lisa offerred him an alliance to
the end and Penner inexplicably turned it down. It was too soon, he
said? This is a three-time veteran making a rookie mistake. Hasn't he
been watching Lisa's game? Once the Church Lady gives her word, there
is no going back: she's voting the way Malcolm and Denise tell her to
vote - er, she's voting with her alliance. Period.
If Lisa liked Penner so much, couldn't she have done more than tell
him to "work his magic." Couldn't she have tried to persuade her
alliance to vote Carter instead? Just asking because it seems to
me Lisa has a better shot to win without Penner in the game. She said
this is not about the money. Whenever someone says that, it usually is
about the money. I'm not criticizing her, mind you. But, she ain't
Seinfeld. I'm sure the Facts of Life money dried up a long time
ago. But, even if she doesn't need the check, winning would still be
fun. She's got to be thinking about that just a little - no? Leaving
the decision of who to vote next to her alliance absolves her of the
guilt of voting Penner while advancing her in the game. That is what we
call a win-win.
I thought Skupin might flip, but it would be almost impossible for
him to win if he had (he would have betrayed most of the jury). By
staying loyal he still has a decent path to a victory. He needs to win
the immunity when they get to 4 and vote Malcolm out (Malcolm can't play
the idol once you get to 4). It would be him, Denise and Lisa in the
final 3. Skupin might be able to win that vote.
Other Stuff:
- Congrats to Abi on showing some backbone. She could have pigged
out at the reward and gone home. At least she fought. She went in
there determined to get the immunity advantage, and she won. Of course,
she was unable to build any goodwill after her agonizing confrontation
with Penner about what went on at the previous tribal council. I wonder
why Abi chose to confront Penner instead of Denise, when it was Denise
who had more harsh things to say the night before? Is it because
Abi realized Denise would destroy her a second time, whereas Penner
might actually show some compassion?
- Carter is showing some athletic prowess. He has been very
competitive in the challenges. So, has Skupin. Malcolm, not so much
so. I wonder if Malcolm is holding back a little because the idol is
protecting him and he doesn't want to be seen as a physical threat?
- Carter can win. It's feasible for him to win 2 of the last 3
immunities and find himself in the final 3. He won't be much of a
talker at final tribal - he'll need Kent and Penner to be his
advocates. But, it might work.
- Lisa's window might be closing. Many jury members don't like
people who are complete slaves to their alliance. They don't like being
told 'I only voted you out because I gave my word to the alliance.'
They usually wind up voting for the decision makers. I think Lisa is
losing votes.
Odds of winning:
32% Malcolm (I think you leap-frogged Denise this week and are now the favorite)
32% Malcolm (I think you leap-frogged Denise this week and are now the favorite)
28% Denise (You need to explain to the jury you did more than hide behind Malcolm's idol)
16% Skupin (I had my doubts, but I'm starting to think you might be able to win)
14% Lisa (I think you would struggle in the final tribal)
08% Carter (Win challenges)
02% Abi (Everytime I start to feel sorry for you, you say something atrocious)
16% Skupin (I had my doubts, but I'm starting to think you might be able to win)
14% Lisa (I think you would struggle in the final tribal)
08% Carter (Win challenges)
02% Abi (Everytime I start to feel sorry for you, you say something atrocious)
Survivor: Philipines, Ep. 10: Schadenfreude
It looks like I'm going to sneak this review in just in the nick of time.
Last
week, Pete made the only argument he could make (you need me to flush
Malcolm's idol). Nobody bought it, and he went home. Though, I have to
admit, it took a lot of guts for Malcolm not to play his hidden idol.
He was told explicitly that his name was being discussed, and he knew it
would take only one to flip. I think I might have played it.
The
immunity challenge was fun, and I think Carter got a huge advantage
from winning the reward (and calories) the day before. Otherwise, I
think Skupin would have pulled it out.
As
for Abi's tribal council tearfest, there are a couple of lessons to be
learned. First, never get into a debate with a therapist/psychiatrist
about your personal shortcomings when they are ticked with you. You
will never win that exchange. These people referee those type of
arguments all day long. They know every trick of the trade. They will
go for the jugular. They know how. And, they'll do it while seeming to
be the only reasonable person in the room. You can't win.
Denise
really laid into Abi. In some ways I thought it was gratuitous. I'm
no Abi fan, and I don't know what it would be like to be out there with
her for weeks on end. But, did she really need to methodically
dissect her like Hannibal Lecter?
Probst
threw Abi a couple of life preservers ("maybe it is because English
is your second language," "maybe it's cultural"), but Denise swatted
those away like Kent playing slow-pitch softball. Denise is a
therapist, she has heard every smear ever levied by one spouse on
another. She could knock down Probst's defenses after only two days on
the job. Meanwhile, the Director of Economic Development in Brasilia
must have been pulling his hair out after Probst had so casually smeared
the culture and reputation of his homeland. Who would want to invest
in a country full of 200 million Abis?
I'm not saying Abi is a sympathetic figure. But, once you get
someone crying like that, you can call off the dogs. Denise eventually
did, but only after she had pushed it a little further than was
necessary. Denise wanted to do it - not because it would help her in
the game. It was revenge.
Other stuff:
- Why did Penner tell Lisa it was too early to make a four-person
alliance? What is he waiting for? He's still a major target, why would
he turn down that offer?
- Skupin is worried about Malcolm at the end. He should be.
Frankly, Skupin has really limited options. I don't think much of his
former tribe will vote for him (except for Roberta, and maybe Lisa).
Artis, Abi, Pete - I think those votes are lost to Skupin. He'd beat
Abi, and maybe, Carter in a jury vote. He's in the wrong final four
alliance.
Odds of winning:
25% Denise
22% Malcolm
16% Lisa
13% Skupin
12% Penner
09% Carter
03% Abi
Enjoy tonight's episode!
25% Denise
22% Malcolm
16% Lisa
13% Skupin
12% Penner
09% Carter
03% Abi
Enjoy tonight's episode!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Survivor: Philipines, Ep. 7-9
It's been a couple of weeks since I posted anything. There is lots to cover.
Jeff Kent
One of the worst positions you can be in on Survivor is to be one of the leaders of a tribe down 7-4 going into a merge. But, luckily for Kent, there were two disenchanted people on the majority tribe (Skupin and Roberta). This is a tremendous break for anyone. You can now lead the new, dominant tribe and almost ensure yourself a trip to the final four without having stabbed anyone in the back.
Instead, Jeff chose to turn down this offer, betray his own alliance, and put himself at the BOTTOM of an alliance of seven people. Why would Kent make such a ludicrous decision? Why did Captain Ahab destroy himself going after Moby Dick? Kent's obsession was making sure Penner didn't win. I really can't figure out why. Moby Dick took Ahab's leg, what is Kent's excuse?
I know Kent kept talking about former players not winning. If I were out there, my goal would be to make sure I win. I would only talk about former players if it advanced my chances. Kent, instead, hurt his own chances by going after Penner. Voting out Katie or Dawson is small potatoes for a guy like Kent. Penner is bigger game. Anyway, we know what happened. Penner had a hidden idol and won immunity. Kent, who placed himself at the bottom of his new alliance, got blind-sided. I don't feel sorry for him.
Penner
Congrats on three major successes in a row! After the merge, you sniffed out that you needed to play the idol. You won an individual immunity. And, you survived last night by getting Skupin to flip. Your psychological profile of Lisa was interesting. But, she still hasn't voted with you. In fact, last week no one voted with you. Skupin might have voted with you last night and saved you, but, I think it's a long road ahead for you to get to the final three. You've played a great game, but, no one wants to sit next to you even though you are a former player.
Skupin
I'm not surprised you voted with Penner & Co. last night. You voted with them when you first merged. Your tribe has repeatedly treated you like garbage and I don't blame you for showing no loyalty. Furthermore, you might even have a better chance getting to the finals with this lot (I don't think Artis/Abi/Pete would have let you get to the Final 3). Also, congrats on an excellent immunity victory. I thought that was an impossible task and you showed extraordinary hand-eye coordination. So, if that's the case, why did you keep hitting yourself with the machete in the early episodes?
Lisa
I understand why you wanted to keep the dysfunctional family together and save Dad (Skupin) last week. You're a Mom. That's what Moms do. But, how long are you going to let Abi play the obnoxious teenage brat? The way she talks to you is so degrading it sounds like it came from an episode of Jerry Springer. Roberta already ran away from home, Dad left (again) and the family has broken up for good. You're going to have to scramble for a safe harbor. The good news is that there are initially some bigger targets (Abi and Pete). The bad news is that one has an idol and the other can win immunities.
Carter
A few weeks ago you said to Jonathan: "Katie or Penner." Two weeks ago you said to Kent: "I thought we were voting you next." Heck, I'd align with you just to know if I was in any danger. I can't think of a better source of inadvertent, but crucial information. Watching you play is more fun that a rerun of Gilligan's Island - and you ain't the Professor.
Artis
I thought you had a shot at the final three not because you were in the dominant alliance. We all knew that union was iffy. I thought you had a shot because you, Abi and Pete are so friggin' unlikeable. If I were out there I would be scheming to figure out which combination of the three of you I can sit with at the end. However, such a back door to the finals was only there for one or two of you and it just closed on you.
Abi
I see that you are learning. Last night, instead of falsely accusing someone of voting for you after tribal, you voiced your suspicions during tribal and before the vote. Brilliant! However, while you can't win, you have a shot at the final three for the same reasons Artis did. I would love to meet the jury that would ever give you a million dollars. You are clearly one of the most obnoxious people ever to play this game. I can't imagine what you would say to the jury if you made it. Something like: "I beat you because you all suck"?
Pete
Why were you so complacent this week? I don't get it. Skupin voted against your tribe at the merge. Though it might not matter now, did you even try to curb Abi's mouth? t feel like you have checked out ever since you found out Malcolm has an idol. Where is the guy who would play tricks on Roberta regarding the idol clue? You have the energy for that, but you don't have the energy to keep an alliance together? Two idols need to be flushed, otherwise Malcolm and Abi are both in the final four. Explain to someone out there that they need your vote to help flush those idols. Maybe you can make a deal.
Denise
You might be the favorite right now. Did you enjoy the trip to the village? I hear that after next week's reward challenge, the winning team will bring supplies to Staten Island. They need it more.
Malcolm
Lisa threw you under the bus, but you have rebounded nicely. Don't get caught with the idol in your pocket.
Roberta
It seems like ancient history, but I haven't written a review since your ouster. It must have been hell living on the same beach with Abi all those days. Enjoy Ponderosa and watching her self-destruct from the jury box.
Odds of winning:
23% Denise
20% Malcolm
15% Lisa
14% Skupin
12% Penner
08 % Carter
06% Pete
02% Abi
Jeff Kent
One of the worst positions you can be in on Survivor is to be one of the leaders of a tribe down 7-4 going into a merge. But, luckily for Kent, there were two disenchanted people on the majority tribe (Skupin and Roberta). This is a tremendous break for anyone. You can now lead the new, dominant tribe and almost ensure yourself a trip to the final four without having stabbed anyone in the back.
Instead, Jeff chose to turn down this offer, betray his own alliance, and put himself at the BOTTOM of an alliance of seven people. Why would Kent make such a ludicrous decision? Why did Captain Ahab destroy himself going after Moby Dick? Kent's obsession was making sure Penner didn't win. I really can't figure out why. Moby Dick took Ahab's leg, what is Kent's excuse?
I know Kent kept talking about former players not winning. If I were out there, my goal would be to make sure I win. I would only talk about former players if it advanced my chances. Kent, instead, hurt his own chances by going after Penner. Voting out Katie or Dawson is small potatoes for a guy like Kent. Penner is bigger game. Anyway, we know what happened. Penner had a hidden idol and won immunity. Kent, who placed himself at the bottom of his new alliance, got blind-sided. I don't feel sorry for him.
Penner
Congrats on three major successes in a row! After the merge, you sniffed out that you needed to play the idol. You won an individual immunity. And, you survived last night by getting Skupin to flip. Your psychological profile of Lisa was interesting. But, she still hasn't voted with you. In fact, last week no one voted with you. Skupin might have voted with you last night and saved you, but, I think it's a long road ahead for you to get to the final three. You've played a great game, but, no one wants to sit next to you even though you are a former player.
Skupin
I'm not surprised you voted with Penner & Co. last night. You voted with them when you first merged. Your tribe has repeatedly treated you like garbage and I don't blame you for showing no loyalty. Furthermore, you might even have a better chance getting to the finals with this lot (I don't think Artis/Abi/Pete would have let you get to the Final 3). Also, congrats on an excellent immunity victory. I thought that was an impossible task and you showed extraordinary hand-eye coordination. So, if that's the case, why did you keep hitting yourself with the machete in the early episodes?
Lisa
I understand why you wanted to keep the dysfunctional family together and save Dad (Skupin) last week. You're a Mom. That's what Moms do. But, how long are you going to let Abi play the obnoxious teenage brat? The way she talks to you is so degrading it sounds like it came from an episode of Jerry Springer. Roberta already ran away from home, Dad left (again) and the family has broken up for good. You're going to have to scramble for a safe harbor. The good news is that there are initially some bigger targets (Abi and Pete). The bad news is that one has an idol and the other can win immunities.
Carter
A few weeks ago you said to Jonathan: "Katie or Penner." Two weeks ago you said to Kent: "I thought we were voting you next." Heck, I'd align with you just to know if I was in any danger. I can't think of a better source of inadvertent, but crucial information. Watching you play is more fun that a rerun of Gilligan's Island - and you ain't the Professor.
Artis
I thought you had a shot at the final three not because you were in the dominant alliance. We all knew that union was iffy. I thought you had a shot because you, Abi and Pete are so friggin' unlikeable. If I were out there I would be scheming to figure out which combination of the three of you I can sit with at the end. However, such a back door to the finals was only there for one or two of you and it just closed on you.
Abi
I see that you are learning. Last night, instead of falsely accusing someone of voting for you after tribal, you voiced your suspicions during tribal and before the vote. Brilliant! However, while you can't win, you have a shot at the final three for the same reasons Artis did. I would love to meet the jury that would ever give you a million dollars. You are clearly one of the most obnoxious people ever to play this game. I can't imagine what you would say to the jury if you made it. Something like: "I beat you because you all suck"?
Pete
Why were you so complacent this week? I don't get it. Skupin voted against your tribe at the merge. Though it might not matter now, did you even try to curb Abi's mouth? t feel like you have checked out ever since you found out Malcolm has an idol. Where is the guy who would play tricks on Roberta regarding the idol clue? You have the energy for that, but you don't have the energy to keep an alliance together? Two idols need to be flushed, otherwise Malcolm and Abi are both in the final four. Explain to someone out there that they need your vote to help flush those idols. Maybe you can make a deal.
Denise
You might be the favorite right now. Did you enjoy the trip to the village? I hear that after next week's reward challenge, the winning team will bring supplies to Staten Island. They need it more.
Malcolm
Lisa threw you under the bus, but you have rebounded nicely. Don't get caught with the idol in your pocket.
Roberta
It seems like ancient history, but I haven't written a review since your ouster. It must have been hell living on the same beach with Abi all those days. Enjoy Ponderosa and watching her self-destruct from the jury box.
Odds of winning:
23% Denise
20% Malcolm
15% Lisa
14% Skupin
12% Penner
08 % Carter
06% Pete
02% Abi
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