Survivor: Island of the Idols - Season Finale Blog Party

Tonight will be the first taped reunion show ever in the history of Survivor. I guess they don't want any unexpected discussion. Hmm. While Jeff Probst has been saying Dan is the first one ever removed from the show, Russell Hantz and others disagree -- they claim Brandon Hantz was removed and that impromptu vote booting him was staged. It's been a season of controversy and, to be honest, I'll be happy to see it end.

I might have a few issues with live blogging tonight as I had an eye exam with the dilated pupils and all. I'm still having some problems with double vision as I prep this post. I will do my best to update this entry with the major happenings, though. Refresh the page to get the latest update! As always. the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

The Lovely Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool -- are you still in it to win it?
Merged Team
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman -- Jennasmom
Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Jury
Jack Nichting
Kellee Kim & her idols
Jamal Shipman
Missy Byrd
Aaron Meredith
Elizabeth Beisel

Karishma Patel

Elaine Stott

Survivor fans ready? GAH! The Impeachment hearings are still on?!?!?! Ah, they're starting on time. We start out in Los Angeles with a Rob/Sandra reminisce session.

The five see a boat arrive. They're all instructed to grab their personal items and get aboard. They're all heading to the Island of the Idols. Tommy is the only one who hasn't been there before. 

For the rest of the game, the five will live in the house Rob built. They get new buffs, too. Rob and Sandra are OUT. Whoa … there's one last test if someone has been paying attention. 

Janet has an idol and believes she's guaranteed to be final four. Some are mentioning her name. though. Dean seems to be targeted. Tommy seems to be the only one thinking something is on the island to save him. He's finding machetes. one in a coconut. He thinks it was pink inside because he's colorblind. He tells Dean hoping he can trust him.

Tommy thinks Dean isn't being any help. Meanwhile, Dean is actually following the clues for his own nefarious self. And, it's Dean who finds the hidden idol.

Immunity Challenge time -- they retrieve rope rungs, build ladder, climb tower, maneuver bag of balls up ladder, toss on table maze. Also Reward -- steak dinner, vegetarian alternative.

DEAN wins Immunity for the second time in a row! He can take one person with him for the dinner and chooses Noura, a surprise to all. He claims it's to make amends. Of course, the others think jury management.

Dean is buttering up Noura to sit with her at the end. She realizes what he's doing but understands. They both think they need Janet out. She tells Tommy that all the votes except hers go on her while she plays her idol and votes Lauren, the one she thinks is the biggest threat.

Uh-oh. Tommy doesn't want Janet in the end although he adores her. He is tight with Lauren. Hmm. They want Dean to use his idol nullifier. Dean has to decide with whom he wants to sit at the end.

Time for Tribal Council. Fire making is brought up. That's not good for Janet because she's good at making fire. Jury management is discussed as well. 

The tally -- Dean does use the nullifier and Janet uses her idol to no avail. 

Lauren, Janet, Janet, Janet ...

She played the idol right and Dean nullified the right target. Sigh. Janet is gone. I liked her. 

Impeachment breaks in, Donald Trump is indeed impeached -- the third president impeached and I've lived through two. Supposedly, Survivor will be aired in its entirety.

Now we're sitting through all the saved-up commercials they didn't air during the impeachment news break.

Okay … we're back on the Island of Idols. Dean is thrilled with himself and his superiority at the game. @@ He thinks he has final two deals with both Moura and Tommy. He can't make fire. Meanwhile, Tommy tells Noura he cannot make fire. He can't really figure Noura out. Nor can we, so he's not alone.

Final Immunity Challenge -- Stack letter blocks on wobbly platform spelling out Island of the Idols. Winner picks one to accompany him or her to the final three. The other two face a fire challenge to garner the third place.

NOURA wins the final immunity! It's her third immunity win.

Back to camp and the others are really worried about Noura because she's so unpredictable. She tells them she wants to take a swim, has already made up her mind, will discuss it with them along with the psychological aspects. She tells Lauren she's her number one. Dean suave made good moves. Tommy didn't connect. 

She tells Lauren that she's the Queen so she needs to go to fire. Dean, your game is on fire right now, really fire. So, she's taking Tommy. Lauren is in tears -- she's never made fire. Dean has never made fire but is trying to act like he's not worried. They both practice fire. Tommy wants to help both of them because one will be on the jury. He's helping Dean more because he thinks he has a better chance against Dean and Noura. 

Tribal Council time … Noura tells her wacko thinking in making her decision. She tells her ideology that Lauren is her number one and that's why Lauren must go. She says she chose Dean to eliminate Lauren. So, Tommy is her choice to go with her and she really wants her number one Lauren out.

Lauren and Dean must make fire. Dean wins the fire challenge.

The final three are Noura, Tommy and Dean.

The guys think it's definitely one of them winning. Noura wants to work with Tommy to run down Dean. Noura and Tommy think Dean can't win. Noura does see through the guys.

Final Tribal for jury questioning.
Outwit -- Jack tells them they're all undecided and be clear and honest. Dean -- he tells his strategy not to be the smartest, social game. Noura -- haven't watched every season, not to be super, but don't be dead weight in challenges, she goes off on tangents. Elaine reminds her that it's not strategy she's talking. Tommy -- making real connections with others, play in the middle, get info from all, big moves. Lauren asks Tommy who he was most loyal to and he tells her it was her. Noura rats Tommy out about the extra help to Dean with the fire. Janet asks when he decided to betray her. He told her around eight because he couldn't beat her. Lines not willing to cross? Noura didn't want to make a move she didn't want to own. Tommy, no bullying. Dean never promise a final three if he didn't mean it. 

Outplay
Win final immunity, what would you do? Noura -- Dean because his game was weaker. What about Tommy? She doesn't think Tommy could beat Lauren. Approach to individual immunity -- Noura always tried her best, Dean gave all later in the game. Tommy says he controlled the game because he knew who had the advantages. Heh. Dean learns from Jamal that his advantage was fake. Sean shows them the idol he found in the final five. He had all the idols and advantages and never had to play them. Tommy claims that wasn't a game move. 

It's pouring along with lightning and thunder. 

Outlast
Tommy played hard, risky big moves, didn't win an immunity necklace but still got there. Noura you loved and hated me, wild card, weird, crazy, did whatever she could to win challenges. Dean jaw-dropping moments such as nullifier. on the losing tribe, etc.

Time for them to vote …

Back in LA

Tommy, Dean, Tommy, Dean, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy ...

TOMMY WINS! Congratulations to blog pool winners Karen in CA and Terry is a Texan!

I won't be posting much on the reunion show unless something strikes my fancy. 

Sia gives 15K to Jamal, 100K to Elaine! Wow! 100K to Janet! Okay, that almost redeems the season!

Time for the Kellee talk with Jeff. He tells her she was right and he apologizes. I won't be covering this in full.

Next season is 20 returning winners. Winners at War, return of Extinction, the prize is two million dollars. I don't usually like returning players but an all winners playing might be very interesting!

Survivor: Island of the Idols - December 11 Blog Party

Oh my … tonight is the penultimate episode and next week is the big finale and reunion show! It seems like there are too many castaways left. Hmm ...

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this entry. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

The Lovely Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool -- are you still in it ti won it?
Merged Team
Dan Spilo -- Bizaro22, marthalight
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott -- Cheryl in NC
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman -- Jennasmom
Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Jury
Jack Nichting
Kellee Kim & her idols
Jamal Shipman
Missy Byrd
Aaron Meredith

Elizabeth Beisel

Karishma Patel

Survivor fans ready?

We jump right into the action. All eyes seem to be on Noura. But Dean isn't really sitting pretty either. Noura is blaming him. Elaine now knows she wasted her idol and feels she must search out a new one. A bunch of the others have the same plain. Heh. Janet, who's not in with the in crowd found it! It's only good until the final five. Dean thinks Dan and Tommy found it.

Noura is crazy, but Elaine is worried that she would be targeted instead. She's trying to stir up things between Dean and Lauren. Dean and Dan try to convince Lauren she has nothing to worry about. 

A boat arrives. They must draw a name for someone to go to the Island of Idols. Dean goes. Dean shows Rob and Sandra his fake legacy advantage. The one he played before was a fake of the fake. He thinks it's real. Silly boy.

His lesson is about jury management. His test -- game of chance, a coin flip. He has a choice of three different advantages if he wins and lose a vote if he loses. He thinks Janet found an idol and wants to go for the idol mollifier. He actually wins the idol nullifier!

Dean lies to the others, telling them it was a coin flip and he said he lost his vote. He tells Dan the truth. Dan now thinks Dean has a legacy advantage and the idol nullifier … so he's dangerous. 

Immunity Challenge time -- Spin, unravel rope. collect puzzle pieces. go ove beam. solve puzzle. Seven word phrase read from top to bottom. DEAN wins Immunity! "This game will mess with your mind."

Elaine is sure she's going to be the target. In reality they're planning on splitting the vote -- Elaine target, Noura secondary if an idol is played. Meanwhile, many of the women are thinking of flipping to Noura as the target.

Tribal Council time! They're talking numbers. Elaine is talking about being the target. She says that they should keep her in to protect themselves a bit longer. She suggests Noura. Ohhh … Elaine is tugging at heartstrings! She just may have saved her butt? Time to vote.

The tally … No idols played.

Elaine, Noura, Elaine, Noura, Elaine, Elaine.

Nope. She didn't save her butt. 

WHOA! Here's the numbers issue -- DAN has been removed from the game. He won't even be in the jury. This is due to the earlier inappropriate behavior issues. Since the behavior was witnessed by show staff and filmed and we didn't see it all, it must have been downplayed some before this.

Survivor: Island of the Idols - December 4 Blog Party

Tonight is the family or loved ones visit show, either liked or annoying to show fans. I'm basically along with the latter crowd. While I'm sure it's great to see them, the schmaltz about it all is a tad too much. But they never listen to me. P think I'm looking more forward to see if Karishma keeps surviving.

I'll be updating this post with the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest happenings! As always, the real party is in the comments ares -- I hope to see you there!

The Lovely Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool -- are you still in it ti won it?
Merged Team
Dan Spilo -- Bizaro22, marthalight
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott -- Cheryl in NC
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Karishma Patel -- Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman -- Jennasmom
Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Jury
Jack Nichting
Kellee Kim & her idols
Jamal Shipman
Missy Byrd
Aaron Meredith
Elizabeth Beisel

Survivor fans ready?

The show opens with Jeff Probst calling the castaways in. He announces the loved ones visit. Tears and drama to go down with each. @@

Okay, to the challenge, they're drawing for pairs. Reward in the form of love. Obstacles, digging to get underneath log,

Tommy and Janet win Reward. They can invite one along -- Dan and his son Ryan who's only 13. They pick another -- Lauren.

Noura is rallying the troops back at camp. They are four against four. They think they should look for idols. They're not sure of the possibility of bringing one of the other four aboard. Elaine found an idol!

Time for the Immunity Challenge. Stand on a small block of wood stabilizing a ball on a block of wood. Drop the ball and you're out. It's the one where they have two handles.

Dean out, Tommy out, Noura out, Janet drops, Karishma out. Dan drops. It's down to Lauren and Elaine. ELAINE drops unexpectedly!

LAUREN WINS IMMUNITY!

The plan is to put four votes on Karishma, three on Janet (in case Karisma has another idol). Meanwhile the four that had stayed at camp decide they can control the vote if all four stick together. They're thinking Tommy. Sure enough, Noura is overthinking everything.

Tribal Council time. Starting off with the loved ones visit and how it affects those left back at camp. Lots of whispering going on. Noura calls out Dean, Elaine and Karishma … yikes! She tells all including Elaine's idol! She ends up caught in a lie and will we see the end of Noura tonight? Hmm.

The tally … Elaine plays her idol to save herself.

Karishma, Noura, Noura, Noura, Karishma, Karishma, Karishma, Karishma ...

Welp, they got Karishma out and Noura showed her true colors putting a huge target on her back.  

Survivor: Island of the Idols - November 27 Blog Party

Yes, I'm back! My apologies for last week. My internet woes are done and over with and I'm back, faster (and even cheaper) than ever. That said, we lost Aaron and Missy last week, two of the stronger players. I can only wonder what we're in for this week!

I'll update this entry with the major happenings as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in on the fun! 

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here's the latest --
Merged Team
Dan Spilo -- Bizaro22, marthalight
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott -- Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel -- CherylNY, monty 924
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Karishma Patel -- Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman --  Jennasmom
Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Jury
Jack Nichting
Kellee Kim & her idols
Jamal Shipman
Missy Byrd

Aaron Meredith

Survivor fans ready?

The divided tribe has reunited. The first tribe from Tribal was surprised Missy was voted out. Karishma is thrilled -- her two biggest threats were voted out and she has kept her idol. Of course, she remains a target for others. 

They get a note -- one person goes to Island of the Island. It must be unanimous or they pick a name from the bag. Lauren piped up before anyone could say anything, saying she wanted to go. No one wanted to be the one to speak up, so they all went along with Lauren going.

They give her a lesson on situational awareness. How well does she know her tribemates? If she can guess who will win the next Immunity, she wins an idol good for two tribals. She loses her vote if she's wrong. They explain the challenge to her and tells her Jeff will offer food to sit out. She tells them that Noura would have a good shot and Elizabeth could be a contender. Rob tells her she can choose two people. She goes for those two.

Dean thinks the fake idol is real. He makes his own fake, thinking he can bamboozle someone else. Now, of course, he doesn't really have any idols at all.

Lauren returns -- her scheme is to tell the others about the upcoming challenge but take the credit for getting the food. She tells Tommy only the truth. She and Tom plan to push the food. but they want to keep Noura and Elizabeth playing.

It's Immunity Challenge time! Pull up on a handle suspending a ball, drop ball and out, last standing wins. Jeff brings up the breakfast and all is as Lauren told them. Six people chose to eat. Karishma, Noura and Elizabeth are the only ones playing.

Karishma drops first and, as Lauren hoped, it's going to be either Noura or Elizabeth winning. 

NOURA wins Immunity!

Lauren retrieves the idol. It's only good for two tribals, so Tommy thinks she shouldn't use it tonight. The vote should be between Karishma and Elizabeth. He thinks Elizabeth is the bigger threat. 

Oooh … good think Karishma keeps her idol in her bra however uncomfortable it is. Two women (Noura and Elizabeth?) go through her bag and find nothing. It solidifies their target against her. They seem to be focusing too much on Karishma for her to go tonight. 

They head off to Tribal and we head into commercials. 

At Tribal Jeff brings up that the challenge was only the three. Elizabeth says she felt she had to play and Karishma pretty much gave the same reasoning. Dean mentions his "legacy advantage" as why he chose to eat. Heh. 

Time to tally the votes. But first … Dean plays the "legacy advantage" and Jeff says it's fake. Karishma plays her real idol. Lauren plays her idol.'

Karishma, Karishma, Karishma. Karishma, Karishma, Karishma. Janet, Elizabeth.

Tie and a revote between Janet and Elizabeth. Those two cannot vote.

Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth ...

The tribe has spoken, Elizabeth.

Next week is the family/loved ones visit. Gag me now.

Happy Thanksgiving all!'

Survivor: Island of the Idols - November 13 Blog Party

We're in for two hours tonight as well as the merge. Can we handle all the excitement? I'll be updating this entry with the major happenings as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool. Are you still in it?

Lairo
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Karishma Patel -- Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Jamal Shipman -- Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Kellee Kim -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane
Noura Salman -- Jennasmom

Vokai
Aaron Meredith -- Auntie Leigh
Elaine Stott -- Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel -- CherylNY, monty 924
Missy Byrd -- Janice, TS14Fan
Dan Spilo -- Bizaro22, marthalight
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N
Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Jury
Jack Nichting

Survivor fans ready?

It's after Tribal and Dean is grateful to Kellee for saving him. Noura is stirring the pot. Kellee feels that Noura is setting her up for disaster with Jamal. After all, Jamal's sidekick Jack was the cost of her play AND Jamal wasted his idol by using it on Noura. The idol search in on.

Kellee found an idol! Woot!

Now the merge is about to start. Of course, it starts out with the feast. Will original alliances re-ally?

Oh my. Some of the women are getting really ticked at Dan touching them inappropriately. It's several of the women upset with him. I would be upset, too. I so hate unwanted touching!

Tommy is pushing for a Kellee first vote out in the merge. Oh noes!

Immunity Challenge time! Table with three balls on top. when you move it it lowers, when all balls fall off, you're out.

Noura is out first, then Kellee. Dean out. Janet out. Elaine out. Lauren out. Dan out. Karishma out. Tommy out. Missy out. Elizabeth out. It's between Aaron and Jamal. 

AARON WINS THE FIRST INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!

It looks like Kellee is the main target this week. Tommy and Lauren are pushing it. Dean is not keen on it -- after all, Kellee saved him. Jamal would like to make a move on Dan going. Hmm … but several are thinking Missy is the target and Dan vote is just smoke and mirrors.

Well, at least we won't go into Tribal sure of who will be going home. 

Kellee thinks there's another idol on this beach. She has the one from her old beach. She's searching. YES! She now has TWO idols! She thinks she might have to play one tonight.

Tribal Council time and they are talking of trust. Is it a bigger factor than deception? Tribal lines? Will Lairo fall? 

The tally -- Kellee does not play an idol

Dan, Kellee, Dan, Kellee, Dan, Kellee, Dan, Kellee, Dan, Kellee, Kellee, Kellee

GAH! She had two idols and I thought she was a smart player. Bye, Kellee!

Janet feels betrayed by the girls voting out Kellee instead of Dan. Lauren thinks she herself thought the reason to vote Dan out because of the touching issue. She talks to Dan about the touching issue. He talks to the women and explains that he had no bad intentions. They pretty much lie to him saying that Janet was lying about them complaining. They're painting Janet as a snake which isn't totally true. They were complaining about Dan!

Missy and Aaron go off looking for idols. Janet follows them. She's thinking that they will be targeting her next. She finds the idol! Hopefully she won't go home with it in her bag!

Jamal and Karishma find a note -- he could reach it, so he got it. A trip to the Island of the Idols but he can't open the note until he gets there. 

He opens the note after the meeting with Rob and Sandra. Oops -- he lost his vote at the next tribal. The lesson is sabotage. Sandra gives him a blank note and a pencil. What can he do with it? Then he's headed back. He wrote a fake legacy advantage. He tells them he played a game that caused him to lose his vote but won an advantage. He gives it to Dean as an olive branch. Dean thinks all it does is paint a target on his back. 

People are realizing that Jamal deliberately targeted Dean and it might just backfire on Jamal.

Time for the Immunity Challenge. Hold onto a handle over the water. Jeff lowers them, fall in the water and you're out. Two will get Immunity -- a man and a woman will win. 

Lauren out, then Dan. Jamal out. Elaine out. Karishma, then Janet, then Dean out. Noura out. Tommy out. AARON wins the mens immunity!

Elizabeth out.

AARON AND MISSY WIN INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!

Janet, Jamal and Karishma are worried they will be targeted. Tommy tells Janet she needs to vote for Jamal. She's still thinking she might need to play her idol. It will be in her pocket.

Tribal Immunity time.

Jeff asks how things were after the last tribal. Janet says that she thought everyone was voting for Dan. Missy brings up that Janet brought her name up first. Whoa. People are still throwing Janet under the bus. Aaron calls her out and claims she could have ruined Dan's life. Jamal speaks up for Janet. Dang, Jamal is a gem. Dan apologizes if he ever did anything. Now Janet is crying thinking she's hated and should go home. 

Finally it's time to vote.

Janet plays her idol! 
The tally --
Janet, Janet, Karishma, Karishma, Karishma, Jamal, Jamal, Jamal, Jamal, Jamal

Ack! Another player I was really liking this season. Bye, Jamal.

Two go home next week? Oh my!

Survivor: Island of the Idols - November 6 Blog Party

Last week we saw Elaine's gameplay narrowly keep her in the game. What lies ahead for us tonight? I'll be updating this post with the major happenings throughout the show as it airs here on the East Coast. As always, the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in!

But first … Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool, probably grateful they didn't drop buffs and switch around two weeks in a row. Is your castaway still in it to win it?

Lairo
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Karishma Patel -- Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Jack Nichting -- David, jennifer
Jamal Shipman -- Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Kellee Kim -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane
Noura Salman -- Jennasmom

Vokai
Aaron Meredith -- Auntie Leigh
Elaine Stott -- Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel -- CherylNY, monty 924
Missy Byrd -- Janice, TS14Fan
Dan Spilo -- Bizaro22, marthalight
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N
Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Survivor fans ready?

Once again we're starting without the opening sequence. Elaine kept her original four together but hurt feelings abound. But her four now outnumber the other original tribe members.

Over on Lairo Jamal has trouble making fire and manages to annoy one of the women who actually can and does make fire. Uh-oh. Now he's ticked off yet another woman, this time over food portions. He's made himself a target.

Ohhh … Elaine had picked Janet to go to the Island of the Idols. She's not happy because it seems to put a target on those who go there. A boat comes for her and we go through the fan gawking over Rob and Sandra. Rob advises her to think two or three steps ahead. Today's lesson is calculated risk. 

She can win a safety without power advantage good to the final seven. If she wins it, she would leave TC and come back after the vote. She declines, thinking ahead that she would be the target the next week and it's best not to go for it. Both Sandra and Rob are pleased she turned it down -- say it speaks for her gameplay and thinking ahead. Sandra is sure a woman will win this season. 

She returns to camp, lies about the island, creates a story similar to one told before and said she declined to play as there would be a consequence to winning. Those who haven't gone to the Island seem to realize something is up.

On Vokai, they're eying the chickens without considering eggs. @@

They also have a lot of distrust -- Lauren and Tommy want Dan out. But others see how tight Lauren and Tommy are and want to target Tommy.

Immunity Challenge time! Race to shoot coconuts in basket, heavy enough puzzle pieces drop, very large puzzle. No one sits out because the tribes are even again.

VOKAI wins Immunity by seconds.


Kellee seems like she's considering using her idol for someone else. It expires soon and she doesn't seem to think she's a target. Uh-oh. I'm not too keen on that line of thinking. 

Dean (my local Westfield NJ dude) seems to be the target … at least for now. The guys are lying to him, saying the target is Noura, Kellee happens to like Dean and wants to get him to vote out Jamal or Jack. 

She goes to Dean, tells him the people are lying to him and he's the target. She offers the idol. Hmm.

To Tribal very early -- 8:44pm, should be good.

Original tribal lines talk. Indifferent is the opposite of hate. Is Dean trying to get people to target others? Noura speaks … too much as usual. Jamal is now worried about an all girls alliance thanks to Noura. Four women, three men on the tribe. Kellee balks at the thought. Noura starts speaking of the women's movement and how Survivor is a microcosm of society. Janet thinks that it's not respectful to assume there's a women's alliance. Now Jamal has stopped freaking out that he is going to be targeted and we're getting yet another world lesson here. Add it to last week's race relations talk and we have an educational show. Finally they vote.

Dean plays the idol. Jamal plays his idol for Noura. 

The tally:

Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Jack. Jack

Seventh out and first jury member -- Jack

The merge is on next week.

Survivor: Island of the Idols - October 30 Blog Party

Okay, the tribes have been shuffled, yet they kept the weakest challenge link on the more losing tribe. Maybe that's so they can lose some more. I'll be updating this entry as the show airs here on the East Coast -- refresh the page to get the latest happenings!

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool to reflect the tribe shuffle and the latest departed. She indeed rocks!

Lairo
Dean Kowalski -- CherryPie, Merrilee
Karishma Patel -- Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Jack Nichting -- David, jennifer
Jamal Shipman -- Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin -- Donna NY, Sharon C
Kellee Kim -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane
Noura Salman -- Jennasmom

Vokai
Aaron Meredith -- Auntie Leigh
Elaine Stott -- Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel -- CherylNY, monty 924
Missy Byrd -- Janice, TS14Fan
Dan Spilo -- Bizaro22, marthalight
Jason Linden -- Dr_Celine, Nickelpeed
Lauren Beck -- Jackie, Sharon N

Tommy Sheehan -- Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Survivor fans ready?
Again, right to the show, no opening sequence/theme.

Noura is trying to get a bunch against Jack and Jamal. Now the target will turn on her. Karishma and Dean are the two sole members of the minority tribe.

On Vokai there are four from each tribe and they're still worrying about going to rocks in case of a tie at tribal.

Reward Challenge time. Transport a sled with sandbags and one tribe member through obstacles, collect keys, unload all the sandbags, that person must shoot three targets. It's the chickens reward. They sat out Elaine who instead of watching will go to the Island of the Idols.

Vokai wins Reward!

With all the down time, Rob is building the Mansion of the Shelters. He says Sandra snores so she might get her own wing.

Elaine arrives. Her lesson is having the courage to be daring. Rob tells us that being as impulsive as she is might be a double edged sword as she just jumped on her challenge without knowing what it is. Rob tells her a lot of information about the Immunity Challenge and where she needs to grab an advantage. If she doesn't get it, she loses a vote. She must choose who goes to the Island next.

Jack doesn't seem to know much about your average Black men. Jamal schools him. Hopefully Jack really listens.

At least they're talking about eating the rooster this time around. Elaine tells Elizabeth what she needs to do because Elizabeth knows about the island.

Immunity Challenge -- dig under big cage, get inside it, collect five balls while in cage, target. Noura sits out.

LAIRO WON IMMUNITY!

And Elaine succeeded. She can block one vote. However, she might still go home because her own people are willing to betray her. Her name is in there as well as Lauren and Dan. 

Time for Tribal Council. Jeff starts off with the tie possibility. Whoa! Elaine reads her advantage and blocks Jason's vote. (He was one saying her name.) Lots of whispering going on. Lauren is crying. She thinks she will be going home. 

The tally --
Elaine, Elaine, Elaine, Jason, Jason, Jason, Jason.

Byebye, Jason. Ohhh bitterness, tells them not to trust Aaron.

Survivor: Island of the Idols - October 23 Blog Party

It looks (from the "drop your buffs" promo that we'll most likely going to be a switch up with the tribes this week. I think it's too early for a merge. That said, it's been nice to see the tribes running somewhat equal strengths-wise. Usually we have one tribe decimating the other.

I'll be live-blogging the major events as they air here on the East Coast -- refresh the page to get the latest updates! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

But first … Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here are the latest standings --

Lairo
Aaron Meredith - Auntie Leigh
Dean Kowalski - CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott - Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel - CherylNY, monty 924
Karishma Patel - Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Missy Byrd - Janice, TS14Fan
Tom Laidlaw - Judi Sweeney, Laurie

Vokai
Dan Spilo - Bizaro22, marthalight
Jack Nichting - David, jennifer
Jamal Shipman - Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin - Donna NY, Sharon C
Jason Linden - Dr_Celine, Nickelpeed
Kellee Kim - Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane
Lauren Beck - Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman - Jennasmom

Tommy Sheehan - Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Survivor fans ready?

Dean was blindsided with the Chelsea vote out. He goes searching for answers. He has his suspects and wants to know who the mastermind behind the plan is. He's uncomfortable around Missy (who did the dirty deed) and manages to put himself on her radar even more.

They meet up with Jeff. Drop you buffs -- we're switching tribes. I'm probably not going to be able to keep up with the changes tonight. The Purple tribe has four from each tribe and is the new Vokai. On Lairo, five and three. 

Reward has them slithering with feet tied, hands tied at sides and solving a fire puzzle. The reward itself is product placement fodder for Applebee's (in Fiji). VOKAI wins! Karishma once again was the weak link for Lairo.

So we get a roughly five minute ad for Applebee's with a bit of talk about original tribe members sticking together.

Switch to Lairo -- Tom is already talking about targeting Karishma. Dean isn't too keen on his old tribemates due to the Chelsea blindside. The three old Lairo are going to have to scramble to fit in because they're outnumbered.

Jamal wants to improve his social game and make bonds with the new people. He looks at Elaine and claims her social game is fantastic. Vokai is worried that they technically could have a tie and have to draw rocks at tribal. 

Immunity Challenge -- swim to ladder, climb, leap off, release three buoys, transport buoys on floating balance beam, throw to target. As usual, Karishma is dragging her tribe down. Dean almost redeemed it for Lairo, but ...

VOKAI WINS IMMUNITY!

Lairo lost but it seems like no one will go to Island of the Idols. Hmm.

Tom, Dean and Karishma know they're the likely targets. Dean and Tom think like I do … get Karishma out. She's weak in EVERY challenge. Noura lost her vote for tonight back when she was on the island and royally screwed things up. They seem to be focusing on original Lairo with cases for and against each one They're worried more about the merge than winning challenges now from what I see.

Tribal Council time! Jeff points out the five/three and questions how that will affect the vote. The three are in the spotlight. Noura is just weird. I had to say that. Dean points out he doesn't have strong ties with his old tribemates as they blindsided him.

Time to vote ...

The tally:
Tom, Karishma, Karishma, Tom, Tom, Tom, Tom.

What the hell are they thinking? They too kept Karishma.

Goodbye Tom/

Survivor: Island of the Idols - October 16 Blog Party

Greetings and felicitations! As tonight's show airs, barring possible power outages due to a nasty nor'easter type storm outside, I'll be doing my best to live blog the show as it airs here on the East Coast. You'll have to bear with me as I'm still having trouble with some of the names of castaways. Perhaps a bit less Rob/Sandra time and more current cast time would help in that regard. Refresh this page to get the latest updates. And, if I vanish, I've lost power.

Here's the latest blog pool update from the esteemed Lifeguard Laure:

Lairo

Aaron Meredith - Auntie Leigh
Chelsea Walker - Big winner Brian, Margo
Dean Kowalski - CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott - Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel - CherylNY, monty 924
Karishma Patel - Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Missy Byrd - Janice, TS14Fan
Tom Laidlaw - Judi Sweeney, Laurie

Vokai
Dan Spilo - Bizaro22, marthalight
Jack Nichting - David, jennifer
Jamal Shipman - Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin - Donna NY, Sharon C
Jason Linden - Dr_Celine, Nickelpeed
Kellee Kim - Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane
Lauren Beck - Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman - Jennasmom

As always, the real party is in the comments! Survivor fans ready?

Again no real intro? Right to the action. Karishma thinks she must be expendable because she got three votes. Uh-oh … Dean and Chelsea seem to be becoming a power couple. That could throw the target on them! The women's alliance could suffer … that is unless they get rid of Dean. Hmm.

The other tribe wants to go fishing. Jamal, worried about being left out of the last vote, thinks he needs to go looking for an idol. And, he finds it. Are they making them too easily to be found? Jamal has a Richard Hatch laugh.

A boat arrives and they must make a unanimous decision who goes to Island of the Idols. If not unanimous, they need to draw from a bag. What a quandary, huh? Noura volunteers to go and meets up with Rob and Sandra.

They give her watermelon. It's like BB all over again! Her lesson is in the art of persuasion. Poor Erik … they show him giving his immunity and getting voted out once again. Rob tells her that in the next immunity challenge she should convince them she needs to be the caller and, if she succeeds she wins the power to block someone's vote. If she doesn't succeed, she loses her vote. Neither Rob nor Sandra are too keen about Noura's talents in playing the game.

Noura tells her tribemates that they have an advantage in the next immunity challenge if they unanimously agree she can choose her role. She tells them she will be the caller. Jason is skeptical and they're all thinking she's lying. They practice and it's not going well. 

Immunity Challenge time. We'll see who calls. Course, collect three keys, solve puzzle all while blindfolded. Heh. Her tribe sat Noura out. She won't call nor even compete. Jason and Elizabeth are the callers.

Jason has brought his tribe to a big lead with his calling abilities, don't think Noura could have done as well. Elizabeth has caught her team up with them. 

VOKAI wins Immunity!

Karishma is sure she's the target and is on the "woe is me" train. Chelsea feels secure because she has an idol. However, her buddy Dean is in the spotlight. Elizabeth doesn't think getting Dean out is good for her game. Aaron keeps pushing his Dean Out agenda. That seems to be casting some suspicion on him. Missy now is pushing Chelsea. Elaine is befuddled. 

Time for Tribal Council and Jeff's Probsting questions. He starts with asking them about the previous blindsides. Elaine remains befuddled. Chelsea talks about how everything can change. I hope she watches for signs and doesn't leave with an idol in hand. Ohh … Missy disses Karishma. Dang. This whole TC is about blindsides.

The tally -- Chelsea does not play her idol.

Karishma, Karishma, Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea. Chelsea

Another out carrying an idol. Silly castaways!

Next week looks like the merge or a shuffle. They will be dropping their buffs!

Survivor: Island of the Idols - Oct. 9 Blog Party

With the blindside of Molly last week both tribes are down one member. One man out, one woman out. I guess we're running even! We'll have to see what happens tonight. These tribes seem to be quite evenly matched for a change.

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool. Our sincere apologies to Indiana Jane who somehow got missed -- you're in it now!

Lairo
Aaron Meredith - Auntie Leigh
Chelsea Walker - Big winner Brian, Margo
Dean Kowalski - CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott - Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel - CherylNY, monty 924
Karishma Patel - Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Missy Byrd - Janice, TS14Fan
Tom Laidlaw - Judi Sweeney, Laurie
Vince Moua - Kelsey NY, MikesGirl

Vokai
Dan Spilo - Bizaro22, marthalight
Jack Nichting - David, jennifer
Jamal Shipman - Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin - Donna NY, Sharon C
Jason Linden - Dr_Celine, Nickelpeed
Kellee Kim - Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane
Lauren Beck - Jackie, Sharon N
Noura Salman - Jennasmom

Tommy Sheehan - Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Survivor fans ready?

Returning from Tribal, Jason is thrilled to still be there. Jamal and Jack aren't happy that they were blindsided on the decision to vote out Molly.

On Lairo, the girls are continuing to bond. Karishma makes the ultimate sacrifice and swims in her underwear with them. The guys are figuring they're outnumbered. They think Vince is with them. Heh -- he knows they were working on getting him out last week. He's willing to work with the girls.

On Vokai, it seems like Noura will once again be a target. Well, that is until Jamal brings up Dan. Oh, wait. Now Jamal's name is in there!

Uh-oh, Kairishma cut her hand and now thinks no one on her tribe cares about her, boohoo.

They had a delivery -- a note directing Vince to the Island of the Idols.

He cries when he sees Rob and Sandra. His lesson is staying calm. He has to go at night to the other camp and steal fire by lighting a torch and bringing it back to them.

It turns out their fire was out because of the rain. Vince collected ashes to prove he made it. He passes! He has an idol only good for the next two Tribals.

Immunity Chalenge - one swims out for a key, all balance on teeter-totter while one undoes puzzle piece bags, puzzle. Reward is comfort items including chair, hammock, comforters, etc. 

VOKAI wins Immunity and Reward.

Oh noes! Because they don't know what happened with Vince, he's the first named as a target. I hope he's smart enough to use that idol if he needs it!

They think they should split the votes between Vince and Karishma because they think Vince has an idol. At least that's what the guys think. The girls for the most part think they can work with Vince. Now Tom's name is in there. Hmm.

Tribal Council time. Jeff's Probsting questions lead to them saying how, if puzzles are not your thing, don't volunteer. Karishma defends herself in matters of strength and more. The girls tell her she's one of the girls and needs to remember that. Tom might have just sunk his ship.

The tally -- Vince does NOT play the idol

Tom, Karishma, Karishma, Karishma, Vince, Vince, Vince, Vince

He should have played the idol. Sigh. Bye, Vince! 

Survivor Island of the Idols - October 2 Blog Party

Please be warned that I'm still a bit rough with both the tendonitis and knowing who's whom on the show! Despite those factors, I will do my best to update this entry with the major happenings as they air on the show here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

As per our usual custom, Lifeguard Laurie was diligent in reassigning those pool people who had the unfortunate luck to draw the first booted castaway (Ronnie). Here's the updated blog pool --

Lairo
Aaron Meredith - Auntie Leigh
Chelsea Walker  - Big winner Brian, Margo
Dean Kowalski - CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott - Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beisel - CherylNY, monty 924
Karishma Patel - Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Missy Byrd - Janice, TS14Fan
Tom Laidlaw - Judi Sweeney, Laurie
Vince Moua - Kelsey NY, MikesGirl

Vokai
Dan Spilo - Bizaro22, marthalight
Jack Nichting - David, jennifer
Jamal Shipman - Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin - Donna NY, Sharon C
Jason Linden - Dr_Celine, Nickelpeed
Kellee Kim - Glenn Allen
Lauren Beck - Jackie, Sharon N
Molly Byman - Jenna G, tbc
Noura Salman - Jennasmom
Tommy Sheehan - Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

Survivor fans ready?

Uh-oh. Noura is alienating her fellow tribe members. She's just a tad controlling. She would do well to just be a bit quiet. Molly herself has issues but Noura is outshining them. Dan wants to work with Noura but she's not making things easy to do so.

Lairo had fire problems until Chelsea stepped in. She thinks the women on the tribe can do anything the guys can do but better. Ah. a woman just found the first idol of the season! That was Chelsea.

A boat is arriving at Vokia. Kellee has to head to the Island of the Idols.

Sandra and Rob greet her. We get the same spiel they gave last week. It seems like they're giving her rapid-fire statements about their lives. Apparently they're going to test her to see if she was listening … important skills to build relationships and bonds. She can be tested and, like the one last week, can win an idol good for the next two tribals or lose a vote. Like last week, she named one person on the other tribe to go next time.

She wins a sweetened deal of three idols for three questions right. She returns to camp and tells a three urns story, while crying. She had the idol in her hair when she offered to let the others search her bags for any idols and saying she lost.

Immunity time. Reward is spices. Lauren sits out. Swim out to release ladder. Move ladder, lift up to have one person retrieve bag. land three balls in three targets. 

LAIRO wins immunity!

It looks like the two likely targets will be Noura or Jason. Of course that will be subject to change.

Noura knows she's a target so she tries to convince others to keep her. Now they're talking a split between her and Jason because they think he might have an idol. Oh my. Now the other girls are talking Molly. They think she has too much power in the game. It's cool kids versus nerds kind of mentality going on.

Tribal Council time! Jason feels he's on the outs because they all thought he was off looking for an idol. He tells them he doesn't have an idol and they're free to search his bags. Noura thinks she's always been on the outside and even more so in the game. 

No one plays an idol 

The tally:
Jason, Noura, Molly, Jason, Molly, Molly. Molly, Molly

The "nerds and misfits" did it. Molly was voted out in a blindside.

Survivor 39: Island of the Idols Season Premiere Blog Party

It's here! After a rather troubling season of Big Brother, this should be a relief! The show seeks out those who WANT to be on it, not merely showmance types 
Remember -- although Sandra and Rob are there, they are mentoring, not competing.

Lifeguard Laurie has so kindly made the random matches for the blog pool once again. YAY! Remember -- nobody in the pool goes home tonight!
Lairo
Aaron Meredith - Auntie Leigh
Chelsea Walker  - Big winner Brian, Margo
Dean Kowalski  - CherryPie, Merrilee
Elaine Stott  - Cheryl in NC
Elizabeth Beise   - CherylNY, monty 924
Karishma Patel  - Ed in Ohio, SueGee
Missy Byrd   - Janice, TS14Fan
Ronnie Bardah   - jennifer
Tom Laidlaw   - Judi Sweeney, Laurie
Vince Moua   - Kelsey NY, MikesGirl

Vokai
Dan Spilo   - Bizaro22, marthalight
Jack Nichting   - David
Jamal Shipman   - Donna in Alabama, Petals
Janet Carbin   - Donna NY, Sharon C
Jason Linden   - Dr_Celine, Nickelpeed
Kellee Kim   - Glenn Allen
Lauren Beck   - Jackie, Sharon N
Molly Byman   - Jenna G, tbc
Noura Salman   - Jennasmom

Tommy Sheehan  - Karen in CA, Terry is a Texan

My blogging coverage might be a bit spotty tonight since A. I don't know who is whom yet and 2. I'm still having tendonitis issues with my right wrist making typing a bit hard. Please bear with me. It is improving!

As always, the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

Survivor School is now in session!
Jeff does not escort the new castaways to the island, instead he's in a helicopter overhead. Without Jeff, they set about setting up their shelters and getting to know one another after finding camp flags and buffs.

Elaine, Tom and Vince already bonded … and their fellow castaways noticed it. In the other camp it's noticed that Jason has already gone off alone looking for idols.

So many of them already have their eyes on Jason. 

On Vokai, Tommy is schmoozing. But Noura gives Jason a heads up. On Lairo, they're already thinking of a girls alliance.

On Vokai, it turns out that Dan isn't respecting personal space, especially with the women -- he's touchy-feely. Janet warns him about it nicely but thinks it might hurt him in the game. On Lairo, Elaine and Ronnie already mistrust each other.

They finally meet Jeff and his dimples. It's the first immunity challenge. Reward is in the form of flint for fire. Climb a net, down a slide, on mat, grappling hooks move logs, climb to top of a hard incline, to puzzles -- building a village one hut at a time in order. This is a hard one!

VOKAI wins Immunity and Reward!

Jeff tells Lairo that one person will go to Island of the Idol and Elizabeth's name is drawn out of a bag. Jeff tells them she will return by Tribal time.

She lands on the island, sees giant busts of Rob and Sandra, then Rob and Sandra come to meet her. They will mentor her and then test her on what she's learned. Rob teaches her how to make fire. Sandra also works with her on fire.

Now if she takes a challenge to make fire against Rob, she could win an idol good for the next two tribal councils or lose a vote.

Back at camp, Ronnie seems to be targeted as does Elaine's. Some are not on the target Elaine bend, though. 

Elizabeth goes for the challenge and … loses. She loses her vote, but now knows how to make fire and to go with her gut. She gets to pick the name from the other tribe to go to Idols next.

Back at camp Elaine is trying to make deals to stay. Now it looks like Vince is in trouble. Elizabeth is back and lies, doesn't tell them anything about Rob or Sandra or fire making. She makes up a story about breaking urns and not winning anything.

They all want her nonexistent vote, she doesn't tell them she lost her vote.

Tribal Council time! 
Sandra and Rob are spying on them.
Elaine tries to defend herself knowing she's the main target.

The tally --
Vince, Ronnie, Vince, Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie

Bye-bye Ronnie ...