Survivor 44: April 19 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Hopefully the real merge will be on this evening without splitting into two teams!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs 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!

On a sad note before we start, it was brought to my attention that two-time Survivor contestant and fan favorite Keith Nale recently passed away at the age of 62. He was a good guy and I enjoyed watching him on the show.

The blog pool has been updated by Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

MERGED TRIBE VaVa

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Survivor fans ready?

We start the show with Yam Yam surprised he's still there. Happy but surprised. Frannie, of course, is still in tears over Matt getting the boot. She feels like she's been marooned with nothing all over again. Too bad, so sad. Heidi tries to make good with Yam Yam once again. There are four original Ratu left while only three each from the other two tribes.

Carson and Yam Yam think they have the power now. Um, well. The Tika Three may endure. We just don't know. Carolyn loves being underestimated.

Uh-oh. Carson is sick. He's teary just thinking of being sick.

Tree Mail - Only one necklace, five pairs to compete. Hmm. Despite his being sick, Carolyn pairs with Carson. Lauren is worried about her low energy level and goes in with Danny. Danny is not thrilled about that. He wants her out.

We are at Day 15 Immunity Challenge. They talk about Carson being sick. Kane/Brandon, Heidi/Jaime, Carolyn/Carson, Frannie/Yam Yam, Danny/Lauren. 

Crawl through muddy net one after the other in the duo, to a mat. Carolyn can't get through it! Dig for planks. Four duos move on. Carolyn/Carson out.

Race up cargo net with planks. Use them on a rope bridge. Slide down to a mat. Yam Yam/Frannie out. From this point, after a commercial, they will no longer be pairs. It will be an individual segment finishing out the challenge.

The final stage is using footholds to climb up a foothold frame. It's endurance. The footholds get narrower as they are phased down in rounds. Lauren has the smallest feet. She might do the best at this one. We will see! Kane out first. Brandon out. Danny out!

Lil' Feet Lauren wins Immunity!

Danny thinks, since he can't get Lauren out tonight, one of the original Ratu must go as "they are running the game."

They are all trying to wash off the mud in the water. Yam Yam is worried once again. Brandon is back to thinking his Ratu bunch is ruling the game. He wants to target Frannie. He wants to get Yam Yam and Carolyn aboard. They already think they have Carson. Heidi thinks the six from the smaller ex-tribes would be more powerful than the four from Ratu. Danny tells her he could use his idol on Frannie. Hmm. She wants Brandon out.

Danny tells Frannie that he wants Brandon out and he (Danny) will play his idol for her. Carson tells Danny that Heidi told Yam Yam about the plan. Now he's worried that Yam Yam will use the plan to target him (Danny).

Tribal Council time. Matt will be joined in jury with someone tonight! While they are all nervous, it's fairly calm for a Tribal. 

Time to vote.

The tally - Danny does play his idol ... for Frannie!

Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Brandon, Brandon, Brandon.

Danny's plan worked! Matt is all smiles. Yam Yam looks surprised.

Survivor 44: April 12 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! The merge is officially on tonight. Last week it was only quasi-merge, not to be confused with Quasimodo. Really, they're two different things. We also saw the first male voted out this season. I wonder what we're in for tonight. Will Carolyn's quirks make her a target? Yeah, probably.

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs 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!

The log pool has been updated by Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

MERGED TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

Torch Snuffed (Soon this list will only be members of the jury!)

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Sarah

Matthew (medical)

Josh

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Yam Yam telling the others he still loves them all even though he got votes. He feels now his name will be an option. He wants to make friends.

In the morning, they talk tribe names. Va Va is chosen. Matt and Frannie are still frisky together. He can finally vote once again in the upcoming Tribal Council. Brandon says someone has the Soka idol. Matt is telling them he has the fake ido, but doesn't tell them about the real idol. They know Lauren has an extra vote. Danny wants her out for that reason. He thinks he's a devious snake.

Kane and Matt want to blindside Danny. They tell Carson. He tells Carolyn.

Oh my ... the Immunity Challenge already? It's 8:07. It's the endurance standing on a beam balancing a ball which sits on a little platform on a stick. Two teams of five. Winning two people both win immunity. The five who win will have safety but no power. They will sit in the jury box, watch the Tribal Council, but have no votes. The five (and one who sits out?) who lose go to Tribal and one will go home. Reward is PB&J, potato chips and iced tea.

Carson picked the grey rock. Jeff tells him to choose who will be the winning team. He chooses orange.

Orange - Heidi, Danny, Kane, Carolyn, Frannie

Purple - Lauren, Matt, Brandon Jaime, Yam Yam

Carolyn out first, then Lauren. Kane out. Heidi out. Danny out. Frannie wins for her team. Jaime out. Matt out. Yam Yam out. Now it's between Frannie and Brandon. Both have individual immunity, now playing for team immunity.

FRANNIE wins Immunity for Orange! Brandon has individual immunity, but his team will go to Tribal tonight. Carson is safe because he predicted Orange would win.

Losing team will go to old Soka beach, no food, just time to figure who would go. Uh-oh. Matt has none of his stuff, real or fake idol.

As the team eats, they get a note which they have to open after they eat. Frannie is worried about Matt. Carolyn is worried about Yam Yam. Wah. 

At the old Soka camp, Brandon has his immunity. Sure enough, Yam Yam and Matt are the names being brought up. Matt tries talking to Brandon and Jaime. Meanwhile, Yam Yam confides in Lauren. He tells her that Danny put her name out there. She wants Matt out.

The note - New advantage locked in the cage, keys scattered in the jungle, one fits the cage. First person to open the cage wins the advantage. Heidi got it.

Control a Vote Advantage, when Jeff says "Time to vote," she tells a player to vote for whom she wants. The others know she opened the cage, but she brought the advantage away from them to read.

Matt misses Frannie. Will this be more than a showmance? He wants Frannie to bring his bag. Yam Yam suggests to Matt that they switch the vote for a Lauren blindside. Now Lauren and Brandon are talking splitting the vote.

Heidi tells Frannie about the advantage. Frannie wants her to use it to save Matt, of course. They want the votes to go to Lauren. But, uh-oh ... Heidi tells Kane that she's worried about trying to keep Matt.

I would tell Heidi that with great power comes great responsibility. I wonder if her Spidey senses are tingling.

Tribal Council time. Matt brings up not having his bag of tricks. Frannie did not bring his bag. He offers Jeff a papaya. Yam Yam wishes he had one. Matt brings up the three Ratu and just him and Yam Yam on the outside. Yam Yam feels hopeless. Matt says he would be a great alliance member. Yam Yam says he wants to work with Matt. Ohhh ... lots of discussion. Matt is teary as he talks. Yam Yam is also emotional - the sad clown effect.

It is time to vote. Heidi brings up the advantage. She tells Lauren to vote for Yam Yam. Lauren has an extra vote from before -- Heidi only controls one vote.

The tally ... Yam Yam, Matt, Yam Yam, Matt, Matt.

MATT is out. Frannie cries.

Survivor 44: April 5 Episode Blog Party

Good evening! You do realize that the only two men out so far both went out for medical reasons, right? This is why women live longer! Alas, it doesn't say much for any woman winning Survivor 44! Let's see how tonight goes. Maybe Carolyn will win Immunity! That would be fun. From the promo, we know it's "drop the buffs" time.

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs 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 SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

RATU TRIBE

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Sarah

Matthew (medical)

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Tika Fay 12. They're trying to teach Carolyn how to say "bag." Josh was worried he would be going home. He's ready to get off the island, as in away from camp.

Drop your buffs! Each tribe gets the note. The game is about to change. They will be going to Ratu's camp. Carson tells the others he has an idol which loses its power at merge. He thinks Jaime has an idol. He thinks more than one idol is going to be around.

Jaime thinks she's the MVP of the game now. @@ -- had to roll my eyes. Did you hear them roll? 

Josh is so relieved! He continues his lie about having an idol with Brandon. He had already told Jaime he doesn't have one. She blabs. Yam Yam thinks Josh might be turning people against him. He feels pretty alone and has to talk game with others. Matt tells him that they tried to get Josh out before.

Carolyn seems to be having out of body experiences trying to mingle with others. Heh. She thinks she might be able to trust Carson, so tries talking to him. Carson wants to get her and Yam Yam back together to work with him.

Night 12. Matt and Frannie continue the showmance. He does not have a vote in the next Tribal, but she is the only one who knows. They know they have to cool it a bit so they aren't targeted as a pair.

Ohh ... the Immunity Challenge looks impressive! Obstacles, roll giant ball, up a wall, puzzle. Jeff tells them they have to earn their way into the next stage as they are not in the individual stage. They have to split into two teams of six. First team done safe at Tribal but will vote, will get food and their buffs. One of the six losing will go home. They draw rocks for the teams. Orange, purple.

Purple - Matt, Frannie, Carson, Brandon, Carolyn, Jaime

Orange - Danny, Josh, Yam Yam, Lauren, Kane, Heidi 

PURPLE WINS IMMUNITY, new buffs and food! The new buffs are mostly blue.

Back at camp. The six losers (as Yam Yam says) are there wondering what the others are eating. Yam Yam suggested Josh go to the men. Uh-oh. But Josh mentions Yam Yam to the women. But Heidi thinks Josh. They just don't know if he has an idol or not.

The winners are feasting. Josh's name is being mentioned by them, too. They are also concerned he might have an idol. Brandon thinks Kane might be a good second choice to throw some votes. Carolyn rats out Josh's fake idol. She's exasperated that they don't seem to believe her.

It's raining. The feasters return to camp. Jaime thinks Josh will be the vote, but it may not be easy. The women find out that all seem to want to target Josh or Kane as a second vote. Josh goes to Yam Yam to vote Kane. Yam Yam tells us he likes Kane and would rather Josh go. Brandon would still prefer Kane go. 

Carson tells Kane his name was brought up. Kane runs to Brandon to ask and Brandon doesn't lie to him. He tries to switch the focus to Yam Yam. Brandon goes to Carson and tells him it was a bad move to tell Kane. Matt, who doesn't have a vote goes ahead and switches it to Yam Yam as the second vote. He still wants Josh to go but is worried he has an idol.

Tribal Council time. Six know they're safe. Jeff's first question is to Carson and about so many in camp. Carson says chaotic and he's right there. He talks trust as does Kane. Yam Yam doesn't have a lot of numbers. He thinks his big mouth might make him more of a target. Josh talks of both tribes he was in. 

Brandon is asked about idol talks. He says there were a lot of talks about them. Carolyn brings up the cage idol and fake idols. She says it's insanity. She might know a bit about that.

Time to vote. Matt lost his vote, of course. That's the only one we see.

The tally -- no idols played.

Yam Yam, Josh, Kane, Yam Yam, Josh, Yam Yam, Josh, Josh, Josh, Josh ...

Bye-bye, Josh. I was hoping he would last longer.

The merge is officially on! The promo for next week has Jeff telling them they will have no say who goes home and there will be some kind of twist. Hmm.

Survivor 44: March 29 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! I'm really enjoying this season so far. How about you? They do need to oust some of the guys, though. It's been all women with their torches snuffed. The only male out was Bruce on a medical. Yikes!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs 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 SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

RATU TRIBE

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC, Cherry Pie

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Sarah

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Tika Night 9 as they have returned from Tribal. Yam Yam is upset -- he wasn't in on the plan. It's the most somber he's been since the season started. He thinks Carolyn is playing everyone. He's actually right. As wacky as she is, she's playing the game to win. She thinks Josh is better for her game.

On Ratu, Matthew is having a lot of pain, accompanied by tears, with his shoulder pain. Meanwhile, Carson is blending in with Matthew and Kane. Kane thinks they're both nerds and will work together. Carson thinks he's a strategic mastermind and is just putting himself in position to execute his plan ... and his opponents.

On Soka, Danny is leading breathing exercises for his tribemates. We get a Danny background story. His daughter is four months old as they filmed this. Jaime likes being put on the tribe. Hey, she meditates, too. She thinks information she has on others makes her valuable to others. She can't understand why Matt doesn't jump on the Jaime Bandwagon. She may know a lot but does not know that Frannie and Matt are an item. Heh.

Tika Day 10. Yam Yam talks to Josh. Josh tells him he doesn't trust him. The olive branch offering from Yam Yam seems to be missing. Josh tells us he himself doesn't feel safe because he used his idol. He has made a fake idol and tells them he has a second idol. Yam Yam thinks that means he will be voted out. They both talk about when they came out to their mothers ... or not. They talk about getting Carolyn out. Eep!

Day 11 and we have quite the challenge ahead. It's Immunity. Tied together, obstacles, fill bucket with water, over a hinged platform, raise a gate, table maze, three balls in wins. Like last week, the winning tribe will send one from each tribe off on a journey. All three tribes are running even.

Uh-oh -- Tika is falling behind.

RATU wins 1st Immunity - SOKA wins 2nd.

Ratu chooses Brandon, Danny and Carolyn to go on the journey. Jeff tells Carolyn she will be back for Tribal. He tells Matthew that he wants Medical to look at him.

Day 11, still on the challenge site. Matthew is really having a lot of pain with his shoulder. We get a lesson about soft tissue pain from the dislocation. Hmm. He must decide to stay or go, I think.

Yam Yam and Josh are back at camp. Josh tells him he would rather hang on to his idol. Yam Yam tells him that Carolyn is playing them. They seem to be bonding. Josh suggests they compare stories about what Carolyn tells each of them on her return.

The three journey people have to make their way down to the beach and "take the time to get to know each other." Sanctuary, they have a snack and a mini feast in a cool setup. Danny and Brandon bond. Carolyn hopes to work her way in, but it looks like Danny and Brandon have left her out. The guys mention taking Josh along with them. Carolyn tells them she needs allies. She thinks they vastly underestimate her. But she tells us that, not them.

Tika Day 11. Carolyn returns. She tells us that now she will side with Yam Yam as the "bros" she feasted with are in with Josh. Yam Yam picks up on her signals. She tells Yam Yam and Josh that the bros want to team up with him. Josh tells them he has an idol. He shows the fake idol and Josh calls him on it -- the beads from tree mail. Carolyn recognizes the note. Now Yam Yam tells us Josh is sketchy and the idol is fake.

We get a background on Josh and his horrible health history. It is pretty amazing what the guy has gone through.

Yam Yam is SO confused. Carolyn apologizes to him. She tells us she doesn't want to use her idol.

Hmm ... five minutes to go and we have not gone to Tribal.

A boat comes with Jeff aboard. Matthew is out due to his shoulder. As a result, there will be no Tribal Council tonight. Carolyn really wants to get Josh out. He better watch his back!

Next week ... drop your buffs!

Survivor 44: March 22 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Are you ready for another week of non-stop action? Have you got seatbelts on that comfy chair? Latch yourself in. I refuse to be held responsible for any mishaps!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs 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 SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee 

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL 

Sarah - Judi Sweeney, AprilW 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen 

RATU TRIBE

Jaime - Andi, monty924 

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC, Cherry Pie

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, they're meditating at Soka. Josh tells us he's in a good position between two opposing alliances which both trust him. Meanwhile, the other four on his tribe want to blindside him.

On Tika, the birdhouse has their attention -- two red sticks in the form of an X are in it. Carolyn tells us it was her. She's trying to lead them to where she hid the fake idol. Ohh! Sarah spots the X on the ground and the hidden fake idol. She sneaks it away to check it out. She honestly thinks she has an idol.

To the Reward Challenge -- Reward is a large tarp, smaller tarp for second place. Winning tribe will pick who goes on a journey from the other tribes. Obstacles and a giant slingshot.

SOKA wins first place! RATU gets second place. Josh from Soka, Carson from Tika, Jaime from Ratu get chosen for the "journey."

The three go off on a boat. Similar to the first three who went out, they have to go through the jungle and a path, get to know each other but be mindful of what they say. Then each goes off on their own path. Each gets a note that they have an Immunity Idol which is only good until the Merge. They will not be returning to their tribe. New buff in bag. 

Jaime thinks she has two idols now -- she doesn't know one is fake. 

Josh goes to Tika. He tells them about the buff. He tells them he's a physical trainer. Lies about his real job. Sarah and Yam Yam discuss Josh lying and is probably really a surgeon. (Which he is.)

Carson arrives on Ratu. He tells them about the buff. He wants to give them the impression that Yam Yam was running the show on Tika. Matthew wants to bond with Carson as he had with Jaime. 

Jaime is, of course, on Soka. After all, it's the only tribe left. They don't really know her. They have Danny go through her bag. Matt and Frannie are in on the search.

Immunity Challenge time! They arrive by separate boats. Dive one at a time, climb tower, leap off while grabbing a key, floating balance beam, when all done puzzle.

SOKA wins first Immunity. RATU wins second Immunity. Tika will be going to Tribal.

Yam Yam says Josh is "not Tika." Yam Yam tells Carolyn she should be the decoy vote and they will vote out Josh. Carolyn is not pleased with that. Sarah and Yam Yam try to convince Josh that Carolyn will be voted out. Meanwhile, Carolyn talks to Josh. He tells her he has an idol and the others plan to vote for her. He will use it to save her. Carolyn doesn't feel she has the loyalty of her own tribe. Should she have Josh play his idol for himself and vote out Sarah? Hmm.

Time for Tribal Council and Jeff's Probst-ing questions. Josh is questioned first. He asks the others about Josh or just "new kids" in general. Yam Yam says "Bye, Felicia" and Carolyn says she's Felicia.

Time to vote ... Josh plays an idol for himself. 

The tally - Josh, Josh, Sarah, Sarah ...

The plan Carolyn made with Josh worked and they shake hands much to Yam Yam's shock and awe.

Bye, Sarah!

Survivor 44: March 15 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Who is here for a blog party? Did you bring snacks? Are you in your comfy chairs? 

I don't think it will be too long before a tribe shuffle might have to be done. While the Soka tribe still has its original six, Tika will be down to three if they lose again tonight. Hopefully, they won't lose but they are not the strongest tribe. Strangest, yes. Strongest, no.

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest updates. I do ask that you forgive me if I'm still a bit slow on some of the names of the castaways. It usually takes me a few weeks to get used to the new bunch. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

But first ... Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Claire - DonnaNY, TS14Fan 

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee 

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL 

Sarah - Judi Sweeney, AprilW 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen 

RATU TRIBE

Jaime - Andi, monty924 

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC 

Brandon - Mike Barer

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Tika returning from Tribal. Sarah is feeling distrust in the Kumbaya vibes. Carson wants her to think he's just a follower. Instead, she thinks he's the most dangerous player. Carolyn is happy to still be there with her idol.

On Ratu, Kane has them singing 'O Canada.' He has a sword to play with now. Uh-oh. He wants to be a hero. Brandon wants to go fishing. We get his Seattle Seahawks story. He says he's much more than that. And, indeed he seems to have a lot of pursuits. They all enjoy the fish.

Now to Soka -- Frannie and Matt are being very obvious about their showmance. Danny decides to set up the fake idol he found for someone to find. He rehides the key he originally found.

Back to Tika -- Yam Yam has a snoring habit. They have a lot of fun. But Sarah is worried because they are so weak. She knows she's at the bottom of the small group and likely to go if they lose the Immunity Challenge. 

Soka is all looking for the idol. (Maybe they should check Danny's pocket!) Matt finds the key that Danny hid. He thinks he actually has the idol. Danny is happy. He's planning on telling the others Matt put something in his pocket. He outs Matt in front of Josh. Danny thinks everyone will be "off his tail" and the focus will be off of him.

Ew. They're eating live worms on Ratu. Jaime finds the fake idol that Matthew hid. She found it while with him even. Heh. He tells us he wanted to be sneaky and will do whatever he needs to do to win.

Immunity Challenge time. Dive into ocean, swim to cube, roll it, collect keys, obstacle course. Stack four blocks no repeated colors on any side. Claire again doesn't compete. Reward is a big tool kit and fruit, second Reward is lesser tool kit and lesser fruit. 

RATU wins Immunity first! TIKA wins Immunity second place! Soka will go to Tribal for the first time.

Matt reminds us that he lost his vote on Day Two. He thinks he will use his idol if needed. Like that will do him a lot of good!

Soka is back at camp. Danny thinks Claire is the weakest and points out that she has sat out every challenge. Josh tells us originally Matt or Frannie were the targets. But he will go with the flow. Meanwhile, Frannie wants Claire and Matt in the game. She wants Josh out. Claire works on Heidi since she would be the swing vote.

Time for Tribal Council. Claire looks very sad, then does a Mona Lisa smile catching Jeff's attention. She tells him people have been playing the game all along. Jeff brings up Claire's sitting out of the challenges. She says she was putting the team before herself. She thinks they don't even know her strengths. Matt says the show is all about trust. Claire asks Heidi pretty much if the plan is still on (not in so many words). They vote. Matt can't vote, of course.

The tally --

Claire did the Shot in the Dark and lost her vote. She is NOT SAFE.

Claire, Claire, Claire ...

Buh-bye, Claire!

Even Heidi voted for her -- it was unanimous since both Matt and Claire lost their votes.

Survivor 44: March 8 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Ready for another exciting episode? Or, are you just here for the party?

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show as it airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest updates. I do ask that you forgive me if I'm still a bit slow on some of the names of the castaways. It usually takes me a few weeks to get used to the new bunch. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

But first ... Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Claire - DonnaNY, TS14Fan 

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee 

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL 

Helen - Martha Light, Jackie 

Sarah - Judi Sweeney, AprilW 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen 

RATU TRIBE

Jaime - Andi, monty924 

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC 

Brandon - Mike Barer

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Ratu coming back from Tribal. Matthew is pleased. He knew he was safe and tells us he did the Shot in the Dark because he knew he was safe and no one would know his alliances. Kane is so not pleased with the outcome. His vote was exposed. Oops! Brandon knows Kane voted for him to go. Followed by a cool hammerhead shark video bit!

Back to the flirting on Soka -- we have Matt and Frannie. He really really likes her, y'see. She snorts when she laughs. He loves that. He tells her what really happened when he went away from camp. The others see that they are way too close.

Tika Day 4 - Helen thinks there is underlying tension and it might just be that dang bird cage! They go off searching for the key. Yam Yam is sure he will find it. Carolyn knows she doesn't fit in with the rest -- she does act strange. She feels she must get it but finds a snake instead.

On Ratu Kane is looking for an idol. The others, of course, notice his outings. He finds a crab instead. But, due to where he found the crab, they know it's an idol search. On Soka, Danny is really doing the search. And ... he finds it! The key to the birdcage. He tells us he won't be telling ANYONE. Let's see if he sticks to it!

Tika is still snake worrying. Carolyn is still looking for an idol or the key. SHE FINDS IT! She says she isn't telling anyone. She tells Yam Yam she only found snakes.

Danny is sneaking up on the birdcage, gets it. He found a silver coin, too. He ties the bag back up and locks the cage once again. Meanwhile, Tika is lamenting that no one found the key. Carolyn is beside herself trying to figure out what to do. She's at the cage. She took the bag away and ran. Then she realized she left the cage open and had to replace the empty bag and lock it! She did it. She got the idol and some beads. Uh-oh ... her tribe mates think the bag looks open and lighter. Carson knows it's been messed with.

Carson tries to pay detective. He thinks Helen either has it or knows who has it. They go back to the camp and show each other their bags. Now he thinks it is Sarah. Sarah thinks it's Yam Yam. Carson is sure Carolyn does NOT have it. I think she's so out there that no one thinks she has it.

Looks like an extensive set-up for the Immunity Challenge. Race up and over an obstacle, bunch of sandbags -- a ball in one, more obstacles, snake maze with one person maneuvering a ball through it. Reward is big fishing gear, second gets lesser fishing gear.

Soka is once again in the lead early. Josh is at the snake maze. Matthew is at it for Ratu. Sarah for Tika. Josh keeps dropping, Sarah drops it. Matthew doing well. 

RATU wins Immunity first place! Josh wins for SOKA, second place. Tika goes to Tribal tonight and loses their flint. Carolyn isn't feeling the love from her tribe and is wondering if she should use her idol.

Back to camp with Tika. Matthew practiced at home, while Carson did as well. But now everyone knows about Matthew, but not Carson. Helen and Carson talk -- she says Carolyn is hard to control while Yam Yam has strength. The consensus is that Carolyn will go out. Sarah lost her vote, but no one knows that. She tries to line up the vote against Carolyn. Yam Yam runs to tell Carolyn. Uh-oh -- they want to target Helen, my blog person. They talk to Carson. Hmm. They want to get him on their side. Carolyn doesn't trust him. 

Carson thinks everyone, including Carolyn, trust him. It's sounding like a split vote between Carolyn and Helen with Carson being the swing vote. Hmm.

Night 5 Tribal Council time. Jeff asks Yam Yam about the tension when they returned to camp. Helen wonders if she's living in her own delusion. Helen also says they need to be strong. Sarah says they need to be able to trust. Carolyn says she's scared. Yam Yam says she's cool because she's emotional. Time to vote. Helen votes Carolyn.

Carolyn does NOT play her idol.

The tally -- Carolyn, Helen, Helen, Helen ...

There goes my pool pick! We know Sarah had no vote because she lost it while away last week. So, Carson did indeed vote to keep Carolyn. Interesting.

Survivor 44: Season Premiere Blog Party!

 

Good evening! Welcome to yet another new season of Survivor! We've been doing this for more than two decades now. Where is our million dollars?

Tonight's show is two hours long, running 8-10PM ET/PT. Right now, I'm not sure if there will be one boot or two during that time. As par for the course as of late, I'm sure we will get touching backstories on some of the castaways. I'll be live-blogging the show here as it airs in East Coast time -- updating this entry with all the major happenings. Refresh the blog to get the latest update! As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there.

Before we dive into things, let's dive into the blog pool. Lifeguard SueGee has made the random matches and here's where we stand --

SOKA TRIBE

Claire - DonnaNY 

Danny - Donna in AL

Frannie - Auntie Leigh 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee 

TIKA TRIBE

Bruce - Mikes Girl 

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL 

Helen - Martha Light, Jackie 

Sarah - Judi Sweeney, AprilW 

Yam Yam - Sharon N 

RATU TRIBE

Jaime - Andi, monty924 

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David 

Maddy - KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC 

Brandon - Mike Barer

I ask that folks bear with me during the beginning of the season as I'm learning who is whom. I may be vague or mistaken now and then with a name. If you wish to check out your blog pick, I do have photos on these blog entries -- Ratu - Soka - Tika

Survivor fans ready?

We start off with Carolyn not knowing what to say in her first confessional. Ah, now they are arriving by boat and we're seeing a very Survivor-dedicated Carson. It sounds like we're going to get a brief bit from each one and I won't be able to keep up with them all.

Jeff has a mullet thing this season. Eep!

The boats arrive and the tribes already have their buffs separating said tribes. Now we're seeing the bit already released as the promo for the season.

Right to first Reward Challenge -- break into pairs, retrieving one puzzle piece each through obstacle course, two solve puzzle, raise three rings over a very tall pole. Bruce banged his head hard. He needs medical attention. Uh-oh. He's up and will be able to continue in the game!

Winning tribe wins a flint -- Soka wins! Next winning tribe wins -- Ratu -- they can choose Sweat or Savvy. Tika gets what they don't pick.

Jeff gives the maps to their individual camps.

Soka Day 1 -- Green. We get a Matthew segment. They have their machete and pot at the camp and introduce themselves to each other. They find a bird cage with a bag inside with a rusty padlock. 

Ratu Day 1 -- Orange -- Sweat has them collecting coconuts into a net, four hours. Savvy -- brain teaser, 15 minutes, one guess. If they fail, they have to wait for Day 3 for their supplies. They decide to do Sweat instead of trying to solve an unknown puzzle. They feel more confident in their physical abilities.

Tika Day 1 -- Purple -- They get the Savvy task. They have to count numbers of rings in two slowly spinning spheres. Carson and Helen work on it. They also find a bird cage. Helen and Carson solve the puzzle right! They get their supplies! 

Meanwhile, Ratu is still doing the coconuts. The ones not hauling the coconuts find their bird cage. The two doing the coconuts are struggling with the amount of coconuts now in the bag. They just make it and those two are now bonded. It was Brandon and Matthew.

Yam Yam makes fire without any problems! He says he's very familiar with the beach. They start talking about watching the show for years. Talk turned to relationships. Carson has never dated. Oh my. He gained 30 pounds to go on the show.

Heidi makes fire for her tribe, a little more difficulty than Yam Yam had, but she did the task. Matt and Frannie bond. Will they be the rumored showmance this season? Brandon tells his tribe he's out of a vote. 

On Tika, they think Bruce really bounced back well but now they are worried. The medic comes in. Bruce says his head is killing him. Uh-oh. He's getting an IV. Jeff is there. They have to pull him from the game. What a shame. He was SO exciting to be there and was full of promise.

Ratu Day 2 -- Matthew makes fire. He seems to be the one who knows the most and his tribe is grateful for him. Now they are out looking for food. He has a real outdoors background. He's climbing a rock formation and takes a tumble. He said he needed a medic but then said his shoulder popped back in. His foot is bleeding badly. He's in tears as the medic arrives. He gets a sling for his shoulder.

Tika Day 2 -- Sarah, Carson and Helen are bonding, Carolyn not so much. She thinks she's weird and loud. She would annoy me!

A boat arrives with a note -- one person has to get on the boat to return this afternoon. Sarah goes on a straw draw. Matt goes from his tribe. Lauren goes for Ratu.

Ratu searches for the key to the bird cage. Brandon finds something! He doesn't want anyone to know. Maddy is suspicious. He tells her and it is indeed the key. They have to decide whether to tell or not. He doesn't trust her and calls out to the others.

Hidden Immunity Idol. They thought it was a group thing. There is also a dummy idol in the bag. Brandon now has a target on his back because everyone knows he has an idol. (And a fake idol, too.)

To the boats. Matt, Sarah and Lauren. Matt is anxiety-ridden. They follow a path to a Lookout. They come up on a sign to pick a path and each takes a separate path. Bag - three packages -- two say Lose A Vote, one is an advantage. They can choose a second one if they get Lose. If they draw two Lose a Vote, lose a vote.

Sarah gets a Lose, then the Inheritance Advantage. Matt gets Lose, then Lose again. Lauren gets Bank a Vote advantage. Lauren lies to them, tells them she lost her vote. Sarah lies to her tribe. Matt was honest with them about losing his vote.

Time for the Immunity Challenge. Push a boat into water, paddle around buoy, load chest, giant slide puzzle. First two tribes win Immunity. Whoa ... losing tribe has to go to Tribal AND lose their flint!

Soka gets to the puzzle part first. Ah, someone from Matt's tribe told Mattew that Matt showed them he lost the vote. Interesting. Brandon seems to have heat exhaustion. Uh-oh. He's hydrating and they will go one without him.

SOKA wins Immunity! Tika wins Immunity! Ratu (with Brandon) will go to Tribal tonight.

Ratu Day 3 - Brandon feels he let everyone down. (Now, he does have an idol, but everyone knows.) Matthew tells Brandon he thinks Lauren is playing them about losing a vote. The three guys decide to vote Lauren. Meanwhile, Lauren is talking to the women about not trusting Brandon. She wants to blindside him. Jaime is confused. Should she play her shot in the dark? The guys are nervous about the women. Sheesh! Will the women convince Kane and Matthew to target Brandon? I doubt it.

Tribal Council time. Jeff asks them about the tension. Matthew says he's not comfortable. Brandon talks lies and truths. Jaime tells of Brandon's idol. Mattew says what they don't know is the snake that will get you. Brandon talks of weaker links. Jaime says she will play her shot in the dark. Matthew also played the shot in the dark. Matthew is not safe. Jaime is safe. (First time ever.) Brandon plays his idol.

The tally - Brandon, Brandon, Maddy.

Maddy is voted out!

Survivor 44: It's Coming!

 

Yes, Survivor 44 is almost here! Its season premiere is Wednesday, March 1 at 8PM ET/PT. Once again, the season is set in Fiji. It seems like that's its home now. I do miss the seasons of the past when they set the show in places like Australia and Africa. But they don't consult me on these things! 

I will be delving into each castaway between now and when the show starts. However, I'll give you all a sneak peak at the tribes now ...

Tika Tribe

Soka Tribe

Ratu Tribe

Survivor 43: Episode 13 - Season Finale - Blog Party - Dec. 14

 

Tonight's season finale is three hours long. Get some snacks now before it starts!

I will be live blogging the major events 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 section. I hope to see you there!

The Esteemed Lifeguard SueGee has updated the FINAL blog pool -- check it out to find your castaway!

Jesse       AprilW, Donna in AL
Cassidy     Cherrypie, Kelsey NY
Karla       Glenn Allen, monty924
Gabler     Donna in FL, Joanne Victoria
Owen    Mike Barer, SueGee

Jury

Jeanine

James

Ryan

Noelle

Sami

Cody

Karla

Survivor fans ready?

We start off with Night 23 at Tribal and Jesse plays the idol for Owen, votes out Cody. Karla uses her idol because she's worried now. And Jesse still has an idol ... Cody asked him to hold it. Oh my. Survivor brownie points for strategy there, Jesse.

Gabler thinks he is ruling his destiny. We're getting the Final Five thoughts on making it to the end. Karla seems the most worried about how she will do.

They're exploring the new campsite. Oh my ... five envelopes with clues to a secret advantage. They have to solve a long word scramble phrase to get the actual clue to the advantage. Owen thinks the biggest game threats are Karla and Jesse.

Karla figures out the phrase first and is off running as well as she can with her ankle. Then it's Owen off running. He passes Karla. They're both looking for a tree with a knot at the base by the shore. WHOA! Karla worked her way around Owen and snags the clue! Owen is not a happy camper. He was right there and she reached around him!

It's a slight advantage for today's Immunity Challenge.

Day 24 ... Immunity Challenge. Karla presents her advantage paper. Maneuver a buoy in water through obstacles, untie puzzle bag on the beach, transport puzzle blocks on a teeter-totter thing, solve puzzle. They have to carry the puzzle blocks with two hand grip short posts.  Jesse is struggling. Reward - steak, baked potatoes, wine and cheesecake. Karla starts with ten puzzle blocks, approximately a third.

Karla is in the lead. It's a word scramble. All five are trying to solve the puzzle now.

OWEN wins it! "You cannot hide in a dangerous game."

He can choose one person to go with him to the Sanctuary -- he chooses Cassidy. Wow! What a spread! Both are glad that Karla didn't win today. But is she more dangerous than Jesse? Hmm. Owen thinks he would lose in a final three with Jesse. Cassidy would like to see Karla go tonight. Neither think Gabler is a threat. They decide on getting Karla out tonight.

Back at camp Gabler was hoping he could have gone with Owen. He's breaking down physically. Karla and Jesse know that they are the likely targets. No one knows that Jesse has an idol -- it was Jeanine's.

Karla tells us she's telling Jesse she wants Cassidy out, but in reality, she wants Jesse out -- thinking that he made the biggest move of the season getting Cody out. They talk to Gabler, he hears Cassidy. However, Karla takes him aside and goes after Jesse. She talks to Owen about it, too. Then she talks to Cassidy. Cassidy is not as accepting about the Jesse target. Karla pretty much tells her she will poison the jury against her and not vote for her if she makes the final three.

Cassidy runs to Jesse and tells him. Jesse is torn between Cassidy and Karla vote out. He tells us he will use the idol but hasn't figured out HOW he will use it.

Tribal Council time! Jesse says that Karla threw some punches today. Karla talks about Jesse's excellent game move last Tribal. She wants him out and says it. Jesse says he feels good and shows his idol, saying he's punching his ticket to the final four. Jeanine on jury is in shock -- they all thought the idol went home with Dwight. Karla says there are two other options -- Gabler and Cassidy. Hmm.

Whoa -- Karla and Jesse talk and agree to take out Cassidy. Then Jesse talks to Gabler, Owen joins them. Hmm. Cassidy votes Karla. 

Jesse plays the idol for himself.

The tally -- Jesse, Karla, Karla, Karla ... three is enough. She takes it very well. When the votes are shown, the other four all voted Karla. I updated the blog pool above.

Right to the final Immunity Challenge. Use a long fork, bowl through a channel in a structure, the platform is suspended on a string, fifteen bowls. I'm thinking this might be something that Gabler could be good at. We'll see. He's leading by just a bit over Cassidy. Jesse is doing the worst.

Argh. Gabler's stack fell down. It's between Owen and Cassidy with three bowls each left. Owen's stack goes over!

CASSIDY WINS IMMUNITY! None of the guys look happy. And the only one who congratulates her is Owen.

She has indeed done well. They return to camp to find fire making supplies. Owen thinks it will be himself and Jesse at the fire. He thinks Jesse may have it in the bag. But he doesn't want to ever give up. He tells Cassidy he thinks he can win against Jesse in fire. She says she wants someone who can beat Jesse with fire.

Both Jesse and Owen practice fire. Jesse tells Cassidy that she should go against him with fire. She is not receptive! Jesse is choking up as he tells us he won't stop. Gabler tells Cassidy that he thinks he can beat Jesse in fire. He wants to win fire against Jesse for points with the jury. But his body is betraying him. He tells us he intends to donate the entire prize to Veterans in Need if he wins. 

They start walking off to Tribal. Both Gabler and Owen want to go against Jesse with fire. Oh my.

Tribal Council - Night 25. The jury seems impressed that Cassidy won the final immunity. Jesse looks miserable. Jesse says his pitch to Cassidy. Both Gabler and Owen say they want to make fire against Jesse. Cassidy says she will do what's best for her own game. Earlier Jeff pointed out that Owen and Cassidy with three Immunity wins each, have won 2/3 of the Immunity Challenges in the game.

Cassidy takes Owen with her. So, fire making for Gabler and Jesse.

GABLER makes the fastest fire ever made in the show. Jesse looks miserable. The jury was rooting for Jesse. That won't bode well for Gabler at the end.

Jesse cries. It's very sad. Gabler tries to comfort him. Jesse says he was playing for his kids, setting an example. He did that and felt he played a great game. Owen is crying. Everyone is a bit teary-eyed. Cassidy makes him laugh when she says she had to have him out or he would have won.

The final three are back at camp. Owen thinks he's the underdog. It sounds like at least some of the jury in confessionals agree and will support him. 

They get the feast. 

Gabler points out to us that he didn't receive one vote and is the old man of the show. They have some jury members point out his good points to us. And now we have Cassidy telling us why she needs to win and we get jury members pointing out her strengths. Cassidy is the champion, Owen is the underdog and Gabler is the outsider.

They're off to the jury questioning. Jeff pep talks them. Social, physical, strategic focus.

Jesse -- wishes them luck.

Noelle - Gabler differentiate game from others, trust and behind the scenes, had multiple ways to move along in the game. No one has written his name down, hope they will tonight. Cassidy - every vote was the right vote, close bonds with those who mattered, not personal, last woman standing. Owen - Underdog, superfan, scholar of the game, first tribe a disaster, thought he would be first boot, even worse after the merge, had to crawl and scratch himself out of the hole, learned he just needs to be himself.

James -- ACK THAT VOICE. Owen trust in Noelle. Gabler - Elie looked in my bag (Jeanine confesses), stirred pot, voted Elie out, then decided had to change his game.

Karla - Cassidy pre-merge move. Blindside Geo and get tribe in merge.

Jesse - Social relationships in game -- Gabler, hiding underwater - he's making the jury giggle. Cassidy -- in trenches with the right votes, people after her and she got them out. 

Jeanine - Gaber and Owen closest alliances. Owen, Noelle then the final four. Gabler - had a few core alliances.

Sami - Gabler, were you going back and forth in alliances? Cassidy wonders if it's because he didn't seem like a threat or real alliances.

Ryan points out that the three won all but two immunities in the game. Noelle credits Cassidy for being a woman and winning so many challenges. Wants to know why Cassidy chose Gabler instead of doing fire against Jesse. Cassidy says that she deserved the immunity, and that Owen wouldn't have that win against Jesse. Owen points out that Karla snagged the advantage from him, and he had to win Immunity at five. He apologizes to James for blowing up at him.

Mistakes? Gabler and Cassidy think of conversations. Owen has many mistakes he made.

Last question -- Jesse how did you persuade people to vote your way? They bring up votes. Jeanine for Gabler, Cassidy the Ryan vote -- Ride or Die claims credit for that. Owen, no specific vote, no idols, no advantages. He showed he could be a key part rather than the actor.

Time to vote for a winner. James votes Cassidy. Karla votes Gabler. No other votes are shown.

Reads the votes right now in Fiji.

Cassidy, Gabler, Gabler, Gabler, Gabler, Gabler.

GABLER WINS! All the rest of the votes were for him! They celebrate right there with champagne and pizza! Congratulations blog pool winners Donna in FL and Joanne Victoria!

The jury tells Jeff the jury question answers gave Gabler the win.

Now he says he's the second player over 50 to win. He will make history another way. He says that he's donating the whole prize in his father's name to Veterans in Need. More tears. Gabler says they ALL are a part of the donation. Ryan, with a military dad, is really touched.

Gabler has proved he is the MAN of the Season!

Survivor 44 sneak peek ... you have to want it, you have to be fearless. NFL player. Rocket scientist. And more. Uh-oh ... medic call! It looks good. The premiere is March 4.