Survivor 45: Music to My Ears - Ep. 4 - Blog Party

 

Good evening! According to the promos tribes will be shifting some tonight, but not an actual merge. They had to do something with Lulu down so low so early.

A separate post for The Amazing Race will magically appear at about 9:25PM ET. So, please shift over to that post for that show. Merci!

I will be live blogging the show the best I can. Keep in mind that these castaways are still kind of new to me, and I may have issues with the names! Refresh this page to get the latest updates. As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there!

Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool. You can refer to my cheat sheet casting post that has photos to check on your pick!

Belo – Blue Tribe – Fijian word for Heron

Brando --- Jasonuwp, Marthalight, MikesGirl
Bruce --- Krysta, Skyriverblue
Jake --- Donna in FL, TS14Fan
Katurah --- Donna NY, April W
Kellie --- Michelle, Bizaro22
Kendra --- Cherry Pie, EthanC

Lulu – Yellow Tribe – Fijian word for Owl

Emily --- ChicMc, Donna in AL, Jackie
Kaleb --- CherylNY, Cookie Jar
Sean --- Auntie Leigh, David

Reba – Red Tribe – Fijian word for Goshawk

Austin --- Pearl, Nora M, Sharon N
Dee --- Judi Sweeney, Brent McKee
Drew --- Dr Celine, monty924
Maya --- Petals, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed
Julie --- Andi, PDX Granny
Nicholas “Sifu” --- KelseyNY, Debbie in FL

Survivor fans ready?

Sitting out the previously on segment. Sabiyah got the boot again.

Lulu - Night 7. The lonely three return from Tribal. Kaleb is appreciative. However, Sean was blindsided. He feels at the bottom. He certainly is with his other two tribe members.

They're going to meet up with Jeff already. Jeff says it's the most shock he's seen when they saw that Sabiyah had been voted out. They knew she was a real strong player.

"Drop your buffs. We are switching tribes."

Day 8. Say goodbye to your old buffs. Jeff passes around to all with a tray of wrapped buffs. I probably won't be able to get all the new tribes in live. But I'll do what I can. Nope, not happening. I will add to this post later tonight. Each of the Lulu ended up on separate tribes.

The new tribes

Day 8 Lulu - Bruce is not a happy dude. He has a breakdown of a sort as he's in the same place he was when he was medivac exited. Kaleb is on the tribe, Jake, too. Katurah is digging for information about the trip three took. It turns out that Jake had wanted to work with Kaleb before. It's not a full-fledged trust yet, but ...!

Day 8 Belo - Brando, Austin, Drew, Emily and one more. Emily is taking a quieter approach. Emily shares the melting idol Sabiyah bit with them. Drew thinks she's kind of normal. 

Day 8 Reba - Sean is thrilled to be with them and he has stories to tell. He is in with four original Reba members. Sifu, Julie, J Maya, Dee. J Maya goes off with Sean. The others decide to search his bag for an idol. They find nothing. J Maya tells Sean that they think Sifu might have an idol and is a blindside choice. Julie thinks Sean should be out first, but J Maya tries to convince them to keep Sean.

Belo Day 9 - Emily is worried about her spot in the tribe. Austin and Drew talk. They have an idol, good will advantage and a vote advantage. Austin doesn't want Emily voted off first. He wants her on their side. She is the swing vote, so popular. Drew hopes to work with Julie, Dee, Austin and Emily after the merge.

Lulu - Kellie feels okay with her new tribe. Bruce tells her she is his number one. They want to pull Kaleb in with them. Katurah is suspicious. She gets Kaleb only mainly so she can tell him how dangerous Bruce is. She is really annoyed by Bruce. Kaleb is eating up the intel. Now he must decide which trail to take.

Day 9 Immunity Challenge time! Swim to cage, climb, leap in, haul heavy cage back, dig one person out of cage, first tribe with three balls in their three baskets wins. Lulu in the lead.

LULU wins Immunity (and gets flint for the first time). BELO wins 2nd place! Reba will go to Tribal Council.

Lulu is hugging and celebrating. Kaleb is thrilled. Bruce tries to trick them that he lost the flint, but he didn't. He's glad he's not Sean.

On Reba, Sean is crushed that they lost. He's deflated. He talks to Sifu. He tells him he is loyal. Sifu tells us he thinks they have to be Reba Strong. He thinks if Sean stays, the target will shift to him. Meanwhile, the women talk. J Maya is still pushing for a Sifu exit. Dee agrees. Julie is hesitant to lose someone so strong right now. She hates the idea.

The women talk to Sean about blindsiding Sifu. They will tell Sifu that they are voting out Sean. Sifu is worried that he might be being played. They head off to Tribal. Sean has been to every Tribal Council so far this season.

Tribal Council Night 9. Jeff brings up the four of them on the tribe. (The women warned Sean they would talk Reba Strong.) Jeff points out that Sean would be an easy vote. Julie thinks Sean tried but they have family. Sean tries to plead his case. Sifu says he feels Sean has positive energy. Sean tells Jeff he has experiences a ton of failure, but failure helps one grow. He tells the tale of growing up Mormon (he's gay) and Survivor has helped him regain his lost time. Uh-oh. He says his dream is at home and asks them to write his name down. He wants to be with his husband.

Time to vote.

The tally: Sifu, Sean, Dee, Sean, Sean.

He gets his wish.

Survivor 45: No Man Left Behind - Ep. 3 - Blog Party - Oct. 11

 Good evening! Are you ready for our big three-hour reality extravaganza? Well, only 90 minutes of it are Survivor. Hopefully a different tribe will lose tonight as Lulu is in a sad state of affairs.

A separate post for The Amazing Race will magically appear at about 9:25PM ET. So, please shift over to that post for that show. Merci!

I will be live blogging the show the best I can. Keep in mind that these castaways are still very new to me, and I may have issues with the names! Refresh this page to get the latest updates. As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there!

Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool. You can refer to my cheat sheet casting post that has photos to check on your pick!

Belo – Blue Tribe – Fijian word for Heron

Brando --- Jasonuwp, Marthalight, MikesGirl
Bruce --- Krysta, Skyriverblue
Jake --- Donna in FL, TS14Fan
Katurah --- Donna NY, April W
Kellie --- Michelle, Bizaro22
Kendra --- Cherry Pie, EthanC

Lulu – Yellow Tribe – Fijian word for Owl

Emily --- ChicMc, Donna in AL, Jackie
Kaleb --- CherylNY, Cookie Jar
Sabiyah --- Cheryl in NC, cctru
Sean --- Auntie Leigh, David

Reba – Red Tribe – Fijian word for Goshawk

Austin --- Pearl, Nora M, Sharon N
Dee --- Judi Sweeney, Brent McKee
Drew --- Dr Celine, monty924
Maya --- Petals, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed
Julie --- Andi, PDX Granny
Nicholas “Sifu” --- KelseyNY, Debbie in FL

Survivor fans ready?

We go on a bit of a whirlwind tour of the tribes and what previously happened on them.

Lulu Night 5 - Returning from tribal without Brandon. Sabiyah said in the Marines they have a saying "no man left behind" but Brandon had to go. She says Emily must continue to prove the trust. She gave Emily her shot in the dark back. Emily thinks there may have only been three votes because Jeff only read two votes. She brings it up. Sabiyah couldn't vote but wasn't about to discuss it with Emily!

Belo Day 6 - Weird, Jake seemed to have a seizure of some sort and almost fell in the fire. He has no clue what it was. Dehydration? Kellie(or Kendra?) talks to Jake and bonds with him. 

Reba Day 6 - The crab they caught to eat ate the earthworms they were going to eat. Austin goes off with Drew looking for the idol. Julie and Dee have noticed that Austin and Drew are a bit too close. They watch Drew digging. He makes up a story about seeing Sifu hanging over there and thought maybe something was there. They are four strong. Dee doesn't trust them.

Already to the Reward Challenge. Start in ocean, race to beach, throw ball into overhead track and run to catch it, make basket to raise ring target, toss rings, three to win. First tribe to finish wins large fruit platter, second smaller one. Winning tribe can send one person to another tribe to steal one tribe item or just get intel. 

LULU wins first place! Reba wins second place! Kaleb wants to go and is backed by the others. Emily says he's perfect, smart and personable.

Kaleb heads to the boat. In addition to stealing an item he can forge a relationship with someone - that gift is an advantage to recover a lost vote. Kaleb heads to Reba. Drew thinks Kaleb is running the Lulu tribe. He does start schmoozing them. Kaleb tells them he wants the entire fishing gear set, leaving them the spear. They are impressed with him. 

Kaleb gives Drew the Good Will Advantage. He explains the advantage and Drew thinks it's perfect to give to his ally Austin who has lost the vote. Drew tells Austin and Dee about it.

Lulu Day 5 - The four are feasting! Sean likes "this" Emily as does Sabiyah now. Sabiyah thinks that Kaleb would be dangerous to sit next to at the end. Should she and Sean get him out? (Yikes! Not pre-merge!) They talk to Emily about it. Now, Kaleb is the only one who was nice to her at the start. She tells them she will do whatever they want.

Belo Day 7 - The guys take the raft out and go fishing. The women talk. They don't think Jake is a threat even though he's a lawyer. However, they do think Bruce is annoying and Katurah wants him targeted. Kellie talks to Brando as he's her ally.

On Reba, Austin tells Dee and Julia about the advantage which points to the flag and a hidden clue. The four (Drew is with them) go off digging. One keeps Sifu and Jaye (Maya) occupied while the others dig. They find a buried rope and follow it. Julie and Dee find a hammer which directs them to break a rock near the water well. All four head to the water well. It's an Immunity Idol! Only good for one tribal council, though. If you sacrifice your vote, it will last to merge. If you sacrifice again, until final five.

Day 7 - Immunity Challenge. Race out with a cart, release two keys, release heavy puzzle pieces, massive puzzle one player calling. 

REBA wins Immunity! Belo takes second Immunity! And, for the third time, Lulu has to go to Tribal. (They still don't have flint.)

Poor Lulu. The four are so saddened. Kaleb thinks Sean and Sabiyah will go after Emily. Sabiyah suggests to Kaleb they have stories so Emily won't use her shot in the dark. Sabiyah does not have a vote and wants Kaleb out. She wants to melt the idol's covering in the campfire at Tribal. Sabiyah tells Emily about the idol. Now Emily is suspicious of Sabiyah and wants to tell Kaleb. She tells him to vote Sabiyah. Kaleb thinks Emily is telling him what's been told to her or vote out Sabiyah.

Tribal Council time. Sabiyah puts her wax-covered idol near the fire. Jeff asks what's up. She tells him she needs her vote tonight. Jeff reviews the past few days with them. Kaleb talks about his "raid" on the other camp. Emily says her game is on the line. Sabiyah says it remains in the back of their minds what Emily said at the start. A scroll was showing after the fire burned away the wax. Jeff is asking what Emily could have done behind the backs of others.

Time to vote. Emily votes Sabiyah. Sabiyah does indeed have an idol -- it's got the same rules as the one just found by the other tribe. She doesn't vote so she can keep it until merge. (Or so it seems.)

The tally - Sabiyah, Kaleb, Sabiyah ... three votes, not four. She's shocked.

Next week, the tribes switch! 

Survivor 45: Brought a Bazooka to a Tea Party, Ep. 2 Blog Party - Oct. 4

 

Good evening! Are you ready for our big three-hour reality extravaganza? Well, only 90 minutes of it are Survivor. A separate post for The Amazing Race will post at about 9:25PM ET. Be there or be square! Yeah, that's the hipster in me talking.

I will be live blogging the show the best I can. Keep in mind that these castaways are still very new to me, and I may have issues with the names! Refresh this page to get the latest updates. As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there!

Lifeguard SueGee has made the random picks for the blog pool. You can refer to my cheat sheet casting post that has photos to check on your pick!

Belo – Blue Tribe – Fijian word for Heron

Brando --- Jasonuwp, Marthalight, MikesGirl
Bruce --- Krysta, Skyriverblue
Jake --- Donna in FL, TS14Fan
Katurah --- Donna NY, April W
Kellie --- Michelle, Bizaro22
Kendra --- Cherry Pie, EthanC

Lulu – Yellow Tribe – Fijian word for Owl

Brandon --- Indiana Jane, SueGee
Emily --- ChicMc, Donna in AL, Jackie
Kaleb --- CherylNY, Cookie Jar
Sabiyah --- Cheryl in NC, cctru
Sean --- Auntie Leigh, David

Reba – Red Tribe – Fijian word for Goshawk

Austin --- Pearl, Nora M, Sharon N
Dee --- Judi Sweeney, Brent McKee
Drew --- Dr Celine, monty924
Maya --- Petals, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed
Julie --- Andi, PDX Granny
Nicholas “Sifu” --- KelseyNY, Debbie in FL

Survivor fans ready?

We start off with Previously On. My blog pool pick is highlighted, of course.

Lulu - Night 3 - The tribe feels bad that Hannah is gone, quit the game. Sean laments missing flint and Hannah. Emily apologizes to both Kaleb and Sabiyah, as well as Sean. She claims to feel like they gaslighted her and her game blew up. She tries to explain to Sabiyah that she felt it as do or die. Her tribemates have issues with her behavior. Emily is the blog pool pick I received. This is going to be a tough one.

Reba -Day 4 - Sifu is out there doing tai chi or something. Now he's punching trees and machete chopping branches. Okay. Maya thinks there is a clue hidden in the tribe flag. Drew and Austin are also looking. Austin has the advantage clue and tries it with the flag. He thinks it says "dig in the fallen palm tree x." He has no vote due to the advantage.

Belo - Day 4 - Bruce is working hard and they're calling him Uncle Bruce. They say he's hilarious as well as helpful. Of course, Bruce calls it Crazy Uncle Bruce. He feels his tribe is working way too slow. Katurah thinks he's acting like a Dad. She sees right through him. She says he is a threat and she thinks she's the only one who sees it.

Lulu - Day 4 - Emily is out there looking for an idol or advantage. The rest of the tribe decides to follow her. Brandon says she is now Public Enemy #1. He thinks he himself should search for it. He approaches her and says he will search with her. Kaleb also offers to search with her. Brandon finds something along with Sabiyah. Brandon thinks it is the Beware advantage and he didn't want to lose his vote. He gives it to Sabiyah. She loses her vote and it's a clue to lie the clue over the map to their camp. It lines up with a tree. Brandon and her can't find it. She tells Sean and Kaleb. They can't find it.

Reba - Dee's toes segment. Um. Okay. The tribe is bonding. Julie's knees are all scraped up. She decides to work with Dee and Drew ... also Austin. Drew's knees are also rough.

Lulu - Day 4 - Emily tries to talk to Kaleb. He thinks he understands her. He is trying to help her. They bond. Quite surprising. She seems to really respond. Now she's making up with Sabiyah. And Brandon. And Sean. She's really upset with her own attitude. Her knees are a wreck, too. A boat is arriving.

All tribes get a boat. One person from each camp, will return this afternoon. Brandon goes from Lulu. Bruce rock paper scissor to go as does Drew.

The three boats let the three castaways off on a beach. There is a table. Use the time to get to know each other, the game centers around relationships. They need to get to know each other, then they will go off on separate paths. Drew thinks Bruce kept too much to himself while Brandon was open.

They each come upon a puzzle box with a combination lock on a case to earn an advantage. They can choose to play or leave. Bruce doesn't do it, doesn't want to risk his vote. Brandon plays. Drew plays. 

Drew gets his. Brandon runs out of time. Drew gets safety without power, can last get played when there are ten players in the game. Leave before Tribal, come back after.

The three return to their tribes. Brandon arrives on Lulu. He tells them he didn't complete the challenge and lost his vote. Drew arrives at Reba. He tells them the truth. He suggests that if he can hang onto it until the merge, he might give it to someone. Austin tells Drew about his advantage. Drew thinks Austin is his ride or die.

On Belo, Brando is mixing in very well with the girls in the tribe. Bruce and Jake think the girls will work together. He tries to talk to Brando. Brando thinks he's good with Bruce. Bruce thinks he is good with Kelli, Brando and Jake.

Day 5. Immunity Challenge. One at a time climb tower, smash ball in the water, retrieve keys, balance beam,  all three keys a puzzle. Reward fishing gear, second tribe lesser fishing gear. Losing tribe will go to Tribal and lose flint. New sit out rule, must play in the next challenge.

REBA wins 1st! BELO wins 2nd. Lulu lu-looses again. Brandon did horribly on the puzzle.

Lulu - Brandon has no vote and his voice shaky as he tries to tell them he wants to stay. Emily and Brandon know it will be between them. Sabiyah doesn't have a vote either. They go looking for the idol again. Sabiyah spots the coconut in the tree with the idol. It's encased in wax and they must melt the candle to get it. They have no flint. Emily gives Sabiyah her shot in the dark to earn trust.

Night 5 Tribal Council. Jeff brings up the "heat" between Sabiyah and Emily. He asks Sean the tribe dynamics. Sean says Brandon and Emily are in trouble. Brandon says it's his first team. He says the puzzles are just bad days and he's Lulu Strong. Kaleb says Emily is trying as does Sean. Jeff tells Brandon he's likable. Emily says she has to tone down and show them trust. She mentions giving Sabiyah her Shot In The Dark.

Time to vote. Emily votes Brandon of course. Sabiyah can't vote, neither can Brandon.

The tally -- Brandon, Brandon. He's gone!

My pool pick Emily stays in the game.

Survivor 45: Season Premiere Blog Party!

 

Don't forget to sign up for the blog pool!

The link to the blog pool sign up is right here. Please sign up ONLY on that post, not this one! The cut-off is Friday but do it now! If there is a boot tonight, that castaway won't be in the pool.

Tonight is the night! We get our first 90-minute show with the all-new castaways. Well, one is one from last season -- Bruce, the one with the head injury knocking him out of play the first day. All the others are new. And, as such, I am bound to have trouble with their names for a few weeks. So, please bear with me! For a cheat sheet with photos and names, check out my post on the cast.

I will be live blogging the events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page for the latest updates. As always, the real party is in the comments. I hope to see you there.

Survivor fans ready?

We have three boats heading to the shore. We're getting brief soundbites from the castaways. No way can I keep up with the small talk! Once again and as always, they are in Fiji. Well, the boats aren't heading to shore. They are heading to a huge boat where Jeff Probst is standing.

They already have buffs on for their tribes. Yellow, Blue and Red. Jeff comments on their energy. Brandon is emotional. He's on the Yellow tribe. Bruce from S44 is introduced -- Blue tribe. Red is Reba. Yellow is Lulu. Blue is Belo.

Challenge - two from each tribe unload bags, key. Next pair, swim to boat, boat to key. Next pair, swim, use keys. Get supplies by unrolling bags through a huge spring thing, not much but a flint, pot and machete! Eep. Brandon is having trouble with the ladder getting up, losing Yellow's lead. Reba wins the supplies!

The other tribes have to choose two people for Sweat versus Savvy to get supplies.

Reba is celebrating their win. They do introductions. Julie the lawyer is lying about lawyering. 

The four Belo members are on their beach. Bruce brings up "mean girl Emily" lighting into him on the boat. Bruce claims to be the fun uncle, not the father of the tribe but then starts running everything. Brando and Jake went on the Sweat vs. Savvy. 

Meanwhile, on Yellow Lulu, Emily is bringing up how two volunteered to go on the trip and she's suspicious. Brandon, who had to be treated by medical arrives at the camp. Kaleb and Sabiyah went for their tribe.

Sweat has them moving 40 logs across the beach and then do Savvy - a puzzle in 40 minutes. Both tribes have sweat done are trying to figure out the puzzle. Both tribes are running out of time. They return.

Brando and Jake tell their tribe neither tribe got the supplies. Kaleb and Sabiyah got Emily ticked when they said they got nothing. She does not believe them at all. One of the guys tell them that Emily thinks they took an advantage. Meanwhile, Hannah and Brandon are bonding.

Belo Day 2 - The women are already talking final three. Kendra wants Jake out because he's a lawyer when one of the women is a lying lawyer. She's claiming office manager.

Lulu Day 2 - No machete. But they are working hard. Emily is being pessimistic about everything it seems. Her tribemates are wearying of her. She knows she isn't mixing well and risks being voted out.

Reba Day 2 - Sifu is looking for idols. His tribemates want to find him. He thinks he's playing a Tony game while Dee says he's trying to play a Tony game. They catch him. Austin finds an advantage which he must do if he reads it. Series of tasks, decipher message on their tribe's flag. If he doesn't do it, he loses his vote.

Day 3. We have the first Immunity Challenge. Up over ramp, into mud pit, heavy bag of coconuts, shoot into basket get set of keys, all go up tower, to puzzle. First two tribes get Immunity. Loser also loses flint. The two tribes without flint will have it back at camp unless they lose.

Uh-oh. Yellow Lulu is running behind again! Austin once again is having issues.

BELO wins Immunity! REBA wins Immunity! 

Lulu has to go to Tribal Council. Brandon feels bad that he will have to vote for someone who performed better than he did in the challenge.

Lulu Day 3 - Hannah is having ups and downs. She tells Brandon she wants to go. She knows they all want Emily out. Brandon tries to convince her to stay. Brandon feels he's a zero so far in the game. He physically feels awful with reflux. He tells others (not Emily) he is playing his shot in the dark because he feels like a liability. Sabiyah says they were all planning on voting out Emily. Meanwhile Emily tells Brandon and Hannah that they need to break up Kaleb and Sabiyah as they are so strong. Brandon tells Kaleb that Emily is targeting him. The vote seems to be between Brandon and Emily.

Time for Tribal Council. 

Jeff asks his Probsting questions. Will they keep the strongest? Emily throws Sabiyah and Kaleb under the bus. Sabiyah tells the others that Emily has isolated herself. Then it's to Brandon's struggles. Hannah still wants to go. She begs them to send her home but offers to quit. Jeff picks up on it. Is everyone on the same page? They all feel bad but they will all vote her out.

'Hannah, grab your torch." The tribe has spoken.

Survivor 44: Season Finale Blog Party - May 24

 

Good evening!

Welcome to the THREE HOUR season finale blog party! When you have a good season going, it sure can go by quickly! Our current final five are not the ones I would have predicted to be here at this time. Well, maybe Carson. But ... Carolyn? Yam Yam? Nah. I thought they would be early outs or just carried to the end to ensure someone else a win. But everybody has been playing this season.

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

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Frannie

Danny

Jaime

Survivor fans ready? Get settled in your comfy chair with snacks and adult beverages at hand. Let's get this party started!

We start out with Jeff talking about the season. Tonight's five are on a new beach. The winner will be announced in Fiji. He says to settle in ... just like I just told you!

The five are at the new beach with new torches. They have nothing but what they brought with them. Heidi told them she found her idol near the cage. Carolyn is looking for an idol, tells Yam Yam she will be looking tonight. The three Tika - Yam Yam, Carson and Carolyn -- talk about how they need to find an idol before the other two. 

Carolyn really feels she will find an idol. It's a big search going on. Aha! WE see the idol as Yam Yam and Lauren walk right by it. Lauren needs to find it (like everyone else). She realizes she needs to bond with Tika ... as she campaigns against Carson to all the others. They all think he's the biggest threat. The three Tika seem to be doubting each other.

Day 24 ... only two days more for them. It's time for the first Immunity Challenge of the night. The sun is shining there. Race through a three level obstacle grab keys, unlock chest, drop[ and go up a ladder, solve a puzzle. Reward ... winner goes to the sanctuary -- spaghetti, chocolate and carrot cakes.

Heidi and Carson make it to the puzzle in that order. Carolyn and Yam Yam running behind. All are doing the puzzle. Carson is slightly in the lead.

CARSON wins Immunity! It's his second Immunity win. He chooses one person ... Yam Yam.

Carson and Yam Yam are thrilled at the Sanctuary. They talk Tribal. Yam Yam says that Carolyn is the biggest threat. Carson thinks the Tika Three have a better chance against each other. He thinks Lauren could get a lot of jury votes. Yam Yam thinks it's a mistake. Hmm.

Heidi tells Carolyn that Carson took Yam Yam ... why? Lauren is sure she will be targeted. Heidi tells Carolyn that the vote the last time was to be Carolyn and she wasn't in on the Jaime vote. Now Carolyn is worried about Yam Yam turning on her. She tells the women that Yam Yam might have to be the target.

When the guys return to camp, Yam Yam is automatically paranoid. The Tika Three are together. Carson says Lauren. Carolyn says they need a Tika on the jury. Uh-oh. Yam Yam is worried. Now the plan is to vote for Lauren but Yam Yam will tell her they are voting for Carolyn. 

Yam Yam talks to Lauren. She thinks that Tika is just playing games with her and goes out idol hunting. Once again she seems to go by the idol in the tree not seeing it. We see it. 

Carson is worried because he knows Carolyn is upset with Yam Yam ... for some reason. We're going to be heading into another unpredictable Tribal. 

Tribal Council. Lauren says she thinks she will be going home because no one talked to her. Carolyn acts shocked about that. Jeff brings up the possibility of an idol. Jeff says it's a testament to the gameplay that even he is confused. Yam Yam says he thinks it's him ... or Lauren. Lauren is now in tears. Hmm. She is proud of who she has become in the game.

The tally ... Lauren kids about having an idol. Panic set in.

Yam Yam, Lauren, Heidi, Lauren, Lauren.

Bye, Lauren!

Day 25 ... one day left.

Time for the last Immunity Challenge. Carolyn is crying and is overwhelmed to be there. "We're here! I'm here!" It's another classic challenge ... the one with the balls running down the chute, catch it with one hand tied behind the back, more balls added, drop a ball and you're out.

They are all right-handed. The weather is clear. Two balls going now. Carolyn out first. Three balls. Now four balls. Yam Yam out. Carson is out!

Rats ... HEIDI wins her first Immunity! The Tika Three will be Tika Two.

Heidi thinks she is considering making fire herself to build her resume.

Back at camp she asks if anyone WANTS to make fire. Carson is practicing his fire skills or lack thereof. It took him three minutes at home. Now he's getting emotional and feels he lacks self-confidence. Not doing well at it.

Yam Yam practices and succeeds. He feels emotional as well. Carolyn tells Yam Yam he makes fire well. She thinks she's good at it because she practiced at home for five years. Both of them are good, Carson is not. Yam Yam tries to help him. Carson cries and Yam Yam comforts him. It's a sad scene. 

Heidi does well with fire. She knows Yam Yam and Carolyn are good at it. Will she make fire tonight? Nah. They are keeping the suspense for Tribal.

Here we are at Tribal ... Jeff brings up Heidi saying she might make fire. She says she's still undecided. Yam Yam says he likes making fire and he likes being safe. Carolyn says Heidi was looking for a volunteer and it would be a good game move. Carson says it might be a good move for Heidi to go against someone else for her resume.

Heidi decides that Carolyn in the Final Three. Carolyn gets emotional. She talks of being weird and different. She says it's okay to be you. Heidi says Carson will have to make fire. Sigh. SHE IS going to do fire with Carson! 

Both Carolyn and Yam Yam are in the Final Three. Who woulda thunk it?

The fire starting is ON. Heidi has flame first. Uh-oh she's in the lead. Carson now has a flame. HEIDI WINS! Jeff says hers was the fastest fire ever made on the show.

Sigh. Carson played such a good game. He tells Jeff he was in tears. He's proud that he even started a decent fire.

Yam Yam, Carolyn and Heidi are the Final Three.

The Three are on the beach. Yam Yam is scared. He doesn't want to sound stupid. Carolyn says she will sound stupider. He thanks her.

Now jury members are saying the pros of Yam Yam's game. 

Their feast arrives!

Now it's Heidi tribute time. She thinks the fire boosted her resume. So, we get jury Heidi pros. Carolyn is next mentioning her self-loathing. We get jury Carolyn pro thoughts.

The Three are heading to the Final Tribal and jury questions.

Social, Physical, Strategy questions.

Kane - Explain game, better than the other two. Perception of you and is it accurate. Yam Yam first, not following Carson's step ... Heidi interrupts him. Heidi -- into strategy, then riding tails, was trying strategic. Carolyn -- didn't fit in, found Carson, realness then Yam Yam. She thinks she was underestimated the entire game.

Carson wants to hear more about Heidi's game. She says she suffered a lot. Claims the Tika were on a high through the game. Danny says Tika USED Carson. Yam Yam denies he used just Carson. Danny asks who Heidi used as a shield ... she says it was him but there is a friendship.

Frannie talks social games and managing emotions. She chooses Carolyn to start. Carolyn mentions her drug addiction days. She thought numbing her emotions would be too painful. Yam Yam talks of his love and care. He says some were blank when they talked to him, tried to build real relationships with others. Heidi says she wanted to represent people who are different, Latina in science, tried to control her emotions.

Matt admires all of them for being themselves as it's something he finds difficult.

Physical part of the game? Carolyn -- athletic in real life, thought she would do great but one embarrassing thing after another. Her letter from home brought tears to her eyes over her challenges performance. Heidi speaks up about how she kept trying. Carson asks Heidi about her decision to make fire. She says it was the best opportunity to win the game. She brings up that if she wins, she would be the oldest female winner. Yam Yam says he's not a physical person although his family members are -- he channeled his strength through them. He's the second one to say Jeff was annoying during challenges.

Strategy -- Carson asks Carolyn and she mentions trusting and playing her idol for Carson. She says Danny had to go, she needed him out -- he was controlling. Yam Yam -- strategic moves against those who wrote his name down. He tried not to be a threat, but he can talk. Heidi, right side of the votes a good part of the time. She says she had to keep adapting because she was by herself. She talks of personal growth and living the American dream. 

The final three hug each other.

Time to vote for a winner!

Many seem undecided. Carson looked like he struggled. The final three hold hands. Jeff talks about the positivity of the jurors.

Heidi, Yam, Yam, Yam, Yam, Yam.

Yam Yam WINS! (I got lazy in the listing and left out a Yam.) Congratulations to blog pool winners Glenn Allen and Sharon N. You got them bragging rights ... don't spend them all in one place. 😂 

The after show is next as well as a sneak peek at next season.

They have champagne and pizza. Danny voted for Heidi. All the other votes were for Yam Yam. They say Yam Yam was the strongest overall control of the game. I feel sad that Carolyn didn't get any votes. Jaime talked about no one believing she gave her idol to Kane. Jeff tells them that Matthew planted that fake idol for her to find. Matthew was medically evacuated with the real idol. Jeff says the fake idol would be in a future season ... real or fake?

Carolyn and Yam Yam in their relationship. Yam Yam says they're married. Matt/Frannie a couple? A showmance? Yep, Matt says they have chemistry. Meanwhile, Danny is nicer on the after show than he was on the show.

Now they are talking about how rough challenges are when they're hungry and dehydrated. Carson gained 30 pounds to be on the show. All admitted to crying at some point or another.

Jeff brings up Carolyn no votes. She cries and says she didn't believe in herself. She says she struggles when she's out of her element. Frannie speaks kindly to her and says she's an inspiration. 

Sneak peek at next season. We get backstories on some. Looks like another possibly good cast. Still in Fiji. Looks like Bruce from this season is back!

Survivor 44: May 17 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening!

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!

We're getting down to the wire here. I never thought at the start that I would be cheering on Carolyn. Or that Yam Yam would still be in it at this point. Or that four women and two men, not alpha males either, would be the final six. This has been the best season in years! I've heard Bruce (1st out due to medical head injury) is rumored to be on the cast next season. I would like to see him play. Good casting this season!

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

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Frannie

Danny

Survivor fans ready?

As per custom, we pick up with the castaways returning from Tribal. It's Night 21. As usual, we have a few unhappy campers. Carolyn, Carson and Yam Yam are happy, but ...! Yam Yam is worried that Carolyn is letting on how good a player she really is. 

Now Jaime is thinking Carolyn is a very calculated and good game player. Carson notices that Heidi is out looking for an idol in the middle of the night. He awakens Carolyn and they both search, too. Heidi does already have an idol no one knows about. If she can have two, it would be game changing for her!

Lauren is also now onto Carolyn's game. She thinks she's lovable, though. Lauren and Jaime are trying to talk Carson and Yam Yam to work with them against Carolyn. Hmm.

Day 22. Yam Yam has lost a lot of weight! It really shows in his face. Into a Reward Challenge. Two teams. Two blindfolded push one caller in a giant ball, table maze. Sanctuary is the reward. Foot massage, lunch, chocolate, cookies, fruits, juice and iced tea.

Carson calls, Yam Yam and Lauren orange in the lead.

Purple has Carolyn and Heidi pulling/pushing with Jaime inside.

ORANGE WINS! Carson, Lauren and Yam Yam!

At Sanctuary, Yam Yam is in heaven. It's his first time eating in 22 days other than camp fare. Yam Yam and Carson talk to Lauren about how they want Carolyn out next. Carson actually doesn't want that, but Yam Yam seems to be considering it.

Back at camp, Heidi and Jaime are talking to Carolyn about how loved Carson is and they want him out. Carolyn agrees but tells us she still needs Carson in the game. Heidi and Carolyn talk about taking out Lauren. Hmm.

Carolyn runs to Carson telling him his name is coming up. Carson thinks the ex-Tika can run the game. I hope they do stick together. Yam Yam is starting to worry me a bit. He seems to be seriously considering a Carolyn vote. I think, dependent on who wins Immunity, we are going to have another guessing game vote tonight.

Immunity Challenge time. Two ropes balancing a ball on a disk, they have to back up further at time intervals. Last ball up wins. The weather looks good, a little wind but not bad. Jaime out first. Carolyn out. Carson out. Yam Yam out. Uh-oh. It's down to Heidi and Lauren.

LAUREN WINS IMMUNITY! It's her second Immunity win.

Argh. Yam Yam is still for Carolyn going and he's telling us, so it's real. No one is really talking. Carolyn talks to Heidi about taking out Jaime. She is skeptical and is thinking she might have to use her idol. Heidi tells Yam Yam and Carson that she is willing to vote out Jaime. Jaime is worried that people won't support her wanting Carolyn out.

They are definitely setting us up for the guessing game vote again. Carson is reluctant but recognizes Carolyn's great game. He's in a quandary! I hope Yam Yam goes with his heart and keeps Carolyn.

They brought everything to Tribal Council as they're worried they may be sent elsewhere and all might be at risk. Shot in the Dark is over. Jaime says everyone's names were out there. Yep, for sure. Carolyn is giving Yam Yam weird eyes. Carolyn defends emotional but strategic players. She doesn't like lies. She's very worried. Yam Yam says the person who leaves tonight is the one who needs to leave for everybody's game. Carolyn does not take that well with her facial expression.

The tally -- Heidi plays her idol.

Carolyn, Jaime, Carolyn, Jaime, Jaime, Jaime.

Phew! I was scared for Carolyn! Jaime is history, goes out with class and a smile. 

It's good they brought everything -- they are headed to a new beach.

Next week is the season finale!

Jaime and Lauren voted Carolyn. Yam Yam followed his heart.

Survivor 44: May 10th Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening!

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! 

Are you ready for 90-minute episodes of both Survivor and The Amazing Race, both for Wednesday evenings, in the fall? Three hours of live blogging in one night. Eek. Thankfully, I'm feeling somewhat better. We can thank the writers' strike. Here's an article about it right at this here link.

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

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Frannie

Survivor fans ready?

As usual, we start with the return from Tribal. Carolyn is SO ticked that she wasn't told of the Frannie vote. Yam Yam wants to try to explain to her. She thinks Yam Yam and Carson, her main allies, lied to her all day. She is acting out. 

Heidi put Danny's name down and thought he was going to go. At least she still has her idol.

Day 20 - they are meditating and sharing gratitude on the beach. How peachy-keen is that? They say they are creating real bonds, trying to get closer to each other. Okay, as long as they can be cut-throat when needed.

Carolyn has calmed down and seems to be making amends with Yam Yam. She tells us she's over it and will go back to trust Carson and Yam Yam. She also still has her idol and hasn't told anyone about it. Yam Yam knows Heidi voted for Danny at Tribal and tells him. 

Danny talks to Heidi and she denies being his vote. He tells her Yam Yam said it was. She suggests Jaime. He thinks it's Yam Yam and his Tika crew, now he wants to target them.

Carolyn found a molted lobster shell. She loves it. Yam Yam gave her a "shell" that works like an evil finger pointer. She decides she must have fun ... and loves having fun with Yam Yam. They talk about Danny and Lauren being big threats. 

Meanwhile, Lauren and Danny talk about the Tika Three being the main threat. They talk to Jaime and try to get her in on targeting them. Jaime thinks Yam Yam is the biggest target as he's so likable.

Ohhh  ... they arrive by boat for the Immunity Challenge. It's the one in which they have to overcome fear, in the water under a metal grate, remaining in it as the tide comes in -- AND THEY ALMOST DIE!!!

Thirty minutes, all still in. Lauren first out at an hour, she was shivering from the start. Jaime out. Carson out. Carolyn out. Danny out. It's down to Heidi and Yam Yam for the win. One hour, 25 minutes. Heidi out.

YAM YAM WINS IMMUNITY! Everybody, except Danny, seems thrilled for him. I don't think any expected he would ever win a challenge.

Carson is happy, of course. He doesn't know that the non-Tika is planning to vote Carson. Danny tells Yam Yam they will be splitting Jaime/Lauren votes. The others think their plan is so solid! They are worried about Carolyn's reaction. Carolyn is worried for Carson. She goes to "work" with Danny and he denies Carson is the target. She goes to Carson and tells him her suspicions. He tries to convince Jaime and Lauren to vote with him against Danny. It doesn't seem to be working.

Yam Yam tells Carolyn he will keep Carson with her. They need a split vote from the others. Carolyn tells Carson she has an idol she will play her idol for him. Carson is amazed she has one and told no one. She's scared Danny has an idol. They're setting us up for yet another unpredictable Tribal Council. I love when you don't outright know ahead of time!

Tribal Council time - Jeff brings up the uncertainty of the Tribals this season. Carson admits being scared. He makes an eloquent speech about what the experience means to him. 

Time to tally the votes -- Carolyn is delaying her vote, looks totally lost. She plays her idol for CARSON!!!

The tally -- Carson, Carson, Danny, Danny, Heidi, Heidi, Danny.

Carolyn did it! DANNY goes out imitating DiNiro in Taxi Driver.

Survivor 44: May 3 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening!

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! 

How interesting is it that the first three voted out after the merge are all men?

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

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

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

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Survivor fans ready?

We open, as usual, with the castaways returning from Tribal Council. It's Night 17. Frannie is befuddled. She wasn't in on the Kane vote. They all lied to her. Carson wants to focus on damage control. He talks to Jaime. He told her that Kane told the others she had an idol when in actuality, Carson himself told the others. Now, Kane went off to jury with her idol in his sock.

It's right to the Reward Challenge. Spinning in metal frame to bring a buoy to them. Dizzy, they have to climb over a net platform, go across a beam, collect big balls, untie knots, toss ball to land in an elevated narrow trough. Sanctuary overnight and tacos, wine, etc. are the reward.

It's raining pretty hard. 

FRANNIE WINS REWARD! Letters from home are part of the reward. One person to join -- Carolyn! One more -- Lauren. One more -- Heidi.

Back at camp they are cooking rice. Yam Yam tells us he's the only one who hasn't been on a reward. He's pretty down. He does think maybe he can work on a bond with Danny and Jaime. He already has one with Carson.

At the Sanctuary, they are all thrilled. Even sober Carolyn has a margarita. The moms choosing is a hit with the moms. Now the letters and tears are coming. Lauren says it's the first time her father has said he's proud of her. Carolyn's son wrote and even drew some kind of unicorn fish. These women are bonding! They are talking about voting out Danny.

At camp, Jaime comes clean about losing the idol. Danny doesn't believe her. She thinks they all believe her. None of them do. Now their plan is Frannie or Jaime.

The Sanctuary bunch returned to camp in the morning. Jaime tells the women about the idol. She thinks the truth will set her free. Let's see if they believe her. Nope! No one believes her. She has put a bigger target on her back.

Time for the Immunity Challenge. It's actually sunny. Feet tied together, arms tied to side, slither through sand and course with a buoy attached to their mouth, maneuver buoy through an obstacle, first one to the finish a puzzle wins.

CARSON WINS IMMUNITY!

Frannie wants to put her social strategy to the test without Immunity. They are talking about Danny and Jaime. Danny is campaigning against Frannie. Lauren is not impressed by him. But, she thinks Danny might have a point. Yam Yam thinks Jaime is the biggest threat. He goes to talk to Carson. They are worried about losing Carolyn as an ally if they vote out Frannie. It sounds like we're going into another Council of Confusion.

Carolyn thinks that Heidi telling her that Danny wants Frannie out is stupid. She wants Danny out. Now the four girls want Heidi out. Carson wants Heidi out and he wants Frannie out ... which will he choose?

Tribal Council awaits its victim. Jeff starts with the Reward Challenge, once again putting a spotlight on Frannie. Danny is given a chance to focus on winning (and Frannie). Yam Yam is asked about targets and people winning challenges. Jaime once again brings up Kane taking her idol away with him. Jaime says the era of alliances is over. Once again, I have no real idea how the vote will come down. No whispering this week.

The tally -- Frannie, Danny, Heidi, Heidi, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie.

Frannie ... she won too much, I guess. Carolyn seems the most disappointed.

Survivor 44: April 26 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! I'm ready for another night of chills and thrills. How about you? I feel so much better about this season than I have the past few seasons. You may not believe me, but live blogging some of those seasons made the hour spent seem endless. With this season, it goes by so quickly. 

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! 

I was worried that the men might wipe out the women, but the women are now in the majority -- thanks to two guys being medically evacuated, but ...!

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

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

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 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Survivor fans ready?

We open with the castaways returning to camp after Tribal. Danny thinks all went to plan with his saving Frannie and ousting Brandon (his biggest competition), plus getting the old tribes even for the first time. Lauren was not in on the plan, of course. She's so not happy Ratu is down one and hopes they can work with Tika.

Yam Yam is happy, no blood on his hands and no votes on him. Josh, Matt and Brandon voted for him, and all are gone now. Coincidence? Hmm.

Kane feels Brandon going was an awakening for him. Kane thinks Danny is the big threat in the game. Both he and Danny are out there looking for idols. Jaime and Lauren know Danny is looking for idols. Jaime still has hers. Now they are all out there looking!

Heidi finds one and it warns her that it's only good until five players are left in the game.

At camp they're playing meaningless games. Yam Yam thinks they need chill time. Carolyn mispronounces S and gives them some giggles. She tells them she just celebrated 13 years sober. She thinks her past made her what she is today. Yeah, she's wacky. But she is playing the game well. Frannie loves her because she's herself. She sure isn't anyone else!

Carson feels tired but no longer nauseous. They are hungry. Carson hasn't really been eating. They have been roasting unripe papaya. Ew. Tree Mail - challenge is relatively painless unless they want rice. They have to negotiate to win rice. Some people have to give up the right to be in the Immunity Challenge for rice. Danny thinks that's the cowardly way out. Carson wants to sit out but is feeling pressured.

It's pouring rain for the Immunity Challenge. Stand on a small block while balancing a ball on a piece of wood. Drop the ball and you're out. Jeff brings up the Tree Mail. Carson and Lauren volunteer. Jeff wants four. Danny says he won't vote for the sit-outs, Carolyn won't either. Kane volunteers. Heidi volunteers to be the fourth out. A large bag of rice is what they will get.

To the Challenge -- Carolyn out first. Jaime out. Yam Yam out. Danny out!

FRANNIE wins her second Immunity showdown against Danny! I'm liking her better without the Matt connection. I think she's playing better without him.

Day 17 as they return from the challenge. Yes, they have fire and rice. They are feasting. Kane thinks he can't trust Danny's word to not vote for him. Yam Yam still thinks he's in the middle and in less trouble than earlier in the game. They are still trying to play by original tribal lines. Jaime wants Kane out. Meanwhile, the others want to flush Jaime's idol.

Some want to split the votes between Danny and Heidi. They bring Kane into it. Jaime is worried that they might vote for her. Jaime is giving Kane her idol just in case there is a Knowledge of Power advantage -- that's the one where you can take an idol from someone that you know has one. It is not in play this season ... yet.

My gosh, the votes and plans seem to be all over the place. Danny thinks Frannie is betraying the "family." Yam Yam wants to work with Soka to get out Kane. Carolyn wants Danny out because she's sick of him. I'm getting more befuddled by the minute.

Tribal Council time. I feel the need to note the time -- 8:46 -- much earlier than the last several weeks. Jeff brings up the rice sit-outs. Jeff brings up the safety promises. Kane says he doesn't trust. Jeff says Danny said "Scout's honor!" Danny quickly replies he was never a scout. Quite a bit of the conversation seems directed at Danny. Hmm. Yam Yam says he himself is paranoid. Lauren brings up those who have lied to her.

Uh-oh. Kane is whispering to people. Danny? All are whispering now. Danny votes first. Ohh. One of the women uses an extra vote -- can't think who it was who had it.

The tally: Kane, Heidi, Jaime, Kane, Heidi, Danny, Kane, Heidi, Kane, Kane.

Kane is gone. Yam Yam was right -- now he has the fourth one who put his name out there gone.

Oops. Kane went out with Jaime's idol in his sock.