Survivor: Blood vs. Water - November 6 Episode Blog Party

It sounds like tonight should be action-packed -- someone returning from Redemption Island and the merge is on! I do think that all those people who worried about Aras and Vytas getting together and thinking they should do something about it may have wished they had done so!

Lifeguard Laurie has returned to the real world after a splendid well-deserved time away from home. Here are the latest pool standings:

End of Week Three 10/30
Galang
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Tadhana
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Redemption Island
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee


As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

Survivor fans ready?

Duel time - this time it's do or die. The winner returns to the game; the two losers go home. It's an endurance duel -- hanging onto a pole as long as they can. Not surprisingly, due to size and weight, John is out first. Laura M. seems the most secure although Ciera would rather play her own game. Laura M. returns to the game -- Laura B. and John both out for good.

Drop your buffs. The merge is indeed on.

Even though she could have kept it for herself, Laura threw the Hidden Idol clue in the fire.

Tyson found the idol and says that he isn't going to tell anyone. We'll see about that! They always seem to tell.

First individual immunity up for grabs! They will be shown a series of pictures and each must show them back in order on a cube. Monica out first. Caleb and Katie out. Tyson and Tina out. Hayden out. First round done.

Second round. Laura out. Ciera out. Gervase out. It's down to Aras and Vytas. Vytas wins immunity! (It's a shame Aras is a big target for others.) Gervase and Tyson still go for an Aras exit.

The tally: Laura, Laura, Ciera, Ciera, Aras, Aras, Aras, Aras, Aras ... rats. I liked him! The Tyson/Gervase plan worked. But, Aras is going to Redemption. He's not booted yet!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 30 Blog Party

Good evening! Happy Mischief Night to all! Hopefully we'll see some sort of mischief on the show tonight. Now, that could be fun. The tribes switched up last week leaving Vytas alone with the women on on tribe, Ciera alone with the men on the other. Vytas managed to last through one tribal council. But I'm not sure he can make it through another if the women decide to stick together!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from Travelin' Lifeguard Laurie:

Galang 
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Tadhana
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Redemption Island 
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
KAT -- Jig, Petals

Off the Island 
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.

Quit 
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

As the show airs here on the east coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh this page to get the latest. But, as you all know, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

It's Duel Time! Let's see if Kat has a complete meltdown. She sobbed and hung onto Hayden before they got started. Oops. Hayden said his relationship with her is stronger than the game. Will he take Jeff's bait and swap places with her? 

When Hayden asks what's their best longterm shot for the win, Kat said he stands more of a chance to win it all. She duels. Untie knots, release machete, hack rope, release puzzle pieces and then, of course, a puzzle. John finishes first! Laura is second, Kat is gone. John once again gives the clue to Monica. She burns it again. 

Uh-oh. Aras seriously thinks that Gervase and Tyson can be trusted. Oops.

The Immunity Challenge has the tribes chained together at the ankle, navigating obstacles, collecting bags, making bolos and throwing them. The reward is a fried chicken picnic. 

It was fairly close, but Tadhana wins. 

Gah. Laura B. tells Vytas they've decided to vote him out. I wonder if that might do her in instead.

Tribal Council time -- Laura once again says that Vytas will be leaving. @@

The tally: Vytas, Laura B, Laura B, Laura B.

She blew it for herself. She's off to Redemption Island.

Next week a person returns from Redemption Island and the merge is ON! 

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 23 Episode Blog Party

Ah, tonight's the night! In the promos, Jeff is supposed to be "mixing it up" with the tribes. I wonder how they're going to do that ... will "loved ones" be on the same tribe? Will it be by gender? Hmm.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But, as always, the real party is in the comments area. Come watch (and party) with us!

But first ... here are the latest blog pool standings from Lifeguard Laurie (who's hoping to see pretty leaves and a possible snowflake this week) --

Galang Team
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie

Off the Island
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924

Quit
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

 ********************************************

Survivor fans ready?

Time for the duel! Laura won't let Ciera switch with her. They're on a balance beam untying bags of number tiles. They have to complete a "puzzle" with the numbers. Laura wins! John comes in second place. Bye-bye Brad Culpepper. Laura chooses to give the hidden immunity idol clue to Vitas. She doesn't want to put the target on Ciera's back. Vitas doesn't want it either and it goes in the fire.

Here comes the switch-up.

Er, after the commercial, that is.

"Drop your buffs, we're going to draw for new tribes." Tyson goes last so the fates can decide. Gervase, Aras and Tyson switch, with Ciera being the only woman on that tribe (Tadhana). Vytas is the only man on his tribe (Galang).

Caleb shared the hidden idol clue and Tyson is already a food sneak once again. Tyson is also trying to get any target on himself switched to Aras. Meanwhile, Vytas is working on fitting in with his women.

Immunity challenge time ... diving down to a cage, releasing gate, getting puzzle fish trap, vertical puzzle. Reward is a picnic lunch including sandwiches and brownies.

Eek! Laura and Tina forgot to get the trap! Sheesh! Despite that, they almost won the challenge. But it was indeed a Tadhana win.

Kat worries about Monica strategizing too much. Tina told Monica. Kat lies to Tina. Hmm. Vytas might be able to squeak by this week. Things seem between Kat and Vytas even though I'd rather see Monica go.

Tribal Council time.

The tally: Vytas, Kat, Kat, Kat, Kat ... Hayden's gal is headed to Redemption Island!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 16 Blog Party

Good evening, Survivor fans! The promos for tonight's show are hinting quite blatantly at yet another blindside. It brings to mind last week's show in which it seems like Caleb all of a sudden thinks he's in charge after Brad's ouster. While I so didn't want another season of Colton (and got my wish), as of this point, I've kind of liked Caleb. Hmm ... wonder if the blindside will be him.

How's the swimming, you ask? Well, the water's just fine. For some of us, that is. Here are the latest standings from the Super Soaker LifeGuard Laurie:

End of Week Three 10/9
Galang Team
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.

Off the Island
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny

Quit
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

*********************************

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh this page to get the latest! But, as you know, the real party is in the comments -- come join in on the fun!

Redemption Island Duel Time!
They have to build a bridge with planks, then un-build it and solve the puzzle with the planks. John wins! Brad comes in second. Candice is out of the game. He once again gives Monica the clue to the hidden idol. She once again tosses it in the fire.

Ew. They really don't need to show us disgusting wounds and toenails falling off. Ew.

Time for the Immunity Challenge!
Race down a slide, grab a ring, toss on a post, get a point for the tribe. Reward is steak, vegetables, spices and a wok ... or fishing gear.

OH MY GOSH! Tadhana won a challenge! About time! They chose the steak, possibly not the best decision as they could use the fishing gear for the rest of the game.

Aras would like Laura M. to be the vote as she might knock Brad out of Redemption Island and thus become a better ally for their own game.

The tally: Laura B, Laura M, Laura M, Laura M, Laura M. She's blindsided and headed to Redemption Island.

Ah, looks like Jeff is mixing things up with the tribes at the next Redemption Duel. Hmm ...

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 9 Episode Blog Party

Oh my gosh ... is the newbie team ever going to win ANYTHING? At least, with the "loved ones" twist this season, there's a bit of a new dynamic in the midst due to the connections. Otherwise, it would just be another season of watching experienced veteran players trounce the newcomers.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. As always, the real party is in the comments. Please join us!

Here are the blog pool standings as of the last episode, brought to you by that ever-rockin' LifeGuard Laurie:

Galang
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW

Off the Island
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee

Quit the game
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

****************************

Survivor fans ready? Let's partay! And, watch the show. Of course.

Redemption duel time!
Uh-oh. Husband and wife will have to duel against each other ... and Marissa.

They have to unravel a rope on a horizontal ladder doohicky, get puzzle pieces and solve a puzzle. John wins! Candice survives in second place and Marissa gets the boot. Candice told John to give the clue to the hidden idol to Monica. He went with it -- to put a target on Monica's back due to Brad being institutional in his tribal ouster. On Brad's advice, Monica burns the clue.

Immunity Challenge time!
Paddle out to crates (five of them), gather crates with puzzle pieces, solve puzzle, raise flag. Ho-hum. Reward is tea and biscotti or can be traded for fishing gear. Galang (veteran players) win once again. Oy.

Tribal Council
Ciera is worried, as she needs to be. Caleb should be worried. Whoa! Caleb says he will write Brad's name down and puts the rest on the spot.

The tally: Brad, Ciera, Ciera, Brad, Ciera, Brad. It's a tie. Re-vote time. We see Hayden scribble out where he started to write Ciera and put Brad's name instead.

The re-tally -- Brad, Ciera, Brad, Brad.

Big Bad Brad is headed to Redemption Island!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 2 Blog Party

Guess what day it is! Why, it's Survivor day, silly camel! Maybe tonight we'll see Colton (who should never darken my silver screen again) quit ... once again. As the show airs here, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Y'all know the real party is in the comments, right?

A few things before we get started:

• If you want in on the blog pool for The Amazing Race run by the Amazing Margo, you need to go to this post to sign up. The deadline is Friday, midnight ET. 

The current blog pool standings (LifeGuard Laurie rocks!) for Survivor: Blood vs. Water going into tonight's show are:

Galang
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana 
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee

Off the Island 
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.

Survivor fans ready?

Redemption Island time. Tyson realizes Rachel was ousted in the hopes of getting him to take her place. He's staying with his tribe. Colton's crying (AGAIN) and says he doesn't want to be there any longer.

I say, don't let the palm frond hit you on the way out, Colton.

Ah, Jeff brought up that his last exit was faked! He fusses more and then quits. He then runs to Caleb and cries. Caleb stays! Cool. I have no issues with Caleb other than his weird affection for Colton.

The duel is a dominoes type challenge. Candice wins! Marissa comes in second. Rachel (Tyson's gal) is sent packing. Candice give John a second clue to the hidden idol.

John decided to share the idol clues with Brad. But Brad isn't sure that John really trusts him or, for that matter, that he might not really trust John.

The Immunity Challenge has them dueling their loved ones a pair at a time on a platform on the water. The reward is either comfort (mosquito net, etc.) or fishing gear.

Galang wins Immunity once again. They get the comfort items as they already won fishing gear.

Brad, worried that John will go with Candice after the merge instead of him, wants to break up the Five Guys (no burgers and fries) alliance and blindside John. The guys are suspicious and think they should vote out Brad. Brad told them the clues to the idol.

Tribal Council time -- the tally --
Cierra, John, John, John, John. John goes to Redemption Island. Thanks, Candice!

Survivor: Blood vs.Water - September 25 Blog Party

Before we get into the show, I noticed some people are asking about the pool for The Amazing Race. I haven't heard from Margo yet, so I'm uncertain if she's going to be doing it this season. I should know before the premiere. I hope so, anyway!

Speaking of pools, here's our latest pool standings here on Survivor by that rockin' Lifeguard Laurie:

Galang Team
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.

*********************************************

As tonight's show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But the real party (and reactions!) is in the comments area ... come join us!

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, long recap, but the Redemption Island duel is upon us now. The three compete stacking spools on a rack thingee. Gervase turned down a chance to take Marissa's spot. Winner chooses to give a clue to a hidden idol to anyone of their choosing. Loser is out for good. Top two stay to duel again for the return. Candice is first done! Marissa stays alive! Rupert is gonzo! He;s the first out this season! Candice gives her husband John the hidden idol clue.

Colton is already the way he was on his season. Ick.

Immunity Challenge -- Pushing a tribe member in a barrel, collecting balls, then they play a skee-ball kind of game for the win. Reward is fishing equipment. Gervase wins it for the returning players, second win in a row. He tells them it's for Marissa. (Yeah, like he really cares.)

Because John had the idol clue and balked about voting out Rachel as his broliance wanted him to do ... he may be up for a blindside. Eep.

Tribal council time. Lots of layers to the voting this year. The person they vote out can be replaced with the loved one, etc.

The tally -- John, John, Ciera, Rachel, Rachel, Rachel, Rachel.

Welp, the blindside of John didn't work. They're sending Rachel to Redemption Island where it's possible that Tyson might take her place.

Survivor: Blood vs. Water Season Premiere Blog Party

Okay .... Survivor fans ready? Tonight is the big season premiere! If you're like me, you've already checked out Jeff's cast assessment and the clip of the first seven minutes of tonight's show on cbs.com.

Hmm. I'm not really keen on returning players on reality competition shows. At least this time, there's a bit more of a twist than your basic fans vs. favorites scenario. The show starts out with the cast spending a night alone on the island (?) with their loved one, alone. But then the returning players are put on one tribe, the loved ones on the other. That's my understanding, anyway.

It's definitely a set-up for drama. Will people shy away from beating their loved ones in challenges? In the end, will a loved one vote against his or her real-life relationship partner? Once the merge goes down, will the blood work together or with original tribemates? There can only be one winner.

Jeff seems quite impressed with Aras and his brother, as well as Big Brother winner Hayden. I'm just personally surprised that Hayden is in a relationship with Crazy Kat! Jeff also says we'll see a different Colton. I reserve judgment on that one although his partner seems pleasant and likable.

As the show airs tonight on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- so refresh to get the latest news! Immediately after the show, the blog party of the season finale of Big Brother 15 will be up. So, at that time, move onto that post those of you following that show!

The esteemed and lovable LifeGuard Laurie has compiled the random drawings for the pool and here they are (if you didn't make the cut-off of 3pm ET yesterday, feel free to pick your own castaway to cheer on!):

ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
BRAD --Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KAT -- Jig, Petals
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

All that said, the party is really in the comments area. Come join us!

They all gather together with Jeff after their night with the loved one bit. Jeff tells them they won't be playing WITH the loved one, but AGAINST said loved one. Most are looking forward to it. Jeff splits them up by new players and returning players.

Yikes! Each tribe has to vote someone out now! Uh-oh ... Laura, Rupert's wife, gets the can. Candice got the can(dice) on the returning players tribe. Oh my. Jeff says they're not out of the game -- Redemption Island is in play this season.

Jeff offered the loved ones to switch with those voted out. Rupert does so and Laura goes to the returning players tribe in his place. He will have to duel for redemption to get back in. John says that he thinks Candace can beat Rupert in the duels. He stays with the new player tribe.

Immunity Challenge time. Racing through water, puzzle pieces, put together a ship's wheel, raise the flag. They're also playing for flint. The old-timers already have a fire thanks to Tyson, but the new players need it! Gervase is dragging his team down. Eep. But during the puzzle, returning players take on the lead.

Galang wins Immunity. That would be the returning players.

The newbies have already got a male alliance of five men together with only four women on the tribe.

Tribal Council time.

Votes:
Katie
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa

Grr. Marissa got the boot mainly because she's female and Gervase gloated over winning.

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Blog Pool Sign Up!

Next Wednesday evening, September 18, at 8pm ET/PT, we have the Survivor: Blood vs. Water season 90-minute season premiere leading into the finale of Big Brother. Mark your couch potato calendars and start thinking of the snacks and beverages now! It's gonna be a heck of a night!

I'm thrilled to announce that the honorable and esteemed Lifeguard Laurie has once again offered her services to host the blog pool. She rocks like that, y'know. You can sign up for the pool by contacting her at: lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com 
Entries must be in by 6pm ET Tuesday 9/17.

Remember, the pool is all in fun. You will be randomly assigned a castaway to cheer on until they either get ... well, um ... cast away or win. If your castaway wins it all and is the sole Survivor, you win bragging rights until the next season is underway.

On show nights, we'll have blog parties right here on East Coast time. I'll also keep an eye out for newsy items about the show and such to keep us entertained. 

I previously posted on the cast announcement here.

Survivor fans ready?

Survivor: Blood vs. Water Cast Announced

Hmm ... lots of familiar faces. You can check them out at the CBS website for yourselves, but here's who's on and my thoughts about them:


Tyson Apostol / Rachel Foulger, dating
Ages: 34 / 33
Provo, UT
Former pro cyclist / cocktail waitress/graphic designer
Survivor: Tocantins, 2nd jury member
Heroes vs. Villains, 6th voted out
My thoughts: Tyson was a strong competitor. I believe we might have a contender here. The girlfriend seems smart, but that doesn't always win the show.

Aras Baskauskas / Vytas Baskauskas, brothers
Ages 31 / 33
Santa Monica, CA
Musician / yoga instructor/math professor
Survivor: Panama - Exile Island, winner
My thoughts: I liked Aras. I thought he was a very deserving winner in his season. With the brother along, this might be a likable alpha male team.

Rupert Boneham / Laura Boneham, married
Ages: 49 / 44
Indianapolis, IN
Mentor for teens / merchandiser
Survivor: Pearl Island, 2nd jury member
All Stars, 6th jury member, winner fan-favorite
Heroes vs. Villains, 7th jury member
My thoughts: Really? Rupert again? I have to hear him bellow more? I'm so over that. His horse has done been ridden too much. I know he has fans, but I'm not in the bunch.

Candice Cody / John Cody, married
Ages: 30
Washington D.C. 
Physicians
Survivor: Cook Islands, 5th jury Member                  
Heroes vs. Villains, 5th jury Member
My thoughts: I wasn't all that keen on Candice returning the first time she returned. But this could be interesting with the husband along for the ride.
                                                
Monica Culpepper / Brad Culpepper, married
Ages: 42 / 44
Tampa, FL
Former NFL wife; attorney, retired NFL player
Survivor: One World, 5th voted out
My thoughts: Well, this might be revenge on Colton! Cool. He deserves it.

Colton Cumbie / Caleb Bankston, engaged
Ages: 22 / 26
Collinsville, AL
Student teacher / post officer manager
Survivor: One World, 6th out, medically evacuated
My thoughts: I don't like Colton. While I really enjoyed the evil ways of Richard Hatch in the first season, Colton is nasty and seems to feel very privileged. While I don't want him to be medically evacuated again, I hope he doesn't last long. Sorry, Caleb.

Kat Edorsson / Hayden Moss, dating
Ages: 23 / 26
Orland, FL / Springtown, TX
Student / real estate
Survivor: One World, 6th jury member / Big Brother 12 winner for Hayden
My thoughts: I didn't know they were dating! I hope Hayden has more manageable hair on this show than he did on BB. He could very well do quite well, but it's a lot different than being stuck in a house for three months.

Laura Morett / Ciera Eastin, mother/daughter
Ages: 43 / 24
Salem, OR
Construction business owner / cosmetology student
Survivor: Samoa, 3rd jury member
My thoughts: I don't find Laura all that particularly memorable. Hmm. The daughter seems to have spunk. My jury is out on this one.

Gervase Peterson / Marissa Peterson, uncle/niece
Ages: 43 / 21
Philadelphia, PA / Chapel Hill, NC
Cigar lounge owner / student
Survivor: Borneo, 3rd jury member
My thoughts: Gervase? Gervase?!? My memories of him had him as very likable, often wearing a hat ... and lounging about camp! I hope he'll put more into the effort this time!

Tina Wesson / Katie Collins, mother/daughter
Ages: 52 / 25
Robbinsville, NC and New York, NY
Motivational speaker / hedge fund support
Survivor: Australia, Winner
All Stars, 1st Voted Out
My thoughts: Tina played a good game, but if memory serves, she virtually "stole" the win from Colby Donaldson. This could be interesting. She's no spring chicken these days.

**********************************

While I'm never keen on reality shows having returning players, at least this concept for the season is relatively fresh. Your thoughts?

The season premiere is September 18th. Be here or be square.