Survivor: Caramoan - Season Finale and Reunion Show Blog Party

Welp, this is it. We're down to five castaways and the promos hint that one will leave in a medical emergency. I've got different scenarios running through my head as I think of each one leaving. For some reason, I'm thinking it might be Sherri or Erik. But I could be totally off base there -- I have no spoilers info as I haven't searched any out this season.

We all know that things will get shaken up if Eddie wins Immunity. However, for a buff kind of dude, he hasn't really performed well during the challenges. I guess we'll see! As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page often to get the latest news.

But, as always, the real party is in the comments. Come join us! Bring snacks and beverages, too!

Oh my. I'm right about it being Erik. His head is spinning since leaving Tribal Council. The medic pulls him from the game -- dehydration and starvation. (Meanwhile I'm hearing ice cream truck music from outdoors which is way incongruous with what's happening on the show.)

Reward challenge has them balancing while building a house of cards. The winner gets an advantage in the final immunity challenge. Cochran wins the advantage in the final immunity challenge! Woohoo!

Dawn, of course, is freaking. While she can do well in challenges, she's a basket case so often at other times that it makes her her own worst enemy. Cochran is tired of her.

Rites of passage. I wonder how they'll come of with good words about Brandon. Okay, he's still delusional and claiming he was the author of his own elimination. While he was, it was a stupid story indeed!

The final Immunity Challenge has them racing up a tower, getting bags of puzzle pieces in multiple trips and completing a puzzle. Cochran's advantage is that he doesn't have to untie his bags while the others have to untie the three bags. Okay.

Cochran is screwing up his advantage and Dawn is in the lead. Now he's catching up. Eddie is in last place. Cochran steams ahead ... COCHRAN WINS FINAL IMMUNITY!

He's planning on bringing Sherri to the end because he's sure he can beat her. He's in a quandary over the other two. Time to vote!

The tally -- Dawn, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. The final three are Cochran, Sherri and Dawn.

The three get to plead their cases in front of the jury. Dawn is feeling humble and tells how hard the game was for her. She explains her strategy and is proud of her game. Sherri tells about her marriage, children and her successful business. She thinks she became very pliable and worked to get in with everyone. Cochran talks of half his life following the show and his obsession with it. He thinks his timing has been right and wants to prove why he's played the best game.

Jury time ...

Malcolm -- Not bitter, no question for Sherri. His vote is between the other two. Dawn -- Best friend, you played cold-blooded, you have to own it, can't be warm mom, fight for it. Cochran -- What quality do you have that I don't have? Cochran says his insecurity had him taking out people with plans.

Eddie -- Sherri, willing to admit carried to final 3? Nope! Dawn -- Strong claims, weaker than others, daily routine. She's taking Malcolm's advice. Cochran -- where are you going from here? He'll be at the bar with them!

Phillip -- Congrats to all. Sherri, strategic join with favorites, he removes her from StealthRUs. Dawn -- talks of his intolerance with her crying and excuses. He won't cast a vote. Cochran -- played a strategic game, enjoyed it, class act.

Erik -- Dawn - Thought we shared something, you crushed it with vote for Brenda. She once again takes Malcolm's advice. Sherri - Do you understand why you're here? He says she was a seashell on the beach and did nothing.

Mike -- Dawn and Cochran -- you were playing the same game. Dawn, explain why Cochran isn't getting called the villain you are. She doesn't think Cochran would still be there without her. Cochran admits he's happy people are lighting into Dawn. Talks of her paranoia. He thinks he became her therapist.

Reynold -- Dawn - Disliked from day one, complete fraud. Asks her what she thinks about him. 

Andrea -- Not bitter. Grateful even with the blindside. Cochran - Choose an animal he played like. Chameleon. Dawn - Proud of you, strategic game and understands where she's coming from.

Brenda -- Cochran - the family visit, took something from me. He talks of separating game and emotion. Took out a threat to his game. Dawn -- Strong bond I thought we had, pain. She talks about the lost partial plate bit. Would she have quit w/o teeth? No. She tells her to take out her teeth. Dawn refuses, then does it. Brenda said she wanted her to feel the heartbreak.

The voting commences. Phillip votes Cochran and is proud of him, did right by fans and favorites. Eddie wrote down a name he didn't think he'd write tonight, but I didn't see it.

It's off to California! I miss the cheesy jetskis and stuff.

The tally: Cochran, Cochran, Cochran, Cochran, Cochran.

COCHRAN WINS IT ALL!!! It apparently was unanimous as Jeff said Dawn got no votes.

Cochran is a hoot! And, though he just graduated with a law degree from Harvard, he'd like to write. I think he'd do well.

Brenda was via satellite as she's about to give birth any day. She forgave Dawn and all is peachy-keen once again.

Jeff gives a clue about where they're going next season. It looks like blood in water. Hmm. 

Cool ... Rudy and Richard Hatch are there!

Flashback to Borneo. Rudy is now 85! He looks good.

71% of the votes for fan favorite were for Malcolm and Brenda. Malcolm had 36% of those, narrowly beating out Brenda. He gets the 100 grand.

The new season new hint is Blood vs. Water. Okay.

Thank you everyone for taking part in the weekly parties this season! You make it all worthwhile! 

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - May 8 Blog Party

Come one, come all ... we're in the final stretch of the season. The big finale is this Sunday evening from 8pm-11pm. Let's hope it starts on time. PLEASE! Tonight's episode, according to the promos, has the loved ones coming. That tends not to be my personal favorite each season, but it can sometimes be interesting. Supposedly, two loved ones will come for either each castaway or at least one castaway. Ho-hum.

I don't believe I've ever rooted for a returning player to win a season unless it's been ALL returning players. This season I'd really enjoy a Cochran win. I had hoped I'd be cheering on the really local player, Eddie. Although he's fairly easy on the eyes, he doesn't rock my socks. Give me Cochran!

As the show airs, I'll update this page with the major happenings. So, you should refresh it now and then to get the latest. But the real party is always in the comments area! Come join us for the fun!

Their treemail came from Sprint with video messages from home.

At the Reward Challenge setting, the loved ones are brought out in person. They will work with them on the Reward Challenge which consists of, spinning, building rails on a frame and tossing bolos (sp?) -- balls separated by ropes -- on the rail "ladder" they built.

Brenda and her father win Reward -- a floating backyard barbeque -- she invites Dawn and her husband. Uh-oh. Jeff says other loved ones are there. Brenda can choose one other castaway and loved one or she can give up her loved one (and Dawn's) and the barbeque. Brenda gives it to the others.

Dawn breaks down more.

Immunity Challenge has them standing on a ledge over water with their hands in back of them, connected to a winch which lowers them more towards the water. Gah! Cochran is out first! Eddie, then Erik out. Only the women remain. Sherry out. Dawn wants to deal with Brenda, but Brenda's a no-go. But she falls into the water and Dawn actually wins Immunity for the first time!

Brenda thinks it's all good. However, it just might be the kiss of death for her game. While Dawn talked about ousting Eddie, Cochran and others know what a big threat Brenda is for the win.

Tribal Council time! Sherri votes Brenda. Brenda votes Eddie. Those were the only shown votes.

The tally: Eddie, Eddie, Erik, Brenda, Brenda, Brenda.

The tribe has spoken, Brenda. She cries. It hurts.

But how can she blame them? Really.   

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - May 1 Blog Party

We're getting down to the wire with this season. Tonight is a double tribal council with two heading to the jury. The season finale is scheduled for May 12. Yes, Mother's Day -- a week from this coming Sunday.

Normally, I don't cheer on a returning player on these shows. I'm really not too keen on them bringing back folks we've seen before. However, this season is an exception. I'd like to see Cochran win it all. That doesn't mean I won't whine and fuss the next time they bring back returning castaways. It's only a one season pass for them. Got that, CBS?

As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Please refresh the page to get the latest news. The party will be going on in the comments area. Come join in! We'd love to have you. Oh. And bring snacks. Oh. And beverages, too.

Tree Mail brought news that they'd have another Immunity Challenge ahead, not a reward. They have to balance on platforms in the water. They're also playing for reward -- information. Jeff is trying to bribe them with donuts and milk. Erik talks Eddie into going for them with him. Silly Eddie. Three hot dogs and a soda get Cochran to jump. He's hoping one of the favorites wins, not Reynold. He said he couldn't hold on much longer. It's down to Andrea and Brenda -- they're talking about each being safe and sharing the clue, but neither wants to jump. They've been up there three hours. Brenda falls ... Andrea wins Immunity and the clue!

The clue is to the hidden idol. She told everyone (but Reynold and Eddie). Erik found the idol in front of her and handed it over. Uh-oh. She's thinking of targeting Brenda instead of Reynold or Eddie. Yipes.

Tribal Council time! Brenda votes Reynold, the only vote shown pre-tally.

Tally -- um, commercial first. Grr.

Erik, Sherri, Reynold, Eddie, Reynold, Eddie, Reynold, Reynold.

Reynold is history.

Andrea is once again talking Brenda. Cochran isn't keen on either Brenda or Dawn going right now. He tells Brenda. They talk of blindsiding Andrea.

Immunity is up for grabs once again. Push a buoy through obstacles, key, chest, ladder puzzle. Erik wins Immunity! 

Andrea thinks her ducks are in a row and Brenda will go. We'll see.

Tribal Council time again! Brenda and Andrea vote for each other.

The tally -- Andrea does NOT play the idol -- Brenda, Andrea, Eddie, Eddie, Andrea, Brenda, Andrea. Blindside goes to Andrea!

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - April 24 Blog Party

Gee, since Phillip is gone, we're going to have to think of new drinking words! But, since he is indeed gone, I'm solidly in the Cochran camp now. I like the Woody Allen of reality television!

So ... will one of the three pretty boys go tonight? Or will Dawn finally implode? As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll post major events in this entry -- refresh the page to get the latest. However, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

Now it's Brenda who's crying and Dawn consoling her. Brenda thinks she lost control of the game.

It's the food auction dealie going on. Malcolm bought information to go with his beer. It was directions to a buried immunity idol. Andrea gave up a big meal to bring rice and beans back to camp. Cochran took an advantage to be opened next immunity challenge. Letters from loved ones to those who have money left -- $20. Eddie ended up with a giant bowl of peanut butter for all; all they can eat in 60 seconds.

Immunity Challenge - Holding onto a rope connected to a log, move down on the rope in intervals, rope/log harder to hold. Cochran's advantage -- he can move his hands up two knots on the rope at any time. Everyone is holding 1/3 of the body weight they started the game with.

COCHRAN WINS IMMUNITY!

Tribal Council time. Malcolm didn't find the idol, so nothing to play.

The tally: Reynold, Malcolm, Andrea, Reynold, Malcolm, Andrea, Reynold, Andrea, Malcolm .. re-vote due to three-way tie. They can only vote those three, the three can't vote.

Re-tally - Malcolm, Malcolm, Malcolm, Malcolm ... buy-bye, Malcolm. 

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - April 17 Blog Party

Yes! Due to a miscommunication and then upload issues, I haven't been sporting Zoetawny's cool graphic for this season! But, I finally got it to work and here it is! She rocks, y'know.

Tonight's show should be interesting if the promos are true. While Dawn's breakdown isn't too desirable, Cochran's comment about the Tribal Council being the best one ever, as well as promises of a huge upset at Tribal ... well, it sounds like a winner to me!

As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Remember to refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is down in the comments. Come mock the show with us, the cool kids!

Ah, Dawn's breakdown is because she lost her bottom retainer bridge with her front teeth. Now, THAT I can understand freaking out about! Brenda retrieved it from the waters for her and now they're bonded.

Rewards Challenge -- two teams of fives, obstacles, muddy pit, bags of balls, dig through rice, balls into basket. Winning team goes to a hotel, luxury meals, etc.

Purple - Cochran, Phillip, Erik, Reynold, Dawn

Orange - Malcolm, Andrea, Sherri, Brenda, Eddie

Purple wins Reward!

Uh-oh. It's not just the teeth with Dawn. She's in unstable mode. Sigh.

After a good night's sleep, Dawn is normal once again. The Stealth R Us plan is to target Reynold.

Immunity is up for grabs -- two heats, jump in ocean, move rings to posts. Phillip claims he's sitting out because he had a bad experience in water as a boy. @@

Reynold wins Immunity! I guess they'll need a new target, eh?

The new targets are Malcolm and Eddie. Malcolm has his idol, but doesn't want to use it. He's searching for another one. He's not the only one searching. He finds the second idol for himself right in front of people (or, played a clever hoax to get the vote off him).

Tribal Council time. Whoa! Malcolm gave the second immunity idol to Eddie! He really did have them both! Now, the three targets all have immunity. Malcolm says all three of them will vote for Phillip and calls him the fun sponge (sucks all the fun out of the game).

Erik votes "fillup" -- no other votes shown.

Eddie and Malcolm play the idols.

Votes: Malcolm, Malcolm, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie, Phillip, Phillip, fillup!

Phillip, my blog pool pick, is gonzo! Good, now I can cheer on Cochran! 

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - April 10 Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? Last week we saw the favorites turn on Corinne. Will they keep humoring Phillip and keep him around this week? Is romance in the air between Andrea and Eddie? I guess we'll know soon enough!

As the show airs, I'll update this post with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest. If I happen to vanish it's because severe thunderstorms are coming through the area. I'm hoping NOT to vanish, though.

As always, the real fun is in the comments area. Come join the party!

Reward Challenge has them dividing into two teams. One person is the defender while the others go for baskets. Reward is rappelling down a waterfall and a picnic lunch. It was a schoolyard pick. No one picked Sherri. No surprise there. The teams are uneven, male to female, but the game is going quite even. Erik, Eddie, Michael, Cochran and Reynold going on reward.

Cochran is balking (to us only) about the testosterone alliance his winning team wants to get together. Malcolm is trying to gather fans to his side. Phillip is onto Malcolm and wants him out. Ah, the web we weave ...

The Immunity Challenge is underwater in a steel barrier cage with the water rising. Last one in it wins it. Heck, Cochran has a chance at this one with his nose! First one out is Phillip. Heh. Then Sherri. Erik, Dawn, Malcolm, Mike, Eddie, Cochran, Reynold, Andrea ... Brenda wins Immunity!

Lots of scheming is afoot. Not really sure how this one will pan out.

The tally: Wait! Reynild plays his idol. Malcolm tries to tell him they all voted for him (Malcolm) and succeeds! Andrea, Andrea, Reynold, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael, Michael.

Michael is the first member of the jury. 

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - April 3 Blog Party

The merge is ON tonight! As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Please refresh the page to get the latest. However, as always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join in on the fun with us as we watch the show!

There's a boat approaching Gota! They have to gather everything they need in their new home. MERGE ahead! Feast time and green buffs abound. Malcolm sneaked in his mother's name backwards as the tribe name -- Madeline or, in this case, Enil Edam.

Corinne wants to blindside Phillip and snags Malcolm for her cause. The other name coming up to go is Sherri.

Immunity is the old eating disgusting stuff challenge. It's been a while since we've seen this one.

Done in rounds --
Beetle larvae
Ship worms (actually a member on the clam family)
Balut! (Duck embryos -- we've seen these before)
Pig brains -- down to Cochran and Malcolm

COCHRAN wins Immunity!

Corrine wants to line up her boys, vote off Sherri, then Phillip. She's gathering the numbers. Dawn told Cochran, now they're trying to gather numbers to blindside Corrine.

Tribal Council time.

Phillip votes Corrine, Andrea Votes Corrine, Mike votes Sherri, Sherri votes Corrine

Tally: Sherri, Sherri, Sherri, Sherri, Sherri, Corrine, Corrine, Corrine, Corrine, Corrine, Corrine, Corrine.

Buh-bye, Corrine!   

Survivor: Caramoan Fans vs. Favorites - March 27 Blog Party

Cool. No basketball tonight, so we get to watch our show! It should be interesting to see how the castaways mesh in their new tribes. I do think the fans are at a disadvantage as evidenced by Matt's boot last week. But, is Phillip at a disadvantage as well? I guess we'll see!

As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. So, if you're peeking in for the big news, make sure to refresh the page. However, if you're here for the party ... head on down to the comments area! The water is fine!

Lifeguard Laurie has some real life stuff as of late and probably won't make it. She wants y'all to behave in the pool! Here are the latest blog pool standings:

Gota -
Brenda -- Brian, Laurie, Petals
Eddie -- Glenn, Monty, Zoetawny
Malcolm -- Glenn, Monty, Zoetawny
Erik -- Donna in AL, meb, Rbennie
Reynold -- Brian, Laurie, Petals
Sherri -- Becky, Joey & Julie, Nana in the NW
Andrea -- Becky, Joey & Julie, Nana in the NW

Bikal -
Dawn -- dla, Margo, Rochelle
Phillip -- Jackie, Nickelpeed  
Cochran -- Ed in Ohio, ML, Terry in TX
Julia -- Donna in FL, Merrilee, SueGee
Michael -- DKNYNC, Lynn1, Rbennie
Corinne -- DKNYNC, Lynn1, Rbennie

Reward Challenge time! It's the old belted together carrying sandbags through water bit. We've seen this before. Winners get a trip to a local island with a coffee, cookies, croissants and more feast.

Another total massacre. Gota wins reward!

Ah, Malcolm tried to get Reynold aboard with him and Reynold told him he has the idol. Of course, Malcolm has his own idol and has told no one.

Immunity Challenge time! It has them rowing, diving for statues, throwing grappling hooks to snag keys on land, etc.

It wasn't a complete massacre, but Gota won yet again. Man, these teams are really not balanced with the power players!

Phillip told Cochran that he deliberately threw the challenge so they could vote out Julia. @@ Corinne really wants Mike aboard, so that makes Phillip want him gone.

The tally: Mike, Julia, Mike, Julia, Mike, Julia. It's a tie. Re-vote without Mike and Julia participating. They can only vote Mike or Julia.

The second tally: Julia, Julia, Julia.

She's gone.  

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - March 20 Episode Blog Party

Well, I'm not sure tonight's episode can beat last week's in the outrageous aspect. But, with the promise of the tribes switching up (not necessarily merging, I don't think), it should be interesting.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. So, be sure to refresh the page for the latest! As always, the party is down in the comments. Be there or be a Hantz. EW! I can't believe I said that. My apologies to mankind.

Drop your buffs ... we are switching tribes.

They have to smash an egg, inside the color will dictate tribe.

Orange - Gota - Brenda, Eddie, Malcolm, Erik, Reynold, Sherri, Andrea 

Purple - Bikal - Dawn, Phillip, Matt, Cochran, Julia, Michael, Corinne

Reynold is already playing up to Erik that Sherri needs to go while Sherri is telling the girls that Reynold needs to go.

Phillip is driving Corinne bonkers.

Immunity Challenge time! Rolling six large crates, build staircase which reads "Fans vs. Favorites" with them.

Gota wins Immunity while Bikal was pathetic.

Phillip enlists Matt and Mike in StealthRUs.

At Tribal, both Mike and Matt vote for Julia. The tally -- Julia, Julia, Dawn, Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt.

The Bearded One is gone! I really thought they'd vote for Julia.

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - March 13 Blog Party

Ready for some action tonight? The promos have Brandon losing it, running about destroying things and being a general idiot. Why does that not surprise me? What is surprising to me is that they haven't aired him crying yet this season!

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. So, if you're looking in from elsewhere, refresh the page now and then to get the latest! The real party is in the comments area, though. Come join us!

Oh geez ... Brandon is missing his family. He actually volunteers to be the next one out if they go to Tribal Council. He admitted his "pee on the rice" plan to the others. @@

Then he decides he's going to give it his all and play his best game ever. 

Sigh.

It's Reward Challenge time. Two members from each tribe hold a rope from which hangs a rope basket. The others throw coconuts in it. Brandon was out first. Phillip - once again the hero - wins it for the favorites. Steak and all sorts of goodies go their way!

Heh. Reynold found his second idol! Hopefully he'll keep it a secret this time. He tells his boy Eddie.

Meanwhile, Unstable Brandon goes for Phillip. What a whack job! It's all so odd that it makes Phillip look normal.

"I'm a Hantz. I feed me!" Gah. They get tree mail which indicates the Immunity Challenge has to do with boxing. Phillip thinks they should throw it to get rid of Brandon.

Brandon lost it. He sabotaged the food and yells for Phillip to vote him out. Phillip walks away.

Immunity is up for grabs! Brandon decides to talk to the other tribe -- tells them he's their second chance and not to let Phillip win. The favorites decide to forfeit the challenge. Brandon throws Phillip under the bus and screams at him. He goes on about not crying this season.

No. He's whacked out instead.

The Fans get the idol due to forfeit. Tribal starts right at the site of the challenge. Everyone votes for Brandon. WHACKO IS GONE!

No, Brandon. You weren't the author of your elimination. You were an idiot once again -- this time a dangerous idiot instead of merely unstable.

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - March 6 Blog Party

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. I should warn you that we've been having strong winds and sporadic power outages. So, if I seem to vanish, carry on without me -- I'll just be sitting in the dark.

That said, my plan is to update this entry with the major happenings as they air. But, as always, the real action will be in the comments area. See you there!

Philip is giving more people their names for the StealthRUs alliance.

They're into a separate Reward challenge. The reward is a local expert who will be used as a resource ... he'll also bring food. They have to untie planks in the water and transport others from one platform to the next. Then all tribe members have to get on the final platform. Favorites win!

Shamar's latest problem (other than being an obnoxious lazy dude) is that he scratched his eye. Medics come to see him. Oh gee. They want to pull him from the game. Gosh. What a shame. I'll miss him so much.

Shamar who?

Immunity time. Another swim to a platform ordeal. They are smashing tiles and retrieving keys this time around. The favorites win Immunity with Phillip being the big star. Oh my.

Reynold and Eddie are still outcasts. But there is a movement afoot to get Laura out and keep the strength in the tribe.

Tribal Council time! Reynold plays his idol. The tally: Laura, Laura, Reynold, Laura, Laura. She's out, the weakest link. And Reynold wasted his idol. Oh well!

Survivor: Caramoan Fans vs. Favorites - February 27 Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? Let's see how big a fool Brandon makes of himself tonight. If he indeed does some of the stuff threatened on the promos, he's more of a jerk than I thought he was before. I didn't think that was possible.

As the show airs, I'll update this entry with major happenings. But, as always, the real party is in comments. Come join us!

Sherri tried to talk behavior sense into Shamar. Malcolm found the hidden idol in the favorites camp while he and Corinne searched for it. So, she knows, but it's his.

On the Faves, a movement is afoot to get rid of Corinne. On the Fans, poor Shamar is not a happy camper and is pondering quitting. Oh, now he'll save because of the loyalty of the two girls. @@

Immunity Challenge time! Race out to large bamboo cages in the water, go over it, get large chest, drag it to shore. Then they have to complete a track by snagging sections with a grappling hook and rope. They have to move their trunks along the track. Reward is comfort -- pillows, blanket, tarp, chairs.

Favorites win immunity and reward!

The Fans scheming a three way vote - Eddie, Hope and Shamar. They hope to flush out Reynold's idol. Shamar told Hope about the plan and now they all know.

They're making it seem like Shamar is almost a sure bet to go with editing. So, now I'm doubtful.

Tribal Council time.

Reynold does not play the idol. The tally: Shamar, Hope, Shamar, Hope, Shamar, Hope, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. A three way tie! Revote time -- they can only vote for those three and those three cannot vote.

The re-tally: Shamar, Hope, Hope, Hope, Hope ...

What did I say about editing? Hope is out. 

Survivor: Caramoan Fans vs. Favorites - February 20 Blog Party

Okay, one favorite down ... who will be next? How many times will Phillip refer to his Secret Agent Man days? Will Baby Boy Hantz actually be able to go bad boy without crying? Will we have enough booze on hand? Who's got snacks?

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. But, as always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join in on the fun!

Immunity Challenge time! Done in threes, three to a raft, three pull them out to platform, three play huge ring toss. Reward is a fishing kit.

The Favorites win immunity and reward!

Reynold found a hidden immunity idol. There are factions for both Shemar going home, as well as Allie. One of the ones who want Allie out thinks he has it. She outs him for it at tribal council.

Reynold does NOT play the idol.

The tally: Shemar, Shemar, Shemar, Shemar, Allie, Allie, Allie, Allie, Allie, Allie.

GAH! She was my pool pick! She's gone. 

Survivor: Caramoan - Blog Pool List and Season Premiere Blog Party

Tonight, tonight, tonight we party, tonight! Yes, it's time for the big Survivor: Caramoan Fans vs. Favorites season premiere blog party! Jeff Probst has been saying this is going to be one of the best seasons yet. While he tends to get excited and try to give out positive vibes each season, I myself think we're in for an entertaining season. And, after all, that's what we're here for, right? Entertainment!

Lifeguard Laurie has stepped up the pool a bit for us this season -- giving each of us a fan and a fav. Here's the pool list -- if you didn't submit your name on time, feel free to just declare a favorite (or fan or both) to cheer on through the season! It's all in fun.

	Favs		Fans
Becky	Andrea		Sherri
Brent McKee	Brandon		Shemar
Brian	Brenda		Reynold
DKNYNC	Corinne		Michael
dla	Dawn		Matt
Donna in AL	Erik		Laura
Donna in FL	Francesca		Julia
Ed in Ohio	John Cochran		Hope
Glenn	Malcom		Eddie
Jackie	Phillip		Allie
Joey & Julie	Andrea		Sherri
Karen from CA	Brandon		Shemar
Laurie	Brenda		Reynold
Lynn1	Corinne		Michael
Margo	Dawn		Matt
meb	Erik		Laura
Merrilee	Francesca		Julia
ML	John Cochran		Hope
Monty	Malcom		Eddie
Nickelpeed	Phillip		Allie
Nana in the NW	Andrea		Sherri
PDX Granny	Brandon		Shemar
Petals	Brenda		Reynold
Rbennie	Corinne		Michael
Rochelle	Dawn		Matt
Shayne	Erik		Laura
SueGee	Francesca		Julia
Terry in TX	John Cochran		Hope
Zoetawny	Malcom		Eddie

As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. However, the real party will be in the comments area. Jump in! The water's fine!

Survivor fans ready?

It's all starting out with a physical competition for beans and the all important fire. Favorites win!

Immunity Challenge has them climbing up a structure by twos, flinging crates to break them, the crates contain sandbags. Then they toss the sandbags into a grid for the win. FANS WIN FIRST IMMUNITY CHALLENGE!

Tribal - the tally:
Andrea, Andrea, Andrea, Francesca, Francesca, Francesca, Andrea, Francesca, Francesca, Francesca.

They did it again, Francesca is first out.

Survivor: Caramoan - Checking Out the New Castaways

The series premiere will be this coming Wednesday night, February 13, at 8pm ET/PT. As always, the blog party post will be up and running! Laurie is running the blog pool (she rocks, y'know) and you can get aboard with that by contacting her at lifeguardlaurie at gmail.com.

I checked out the returning "Favorites" in this post a bit ago. Tonight I'll be looking a bit more at the newbie "Fans." While I'm not huge on returning players on reality shows, I think I'm actually looking forward to watching some of the returnees this time around. Well, that is, except Brandon Hantz. He can't have changed enough for him to ever be in good graces with me. I'd like him to be the first one off, thank you very much.

For a peek at the new castaways, check out the Jeff Probst cast assessment --

My own quick assessments from reading their bios on the CBS website:

Laura Alexander: Age 23, from Washington D.C. Um, well. She seems to have a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Unless she's too abrasive, some of her qualities might lead to a win. That's not to say she's someone I think I'll like.

Sherri Beithman: Age 41, from Boise, Idaho. Hmm ... in her bio, she twice refers to herself as "lovable." That makes me not love her all that much. I could be wrong, though. I guess she could be lovable. Maybe.

Matt Bischoff: Age 38, from Cincinnati, Ohio. Ah, the weird beard dude! His inspiration in life is the man who grew the longest beard ever (17.5 feet). Okaaay. He thinks he's going to play a good social game. I think he's going to be easy to differentiate from the other new male castaways until I get the names down.

Hope Driskill: Age 23, from Jefferson City, Missouri. A recent college grad hoping to use winnings from the show to finance law school. I kind of like this kid. She seems bright and athletic. She might do well.

Eddie Fox: Age 23, from East Brunswick, NJ. Homeboy in da house! He's eye candy and a fireman, too. Huh ... not far away from where I live, either. Hummahumma! Ahem. Actually, in reading his bio, his chances look good. If anything, he might be not sneaky enough, I say.

Julia Landauer: Age 21, from Stanford, California. Racecar driver, eh? She apparently has turned 21 since the season was filmed, so she's but a child. Despite being a child, I think I'm going to like her and she just might be a strong competitor. We'll see.

Allie Pohevitz: Age 25, from Oceanside, NY. Oceanside would be on Lawn Guyland (Long Island for the non-natives) as that's the only ocean side New York has. She's a bartender and probably of the ilk we'd see on Big Brother. For some reason, the word "annoying" comes to mind as I read her bio.

Michael Snow: Age 44, from New York City, NY. I'm not sure if film, theater, knitting and photobombing are great qualities for competing to be the sole Survivor. I do think his social game might be good. But if his physical game sucks, he's gone.

Shamar Thomas: Age 27, from Brooklyn, NY. My gosh, my little corner of the world is getting well represented in this cast -- NJ and NYC Metro Area! I'm of two minds about this guy. On one hand, he could very well do well. On the other hand, it seems with all he's out to prove, all may backfire.

Reynold Toepfer: Age 30, from San Francisco, California. He's the wild card player according to the Jeff Assessment. He claims (twice) to be a charmer and says he "dazzles" people. Let us be the judge of that.

So, there you go. Ten new "fans" aboard the cast. Most are young. They're all fans of the show. I think it's going to be an interesting season. Your thoughts?     

Survivor: Caramoan Fans vs. Favorites - The "Favorites"

Survivor: Caramoan Fans vs. Favorites cast

Although I'll be focusing on the "favorites" in this entry, here's the new cast video featuring all --

 The season premiere is Wednesday, February 13. Be there or be square. Lifeguard Laurie has once again graciously volunteered to run the blog pool -- you can contact her at lifeguardlaurie@gmail -- just add the dot-com at the end. I don't want her getting swamped by robots, y'know!

For those unfamiliar with the blog pool, not to worry ... you won't lose your shirt in this one. Well, unless you're swimming, maybe! Cast members are randomly selected for our blog community members. We cheer on our chosen castaway until they get the boot or perhaps become the sole survivor. That, of course, is not to be confused with the Soul Survivors. Those folks who get the ultimate sole surviving castaway retain any bragging rights until the next season when the slate is wiped blank once again. 

Okay ... onto the returning so-called favorites. Yes, that term certainly doesn't apply to at least a few for me.

Brandon Hantz. Say WHAT? Why must we endure this little whining sexist wussy jerk Hantz again? What kind of hold does this twerp have over the producers? He wasn't even enjoyable to watch, not at all. Of course, we could always bet on when he'll cry or try to push his extremely narrow-minded ways upon others. 

Brenda Lowe. She was in Nicaragua. While she certainly doesn't bring about such vehemence and vitriol in me as much as does Brandon, I'm not classifying her as a personal favorite. If memory serves, she played well and managed to manipulate folks some, then depended on Sash to save her with an idol. He didn't, she fell and went boom. I didn't NOT enjoy her before; I was just a bit ambivalent.

Corinne Kaplan. Gabon, 12th castaway out, 4th jury member. Um. Okay. She didn't make much of an impression on me the first time around. I recall her mouth tended to get her in hot water with others at times. My favorite? Nah. I'd have to actually remember her more for her to qualify.

Erik Reichenbach. Now, here is someone who's certainly memorable on the show. Memorable for making the most foolish naive bone-headed move ever in the game, that is! He's the guy from the Micronesia season who trusted the girls and gave up his immunity in a wham-bam-off the island eviction. Let's see if he's smartened up a bit. Not really a favorite, but it might be interesting to see if the past repeats and he's trust foolworthy.

Phillip Sheppard. SAM is back, the best drinking game ever on the blog! SAM stands for Secret Agent Man -- every time he mentions secret agent work, we drink! He was on the original Redemption Island. I was initially annoyed by him, but the man has an odd way of growing on a person. He's a hoot to watch and very entertaining in a whacko sort of way. I see he has fresh new pink tidy whities (pinkies). For some reason, I actually liked him while I didn't like Coach (another whacko).

Malcolm Freberg. Hey, wasn't he just on last season? And, I really don't doubt that he would have won it all if not for Denise. He's a strong player, smart, likeable, easy on the eyes.

Francesca Hogi. Or, as SAM would say: Franquesca. The most memorable thing about her for me was the tribal council smackdown with SAM. She was a fairly decent player, but I'm more interested in seeing her reunite with Phillip Sheppard, this time supposedly having to work together.

John Cochran. Huh. The Woody Allen of Survivor has returned. Most likely the palest castaway ever and most inept at the game to have actually made an impact on the game. Sure, there have been more inept folks on the show. However, they leave little impression on me. I actually liked Cochran and, if I have to suffer through returning castaways (never my favorite reality show gimmick), I'd just as soon watch him again. Will he win? Bwahahaha!

Dawn Meehan. Dawn was in the South Pacific season. I remember her as a strong woman in the game, but not surrounded with the best crowd. She was an ally with Cochran, so this reunion should have them working together again. I'd like to see her do well.

Andrea Boehike. Another Redemption Island alumni. She's hoping all the crazy people target each other and she will rise to the top. 

I'm not sure of the criteria used to select these "favorites." Some we could almost predict would be multi-season -- like Cochran, Phillip Sheppard. Others seem to be favorites of casting, not of the real fans -- Brandon.

What's your take on the returning castaways?