Survivor: Redemption Island - Season Finale Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Remember to bring your drinks for SAM events -- every mention Phillip makes about being a SAM (special agent man), we drink. Even if it's close. I hope everyone has their designated drivers with them! We're into the penultimate evening of the series.

I don't know how the Redemption Island Four will work out. I guess we'll see. I have a feeling Matt or Rob will win the fan prize -- Matt because of his exile on Redemption for nearly the entire season or Rob because he's played a fantastic game. Phillip, of course, will be toasted with shouts of "SAM" throughout the country. Let's watch ...

They got tree mail for the final duel -- three will go on the jury, one back into the game. They have to balance a vase with their foot on a teeter-totter doohickey. Last vase standing wins.

Grant's out. Oh, geez ... Matt is out. Mike is out. Andrea goes back into the game! Who woulda thunk it?

Andrea is planting the seed they should vote Phillip out. Now the women actually outnumber the men -- bad news for Rob and Phillip!

Immunity -- Walking across a balance beam collecting bags of numbered tiles. They then must arrange the tiles in order - 1 to 100. Ashley, Rob's nemesis, won immunity. This can't be good for him. But he has one last chance to use that idol. He might need it.

Uh-oh -- Rob doesn't think he needs to use the idol. He wants Andrea out and the four (sans Andrea) supposedly made a deal. Ashley and Natalie have their pact. Now the girls are thinking of taking Rob out. Duh. About time someone thought of it!

Tribal Council. Rob uses idol! The votes: Rob, Andrea, Andrea, Andrea ... Andrea is gone once again, this time for good. Rob would have been safe as his lone vote came from Andrea. These folks are so dumb!

Rob told the girls he's going to win the next immunity and take the both of them to the final three ... leaving SAM out.

Final immunity challenge -- maze race, four bags of puzzle pieces, solve word phrase. Ashley stayed on Rob's heels throughout the maze. They're "working together" but not really on the puzzle - Rob wins Immunity with Only You Are Safe. Rob is all emotional.

The girls think Phillip is going. I think Rob wants to keep him, get rid of Ashley. Rob told Natalie he wants Ashley out. It's working. Natalie just lied to Ashley and said the plan is Phillip.

Tribal Council. The tally: Ashley, Phillip, Ashley, Ashley ... Ashley is outta there!

Phillips plan with the jury is to put salt on the wound reminding them why they're on the jury and he's in the finals. I don't think that's a great approach, do you? But he did burn the pink underwear (calling them "plum" colored). That's good.

JURY: Opening statements first --

Natalie - Made it 39 days, best game I could, social skills, Rob and I from the beginning. Been loyal, youngest female winner if you vote for me,

Phillip - Rob's appearance changed strategy, thanks him. Stealth strategy. Rob was mastermind and I implemented it, loyal to Rob.

Rob - Was competitive, put together alliances. Hard worker, did my part. What really matters is what the jury thinks. Trying so long -- ten years to get to the top. All about his wife and child. Hope he gets the vote.

The questioning:

Andrea - Phillip, you're weird. Who is the real Phillip Sheppard? You don't know me, if you don't don't vote for me. Natalie -- Betray, weird relationship with Rob.

Ashley - Sick of hearing Phillip's voice. Argues, Phillip refuses to shut up. Natalie - betrayed me. Natalie claims she was the bigger threat. Rob - you deceived a lot of people.

Grant - Natalie, alliance with Rob? Dynamics of alliance. Rob says if Natalie did what she said, it would be to the end. Rob didn't want to go to end with Grant because he'd kick his ass.

Ralph - Natalie, can't do anything without Rob. Phillip. you let me down. The feathers. Do you like me? Phillip does.

Matt: Rob - Where is the line drawn? Liar, etc. How do you keep yourself together? Rob - it's necessary. Harsh but effective.

Julie - You three should be humble, none of you played a respectable game. Do you think your parents would be proud? Nat, servant to Rob. Phillip, none of us like or respect you.

Mike: Closer to God, friendhips, inner peace. You learned to decieve and trick, anything else? Natalie - Learned a lot, just out of high school, strong and capable, confidence with life. Rob - need to stop playing s, no more after this. Phillip - blessed, can stand on my own, an outcast, left home at 16, a beacon the Sheppard family.

Steve: Natalie, commend at 19, Rob hat off to you, Phillip I'm sorry for you shameful for who you are and what you've grown into.

Dave: Cut off Phillip. Rob did everything. He controlled all of you, you all bought it, ruthless but brilliant. Easy to say who deserves to get your vote tonight.

David votes for Rob, Ralph for Phillip. No other votes shown. Off to NYC.

The votes: Rob, Phillip, Rob, Rob, Rob, Rob --

Boston Rob finally won Survivor!!

Boston Rob and Matt got 76% of the fan vote. The winner is Rob.

Redemption Island again next season -- South Pacific, two returning players. Hmmm ...

Survivor: Redemption Island - 5/11 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Remember to bring your drinks for SAM events -- every mention Phillip makes about being a SAM (special agent man), we drink. Even if it's close. I hope everyone has their designated drivers with them! We're into the penultimate evening of the series. Do you think he'll make it to the final four?

The duel is on -- Andrea is feeling betrayed. Too bad, so sad. Another puzzle ahead, using a handle through a table maze, smashing a tile and doing a puzzle "One Step Closer to Redemption." Three move on. Mike is moving on. Matt and Andrea get it almost simultaneously. Ralph goes to the jury.

Back at camp, Rob wants Ashley out next.

Immunity challenge -- more puzzles. This time with one arm tied behind their backs. Oh, and they have to retrieve piece bags with a huge fishhook. The reward is "room service."

Heh, so much for Rob's plan -- Ashley won immunity and reward! She picks Natalie to have reward with her.

Now Rob is going with the Ashley plan of voting off Grant. Gee, Grant gets a good vibe from Rob. So did Lex. He seems to be waffling, but I think Grant will go. We'll see.

Tribal council.

The tally: Natalie, Grant, Grant, Grant. He's gone to Redemption.

Survivor: Redemption Island - 5/04 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Remember to bring your drinks for SAM events -- every mention Phillip makes about being a SAM (special agent man), we drink. Even if it's close. I hope everyone has their designated drivers with them!

Tonight should be interesting with so many on Redemption Island!

Product placement phones with video. Yep, the loved ones call. Even Redemption Island got their calls.

Duel Time -- Winner will spend time with loved one in person. Breaking tiles. One goes home, three stay, winner gets loved one visit. Mike (not Matt) wins the duel and the visit! Matt and Ralph stay in and Steve goes home (jury).

Mike can visit his mom or give the Matt and Ralph their visits. Or ... he can let everyone on Ometape have a visit. He chose to give the visit to his enemies.

Tree mail - another immunity challenge ahead. Rob wants Andrea gone. Uh-oh, lots of stairs. Puzzle staircase risers, first one to solve it and build their stairs wins. Phillip, Ashley and Natalie won't win.

Rob wins!

Tribal Council -
The tally -- Andrea, Phillip, Andrea, Andrea, Andrea ... bye-bye Andrea. She's off to Redemption.

Survivor: Redemption Island - 4/27 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Remember to bring your drinks for SAM events -- every mention Phillip makes about being a SAM (special agent man), we drink. Even if it's close. I hope everyone has their designated drivers with them!

Phillip found his shorts and SAM! Three SAMs in the first ten minutes.

Matt's in rough shape out on RI.

Duel time -- Phillip showed off his shorts to Julie. Survivor shuffleboard. Matt is about as unenthusiastic as it gets. Apparently he thinks God's work is done. Whoops! God's not through with him -- Matt stays on Redemption Island. Mike stays with him, Julie goes to the jury.

Andrea feels bad about playing Matt. Grant wants her out, even before Steve and Ralph.

Immunity challenge - log roll. Reward is chocolate cake and milk. There's a "twist package" to be awarded, too.

Rob and Grant -- Grant wins
Andrea and Ashley -- Ashley wins
Ralph and Steve -- Ralph wins
Natalie and Phillip -- Phillip wins

Next round --
Grant and Ashley -- Grant wins
Ralph and Phillip -- Ralph wins

Grant against Ralph -- Grant wins Immunity!

Grant chose Rob then Andrea to share the cake.
The twist will be opened at Tribal.

Rob wants Ralph out next. Grant still wants Andrea, the cake treat was just political.

Rob has his minions thinking if the twist is two players out -- Ralph, then Andrea. Steve is trying to work it against Rob and "Nimrod." They ran to Rob. Now he's thinking Steve should go.

Tribal Council

The tally - Rob, Rob, Ralph, Ralph, Ralph, Ralph, Ralph ... bye-bye, Ralph! Redemption Island for him.

The twist -- a second immunity challenge NOW and another voted off!

Series of symbols on cards. Rob wins! The vote is on. Andrea voted Steve.

The tally -- Grant, Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve.

Now the slaughter will begin. Steve is gone to Redemption. No more Zapeteras left.

Survivor: Redemption Island - 4/20 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

I wonder if they're over-hyping the race issues for tonight. This could be interesting!

The recap started off with a SAM! Drink up!

Duel time - everyone is there to watch. Loser will be first member of jury. All three are participating. They have to build a traditional house of cards with slate pieces. Going for eight feet. They don't need to be first, but it needs to last. Mike and Matt stay alive, David goes to jury. Matt and Mike return to Redemption Island.

Whoa! Phillip stole most of Zapetera's rice, then is upset that Zap doesn't want them putting their contaminated rice into Zap's container.

Steve called Phillip a lunatic, so Phillip decided it was racial. @@

Immunity -- puzzles in rounds. First six moving on. They're spinning around, getting dizzy, as they remove a threaded disk from a spool, then onto a puzzle.

Rob, Julie, Ralph, Andrea, Steve and Grant move on to next puzzle.

Boston Rob wins Immunity!

Julie stole Phillip's shorts and buried them. He's stuck in his pink underwear. The Zapetera members want Phillip out tonight and think they need two Ometepe to flip. I doubt that will happen.

Tribal Council - Phillip is sure that Steve stole his clothes. They talked out the race and rice war. Julie admitted taking Phillip's shorts when Jeff asked.

The tally: Phillip, Phillip, Phillip, Julie, Julie, Julie, Julie, Julie.

Julie is out and no way will Phillip get his shorts again!

Survivor's Seven Most Outlandish Characters

Folks who are "characters" tend to not do all that well in the corporate world. When you add the word "outlandish" in front of the descriptor, it makes matters even worse. Then you're talking hardcore unemployable.

But when you mix in the reality television genre then, all of a sudden, outlandish characters are in high demand. On Survivor, most of the most outlandish have been men. Sure, every now and then there's a stray female outlandish character. Yet it's the men who prevail.

Survivor has hit pay dirt with the over-the-top types for a number of seasons now. I'm not talking quirky like the dude with the coconut phone in the first season. I'm talking deranged, delusional, outright wacky and smarmy! Some I've enjoyed watching, others not so much.

It all started with ...


Ah, yes ... dear Richard Hatch. When Survivor was fresh, new and extreme water cooler fodder, Hatch took a new game show concept and became the first puppetmaster of the reality genre. Hatch thought of developing alliances and used people for his own means. He was good at it, too.

I pegged him for the winner by the second episode. Yeah, he was the obnoxious fat naked gay guy. But he was so much more than that. He was the ultimate schemer. Not only that, but I still remember his evil "heh, heh, heh" as his schemes came to fruition. Time hasn't done well with the guy. In his last "All Stars" version, he was basically obnoxious and kept aiming his spear at Sue Hawk.


Boston Rob Mariano. In his early reality television days, he was all over the place -- Survivor, marriage to Amber, Romber on The Amazing Race, segments on The Early Show, back to Survivor. It was a Boston Rob overload. And now we have him back again this season.

Rob's different from many on this last as he does have some sort of charisma about him. But the dude is smarmy! He's a shrewd player of the game much like Hatch was in his heyday. Yet he tends to get overly cocky and he'll stab his best friend in the game (Lex, for example), throw him under that reality bus, then vote him off the island. Heck, I wouldn't put it past him to rig a trip wire heading to the welcome mat!

I just can't understand why this latest bunch of castaways seem to worship him. Smarmy and evil, I tell ya! But I do enjoy watching him anyway.


Some of Survivor's most outlandish characters were just creepy icky dudes with no gameplay. Yes, I'm talking about Jonny "Fairplay" Dalton. If memory serves, he was never good at challenges. In his last appearance on the show, he didn't even try. He didn't have charisma and he was just nasty.

Outside of throwing the towel in and giving up on his last appearance, Fairplay is remembered for telling a lie about his (not) dead grandmother. Most normal people don't lie about dead family. Sure, I've worked with a few who seem to have had six grandmothers die to get time off, but it's so classless and almost straying on forbidden territory. It worked -- the others believed Fairplay's lie and didn't vote him out.


Speaking of folks I didn't like watching, here's Ben "Coach" Wade. He had it all -- delusions of grandeur, weirdness, strange fashions and he was a drama queen to boot. He performed dismally at most challenges and was more irksome than entertaining. I like a bit of sensitivity in men. But as the kids would say, the dude was emo.

This special snowflake dominated airtime in his season and there was nothing at all redeeming about him. He had no decent strategy. He bragged about how tough he was and then cried during challenges. I hope he never appears on any show again for as long as he (or I) shall live!


You can't talk about outlandish characters on Survivor without throwing Rupert Boneham into the mix. Now, I know that he's always a fan favorite. And, he surely isn't an evil dastardly gameplayer. But, for me, he's no gameplayer. With the exception of stealing the shoes on Pearl Island, his gameplay is mostly roar and be a pirate. Or, maybe that should be a primate.

I liked him some in that first season. He does worthy work with children. But by the time I saw him again, the tie-dyed wifebeater shirt and the constant animal roar coming from deep within his gut were annoying me. In his last showing, he had virtually no strategy at all. Yet, he retained his outlandish character.


Sure enough, Evil Russell Hantz has made my list. In his first season, I though "eww" when I first saw him. Then I got all confused. He was so slimy, such a snake oil salesman. Yet there was something oddly intriguing about the man. Why did people just let the guy use them and then toss them aside? It's not like he has the looks or charisma of a Boston Rob.

But he had something. In gameplay, he fared okay on challenges -- no Colby Donaldson shut-outs, but okay. At least he didn't cry and whine like Coach. No one will ever be able to find hidden idols like he did. Russell went in with a strategy, too.

It's just a shame that he's a one-trick-pony. He can strategize well until it comes to the final two. Nor did he ever learn his lesson. He approached each season he was in with the same strategy and never learned the social side of the game. Unlike Coach, I actually enjoyed watching Hantz at times. He did have good game (except for the end game) and I was amazed that folks fell under his spell.


The newest addition to the list and perhaps the funniest is Phillip Sheppard of the current season. When I first saw him in action, I wanted him gone ... like, last week! But as the show goes on, I think I'm falling for Secret Agent Man (SAM -- drink up!). The guy is a hoot!

Sure, he doesn't seem to have much strategy. Sure, the others mock him. Sure, he's a sexist so-and-so. But the things which come out of his mouth, especially convoluted sentences, give the season such a welcome comedy relief that he needs to stay. He really does.

I was trying to figure out why, with some parallels between Coach and Phillip, I despised Coach on the show and Phillip entertains me. It's because, despite the shared delusions of grandeur, Phillip is actually funny. He can stay as long as he makes me laugh during Tribal Council.

What do you think? Are there others you'd add to the list? Why aren't the women as outlandish? (Yes, a few have been -- Shambo comes to mind.)

Images: CBS

Survivor: Redemption Island - 4/13 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

At least Matt is smart enough to realize he's stupid!

I find Rob entertaining to watch on the show. But why in hell are these fools trusting him? Don't they remember Lex?

Interesting multi-part immunity challenge -- digging up a club, untie knots, smash tile. First six move on. Eww ... submerge head in trough, go through obstacles, spit to fill tube. Three move on to puzzle. David, Grant, Mike in final round.

Rob looks nervous.

Grant wins immunity!

Huh, not a half-hour into things and we have Tribal Council?

Vote tally: Phillip, Phillip, Phillip, Phillip, Phillip, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike ... Mariano's Mafia does the kill.

Rob told us he wants the final three to be himself, Phillip and Natalie.

Second immunity -- hang from a bar as long as you can, after 20 minutes, by legs only. Cheeseburgers -- white rock, black rock. Black means play, white means eat. Phillip and Steve choose to eat.

Rob's out first! Down to three Ometepe women and David.

David is out! ("That leg's going to be decapitated!," Phillip told him.)

Andrea won after the other two jumped.

Rob told his tribe not to eat the dead fish that Zapeteras caught in a net. Grant nibbles. Uh-oh.

Second Tribal Council. Phillip still with his feather and funny stuff.

The vote tally: Rob, Rob, Rob, Rob, David, David, David, David, David, David ... bye, David! Mariano Mafia hit will go swim with the fishes on Redemption Island.

Then there were three on Redemption Island. Interesting, ain't it?

Survivor: Redemption Island - 4/06 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Tonight should be a big night -- the merge is on and, if promos can be believed, Redemption Island starts all over again!

I so hope Matt hangs in there over Sarita!

Everyone from both camps are going to go to the duel on RI. They're thinking merge. Uh-oh -- Matt has a bad cut on his foot. The winner of the duel will go back in the game. Double uh-oh -- it's a balance duel using feet.

Woohoo! Matt's back in the game, cut and all! And, the merge is ON. A new beach and with the next TC, RI starts all over again. Heh ... the "Spanish" name for the tribe Rob suggested means nothing -- it's the ringleader of Amber's stuffed animals.

An interesting and different challenge. Each is balancing on a log, with a dish balancing a ball. Matt might not do well. He's still limping. Phillip is shaky. "I've got rhythm, baby." (What does that have to do with balance?) It's down to Mike and Natalie.

Natalie wins first individual immunity!

Matt told Rob he wasn't going to flip and then told Rob about the idol Mike offered to use on him. Now Rob doesn't trust him and wants him out.

Ralph used the idol on Mike.

Grant, Grant, Grant, Grant, Grant, Steve, Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt.

Ack, Matt is out again!

Survivor: Redemption Island - 3/30 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Matt won the duel on Redemption Island AGAIN.

Omatepe won Immunity and Reward. Rob and Phillip will live to entertain us another week.

Bye-bye Sarita!

Survivor: Redemption Island - 3/23 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Wow, Matt won yet another duel! He stays to fight another day.

Ometape won Immunity and Reward again!

Gah. Stephanie was voted out instead of Sarita.

Survivor: Redemption Island - 3/16 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

I wonder how many times they'll work Russell mentions in even though he's gone!

Matt won the duel -- he stays in. My pool person Kristina is history.

Thanks to Rob, Ometape won reward and immunity.

Krista voted out.

Survivor: Redemption Island - 3/09 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Could it be the end of Evil Russell?

Russell lost the duel and is crying! Uh-oh, he's going to play vicariously through Phillip.

Rob found the hidden immunity idol in his camp.

Zapatara won reward and immunity.

They voted out Kristina, the person I have in the pool. Hmmm ... who to cheer on now?

Survivor: Redemption Island - 3/02 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Apparently the person winning the duel ends up dueling everyone who comes there before returning. Two people from each tribe are getting a trip there. The duel is just another challenge. No jousting or swords. Rats.

Matt won. Francesca is going home.

Zapetera threw Immunity/Reward in a plot to boot Russell.

Russell is reminding me of Charlie Sheen and his "goddesses."

3-way tie - Ralph, Stephanie and Russell. Re-vote.

Russell voted to Redemption Island.

Survivor: Redemption Island - 2/23 Episode Blog Party

The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.

Yikes! Ralph found the hidden idol while collecting rocks!

Zapetera (Russell's tribe) won Immunity and Reward (combined).

Rob engineered a vote for Matt because Matt is close with one of the girls and congratulated the other tribe. We'll see.

The plan worked - Kristina used her idol, Matt blindsided.

Survivor: Redemption Island Season Premiere Blog Party

It's here! Zoetawny was kind enough to once again make a blog logo for the show, too. She really does rock and I appreciate all of her efforts -- I can't make those animated logos at all. Thank you, Zoetawny!

Margo is running the blog pool and, as I've mentioned in previous posts, set up a separate site for joining in. The participants are assigned castaways randomly by Margo's Mom. While winning basically means bragging rights, we get to cheer on our castaway until they're, well ... cast away. The pool is closed at this time, but if you didn't get in it, just cheer on your favorite and join in on the fun!

Here's the updated list of pool participants and their castaways:

Andrea Boehlke - Auntie Leigh, Suzanne
Ashley Underwood - Sydney, Monty924
David Murphy - Jeannemarie
Francesca Hogi - Petals, ML
Grant Mattos - Gayle, Joy N
Julie Wolfe - Lars, Karen in CA
Krista Klumpp - Jennasmom, Donna in AL
Kristina Kell - Jackie, Merrilee
Matthew Elrod - Zoetawny, MEB
Mike Chisel - Lanell, Chris
Natalie Tenerelli - PDX Granny, Laurie
Phillip Sheppard - Rbennie, Lisanne
Ralph Kiser - Becky, Brent McKee
Rob Mariano - Gaylos, Donna in FL
Russell Hantz - Margo
Sarita White - SueGee, DKNYNC
Stephanie Valencia - Nana in NW
Steve Wright - delee, Terry in PA

The show will be starting in about ten minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in the comments area. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good!

Survivor fans ready?

Kristina (I believe it's her) found an idol without clues. Watch out, Russell!

Zapatera, Russell's tribe, won the first immunity challenge.

Whoa! Phillip just called out Francesca and Kristina out on their plan to vote out Rob! And, told about the immunity idol ... sheesh, ex-Fed agent. Loose lips sink ships.

Francesca was voted out (to Redemption Island) and Kristina did not use the idol.

Tonight is Survivor Night! - Rob/Russell Video, too!

Tonight marks the season premiere of Survivor: Redemption Island. The pool players for the blog have been randomly selected and will be included in tonight's blog party post.

I didn't realize that Rob and Russell were set to appear on The Early Show this morning and just happened to catch it. If you missed it, here's the video --



I'll make a separate post Friday, but with the new Amazing Race season starting Sunday evening, that pool is open for the swim right now -- to get in on the action, contact lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com

Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 4

The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. The show premieres this Wednesday evening, February 16 at 8 PM ET/PT. After a lengthy and really inexcusable delay, I'm here to post about the last group of men castaways.

The much beloved Margo has offered to run the blog pool once again. Remember, there's no wagering, per se. You'll be assigned a castaway to cheer on and bragging rights if that person is the sole survivor. You can sign up for the pool at this link. Margo rocks, doesn't she?

This post covers the final group of men castaways. To check out the others I've "quick-taked," hit the link to the show at the bottom of my post. Let's get on with it ...

Name (Age): Ralph Kiser (44)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.
Occupation: Farmer



Ralph -- Well, golly-whillikers, I just don't know. He seems to have a pretty high opinion regarding how likable he is. Whether that will translate to being sole survivor is the question. I will say he's probably going to do well at the physical actual surviving in the environs, if not at surviving the mind games.

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

Name (Age): Steve Wright (51)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Former NFL Player



Steve -- I guess he's not to be mistaken with comedian Steven Wright. Rats. Steven Wright's commentary would be cool on the show! Another NFL dude, eh? In a way, he does remind me a bit of Tom Westman. He could do well and recognizes that the game is highly social, especially in the end.

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

Rob Mariano (35)
Current Residence: Pensacola, Fla.
Previous Seasons: "Survivor: Marquesas," "Survivor: All-Stars" and "Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains"



Boston Rob -- What can I say about him? I didn't like him so much on his first season. I thought he became overly-hyped by CBS and had a finger in every reality pie for some time. But then something happened. The dude grew on me. I'd like to see him do well and I'm definitely hoping for some good Rob/Russell clashes. But I do think he'll be seen as a threat and will probably go home without the million once again.

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

Russell Hantz (38)
Current Residence: Dayton, Texas
Previous Seasons: "Survivor: Samoa" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains"



Russell -- I like him and I don't all at the same time. I really believe in his first season, he was absolutely what was needed to bring entertainment into the show. It's magical watching him find hidden idols. Yet the dude, for all he is good at in the show (including challenges), can't play the social game for nuthin'. Now that he's well-known, he's not going to last long as they should be onto his snake oil salesman ways. Hopefully he'll be entertaining while he's there. It's hard to believe he's only three years older than Rob.

Stop back Wednesday evening at 8 PM ET for the blog party! Bring snacks!

Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 3

The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. However, the show doesn't start for over a month, February 16th to be exact. Since we have time, I'm going to break down the cast posts by smaller groups with my personal quick takes. Please let me know your impressions in comments!

The much beloved Margo has offered to run the blog pool once again. Remember, there's no wagering, per se. You'll be assigned a castaway to cheer on and bragging rights if that person is the sole survivor. You can sign up for the pool at this link. Margo rocks, doesn't she?

This post covers the final group of women castaways. To check out the others I've "quick-taked," hit the link to the show at the bottom of my post. Let's get on with it ...

Name (Age): Krista Klumpp (25)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Columbia, S.C.
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Rep



Krista -- Another blond pageant queen, this one from Alabama. I'm kind of hoping she can be really devious and do well. After all, she must have built character with a last name like "Klumpp" competing in beauty pageants, right?

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Name (Age): Kristina Kell (46)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Malibu, Calif.
Occupation: Law Student (University of La Verne College of Law)




Kristina -- I like her. I respect her. I admire her. But can she be sneaky and evil enough to win it all? She may be too above-board no matter how hard she's driven.

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Name (Age): Sarita White (36)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Visual Effects Producer



Sarita -- Raised by hippies and she's 36? Yikes, want to make me feel old or what? She might be interesting to watch. But if she's not seeing any villains, she is sorely lacking in intuition.

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Name (Age): Stephanie Valencia (26)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Long Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Waitress



Stephanie -- In her bio on the official website she says, "If Parvati and Russell had a love child, it would be me." Oh my. She's gonna meet her daddy! I don't know. The girl comes across as devious and has such a typical reality show "real" career -- a waitress. She might be interesting to watch.

Stay tuned for the final group of men ... including two very familiar faces.

Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 2

The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. However, the show doesn't start for over a month, February 16th to be exact. Since we have time, I'm going to break down the cast posts by groups of five with my personal quick takes. Please let me know your impressions in comments!

The much beloved Margo has offered to run the blog pool once again. Remember, there's no wagering, per se. You'll be assigned a castaway to cheer on and bragging rights if that person is the sole survivor. You can sign up for the pool at this link. Margo rocks, doesn't she?

Okay, time to delve into five of the guys ... er, that's figuratively delve, mind you.

Name (Age): David Murphy (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Defense Attorney



David -- I think this guy might present us with an interesting cerebral game. After all, he's a defense attorney. He's used to seeing through people's lies yet acting like he's in their corner. I'm not too keen on how smart he thinks he is, though.

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Name (Age): Grant Mattos (29)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Yoga Instructor



Grant -- White boy, blue eyes and hair mats, er ... dreads. Ex-NFL player, current yoga guru. I think he's going to pose a physical threat simply by taking off his shirt. Eye candy for me, but he could definitely have a target on his back once merge is near.

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Name (Age): Matt Elrod (22)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Pre-Med Student



Matt -- No hair mats on this Matt, but he initially reminded me of "Fabio" from last season. That was until he spoke and I noticed he's a pre-med student. Definitely a pretty boy. I can't help but wonder if some showmance is in the works.

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Name (Age): Mike Chiesl (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.
Occupation: Former Marine



Mike -- I think I'm in love. I hope he does well as I'd like to watch him all season. 'Nuff said.

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Name (Age): Phillip Sheppard (52)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Technology Executive



Phillip -- Now, this is a 52-year-old who looks to be in great shape. I don't know how well he'll work the social game. He just has this look in his eyes like he's scrutinizing things.

What are your opinions on this group?

Stay tuned for the next installment!

Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 1

The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. However, the show doesn't start for over a month, February 16th to be exact. Since we have time, I'm going to break down the cast posts by groups of five with my personal quick takes. Please let me know your impressions in comments!

Here are five women to start:

Name (Age): Natalie Tenerelli (19)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: Acton, Calif.
Occupation: Professional Dancer



Natalie -- I'm not overly impressed. Yes, she's pretty and knows it. Yawn. She's 19, the youngest woman to ever play the game. She IS the baby.

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Name (Age): Andrea Boehlke (21)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Random Lake, Wis.
Occupation: Student (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point)



Andrea -- Well, I like her better than Natalie so far (which isn't saying much). But I'm tiring of the "I'm pretty and they'll never suspect" card being played.

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Name (Age): Francesca Hogi (36)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Washington, DC
Occupation: Attorney



Francesca -- Okay, out of the three women I've checked out so far, she seems like she might be the strongest contender. Not only that, but she won't have to worry about mussing up her hair.

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Name (Age): Ashley Underwood (25)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: Benton, Maine
Occupation: Nurse



Ashley -- Farmer, pageant girl, basketball player, hunter, nurse, coffee shop owner, blah-blah ... hmm. She should do well, but I think she won't. I like the juggling, though.

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Name (Age): Julie Wolfe (50)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Oceanside, Calif.
Occupation: Firefighter



Julie -- Sob stories never work on me. Starting off her promo clip whining turned me off. On the other hand, she's a firefighter and I want a 50-year-old to do well surrounded by youngsters.