Survivor 41: Season Finale Blog Party

 

Tonight, tonight ...

Yes, it's finale night for the season. The final five aren't quite the ones I would have predicted from the start, but there they are. Tonight's show will be two hours of actual gameplay and then an hour of well, um, mingling with the jury, I guess. The winner will be announced on site after the votes and the after-show is also set there due to the pandemic. It will be different!

I will be updating this entry with the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast -- refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

But first, Lifeguard Laurie has submitted her last blog pool update of the season. Thank you so much, Laurie! Are you still in the pool?

Deshawn, Heather, Xander, Erika, Ricard

Deshawn Radden - Kelsey NY, PDX Granny, Jlaf
Erika Casupanan - Petals, Pam Arceneaux, Margo
Heather Aldret - Debbie, Joanne Victoria
Ricard Foye - Mikes Girl, GiLLL
Xander Hastings - Donna in FL, April

Jury
Tiffany Seely

Naseer Muttalif

Evvie Jagoda

Shantel Smith

Liana Wallace

Danny McCray

Survivor fans ready?

We start out with Jeff at night on a beach. Two Immunity challenges, two Tribals and a fire challenge. The votes will be read out on voting night.

It's Night 23 as the five head off to a new beach with bare minimum supplies. Deshawn is trying to make amends with Erika, but she's not hearing it. He had tried to turn Heather and Erika against each other to better his own game. She turns to Ricard. Let's see how that goes.

Ricard is thrilled that Deshawn kind of blew his chances to work with anyone while Ricard is still in with them. Meanwhile, Deshawn thinks Ricard needs to go. Of course, anyone with a brain would want Ricard out. If he stays to the end, he will win!

Deshawn and Erika come across a final advantage clue box. There's one for all. They each have to unscramble words, come up with the phrase answer and then have a chance to win the advantage. Xander deciphers it first, something to with the treasure hanging where the trees love to dance. They all eventually decipher it with Erika last ... and she finds it! It will aid her in the Immunity Challenge. She tells Ricard and they let Deshawn (and others) keep on searching.

Immunity Challenge time! Erika speaks up about it. Jeff explains the challenge first. Build a rope ladder, build another one, bring puzzle pieces up, 75-piece puzzle. Steak, veggies, bread and wine reward. Erika's advantage is that she starts with four rungs already up on each ladder. Heather is doing poorly, surprise, surprise.

ERIKA WINS IMMUNITY AND A SPOT IN THE FINAL FOUR!

She can choose one person to go with her for the meal. She chooses Heather.

At their little feast, they both blame Deshawn for their problems. BFFs again. Neither want Deshawn to go to the end although they both know Ricard would beat them in the end. Ricard and Deshawn are voting for each other. Ricard is reading Erika's face and is bothered that she claims to be on the fence. Now Heather is telling him it's complicated. Xander says he will vote with him against Deshawn. But Xander told us Ricard has to go. Now he's conflicted! Xander tells Ricard that he might be able to save him with the idol. Hmm.

First Tribal Council! Jeff asks Deshawn about the emphasis about taking out Ricardo. Oooh ... Ricard goes for the heartstrings and in tears talks about his baby due next week, could even be here already. Oh my. Jeff says he normally feels a blindside coming but doesn't feel that this week -- hinting he thinks Ricard will be voted out.

The tally -- Xander saves himself! Deshawn, Ricard, Ricard, Ricard.

It was the smart choice. Ricard played an amazing game.

Night 24 with the Final Four. The only one I cannot see winning at all would be Heather. There they are in a thunderstorm without a shelter. Xander is the only one not bothered by the weather.

Daytime comes and they are practicing making fire. Erika knows she can because she did it on Exile (or whatever they're calling it this season).

Day 24 and time for the last Immunity Challenge. Navigate a curved walkway while stacking blocks spelling FINAL THREE wins.

XANDER WINS THE FINAL IMMUNITY! It's emotional.

Xander goes to each person feeling them out. Deshawn says he can't make fire. He tells Erika that he's taking her. He tells the other two they will be making fire. So they need to practice. In practice, Heather builds a fire while Deshawn has problems. Oooh, Erika is having problems and Xander notices! He talks to Heather who tells him she could win and he should take her out. Hmm.

Final Tribal Council. Jeff and Xander talk about perceptions. Xander thinks that the jury thinks Heather's the goat -- not the G.O.A.T. goat, mind you. He doesn't think so. Xander sticks with taking Erika even though he knows she cannot make fire. Heather and Deshawn will do the making fire challenge.

Fire Challenge is ON. Heather ALMOST had it, but DESHAWN WINS THE THIRD SPOT IN THE FINAL THREE!

The Final Three gather watching the sunrise. And, then they get their feast. We get to hear each of them telling us about their game and why they should win. They head off to the jury questioning.

Evie - Congrats all. Diversity. However, no questions.

Danny - Pro athlete. Breaking down game plan going in and then adapting. Xander - wanted to do something different, take big risks, team dynamic at the start, then marketing himself, at the end, keep Ricard as shield, had to turn on him. Naseer tells him he's got a kind heart. Deshawn - Social game build relationships at first, then those saved him. Ricard confronts him about Sydney, wrecking Danny's game, throwing others under the bus. Deshawn denies. Erika - Had expectations being sweet, on winning team, Exile, down and out, flipped the game, joined up with others on the bottom. Ricard tells her that it's a shame she didn't make bonds with all like Deshawn did (then betrayed them). She speaks up about using Heather not as just a number but a partner.

Tiffany - Xander, going into the merge. Friends, but had to adapt. Liana asks about his social awareness. He talks about the Tiffany vote and reading the room. Evvie - asked about him holding the idol and not playing it. Ricard - bromance with Xander. Kept the number two threat, Erika. Did we have a real relationship? We did. You would have won against anyone. Heather brings up that she told Xander that the only one who could win against him was Erika.

Shan - Deshawn, emotional breakdowns and tantrums. Win for the Black community. Capitalizing to win on a movement? Out of bounds. He says it was not his intention to sell out his people.

Danny - Erika, did amazing. Allowed people to underestimate you but you're a real competitor. 

Liana - Asks Xander if he has an idol. Heehee.

Time for the jury to vote. Jeff says that the last time they read the votes at Tribal was Season One.

Erika, Deshawn, Erika, Erika, Erika, Erika ... all the rest are hers, too.

ERIKA WINS!

Congratulations to blog pool winners Petals, Pam Arceneaux, Margo!

We then get into an after show party with champagne and pizza. Now I might slack a bit on blogging this. But I will be here.

I am indeed here. So far it's just been Jeff asking Probsting questions and the Final Three talking about their games. Going on to talking to Naseer and Liana about the phrase and Knowledge Is Power advantage, respectively.

Survivor 42, same location. Looks like they will be keeping a lot of the happenings and pace from this season. Expect it in the spring.

No Sia award announced but it might be coming. I don't know.

BB23: Season Finale Blog Party

The Final Three,
no group goodbye to the live feeds!

We're finally here at the season finale! Woot! Woot! Tonight they will air the taped Part Two of the final HOH comp and Part Three will play out live on the show. The winner of Part One will compete in Part Three against the winner of Part Two.

Have I confused you yet? Xavier won the first part. That means that the second part will be Azah and Derek competing. Whichever one wins that will go up against Xavier in Part Three. The winner of Part Three chooses which one is evicted and which one goes to the final two with him or her.

Since this is a show post and the live feeds already know the winner of Part Two ... shhh! It's a NO SPOILER ZONE! Please don't comment on it until it airs on the show.

Lifeguard SueGee has our final three blog pool entrants in this update:

Azah Awasum - Dr Celine, Krysta Gibson, Nickelpeed, Rbennie

Derek Frazier - Glenn Allen, Jean from Tampa, Luckysmom, MikesGirl

Xavier Prather - Aya Marie, Donna NY, Ed in Ohio, Petals

JURY: Britini D'Angelo, Derek Xiao, Sarah Beth Steagall, Claire 

Rehfuss, Alyssa Lopez, Tiffany Mitchell, Hannah Chaddha, Kyland Young

I will be updating this entry as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest happenings! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

Resting through the Previously On ...

Julie is once again dressed in bright red, a rather simple but stately dress. We go right into HOH Part Two. Four of a Kind Slot Machine. Answer always four HG, climb up the giant slot machine wheels to turn them to match the faces on giant slot machine. Three questions. They do the comp individually.

1. First Wild Card Winners, 2. First four to survive eviction on the block, 3. First four to use veto

Derek is complaining about his knees and whining. 

Xavier reads off the times -- Azah 13.19 -- Derek 20.22

AZAH WINS THE SECOND PART OF THE FINAL HOH COMP!

Derek is whining again, still. Heh. Before commercial break Julie tells us someone should remind Derek that his loss puts his fate in the hands of his housemates.

Julie tells us it is not sitting well with Big D that Azah has a route to the end of the show. He tells us he carried her all through the season and is mad about Xavier/Azah cuddling. Azah tells us that Derek has hurt her feelings and doesn't respect her. He is being obnoxious to her. He tells her that he will lose next to her and won't kiss anyone's ass. Oh my.

He is now acting like it was all him "saving" her last week in the Kyland vote when she did know that came from Xavier. Heck, Kyland knew it came from Xavier. Azah tells us that she doesn't like the way he's talking to her and is reconsidering. Derek whines to Xavier, who would be the recipient of any reconsider. How dumb is that dude?

Xavier laughs to us and says Derek has done himself in.

Azah tells Derek that if she wins Part 3 she will take Xavier. He is reacting poorly and tells us again how he has carried her. @@

Jury members talking who will be next. They seem to think Azah. Claire thinks the smart move would be to take Xavier out. Kyland joins them. Tiffany guesses right that it was Derek voting but Xavier directing the move. They talk about the final three. Xavier is coming across as the best game play. Kyland mentions the thrown comps.

Azah flew under the radar. Britini speaks of her loyalty. Derek X says had friendships outside the Cookout. Claire wanted to see her make a big move. Derek -- keeps secret, Alyssa says good social, Derek says he has a cool first name. SB said he wasn't capable of winning comps. Tiffany says he couldn't but gives him credit for staying. Kyland wants the strongest player to win. Kyland thinks that Derek and Hannah were interchangeable. Ew!

Time for Part Three of the HOH comp! Booths, of course. Xavier, Azah. Houseguest Headliners. How well they know the others. Jury members, three statements about juror, decide which statement is false. Eight questions.

1. Xavier right

2. Both right

3. Both right

4. Both right

5. Both right

6. Both right

7. Both right

8. Both right

XAVIER WINS PART THREE!!!

Xavier has to choose between Derek and Azah ...

Derek -- My brother, bond, together

Azah -- Appreciate and respect game, thank you for starting the Cookout, will be okay with whatever you decide.

Xavier loves them both, evicts AZAH. It will be Derek versus Xavier in the final two.

Azah talks to Julie. She is sad. She knew she tripped up on the first question. Did all she could. She tells Julie she would have indeed taken Xavier to the final two had she won. He played the best game and would be a great representative for the first African American to win BB. Her eye makeup is bugging me. She is being Azah in the interview.

Jury interrogation time!

The jurors seem to hope it was Derek F evicted. Azah shows up. Julie tells them Xavier was the last HOH.

Kyland - Xavier, what most important factors first Black winner? Play strong game, didn't get personal, never disrespected, team game play, best game play.

Britini - Big D, decisions at the hands of others name two you made. He says he founded the Cookout, and strategized it.

Alyssa - X - biggest mistake. He says he got too close to his teammates and it really crushed him.

Hannah - D - You here for fame over game. He says he wanted to be on television, help mother, you all are sitting there because of me.

Derek X - X - Strategic game move you made we don't know. Kyland eviction and threw the HOH to Derek X.

SB - Derek - What did you specifically contribute? Always in ear and drop facts, made sure plans happened. (Xavier is laughing at Derek)

Azah - Derek - Why do you deserve more than Xavier? Because I put in the work, thought of all in Cookout, have a heart.

Xavier is trying his best to not crack up at Derek's answers.

Final pleas ...

Derek - Said a lot tonight, came in knowing what he was going to do, formed an alliance with the other Blacks, competitor, can't say anything bad about Xavier, he deserves it as much as me.

Xavier - Played team best, never waived from Cookout, lost and won when he needed to. Won 3 HOH and 3 vetoes. On block five times. Love you all amazing summer!

The voting commences. Britini, played best overall game. Derek X, voting for me and Travis, SB - beyond honored. Claire - loves being proved wrong, don't think she will get that tonight. Alyssa - BB Couch, Tiffany - best game. Hannah - not much of a hot thing. Kyland - more important things than money in life. Azah - love you guys!

The pre-jurors appear live on screens next.

Julie mentions the Cookout. Christian, greatest alliance in BB history, not playing for themselves, history can be made. Brent surprised by Tiffany no idea so much impact and influence, master plan. Kudos to her. Derek X never suspected he was getting played. Stole Travis's hoodie.

Secrets -- Hannah's master student, all the secrets revealed except Xavier's lawyer bit. Time for Derek F to reveal father was Joe Frazier. Xavier lawyer job now. Britini discusses her autism. Kyland's tense exit ... does he regret? He talks around it.

Julie tells them that they doubled the prize money for AFP to 50 grand.

Time to crown a winner ...

Britini - X

Derek X - X

SB - X

Claire - X

Alyssa - X

XAVIER WINS B23!!!

What happened to the social distancing as Julie mingles with them all?

Congratulations to BB23 Blog Pool Winners -- Aya Marie, Donna NY, Ed in Ohio, Petals!

Julie tells us the votes were unanimous for Xavier.

Derek X and Tiffany were top two for AFP -- TIFFANY WON IT!

Definitely with the exception of Derek F in the final two, a satisfying end. Xavier deserved the win and Tiffany deserved the AFP.

Thank you all for coming along for the ride!

TAR32: Season Finale Blog Pool and Party

 

Welp, here we are at the season finale. That went by quickly, didn't it? I a bit surprised that it's only an hour show tonight. But, if memory serves, they had more than the final three going into the longer finales. It's not like Survivor or Big Brother with a reunion show following the finale. There's no jury, no voting ... just whatever team makes it to the last welcome mat wins it all. 

I have not been keen on the alliance bit this season, not at all. To me, it ended up with the teams not in the alliance akin to the child chosen last in a schoolyard game pick. I understand teams occasionally helping out others or not. But, to me, the alliance dominated the game and knocked out other teams. I'm old school. I think every team needs to race on their own merits. Oh, well.

Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool for the last time --

The Final Three  

Hung / Chee -- Bizaro22. Glenn Allen. chrob61 

Riley / Maddison -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Marthalight 

Will / James -- Petals, CherylNY, Nickelpeed 

 Philiminated: 

Nathan / Cody (everyone reassigned back into pool) 

Kellie / LaVonne -- David, ChicMc, Sharon N 

Jerry / Frank -- Donna NY, Monty924, Andi, Willie J 

Michelle / Victoria -- Mario L, Jackie, SueGee 

Alana / Leo -- Jennasmom, Sharon C, Donna in FL 

Kaylynn / Haley -- Jennifer, Indiana Jane, Ed in Ohio 

Aparna / Eswar -- Cheryl in NC, Kelsey NY, Skyriverblue 

Gary / DeAngelo -- JLaf, CherryPie, Judy Sweeney     

I will be updating this entry with the major happenings as they air here on the East Coast. Please refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Feel free to join in on the discussion! May the best team win!

We're getting a brief recap of the season. Yes, the alliance of three made it to the final leg together. We know that.

Teams are flying to New Orleans. Party on Bourbon Street, so they're heading to the French Quarter. They have more luxury on their flight than I've ever seen!

They're heading to Louis Armstrong Park. All teams flew there together. 

Route info cards gotten. They have to collect 50 red and 50 gold necklaces thrown on Bourbon Street to get their next clue. The necklaces have to match the ones the Grand Marshall is wearing. The Beard Bros are lost.

James and Will finish the beads first.

Who will be left holding the baby? Next up they have to find the baby in the cake for their next clue. That's a tradition in which a small (not real!) baby is baked in a large King Cake. This will be a needle in a haystack kind of Roadblock.

James/Will found the baby first and then had to sit and eat a ton (or six) of gooey pastry beignets.

They head to the New Orleans Convention Center next. Will/James remain in the lead. 

Roadblock. Climb under a bridge, then onto a beam, then jump out about 200 feet over the Mississippi River to grab a clue. Crescent City Convention Bridge.

Beard Brothers still in last.

Both team members must rappel back down from the bridge. Then they have to roll a ten foot ball back through town.

James/Will at the ball. Hung/Chee headed to the ball. Maddison/Riley just finished finding the baby.

Next they have to search a warehouse for puzzle pieces and make a globe out of their ball.

James/Will finish the globe and they're the first team heading to the finish line at the New Orleans Superdome.

JAMES/WILL WIN THE AMAZING RACE! And we have a down on one knee marriage proposal.

Hung and Chee come in second place.

We know who's on third.

And, there they are -- Riley and Maddison.

This season put the show over 1,000,000 miles raced.

BB22: Season Finale Blog Party - Oct. 28

 

Yes! I know it's only been 85 days but this season really dragged on! I haven't even updated the live feeds the past few days because the three remaining hamsters have been so boring!

Oh, as a reminder -- SueGee has updated the blog pool and these people are the only ones remaining: 

Nicole Franzel -- Micaela, Sally, Defnotadoge, Deirdre 

Enzo Palumbo -- dia, Glenn Allen, Rbennie, Dolores 

Cody Calafiore -- Shannon, Chacha, Jackie <--- YES! I'm still in it!

Tonight we will see the taped Part Two of the three-part HOH final comp. It will be Enzo against Cody. The winner of the second part goes up against the winner of the first part (Nicole) in the live Part Three on the show. The winner of the third part chooses who will go to the final two with him or her. 

I don't know how they're going to work the jury questioning. I'm assuming that it might be video. The Final Three have already gotten the word that, due to the pandemic, their families will not be in attendance. It's all gonna be very weird.

I will update this entry with the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- please feel free to join in on the fun!

Previously on ... yawnsers. 

The jury is seated spaced apart however they've all been together in the jury house!

Ohh ... Julie is showing off her shoulders tonight! 

Part Two of the HoH comp is starting. All previous hamsters, balance beam. Vacation, set up cardboard cutouts, take a photo of evicted HG matching with correct clue, camera hogs while on balance beam cannot be in photo. It's called Camera Hogs. Enzo went up first, made some errors. Cody seems to have a decent plan.

The times ... Enzo 37.38. Cody 4.49 --- CODY REALLY WINS THE SECOND PART OF THE HOH! Enzo is not taking it well. He feels he let himself down as well as anyone supporting him. He says he's ready to go, take his third place and head home.

Julie points out that the final three have made many promises. Enzo is sure the game will go to Cody and he will take Nicole. He's having a bit of a hissy fit. It's not aimed at Cody, more at himself. Nicole questions Cody to see if he will take her if he wins.

Now we're into Enzo trying to make Nicole think it's a better idea to take him to the final two over Cody.

They have family videos cheering on the hamsters.

The jury discusses the final three. Christmas arrives at the jury house. Da'Vonne thinks jury management is a big thing. Perhaps bigger than comp wins. Da'Vonne is taking Nicole's actions seriously. Dani speaks up for Nicole. The consensus is that they think Enzo and Cody don't think a previous winner can win. They have a lot of good things to say about Enzo. Memphis and Kevin talk about Cody's bad jury management.

Time for the third part of the HoH comp -- Nicole versus Cody. Vinyl Exam, watch a video, three statements. Eight questions. True or false on three statements. Asked which one is false.

1. Cody gets a point

2. Both score

3. Both score

4. Both score

5. Both score

6. Both score

7. Both score

8. Both score

CODY WINS PART THREE AND IS THE FINAL HOH!

He has to choose between his final two deals. 

Nicole - Ride or die since the start, would not cut you

Enzo - From day one, bro. Everything I did was for you.

Cody evicts NICOLE!!!!

She's crying to Julie. She was sure Cody would take her and didn't see it coming at all. She seems in shock. 

So, the Final Two are the Jersey Boys -- one is my blog pool pick and the other lives not really far away from me.

Jury questioning from the backyard --

Nicole joins them. Julie tells them that Cody won the final HoH.

Tyler - Cody, well-rounded game and how? Comps and social game and alliances, multiple final deals to play differently. Not saying anything bad about Enzo.

Ian - Enzo, same question. Used Cody as a weapon. I didn't have to win anything. Played awesome. Never on the block. Social game. Some comps.

Kevin - Cody, benefited from alliances, three things you can take ownership of that we don't know. Ian going home. Having Tyler target Dani, then target Tyler right after.

Da'Vonne - Enzo, outside of social game and winning comps. Strategy? Make everyone love me and not target me. Never!

Christmas - Cody, all star did your game evolve from the first time? Yes, had the social aspect and no strategy the first time. Actually planned strategically this time.

Memphis - Enzo, same question. Won only one comp last time. Won three comps early in the first 23 days this time. Mixed with social game.

Dani - Cody, outside of HoH weeks, how did you influence what happened in the house? Advised Tyler, shifted focus to Da'Vonne over Kevin. 

David - Enzo, goodbye messages told us you wanted us to stay. Why didn't you own it? Whoever stayed, I was in an alliance with or had an agreement with. 

Nicole - Cody, why? Contemplated taking you, both were crucial to my game. Went back and forth. You won before. Not an easy decision. 

The speeches ...

Enzo - I finally made final two. Indebted to Cody. I used him to get there. I was not a target. Proud. Kids are proud. Did it for Pop Dukes. Means a lot to me.

Cody - Enzo did sit on the block in the final two. I did not. Had to change my game completely. Strategy, relationships, allies. Three of my final twos in the final five. Played well-rounded. More deserving than the first time I played.

Time to vote:

Ian, Da'Vonne, Kevin, David, Dani, Tyler, Memphis, Christmas, Nicole..

The pre-jurors join them next.

Julie asks questions.

Kaysar - Committee members why couldn't you get those not in that alliance to band together? Wanted to get people to shake things up. Went after Cody because Cody opened up the game.

Tyler - Slick Six was it real? Or done to keep numbers away from Janelle and Kaysar? It worked for as long as it could.

Bayleigh - Slick Six? Should never existed. She didn't trust it.

Kevin - Biggest regret? Not winning stuff and not working with Janelle and Kaysar.

Janelle - Who were the ones you knew you had to target? Enzo and Cody. Wrote it down even.

Ian - Biggest shock? Dani nominated me.

Memphis - Same question? The triple.

Dani - Shocked at triple? Blindsided more that she left than the triple itself. Good move that Cody took out Nicole.

Keesha - What surprised you the most? Cody does not know my name! He says it was a joke.

The votes to win:

Ian - Cody

Da'Vonne - Cody

Kevin - Cody

David - Cody

Dani - Cody 

CODY WINS BB22!

They are greeted by the jurors when they walk out. All were in the "BB Bubble."

Julie tells us the vote was unanimous, the second time only (Dan).

AFP - Top two are Tyler and Da'Vonne. Da'Vonne gets it!

Survivor 40: Winners at War - Season Finale Blog Party

Well, well, well ... here it is, season finale time already! From what I've read, most of tonight's three-hour broadcast will be show, not the reunion. What reunion there will be will be video conferencing type. I know that many will squawk if Natalie wins her way back into the game and then wins the two million. While I personally wouldn't think it right that the first person voted out stands a chance to come back and win it all, she has amazed me with her determination and physical skills. I don't know. I'd prefer she not win, but still thinks she deserves some kudos!

I will be updating this entry with the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast -- refresh this page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

Before she blows the final out of the pool whistle of the season, Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool. Here's where we stand going into the finale --

Ben Driebergen - Rbennie, Shannon
Denise Stapley - Becky, Jennifer
Michele Fitzgerald -Terry is a Texan
Sarah Lacina - SueGee, Cheryl in NC
Tony Vlachos - Karen in CA, Donna in Alabama

Extinction Island
Adam Klein - Lifeguard Laurie, Petals
Amber Mariano - Delee, Glenn Allen
Danni Boatwright - Jennasmom
Ethan Zohn - Rochelle, Jackie
Jeremy Collins - Sharon N
Kim Spradlin-Wolfe - Dr_Celine
Natalie Anderson - Nana in the NW
Nick Wilson - Barbara BW, Judi Sweeney
Parvati Shallow - Donna in FL
Rob Mariano - Auntie Leigh
Sophie Clarke - ChicMc
Tyson Apostol -Janice
Wendell Holland - Nickelpeed, PDX Granny
Yul Kwon - Ed in Ohio

Survivor fans ready?

Jeff is in his garage with a big set-up to present the live portions of the broadcast. He thinks this has been the greatest season of all times.  All of the castaways are on a Zoom internet kind of screen. He claims so much is going on with the show itself that there wouldn't be time for a reunion show anyway. Hmm.

Final five get to watch the Extinction players compete. Attached to rope, race through obstacles, dig up rope, make rope bridge, untie knots, table maze. Several have bought advantages with their tokens. Natalie bought the most and gets stuck. After doing so well, she's not rocking this challenge! Wendell has maintained the lead for a while. Natalie has caught up and she, Wendell and Tyson are vying for the win. Whoops for Wendell. NATALIE WINS HER WAY BACK INTO THE GAME!

Now we're getting the Survivor stories from those who didn't win their way back in. Well, Tyson did but got voted out again.

Natalie is touring the camp. She knows that she will be the biggest target. She sees everyone is on the "Tony bandwagon." Tony doesn't trust her and is sure that she will be telling lies. Yes, she plans on telling lots of lies! She has already started telling people that the jury has all been talking about voting for Tony. 

Immunity challenge -- race through obstacles, grab bag, up stairs, down waterslide times 3, puzzle. MICHELE WINS despite being way behind until she started her puzzle.

Tony thinks they should split the vote between Denise and Natalie. Meanwhile, Natalie wants to work with Michele. Ben wants to be human and not vote out his friend Denise. Natalie has an idol (one that Tony thinks she might have). Tony thinks he might have to play his idol. Ben has one, as well. Tony thinks they should vote Denise because he thinks Natalie has an idol. Sarah doesn't think she does have one because "she would have told me." @@

Tribal Council time. Jeff starts out asking about Natalie's return. Natalie goes ahead and says Tony is running the show. Now it seems to be female solidarity is afoot. Natalie is really pushing her oust Tony agenda.

The tally -- Natalie plays her idol. Tony plays his idol. Ben plays his idol.

Natalie, Natalie, Natalie, Natalie, Ben, Ben ... must revote. They can only vote for Denise or Sarah. Denise and Sarah don't count. Nobody draws rocks. settle with making fire if it is a tie.

The re-tally -- Denise, Denise, Denise ... bye, Denise.

Tony is a bit upset that he and Ben "wasted" their idols. Tony knows at least one idol is now hidden and he wastes no time going in search of it. NATALIE finds one instead.

Immunity Challenge time -- through obstacles, water, key, two sandbags land them on target.  TONY WINS IMMUNITY, a guaranteed spot in the final four.

Natalie is pushing to break up the Tony/Ben/Sarah trio. Tony goes to his spy nest thinking he wants to eavesdrop on the girls. Natalie tells Sarah that she doesn't want to go against Ben in fire. Natalie tells and shows Sarah that she has an idol. Tony wants Natalie to think they're voting for her but put the votes on Michele. Michele knows that she's the target. Would Natalie use her idol to save Michele? Hmm. Ben tells Sarah he's okay with her writing his name down.  He thinks she should go to the end and not be told she was just brought along there. 

Tribal Council ... it's getting all sentimental and personal growth feelings stuff. 

The tally -- Natalie plays her idol.

Ben, Michele, Ben, Michele, Ben.

Tony is surprised. His bud Ben is out!

Final Immunity Challenge -- One hand tied behind back, ball down a chute, catch it, more balls added as time goes on. Tony out! Sarah out! 

NATALIE WINS THE FINAL IMMUNITY!

She will pick one person to save and the other two must do a fire challenge for the third spot in the final three.

Tony is pretty sure that he and Sarah will face the fire challenge. I think he's probably right. Natalie wants to put the strongest fire maker against him. Will she choose Michele to go up against Tony? 

It's to Tribal ... Natalie saves Michele, leaving Tony and Sarah to do the firemaking battle.

TONY WINS! He's in the final three! Woot! Woot! Both Tony and Sarah are in tears.

They get their big breakfast feast.

Time for the jury Tribal Council --
Outwit
Yul offers them kudos, says they need to fill in the missing blanks about how they outwitted them. Natalie says she misstepped on day one not reaching out. Michele got into alliances, always felt like she was on the bottom.  Tony said he tried to be more open and vulnerable this time. Nick challenges him, as does Jeremy. Tony said he was with them until they went against him. Ben speaks up for Tony's loyalty. Natalie talks about targeting Tony upon returning to the game. Rob points out that she shunned the old school players on Extinction. Tony gets asked how he blindsided people. He tells of his spy nest. Wendell points out that Tony never had votes against him. Michele says she moved through cracks and had to work alone being on the bottom. 

Outplay --
Wendell wants Natalie to share everything she found in the game. Talk of winning challenges. Extinction an advantage for Michele, disadvantage for Tony.

Outlast --
Natalie wanted to take out the strongest alliance and did it. Michele wonders if she deserved her first win and worked hard this season. Tony came in as himself and played hard, even looking for idols at night, no one ever put his name down in the game.

They show Rob voting for Tony. Natale got a vote. Michele may have gotten one. They only showed a few.

The final tally for the win ...

To Jeff's garage with the final three on little screens. 

Tony, Natalie, Natalie, Tony, Natalie, Tony, Natalie, Tony, Tony, Tony, Tony, Tony! 

TONY WINS! WELL-DESERVED!

BB21: Season Finale Blog Party

Yay! It's finally here -- finale night! What a season it's been! I'll be doing my best to update this entry with the major happenings as it airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest updates! As always, the real party is in the comments -- come join in on the fun!

Here are the FINAL pool standings! Let's give SueGee a round of applause for running the blog pool this season!

HAMSTER BLOG POOL PEEPS

Holly ----------------> Dr_Celine, SueGee. Ashley, Quixotic Elf
Nicole ---------------> JonMD1267, CherylNY, Sherri Vegas, Donna in AL
Jackson -------------> Jennifer, Janice, ChicMc. Krysta Gibson

JURY
Jack
Kat
Analyse
Nick
Jess
Christie
Tommy

Cliff 

Let's get this party started!

Recap recap recap

Julie is all dressed up and sporting a beautiful hairdo.

Jury Roundtable with Dr. Will. Most seem to think Cliff is joining them -- they're right. They seem at a dilemma with Jackson's game -- yes he won comps. But how about the way he treats people? Has he integrity?

Then they talked Nicole and seem very impressed with her game. Sis thinks it was more luck than strategy, most seem to think she was playing a great game. As for Holly, they're not as impressed. 

Now it's time for the taped Part 2 HOH, they have to retrieve "memories" and matching days. It's physical as well as mental. They're doing wall climbing to make the matches. They do it one at a time. 

Holly - 10.38. Nicole - 14.38 -- HOLLY WINS PART 2

Live Part 3 starts - The Jury is Out, have to tell which jury statements are true or false.

1. Both right
2. Both right
3. Both right
4. Both right
5. Holly wrong
6. Both right
7. Both right
8. Both right

Jackson wins. Sigh. No real surprise there.

Expect the expected -- he evicts Nicole, the final two is Holly and Jackson.

She gets overwhelming applause. She held up well until she spotted her family in the audience.

Jury questions time.
Cliff- Jury management to Jackson -- defends his game 
Christie  - Holly strategy? 
Tommy - Jackson degrading to women? He denies
Analyse - Holly played his game? She says no
Jess - Jackson why you over Holly?
Jack - Holly why you over Jackson?

Final speeches --
Jackson lists his stats and asks vote on game
Holly planned to fly under radar honwat

Voting commences

Early evictees are next. 

Ohh … let's talk controversy. Ovi says Nicole was bullied when closed out of that HOH room. Kemi is upset with Jack and others. They all apologize. Jackson denies he's a racist. Bella is SO upset with Nick. 

The votes
Nicole - H
Cliff - J
Tommy - J
Jess - H
Nick -- J
Sis - J
Kat - H
Jack - J

No surprise -- JACKSON MICHIE WINS
I don't like him as a person and thinks he has a lot of issues to work on in his life. But, game-wise he was best.

NICOLE WON AFP! Tommy and Cliff were the other top vote-getters

The Amazing Race 31: Season Finale Blog Party

Well, here we are -- it's the season finale. Remember, this will be a two-hour show, so settle in. Not surprisingly, three of the four remaining teams in the race are previous TAR teams. I am a bit surprised that the one non-TAR team is from Big Brother rather than Survivor. Victor and Nicole deserve kudos! (Plus they're my blog pool pick!)

Speaking of the blog pool -- here's the latest updated list from Lifeguard SueGee:

From Big Brother
Nicole & Victor -- Jackie, Jennifer, Jenna G

From Survivor
No One Has Survived!

From TAR
Colin & Christie -- Donna NY, Petals
Leo & Jamal -- Merrilee, Judi Sweeney, Glenn Allen
Tyler & Korey -- Sharon N, Ed in Ohio

Philiminated
Art & JJ
Rupert & Laura
Corinne & Eliza
Janelle & Britney
Rachel & Elissa
Chris & Bret
Becca & Floyd

I'll be live blogging and constantly updating this entry with the major happenings as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, you know the party is in the comments area! Have fun!

Race watchers ready? Let's GO!

Teams are off to London for the next leg. The TAR alumni want to be the final three although the Afghanimals aren't all that popular with the other two teams The two teams will work together when possible. The Afhanimals have been eliminated in the 11th leg both times before and the last time in England. 

All teams on the same flight. But it's a scramble for taxis to get to the Aviation Museum. They find out they have to book the taxis, not hail one. 

Helicopter ride over the White Cliffs of Dover to the Dover Castle. Leo;Jamal running in first place. Stunning views!

Roadblock -- Who can't keep a secret … cracking a code and typing it up.

Leo/Jamal through it. Korey and Christie working together. Victor suspects it. 

After the Roadblock teams fly back to London and search for clues along the River Thames. 

Gah. Victor solved the puzzle and helped the other teams. Then Korey finished leaving Christie last.

Leo/Jamal head to Piccadilly Circus. Victor and Nicole on their tails, then Tyler/Korey.  The next clue is a Detour. Memorize a cab route one detail at a time or learn how to row two person skiff and complete a course in one minute. All three teams are there and now Christie finally finished the Roadblock.

Leo/Jamal start with the rowing, but switch when it seems precarious. That memorization seems impossible to me! Nic/Vic are trying to row. Christie and Colin finally there, go for the row. Tyler/Korey are also there. All having trouble. Whoops! Tyler/Korey capsize and are questioning their choice of detour. Sure enough, they switch.

Nic/Vic switch, too. Jamal/Leo get through the cab memorization after many tries and are the first on the way to the Pit Stop. Tyler/Korey through the cab.

Pit Stop --
Phil hands the Afghanimals a clue and they have to pick up some items at a market before they can be checked in. They have to find eight items. Then it's Ty;er/Korey shopping, too. 

Christie/Colin got through the rowing! Vic/Nic finish the taxi.  Colin/Christie get to Phil and go shopping, then Nic/Vic.

Pit Stop Order
1. Leo and Jamal
2. Tyler and Korey (who told Colin/Christie where some things are)
3. Colin and Christie
4. Nicole and Victor … Philiminated - They handle it well.

The final three are off to Detroit, Michigan. Tyler/Korey are from Michigan and are quite familiar with Detroit. 

All on the same flight. They're heading to the Spirit of Detroit. Leo/Jamal get to the clue first -- Roadblock. Who's good with numbers? 500 foot face forward rappel looking for the numbers that are the combination for a vault. It turns out doing the combination itself is tricky with the numbers having to be dialed in certain directions and number of times.

Colin and Christie through first. They have to play a bizarre game that combines football and bowling. Colin/Christie can't find their cab (that they left waiting). Tyler/Korey pass them by and get in their cab.

Both ColinChrisie and Tyler/Korey are at the Fowling. 

Teams must press five split color vinyl records according to the next clue. Tyler/Korey out first heading that way. Leo/Jamal still at the vault. He finally got it and they're heading for the records.

Chratie/Colin finish the records first and have to find the next clue among a bunch of musicians. Tyler/Korey on their tails.

That clue directs them to assemble a drum kit. While they're assembling them, extremely loud music is distracting them and interfering with their ability to communicate.

Colin/Christie finish their drum first. Soon after, Tyler/Korey finish. Both teams heading towards the finish line. Afghanimals have no chance. 

COLIN AND CHRISTIE WIN THE AMAZING RACE 31!

Second place goes to Tyler and Korey. Leo and Jamal are fowling. They finally arrive at the finish line.

Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction - Season Finale Blog Party

Well, here we are -- season finale time. All but two castaways from the start of the season remain in the game. That's so to speak, I guess. While it's been interesting, it's definitely not a "twist" I hope to see repeated. We have five castaways playing the game with thirteen (!) more over in Extinction. One will be coming back tonight. And, they will need to get rid of three to get to the final three. Um. Okay. Whatever.

I'll be live blogging the major events as tonight's show airs here on the East Coast. Please refresh this page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- feel free to join in on the fun!

Lifeguard Laurie has been diligently watching y'all in the blog pool. Here are the latest standings:

Gavin Whitson -- Brenda, KelseyNY
Julie Rosenberg -- Delee, MikesGirl
Lauren O'Connell -- Brian, Krysta Gibbon, Sharon N.
Rick Devens -- Auntie Leigh, Merrilee
Victoria Baamonde -- Indiana Jane, Karen in VS, SueGee

Jury & Extinction
Reem Daly -- David, Terry is a Texan, Sharon C
Chris Underwood -- Glenn Allen, Laurie
Aubry Bracco * -- Cheryl in NC, Margo, Petals
Eric Hafemann -- Bizaro22, Pinky, Shannon
Joe Anglim * -- Carol C, Kismet
Julia Carter -- Donna in FL, Monty924, Jennifer
David Wright * -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Renee Buck
Kelley Wentworth * -- Donna in NY, Jenna G.
Dan DaSilva "Wardog" -- Jackie, Nana in the NW
Ron Clark -- Cherry Pie, Judi Sweeney, Rochelle
Aurora McCreary -- Ed in Ohio, marthalight

Let's see how the largest show jury will decide ... 

I guess they'll never film the finale in NYC again. They used to rotate between CA and NY.

We open up with a challenge for the extinct. Tied to a rope, through rope maze, obstacle course, untie knots, across a rope bridge, table maze, first to drop two balls gets back in the game.

Wardog, as usual, is lagging behind. He talked such a good game! Ron is slow, too. 

Joe, Eric and Aurora are leading. Aurora has one ball in. Joe has one in. Chris has one in. 

CHRIS WINS AND RETURNS TO THE GAME!

Jeff sits them all down and tells them that this was a social experiment. He starts off asking Reem her darkest moment. He then asks Joe and the theme seems to be never quitting for him. Onto David and what it's meant for him. He seems to think there's no place like home. Julia is grateful and now realizes how strong she is. Eric is all about his kids and not quitting. Aubry reminder of your true character. Kelley says she thought it was about game, not people and now realizes it's about who you are, not that you win. 

They get to not go back to Extinction but only Chris will play the game. Lots of tears. 

Live, Jeff calls Joe out. His hair is not in a man-bun. It's wild. Jeff asks him if a player like him can ever win? He asks if he might come back. He does have a feeling he'll come back. 

Chris hasn't even met some of the others. He tells them he does have information if people want to come talk to him. Thinking about it, he does have how the jury is leaning. He doesn't want to be immediately voted out. Victoria doesn't know him, but is worried about the two that do know him. He immediately teams up with Rick. But, since Rick backstabbed him before, can it last?

Chris also knows Lauren has an idol (because Kelley told him on Extinction). She's a bit leery. I think she's been a fairly strategic player. She's seriously thinking of trusting him.

Time for the first Immunity Challenge. Race through obstacles, across balance beam, collecting bags along the way, solve combination lock, puzzle. There is a reward of steak and chocolate cake for dessert.

Chris is doing poorly, but coaching Julie.

JULIE WINS IMMUNITY! 

She chooses Chris to go with her because he has never had Reward, nor even the merge feast. She then chooses Lauren as the second. That choice now has the others "very wary."

Julie tells us that she invited Chris to try to get Rick out of the game. Chris advises a split between Rick and Victoria because the jury thinks they're best for the end game. 

Victoria is telling the others that Chris needs to go because she thinks he'll work with Lauren and Julie. Rick isn't really keen to vote out Chris, but doesn't really trust him. He says he will be playing his idol tonight no matter what. He needs to know if Rick is working with him or against him. 

Rick and Chris talk. Chris tells him that he's loyal to him. Rick brings up the bag from Extinction … which contains the half of an idol like we had before. He gives Rick the half-idol. Chris tells Rick that Victoria is on the line. He tells us that he wants Lauren to play her idol for him. She says if Rick plays his, she will.

It's off to Tribal and Jeff's Probsting questions. He first asks Chris how he's adapting. Jeff brings up that Rick was ticked when Julie chose Lauren instead of him. Then he cries. Victoria thinks there's someone other than the easy vote Chris to go. Rick says it's him. Time to vote.

The tally … Rick plays his idol. Lauren plays her idol for Chris.

Rick, Rick, Rick, Chris, Victoria, Victoria

Victoria is gone. She tells Gavin she will vote for him.

In the middle of the night, Rick is up idol hunting. He put two fake idols out there with the notes from the real ones he had previously found. He found the real one! He gives Chris back the half, so now it's Chris and Rick with idols going into the final four. Julie thinks since two idols were played, there has to be another one. Julie finds an idol. Is it the fake? Lauren finds a scroll directing to an idol. (Rick's?) and gets the idol from there. Yep, Rick tells Chris that's a fake one.

Immunity Challenge time. Way up over the water, race over obstacles over the ocean gathering bags, solve puzzle.

Gavin and Chris are in the lead. Chris drops behind. Gavin and Rick in the lead. 

RICK WINS IMMUNITY!

Rick is beside himself with joy. He knows that they were all after him. He tells us both the Julie and Lauren idols are his fakes. He wants to play his idol on Chris if Gavin takes him final three and doesn't do a fire challenge. So, he's getting them to vote Chris who has a real idol. Julie is thinking since there were three idols, her own might be fake. Rick and Chris must decide which person will go home. The power is in their hand. They are tossing between Julie and Lauren.

Off to Tribal once again. Jeff talks about Rick's 4th immunity win and asks if it's due to the target on his back. Chris says he hopes his new bonds will get him through. They're talking about all the IFS going on. Trust issues are going on. 

Time to vote …

The tally --
It's the last night to play idols.

Julie tries to play the fake idol. Nope, no go. Lauren plays the fake idol, nope for her, too. Rick plays his real idol for Gavin. Chris plays his real idol for himself.

Chris, Chris, Chris, Lauren, Lauren.

Lauren is still giggling about all the fake idols and says it was so well played. She goes off wishing the others good luck.

The final four are Chris, Rick, Julie and Gavin. Both Chris and Rick were voted off before and won their way back in from Extinction.

Immunity Challenge time once again. Negotiate rocky walkway balancing blocks on a rope suspended pole, first to spell Final Three wins. Rick is doing horribly. Chis is leading. But, if the blocks drop, they have to start all over. He has all his blocks up and is retreating to the start. 

CHRIS WINS IMMUNITY! 

He gets to choose who will sit next to him and which two will fight for the third slot in a fire-making challenge.

Rick is a bit worried about Chris having control. He doesn't want to do fire. They do have practice time with the fire. He tries to convince Chris. Not so convincing, Chris thinks that Rick would be the million dollar winner over anyone. Chris is working with both Gavin and Julie to improve their fire skills. He wants them both to stand a chance to beat Rick. 

Going into the final Tribal now.

Both Gavin and Julie say they'll go fire. Gavin wants to go against Rick. 

Chris wants to have no regrets. He gives his necklace to Julie and HE will do fire against Rick. Wow. Julie and Gavin will be a part of the final three.

CHRIS DOES IT! HE'S IN THE FINAL THREE! Well played.

Rick Devens is now on the jury. Jeff talks to him live and Rick gets a standing ovation from the crowd.

Gavin, Julie and Chris are enjoying the fancy feast of a breakfast. Julie tells us she thinks she got to the final three because of the relationships she formed. Chris pleads his case to us. He doesn't have to convince me. At this time, he deserves the win in my opinion. Then Gavin wants us to think he's such a strong social player and adaptable.

Tribal jury time …
Outwit -- David asks strongest ally. Gavin says Victoria Chris says Rick. Julie says Ron and Eric and a secret relationship with Lauren. Chris is asked about social relationships on Extinction, he says providing food. Gavin says his social game was his strategic game. He denies being anyone's goat. Julie says she was going to use her emotional weakness as a strategy. Julie seems to be knocking some of the jury in pleading her case. Hmm. She needs to shut up. Gavin and Aubry click. 

Outplay -- Rick wants to know why so few found idols. Gavin said he looked a little. Rick wants to know if Chris had any advantages coming back. Chris brings up the final move. He also says you can't screw people around. His relationship with Rick was real. Gavin disagrees. Gavin is acting like Extinction is nothing. Wardog says it's about people playing better. 

Outlast -- Gavin says pretty much what he told us. He was playing for his family. Chris wanted to play a perfect game but got blindsided. When he came back he had to do the best move every time. Julie goes on about the life-changing personal journey. 

Time for the vote, but a commercial first.

Finally to the live show. We'll be in for a short reunion bit tonight. Just over a half-hour left.

The tally …

Gavin, Chris, Gavin, Chris, Gavin, Chris, Gavin, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris …

Yep, I called it. 

CHRIS WINS!!!

Congratulations blog pool winners Laurie and Glenn Allen!

Reunion tidbits --
David Wright and Cochran are writing the CBS All Access Star Trek show
Jeff finally mentioned that he always calls Kelley "Wentworth."
Gavin again says "whenever" in place of the correct "when."
Rick wins Sia's award of $100,000. (She's done that a few seasons now.)

Next season will be …

Survivor: Two winners return Sandra and Boston Rob. Won't be competing, live on own island and mentor new players. Boot Camp. Survivor: Island of the Idols.