BB22: Live Feeds into Friday Morning - 08/07

Grasshopper in training

Ah, the best live feeds start in so many seasons. I do think a part of it is that we're not missing the first week they're in the house. We're actually seeing the start of alliances and seeing those mysterious happenings that they'll talk about in the days to come ... and know what the happenings are! (If that makes sense.) Plus, we have some really good hamsters aboard kicking the game into gear. So, what's been happening inside that Big Brother House of Don't Mess With Us?

• It's so refreshing to see Kaysar and Janelle's teamwork in action and how their stride is still there after 15 years.
• Plus, they've taken Nicole A. under their wing and they're schooling her to a more strategic way to play the game.
• And Nicole is such a thrilled Kaysar/Janelle fangirl that I just have to smile.
• Anyway ... to the Safety Suite. 
• It sounds like everyone except the HoH had the opportunity to play the comp, but I don't think everyone did.
• Kaysar won it and made Janelle his Plus One, thus giving her safety ... which came at a price.
• The price? For her, the first costume of the season. For us, another extensively long feeds block. (Wah.)
• Her costume? She's the All-Star Star Mascot! Her top point even has little lights.
• Of course, their safety status throws a wrench into Cody's plan to nominate them.
• Heh.
• His plan has changed to Keesha and Kevin.
• Cody only has Tyler and Nicole F. in his camp (and thinks he's all that).
• While Kaysar and Janelle at the moment only have Nicole A. for sure, Kaysar is evaluating Ian, Enzo and Memphis/Kevin/Keesha (whoever survives) down the line
• Dani is tight with Nicole F. for some foolish reason.
• Kevin, Memphis, Da'vonne, Bayleigh and Keesha all seem to be floating a bit.
• Enzo is getting along with everyone. Cody thinks he's in his camp, but Emzo is also feeding intel to Kaysar. He also mocks Nicole F.
• Well, not to her face.
• Nicole F. had two really extended periods of crying yesterday ... their second day. She's not on slop. She's not on the block and has been told she would be safe this week. 
• They do have two bidets in the house this season.
• But they still have a toilet. Kevin told Nicole A. that the trick to enduring the cold Have Not showers is to have someone keep flushing the toilet next to the shower stall. Aha! I didn't think of that!
• In keeping with the TMZ articles pre-show, Janelle told Nicole A. that Dan told her that Nicole F. has something to do with why Derrick is not on the show this season. She doesn't know how or what, just that Dan told her that.
• The brouhaha over that was that Nicole F. was not asked back on the show and contacted producers saying that Dan and Derrick were planning strategy before the season and now neither one is on, but yet she is.
• Janelle also told Nicole A. that Memphis and Keesha were alternates who took the place of Josh and Kaycee. She said those two tested positive for COVID (but, of course we do not know how true that is). A Julie interview in which she said a few in sequester tested positive has been pulled but can still be found in various places online.
• A Kaysar quote while talking to Janelle and Nicole A.: "They know we're dangerous. But they don't know the depths of what we're capable."
• Ian admitted to Kaysar, Janelle and Nicole A. that he's autistic.
• No surprises there until Kaysar spoke up and said he is also autistic.
• I guess I have good company on the spectrum!
• Kaysar might play politely and quietly, but he's always playing. He's been tracking who goes to the HoH room and how long they stay there,
• Can you say Tyler?
• Nominations should be sometime today.
• We know who CAN'T be nominated!
• And it makes me feel smug all over.

Janelle with her eyeglasses

The star is a star!

Dani, Dani, Dani ... I'm disappointed 

And Nicole F. kept on crying

Kevin needs to step up his game

I'm savage

BB22: Live Feeds into Thursday Evening - 8/06

Sort of like last season

Please bear with me as I adjust to the new way Blogger is doing stuff. Mind you, I'm good with technology but hate change anyway. This is more aggravating than when my favorite supermarket moves around their departments! So ... you want to know what's been happening in that Big Brother House of Are They All-Stars? Read on ...

• It seems very cold in the house. Most are bundling up as if it's almost winter.
• They have the wisdom of the years when it comes to being creative with slop recipes. Maybe BB should give them a slop cookbook for seasons of newbies.
• The Nicoles were both surprised to see another Nicole in there. Nicole A. said she has a nickname of Coco that they can use if they want. Neither wants to be called Nikki.
• Nicole F. is worming her way into Cody Camp. She wants to work with him and told him she would get together with a girls alliance and report back to him every discussion. @@
• Memphis has turned into some kind of middle-aged business man who likes to discuss Profit and Loss statements at Kaysar.
• Ian explained why he tends to walk on his toes -- something about tendons not fully forming. He says he has shoes that correct it, but he's used to it. He has definitely improved socially since his season. He's still quiet but doesn't rock like he used to do.
• Kevin has been almost invisible on the feeds.
• Bayleigh's voice still grates on me. She talks a lot about her husband. Are you aware that she married Chris, Swaggy C? 
• BB woke them up this morning and we had blocked feeds. When the feeds came back, it seems they were told of the Safety Suite comp. Some were wearing Safety Suite VIP lanyards.
• It seems that the winner of the Safety Suite comp can or does choose a Plus One (which falls in line with Julie telling us one or two could be safe).
• Lots and lots of small talk and wondering what the comps will be like.
• Cody seems pretty set on nominating Kaysar and Janelle with Keesha as a back-up plan. Grr.
• The feeds were down FOREVER showing adoptable pets in video loops. At least they play the regular theme music rather than what they were playing before the feeds went live. They needn't play it so loud, though.
• Oh my.
• It seems like JANELLE won the Safety Suite. She is safe this week and Cody cannot nominate her.
• Hmm. Ian congratulated both Janelle and Kaysar. I don't really have confirmation that Kaysar is safe as well as I go to post this. But I do think he could be safe.
• I hope so.
• Or ... maybe Kaysar won and Janelle was his Plus One.
• Either way, it sounds like Cody is going to have to change his plans.
• Good.

Memphis seems so middle-aged!

Seemingly flying under the radar

Return of the man-bun

Will she work with Tyler?

Channeling his inner Audrey

BB22 All-Stars Blog Pool Match-Ups

The esteemed Lifeguard SueGee, affectionately known as SqueeGee, has made the random match-ups for the blog pool. So. it's time to play WHO'S YOUR HAMSTER!

ALL-STAR                                         POOL PEOPLE 

Nicole Franzel                  Micaela, Sally, Defnotadoge, Deirdre

Dani Donato-Briones         Donna in FL, Marlo L, Nickelpeed 

Da’Vonne Rogers              Monty924, Cheryl in NC, Lili, Jessica Underwood James Christmas Abbott              BrizanWillow, JonMD1237, Skyriverblue 

Tyler Crispen                    Sharon N, CherryPie, SueGee 

Ian Terry                          JLaf, Jennifer, Jean From Tampa

Kevin Campbell                Auntie Leigh, Janice, MikesGirl 

Enzo Palumbo                   dia, Glenn Allen, Rbennie, Dolores 

Janelle Pierzina                 Judi Sweeney, David, Lori G 

Bayleigh Dayton               Jennasmom, Chase, Cheryl NY, Kelsey NY  

Nicole Anthony                 Sharon S, Mytimindi, Sandy, Donna NY 

Keesha Smith                   Margo, Juju, T-Town Chick

Kaysar Ridha                    Ayana, Rich H, Beachbound Gmom, joC 

Cody Calafiore                  Shannon, Chacha, Jackie 

Memphis Garrett               Dr Celine, Indiana Jane, Krysta Gibson 

David Alexander               tbc, AprilW, Marthalight

Let's hear those cheers for your chosen hamster to win!

BB 22: Live Feeds Report - Into Thursday 8/06

So comfortable!

Sure, Blogger, throw a learning curve at me overnight! Yes, it switched to some new funky format since I posted the live show last night. So, I had to waste tune trying to figure out how to add captions, resize photos and you name it. I hate that!

Anyway, here I am with the first live feeds report of the BB22 All-Stars season. Let's get to it! Oh, wait a moment. Now I have to find my bullet points!

• Whoa! Too many people talking at once!
• It's interesting to see the feeds on the first night when so many either know each other or, at the very least, know of each other.
• Well, except David. At one point he asked Dani who she was.
• I was surprised that BB didn't reprimand them for talking about production when they talked at length about the movies and Netflix they watched in sequester.
• Lots and lots of talk about house changes, the seasons they were on, how BB has changed, current jobs, families and spouses/children ... not so much game talk overall.
• In one meeting between Kaysar and Janelle, she told him they need to watch being seen together. So, the old ties are indeed still there and we can expect their alliance to remain.
• Kaysar also talked to Nicole A. in the storage room. He told her how terrible it was that she was treated so poorly by her fellow hamsters last season and how much that bothered him. She was really touched by his concern and told him that it meant so much coming from him. I can see them working together down the road.
• Cody's HOH room itself was cool, but too many people gathered in it! Thankfully they didn't make all kinds of noise waiting for him to unlock the door like last season. Sure enough, he had issues unlocking said door.
• Cody got a basket with treats and his music, but no letter nor photos. I don't know if that's going to be the new normal for the season or not. It just might be because everything was so iffy going through quarantine/sequester and BB wasn't prepared because they didn't know for sure who would be in the house until last minute.
• Cody got no alcohol -- I think I caught him saying he doesn't drink these days. 
• Actually, the whole house got no alcohol, not even the celebratory first night champagne.
• Dani and Nicole F. talked about ghosting or blocking Nicole A.'s DM about appearing on her podcast. I'm disappointed in both of them!
• They have no clue as to the schedule for comps and such. However, they did know the feeds went on after the live show their time.
• While in sequester each hamster had to go through sexual harassment and racial bias training training. That's new and I'm surprised BB didn't cut the feeds as they talked about it. Or, maybe BB wanted it known so they can defend the show if a hamster acts up.
• There are no fish this season -- probably because maintenance used to have to come in so much to attend to dead fish and other issues.
• The feeds cut can't go to fish, so it goes to Wall. I don't like it.
• Dani seems to be clicking with Nicole F. Hmm. I didn't see that coming. Nicole F. is also clicking with Ian. Hmm.
• That's about it for now. With so many of them and so many tales they needed to tell, there wasn't much jump into scheming or allying. I do expect that to change after nominations. 
• Just a note -- I won't be adding labels/tags to this post as this new format makes it ridiculously labor intensive when I have a lot of stored labels to choose from. My apologizes.
• Have I mentioned I hate changes in my technology?
• Wait! Don't go yet! New developments while I was messing with this! -- Nicole F. and Dani have been in Cody's ear. Cody is tossing around the idea of putting up Kaysar, Keesha or Janelle! Nicole is pushing for a Kaysar/Janelle nom. A pox on all three of them!

Kaysar has put on a few pounds

Then there's David

Awkward moments

Hair flipper. Stop that.

Kaysar, we need to not be seen together

These two should work together!

BB22 All-Stars Season Premiere Blog Party

With the pandemic crippling much of the television and film industries, things looked a bit dismal for Big Brother fans and our favorite summer voyeuristic pastime. But here we are, ready to not only start a new season of hamster-watching, but the second "all stars" version in 20 years. The argument might be made that some of the cast are just returning players, not "all stars" per se. So what ... we have a season ahead of us when things had been looking doubtful. 

The cast reveal and move-in will be live during tonight's two-hour show. Although some of the cast have been confirmed and others seem all but confirmed, I will post them as the show airs here on the East Coast. A separate post with our blog pool picks will be posted before the next episode airs on Sunday. I will update this blog post throughout the show with the major events. 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 fun!

When commenting, please be respectful of others. If you don't care for a hamster, that's fine and dandy. But don't attack the fans of said hamster! No hate speech either! Please keep your comments at a PG-13 language level even if the hamsters may tend to potty-mouth. I have this blog set with Google as family friendly and want to keep it that way! Also, please do not come up with whacko nicknames for the hamsters -- we need to know about whom you're talking! If you see someone coming in and trolling, rest assured their comments will be deleted. I know people try to help control the trolls and I appreciate it. However, then I have to remove the comments made to the troll as they no longer make sense. I try to check in on comments during all the commercial breaks.

::: deep breath ::: Okay, let's get this show AWN!

16 will be returning. The FOH is really blue. Same announcer, same Julie.

The show is completely live (as it actually was in BBOTT) with the cast entering the house on camera. Who will be moving back? Nicole Franzel is introduced first. We get a bit of what she's been doing and what she's done in the game. Next we get Dani Donato-Briones and she also catches us up with her life. Da'vonne's intro is next up. And then (sigh) Christmas Abbott has her intro clip. She doesn't mention her domestic violence arrests.

The four are standing on the stage socially distanced from Julie. Julie talks of the testing, etc. due to the virus. They have masks on and Julie is 12 feet away. Julie chats with each one before they go into the BB "bubble." The second they enter the house they're in competition. Race into house where a question is in the backyard, race back in and enter answers, only the first two will get a chance to play the HoH comp. They are allotted four minutes.

They found the backyard and have to do a table/ball thing to get the question. Christmas runs back in first. Only she will be able to compete in the HoH comp. All four will be hidden away in the house for the arrival of the next four hamsters.

Onto the next four. Tyler comes up first with his intro clip. Then it's IAN! (I adore him) Kevin Campbell from BB11 is next up. Enzo, the Meow Meow from Bayonne NJ is up next. He takes credit for starting the Brigade alliance. Julie chats with them a bit. They were told of the rules for the comp ahead of time and it's a more abbreviated segment than with the first four. Ian finishes first. Then Kevin finishes. They will both compete in the HOH comp.

Julie teases us that a new twist could keep two people safe on eviction night.

The next group of four women. Janelle is up with her clip first. Then we get Bayleigh's intro. Nicole Anthony is introduced in clips next despite someone posting all kinds of stuff on Twitter to show she isn't in the house. Keesha Smith is next with the intro clips. As with the two previous groups, they chat on stage with Julie before heading into the house with the comp. Nicole gets it first. 

So far competing in the HOH comp will be Christmas, Ian, Kevin and Nicole A. We have the last group of four men to go. 

The last group -- Kaysar is up first with his clip! Next Cody Califiore (sp?) from BB16, the one who gave his game to Derrick. Memphis from BB10 next. Last we get David Alexander from BB21 -- the first out that season and never really got the chance to play. Then the chat time before they go in. Memphis, then Cody finish.

All hamsters are brought together in the living room four by four. I noticed that Bayleigh did hug Tyler. Janelle and Kaysar were thrilled. 

All must head to the backyard.

HOH Comp time. BB City. Six compete. Star Stepping. Race across star-studded field to lock in their time. Stars are solid and not solid. Fall, must go back. Three minutes and then you're eliminated. If eliminated, pick up an envelope -- some are good, some not so good. One at a time. The stars are on raised platforms, some with springs which make them fall. Memphis goes first. 1 minute 12 seconds. Cody next. 22.06 seconds. Memphis takes an envelope. Christmas up next. Doesn't beat Cody's time. Envelope.

After commercial, we're back. Kevin is up. Fell right when he couldn't beat Cody's time. Envelope. Nicole next -- timed out, envelope. Ian next -- timed out, envelope.

CODY is the first HOH.

Julie talks to Cody in the DR. He's most surprised to see Kaysar. We find out they will still have Have Nots.

The envelopes have a cash prize or punishment. Ian - Have Not. Christmas - 5000 cash. Memphis, Kevin, Ian and Nicole are Have Nots.  

They have to go through a hall and then crawl into the room. Oops! It's locked, first technical issue of the show.

Sunday will be nominations. The Safety Suite is the new twist -- inside it is something they all will want. 

Twist -- New rooms will be revealed each week. Each gets a VIP pass (first) to the Safety Suite. She leaves them (and us) with that info. Wait, she does let us know that two might be safe from the Safety Suite.

The live feeds start tonight after the West Coast airing of the premiere. I will have a report up in the morning as that means 2:00am here.

BB22: Live Feeds Start Update and More

CBS announced that the live feeds will start after the West Coast airing of the season premiere tomorrow night. Or, as I should say here ... Thursday morning at 2am. You can expect my first live feeds report sometime Thursday morning. I have to wait and watch until I have enough fodder to post. I once again this season will be posting two updates a day, more if worthy stuff is happening in the house! 

Since I am only one person, I don't report on every breath they take. I choose what I feel is important and what interests me. I don't make up nicknames or use them for the hamsters unless it's something widely known. I ask that you please do the same in comments. It always helps to know about whom you're speaking! I also discourage comments based solely on things like weight, looks, etc. and absolutely NO racist or bigoted comments! You can feel free to like or dislike any of them, but based on gameplay or things they're actually doing in the house. 

As far as spoilers from the live feeds, I will not post, for example, the winner of a POV unless I personally see that the person won it. Any false postings made in comments will be deleted. This isn't Jokers where anyone can just post fake stuff! 

I will be posting screen caps from the live feeds with each live feed report. Beware -- I love to get "bad" screen caps! Expect some pimple-popping!  

As for the show schedule, other than the reveal and entry, I'm not sure what is on the agenda for tomorrow, nor what schedule they'll keep comp-wise until we're in the swing. Tomorrow is 9pm-11pm. There is no show this Thursday. There is one Sunday evening at 8pm. The regular show schedule starting next week is: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday ... all shows at 8pm. The live evictions are still supposed to be on Thursdays.

In other news ...
It's still mostly rumors about who is in the house. HOWEVER, we now know for sure that Josh was booted from quarantine and that Christmas Abbot is indeed in the house.

Josh posted on Twitter, not going into detail, but saying his health was fine and thanking everyone who wished him well. He is sad about not being in there, but will root for his friends.

Then there's Christmas. It turns out she postdated an email to friends and coworkers saying she's in the house. She probably didn't think it would violate the nondisclosure as surely the cast reveal would have been in place by now. Nope. I guess BB could pull her off, but I get the feeling they won't. I'm just sort of surprised she's in the cast at all with her domestic violence arrests the past year or so. Maybe BB feels guilty about her broken leg or something.

That's all for now!

BB22: House Tour, Julie Interview, More Rumors

Now the latest rumors have it that Danielle Reyes might be back in the house. Jason Guy, her alliance (best kept secret ever) dude from Season 3, has been posting hints that he's been talking to her in California and touting a new podcast with her for the season. Meanwhile, Nicole A. is also supposed to be in the house and is touting a new podcast. I guess we won't know until we know. Twitter is an absolute mess with fans and prior hamsters quibbling. We still have no word when the live feeds will start.

House tours came out today. You can find a complete one at this link.

BB22: Blog Pool OPENS!

Well, we still don't have the cast release, but ...

It's that time of year once again -- time for our summer obsession. BB22 should make its season debut next Wednesday evening.

WHO WANTS TO JUMP INTO THE BLOG POOL?

What's it all about?

Our esteemed and accomplished Lifeguard SueGee (AKA SqueeGee) will randomly match up pool entrants with the hamsters in the habitrail. Once matched up with a hamster, you need to cheer that one on until they're evicted or win it all. Yeah, even if they're obnoxious. Deal with it!

What will I win?

Well, IF you win, you'll be pleased to know there is NO CASH PRIZE! Nuh-uh. No way. That would cheapen the whole thing, don't ya think? Instead of paltry prizes, you get BRAGGING RIGHTS. Yep! From now through all eternity YOU will be a blog pool winner here. Feel free (and I encourage it) to put your win in your sign-off signature so that everyone can oooh and ahhh. Can't you hear the crowd now?

How do I get in on this wild action?!?!

You just need to sign up in the comments of THIS POST ONLY. If you put your name in on another post or Facebook or Twitter, it might be missed. If you come here as anonymous, you must come up with some sort of name in you comment. Otherwise, we can't tell the anonymous folks apart. Well, except for the unruly ones, maybe.

When is the deadline for joining the pool?

The deadline for signing up is TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, at NOON Pacific Time (that's 3pm ET). Don't put it off! Sign up TODAY!

Hopefully we will have the cast reveal by then!

Big Brother 22: No News is Not Good News

I don't believe I've ever seen quite the hot mess as this. Y'see, there was supposed to be a press release cast reveal on Monday. Today, as per my X'ed out image above, we were to get cast interviews on the live feeds. On Monday CBS pulled off the interview notice and replaced it with a "Coming Soon, August 5" notice on the feeds.

And, they've ghosted us all along. Now, you can't just post a notice like that and then take it down without explanation as if no one ever saw it and it doesn't exist! I realize much of our politics seem that way today, but ...!

Rumors have it that one or more of the 14-day quarantine/sequester hamsters tested positive for COVID-19. Supposedly they had a few alternates, so I don't really know the issue and they ain't saying!

I've been researching all around and have gathered up some intel and some rumors that are likely to be true. Here's the skinny:

* Janelle and Kaysar seem to indeed be in the cast and haven't been mentioned in the rumors they're out.
* Danielle Reyes was rumored to be in the cast. However, she's been posting on Twitter claiming that she never was in the cast. They aren't allowed to post from sequester (although it appears that family might be making some posts for others). Her tweets do seem to be coming from her. I'm disappointed. Sigh.
* Paul was never in the cast and posted that he didn't want the additional stress in his life with the pandemic and ill parents who needed him at home. I think he either wasn't asked or figured he'd just lose again. No great loss.
* Supposedly, Josh and Kaycee were in the cast and now they're not. Would they be the virus carriers if there are a few? Both had been seen partying it up at bars prior to quarantine.
* Bayleigh and Tyler seem to be in the cast. Both may be booted due to slips from Swaggy and Tyler's mother. Swaggy was videoed in a promo for some online show he and Bayleigh do, but mentioned she couldn't be there because she's "on the show." Meanwhile, Tyler's mother said something about it on Facebook. I don't think the show can afford to lose either at this point, but both cases are violations of the nondisclosure agreements.
* Nicole Franzel and Nicole Anthony seem to be in the cast. More on Nicole F. soon. 
* David Alexander from last season is rumored to be in the cast. Maybe we'll see him actually play the game.
* Both Dan Gheesling and Derrick Levasseur were early initially rumored to be in the cast. Neither is in the cast now. While Derrick posted a tweet with an explanation that he turned it down due to family health concerns and the pandemic, Dan is tweeting like nothing happened. It seems to be part of a big brouhaha by Nicole Franzel to secure her own place on the show. Supposedly she went to production claiming Derrick and Dan were pre-strategizing before quarantine/sequester. You can read more about it here at this link. 
* Daniele Donato-Briones seems to be on the show.
* Kevin Campbell -- BB11, the one who evicted Jeff -- is rumored to be in the cast.
* Ian Terry, Cody Califiore and Hayden Moss are rumored hamsters and I've seen nothing that would say they're not in the cast.
* Christmas Abbot is rumored to be in there as well as Enzo Palumbo (the Meow Meow), Keesha, Da'vonne and Memphis Garrett.

But, then again ... who really knows? Big Brother CBS has to stop ghosting us and let us know what's going on!

Big Brother 22: Are You Ready Hamster Watchers?

Yep indeedy ... soon it will be AWN (as Monica BB2 would say). Even a pandemic can't seem to stop our summer obsession! Yes, delay it a heck of a lot, but not stop it!

HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW:

* It will be an "All-Star" season for only the second time ever. Although, from the rumors out there I'm thinking some of the hamsters might just earn the title of "returning player" rather than "All-Star." To give casting some credit, it had to be hard getting folks to commit with the virus running rampant.
* As you see from the image at the header, we will find out about the cast on the live feeds next Wednesday.
* The cast has been in sequester/quarantine already and will be for 14 days total before the show premieres.
* The crew is also going to be working under many restrictions even though it's being said that they will have no personal contact with the hamsters.
* Julie Chen-Moonves will still be hosting.
* The season premiere will be on Wednesday, August 5 at 9pm. It will be a two-hour move-in episode. No mention of when the live feeds will start as of yet.
* It will follow its regular scheduling of Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, probably with the live evictions still on the Thursday shows.
* I will once again be posting live feeds reports and show night live blogging pool parties as the episodes air here on the East Coast.
* I will be posting a pool sign-up post next Wednesday. Please do not ask to be in the pool here on this post and do sign up on that one when it goes up!
* It should be noted that the cast interviews on the 29th will be on the live feeds only. And, of course, the live feeds are on CBS All Access.

STUFF FOR YOUR ONLINE READING PLEASURE:

From US Weekly - CBS Announces
From RobHasAWebsite
From TMZ
From Cinema Blend  
From ETOnline 

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!

Survivor 40: Winners at War - May 6 Blog Party

Come one, come all! We have two hours of the show tonight! Make sure you have tasty adult beverages and snacks at hand. I hope everyone is staying safe and staying well!

I'll be updating this post with the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest happenings! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- feel free to join in on the fun!

Here is the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie's latest blog pool update:

Ben Driebergen - Rbennie, Shannon
Denise Stapley - Becky, Jennifer
Jeremy Collins - Sharon N
Michele Fitzgerald -Terry is a Texan
Nick Wilson - Barbara BW, Judi Sweeney
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
Kim Spradlin-Wolfe - Dr_Celine
Natalie Anderson - Nana in the NW
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?

Jeremy is wondering why everyone seems to want him gone.

Denise explains to us about her "I'm done" at the tribal council. In no way is she done with the game. She apparently is done with the drama and letting it affect her. Heh. Tony counts his days left as work week days -- five days to the week. He's a nut. He wants to keep Jeremy around ... still. He wants to revive the Cops R Us alliance with Sarah even though he burnt her in the past. He is sincere about working with her until the end this time. She also wants to keep Jeremy but Ben, whose a part of their larger alliance, wants Jeremy out. She thinks they need to take out Nick.

Heh, Sarah convinces Ben that getting Nick out is a smarter move now.

Immunity Challenge time - race out with a ball, toss it, catch on other side of frame, two balls, dig ditch to climb under obstacle, slide puzzle. Winner gets two fire tokens, too. 

NICK wins Immunity! There goes the grand plan to vote him out!

Ben doesn't want Denise to go. He would like to break up Jeremy and Michele. It seems like he'll be working to get Michele out. They are indeed after the 50/50 advantage. Uh-oh for Ben! It's exposing him as playing both sides, against Tony even! Will Tony stick with Jeremy or Ben? Hmm. Tony thinks he has the votes and the advantage all planned out to take out Jeremy. Hmm. Nick is the wild card.

Tribal Council time. Please, no whispering. Jeff starts out with quizzing Michele about her struggle with the Immunity Challenge. Ben is asked about which persona he uses for whom. Sarah gets a cop question about who she is dependent on the situation. Nick thinks people are more truthful this season? Lots of trust issues talk. Michele says it's the last night for her 50/50 advantage to be played and she expects it will be played.

The tally -- Michele plays her coin and is playing for herself. She's SAFE

Michele, Michele, Ben, Jeremy, Ben, Jeremy, Jeremy

Well, Jeremy is out.

Immediately to night camera at camp. Ben is thrilled that Jeremy is out. Tony is also thrilled. Ben and Tony want to target Michele next. She's been on the outside all along. She tries to tell Nick that she and he are the next targets. Nick still thinks he has a chance. She's ready to go out fighting. 

Michele tries to talk to Sarah about how Tony is going to win because he's running the show. Sarah runs to Tony and Ben about it.

To Extinction, they each have one small scoop of rice. The clue they get says something about the sole survivor sitting on a throne of stones. Natalie gets the advantage first. Place a disadvantage on someone in the game -- to be sold to someone in the game. They're thinking Denise.

NICK gets it! 8 fire tokens, he has six. If he buys and uses it, it's a disadvantage in the next Immunity Challenge. He knows Michele has tokens and goes to her. She gives him two tokens. Nick tells us he wants to use it to cause the most chaos possible. Hmm. Tony? Oh noes!

Immunity Challenge -- stack blocks on a beam while avoiding trip obstacles, knock down like dominoes -- disadvantage goes to Ben, 30 more feet, 30 more blocks. Two fire tokens also to winner. Last time to win or spend tokens.

MICHELE wins Immunity!

Plan B. Denise claims that she is the likely target and will give a token to them for rice. Ben wants Nick out. Ben feels safe in his alliance. I'm not so sure he should feel that way. Nick wants to get Tony on board to get out Ben. Nick brings up Ben winning his way in a fire challenge. Ben also has an idol. Tony resorts to his spy nest. He gets some intel with Denise saying she doesn't want to be with Tony in the finals. Now he has a solid target.

Lots of talk about getting Denise out. Editing? It should be either her or Nick. Or, will it ...?

To Tribal. Jeff goes over Michele's ecstatic reaction when winning Immunity.  Ben is still befuddled over who gave him the disadvantage. Pretty straightforward questions so far. No whispering ... yet. Denise brings up her rice ploy last meal bit. She keeps talking and she's definitely out tonight.

The tally -- 
Nick, Denise, Denise, Nick, Nick, Nick

He takes it well -- "Well done, guys. I'll do my best to join you again tomorrow."

To Extinction's last day on the edge. Amber laments on the view and beauty of the island, as well as the simplicity. They get a note telling them it's time to battle. Rob still has his idol and it's still good. Wendell has two tokens. He can buy an advantage. Yul wants to use his tokens for an advantage, too. Parvati is using hers. Ethan has no tokens. Natalie has an idol and six tokens. She buys a second idol for Tyson - she can only bring one in if she wins her way back.

We go into a long segment about those joining Extinction, fire tokens, old versus new school and more. Their battle to return will be on next week's season finale.

Survivor 40: Winners at War - April 29 Blog Party

Will Tony be able to keep up the momentum of the past few weeks? I certainly hope so -- he's not only a fellow New Jersey person, but he's also so entertaining! 

I'll 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!

Here is the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie's latest blog pool update:

Ben Driebergen - Rbennie, Shannon
Denise Stapley - Becky, Jennifer
Jeremy Collins - Sharon N
Kim Spradlin-Wolfe - Dr_Celine
Michele Fitzgerald -Terry is a Texan
Nick Wilson - Barbara BW, Judi Sweeney
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
Natalie Anderson - Nana in the NW
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?

Jeremy is ticked that he was targeted. Kim is ticked at Tony because she thinks he betrayed her trust. Ben isn't quite on the Trust Tony Train. He wants Jeremy out. 

Tony thinks he's in trouble. It's time for another undercover action! He's in a spy nest up in a tree. Only Sarah knows about it. She cautions him to be careful. Even though Jeremy remains a target, Kim starts a move to make the move to oust Tony. It seems a large contingent agrees Tony should be the next out. 

Or ... is it just the edit?

On Extinction, they have another grueling opportunity to earn fire tokens. Adam, almost predictably, is not doing well. Oh noes! Rob fell and "cracked" elbow, giving up. Sophie and Natalie are the best at it.  Despite his injury Rob ended up doing it with one arm. They all earned fire tokens, fewer for slower finishes.

Back at camp, Nick thinks he needs to make big moves. Lots of idol hunting going on. Oh, geez. Ben finds an idol right in front of Tony yet he tries to hide it from Tony. Now Tony knows that Ben can't be trusted. Tony calls them on it and they seem to make amends. But Ben is still considering going with Kim to vote out Tony.

Immunity Challenge time -- stand on narrow perch, balancing a bucket with arm tethered. Two winners, one male and one female. Two tokens each. Jeremy drops, Ben out due to touching the structure. Sarah drops. Nick tries to bribe Tony with the offer of a fire token. After 15 minutes, Jeff tries to bribe them with food. Kim goes for it. Michele goes for it. Nick gets Tony to offer him a token. Chocolate, peanut butter, cookies and milk.

DENISE AND TONY WIN IMMUNITY!

Now they all seem to be concentrating on once again targeting Jeremy. Ben tells Tony that Kim and company were talking about blindsiding him but he won Immunity. Tony knows Nick is lying to him. Tony does not want Jeremy to go now. Sarah thinks they need to stick with the numbers and vote out Jeremy. Tony goes to Ben trying to save Jeremy. Michele plans to write down Jeremy's name but give him her advantage. Since the edit is so focused on Jeremy going, he probably won't.

Tribal Council - Denise compares the return to camp after the last tribal to bad family therapy despite the calmness of the events prior to the vote. All kinds of whispering going on. 

The tally -- Tony tries to play his idol for Sarah, She declines. Jeremy plays nothing and declines Tony.

Jeremy, Kim, Jeremy, Jeremy, Kim, Kim, Kim, Kim

Buh-bye, Kim.

Two hours next week!