BB25: Our New Hamsters Cast Part One

 

Looking for all I can find on them. If nothing else, this will give everyone a cheat sheet until we get the names and faces down.

America Lopez, age 27, currently living in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Edinburg, TX. She's a medical receptionist. Hmm. That's not quite a job for which you would move from Texas to New York City. Hmm. In a video she says she went to an Ivy League school.

Blue Kim, age 25 ... currently another NYC person, I'm guessing Manhattan as it's just listed as NY, NY. She's originally from Riverside, CA. She's a brand strategist. Makes more sense than a medical receptionist. But, still ... Manhattan is way too expensive! I found her LinkedIn site. If so, first generation American, Korean parents. She does have a good career! May be an alternate as her video interview was not in the Diary Room.

Bowie Jane Ball, age 45. Originally from Australia, she now resides in Los Angeles, CA. She is a barrister(lawyer)/DJ. Okay. At least she's a bit older! I found this article about her. She's also known as Miranda Ball. In her video she says she will lie about age and the lawyer bit.

Cameron Hardin is a 34-year-old stay at home father who is also apparently a stay in town where you were raised kind of guy. He lives in Eastman, GA. I found this local news story on him. He's a huge superfan but plans to downplay that.

Cory Wurtenberger, age 21, is a college student in Weston, FL. He is the brother of Survivor 42's Zach Wurtenberger, first castaway voted out in his season. I'm sure that Cory hopes to do much better as a hamster! He's a superfan.

Stop the presses! Felicia Cannon is 63 years old! Whoa! About time but having one much older in the house doesn't usually work out. She is s real estate agent originally from Tacoma, WA, presently living in Kennesaw, GA. I do predict, unless she wins, they will all shout, "Bye, Felicia!"

Hisam Goueli is another 45 years old hamster! He's from Minneapolis, MN but lives these days in Seattle, WA. He's a geriatric physician according to websites I've seen. However, this news article lists him as a geriatric psychiatrist. (I may need one of those after this 100 day season!)

Izzy Gleicher is 32 and seems to be from and still residing in New York, NY. Once again, I would assume that to be Manhattan rather than another borough. She's a professional flautist. Cool. She has a website at this here link. She's a new fan although watched apparently on the BB site. No live feeds knowledge.

I will continue on with the other eight hamsters after dinner ...

BB25: Cast Reveal has been Tweeted

 

Well, nonTwitter's CBS Big Brother account has does the cast reveal over there. So, here it is here for you. I should note that Cirie Field's (Survivor) son is in the cast of hamsters. I will be posting individual photos of the cast and brief information about age and such.

Introducing the #BB25 houseguests… there are endless possibilities awaiting them 👀 pic.twitter.com/rMjGMnCly8

— Big Brother (@CBSBigBrother) July 31, 2023

BB25: Break In at the BB25 House

CBS has released a little clip of Danielle Reyes, Britney and Frankie breaking into the new BB25 house before the hamsters arrive. They have a time machine and attempt to set time back so that they can win their seasons. Instead, all goes awry and the time machine changes the house giving a BB Comics theme to much of it, as well as a sneak peek at the Have Not Room.

Um. Okay.

🚨 WATCH OUT 🚨 These Big Brother legends broke into the #BB25 house and unleashed this season’s twist… what do you think it all means? 👀

Catch the full reveal during the season premiere, Wednesday, August 2nd at 8/7c on @cbs and @paramountplus. pic.twitter.com/XetvKvq912

— Big Brother (@CBSBigBrother) July 28, 2023

BB25: Blog Pool OPENS!

 

We're having a heat wave! The time is right to jump into the blog pool!

The 90-minute season premiere is Wednesday, August 2, 8pm ET/PT. The live feeds will start after that show airs on the West Coast. I don't expect cast announcements until probably the day before the premiere. Nor do I know when the first eviction will happen. I do know we are expecting 16 all new hamsters. I also know that the show's regular scheduling will be Sundays at 8pm ET/PT, Wednesdays at 8pm ET/PT, and Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT. There is no show scheduled for Thursday, August 3.

We don't need to know the hamsters to go ahead and get this blog pool sign-up in motion. It's HOT out there. We need to think of pools NOW.

I want in! What do I do?

If you want in on the blog pool, you need to sign up in the comments of this post and this post only! Please don't try signing up on any other posts or social media -- we might miss your comment.

Is there money involved in this?

Of course not! You needn't pay anything to get into the pool. You don't need to buy a seasonal beach pass or anything! Mind you, you don't win any money either. What you do win is bragging rights until the next season and the smugness that goes with it. You can also continue to brag for the duration of seasons to come!

How does it work?

Lifeguard SueGee will make random picks betwixt the hamsters and the blog folks. You cheer on that hamster all season until they either win or get evicted along the way.

When is the cut-off for entering?

All pool requests must be in comments to this here post and submitted by MIDNIGHT Pacific Time Friday, August 4th. Be there or be square.

REMINDER -- If you post comments anonymously, you MUST come up with some sort of sign-off name! 

Since there is plenty of time for signing up ... NO STRAGGLERS. If you don't sign up by the deadline, feel free to bring your floatie and beach towel, but ...

Are we ready for our summer fun?

 

BB25: Big Brother: 25th Anniversary Celebration Television Special

 

Good evening! Welcome to the first BB25 related post of the season! True, the show doesn't start until next Wednesday, but this special is on CBS tonight - 9pm ET/PT. No, it's not live. Nor will we get any cast announcements out of it. We will get memorable moments of past seasons, updates on some of the previous hamsters and some teases about the upcoming season.

I will not be continuously updating this entry unless I want to make an observation ... or perhaps many observations. I will let y'all know what is said or shown about the new season. 

A few folks have already inquired about the blog pool. Yes, there will be a pool and once again we have the Esteemed Lifeguard SueGee on duty! I will make a separate sign-up post for it by Friday. Any entries will have to be made on the sign-up post itself, not on any other posts. 

On with the show we will go ...

They say they will be looking back at fan favorites and happenings. Julie Chen said she didn't think it would last past Season One. Over 300 hamsters have been on the show.

Julie Chen-Moonves is looking very good on this!

We get some of the most shocking moments and biggest blow-ups. Of course, they mention Rachel and the infamous Keesha birthday. Anybody want cake? Rockstar's daughter's birthday. Jordan taking on Russell. Kyland's eviction. Ohh ... Shannon rinsing Hardy's toothbrush in the toilet. Ah, Season Two and letting them know about 9/11. Otherwise, that was one of my favorite seasons.

Into the twists we go. Project DNA. I liked Nakomis, Cowboy not so much. Season 6 and in with someone they know. Season Six was my absolute favorite. Twists after twists.

Now talking live feeds. They were surprised we were so intent on watching!

So far commenting on the series we have had Janelle, Rachel, Danielle Reyes, Frankie, The Hitmen (Derrick and Cody) and a few others. Kaysar is looking good. Azah (OK) and Derek F. (Ew!). Brendon V. looks older. Jeff and Jordan.

Let's talk about the house itself. I miss the old entrance. The old FOH (Front of House) cam! Ants every season!

Let's talk comps ... OTEV, BB Comics, egg transfers. I miss the food comps -- I wish they would return. Danielle Reyes wants them back, too! Slop talk and the Have Not rooms are next on the agenda.

ChenBot and Julie's hosting as well as how some hamsters changed the game is promised after the break. Since Danielle Reyes commented, I bet it will be about her diary sessions being shown to others costing her the game will be a topic.

Evel Dick and his antics. I actually called his win and no one believed me. Dan Gheesling and his gameplay. Will Kirby in Season Two ... my absolute favorite player. The Hitmen and Derrick winning. Quack Pack and Cookout alliances. Taylor's win. Ah, to Danielle Reyes. She was robbed! Jury members were sequestered after her loss. Janelle is the best player who never won, yep! Kaysar's eviction and return and into that hard long long comp.

To Julie Chen-Moonves news. She was the second choice to host. Yet it is indeed hard to imagine the show without her. She didn't want to take the job -- she wanted to be on shows like 60 Minutes. She was roughly threatened to take it and is grateful today. The ratings and show success came about with live feeds. The change about America voting out the hamsters. ChenBot and "But, first..." Next up was the celebrity interest in the show.

Onto showmances and romances. Not my favorite thing about the show. I get irked when subjected to soft porn on the live feeds. I do enjoy the fun couples. Brenchel. Um, no thank you. TAR winners Derek/Claire and Cody/Jessica. Longest marriage -- Jeff and Jordan.

Argh. ZingBot is after the commercial. I like that as much as I like soft porn showmances ... not at all. I refuse to comment on that segment. 

After ZingBot, it was to the "zings" from the hamsters themselves. Froot Loop Dingus and Zach!

We get a sneak peek at the house next. Supposedly a clue to the theme. Some old familiar faces ... hmm. I missed the clue, I guess. I saw a pool table.

Thanks for coming by!

Big Brother 25: Pre-Season Special!

While next Wednesday, the 2nd, is the season premiere, tomorrow night (Wednesday, the 26th) is a pre-season special. Tune into your local CBS station 9PM ET/PT to watch!

Now, don't expect a cast reveal. All indications are that, similar to last season, the move in will be live on the show. Last year they announced the cast the day before and still had to end up with an alternate. It has been stated by CBS itself that it will be all new hamsters this season. Yay!

It sounds like this special is just a tease for the new season and covering a bit of the history of the previous 24 seasons.

Here is a link for a USA Today article about the special.

I will open a post for the special tomorrow evening. However, I won't be live-blogging it per se. Comments will be open for any folks who wish to hang out and I will cover any tidbits revealed about the upcoming season.

Carolyn Wiger Exit Interview - Survivor 44 Finale - Rob Has a Podcast

Carolyn meets Sia on Rob Has a Podcast. I can't recognize Sia without her face covered up. This is great!

Sia surprises Survivor Carson Garrett with $15,000 to help with College

This was nice of her.

Survivor 44: Season Finale Blog Party - May 24

 

Good evening!

Welcome to the THREE HOUR season finale blog party! When you have a good season going, it sure can go by quickly! Our current final five are not the ones I would have predicted to be here at this time. Well, maybe Carson. But ... Carolyn? Yam Yam? Nah. I thought they would be early outs or just carried to the end to ensure someone else a win. But everybody has been playing this season.

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show 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 area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

The blog pool has been updated by Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Frannie

Danny

Jaime

Survivor fans ready? Get settled in your comfy chair with snacks and adult beverages at hand. Let's get this party started!

We start out with Jeff talking about the season. Tonight's five are on a new beach. The winner will be announced in Fiji. He says to settle in ... just like I just told you!

The five are at the new beach with new torches. They have nothing but what they brought with them. Heidi told them she found her idol near the cage. Carolyn is looking for an idol, tells Yam Yam she will be looking tonight. The three Tika - Yam Yam, Carson and Carolyn -- talk about how they need to find an idol before the other two. 

Carolyn really feels she will find an idol. It's a big search going on. Aha! WE see the idol as Yam Yam and Lauren walk right by it. Lauren needs to find it (like everyone else). She realizes she needs to bond with Tika ... as she campaigns against Carson to all the others. They all think he's the biggest threat. The three Tika seem to be doubting each other.

Day 24 ... only two days more for them. It's time for the first Immunity Challenge of the night. The sun is shining there. Race through a three level obstacle grab keys, unlock chest, drop[ and go up a ladder, solve a puzzle. Reward ... winner goes to the sanctuary -- spaghetti, chocolate and carrot cakes.

Heidi and Carson make it to the puzzle in that order. Carolyn and Yam Yam running behind. All are doing the puzzle. Carson is slightly in the lead.

CARSON wins Immunity! It's his second Immunity win. He chooses one person ... Yam Yam.

Carson and Yam Yam are thrilled at the Sanctuary. They talk Tribal. Yam Yam says that Carolyn is the biggest threat. Carson thinks the Tika Three have a better chance against each other. He thinks Lauren could get a lot of jury votes. Yam Yam thinks it's a mistake. Hmm.

Heidi tells Carolyn that Carson took Yam Yam ... why? Lauren is sure she will be targeted. Heidi tells Carolyn that the vote the last time was to be Carolyn and she wasn't in on the Jaime vote. Now Carolyn is worried about Yam Yam turning on her. She tells the women that Yam Yam might have to be the target.

When the guys return to camp, Yam Yam is automatically paranoid. The Tika Three are together. Carson says Lauren. Carolyn says they need a Tika on the jury. Uh-oh. Yam Yam is worried. Now the plan is to vote for Lauren but Yam Yam will tell her they are voting for Carolyn. 

Yam Yam talks to Lauren. She thinks that Tika is just playing games with her and goes out idol hunting. Once again she seems to go by the idol in the tree not seeing it. We see it. 

Carson is worried because he knows Carolyn is upset with Yam Yam ... for some reason. We're going to be heading into another unpredictable Tribal. 

Tribal Council. Lauren says she thinks she will be going home because no one talked to her. Carolyn acts shocked about that. Jeff brings up the possibility of an idol. Jeff says it's a testament to the gameplay that even he is confused. Yam Yam says he thinks it's him ... or Lauren. Lauren is now in tears. Hmm. She is proud of who she has become in the game.

The tally ... Lauren kids about having an idol. Panic set in.

Yam Yam, Lauren, Heidi, Lauren, Lauren.

Bye, Lauren!

Day 25 ... one day left.

Time for the last Immunity Challenge. Carolyn is crying and is overwhelmed to be there. "We're here! I'm here!" It's another classic challenge ... the one with the balls running down the chute, catch it with one hand tied behind the back, more balls added, drop a ball and you're out.

They are all right-handed. The weather is clear. Two balls going now. Carolyn out first. Three balls. Now four balls. Yam Yam out. Carson is out!

Rats ... HEIDI wins her first Immunity! The Tika Three will be Tika Two.

Heidi thinks she is considering making fire herself to build her resume.

Back at camp she asks if anyone WANTS to make fire. Carson is practicing his fire skills or lack thereof. It took him three minutes at home. Now he's getting emotional and feels he lacks self-confidence. Not doing well at it.

Yam Yam practices and succeeds. He feels emotional as well. Carolyn tells Yam Yam he makes fire well. She thinks she's good at it because she practiced at home for five years. Both of them are good, Carson is not. Yam Yam tries to help him. Carson cries and Yam Yam comforts him. It's a sad scene. 

Heidi does well with fire. She knows Yam Yam and Carolyn are good at it. Will she make fire tonight? Nah. They are keeping the suspense for Tribal.

Here we are at Tribal ... Jeff brings up Heidi saying she might make fire. She says she's still undecided. Yam Yam says he likes making fire and he likes being safe. Carolyn says Heidi was looking for a volunteer and it would be a good game move. Carson says it might be a good move for Heidi to go against someone else for her resume.

Heidi decides that Carolyn in the Final Three. Carolyn gets emotional. She talks of being weird and different. She says it's okay to be you. Heidi says Carson will have to make fire. Sigh. SHE IS going to do fire with Carson! 

Both Carolyn and Yam Yam are in the Final Three. Who woulda thunk it?

The fire starting is ON. Heidi has flame first. Uh-oh she's in the lead. Carson now has a flame. HEIDI WINS! Jeff says hers was the fastest fire ever made on the show.

Sigh. Carson played such a good game. He tells Jeff he was in tears. He's proud that he even started a decent fire.

Yam Yam, Carolyn and Heidi are the Final Three.

The Three are on the beach. Yam Yam is scared. He doesn't want to sound stupid. Carolyn says she will sound stupider. He thanks her.

Now jury members are saying the pros of Yam Yam's game. 

Their feast arrives!

Now it's Heidi tribute time. She thinks the fire boosted her resume. So, we get jury Heidi pros. Carolyn is next mentioning her self-loathing. We get jury Carolyn pro thoughts.

The Three are heading to the Final Tribal and jury questions.

Social, Physical, Strategy questions.

Kane - Explain game, better than the other two. Perception of you and is it accurate. Yam Yam first, not following Carson's step ... Heidi interrupts him. Heidi -- into strategy, then riding tails, was trying strategic. Carolyn -- didn't fit in, found Carson, realness then Yam Yam. She thinks she was underestimated the entire game.

Carson wants to hear more about Heidi's game. She says she suffered a lot. Claims the Tika were on a high through the game. Danny says Tika USED Carson. Yam Yam denies he used just Carson. Danny asks who Heidi used as a shield ... she says it was him but there is a friendship.

Frannie talks social games and managing emotions. She chooses Carolyn to start. Carolyn mentions her drug addiction days. She thought numbing her emotions would be too painful. Yam Yam talks of his love and care. He says some were blank when they talked to him, tried to build real relationships with others. Heidi says she wanted to represent people who are different, Latina in science, tried to control her emotions.

Matt admires all of them for being themselves as it's something he finds difficult.

Physical part of the game? Carolyn -- athletic in real life, thought she would do great but one embarrassing thing after another. Her letter from home brought tears to her eyes over her challenges performance. Heidi speaks up about how she kept trying. Carson asks Heidi about her decision to make fire. She says it was the best opportunity to win the game. She brings up that if she wins, she would be the oldest female winner. Yam Yam says he's not a physical person although his family members are -- he channeled his strength through them. He's the second one to say Jeff was annoying during challenges.

Strategy -- Carson asks Carolyn and she mentions trusting and playing her idol for Carson. She says Danny had to go, she needed him out -- he was controlling. Yam Yam -- strategic moves against those who wrote his name down. He tried not to be a threat, but he can talk. Heidi, right side of the votes a good part of the time. She says she had to keep adapting because she was by herself. She talks of personal growth and living the American dream. 

The final three hug each other.

Time to vote for a winner!

Many seem undecided. Carson looked like he struggled. The final three hold hands. Jeff talks about the positivity of the jurors.

Heidi, Yam, Yam, Yam, Yam, Yam.

Yam Yam WINS! (I got lazy in the listing and left out a Yam.) Congratulations to blog pool winners Glenn Allen and Sharon N. You got them bragging rights ... don't spend them all in one place. 😂 

The after show is next as well as a sneak peek at next season.

They have champagne and pizza. Danny voted for Heidi. All the other votes were for Yam Yam. They say Yam Yam was the strongest overall control of the game. I feel sad that Carolyn didn't get any votes. Jaime talked about no one believing she gave her idol to Kane. Jeff tells them that Matthew planted that fake idol for her to find. Matthew was medically evacuated with the real idol. Jeff says the fake idol would be in a future season ... real or fake?

Carolyn and Yam Yam in their relationship. Yam Yam says they're married. Matt/Frannie a couple? A showmance? Yep, Matt says they have chemistry. Meanwhile, Danny is nicer on the after show than he was on the show.

Now they are talking about how rough challenges are when they're hungry and dehydrated. Carson gained 30 pounds to be on the show. All admitted to crying at some point or another.

Jeff brings up Carolyn no votes. She cries and says she didn't believe in herself. She says she struggles when she's out of her element. Frannie speaks kindly to her and says she's an inspiration. 

Sneak peek at next season. We get backstories on some. Looks like another possibly good cast. Still in Fiji. Looks like Bruce from this season is back!

Survivor 44: May 17 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show 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 area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

We're getting down to the wire here. I never thought at the start that I would be cheering on Carolyn. Or that Yam Yam would still be in it at this point. Or that four women and two men, not alpha males either, would be the final six. This has been the best season in years! I've heard Bruce (1st out due to medical head injury) is rumored to be on the cast next season. I would like to see him play. Good casting this season!

The blog pool has been updated by Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Frannie

Danny

Survivor fans ready?

As per custom, we pick up with the castaways returning from Tribal. It's Night 21. As usual, we have a few unhappy campers. Carolyn, Carson and Yam Yam are happy, but ...! Yam Yam is worried that Carolyn is letting on how good a player she really is. 

Now Jaime is thinking Carolyn is a very calculated and good game player. Carson notices that Heidi is out looking for an idol in the middle of the night. He awakens Carolyn and they both search, too. Heidi does already have an idol no one knows about. If she can have two, it would be game changing for her!

Lauren is also now onto Carolyn's game. She thinks she's lovable, though. Lauren and Jaime are trying to talk Carson and Yam Yam to work with them against Carolyn. Hmm.

Day 22. Yam Yam has lost a lot of weight! It really shows in his face. Into a Reward Challenge. Two teams. Two blindfolded push one caller in a giant ball, table maze. Sanctuary is the reward. Foot massage, lunch, chocolate, cookies, fruits, juice and iced tea.

Carson calls, Yam Yam and Lauren orange in the lead.

Purple has Carolyn and Heidi pulling/pushing with Jaime inside.

ORANGE WINS! Carson, Lauren and Yam Yam!

At Sanctuary, Yam Yam is in heaven. It's his first time eating in 22 days other than camp fare. Yam Yam and Carson talk to Lauren about how they want Carolyn out next. Carson actually doesn't want that, but Yam Yam seems to be considering it.

Back at camp, Heidi and Jaime are talking to Carolyn about how loved Carson is and they want him out. Carolyn agrees but tells us she still needs Carson in the game. Heidi and Carolyn talk about taking out Lauren. Hmm.

Carolyn runs to Carson telling him his name is coming up. Carson thinks the ex-Tika can run the game. I hope they do stick together. Yam Yam is starting to worry me a bit. He seems to be seriously considering a Carolyn vote. I think, dependent on who wins Immunity, we are going to have another guessing game vote tonight.

Immunity Challenge time. Two ropes balancing a ball on a disk, they have to back up further at time intervals. Last ball up wins. The weather looks good, a little wind but not bad. Jaime out first. Carolyn out. Carson out. Yam Yam out. Uh-oh. It's down to Heidi and Lauren.

LAUREN WINS IMMUNITY! It's her second Immunity win.

Argh. Yam Yam is still for Carolyn going and he's telling us, so it's real. No one is really talking. Carolyn talks to Heidi about taking out Jaime. She is skeptical and is thinking she might have to use her idol. Heidi tells Yam Yam and Carson that she is willing to vote out Jaime. Jaime is worried that people won't support her wanting Carolyn out.

They are definitely setting us up for the guessing game vote again. Carson is reluctant but recognizes Carolyn's great game. He's in a quandary! I hope Yam Yam goes with his heart and keeps Carolyn.

They brought everything to Tribal Council as they're worried they may be sent elsewhere and all might be at risk. Shot in the Dark is over. Jaime says everyone's names were out there. Yep, for sure. Carolyn is giving Yam Yam weird eyes. Carolyn defends emotional but strategic players. She doesn't like lies. She's very worried. Yam Yam says the person who leaves tonight is the one who needs to leave for everybody's game. Carolyn does not take that well with her facial expression.

The tally -- Heidi plays her idol.

Carolyn, Jaime, Carolyn, Jaime, Jaime, Jaime.

Phew! I was scared for Carolyn! Jaime is history, goes out with class and a smile. 

It's good they brought everything -- they are headed to a new beach.

Next week is the season finale!

Jaime and Lauren voted Carolyn. Yam Yam followed his heart.

Survivor 44: May 10th Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show 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 area. Please feel free to join in on the fun! 

Are you ready for 90-minute episodes of both Survivor and The Amazing Race, both for Wednesday evenings, in the fall? Three hours of live blogging in one night. Eek. Thankfully, I'm feeling somewhat better. We can thank the writers' strike. Here's an article about it right at this here link.

The blog pool has been updated by Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Frannie

Survivor fans ready?

As usual, we start with the return from Tribal. Carolyn is SO ticked that she wasn't told of the Frannie vote. Yam Yam wants to try to explain to her. She thinks Yam Yam and Carson, her main allies, lied to her all day. She is acting out. 

Heidi put Danny's name down and thought he was going to go. At least she still has her idol.

Day 20 - they are meditating and sharing gratitude on the beach. How peachy-keen is that? They say they are creating real bonds, trying to get closer to each other. Okay, as long as they can be cut-throat when needed.

Carolyn has calmed down and seems to be making amends with Yam Yam. She tells us she's over it and will go back to trust Carson and Yam Yam. She also still has her idol and hasn't told anyone about it. Yam Yam knows Heidi voted for Danny at Tribal and tells him. 

Danny talks to Heidi and she denies being his vote. He tells her Yam Yam said it was. She suggests Jaime. He thinks it's Yam Yam and his Tika crew, now he wants to target them.

Carolyn found a molted lobster shell. She loves it. Yam Yam gave her a "shell" that works like an evil finger pointer. She decides she must have fun ... and loves having fun with Yam Yam. They talk about Danny and Lauren being big threats. 

Meanwhile, Lauren and Danny talk about the Tika Three being the main threat. They talk to Jaime and try to get her in on targeting them. Jaime thinks Yam Yam is the biggest target as he's so likable.

Ohhh  ... they arrive by boat for the Immunity Challenge. It's the one in which they have to overcome fear, in the water under a metal grate, remaining in it as the tide comes in -- AND THEY ALMOST DIE!!!

Thirty minutes, all still in. Lauren first out at an hour, she was shivering from the start. Jaime out. Carson out. Carolyn out. Danny out. It's down to Heidi and Yam Yam for the win. One hour, 25 minutes. Heidi out.

YAM YAM WINS IMMUNITY! Everybody, except Danny, seems thrilled for him. I don't think any expected he would ever win a challenge.

Carson is happy, of course. He doesn't know that the non-Tika is planning to vote Carson. Danny tells Yam Yam they will be splitting Jaime/Lauren votes. The others think their plan is so solid! They are worried about Carolyn's reaction. Carolyn is worried for Carson. She goes to "work" with Danny and he denies Carson is the target. She goes to Carson and tells him her suspicions. He tries to convince Jaime and Lauren to vote with him against Danny. It doesn't seem to be working.

Yam Yam tells Carolyn he will keep Carson with her. They need a split vote from the others. Carolyn tells Carson she has an idol she will play her idol for him. Carson is amazed she has one and told no one. She's scared Danny has an idol. They're setting us up for yet another unpredictable Tribal Council. I love when you don't outright know ahead of time!

Tribal Council time - Jeff brings up the uncertainty of the Tribals this season. Carson admits being scared. He makes an eloquent speech about what the experience means to him. 

Time to tally the votes -- Carolyn is delaying her vote, looks totally lost. She plays her idol for CARSON!!!

The tally -- Carson, Carson, Danny, Danny, Heidi, Heidi, Danny.

Carolyn did it! DANNY goes out imitating DiNiro in Taxi Driver.

Survivor 44: May 3 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show 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 area. Please feel free to join in on the fun! 

How interesting is it that the first three voted out after the merge are all men?

The blog pool has been updated by Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Kane

Survivor fans ready?

We open, as usual, with the castaways returning from Tribal Council. It's Night 17. Frannie is befuddled. She wasn't in on the Kane vote. They all lied to her. Carson wants to focus on damage control. He talks to Jaime. He told her that Kane told the others she had an idol when in actuality, Carson himself told the others. Now, Kane went off to jury with her idol in his sock.

It's right to the Reward Challenge. Spinning in metal frame to bring a buoy to them. Dizzy, they have to climb over a net platform, go across a beam, collect big balls, untie knots, toss ball to land in an elevated narrow trough. Sanctuary overnight and tacos, wine, etc. are the reward.

It's raining pretty hard. 

FRANNIE WINS REWARD! Letters from home are part of the reward. One person to join -- Carolyn! One more -- Lauren. One more -- Heidi.

Back at camp they are cooking rice. Yam Yam tells us he's the only one who hasn't been on a reward. He's pretty down. He does think maybe he can work on a bond with Danny and Jaime. He already has one with Carson.

At the Sanctuary, they are all thrilled. Even sober Carolyn has a margarita. The moms choosing is a hit with the moms. Now the letters and tears are coming. Lauren says it's the first time her father has said he's proud of her. Carolyn's son wrote and even drew some kind of unicorn fish. These women are bonding! They are talking about voting out Danny.

At camp, Jaime comes clean about losing the idol. Danny doesn't believe her. She thinks they all believe her. None of them do. Now their plan is Frannie or Jaime.

The Sanctuary bunch returned to camp in the morning. Jaime tells the women about the idol. She thinks the truth will set her free. Let's see if they believe her. Nope! No one believes her. She has put a bigger target on her back.

Time for the Immunity Challenge. It's actually sunny. Feet tied together, arms tied to side, slither through sand and course with a buoy attached to their mouth, maneuver buoy through an obstacle, first one to the finish a puzzle wins.

CARSON WINS IMMUNITY!

Frannie wants to put her social strategy to the test without Immunity. They are talking about Danny and Jaime. Danny is campaigning against Frannie. Lauren is not impressed by him. But, she thinks Danny might have a point. Yam Yam thinks Jaime is the biggest threat. He goes to talk to Carson. They are worried about losing Carolyn as an ally if they vote out Frannie. It sounds like we're going into another Council of Confusion.

Carolyn thinks that Heidi telling her that Danny wants Frannie out is stupid. She wants Danny out. Now the four girls want Heidi out. Carson wants Heidi out and he wants Frannie out ... which will he choose?

Tribal Council awaits its victim. Jeff starts with the Reward Challenge, once again putting a spotlight on Frannie. Danny is given a chance to focus on winning (and Frannie). Yam Yam is asked about targets and people winning challenges. Jaime once again brings up Kane taking her idol away with him. Jaime says the era of alliances is over. Once again, I have no real idea how the vote will come down. No whispering this week.

The tally -- Frannie, Danny, Heidi, Heidi, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie.

Frannie ... she won too much, I guess. Carolyn seems the most disappointed.

Survivor 44: April 26 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! I'm ready for another night of chills and thrills. How about you? I feel so much better about this season than I have the past few seasons. You may not believe me, but live blogging some of those seasons made the hour spent seem endless. With this season, it goes by so quickly. 

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show 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 area. Please feel free to join in on the fun! 

I was worried that the men might wipe out the women, but the women are now in the majority -- thanks to two guys being medically evacuated, but ...!

The blog pool has been updated by Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

VA VA (MERGED TRIBE)

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Brandon

Survivor fans ready?

We open with the castaways returning to camp after Tribal. Danny thinks all went to plan with his saving Frannie and ousting Brandon (his biggest competition), plus getting the old tribes even for the first time. Lauren was not in on the plan, of course. She's so not happy Ratu is down one and hopes they can work with Tika.

Yam Yam is happy, no blood on his hands and no votes on him. Josh, Matt and Brandon voted for him, and all are gone now. Coincidence? Hmm.

Kane feels Brandon going was an awakening for him. Kane thinks Danny is the big threat in the game. Both he and Danny are out there looking for idols. Jaime and Lauren know Danny is looking for idols. Jaime still has hers. Now they are all out there looking!

Heidi finds one and it warns her that it's only good until five players are left in the game.

At camp they're playing meaningless games. Yam Yam thinks they need chill time. Carolyn mispronounces S and gives them some giggles. She tells them she just celebrated 13 years sober. She thinks her past made her what she is today. Yeah, she's wacky. But she is playing the game well. Frannie loves her because she's herself. She sure isn't anyone else!

Carson feels tired but no longer nauseous. They are hungry. Carson hasn't really been eating. They have been roasting unripe papaya. Ew. Tree Mail - challenge is relatively painless unless they want rice. They have to negotiate to win rice. Some people have to give up the right to be in the Immunity Challenge for rice. Danny thinks that's the cowardly way out. Carson wants to sit out but is feeling pressured.

It's pouring rain for the Immunity Challenge. Stand on a small block while balancing a ball on a piece of wood. Drop the ball and you're out. Jeff brings up the Tree Mail. Carson and Lauren volunteer. Jeff wants four. Danny says he won't vote for the sit-outs, Carolyn won't either. Kane volunteers. Heidi volunteers to be the fourth out. A large bag of rice is what they will get.

To the Challenge -- Carolyn out first. Jaime out. Yam Yam out. Danny out!

FRANNIE wins her second Immunity showdown against Danny! I'm liking her better without the Matt connection. I think she's playing better without him.

Day 17 as they return from the challenge. Yes, they have fire and rice. They are feasting. Kane thinks he can't trust Danny's word to not vote for him. Yam Yam still thinks he's in the middle and in less trouble than earlier in the game. They are still trying to play by original tribal lines. Jaime wants Kane out. Meanwhile, the others want to flush Jaime's idol.

Some want to split the votes between Danny and Heidi. They bring Kane into it. Jaime is worried that they might vote for her. Jaime is giving Kane her idol just in case there is a Knowledge of Power advantage -- that's the one where you can take an idol from someone that you know has one. It is not in play this season ... yet.

My gosh, the votes and plans seem to be all over the place. Danny thinks Frannie is betraying the "family." Yam Yam wants to work with Soka to get out Kane. Carolyn wants Danny out because she's sick of him. I'm getting more befuddled by the minute.

Tribal Council time. I feel the need to note the time -- 8:46 -- much earlier than the last several weeks. Jeff brings up the rice sit-outs. Jeff brings up the safety promises. Kane says he doesn't trust. Jeff says Danny said "Scout's honor!" Danny quickly replies he was never a scout. Quite a bit of the conversation seems directed at Danny. Hmm. Yam Yam says he himself is paranoid. Lauren brings up those who have lied to her.

Uh-oh. Kane is whispering to people. Danny? All are whispering now. Danny votes first. Ohh. One of the women uses an extra vote -- can't think who it was who had it.

The tally: Kane, Heidi, Jaime, Kane, Heidi, Danny, Kane, Heidi, Kane, Kane.

Kane is gone. Yam Yam was right -- now he has the fourth one who put his name out there gone.

Oops. Kane went out with Jaime's idol in his sock.

Survivor 44: April 19 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Hopefully the real merge will be on this evening without splitting into two teams!

I will be live-blogging the major events of the show 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 area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

On a sad note before we start, it was brought to my attention that two-time Survivor contestant and fan favorite Keith Nale recently passed away at the age of 62. He was a good guy and I enjoyed watching him on the show.

The blog pool has been updated by Lifeguard SueGee and here's where we stand:

MERGED TRIBE VaVa

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

JURY

Matt

Survivor fans ready?

We start the show with Yam Yam surprised he's still there. Happy but surprised. Frannie, of course, is still in tears over Matt getting the boot. She feels like she's been marooned with nothing all over again. Too bad, so sad. Heidi tries to make good with Yam Yam once again. There are four original Ratu left while only three each from the other two tribes.

Carson and Yam Yam think they have the power now. Um, well. The Tika Three may endure. We just don't know. Carolyn loves being underestimated.

Uh-oh. Carson is sick. He's teary just thinking of being sick.

Tree Mail - Only one necklace, five pairs to compete. Hmm. Despite his being sick, Carolyn pairs with Carson. Lauren is worried about her low energy level and goes in with Danny. Danny is not thrilled about that. He wants her out.

We are at Day 15 Immunity Challenge. They talk about Carson being sick. Kane/Brandon, Heidi/Jaime, Carolyn/Carson, Frannie/Yam Yam, Danny/Lauren. 

Crawl through muddy net one after the other in the duo, to a mat. Carolyn can't get through it! Dig for planks. Four duos move on. Carolyn/Carson out.

Race up cargo net with planks. Use them on a rope bridge. Slide down to a mat. Yam Yam/Frannie out. From this point, after a commercial, they will no longer be pairs. It will be an individual segment finishing out the challenge.

The final stage is using footholds to climb up a foothold frame. It's endurance. The footholds get narrower as they are phased down in rounds. Lauren has the smallest feet. She might do the best at this one. We will see! Kane out first. Brandon out. Danny out!

Lil' Feet Lauren wins Immunity!

Danny thinks, since he can't get Lauren out tonight, one of the original Ratu must go as "they are running the game."

They are all trying to wash off the mud in the water. Yam Yam is worried once again. Brandon is back to thinking his Ratu bunch is ruling the game. He wants to target Frannie. He wants to get Yam Yam and Carolyn aboard. They already think they have Carson. Heidi thinks the six from the smaller ex-tribes would be more powerful than the four from Ratu. Danny tells her he could use his idol on Frannie. Hmm. She wants Brandon out.

Danny tells Frannie that he wants Brandon out and he (Danny) will play his idol for her. Carson tells Danny that Heidi told Yam Yam about the plan. Now he's worried that Yam Yam will use the plan to target him (Danny).

Tribal Council time. Matt will be joined in jury with someone tonight! While they are all nervous, it's fairly calm for a Tribal. 

Time to vote.

The tally - Danny does play his idol ... for Frannie!

Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Frannie, Brandon, Brandon, Brandon.

Danny's plan worked! Matt is all smiles. Yam Yam looks surprised.