'Survivor 14: Fiji' - The Castaways, Part 1

Phew, my source was spot on. I panicked last night when I couldn't find anything anywhere about the Survivor 14: Fiji castaways set to be revealed this morning on The Early Show. And, then they were there. The official CBS Survivor website has also been updated with photos, interviews, and other neat information. The premiere is Thursday, February 8 at 8 PM ET/PT.

I'm taking a peek at each of the new castaways, but there are too many for one entry. I decided to break things down to the old boy/girl/boy pattern alphabetically. Although this entry may look very heavy in one ethnicity, it's a diverse cast and the luck of the boy/girl/alphabetical draw. Once I get the cast entries all together, I'll link them to each other... maybe even list them on the sidebar for easy reference. It'll take me a few days to get them all listed. Any predictions I'm making here are based solely on their bios and it's very possible I'm totally wrong.

The First Five Castaways

Although he's now living in Los Angeles, Alex is originally from Columbia, South America. Ohhh, a Harvard Law degree and a member of the Harvard Boxing Club.

From his bio page: "He enjoys boxing, running, basketball, weight-lifting, painting and yoga. He recently spent a week climbing Mt. Whitney. He describes himself as assertive, witty and personable."

He seems to be single (no spouse listed) and his birth date is April 20, 1978.

But, to me, the real dirt comes out in the Favorites list on the bio page. Here are a few things which caught my attention:

• Under "scents" he listed laundry soap. [Is Survivor going to be the right place for that?]
• He lists Survivor, as well as Entourage and Family Guy, in his favorite shows. [If I were on the show, I'd certainly list it, too!]
• Rocky III made his movie list, not surprising in view of his boxing.
• His literature choices are intriguing - The Count of Monte Cristo and The Alchemist.
• While his cereal choice is very healthy (Smart Start), his junk food choices are Cheez-Its, Oreos, and KitKat bars. I like his junk food.

My overall thoughts? Attorneys historically don't do well on the show. He seems in good physical shape and, without a doubt, he's a smart man. His chances will most likely depend on being not perceived as a threat and his people skills. I give him a "maybe" as far as making it well into the game.

Unlike many who list Los Angeles as their home, Cassandra was born and raised there. She has been employed by the University of California for 23 years. Currently she manages the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Very impressive indeed.

From her bio page: "Franklin's hobbies include skiing, traveling and shopping. She describes herself as fun, warm and giving. She is very proud of her family..."

She's very involved in many worthy causes and her love of family really shines in her bio. She's roughly still a newlywed - married two years to husband Clif. Her birth date is April 19, 1964.

Checking out her Favorites:

• Interesting... while others answer with many words, most of hers are a single word. I'm sure that says something about her. Reserved? Basic? I don't know.
• She likes Monopoly (board game choice) and Pac-Man (video game choice). Monopoly often makes the board game choice, but many of the castaways are often too young to truly appreciate Pac-Man. Or, if older, they've gone onto more current games. Hmmm...
• She likes home decor and cooking TV shows, but doesn't list Survivor or any show by name at all.
• She likes all snack foods, but has no favorite alcoholic drink.

Well, I'm not sure what to make of Cassandra other than she sounds like a really nice woman and a good person from the heart. She likes to ski, but doesn't seem really into outdoors endeavors. Although anyone who likes all snack foods should have some spunk, I don't think she'll make it far into the season - perhaps midway?

Anthony was born and raised in Compton, then headed to Yale in New Haven, CT. While at Yale, he participated in plays and sketch comedy shows. (Yes, Survivor could use a comedian.) His current job is finding expert witnesses for court trials.

From his bio page: "Robinson enjoys gaming--live action role-playing (dressing up in costumes and reliving an era or genre), video games and poker. He also enjoys dancing, juggling, roller hockey, watching movies and creating his own movies. He describes himself as friendly, dorky and intelligent."

Anthony is single and his birth date is June 25, 1974. Oh, but what about his Favorites? What will they reveal?

• True to the form of most castaways, he lists multiple choices.
• He likes video games. He really does. And we're not talking decades-old Pac-Man.
• Survivor, Lost, and M.A.S.H. make his TV list. [Good choices, I say!]
• Singing in the Rain made his movies list, amongst others.
• He's a Twinkie eater, but can be forgiven for that because he also likes Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
• He likes Pringles. [Pringles is often a sponsor of the show. They'll like that.]
• Nice music choices including jazz and old school R&B.

Now, unless he's clowning around too much, I think I'm going to like this guy. Or, at least enjoy watching him on the show. Any guy who can describe himself as "dorky" usually is nice. His chances? I think he might do pretty well. I'm not getting Sole Survivor vibes from reading about him, but I don't think he'll do too shabby.

Erica was born in Lake Charles and received her Bachelors in Mass Communication from Grambling College in Louisiana. After college she moved to New Orleans, but Hurricane Katrina forced her to relocate back to Lake Charles, then to Baton Rouge.

From her bio page: "She describes herself as subtle, confrontational and outgoing. Her hobbies include writing, reading and spending time with her family. Her favorite sports are football and soccer."

Note the word "confrontational." That could be entertaining! She's currently single and her birth date is December 11, 1979.

Her Favorites should give some insight:

• She should get together with Alex - she likes the smell of fresh linen. [I'd be so weird if I were to do this favorite list - scents would be cookies baking, autumn leaves burning, coffee brewing.]
• She has no favorite video game, but lists Monopoly like so many others.
• Under both Sports and Outdoor Activities, she lists the same things - soccer and jogging.
• Survivor did not make her TV list. Forensic Files and Flavor of Love did. [Set your red flags now.]
• What's in a Ketel One Dirty Martini? That's her favorite, but I'm so not a martini drinker and I'm clueless.

I think I'm just confused by Erica. I have no clue how she'll do at all. She looks like she might be a tough contender. But she also doesn't seem familiar with the show and admits she's confrontational. I'll abstain from guessing exit or win until I see just how confrontational she really is.

"Me and you and a Survivor named Boo... travelin' and livin' off the land."

Boo was born and raised in Layfayette. He's a construction worker by day and manages the bar he owns by night. Not only that, but he used to be a crawfish farmer! He has a Bachelors from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.

From his bio page: " He enjoys participating in mixed martial arts fighting and Olympic lifting. He describes himself as strong-willed, outgoing and adventurous. He considers himself to be a cerebral athlete, a great problem solver and strong both mentally and physically."

He's single (or they just aren't talking) and his birth date is June 21, 1972. His bio is short and to the point, hopefully his Favorites will tell us a bit more.

• Uh-oh. One word answers for the most part, like Cassandra.
• His favorite scent? FOOD.
• Another old video game favorite - Asteroids.
• When you link a few of his favorites together, it's an odd combination... The Shawshank Redemption (movie) and Queen (music). He likes Fruity Pebbles and Sports Illustrated.
• He's a milk drinker. Milk does a body good, y'know.

Well, well, well... other than the fact that he's a grown man called Boo, he looks like he could be a powerhouse on a physical level. That often doesn't help much with speed or balance challenges. Just looking at the bio, he seems a bit sheltered as far as being out and about in the world. Is he the male eye candy for the show? Will he make it to the end? I think he could make it quite a ways, but once again, I'm not getting Sole Survivor vibes.

So, there are the first five. I think it's going to be another interesting season!

Survivors ready?

Update: My take on the next five castaways.

TV Newsy Bits - Thursday, January 11, 2006

It's Thursday and that means that a new episode of Ugly Betty is on tonight up against Armed and Famous (the second episode, also new). Not too hard a decision, eh? Ah, but then add NBC's My Name is Earl and The Office (both new episodes) to the mix and you just might have a dilemma!

At 9 PM ET/PT on ABC there's a new Grey's Anatomy and I'd like to remind everyone that we have a blog GA discussion post ongoing right here. I don't review or recap that one, but by popular request folks are welcome there to gather and discuss the latest or anything Grey's. Also in the 9 PM slot, a rerun of C.S.I. and new episodes of Scrubs and 30 Rock on NBC, as well as a new episode of The O.C. on FOX.

At 10 PM ET/PT CBS has a rerun of Shark while new episodes of Men in Trees and E.R. are airing on ABC and NBC.

In actual TV Newsy Bits today:

• Our friends at BuddyTV have an exclusive interview with the recent Survivor 13: Cook Islands winner, Yul Kwon.
• My HGTV contact told me that Jay Leno will be on Living with Ed this Sunday evening (10 PM ET/PT in most areas). The "Ed" in question, of course, is Ed Begley, Jr. He also shared a bit of Jay Leno/Ed Begley, Jr. trivia with me: "Jay Leno used to do stand-up with Ed back in the 1970s. When Jay heard Ed was doing a green show, he wanted Ed to see his new strides to become green. Jay is going to put a solar system in his shop in the next year. Jay also has several electric cars and a steam power engine, all technologies from the early 1900’s that are today being used again." It isn't easy being green (credit: Kermit), but the environment likes it!
• For those who missed the news, actress Yvonne De Carlo, perhaps best remembered for her role as Lily Munster in The Munsters, died at the age of 84. She was a well-known (and beautiful) movie star prior to the series playing such roles as the wife of Moses in The Ten Commandments.
• Celebrity Spider has linked some of the preview clips for the 24 premiere.
• Armed and Famous Gives Muncie Police Department Surprise Thank You Gift

'Survivor 14: Fiji' - Inside Scoop

One of the great things about blogging is you develop an extended network. You gather sources. Feeling much like Deep Throat with not as much at stake, I'd like to share with you some information which has been given to me from someone who knows one of the castaways who will be on the upcoming Survivor 14: Fiji.

The Unknown Castaway has not revealed anything vital such as the order of elimination or winners, but has told some interesting tidbits. Keep in mind, I can't verify this. So you may wish to file under rumors or foilers instead of spoilers.

• The new season will be introduced on Friday's The Early Show with the website going up around the same time.
• The Unknown Castaway was asked about the possibility of doing an All Stars version in the future.
• Two tribes start out the season and many of the castaways were not all that familiar with the show from past seasons.
• The Unknown Castaway spent at least one night on Exile Island.
• The snakes there are very poisonous and if bitten, they have to get to a hospital within 12 hours. That treatment was a four-hour flight away from where they were stranded.
• The Unknown Castaway has a tendency to swear and there were retakes (probably of confessionals). I bet we see bleeping, too.
• The season was filmed entirely in HD. The cameras weighed 65 pounds each and had to be carried everywhere. The cameramen would do things like walk backwards up rocky terrain to film them.
• They were never left alone. The film crew was always there, but wouldn't talk to them.
• Those who are voted off stay at nice accomodations -- sort of like a paid vacation, snorkeling and all.
• Those on the jury don't have it as nice as the ones voted off before the jury. They basically just get to clean up, but have no neat side trips.
• The challenges were age-friendly to older castaways.
• For the finale, each castaway is paid $3,000 and can bring up to three family members. This is done so that most (if not all) will show up.

Shhh... don't tell anyone.

Tonight's Television - Wednesday, January 10, 2007

As I write this, I have The Sopranos on A&E playing next to me on my library TV set. Since I don't have HBO, this is the first time I've seen the show. Interesting show -- I can see why it's so popular. I'm getting a kick out of the local references although my own Jersey neighborhood is a bit removed from any Italian roots. But there is a nearby Jersey Pork Store. I took the shot here before they repainted the sign and touched up the pig.

Having not seen this show before, it's reminding me of a movie I've seen in the past. Since this is the beginning of the series, it's in the analyst phase. I doubt that continues throughout the series, does it? Anyway, it's reminding me of the movie Analyze This with Robert DiNiro and Billy Crystal. I'm not sure which came first, the movie or this series.

Right now it's a bit overkill as they're running two back-to-back episodes, but I'll probably be taping or watching future episodes.

Earlier tonight I broke down and watched Armed and Famous. That's an odd concept for a rather odd result. The "celebrity" choices were a bit strange. I found it amusing that Jack Osbourne may be the most "normal" and well-adapted one. Maybe Muncie is a bit different, but I fear Wee Man would get tossed around like a ball here in my town and most of the criminals never watched C.H.I.P.S. I'll admit that I'll probably watch the show again if it's not up against something I really want to see. It gave me a few laughs and was like scarfing junk food for the mind for an hour. Not quite Godiva chocolate, but maybe Reese's Pieces or Jujubes.

CBS is running behind schedule due to the President's speech. So, I'll probably be taping at least the latter part of Letterman tonight as well as Craig Ferguson after him -- Masi Oka from Heroes is scheduled for the Late, Late Show. No way can I stay up that late to watch and make it to work in the morning. Argh.

If Money (and Time) Were No Object - TV on DVD

Oh, if money and time weren't so restrictive! It's a horrible quandary, isn't it? There are so many great television shows on DVD these days, but some are cost prohibitive and all would be very time-consuming. After all, some of the series I'd love to own on DVD took me several years to watch in the first place! Yes, they're consolidated into one nifty handy-dandy package, but still...!

I can dream, though. And, in my dreams, I have a huge wishlist. Now, I'm not even mentioning the movies I'd like to own. I'm just talking television on DVD here.

Number One on that wishlist is the entire series of Homicide: Life on the Street. I currently own the DVD set of the first two seasons, but that's not enough. I want the Complete Series Megaset! I wonder what the difference is between the Complete Series Megaset and the Complete Series Seasons 1-7 is other than over $150. The latter is nearly $400. Yikes. Dream big, I say, since neither is logical in my budget. Hey, it's only money and a couple of solid days worth of time without accounting for sleep to watch it all, but I just can't justify it. To this day, I think that show was one of the best-written and acted crime dramas ever on television. I have my two seasons and I watch the show on WGN (cable) whenever I'm home on a weekday, but that's not cutting it. I want it all!

Another police-related show I really enjoyed has its first season available on DVD and, at a much more reasonable price. Barney Miller. Yep, that one could be a go. I'm not seeing it so much these days on television after the reruns over-saturated the market some years back.

What I'd like to know is why they have DVDs of shows like Hart to Hart (eh) and Gidget, but no original The Fugitive? I'm talking the one from the 60s with David Janssen. There's a series I'd be lusting after just as much as my Homicidal lust. I remember sneaking to the stairway to watch through the railings late Tuesday nights when I should have been in bed. It was an odd show for a small child to enjoy, but I was addicted.

TJ Hooker is on DVD and no The Fugitive? What kind of TV world is this? At least I can understand why The Time Tunnel is available (and, yeah... I'd like that one).

I would like to own the DVD of the first season of Saturday Night Live. Where I was living at the time refused to air the first show as it was too controversial, but viewers spoke up and it became a part of my life. Today it's not the same. But those first few years were so new and fresh that I'd like to relive the magic. This time, sober and adult and all. Hmmm... maybe the same magic won't be there! Oh, well, still I'd like to buy it.

I'd like to collect Lost on DVD if for no other reason than to go back and clue-check stuff. Owning it would be like having my own personal Lost encyclopedia -- something which can be sort of necessary to watch the show and pick up on everything.

I'd like to own some shows I haven't seen as I have only basic cable; The Sopranos, The L Word and The Wire come to mind. Heck, I've seen them shooting some of the street scenes for The Sopranos, but I've never seen the show itself.

I'd like the entire Mary Tyler Moore Show just because. From her move to Minnesota to Tipperary, I want it all.

One thing I'd love to see packaged on DVD is Letterman's years on the old NBC show Late Night with David Letterman. They've packaged Johnny Carson's funniest bits from his long run - I want Letterman's from that era. He was zany and whacky and I just loved it.

What shows would you like to own (if not for money and time)? Or, what shows on DVD don't exist, but you think they should?