Survivor 44: Meet the Ratu Tribe

  

I've read and watched interviews with the castaways. Here I will be mentioning some pros and cons for each of them and my own opinion on how well they might do. Mind you, I could be completely wrong with said opinion!

Jaime Ruiz

Pros: Lifelong fan who, through the magic of the VCR in a Survivor-loving family, has seen every episode. Bonus points for not calling herself a superfan. Seems strong, has a solid game plan to work with an alliance of four.

Cons: Has a solid game plan to work with an alliance of four. You know how plans work out on these shows!

How will she do? I don't know. I think she'll last well past the merge but might make a target out of herself in her wanting to make fellow castaways her new best friends. If she succeeds at that, no one will want to sit next to her at the end.

Kane Fritzler

Pros: "Goofy Sasquatch" might do well for him. Claims he's there to play hard, not inspired by the prize -- more inspired by the win and being the Sole Survivor.

Cons: Another one declaring himself as "loud." That is SO not a good thing in my book! Seems to be pretty full of himself in the interviews.

How will he do? I feel he just might rub people the wrong way. Unless he's solid in challenges, he won't make it much beyond the merge. I could be wrong.

Lauren Harpe

Pros: Very determined to win this for her sons. Intelligent. Wants to be a quiet strategist. Quiet is good!

Cons: In her video spot she said she's "a educator." Um. That kind of let me down right there. She's AN educator. I hope she doesn't make me cringe with her grammatical errors throughout the show!

How will she do? I think she will be a strong player and, if she can have a relatively uneventful pre-merge, then kick it in gear to win challenges later on, she just might make final four.

Maddy Pomilla

Pros: Into having adventures. She does have good ideas about gameplay strategy after the merge and might be a strong contender. Yet she also says you can't really plan much ahead in the game. Very athletic. Hmm.

Cons: Way too bouncy for Brooklyn. She walks like a big galoot, albeit she is a rather small galoot. Quit her job to go on the show. Hmm. Most arrange some sort of time off. It's quite impulsive or foolish to just walk out of a job on a whim.

How will she do? She's another one I just can't tell. I do think she will either do really well or really poorly -- with no in-between.

Matthew Grinstead-Mayle

Pros: Another self-proclaimed "superfan." Eager about the challenges and has a lifelong love for swimming and the outdoors.

Cons: He's promising giggles. Giggles don't dictate a win!

How will he do? He thinks he will be the social butterfly who flutters through all the physical competitions. Hmm. I hope he realizes that not all challenges involve swimming! Oh, wait. He's a superfan -- he should know that. He'll probably make merge but out before final four.

Brandon Cottom

Pros: Athletic. Feels he will be a positive effect on the others as he tends to be a positive person. He seems very likable in his interviews.

Cons: For some reason other castaways tend to not like former NFL players in the game, thinking they don't need the money and such. He also has never been camping.

How will he do? If his physical threat aspect doesn't oust him early, it does look like he will have a great social game. He could be a contender.

To check out the other two tribes, head to these links - Meet the Soka Tribe and Meet the Tika Tribe

Survivor 44: Meet the Soka Tribe

 

   

I've read and watched interviews with the castaways. Here I will be mentioning some pros and cons for each of them and my own opinion on how well they might do. Mind you, I could be completely wrong with said opinion!

                 

Claire Rafson

Pros: She's been watching the show since the age of four -- peeping though the keyhole to watch it. She seems very resilient and determined.

Cons: I'm really not seeing any glaring cons. 

How will she do? Unless she's thought of as a threat either physically or socially, she should go far. To the end? Well, maybe.

Danny Massa

Pros: NYC firefighter in the Bronx, so should be in great shape. Lists himself as kind, passionate and determined.

Cons: Not sure if his plan of action going in without a plan is the best idea.

How will he do? He should do well. He seems very likable and should do well in challenges. I predict definitely will make it through the merge and a possible final four.

Frannie Marin

Pros: Meditates and does yoga. Hopefully that will help her.

Cons: Um ... thinks working in a nail salon has prepared her for being on the show. Enough said?

How will she do? I just don't know about this gal. She doesn't list any athletic endeavors. Easy early out.

Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt

Pros: Energetic, looks athletic enough, wants to do well on challenges. 

Cons: She says she's loud. Why must people be loud? Loud is not a great thing to be!

How will she do? She's pretty determined. She also has 40 patents, so I'm thinking she has to have inventive skills that could help out at camp. Unless her loudness comes off as being abrasive, she should go far. I'm not thinking sole Survivor for her, though. 

Josh Wilder

Pros: Ambitious, athletic, intelligent, cites Jeremy Collins and Avi as previous players he wants to be like. I think Avi was the first winner of Survivor New Zealand, so he must be a big fan although not saying superfan.

Cons: Another one who want to hide his real profession. 

How will he do? I think he could do well. He probably has one of the best backstories of all and it could garner him admiration from the others. He had a kidney transplant at nine and says the donor is responsible for his being alive, he had stomach cancer at 25 and had his stomach removed. He is cancer-free now. With that story, if they know it, if he makes it to the end, he will win.

Matt Blankinship

Pros: Apparently a big fan, has run a marathon, has previously applied to be on the show (so not a recruit!).

Cons: Says his failures give him an edge because he always gets on his feet and tries again. Um, dude ... that would mean you're destined to fail at this the first time! 

How will he do? I don't know. I'm pulling a blank on Mr. Blankinship! For some reason, I think he might not have the social game he needs.

To check out another tribe, click this link for Meet the Tika Tribe

Survivor 44: Meet the Tika Tribe

 

I've read and watched interviews with the castaways. Here I will be mentioning some pros and cons for each of them and my own opinion on how well they might do. Mind you, I could be completely wrong with said opinion!

Bruce Perreault

Pros: Older, watched the show since Season 1, raised in the foster system so should be chill compared to some, looks very fit, does not have the Warwick accent which can be distracting.

Cons: Thinks some may assume he's arrogant (there's often a reason when people assume that), claims he doesn't care about challenges and food rewards but is more interested in analyzing the other players and their social games (hmm), not into searching for advantages.

How will he do? Here's a guy who has a good possibility of doing well but might be his own worst enemy. I think he just might be a touch arrogant. If he rubs people the wrong way and doesn't fare well in the challenges, he could be gone pre-merge. 

Carolyn Wiger

Pros: Another one watching the show since its beginning. She's not going to lie or hide what she does in life. Wants to look for advantages (which can actually be a double-edged sword. Thinks she'll come across as goofy and no threat to others.

Cons: She seems to sentimentalize the backstories from other seasons. I can only hope she plans to compete and work hard in the challenges.

How will she do? Unless she has a physical side I'm not seeing, I can see her getting her torch snuffed early in the game.

Carson Garrett

Pros: Um. Um. Superfan, I guess. So, he says. Young. Healthy. Friendly.

Cons: Claiming superfan after watching for six years. In one interview he claimed to be a rocket scientist ... after two years of college. Seemingly quite delusional about his own self.

How will he do? I'd be surprised if he made it past the merge unless he's a big help around the camp. He isn't planning on telling the others how smart he is. I don't see why they would even care. He's a college kid, not a billionaire that others might think doesn't need the money.

Helen Li

Pros: Been watching the show for ten years which isn't bad at her age, seems to adapt to fitting in well with various cultures, thinks others will see her as friendly, bubbly and maybe an airhead.

Cons: I don't see her being strong in challenges. She says she has a horrible sense of direction. She thinks she's bubbly. 

How will she do? She could either be among the first bunch out or be the one people bring to the end thinking she has no chance of winning. One or the other -- I don't think she will be an in-between. I don't care for bubbly. 

Sarah Wade

Pros: Another fan since the show started (although she would have been very young for sure). She seems quite determined, plans to look for advantages and learn from others. Likes the outdoors and outdoors sports.

Cons: Not seeing too many. 

How will she do? Of this group so far, I think she might be the strongest socially and probably decent physically. She is determined and part of her inspiration comes about as her best friend died a few years ago and she wants to give life its all. 

Yamil "Yam Yam" Arocha

Pros: Has been watching from the 1st season when he was 13. Probably will have a good social game. He's confident of both his physical and mental strength. He has extreme weather experience.

Cons: He says he's loud. That can annoy people. I'm not as confident regarding his physical strength as he is. Well, he might be physically strong, but can he win challenges?

How will he do? I think he'll probably make it past the merge and maybe near the end ... but not to the end.

Survivor 44: It's Coming!

 

Yes, Survivor 44 is almost here! Its season premiere is Wednesday, March 1 at 8PM ET/PT. Once again, the season is set in Fiji. It seems like that's its home now. I do miss the seasons of the past when they set the show in places like Australia and Africa. But they don't consult me on these things! 

I will be delving into each castaway between now and when the show starts. However, I'll give you all a sneak peak at the tribes now ...

Tika Tribe

Soka Tribe

Ratu Tribe

Survivor 43: Episode 13 - Season Finale - Blog Party - Dec. 14

 

Tonight's season finale is three hours long. Get some snacks now before it starts!

I will be live blogging 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 section. I hope to see you there!

The Esteemed Lifeguard SueGee has updated the FINAL blog pool -- check it out to find your castaway!

Jesse       AprilW, Donna in AL
Cassidy     Cherrypie, Kelsey NY
Karla       Glenn Allen, monty924
Gabler     Donna in FL, Joanne Victoria
Owen    Mike Barer, SueGee

Jury

Jeanine

James

Ryan

Noelle

Sami

Cody

Karla

Survivor fans ready?

We start off with Night 23 at Tribal and Jesse plays the idol for Owen, votes out Cody. Karla uses her idol because she's worried now. And Jesse still has an idol ... Cody asked him to hold it. Oh my. Survivor brownie points for strategy there, Jesse.

Gabler thinks he is ruling his destiny. We're getting the Final Five thoughts on making it to the end. Karla seems the most worried about how she will do.

They're exploring the new campsite. Oh my ... five envelopes with clues to a secret advantage. They have to solve a long word scramble phrase to get the actual clue to the advantage. Owen thinks the biggest game threats are Karla and Jesse.

Karla figures out the phrase first and is off running as well as she can with her ankle. Then it's Owen off running. He passes Karla. They're both looking for a tree with a knot at the base by the shore. WHOA! Karla worked her way around Owen and snags the clue! Owen is not a happy camper. He was right there and she reached around him!

It's a slight advantage for today's Immunity Challenge.

Day 24 ... Immunity Challenge. Karla presents her advantage paper. Maneuver a buoy in water through obstacles, untie puzzle bag on the beach, transport puzzle blocks on a teeter-totter thing, solve puzzle. They have to carry the puzzle blocks with two hand grip short posts.  Jesse is struggling. Reward - steak, baked potatoes, wine and cheesecake. Karla starts with ten puzzle blocks, approximately a third.

Karla is in the lead. It's a word scramble. All five are trying to solve the puzzle now.

OWEN wins it! "You cannot hide in a dangerous game."

He can choose one person to go with him to the Sanctuary -- he chooses Cassidy. Wow! What a spread! Both are glad that Karla didn't win today. But is she more dangerous than Jesse? Hmm. Owen thinks he would lose in a final three with Jesse. Cassidy would like to see Karla go tonight. Neither think Gabler is a threat. They decide on getting Karla out tonight.

Back at camp Gabler was hoping he could have gone with Owen. He's breaking down physically. Karla and Jesse know that they are the likely targets. No one knows that Jesse has an idol -- it was Jeanine's.

Karla tells us she's telling Jesse she wants Cassidy out, but in reality, she wants Jesse out -- thinking that he made the biggest move of the season getting Cody out. They talk to Gabler, he hears Cassidy. However, Karla takes him aside and goes after Jesse. She talks to Owen about it, too. Then she talks to Cassidy. Cassidy is not as accepting about the Jesse target. Karla pretty much tells her she will poison the jury against her and not vote for her if she makes the final three.

Cassidy runs to Jesse and tells him. Jesse is torn between Cassidy and Karla vote out. He tells us he will use the idol but hasn't figured out HOW he will use it.

Tribal Council time! Jesse says that Karla threw some punches today. Karla talks about Jesse's excellent game move last Tribal. She wants him out and says it. Jesse says he feels good and shows his idol, saying he's punching his ticket to the final four. Jeanine on jury is in shock -- they all thought the idol went home with Dwight. Karla says there are two other options -- Gabler and Cassidy. Hmm.

Whoa -- Karla and Jesse talk and agree to take out Cassidy. Then Jesse talks to Gabler, Owen joins them. Hmm. Cassidy votes Karla. 

Jesse plays the idol for himself.

The tally -- Jesse, Karla, Karla, Karla ... three is enough. She takes it very well. When the votes are shown, the other four all voted Karla. I updated the blog pool above.

Right to the final Immunity Challenge. Use a long fork, bowl through a channel in a structure, the platform is suspended on a string, fifteen bowls. I'm thinking this might be something that Gabler could be good at. We'll see. He's leading by just a bit over Cassidy. Jesse is doing the worst.

Argh. Gabler's stack fell down. It's between Owen and Cassidy with three bowls each left. Owen's stack goes over!

CASSIDY WINS IMMUNITY! None of the guys look happy. And the only one who congratulates her is Owen.

She has indeed done well. They return to camp to find fire making supplies. Owen thinks it will be himself and Jesse at the fire. He thinks Jesse may have it in the bag. But he doesn't want to ever give up. He tells Cassidy he thinks he can win against Jesse in fire. She says she wants someone who can beat Jesse with fire.

Both Jesse and Owen practice fire. Jesse tells Cassidy that she should go against him with fire. She is not receptive! Jesse is choking up as he tells us he won't stop. Gabler tells Cassidy that he thinks he can beat Jesse in fire. He wants to win fire against Jesse for points with the jury. But his body is betraying him. He tells us he intends to donate the entire prize to Veterans in Need if he wins. 

They start walking off to Tribal. Both Gabler and Owen want to go against Jesse with fire. Oh my.

Tribal Council - Night 25. The jury seems impressed that Cassidy won the final immunity. Jesse looks miserable. Jesse says his pitch to Cassidy. Both Gabler and Owen say they want to make fire against Jesse. Cassidy says she will do what's best for her own game. Earlier Jeff pointed out that Owen and Cassidy with three Immunity wins each, have won 2/3 of the Immunity Challenges in the game.

Cassidy takes Owen with her. So, fire making for Gabler and Jesse.

GABLER makes the fastest fire ever made in the show. Jesse looks miserable. The jury was rooting for Jesse. That won't bode well for Gabler at the end.

Jesse cries. It's very sad. Gabler tries to comfort him. Jesse says he was playing for his kids, setting an example. He did that and felt he played a great game. Owen is crying. Everyone is a bit teary-eyed. Cassidy makes him laugh when she says she had to have him out or he would have won.

The final three are back at camp. Owen thinks he's the underdog. It sounds like at least some of the jury in confessionals agree and will support him. 

They get the feast. 

Gabler points out to us that he didn't receive one vote and is the old man of the show. They have some jury members point out his good points to us. And now we have Cassidy telling us why she needs to win and we get jury members pointing out her strengths. Cassidy is the champion, Owen is the underdog and Gabler is the outsider.

They're off to the jury questioning. Jeff pep talks them. Social, physical, strategic focus.

Jesse -- wishes them luck.

Noelle - Gabler differentiate game from others, trust and behind the scenes, had multiple ways to move along in the game. No one has written his name down, hope they will tonight. Cassidy - every vote was the right vote, close bonds with those who mattered, not personal, last woman standing. Owen - Underdog, superfan, scholar of the game, first tribe a disaster, thought he would be first boot, even worse after the merge, had to crawl and scratch himself out of the hole, learned he just needs to be himself.

James -- ACK THAT VOICE. Owen trust in Noelle. Gabler - Elie looked in my bag (Jeanine confesses), stirred pot, voted Elie out, then decided had to change his game.

Karla - Cassidy pre-merge move. Blindside Geo and get tribe in merge.

Jesse - Social relationships in game -- Gabler, hiding underwater - he's making the jury giggle. Cassidy -- in trenches with the right votes, people after her and she got them out. 

Jeanine - Gaber and Owen closest alliances. Owen, Noelle then the final four. Gabler - had a few core alliances.

Sami - Gabler, were you going back and forth in alliances? Cassidy wonders if it's because he didn't seem like a threat or real alliances.

Ryan points out that the three won all but two immunities in the game. Noelle credits Cassidy for being a woman and winning so many challenges. Wants to know why Cassidy chose Gabler instead of doing fire against Jesse. Cassidy says that she deserved the immunity, and that Owen wouldn't have that win against Jesse. Owen points out that Karla snagged the advantage from him, and he had to win Immunity at five. He apologizes to James for blowing up at him.

Mistakes? Gabler and Cassidy think of conversations. Owen has many mistakes he made.

Last question -- Jesse how did you persuade people to vote your way? They bring up votes. Jeanine for Gabler, Cassidy the Ryan vote -- Ride or Die claims credit for that. Owen, no specific vote, no idols, no advantages. He showed he could be a key part rather than the actor.

Time to vote for a winner. James votes Cassidy. Karla votes Gabler. No other votes are shown.

Reads the votes right now in Fiji.

Cassidy, Gabler, Gabler, Gabler, Gabler, Gabler.

GABLER WINS! All the rest of the votes were for him! They celebrate right there with champagne and pizza! Congratulations blog pool winners Donna in FL and Joanne Victoria!

The jury tells Jeff the jury question answers gave Gabler the win.

Now he says he's the second player over 50 to win. He will make history another way. He says that he's donating the whole prize in his father's name to Veterans in Need. More tears. Gabler says they ALL are a part of the donation. Ryan, with a military dad, is really touched.

Gabler has proved he is the MAN of the Season!

Survivor 44 sneak peek ... you have to want it, you have to be fearless. NFL player. Rocket scientist. And more. Uh-oh ... medic call! It looks good. The premiere is March 4.