Survivor 44: April 12 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! The merge is officially on tonight. Last week it was only quasi-merge, not to be confused with Quasimodo. Really, they're two different things. We also saw the first male voted out this season. I wonder what we're in for tonight. Will Carolyn's quirks make her a target? Yeah, probably.

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

MERGED TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee

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

Torch Snuffed (Soon this list will only be members of the jury!)

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Sarah

Matthew (medical)

Josh

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Yam Yam telling the others he still loves them all even though he got votes. He feels now his name will be an option. He wants to make friends.

In the morning, they talk tribe names. Va Va is chosen. Matt and Frannie are still frisky together. He can finally vote once again in the upcoming Tribal Council. Brandon says someone has the Soka idol. Matt is telling them he has the fake ido, but doesn't tell them about the real idol. They know Lauren has an extra vote. Danny wants her out for that reason. He thinks he's a devious snake.

Kane and Matt want to blindside Danny. They tell Carson. He tells Carolyn.

Oh my ... the Immunity Challenge already? It's 8:07. It's the endurance standing on a beam balancing a ball which sits on a little platform on a stick. Two teams of five. Winning two people both win immunity. The five who win will have safety but no power. They will sit in the jury box, watch the Tribal Council, but have no votes. The five (and one who sits out?) who lose go to Tribal and one will go home. Reward is PB&J, potato chips and iced tea.

Carson picked the grey rock. Jeff tells him to choose who will be the winning team. He chooses orange.

Orange - Heidi, Danny, Kane, Carolyn, Frannie

Purple - Lauren, Matt, Brandon Jaime, Yam Yam

Carolyn out first, then Lauren. Kane out. Heidi out. Danny out. Frannie wins for her team. Jaime out. Matt out. Yam Yam out. Now it's between Frannie and Brandon. Both have individual immunity, now playing for team immunity.

FRANNIE wins Immunity for Orange! Brandon has individual immunity, but his team will go to Tribal tonight. Carson is safe because he predicted Orange would win.

Losing team will go to old Soka beach, no food, just time to figure who would go. Uh-oh. Matt has none of his stuff, real or fake idol.

As the team eats, they get a note which they have to open after they eat. Frannie is worried about Matt. Carolyn is worried about Yam Yam. Wah. 

At the old Soka camp, Brandon has his immunity. Sure enough, Yam Yam and Matt are the names being brought up. Matt tries talking to Brandon and Jaime. Meanwhile, Yam Yam confides in Lauren. He tells her that Danny put her name out there. She wants Matt out.

The note - New advantage locked in the cage, keys scattered in the jungle, one fits the cage. First person to open the cage wins the advantage. Heidi got it.

Control a Vote Advantage, when Jeff says "Time to vote," she tells a player to vote for whom she wants. The others know she opened the cage, but she brought the advantage away from them to read.

Matt misses Frannie. Will this be more than a showmance? He wants Frannie to bring his bag. Yam Yam suggests to Matt that they switch the vote for a Lauren blindside. Now Lauren and Brandon are talking splitting the vote.

Heidi tells Frannie about the advantage. Frannie wants her to use it to save Matt, of course. They want the votes to go to Lauren. But, uh-oh ... Heidi tells Kane that she's worried about trying to keep Matt.

I would tell Heidi that with great power comes great responsibility. I wonder if her Spidey senses are tingling.

Tribal Council time. Matt brings up not having his bag of tricks. Frannie did not bring his bag. He offers Jeff a papaya. Yam Yam wishes he had one. Matt brings up the three Ratu and just him and Yam Yam on the outside. Yam Yam feels hopeless. Matt says he would be a great alliance member. Yam Yam says he wants to work with Matt. Ohhh ... lots of discussion. Matt is teary as he talks. Yam Yam is also emotional - the sad clown effect.

It is time to vote. Heidi brings up the advantage. She tells Lauren to vote for Yam Yam. Lauren has an extra vote from before -- Heidi only controls one vote.

The tally ... Yam Yam, Matt, Yam Yam, Matt, Matt.

MATT is out. Frannie cries.

Survivor 44: April 5 Episode Blog Party

Good evening! You do realize that the only two men out so far both went out for medical reasons, right? This is why women live longer! Alas, it doesn't say much for any woman winning Survivor 44! Let's see how tonight goes. Maybe Carolyn will win Immunity! That would be fun. From the promo, we know it's "drop the buffs" time.

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!

But first ... Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

RATU TRIBE

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Sarah

Matthew (medical)

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Tika Fay 12. They're trying to teach Carolyn how to say "bag." Josh was worried he would be going home. He's ready to get off the island, as in away from camp.

Drop your buffs! Each tribe gets the note. The game is about to change. They will be going to Ratu's camp. Carson tells the others he has an idol which loses its power at merge. He thinks Jaime has an idol. He thinks more than one idol is going to be around.

Jaime thinks she's the MVP of the game now. @@ -- had to roll my eyes. Did you hear them roll? 

Josh is so relieved! He continues his lie about having an idol with Brandon. He had already told Jaime he doesn't have one. She blabs. Yam Yam thinks Josh might be turning people against him. He feels pretty alone and has to talk game with others. Matt tells him that they tried to get Josh out before.

Carolyn seems to be having out of body experiences trying to mingle with others. Heh. She thinks she might be able to trust Carson, so tries talking to him. Carson wants to get her and Yam Yam back together to work with him.

Night 12. Matt and Frannie continue the showmance. He does not have a vote in the next Tribal, but she is the only one who knows. They know they have to cool it a bit so they aren't targeted as a pair.

Ohh ... the Immunity Challenge looks impressive! Obstacles, roll giant ball, up a wall, puzzle. Jeff tells them they have to earn their way into the next stage as they are not in the individual stage. They have to split into two teams of six. First team done safe at Tribal but will vote, will get food and their buffs. One of the six losing will go home. They draw rocks for the teams. Orange, purple.

Purple - Matt, Frannie, Carson, Brandon, Carolyn, Jaime

Orange - Danny, Josh, Yam Yam, Lauren, Kane, Heidi 

PURPLE WINS IMMUNITY, new buffs and food! The new buffs are mostly blue.

Back at camp. The six losers (as Yam Yam says) are there wondering what the others are eating. Yam Yam suggested Josh go to the men. Uh-oh. But Josh mentions Yam Yam to the women. But Heidi thinks Josh. They just don't know if he has an idol or not.

The winners are feasting. Josh's name is being mentioned by them, too. They are also concerned he might have an idol. Brandon thinks Kane might be a good second choice to throw some votes. Carolyn rats out Josh's fake idol. She's exasperated that they don't seem to believe her.

It's raining. The feasters return to camp. Jaime thinks Josh will be the vote, but it may not be easy. The women find out that all seem to want to target Josh or Kane as a second vote. Josh goes to Yam Yam to vote Kane. Yam Yam tells us he likes Kane and would rather Josh go. Brandon would still prefer Kane go. 

Carson tells Kane his name was brought up. Kane runs to Brandon to ask and Brandon doesn't lie to him. He tries to switch the focus to Yam Yam. Brandon goes to Carson and tells him it was a bad move to tell Kane. Matt, who doesn't have a vote goes ahead and switches it to Yam Yam as the second vote. He still wants Josh to go but is worried he has an idol.

Tribal Council time. Six know they're safe. Jeff's first question is to Carson and about so many in camp. Carson says chaotic and he's right there. He talks trust as does Kane. Yam Yam doesn't have a lot of numbers. He thinks his big mouth might make him more of a target. Josh talks of both tribes he was in. 

Brandon is asked about idol talks. He says there were a lot of talks about them. Carolyn brings up the cage idol and fake idols. She says it's insanity. She might know a bit about that.

Time to vote. Matt lost his vote, of course. That's the only one we see.

The tally -- no idols played.

Yam Yam, Josh, Kane, Yam Yam, Josh, Yam Yam, Josh, Josh, Josh, Josh ...

Bye-bye, Josh. I was hoping he would last longer.

The merge is officially on! The promo for next week has Jeff telling them they will have no say who goes home and there will be some kind of twist. Hmm.

Survivor 44: March 29 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! I'm really enjoying this season so far. How about you? They do need to oust some of the guys, though. It's been all women with their torches snuffed. The only male out was Bruce on a medical. Yikes!

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!

But first ... Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee

Jaime - Andi, monty924  

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

RATU TRIBE

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC, Cherry Pie

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Sarah

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Tika Night 9 as they have returned from Tribal. Yam Yam is upset -- he wasn't in on the plan. It's the most somber he's been since the season started. He thinks Carolyn is playing everyone. He's actually right. As wacky as she is, she's playing the game to win. She thinks Josh is better for her game.

On Ratu, Matthew is having a lot of pain, accompanied by tears, with his shoulder pain. Meanwhile, Carson is blending in with Matthew and Kane. Kane thinks they're both nerds and will work together. Carson thinks he's a strategic mastermind and is just putting himself in position to execute his plan ... and his opponents.

On Soka, Danny is leading breathing exercises for his tribemates. We get a Danny background story. His daughter is four months old as they filmed this. Jaime likes being put on the tribe. Hey, she meditates, too. She thinks information she has on others makes her valuable to others. She can't understand why Matt doesn't jump on the Jaime Bandwagon. She may know a lot but does not know that Frannie and Matt are an item. Heh.

Tika Day 10. Yam Yam talks to Josh. Josh tells him he doesn't trust him. The olive branch offering from Yam Yam seems to be missing. Josh tells us he himself doesn't feel safe because he used his idol. He has made a fake idol and tells them he has a second idol. Yam Yam thinks that means he will be voted out. They both talk about when they came out to their mothers ... or not. They talk about getting Carolyn out. Eep!

Day 11 and we have quite the challenge ahead. It's Immunity. Tied together, obstacles, fill bucket with water, over a hinged platform, raise a gate, table maze, three balls in wins. Like last week, the winning tribe will send one from each tribe off on a journey. All three tribes are running even.

Uh-oh -- Tika is falling behind.

RATU wins 1st Immunity - SOKA wins 2nd.

Ratu chooses Brandon, Danny and Carolyn to go on the journey. Jeff tells Carolyn she will be back for Tribal. He tells Matthew that he wants Medical to look at him.

Day 11, still on the challenge site. Matthew is really having a lot of pain with his shoulder. We get a lesson about soft tissue pain from the dislocation. Hmm. He must decide to stay or go, I think.

Yam Yam and Josh are back at camp. Josh tells him he would rather hang on to his idol. Yam Yam tells him that Carolyn is playing them. They seem to be bonding. Josh suggests they compare stories about what Carolyn tells each of them on her return.

The three journey people have to make their way down to the beach and "take the time to get to know each other." Sanctuary, they have a snack and a mini feast in a cool setup. Danny and Brandon bond. Carolyn hopes to work her way in, but it looks like Danny and Brandon have left her out. The guys mention taking Josh along with them. Carolyn tells them she needs allies. She thinks they vastly underestimate her. But she tells us that, not them.

Tika Day 11. Carolyn returns. She tells us that now she will side with Yam Yam as the "bros" she feasted with are in with Josh. Yam Yam picks up on her signals. She tells Yam Yam and Josh that the bros want to team up with him. Josh tells them he has an idol. He shows the fake idol and Josh calls him on it -- the beads from tree mail. Carolyn recognizes the note. Now Yam Yam tells us Josh is sketchy and the idol is fake.

We get a background on Josh and his horrible health history. It is pretty amazing what the guy has gone through.

Yam Yam is SO confused. Carolyn apologizes to him. She tells us she doesn't want to use her idol.

Hmm ... five minutes to go and we have not gone to Tribal.

A boat comes with Jeff aboard. Matthew is out due to his shoulder. As a result, there will be no Tribal Council tonight. Carolyn really wants to get Josh out. He better watch his back!

Next week ... drop your buffs!

Survivor 44: March 22 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Are you ready for another week of non-stop action? Have you got seatbelts on that comfy chair? Latch yourself in. I refuse to be held responsible for any mishaps!

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!

But first ... Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee 

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL 

Sarah - Judi Sweeney, AprilW 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen 

RATU TRIBE

Jaime - Andi, monty924 

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC, Cherry Pie

Brandon - Mike Barer, Michelle

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Claire

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, they're meditating at Soka. Josh tells us he's in a good position between two opposing alliances which both trust him. Meanwhile, the other four on his tribe want to blindside him.

On Tika, the birdhouse has their attention -- two red sticks in the form of an X are in it. Carolyn tells us it was her. She's trying to lead them to where she hid the fake idol. Ohh! Sarah spots the X on the ground and the hidden fake idol. She sneaks it away to check it out. She honestly thinks she has an idol.

To the Reward Challenge -- Reward is a large tarp, smaller tarp for second place. Winning tribe will pick who goes on a journey from the other tribes. Obstacles and a giant slingshot.

SOKA wins first place! RATU gets second place. Josh from Soka, Carson from Tika, Jaime from Ratu get chosen for the "journey."

The three go off on a boat. Similar to the first three who went out, they have to go through the jungle and a path, get to know each other but be mindful of what they say. Then each goes off on their own path. Each gets a note that they have an Immunity Idol which is only good until the Merge. They will not be returning to their tribe. New buff in bag. 

Jaime thinks she has two idols now -- she doesn't know one is fake. 

Josh goes to Tika. He tells them about the buff. He tells them he's a physical trainer. Lies about his real job. Sarah and Yam Yam discuss Josh lying and is probably really a surgeon. (Which he is.)

Carson arrives on Ratu. He tells them about the buff. He wants to give them the impression that Yam Yam was running the show on Tika. Matthew wants to bond with Carson as he had with Jaime. 

Jaime is, of course, on Soka. After all, it's the only tribe left. They don't really know her. They have Danny go through her bag. Matt and Frannie are in on the search.

Immunity Challenge time! They arrive by separate boats. Dive one at a time, climb tower, leap off while grabbing a key, floating balance beam, when all done puzzle.

SOKA wins first Immunity. RATU wins second Immunity. Tika will be going to Tribal.

Yam Yam says Josh is "not Tika." Yam Yam tells Carolyn she should be the decoy vote and they will vote out Josh. Carolyn is not pleased with that. Sarah and Yam Yam try to convince Josh that Carolyn will be voted out. Meanwhile, Carolyn talks to Josh. He tells her he has an idol and the others plan to vote for her. He will use it to save her. Carolyn doesn't feel she has the loyalty of her own tribe. Should she have Josh play his idol for himself and vote out Sarah? Hmm.

Time for Tribal Council and Jeff's Probst-ing questions. Josh is questioned first. He asks the others about Josh or just "new kids" in general. Yam Yam says "Bye, Felicia" and Carolyn says she's Felicia.

Time to vote ... Josh plays an idol for himself. 

The tally - Josh, Josh, Sarah, Sarah ...

The plan Carolyn made with Josh worked and they shake hands much to Yam Yam's shock and awe.

Bye, Sarah!

Survivor 44: March 15 Episode Blog Party

 

Good evening! Who is here for a blog party? Did you bring snacks? Are you in your comfy chairs? 

I don't think it will be too long before a tribe shuffle might have to be done. While the Soka tribe still has its original six, Tika will be down to three if they lose again tonight. Hopefully, they won't lose but they are not the strongest tribe. Strangest, yes. Strongest, no.

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. I do ask that you forgive me if I'm still a bit slow on some of the names of the castaways. It usually takes me a few weeks to get used to the new bunch. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

But first ... Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool and here's where we stand.

SOKA TRIBE

Claire - DonnaNY, TS14Fan 

Danny - Donna in AL, Mikes Girl

Frannie - Auntie Leigh, Brent 

Heidi - John Cantrell, PDX Granny 

Josh - Skyriverblue, Nana in the NW 

Matt - Bizarro22, SueGee 

TIKA TRIBE

Carolyn - Krysta Gibson, Sydney 

Carson - Petals, Donna in FL 

Sarah - Judi Sweeney, AprilW 

Yam Yam - Sharon N, Glenn Allen 

RATU TRIBE

Jaime - Andi, monty924 

Kane - Nickelpeed, Cheryl in NC 

Lauren - David, KelseyNY 

Matthew - RJM in SC 

Brandon - Mike Barer

Torch Snuffed

Bruce (medical)

Maddy

Helen

Survivor fans ready?

We open with Tika returning from Tribal. Sarah is feeling distrust in the Kumbaya vibes. Carson wants her to think he's just a follower. Instead, she thinks he's the most dangerous player. Carolyn is happy to still be there with her idol.

On Ratu, Kane has them singing 'O Canada.' He has a sword to play with now. Uh-oh. He wants to be a hero. Brandon wants to go fishing. We get his Seattle Seahawks story. He says he's much more than that. And, indeed he seems to have a lot of pursuits. They all enjoy the fish.

Now to Soka -- Frannie and Matt are being very obvious about their showmance. Danny decides to set up the fake idol he found for someone to find. He rehides the key he originally found.

Back to Tika -- Yam Yam has a snoring habit. They have a lot of fun. But Sarah is worried because they are so weak. She knows she's at the bottom of the small group and likely to go if they lose the Immunity Challenge. 

Soka is all looking for the idol. (Maybe they should check Danny's pocket!) Matt finds the key that Danny hid. He thinks he actually has the idol. Danny is happy. He's planning on telling the others Matt put something in his pocket. He outs Matt in front of Josh. Danny thinks everyone will be "off his tail" and the focus will be off of him.

Ew. They're eating live worms on Ratu. Jaime finds the fake idol that Matthew hid. She found it while with him even. Heh. He tells us he wanted to be sneaky and will do whatever he needs to do to win.

Immunity Challenge time. Dive into ocean, swim to cube, roll it, collect keys, obstacle course. Stack four blocks no repeated colors on any side. Claire again doesn't compete. Reward is a big tool kit and fruit, second Reward is lesser tool kit and lesser fruit. 

RATU wins Immunity first! TIKA wins Immunity second place! Soka will go to Tribal for the first time.

Matt reminds us that he lost his vote on Day Two. He thinks he will use his idol if needed. Like that will do him a lot of good!

Soka is back at camp. Danny thinks Claire is the weakest and points out that she has sat out every challenge. Josh tells us originally Matt or Frannie were the targets. But he will go with the flow. Meanwhile, Frannie wants Claire and Matt in the game. She wants Josh out. Claire works on Heidi since she would be the swing vote.

Time for Tribal Council. Claire looks very sad, then does a Mona Lisa smile catching Jeff's attention. She tells him people have been playing the game all along. Jeff brings up Claire's sitting out of the challenges. She says she was putting the team before herself. She thinks they don't even know her strengths. Matt says the show is all about trust. Claire asks Heidi pretty much if the plan is still on (not in so many words). They vote. Matt can't vote, of course.

The tally --

Claire did the Shot in the Dark and lost her vote. She is NOT SAFE.

Claire, Claire, Claire ...

Buh-bye, Claire!

Even Heidi voted for her -- it was unanimous since both Matt and Claire lost their votes.