Sunday, May 13, 2007

'Survivor 14: Fiji' - Season Finale - Liveblogged From the East Coast

So far, we've gone through the recap of the season. Return or refresh this page throughout the evening as it will constantly be updated as the show progresses here on the East Coast.

Now, there seems to be a bit of doubt about how faithful Earl might be to Yau-Man if he needs the hidden Idol to survive.

Immunity is up for grabs. Five section maze challenge. They have to cross five drawbridges blindfolded and collect five keys. Long maze - the length of a football field. Yau-Man just took the lead, but there's a long way to go. Cassandra is woefully behind. She may as well just sit down. Earl is just about out of it, too. Yau-Man still leading, Dreamz on his heels followed by Boo.

YAU-MAN has won Immunity!

Yau-Man is happy - both he and Earl are secured a place in the Final Four. Boo believes he'll be voted out and that's the plan. Dreamz is worried about his own place.

Boo thinks that he would be better in the Final Two for Earl than Yau-Man would be. He told him he can't win against Yau-Man.

Earl thinks he can beat Boo or Cassandra in the Final Two, but not Yau-Man or Dreamz. He thinks Yau-Man has the underdog vote and Dreamz has the sympathy vote. Boo is campaigning both Earl and Yau-Man.

Tribal Council: Jury is brought in. Dreamz is more concerned about folks not keeping their word over physical threats. Earl hints there might be concern about who they're against at the end. Boo thinks he's a better candidate to take to the F2 over Dreamz or Yau-Man. Dreamz thinks Yau-Man should keep him in for the F4 due to their pact. Boo just gave a tip-off that Earl picked up -- he said he told Yau-Man and Dreamz he would take them to the finals.

Boo voted for Dreamz and vice versa. Jeff is tallying the votes.

Earl's playing the Idol!

Votes: Boo, Dreamz, Boo, Boo. Boo is voted out.

In his closing words, he praised Yau-Man and said he deserved to win it. He also wondered if Dreamz would keep his word. He thinks he will, but "it would be interesting if he didn't."

Dreamz said he's going to keep his word. Earl and Yau-Man are good friends. Dreamz plans to win Immunity and give Yau-Man the necklace. The Final Four - Dreamz, Cassandra, Earl, Yau-Man - are now going through their rites of passage or memory tour, remembering those who got voted off as the show went along.

Lisi thinks all she lacked was the ability to "stick it out" and last. Yeah, right.

There was an ad for Big Brother 8 to start in July during the commercial break.

Final Immunity Challenge - Threshold for pain, each lay on a plank with the angles increased in time increments, water will stream on plank making it slippery. Last one hanging on wins. Dreamz told Yau-Man not to worry, he'll get the necklace back. Three will be going to finals as they did last year. So, it's Final Three in the running for the million.

They're now at a 45-degree angle, all still in. Cassandra having lots of problems. The others all hanging in... literally speaking.

Cassandra is now OUT.

Now up there 20 minutes, angle is increased to 55-degrees. Earl is OUT. It's between Yau-Man and Dreamz. Yau-Man is OUT. Dreamz has won the final Individual Immunity. Cut to commercial and we won't know if Dreamz keeps his word to Yau-Man until after the break.

Back at camp, Yau-Man told Cassandra he intends to vote Dreamz out. Earl thinks Dreamz could save himself since it's three not two in the finals. (Why are Earl and Yau-Man loyal to Cassandra? Other than the fact that either of them would win against her.)

Yau-Man is worried that Dreamz will vote him out. Dreamz just told Earl and Cassandra that he will do the right thing. "I'm good with four," he said. He wants to be known as honorable, a truth-teller, he's Dreamz.

They're heading to Tribal Council. Jeff tells the jury that three will be in the final Tribal Council. Jeff is questioning Dreamz about his promise to Yau-Man. Dreamz thinks if he gives up Immunity, he'll go home.

ACK. Dreamz is keeping the Immunity Necklace! He's crying as he should be. Yau-Man is stoic.

The votes: Cassandra, Yau-Man, Yau-Man, Yau-Man.

ARGH - Yau-Man is voted out - done in by Dreamz and stabbed in the back by Earl.

I can only think that Earl didn't think he'd have a chance to win against Yau-Man. With Dreamz breaking his word and Cassandra being useless, he should win with the jury. I think. I'll be ticked if Cassandra wins.

Earl hopes he still has Yau-Man's vote to win. Dreamz says he has no regrets. He seems very defensive about his decision (for some odd reason).

Day 39 - the last day. The three are smiling. Gifts are going to fall from the sky according to a note in a picnic basket. Earl has to swim out to go and get it because Cassandra can't swim. How do you even get on the show without being able to swim?

They're gathering all the camp stuff to light afire. The fire has started.

It's off to the final Tribal Council where they'll be questioned by the jury.

Opening Statements:
Earl -- I played an honest and clean game. Make the right moves and put myself in the right position. Name never written down, intelligent game. Want the respect vote.
Cassandra -- Thanks jury. Started slow, someone to come talk to, got with an alliance, never wavered.
Dreamz -- My life story, help me, help my life... and help other people.

The Questions/Statements:
Michelle: What do you think biggest obstacle? Dreamz - Not the starving, the thirst. Cassandra - Overcoming inability to swim. M: Does your fear of water win you a million? Earl - Only original Ravu member, no water, no food, Exile Island.

Edgardo to Earl: How did you find out who had Idol? E: Dreamz

Alex to Dreamz: Did you tell about the Idol? Wasn't that betrayal? Dreamz - Just deceit.

Mookie: Tonight isn't the time to lie.

Alex: to Cassandra: Integrity? Cass: Overheard. Alex says she discarded Stacy. A: Arguing... stop talking! To Dreamz: Your goals to help kids... you cheat, lie, backstab to succeed. Why? D: Game based on lies and deceit. A: Can't hide from karma forever.

Lisi: Catch a liar by the toe... Cassandra. Water shoes? Unprepared to play game. Greed kept you in the game. To Dreamz: How many zeroes in a million? Six, do you think I'm stupid? To Earl: Yesterday, Yau vote - whole show for the jury. Why you looked so shocked after voting him off? E: The shock was Dreamz not keeping word. Smart choice. L: Smart, lying manipulating.

Stacy: To Earl: The difference between you and Dreamz is you're more sophisticated. You'll land on your feet. Earl: A million dollars would change us all. I had troubles. Shouldn't be based on need.

Rocky: One question. How did you manipulate the best? "I am the biggest kicker because of..." Cass: Listened to a person at the right time. Dreamz: I manipulated my way to the top. I manipulated Yau. Earl: I manipulated everyone up there because no one even thought I was playing the game.

Boo: Tips hat to Yau - by far the best player. Dreamz deal with Yau... as a Christian, were you playing him at the time of acceptance of truck? Or later? I was playing the game. Boo - You're an immature Christian. The Devil dangle money in front of you.

Yau-Man: Personal statement - no testosterone overload. Can admit to a mistake. Enjoy the truck, don't feel guilty. Have the gonads to tell why you changed your mind. "I didn't change my mind. I played the game." Dreamz - I came here knowing what I was going to do. To Earl - Why didn't you take me to the next level. E: I wouldn't win against you. You played the best game by far.

They're voting now... and we should switch to NYC soon.

No cheesy entrance. They just made it look like Jeff carried the votes directly to the reunion show. I miss the cheese!

The votes: Earl, Earl,Earl, Earl, Earl...

The winner of Survivor 14: Fiji is EARL.

For the first time in Survivor history, the vote was unanimous -- all voted for Earl, as it should be.

Earl knew the second that Dreamz kept Immunity that he'd win.

Next season, the show will Survivor 15: China, the first American television show to be filmed there.

Earl wished his mother a happy Mother's Day and gave her half of his winnings.

Thank you, blog readers! You've made it a great season!

It's an East Coast Live-Blogging 'Survivor 14: Fiji' Event

Come one, come all! Peek in during the show or commercials! Or, if you're in another time zone, see what's happening on tonight's Survivor 14: Fiji season finale before watching the show! Well, read what's happening more than see it, I suppose.

When the show starts at 8 PM EDT, I'll be posting a live-blogging finale entry to this blog. I'll update the entry throughout the show and invite you all to join in with comments. From the challenges to scheming to the sole Survivor, it will all be here in East Coast time.

Oh. You can bring snacks if you wish.

Where is that darn beverage cart? You can find the ongoing East Coast spoiler liveblogging post here.

It's Prom Pants! - This Week on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' - May 14-18, 2007

Late Show with David Letterman Have you got your prom pants? After all, 'tis the season.

Um... if you're in school, that is. If you're not, then it's just a bit odd that you have prom pants. But, who am I to tell you how to live your life?

However, if you are in school, I see on the official show website, they're looking for interns! Gee, where was that opportunity back when I was in college? I would have loved to work with the writers! Okay, back when I was in school, Letterman was barely out of school himself, but that's beside the point. Too bad they don't allow "students of life" to take part in the internships. But, of course, they'd have to pay enough to live on. They do make it clear - "Please note once again that YOU MUST BE ENROLLED IN COLLEGE to be eligible to participate in our program." Once again, I'll note it. Hey, wait... they didn't say "currently" enrolled, did they? It's a loophole!

Here's the guest list (along with a bit of my opinion on said guests) for the show this week:
  • Monday, May 14: Mike Meyers promoting Shrek the Third and America Ferrara of Ugly Betty. Eh. All in all, it doesn't sound like a bad show, but it ain't no Jack Hanna!
  • Tuesday, May 15: Don Rickles promoting his book Rickles' Book: A Memoir and Michael Imperioli of The Sopranos. The musical guest is Wilco (latest CD is Sky Blue Sky). Masi Oka (Hiro from Heroes) will do the Top Ten List. Well, Masi Oka is a must for me to watch, but I'm not so keen on Rickles. I find him a bit mean-spirited and way out of step with today's world.
  • Wednesday, May 16: Ricky Gervais, Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Mavis Staples (CD is We'll Never Turn Back) and the Top Ten List with Bob Barker. It's Bob Barker's 50th TV Anniversary this week. Has television been around that long? Heh.
  • Thursday, May 17: Kid Scientists, Luke Wilson promoting The Wendell Baker Story, Rufus Wainwright (CD is Release the Stars) and a Top Ten List with Homer Simpson. Now, this sounds fun. I always get a kick out of the kids and the way Dave interacts with them. He's a nut! I wonder if I stand out in the street on 53rd, perhaps I can watch Homer Simpson arrive? Maybe get his autograph?
  • Friday, May 18: Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), Jonah Hill (Knocked Up - although I don't think he himself is in that state) and musical guest Elvis Costello promoting not one, but two CDs - The Best of Elvis Costello: The First Ten Years and Rock and Roll Music. Elvis Costello usually puts on a good show. I love the new Lexus commercials featuring him. Beethoven's music has the same effect on him as it does on me. Alas, I don't listen to Beethoven in my Lexus, though.

So, there's your week of Pants!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

TV Newsy Bits - Saturday, May 12, 2007

Jackie's TV Newsy Bits It's Saturday, the day before the Survivor 14: Fiji finale and reunion show! That will start at 8 PM EDT with the reunion show starting at 10 PM EDT.

Due to the length of the finale and the hour that everything wraps up (plus the fact I have to get up early for work on Monday morning), I'm thinking of doing a live-blogging report as the show airs here. Chances are I won't have time to snag, crop, and get images in the entry, but it would be up at a reasonable hour. Heck, live on East Coast time.

I still have a day to decide, eh?

In other TV Newsy Bits:

  • The most recent episode of Lost has fans buzzing about Jacob. In the scene at Jacob's abode, things went so quickly that it was hard to see if Jacob exists or not. But, the Lost Easter Eggs blog has some of the frames of Jacob.
  • Reality News Online has both a transcript of Stacy (recent Survivor boot) on The Early Show and an interview of their very own with her. In the interview, she gives us a different look at Alex, but really seems to admire Yau-Man. She said she doesn't think she deliberately tipped him off to use the Idol.
  • Reality TV World has an interview with LaKisha Jones, ousted this week on American Idol. She claims she knew on Tuesday that she would be voted off because she lost her voice. Now, I was a supporter of hers early on, but I think it was her time lost voice or not. I don't think she'll ever have to be a bank teller again and has a lot of doors open now.
  • Whoa! Spoilers are out and about regarding The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman. Check them out here and here, but only if you really want the spoilers. Eep. Someone has a big mouth!
  • In more Lost news, there will be a special next Thursday, May 17. "Lost: The Answers" will be hosted by the executive directors of the series and will explain some of the... well, the answers! Celebrity Spider has the skinny on it.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

'Survivor 14: Fiji' - Ep. 13 -or- "Go, Yau, go, Yau!"

Here's your big excitement in the reality television genre. Yup, right here with Survivor! The alliance of six is at the point where they have to start picking off their own to outwit, outplay, and outlast.

Six are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

The show opened (after the inevitable recap of last week's events) on Day 34 at the Bula Bula camp.

Boo thinks he's going to be a target, rightfully thought. So, he's setting up an eavesdropping spot by the water well. Perfect! He can hide in there and see if anyone's talking about voting him out.

Well, it's too bad that while he was setting up his hiding spot, the other castaways were all back at camp talking about... you got it... voting Boo out next. They know he's strong in challenges and he's a bit of a wild card, too.

Tree mail came with hints of the Reward Challenge and the tribe automatically knew it was the yearly car prize. Of course, with the car prize comes the Survivor car winner curse -- in the history of the show, the winner of the car has never won the million dollar prize at the end. Dreamz went on and on about how much he wanted the car. He doesn't have one and he believes it would truly change his life.
Cargo Net Crawl in Reward Challenge
It turned out that the prize wasn't a car, per se. It was a 2008 Ford truck. The tribe was split into two teams of three and tied together. Then they had to go over a series of see-saws, climb a cargo net crawl doohickey, find their buried hatchet and cut their rope. The winning three would take part in delivering needed school supplies to a local school, using the new truck of course. The winning three then had to compete against each other for the truck win.

The teams were Orange - Yau-Man, Boo, Stacy and Green - Dreamz, Earl, Cassandra. Yau-Man held his team back as he kept falling on the see-saw. Balance while walking just isn't his thing, I guess. But his team made up time in the cargo net crawl, then dug up their hatchet first. So, Orange won the first round for taking the supplies to the school.

In the second round, a hatchet toss, the first round winners had to throw a hatchet at a target. The first one to cut through the two ropes on the target won the car. And, it was Yau-Man!
Yau-Man Chan
In a surprise move, he decided to make a public deal with Dreamz. Dreamz wanted that truck so bad and Yau-Man, thinking on his feet better than he can balance on them, offered to give Dreamz the truck.

The hitch was that if they made it to the final four, Dreamz would have to give him Immunity if he won it. Dreamz jumped on the chance for the truck without even thinking it through. Had he thought it through, I think he probably would have taken the truck and his chances anyway. He wants that truck!

Then, continuing the surprises, Yau-Man sent himself to Exile Island. Later, on the island, he gave his reasons behind that to us. He thought Earl had been sent there too much and Cassandra wouldn't be able to handle it. He also explained to us that while a bit of giving the truck to Dreamz was because he thought it was a good deed, it was more strategy. He also mentioned his trust in Earl again and planned to share the latest clue with him. The clue indicated pine tree this time.

The reward shared by Boo, Stacy, and Dreamz seemed to really touch them. The children needed the supplies. The teachers even got a fully-loaded mobile office. It was one of those heart-warming do-good warm fuzzies all around rewards.

It took him a while, but Dreamz realized he was tricked by Yau-Man. He still thinks it was great for him to give him the car and he gave his word he'd give him the Immunity at that point if he won it. How to get out of it? Get Yau-Man out before that point. That way, he'd keep his word and the truck that went with it.

Earl poked around looking for the Idol based on the clues he and Boo got during their Exile Island stays. Dreamz worked on trying to get Cassandra to understand Yau-Man has to go first, then Boo. Cassandra is more worried about Boo.

At the Immunity Challenge, we got to see something different once again. Yay for no puzzles each and every week! It's Rounds which seems to be the keyword as of late. This was another challenge with rounds. In the first round, the castaways had to stand on a platform where there was a ball on a rope. They had to throw the ball into a hoop to bring down a balance beam. The next round had them on a perch using a grappling hook to get a buoy.

Dreamz, Yau-Man, Earl, and Boo made it through the first round. The final round was between Yau-Man and Boo. Boo, knowing he pretty much has to win Immunity to stay in the game, gave it his all and won Immunity.
Earl Finds the Hidden Idol
Boo noticed that his win seemed to stir up the others and he thought they'd have to go to Plan B. Earl and Yau-Man didn't have time to think about Plan B. They had an Idol to find. Yau-Man stayed at the camp while Earl searched. Sure enough, Earl found it in a pine tree!

The scheming went on in camp with Dreamz trying to get everyone to vote Yau-Man while Earl and Yau-Man thought Stacy was the target. Stacy, without a doubt, bought the plan easily. She knew she would be the target as they couldn't vote for Boo to go.

Cassandra was a harder sell. She tried to think the situation through. If it backfired, she would make enemies of both Earl and Yau-Man. Was it a chance she was willing to take?

Yau-Man, smart dude that he is, was getting bad vibes. He told Earl, but Earl didn't think anything was going on. After all, he had talked to Dreamz, Cassandra and Boo. The plan was for a Stacy vote. No need to worry, right?

Then came Tribal Council. As Jeff asked questions, Loose Lips Sink Ships and Stacys, Stacy said she thought it would be a split vote and the game would get harder. Both Yau-Man and Earl jumped a bit to hear that.
Bye-bye Stacy
After Jeff tallied the votes, but before he read them, he once again said that if someone had the hidden Idol and wanted to use it, now was the time. Although it may have been editing, it seemed like forever before Yau-Man pulled out the Idol to save himself.

Sure enough, Yau-Man and Earl were the only ones to vote for Stacy. Everyone else voted for Yau-Man thinking he'd be confident that he was safe and not use the Idol. Had Stacy not mentioned the split vote, he wouldn't have used it. Stacy sent herself home.

The finale and reunion should be really interesting Sunday, huh?