Okay, now we're going into the 12th episode with all but two castaways technically still on the show. At present time, there are more sitting over on Extinction than there are playing the game. My personal guess is that only one of the Extinction bunch will be eventually let back into the game. But what will happen with the jury? I can't imagine a jury as large as fifteen voting. Hmm. If I were there, I'd be thinking "I could have spent this time leading the good life on Ponderosa!"
Tonight is the -- in my opinion -- the overly dramatic "loved ones visit" episode. While I sometimes find it interesting to see who arrives for whom, that's it. Sorry, but they've been gone about a month at that point doing a reality television show. Perhaps I'm a bit callous, but I just don't get all the tears and drama. There have even been recent complaints from various castaways about how many make this visit episode a goal like making it to the merge or making it to jury. Of course, I feel the goal should be to make it to the win. Maybe that's just me.
I'll be live-blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news. The party is, as always, in the comments area -- feel free to join in! A separate post for The Amazing Race is sitting in the wings and will appear a few minutes before the show.
Lifeguard Laure has returned from her Pacific Ocean gig watching the beaches in Hawaii and here are the updated blog pool standings --
Aurora McCreary -- Ed in Ohio, marthalight
Gavin Whitson -- Brenda, KelseyNY
Julie Rosenberg -- Delee, MikesGirl
Lauren O'Connell -- Brian, Krysta Gibbon, Sharon N.
Rick Devens -- Auntie Leigh, Merrilee
Ron Clark -- Cherry Pie, Judi Sweeney, Rochelle
Victoria Baamonde -- Indiana Jane, Karen in VS, SueGee
Jury & Extinction
Reem Daly -- David, Terry is a Texan, Sharon C
Chris Underwood -- Glenn Allen, Laurie
Aubry Bracco * -- Cheryl in NC, Margo, Petals
Eric Hafemann -- Bizaro22, Pinky, Shannon
Joe Anglim * -- Carol C, Kismet
Julia Carter -- Donna in FL, Monty924, Jennifer
David Wright * -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Renee Buck
Kelley Wentworth * -- Donna in NY, Jenna G.
Dan DaSilva "Wardog" -- Jackie, Nana in the NW
Survivor fans ready?
We open up with the aftermath of the Wardog ouster. Rick thinks every time he's trusted Ron, he's been lied to. Ron realizes that and gives him the advantage thinking he will need his trust. Of course, the advantage is no good, but Rick doesn't know that.
Right to the loved ones Reward Challenge time. I simply cannot report on all the tears and drama. Can you hear my eyes rolling?
Race with a bucket, get water from ocean, toss water to loved one's bucket, loved one fills container to raise flag will win. Love and a picnic is the reward.
Ron and his husband Lloyd win Reward. Who will come with them? He picks Julie. Then he picks Gavin (who said he was married two days before he had to leave for the show). I actually think that was a thoughtful decision, but not all the others feel the same.
GAH! Gavin -- "Whenever I left …" NO! It's NOT "whenever." It's WHEN. I really cringe every time I hear that.
The ones not on the picnic are talking Rick for the next target. They think he's out there looking for an idol. He catches Victoria and Aurora going through his bag. Rick decides he'll use Aurora going through his bag as a weapon to target her. While looking, he finds a clue saying that the idol is in the trees above their camp. He finds it and thinks in addition to what Ron gave him, he's golden.
The Immunity Challenge is a repeat of the perched between two walls, last one up wins.
Rick out first. Ron out. Victoria out. Julie out. Oh my gosh, Ron carries her because she can't walk. Aurora out. Lauren and Gavin left, Lauren drops.
GAVIN WINS IMMUNITY!
Ron is thrilled because Rick went out first and he thinks all Rick has is that fake advantage. Little does he know …!
Back at camp, Rick is getting the silent treatment. He thinks Ron might be the only one who will work with him, but doesn't trust him. Ron is convincing Rick that Aurora's the target. He thinks if everyone else votes for Rick and Rick happens to have an idol, it will be Aurora going home with Rick's vote. The girls are thinking it might be wise to split the vote and vote for Ron to go.
Aurora wants to give Gavin her extra vote advantage (last time it can be played). She figures if it goes to a tiebreaker and her name is in there, Gavin is the only real safe one. Gavin is in a quandary as Ron let him go on Reward yet he doesn't want to alienate Lauren and Aurora.
Off to Tribal Council. The million jury members troop in. Rick brings up Aurora going through his bag. Lots of talk about lots of plans. Jeff asks Ron Probsting questions about his choice for Reward partners. Jeff likens this season to a pinball machine with people in place of the balls bouncing about. Aurora admits she doesn't want to be sitting next to Rick in the final three. Jeff is really stirring the pot this Tribal.
The tally -- Rick plays the menu Ron gave him and asks for immunity, finds out it was expired. So, he lights into Ron and Julie and plays his idol.
Rick, Rick, Rick, Rick, Aurora, Ron, Ron, Ron …
RON is voted out! Aurora is giddy. Of course, he heads off to Extinction. And, of course, they're all still on Eviction. When is that herd going to thin?
That's quite the start we got off to last week! I remain surprised that Rupert and Laura squeaked through to the mat. Will they be able to do it again this week? I was even more surprised a previous TAR team was Philiminated. Was I surprised that the leading teams to the mat were previous TAR teams? Nope. Unfortunately, Art and JJ, although good people, were the weakest returning team. Now the BB and Survivor folks just have the tougher ones against them.
I'll be live blogging the main events and constantly updating this entry as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest happenings! As always, the real party is in the comments -- feel free to join in on the fun!
Lifeguard SueGee was kind enough to open the gate for stragglers and re-shuffle the blog pool to reassign the first boot folks. So, here's the latest blog pool update going into tonight --
From Big Brother:
Rachel & Elissa - Delee, Nickelpeed
Nicole & Victor - Jackie, Jennifer, Jenna G (obviously the J Crew!)
Janelle & Britney - Donna in FL, David, Monty924
From Survivor:
Rupert & Laura - Brian, JonMD1267
Corinne & Eliza - Dr_Celine, Caela, Willie J
Chris & Bret - Paula B, Megan in NC, SueGee
From TAR:
Colin & Christie - Donna NY, Petals
Becca & Floyd - Merrilee, Judi Sweeney, Glenn Allen
Leo & Jamal - Kelsey NY, Indiana Jane, Cheryl in NC
Tyler & Korey - Sharon N, Ed in Ohio
Philiminated:
Art & JJ
Where will we be racing to tonight? Let's go!
They're heading to Laos next. Colin tells us he's grown since last on the show 15 years ago. We'll be the judge of that.
Rachel/Elissa have a failed attempt to work with Team Fun (Becca/Floyd). The Survivor teams drift to each other and are all on the same flight.
The teams have to "give back" to the Monks. But there is a waiting period. Corinne/Eliza have a bit of run-in with the Afghanimals and find out they're not Team Fun.
Teams make their way on foot to the next clue and encounter a Double U-Turn. Rachel thinks they really need to U-Turn someone while the Nicole/Victor don't see the need. Then we go to commercial.
GAH! She U-Turns Team Fun because they wouldn't work with her.
Detour has them memorizing the Lao alphabet or prepare barbeque.
Team Fun U-Turned Tyler and Korey. They did it mainly on the suggestion of the Afghanimals who didn't want the blood on their hands.
The alphabet is very tonal which is hard and the BBQ has them getting the ingredients which might be harder than cooking them!
Upon completion of the Detour, they're off to Elephant River. Heh. Elissa has to tell Rachel to calm down. Rupert finished the alphabet and claimed, "We did something!" He was proud. Team Fun finished both Detours and are ahead of many of the teams who had only one to do.
Roadblock - The Afghanimals make it first. They must use Lao commands to make an elephant cross a river, then find a musician on the other side. Nicole and Victor are second. Nicole is thrilled to be on the elephant!
They head to the Pit Stop by boat and Phil said MAY be eliminated. It's Victor/Nicole and the Afghanimals in the lead.
Pit Stop order
1. Leo/Jamal - won $2500 each
2. Nicole/Victor
Rupert is having elephant trouble despite he claims that's his soul animal
Wow the teams coming in one after another.
I can't keep up with it.
Both teams with U-Turns are safe.
Last to arrive are Rupert/Laura -- Philiminated
I'm surprised they didn't go last week.
So, now we have all returning castaways sitting over there on Extinction Island. I guess that technically gives at least one of them a shot at getting back in the game for the win. To be honest, I'm a bit surprised they weren't targeted and picked off one by one right from the get-go. I'm never sure why reality shows think it's a good thing to have a few returning players join in with a new cast. They never make it to the end. I'm not keen on "all star" versions of the shows, either. But, at least, that creates a more even playing field.
I'll be live blogging the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh this page to get the latest news! Y'all know the party is in the comments below, right? Feel free to join in! Up here it ain't no party, ain't no disco, ain't no foolin' around. Okay, maybe a little fooling around …
A post for The Amazing Race is sitting in the wings ready to pop up before that show airs. If you're watching both shows, head on over there at the end of this one!
Here's the latest update on the blog pool (they need to get some of these folks outta there!) --
Aurora McCreary -- Ed in Ohio, marthalight
Dan DaSilva "Wardog" -- Jackie, Nana in the NW
Gavin Whitson -- Brenda, KelseyNY
Julie Rosenberg -- Delee, MikesGirl
Lauren O'Connell -- Brian, Krysta Gibbon, Sharon N.
Rick Devins -- Auntie Leigh, Merrilee
Ron Clark -- Cherry Pie, Judi Sweeney, Rochelle
Victoria Baamonde -- Indiana Jane, Karen in VS, SueGee
Jury & Extinction
Reem Daly -- David, Terry is a Texan, Sharon C
Chris Underwood -- Glenn Allen, Laurie
Aubry Bracco * -- Cheryl in NC, Margo, Petals
Eric Hafemann -- Bizarro22, Pinky, Shannon
Joe Anglim * -- Carol C, Kismet
Julia Carter -- Donna in FL, Monty924, Jennifer
David Wright * -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Renee Buck
Kelley Wentworth * -- Donna in NY, Jenna G.
Survivor fans ready?
We start as Kelley arrives at Extinction. Of course, Lauren is missing her back at camp. She's saying Ron and Wardog flipped. She's uncertain who she can work with now. Wardog's way of working things has alienated many -- Gavin is angry and wants him targeted. Ron told Julie about the extra vote in order to get back in her good graces. It looks like it just might work.
Rick think he, Ron and Wardog need each other in the game. They think they're each other's biggest threat and biggest hope to stay in the game. They think the others will go for them any chance they get. it seems like Aurora is their main target … at least for now.
To a REWARD challenge. They have to swim, dive, go under a platform, retrieve three rings and first team to get rings on target wins. It's a trip away to a feast and showers and stuff.
Lauren, Wardog, Rick, Julie (Blue) versus Ron, Gavin, Victoria and Aurora (Yellow) in a schoolyard pick.
Blue wins it no thanks to another poor challenge performance by Wardog.
We have a trip to Extinction. Kelley is mad at herself for not trusting her gut and using the idol. Reem is thrilled that Kelley finally got voted out. Kelley apologizes to her but Reem is still ticked. After all, Kelley was instrumental in getting her voted out. Time for introspection time for Kelley. Um, okay.
Back at camp, the ones who lost the reward have some bonding time. They're talking taking out Rick. Gavin wants to get closer to Aurora. Ron accused Aurora of being the "Rice Nazi." He tells us she gets on his last nerve.
But the Reward people are having a wonderful time. They're spreading mud bath on each other, talk about bonding. They got to play in a hot spring. Rick doesn't think Lauren or Julie are serious players. They're wrong. However, Julie and Lauren are bonding a bit. But Lauren thinks Rick is the most dangerous while Julie wants to take out Wardog.
Immunity Challenge time! Race over obstacle carrying buoy, go through tunnel with buoy, then buoy through netting, keys, unlock locks, puzzle.
Rick wins Immunity again! His only real competition was Aurora. Gavin is sure Wardog will be going tonight. I'm not as sure.
Lots of scuttlebutt about Wardog going home. But it's also leaning towards Aurora. Aurora is certainly the better physical competitor. Lauren is torn -- she thinks she needs to do what's best for her own game. Aurora is contemplating using her extra vote advantage. She might need it.
Off to Tribal Council! Jeff asks Wardog about the atmosphere back at camp. He says that all are talking and Gavin claims Wardog talks at him, not to him, so now they don't talk. Ohh … Wardog threw Ron under the bus with Kelley ouster and Ron said it was true. They're already working the jury.
The tally --
Aurora, Wardog, Aurora, Wardog, Wardog, Wardog, Wardog …
So, my pool pick Wardog bites the Extinction. Yes, he heads to Extinction … of course. He's a Wardog.
Next week is the "loved ones" episode. Never my favorite, but they don't ask me.
While I generally prefer "normal new people" on TAR, I think this season should be quite entertaining. Since this blog covers all three shows involved in the cast, it's all familiar faces. There are a few I'd personally not see again on the show :::cough... Rachel, Colin, Rupert …. cough::: -- overall, I like the teams chosen. I just think two of them have had more than needed of their fifteen minutes of fame and one is insufferable. Everyone (in their bios) think the former racers will have the edge. I guess we'll see!
I will be live blogging the major events as they go down from here on the East Coast. Refresh this page to get the latest news! As always, the party is down in the comments area. Please join in on the fun!
Lifeguard SueGee has made the random selections for the pool. Who's your team?
From Big Brother:
Rachel & Elissa -- Delee, Nickelpeed
Nicole & Victor -- Jackie, Jennfer
Janelle & Britney -- Donna in FL, David
From Survivor:
Rupert & Laura -- Brian, JonMD1267
Corinne & Eliza -- Dr_Celine, Caela
Chris & Bret -- Paula B, Megan in NC
From TAR:
Art & JJ -- SueGee, Willie J
Colin & Christie -- Donna NY, Petals
Becca & Floyd -- Merrilee, Judi Sweeney
Leo & Jamal -- Kelsey NY, Indiana Jane
Tyler & Korey -- Sharon N, Ed in Ohio
Are we ready? 1, 2, 3 … let's GO!
They're starting out in Los Angeles. We get the introductions from Phil.
It looks like this "reality clash" is going to take a few minutes.
They have to dig into a HUGE octopus sand sculpture for their clue to their first destination.
They're heading to Japan - Rachel, Rupert teams got it first. Colin and Christie have two children now -- 11 and 6 years old. We'll see how much he's matured.
All the teams are on the same flight to Tokyo where they'll have to take a bus to the destination for the next clue. Only limited numbers of clues are in either of the two locations. They're rather slowly finding the clues.
They are directed to the Roadblock in a building. Who wants a sweet new pair of shoes? Inspired by a crazy game show. They must find one pair of shoes, biting into it to see if it's chocolate. Some are still looking for the clues to get there. Rachel is running behind. So is Rupert. As for the shoes, they must eat the chocolate ones once they find them.
Leo and Jamal are in the lead followed by Janelle and Britney.
Who wants to climb Mount Fuji? Roadblock, climb 21 stories. It's a slippery slope. Meanwhile, Victor is having extreme issues with the chocolate sandals. Rupert and Laura are still roaming around lost in Tokyo.
Colin and Christie are next in line at the climbing behind the Afghanimals. The cousins are headed to the Pit Stop. Ohh … Phil said WILL be eliminated, not MAY be eliminated. Corinne and Eliza just got the clue to the shoes. Art and JJ are lost and just got the clue after two teams already hit the welcome mat. Rupert and Laura are at the shoe Roadblock with Corinne/Eliza and actually found the chocolate shoes first. Corinne./Eliza are thinking they're the last team. They don't know that Art and JJ JUST got the clue to the shoes.
Pit Stop order:
1. Leo and Jamal, also won a seven-day cruise.
2. Colin and Christie
3. Tyler and Korey
4. Rachel and Elissa
5. Becca and Floyd
6. Victor and Nicole
7. Bret and Chris
8. Janelle and Britney
9. Corinne and Eliza
Rupert and Laura are still roaming about lost. JJ/Art are still struggling with the slope.
JJ tells Art that they should take a four-hour penalty because Art can't make the slope. Rupert/Laura arrive at Mt. Fuji. They tell Rupert/Laura they're taking the four hour penalty. Rupert is the one going for the slope. They don't think he'll be able to do it either. And … he is making it! He got it!
10. Rupert and Laura
11. Art and JJ -- Philiminated.
I had predicted a Rupert first ouster. I was close.
We're heading into the tenth episode and only two castaways have left the show -- and, that's because they actually gave up and quit. Sure, many have been voted out, yet they still remain. It's kind of like the Hotel California: you can check out, but never leave! That said, the promos have tonight being two Tribal Councils. So, two more will leave. Or stay. Or whatever.
I'll be live blogging the major events of the show as it airs here on the East Coast. Refresh this page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- feel free to join in on the fun!
Remember: immediately after Survivor airs, we have the season premiere of The Amazing Race 31 with teams from Survivor, Big Brother and TAR. A separate post will cover that show. Just refresh the blog after this show and join in for another blog party there!
Here are the latest blog pool standings from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:
Aurora McCreary - Ed in Ohio, marthalight
Dan DaSilva "Wardog" - Jackie, Nana in the NW
David Wright * - Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Renee Buck
Gavin Whitson - Brenda, KelseyNY
Julie Rosenberg - Delee, MikesGirl
Kelley Wentworth * - Donna in NY, Jenna G.
Lauren O'Connell - Brian, Krysta Gibbon, Sharon N.
Rick Devens - Auntie Leigh, Merrilee
Ron Clark - Cherry Pie, Judi Sweeney, Rochelle
Victoria Baamonde - Indiana Jane, Karen in VS, SueGee
Jury & Extinction
Reem Daly - David, Terry is a Texan, Sharon C
Chris Underwood - Glenn Allen, Laurie
Aubry Bracco * - Cheryl in NC, Margo, Petals
Eric Hafemann - Bizaro22, Pinky, Shannon
Joe Anglim * - Carol C, Kismet
Julia Carter - Donna in FL, Monty924, Jennifer
Grab your adult beverages and let's get started!
They open the show after Tribal. Although the idol wasn't needed, David thanked Rick for the idol share doohickey. They all seemed a bit stunned by the Tribal. It seems they think Aurora was the downfall of Julia. Wardog is already scheming with a group of six. He thinks they'll go after Aurora next. She knows it and is worried. She won't give up, but …!
Right to the Immunity Challenge. Bars resting on shoulders, must squat, too high flag will pop, too low urn will fall. Jeff is bribing people to not compete with pizza and either beer or root beer. Victoria, Kelley, Ron and Lauren choose to chow down.
Wardog, Gavin and Julie are out. Rick Devens out. It's only David and Aurora left. Aurora tells him she cannot drop because she's the target. Of course, David is wary that he's the target. Whoops! David out.
AURORA WINS IMMUNITY!
Sure enough, David's name is brought up as a target since they can't go after Aurora. David thinks they might be able to get Victoria and possibly even Aurora on his side and go against Wardog. He knows Wardog is after him. It seems he might actually be making headway on it. He keeps calling the Lesu 3 the "power trio." Wardog's style (dictating votes) has rubbed some the wrong way. Plus, I'll add in -- he's no good in challenges. I say that even though he's my pool guy. Ron is unsure. He doesn't really trust David.
Already heading to the first Tribal of the show. Jeff asks if there was an emotional drain after the last Tribal. Rick thinks he and David are in trouble and they need help. Julie thinks she and Ron are on the bottom of their alliances. Rick thinks they need to make a bold move. Wardog says that he, Kelley and Lauren are super strong. Ron says Wardog is very aggressive and vocal. Sure enough, Wardog speaks up and might sink himself.
Time to vote …
The tally -- no one uses an idol --
David, Wardog, David, Wardog, David, David, David, David …
Rats. David is gone. He promises to them that he will "crawl his way back in." Of course, he heads to Extinction.
On Extinction, Joe hands out seven bottles with seven clues to an advantage. David, the one still most in game mode, heads off looking as do the others. David does find it. He must send an advantage to someone else currently in the game.
Immediately to another Immunity Challenge. Balance a paddle on a stand, roll a ball down into a dimple. First to get five balls in dimples. Rick brings forth the advantage and announces it was from David -- he only has to get four balls in.
RICK DEVENS WINS IMMUNITY! (Thanks, David.)
Wardog and others are talking the easy vote would be to target Aurora. Hmm … but now he's telling us he thinks it's time for the last returnee to be voted off -- he's ready to turn on his ally, Kelley. He thinks he's in stealth mode. He's going around to all to convince them. Ron thinks it should be Aurora and that Julie would think the same. Kelley thinks she's probably in a good position, but tells us she's glad she has a hidden idol. Aurora gives Ron her advantage of the extra vote. He's actually pondering using it to vote her out! Oy!
Tribal Council time once again. Time for Jeff's Probsting questions. Aurora says this is the first time her name has come up when she didn't have Immunity. They talk about blindside. Kelley says every time isn't the right decision. Is it time to worry about who to sit with at the end? Ron says too aggressive can be a threat. The camera goes to Wardog. Heh. It's time to vote.
The tally --
No idols played.
Aurora, Kelley, Aurora, Aurora, Aurora, Kelley, Kelley, Kelley, Kelley.
"Wow, guys, a lot of lying going on." Kelley should have played her idol. She's headed to Extinction with a torch.
