Wow. I cannot believe how crazy this season has been as all the merged vote off have been crazy, insane and unpredictable. I really didn’t think anything could top last week, the week before that or even the week before that. But tonight’s episode will go down in the history books as one of the most dumbest moves not only in Survivor but in Reality TV history. It all began as the tribe returned from Amanda’s use of the hidden idol. One good thing that came out of its use and the initial vote was Amanda’s realization that Cirie is on her side. It also forced Natalie and Erik to grow closer as they were the last two fans in the game. They both promised to either send the other to exile or take them on the reward if they won. They felt having the hidden idol between then would force the game to switch to their side and give them the leverage they need to get to the final three.

But things change on the dime in Survivor and Amanda snatched Erik up. It was all a brain child of Cirie who felt that Erik may swing back over to Amanda if she played her cards right. They wanted to make Erik feel comfortable so the three remaining favorites: Amanda, Cirie and Parvati could make it to the finals. Their plan was to have Amanda once again befriend Erik and have him choose Parvati to send to exile. I think they’ve come to realize that Erik is the challenge threat now that Ozzy and Jason are gone and also realized he would probably win.

The reward challenge was interesting and rather easy if you’ve watched the show. Each round Jeff would ask them a question about a moment from one of the previous seasons. They then had to say which season the moment came from and if they were correct they would receive a point. The first question came from Pearl Island and was about Rupert’s snake. The next was from All Stars and Richard’s battle with the shark and then Kathy’s big “pee” moment in Marquesas. The next question was rather easy as it was Mike’s evacuation in the Outback and the last was from Cirie’s season as Jeff wanted to know which season was the first to divide into four tribes. Erik was the first to get four questions correct and won the reward. He could send one person to exile and take one with him. He ended up showing his allegiance and took Amanda with him to a spa retreat. He then sent Parvati to exile, both of which went against what he told Parvati just a few hours earlier.

Back on the beach Cirie worked hard on Natalie. She knew Natalie was upset but just kept pushing and pushing. She told Natalie that Erik was playing all the women and mentioned that Erik took Amanda to feed her and make her stronger, yet still wanted her to leave. Natalie took the bait and was NOT happy with Erik’s decision and went into another psycho moment. She wanted to “bitch slap” Erik and did another one of her motions to let just know just exactly what she meant.

Over Exile Island Parvati was having the time of her life. She was doing what she normally does…… tanning. She said it was like a mini-vacation for her as she had no reason to really do anything. She didn’t even attempt to look for the hidden idol since she “didn’t need it”. Knowing that her, Amanda and Cirie had all the votes to send either Natalie or Erik home no matter who won the immunity challenge.

While on their spa retreat Erik and Amanda had time to re-bond as friends. They ate, got a massage then talked a bit about the game even though they said they wouldn’t. They told each other that they should go to the end as he is the physical threat and she is the strategical threat. Not much more came from the reward other then their “friendship”. But as we are soon to find out that friendship wouldn’t last long.

When Erik and Natalie returned to the beach things got a bit heated. Natalie wouldn’t even talk to Erik or look him in the eyes. He then realized he may have screwed up big time by going against Natalie, considering she might just rip out his jugular. Erik then went into a big “strategical” conversation with Cirie. He wanted Parvati, Cirie and himself to vote either Natalie or Amanda out as they were the big threats for the jury. Little did he know, Natalie was standing right behind him and heard every word he said. We then cut to the three girls talking. Cirie told Natalie and Amanda what Erik just said and they all agreed he screwed up big time. He told each of them the same thing and he realized this as he saw all three talking.

At the immunity challenge the survivors had to dig up three puzzle bags by using coordinates. Erik and Cirie were the first to find their first bag but it all went down hill for the girls in the second puzzle. Erik quickly found his second puzzle while all the girls continued to dig out of the blue. Erik then found his last puzzle bag and won yet another immunity challenge. What would the girls do now with Erik having another idol and one of them going home? Oh this is where it gets good!

Back at the beach the girls were wondering what they could do since one of them were about to go. Cirie then came out with a plan that could save all of them and make it the first final four of all women. She wanted Natalie to try and have Erik give her the immunity challenge to redeem himself from the jury. At first Natalie thought it was a stupid idea but tried it anyway. Erik laughed it off at first as well but then realized how screwed he was with the jury. Cirie then sweetened the pot by saying if he did give Natalie the idol then the three of them would vote out Amanda which then turned to Parvati. Erik mulled it over but the girls still weren’t sure if he would do it.

At tribal council Amanda and Parvati played their parts assigned by Cirie to bash Erik. She wanted them to push Erik over the edge into going with the plan to vote out Amanda/Parvati by giving Natalie the idol. Cirie would only vote for Amanda/Parvati if Erik gave Natalie the idol and that’s just what he did. Erik gave the one thing that ensured he was in the final four to Natalie, giving the jury another shocking moment to give us crazy reactions to as they knew Erik was done for. All the girls smiled as Erik went to cast his vote since he had no idea. All the girls’ votes were shown as they knew we would know he was going. Erik then walked out the game fairly well considering the fact he just became the most stupid player in Survivor and reality TV history. In a season with the most record breaking moments we have another record: a first final four of all women. It’s never been done before and I’m sure the most unpredictable season will continue its run for its finale come Sunday evening. Who will win? My bets on Cirie or Amanda.

You Know You Want To See It Again!

Bookmark It

On the last Paradise Hotel James was barely saved after being named the least trustworthy out of all the guests in the Hotel. He was then given even more power to send someone home and used it to better himself in the game. This week that power came back to bite him as everyone now turned against him. He tried to talk himself out of it but nobody seemed to care. If you remember James could have chose to send himself home over Myrna and chose not too. Several of the guests, including his once best friend Krista, disagreed with that move, ensuring that he’d probably be the next to go.

The next morning it was announced that Stephanie and Zack had “crushed” and have become the new love couple since Tanya left a few episodes ago. The girls’ breakfast was then shown with them discussing the game and the random nature of it as they never know what’s going on. At lunch time an infamous envelope was presented that let Zack know that he and the girls would be getting their own excursion. The three remaining guys would be sent on their own adventure which would lead to more James drama.

Zack and the girls were taken to a ranch where they rode horses along the beach. I wish they would have brought some of these excursion into play throughout the entire show as it gives a nice break from the regular hotel setting. After their horseback riding was over the four sat down to have some desert and yet another envelope appeared. TD read it and let Zack know that he had choose one of the three girls to spend the night with him in the “romantic setting”. He chose Stephanie for obvious reasons and the excursion was then over for TD and Krista.

The three guys also got some vacation time and spent it at a small beach. They swam a bit in the ocean and threw some football and then it was all down to game talk. Well kind of… James was the only one to talk game since Mike and Ryan wanted to forget about it for the time being. Mike seems to be annoyed with James’ active game play and feels he’s playing it way to hard. Why do half of the people on the show forget they are on a competition reality show…. not a dating/hang out show.

When the guys returned to the hotel they found it completely empty. This sent them in a small panic as they expected some type of twist to play into the excursions. All three thought people would returning or someone new would be joining the game but alas they found that was not the case when TD and Krista returned. They also had some fear that a twist or sudden elimination ceremony would take place and were shocked when nothing happened.

While at their “romantic setting” one on one, Stephanie and Zack become much closer. At first they thought no cameras were present but quickly realized one was hiding in the corner. As Stephanie tried to make a move on Zack it quickly was revealed that wasn’t going to happen. Zack wanted nothing to do with a “public showing” which angered Stephanie a bit. He brought up her shower scene with Ryan a few weeks ago. Stephanie then began to cry and their romantic evening was cut short.

The next morning the two returned to Paradise Hotel and everyone was back in play. It seems new alliances were being created as the OGs fell apart. James realized that he couldn’t rely on Krista anymore since she wasn’t going to choose him last round and he continued to tell her he almost sent her home. He then started to work on TD who he was once close with week one. She realized this was all game play and seemed somewhat confused on if she could trust James or not. Another friendship that was changing was with Ryan and Mike. They were always tight but after James’ sudden change Ryan became Mike’s best buddy. It’s funny how it changed so quickly and everyone James was close with seemed to disown him. The third friendship that shifted was Krista and Stephanie. They were always close but now it seems that Stephanie may be favoring Krista over TD.

At dinner another envelope was brought into play and all were told that the next elimination would be the last. This meant the couples would be locked in and no more room selections would occur. Everyone seemed stunned but it was obvious this was to happen. It also sent everyone into thinking what twists could accompany the news and all ideas were being spit out. The largest was that whoever was chosen to be the odd man out would also take out a couple. Everyone assumed that James would be the one eliminated so they feared the worse. He and TD formulated some sort of plan in case the twist was brought into play but it was never really said what the plan was.

At the elimination things went as predicted. The girls were the ones sitting and the guys were on the chopping block. Zack was up first and although he and Stephanie were fighting he went to her. Mike was up next and kept his same roommate in Krista as they both are “being themselves”. Next were Ryan and James and both ended up going to TD as planned. What happened next sent James packing with no more power in the game other then saying goodbye. TD, for some strange reason, chose Ryan to stay and sent the latest trouble starter: James out of paradise and out of the game.

Next week the power is given to one more player as someone is given the chance to send a couple out of Paradise. Those voted out since Zack came into the hotel then return to crown the winner in some sort of vote. Drama once again ensues as old enemies turn into friends and friends turn into enemies. Which couple will take home the grand prize? Make sure to tune in next week as I’m sure it will be a shocker!

Bookmark It

You may not realize this but Discovery Channel has amazing reality tv programming. Most of the shows don’t seem like “reality” when watching them as they aren’t competitive in nature but they do fall into the reality realm. The newest one called The Alaska Experiment harkens back to the early Survivor days when the show mostly focused on the survival aspect of the contestants. In ‘Experiment’ four groups of people are placed in four separate remote locations of Alaska. They are forced to fend for themselves, gather their own food, cut their own fire wood and survive. The show has no competition but rather tests each of the groups by seeing how long they can live off of the rough and sometimes deadly Alaskan land. The groups live in their “homes” for at least three months and are monitored daily by the crew to ensure all of safe to remain in the experiment. The homes they live in range from a canvas tent to an abandoned cabin. Each team uses different strategies to survivor and the ‘experiment’ is watch very closely to ensure the teams have the most basic tools and supplies possible to live in Alaska. The first show I watched yesterday has truly got me hooked as I’ve been wanting that survival aspect of Survivor to return. The Alaska Experiment just might be the closest thing. New episodes air every Tuesday night at 10pm while reruns are run often. To find out when the show will air for you click here.

The learn more about Discovery Channel’s Alaska Experiment go here.

Bookmark It

A few weeks ago CBS silently revealed that a new Mark Burnett show would be debuting this summer called Jingle. The show pits several teams of 2-4 against each other to create the best product jingles known to man. Contestants will compete to produce jingles for large corporations and they say some musical experience is needed and anyone older then 13 can apply. If you think you have what it takes to make the best jingles ever then this show may be for you.

Click Here to Apply to Jingles

Bookmark It

Although James won’t be visiting Ponderosa just yet thanks to his hospital stay Alexis has and she brought some drama with her. Its no surprise that Ozzy isn’t too happy with her as is Jason. Alexis plows into Ponderosa claiming to have never lied and thinks she played an amazing game. Eliza doesn’t like that too well and let’s us know that. In the other two videos we see some perks about living in Ponderosa as it seems somewhat worth it to “drop” out of the game to enjoy the benefits of the jury house.

-The Next Jury Member-

-Island Hopping-

-Fashion Show-

Bookmark It

After two severe blindsides in a row I really didn’t think Survivor could top it’s self for a third time. But tonight proved just why the show is so amazing and why it’s returning for at least four more seasons. It all began where the last left off and that is with James’ finger. After the last Tribal Council he was sent, by Jeff, to the medical boat where they gave him a few shots. They also told him that if his finger wasn’t better the next morning he would most likely have to be taken out of the game.

The next morning it seems we have another injury on our hands with Alexis. She took a tumble during the night and got a scrape on her knee. That’s all we saw at least but I’m sure she has some major damage, unless it’s all in her head. Amanda and the others then worry about James possibly leaving the game. Amanda knows that James is her closest ally and going out would greatly hinder her game.

The reward challenge was an oldie but a goodie and actually one that Cirie won in Exile Island. I was rooting for her to repeat her win but also knew it would be tough. She isn’t the “most liked” this time around as everyone is kind of spread out with the love. That’s exactly what the reward was actually, a visit from a loved one. The challenge had each survivor fill out a questionnaire in private. They all then gathered back together to answer what they thought the majority said. If they guessed correctly then they got to chop a rope of another player. The last person remaining would win a visit to the famous non-electric jelly fish lake and would bring their family member along with. Parvati was out first followed by Erik, James and then Natalie. Cirie was the last out and had to choose between Amanda and Alexis winning. She chose Alexis to take the reward and she returned the favor by selecting Cirie and Natalie to go along with.

Directly following the challenge James’ finger was once again looked at. The nurse then told Jeff that the infection had set in pretty bad and she worried that his finger could be lost or worse. James didn’t seem to want to go but apparently they didn’t give him the choice that was given to Jonathan. He was then allowed to say goodbye to Parvati and Erik and was then boated out to the hospital where his infections where treated just in time for Tribal Council.

At the jelly fish lake the three girls and their family members spent some time hanging with the jelly fish. It was pretty cool to watch as it’s an amazing site and I’m glad they brought it back again. The small clip showed just how bad Alexis’ leg was and also showed how Cirie is still changing thanks to survivor. She seemed less “frightened” by everything this time around but still has some of that Exile Island scare in her as she finally realized everything isn’t going to hurt her.

Over at Exile Island, where Amanda was sent thanks to Alexis, the clues and idol have returned. They seemed more easy at first considering all the clues were at the initial island she started at. After finding a clue in the ocean she was told to dig in a line made by the hut and an island. After about 30 feet of digging she finally found the last clue which told her the idol was hidden back at camp. Under their tribe flag to be exact. It was kind of a bummer as she just dug how long just to find the clue but I’m sure she’s happy now she dug that much cause it really helped her in the end.

When the three girls returned they quickly learned that James was out of the game. This quickly sent the four girls, including Parvati, into a thought bubble as they knew if Erik won the immunity idol they would then have to vote out one of their own. During a small chat Parvati let it slip she wouldn’t vote out Amanda since they were so tight the entire game. She then went on to ask Alexis if she would want to go thanks to her knee which was a pretty dumb move. Obviously Alexis would think she’s going now if Erik wins and put some doubt in both Alexis and Natalie’s mind.

At the immunity challenge Amanda quickly learned that James was gone. She didn’t seem to happy but the game moved on. The challenge was to use a high powered gun to shoot down three colored bottles. The first to do so would win the immunity and would be safe. In the first round Natalie, Parvati and Erik hit their bottles giving them a point. The next round saw only Erik hit a bottle which put him in the lead. The last round saw Natalie catch back up and Amanda hit a bottle. Erik hit his third and last and gave him the immunity that he needed.

The girls weren’t too happy with the outcome as their easy vote was for Erik to go. Natalie and Alexis then made it known that Amanda would be their vote as they scooped up Erik as well. Amanda knew she was going and told Parvati where the hidden idol was. She also went on a very huge show to show the others that she didn’t have it. They believed her and at that point she was telling the truth. Before she started to search for the idol Amanda worked on both Erik and Cirie to help her stay in. Erik told her flat out that he would be voting for her to go while Cirie seemed on the fence. She told Amanda that a “purple rock” would come into play had there been a tie. I don’t think that would have happened but rather the fire challenge would take place but we really don’t know. While everyone was eating the chicken Amanda went to work on the idol. Parvati helped a bit by saying she went to wash since she “told her she smelled” and it gave Amanda enough to find the hidden idol.

At tribal council we were left without knowing that Amanda did find the idol as they never did say for sure. She played it up SO much and SO well that she was going that I honestly didn’t think she had it. As the jury walked in James was oddly missing. He then walked in as the jury sat down and everyone was in for a shock. He came in with IV bags and everything. The jury had not known what had happened and Eliza said it all at how shocked they were. During the tribal chat everyone told Jeff that Amanda would be going. Nobody had any idea she had the idol and it played out beautifully. Right as Jeff was about to read the votes Amanda quickly pulled out the idol. Her mood changed so quickly from depression to over joyed as she laughed at everyone sitting there. Natalie and Alexis most stunning, knowing one of them would leave, and that they did as Alexis walked out of the game. Next time it seems like the drama continues as the girls turn to Erik to make sure they get one step closer. Crazy Natalie comes out once again apparently, will it be her downfall?

Bookmark It