Survivor Micronesia may be over but we still have one last glimpse into one amazing season thanks to Ponderosa! Four new videos have been posted showing all those who made the merge at Ponderosa and how they took the end game. In the first video Natalie enters Ponderosa and realizes just how skinny she is along with other crazy thoughts. In the second the jury learns that one more will be joining them and finally realize the game is almost over. The third video showcases Cirie’s entrance as the last jury member as she breaks down since she came so close once again. The last video shows all the jury plus the final two partying their last few days in Micronesia.
So I finally got around to seeing the finale of Survivor Micronesia and all I can say is wow. I didn’t see half of that coming. If you read my finale prediction I was as wrong as could be as I didn’t expect a F2 and didn’t expect Parvati to come anywhere close to a win. It was interesting to see that they went right into a final four immunity without the “rights of passage” ceremony so I figured something was up. At the challenge I got somewhat nervous as Natalie was in the lead early and that usually guarantees a win but Amanda scooped up her first immunity this season ensuring she’d be in the final three.
At this point I figured Natalie would go but then Cirie’s name came into the pot and well I was not happy about that. Parvati and Amanda figured it would be a final three for the end vote and felt Cirie would be hard to beat. She did have a lot of friends on the jury as well as being a great talker. It really wasn’t known going into what was thought as the final tribal who was going between Cirie and Natalie. Then Cirie had to open her mouth and mention how she felt at the bottom of the totem poll when it came to Parvati and Amanda so I thought her fate was sealed. Once the votes were cast though Natalie’s name came out with 3 - 1 votes and luckily Cirie pulled through to an all favorite final three of women.
The three girls wok up the next morning expecting food and got nothing but a paddle of doom. It let them know that there was still another immunity challenge and therefore this meant it was a final two once again. I’m not sure why they switched back but this is the one time I wish they would have ended at a final three. Amanda took it the worst as she broke down to both Parvati and Cirie. She didn’t want to play the game anymore and it made everyone remember she’s been playing the game for almost six months straight.
After Amanda pulled it together the three women went off for the rights of passage ceremony as they laid each voted out torch to rest. Most of the fans didn’t have much to be said about as none of the three really got to meet some of them but most were memorable statements from those voted out and made me realize I forgot about half the people voted out pre-merge. I didn’t remember most of the fans who were out early and I now realize I didn’t care about half of the fans.
The last immunity challenge was actually very simple yet very interesting. The three girls had to balance several blocks by only two end paddles. They also made it a bit harder by forcing them to make sure a small ball didn’t move from the rod they were creating. All three did fairly well until Parvati fell out half way through. This meant that either Cirie or Amanda would win and both made it to the last round where whoever dropped out first would give the immunity to the other. Both were shaking and off balance throughout the time but Cirie slipped first giving Amanda another shot at the final tribal council and this time the sole power to send someone home.
When the three got back to camp Cirie basically knew she wouldn’t be making it to the finals once again but Amanda gave her some hope. She realized that Parvati did play a very social game and had some friends on the jury while Cirie hadn’t made that many tight bonds. Also Parvati gave her some reason to take Cirie as she told her that Cirie would never win against herself. Amanda then went to the last tribal council run down and spent. It was assumed she’d vote out Cirie but I guess the way this season was going anything could have happened. The way Amanda was crying and freaking out made it seem her decision was harder then it seemed. In the end she sent Cirie packing and lost her vote in the end because of it.
At the last tribal council Amanda and Parvati both took heat. Amanda was only praised by Ozzy (who professed his love for her) and James since both hated Parvati with a vengeance. Although they were new Alexis and Natalie had the best and strangest questions. Alexis was really good at pinpointing Amanda’s acting during tribal while Natalie just continued her psycho reign by basically professing her love for Parvati. She wanted to know how her flirting and strategic skills were represented “in the bedroom”, alas having the most pointless question in Survivor history.
Before the votes were read I had a feeling Amanda would win as she wasn’t as bashed as badly as Parvati was but I was once again wrong. In the end the votes came out 3 for Amanda and 5 for Parvati, meaning Amber 2.0 won Survivor Micronesia. Jeff Probst basically called Parvati the new Amber and he was right as she became the 16th winner of a million dollars and the first female winner since Guatemala. In the end it was a great season with shocks after shocks, even the winner was a shock! Now we turn our minds to Survivor Gabon which I predicted would be the location a few weeks ago. It looks amazing and for the first time it will be shot in high definition. Can Gabon top Micronesia? We can only hope! (Oh and yes, Amanda and Ozzy are now dating)
Since I will be going to Florida until May 18th I will be missing both the Survivor Micronesia and the Paradise Hotel 2 finales. Because of my trip I will also not be able to post updates or rehashes until I get back. So in preparation for this trip and a little time off from the blog, I’m going to give my predictions of what will happen in both the Survivor and Paradise Hotel finales. Let’s get started.
SURVIVOR MICRONESIA FINALE
We all know this season has been insane and I can’t believe I’m going to have to go a whole week without knowing who won. I have a few predictions on who will though but first lets rank the remaining four females.
Least likely to win I feel is Natalie. She only has a handful of fellow “fans” on the jury and well she screwed two of the three over. Jason and Erik will in no way be voting for Natalie to win and I don’t believe she got close to any of the guys or Eliza for that fact. Because of that she will most likely only receive any type of vote from Alexis. If the three favorite girls are smart they will take Natalie to the end, knowing she can’t win. Her only real hope of making the final three is the last individual immunity or Cirie waking up and realizing she can’t beat Amanda.
Parvati is the most likely one to come in third in this race to the finish. She started off very strong by playing a huge game but she has too many enemies on the jury. She was the main reason Eliza and Ozzy were voted out and both despise her. She hasn’t played too big of a role since then as she’s somewhat hidden behind Amanda now. I think that if she did get to the end the only votes she could receive are from Alexis and Natalie. She made an alliance with them and kind of strung them along. But then again she did say she was closer to Amanda so they may end up giving their votes to someone else.
The next two get kind of tricky as it all depends on how things go down in the last episode. Cirie and Amanda both hold a great shot of winning. I think its a toss up between the two and it all depends on in both are actually in the finals are not. Since I have a feeling the three favorites will be the final three I will base the next rankings on the fact that Cirie and Amanda will both probably be in the finals.
When it comes to the jury votes I think it’s hard to know who would win without looking at how each would vote. Eliza would hands down vote for Cirie as they were buddy buddy the entire time and Cirie was sympathetic towards Eliza leaving. Amanda will no doubt get Ozzy’s vote and James’ vote as they were both kind of clinging to her the entire game. I could see Cirie getting Erik’s vote along with Natalie’s vote so that leaves Alexis and Jason. Alexis wasn’t too keen on Amanda in the end and seemed to bond more with Cirie so I could see her voting that way. Jason then becomes the last vote which I’m not entirely sure which way he would go. Now looking at the votes it seems Cirie has the best shot of winning the game if she can actually make it to the finals this time. We all know Amanda does not handle the last tribal council well as she bombed horribly at it in China. It’s going to be a close one come Sunday night and I wish you all the best joy out of watching it while I’m in Florida!
PARADISE HOTEL 2 FINALE
Last time on Paradise Hotel 2 we were set in stone with the final couples. It ended up being Krista/Mike, Steph/Zack and Ryan/TD. The also said that one of the couples will be sent home before the finals and therefore only have a final two couples in the end. This makes things complicated as we really have no idea who is in the finale yet so my predictions will be somewhat more difficult.
TD/Ryan have a very unique pairing as they were on polar opposite sides of the game. This could be of benefit to them though as they have friends from both sides to vote for them to win. That benefit could also hurt though considering people like Myrna who although they were friends with TD, they may not vote for her to win because they don’t want to see Ryan win.
Stephanie and Zack are the only new people in the final three and both are paired together. Zack came in rather late in the game while Stephanie was the first new girl. They’ve bonded in the short time they’ve known each other but will people use that against them? I think people are a little annoyed by both Stephanie and Zack and the only votes they may get are from the new people who they aligned themselves with.
Krista and Mike is another interesting pair and I feel they have the best shot at winning. They were both very much liked in the game and really only have a common enemy in Myrna (but who doesn’t?). That gives them one of the best shots at winning if they can actually make it to the finale. I’m not sure exactly who will be given the power to send a couple home but as of now I’m assuming Mike will receive that power. Simply because he’s well liked by both the new people and the OGs.
In the end Paradise Hotel is known for throwing crazy twists in the finale and I have no doubt they will be doing that again. That will then make my predictions null and void as a couple swap could possibly occur. But if things stay the same I have a feeling that Krista and Mike will win. If they don’t then both were screwed over as they were not only two of the most entertaining but two of the more real people there.
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.
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?
First off I have to say what the heck got into Natalie? She’s gone from a mute to a crazy woman and is really making herself out to be one of the craziest and most insane survivors I’ve seen in a LONG time. So before I can get into crazy Natalie we must go back to the beginning. It all began directly after Ozzy’s departure where Amanda and James weren’t too happy. They realized Parvati screwed them over and are no liking it. James and Amanda therefore created a strong pact, which was not seen in China, which I feel will continue throughout this game. Overall both said its finally time for them to start playing the game and that they did.
Back at camp Erik was sucking up to everyone, telling them that it was the “right move” to not tell him Ozzy was going as he would have told Ozzy. Erik agreed that it was good to get Ozzy out but I have a feeling deep down he misses his “zoo keeper”. Everyone then realized Amanda and James weren’t happy and it seems as if they were kind of avoiding everyone back at camp. Parvati took the most head from the two and spoke to each separately. As she talked to Amanda it seemed as if things were ok between the two. Amanda then told us in private that she has to make Parvati believe she isn’t angry since she is running the show right now. That’s a good move for Amanda to make considering it seems the game has shifted in favor of the ladies.
Parvati then spoke with James who reprised his famous “don’t bite the apply quote” but this time referring to Parvati voting Ozzy out. He told her to her face that things weren’t good between them anymore and let her know things will be akward. He also pulled the quote out as they spoke giving Parvati a shocked look on her face. I don’t understand why she feels that James wouldn’t be mad. Ozzy was his number one ally in the game and she, someone he used to be able to trust, just betrayed him and his friends.
At the reward challenge a familiar favorite was played, the Survivor auction. This time around there was a slight twist as players could not share money or food like in previous seasons. Food was won most of the time as Cirie won a hot dog and fries, Erik won some nachos, Amanda won a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and James won some bats. Technically Natalie won the bats but James ate them for free since she didn’t want them. Next up was a prize that would change the game dramatically. Natalie, who began her crazy streak right here, won a “note in a bottle” to send someone to Exile Island. Jeff also said that the hidden idol was re-hidden with new clues since it went out the door with Ozzy last round. Natalie quickly sent Jason to exile and also received all of his money. She then won a cake in the next auction where she quickly chose Cirie, Parvati and Alexis to share it with. She went somewhat crazy here saying she didn’t have any food so they couldn’t “hog the cake”. Another catch was they only had a minute to eat which led to a very interesting chow down of chocolate cake ending in Erik licking the rest off of Cirie’s fingers.
Back at camp it seemed as if the rush of sugar caused Natalie to go all bi-polar and become a psycho woman. How can we never see this girl on the show and then BOOM she becomes the star. All the girls were in a pow-wow and knew that Jason would find the idol on exile island, which he did end up doing. They then came up with a plan for Natalie to speak to Jason at the next immunity challenge to tell him to let anyone else but himself win. Natalie would then tell Jason that she and the other ladies are voting James out of the game, making Jason think that he is safe in in a result not play the hidden idol. I must admit it is a genius plan but Natalie’s reactions to her new found craziness was priceless. She had to call Jason “that bitch” about 20 times in two seconds and discussed how she will get all the guys “at the jugular” then floss her teeth with their jugular vein. She then simulated this and the thought seriously makes me wonder how this girl passed the psych test.
At the immunity challenge all went to plan as Natalie got a chance to tell Jason not to win. They didn’t want James to win since that was their second choice to go and they all wanted Erik to stay since it was his birthday. The challenge was a rehash of past challenges they had. The first four to break a clay dish and drop puzzle pieces would move to the next round. James, Jason, Erik and Amanda moved on where they had to dig up a key, unlock more pieces. They then had to put together a puzzle wheel and lower two planks. The first two to do this were James and Erik and both moved to the last round. The first of the two to get across a rope bridge using the two planks would win immunity. It was tight up until the last second where Erik beat James by mere seconds. The girls on the sidelines had some nice reactions as they knew if James won their plan wouldn’t go down as planned.
Back at camp the girls were jumping for joy as their plan could go into action. When Jason went to catch some fish Natalie sprung into action and searched through Jason’s back for the idol. She did indeed found it and then went to Jason to tell him James would be leaving. Of course she knew James wouldn’t be leaving but had to make Jason think that he was so he wouldn’t use the idol. James, thanks to the girls, did think he was in fact the one going that night but Amanda told him otherwise. She didn’t really tell him the plan but told him enough that he probably understood what was going to happen. In the end the blindside took place once again with a deja vu moment. Just like last week Jason and the idol were sent packing thanks to the girls. Next week it seems we may have another medical emergency as foreshadowed by earlier in this episode. James’ finger is pretty bad and even Cirie, who is a nurse, acknowledged it wasn’t getting any better. Will another favorite been sent home thanks to an injury? We’ll have to wait and see.
