After all that went down, we head on over to the Gota tribe (Fans), where Shamar is laying low (i.e. lazily loafing around camp like a beached beluga whale) because he doesn’t want to get into fights over water. We all know how tough it is to stay out of fights regarding water and stuff. That totally makes sense. What also makes sense is Allie wants him out. The fact that they showed Allie saying this was the first inkling into her being the one voted out – come on, Survivor wouldn’t be so obvious about who was going home, right?
Some chick named Sherri wants Shamar on her groups side. She’s in an alliance with the other 4 contestants outside of #TeamBeautifulAndTheNotSoPrettyChick and wants to shore up that 6th vote by having Shamar join their alliance. She also makes an incredibly smart comment, being how she wanted to keep him around because having crazy around is a good thing, because it keeps the target off of your back. Having Shamar on your side is a good thing – only in reality television are you actually looking for crazy, to team up with.
Back at the Bikal beach, Brandon has woken up enlightened once again. The night before, in a bitter bipolar fit, he talked about sabotaging his camp, spilling the beans and whatever else he could do to piss off the tribe, but the producers gave him his medication before he went to sleep, so he woke up remembering he had kids and wanted to set a good example for them, therefore, for the time being, he was giving up his Rambo status, and keeping the peace. I’m thinking by next week, we’ll be seeing video of him peeing in people’s shoes, taking dumps in the rice, poking holes in the bottom of their boat, and claiming he saw Jesus in the bark of a tree. Looking forward to that. I think my Harvard roommate, Cochran, hit it on the head when he called him a “sociopath murderer.” I’m not endorsing him calling Brandon a murderer, but he’s definitely a sociopath. But, hey, so am I, so I guess I can’t talk.
Oh, and Special Agent Phillip, it’s not “narcistic,” it’s “narcissistic.” And, I actually don’t think Brandon is that, but we appreciate you trying. We’ll put a sticker next to your name on the board, for effort. You’ll receive an ‘E’ on your report card.
But, I did get a kick out of the CEO & mid-management speech. If Brandon were smart, he’d realize that mid-management is where you want to be in the beginning of Survivor. Only Boston Rob has pulled off the early-CEO going on to victory. It doesn’t happen any other time. They always get picked off. The rest of the tribe doesn’t need to hear you tell them this because I’m sure Phillip’s given them all the same damn speech. It’s nothing new with Phillip. I’m half ready to appoint Phillip as a Scott Ottersen-level genius, and say that he’s purposely doing things that he’s doing because he believes crazy is going to win it all for him this time around.
The other half of me knows that he’s crazy.
At the Immunity Challenge, the fans sucked it up in the beginning half of the challenge, obviously not understanding that if you want to dive down into water, it typically helps to use momentum to carry your body downwards, not just gingerly stepping into the water and then holding your breath as you try to doggy paddle downward. Nice effort, but the least the team could have done was ask if anyone could hold their breath for longer than 6 seconds at a time. This challenge would have been all me – I’m like David Blaine under the water.
After they struggle with that, the Forgettables pull away to a damaging lead, leading up to Malcolm trying to redeem himself in a challenge much like last week’s, needing to land the buoy’s on the pegs. And, of course, just like last week, he’s throwing his buoy’s while the other team isn’t even halfway back to the beach, lands two, yet somehow goes on the worst streak of all time. I get it that taking your time is key to hitting these things, but I’m also guessing I probably could have gotten 50 throws in before that team landed their raft, but they made it seem like he was taking his dandy @ss time, and then letting Phillip take over to save the day. Which he does, nailing the last one, winning it for the Balki tribe.
One last note from the challenge – in his ITM, Reynold’s career is listed as “Real Estate Sales.” What the hell is that? Aren’t you just a realtor, then? Is there a difference? Does a realtor sell properties and a Real Estate Salesman put together garage sales for dead people? I’m lost here and need some help. Don’t be offended if you’re in the “Real Estate Sales” profession, I really just have no clue.
I’m not going to lie, I kinda dig Phillip’s “Corporation” idea. I hate the name (Stealths R Us), but would totally get behind the idea of it. I’d jump in his alliance just so I can have a name, and then stand next to him as he’s introducing me to the cameraman as “The Diabolical.” No, that’s not a name I have for myself, just a name I think he’d come up with, for me. I’d fashion ourselves ties out of banana leaves and wear them with pride to every challenge and tribal council. Call me, Phillip, I want in. You need work on your branding, but we can work on that later.
Oh God, is there anything worse than someone who continually repeats a phrase during an argument, because they think the person they’re arguing with doesn’t hear it the first 17 times you say it?!? And, “Let it be childish, then” ain’t even that great of a comment to be repeating. Typically, this disease is widespread amongst women, but Shamar seems to be in touch with his feminine side here by non-stop ramming this comment down Reynold’s throat after Reynold called him out for whatever reason Reynold called him out for. This whole argument was ridiculous, and if I were on that tribe, I’d want both of these idiots out.
Of course, Reynold thought his plan worked like a charm, and that everyone would see how worthless and crazy Shamar is, but you have to remember, Reynold, you’re playing Survivor. Crazy is a good thing. At least early on. It keeps the target off of our back, because everyone can’t stop talking about how cancerous this person is and whatnot. Trying to get the crazy out at the first tribal hardly ever works. And, I surely hope the other 5 members of his alliance are thinking the same way. You NEVER weaken yourself before you waken the other alliance. Just because it’s 6 to 4 right now, doesn’t mean if you drop it to 5-4 you’re going to be safe next tribal council. People flip like half-cooked pancakes around these parts.
Matt tells Reynold and Eddie that he wants in with them, and he’ll bring along Mike, too. But, we all know this is to throw us off the scent. Shamar ain’t going anywhere. Strap those boots up, soldier, we’ll be seeing you around next week, for sure. Also, Matt should know he’d be stupid to go with the lovers alliance, because there is no way he’d break that foursome up. He’d be #5 in that alliance all day, every day. You never want to walk into an alliance already knowing your place. At least keep it a mystery to yourself, always thinking these people got your back. Thankfully, that chick Sherri is around to talk some sense into Matt, telling him idiotic his idea is to vote out Shamar, making the lovers think he’s with them when he’s really not.
I have NEVER posted on anything I have ever read, but felt the need to find something to add since you seem to be really excited about racking up the comments so I found my perfect “in.” Realtor is just a designation you get to call yourself when you pay an absurd amount of money a year to be a part of the association, tons of copy right laws and rules about using it publicly that probably prevent them from putting it on TV. Most states have a broker or a sales license to actually sell real estate so maybe this is where they got it from?
I have to say, absolutely hated the self appointed popular group last week but after last night, I’d take watching the eye candy over the entitled beast sitting on his ass thinking a reality show he entered owes him something! Love your recaps, it’s the best part about watching!
Thanks, lilymonster, for clearing that up! I figured there had to be something “legal” behind the difference. I appreciate the knowledge, but may still make fun of him for it!
It’s probably more eye candy for you girls than us guys. I don’t think Allie or Hope are all that attractive. They aren’t ugly, but still…
I want to hear more about Cochran. How did he get on this show over you? Your suspicions, theories?
Easy one to answer yanna – I didn’t try out. And I never will. Me, without food for even 3 days – I’d end up drowning one of these idiots in the ocean and munching on their thighs…
So you just want the luxury of the Big Brother House I guess.
In all honesty, Real World is my first choice of reality shows to be on, but Big Brother is definitely a close second. Unless Kim Kardashian was going to hold open auditions for Season 1 of “Making the Next Sex Tape w/ Kim Kardashian,” that is… 🙂
I totally loved how fan mike said the favorites were merciless, like you would have mercy for your tribe, seriously? And Brandon needs to be on meds. If I were in the tribe I would hide food just in case someone decided to deficate in the beans. Get him gone soon! Crazy!
Okay, I created an account and everything so that I could comment just for you. I’m partially scared that if you don’t get enough comments you will stop recapping, and I heart the recaps too much to allow that to happen. 🙂
I left last night’s episode telling my husband that it was “a boring episode”. It really was quite boring and I’m waiting for it to pick up again; survivor (most reality TV) is to me as football is to men, so boring episodes just don’t cut it. Team Malcolm, again, and can’t wait for him to start getting more screentime and to start showing (any) personality or opinions.
Haha, thanks linnyleo! I just want people to comment so that it’s not a one-and-done type thing. It’s more fun for me, and for everyone else, to read the blog, and then keep coming back for the discussion going on in the comments. It’s not as if my word has to be the end-all, be-all for each episode, I’m looking for people to give me different perspectives, make me see things I may have missed, make funny remarks, etc.
I appreciate the kind words, and you enjoying my recaps. I’ll keep coming back as long as I have the time to do so, and feel I’m wanted! 🙂
As for last night’s episode, I made the remark to my wife that I felt the episode went by so fast. Not sure if that’s good or bad. I think it was a decent episode. Especially for this early in the season. I’m not sure Malcolm is going to stick out this season with all the crazy on the island, but I’d still look for him to stick around a long time. Easily to the merge, possibly top 5, but I don’t see him winning.
Didn’t they film this before Malcolm’s first season aired? I think that is the case, which I think gives Malcolm an advantage in that nobody knows who he is, or what he can do. If they knew how good he was at individual challenges last year, they would want him out quickly. I am disappointed in the “favorites,” as I don’t even remember some of these people.
Hey Scott, your recaps crack me up! This is the second season I am reading them, and I have to say I really look forward to seeing your take on the episodes. Thanks for the laughs!
Based on his strategy, and how shocked he was that everyone didn’t follow his lead and vote out Shamar, I believe Reynold suffers from ‘pretty boy syndrome’ where he tends to get what he wants in regular life, and he is not met with much dissent – he’s so pretty he doesn’t have to be smart. This doesnt work well on survivour pal! And he really is pretty, I do get quite happy when I see him on screen, and hope he’s the last of the foursome to leave (but agree that it’s the best move to get them out). Sigh. I would even venture a guess he comes from a privileged background. Maybe plays cricket or something – he seems to have an excellent arm and aim. I found his strategy sooo novice. But he sure is pretty, with those clear blue eyes…I think I’d be in trouble if I was there. He’d pretty boy charm me and I’d be schmoozeled.
Anyway, love Sherri, I think she has strong potential to last long. And the bearded guy, I like him too – even though he was trying to get Shamar out I think for personal reasons. If he lets that go, I think him and gay Mike could be a very strong alliance that lasts far. Surprisingly, I’m favouring the fans over the favourites (see what I did there?) – I think the favourites will self destruct. Phillip needs to realize he needs to get his own identity – Boston Rob won with that strategy bc he’s Boston Rob. Phillip aint Boston Rob. Although I do think he’s finding his footing a bit with how to work positively with his crazy.
Really Scott, you roomed with Cochran? The way you wrote it last week sounded like you were pulling our leg, and I don’t remember you mentioning that the last season he was on….hmmmm.
They did start filming this before Malcolm’s season aired, so it puts him at an advantage, but it surely didn’t take long for them to figure out he was going to be good in challenges. I think he’ll do fine, but he’s not going to win.
As for the pretty boy syndrome, I really thought that was only true for women. Men don’t ever get anything and everything they want – however, pretty women can skate through life on their looks. But, it’s interesting to hear a females perspective on this. Do women think that pretty men have it easier in life?
Thanks for the kind words, lauramarie. I’m glad I can bring a little fun to this crazy reality show. Thank you for reading.
Lastly, sure I roomed with Cochran at Hahvahd. Doesn’t everyone who graduates from Hahvahd end up as reality TV show bloggers? 🙂 I’ll keep the mystique alive & let Cochran tell the truth, one day, whether or not we were really roommates in school.
Hey Scott! I look forward to your recaps even more than Steve’s (don’t tell him). I’m surprised more isn’t being speculated or commented about Philip’s obvious personality disorder. I personally would LOVE to see his school records, because as an educator, I recognize his behavior and see it every day among some of the Aspergers Syndrome kids, the ones who are not introverted but instead tend to behave exactly like people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A double-whammy, I know, but we have a few in the middle and high school level where I teach. The Aspie part of them can’t “read” others’ facial expressions or other non-verbal social cues, and the NPD pretty much explains everything else Phillip says or does. A true NPD is actually much more socially smooth and savvy than Phillip, who seems oblivious to people’s perceptions of him (common Aspie trait). Guess it makes for good Tv, like that poor obviously-Aspie kid Charlie on Idol this season.
Thanks dramamama – I won’t tell Steve. Although, I don’t think he’d care even if you told him, yourself! 🙂
As far as Phillip goes, I can get where you are coming from, but I don’t think he has Asperger’s. That might actually be giving him too much credit. With adults who have Asperger’s, they tend to stabilize their symptoms throughout their life, learning social cues and other’s exhibiting feelings towards them. Adults with Asperger’s also have a very fine attention to detail, and are incredibly technical with their thought process – which seems to be the exact opposite of Phillip. As for the NPD portion of your diagnosis, I have a feeling he’s doing that more for the cameras and the producers telling him to amp up his crazy ways this season. He knows now what he’s “famous” for, so he’s turning up the dial a little more. He’s said he wants to play more like Boston Rob, who played the “NPD-like” version of Survivor, so I think he’s more acting this way just because of the cameras. But, we can’t really know what these people are like in this situation, since it’s such a funky situation to be in.
As for that Charlie kid – wow! That’s all I can say. One thing I will say is that “originality” is used WAY too often to describe “strange/different” personalities. We’re all “original” because we’re ourselves, so let’s not applaud people who act outwardly strange as being original. I can introduce Keith, Nicki, Randy, and Mariah to 20 kids I’ve met in my lifetime who act just like Charlie, say the same things, have the same haircut, wear the same clothes, etc. Just because he’s the only one like that in this season of Idol doesn’t make him original.
I’ll add to the people already saying they’re posting comments for you. I’ve been reading your recaps since you first started. I even read your Big Brother recaps and don’t even watch the show!
Anyway….that totally bugged me when Phillip said “narcistic”! It’s like when people say irregardless….what’s up with that? The word to use is “regardless”….there is no “ir” in front of it.
I’m liking this season so far and it usually takes me a few episodes to really get into a season. Of course, having Malcom on back to back seasons is a big plus!
Keep up the good work!
Oh yes, there is definitely pretty boy syndrome. I don’t think it happens as often to us ladies as it does to you men, but I believe we could all attest to it happening at least once in our lives, that guy getting away with just about anything, you know he’s doing it, but ya just don’t care, bc, sigh, he’s do pretty. 🙂
I absolutely agree that there is a Pretty Boy Syndrome (PBS), it allows the Pretty Boys to get away with a lot of things women wouldn’t normally let slide, except in situations where they may encounter a woman who has Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), and then it’s awn!
Well, I think PBS and PGS are two different animals then. I’m assuming that guys who “suffer” from PBS typically only get ahead in their relationships or in scenarios that involve women being above them in some form. Whereas, girls who are “blessed” with PGS get ahead in life, altogether.
I’m going to leave it at that, because if I keep going, my mostly-female readership will probably take my trying-to-be-funny comments more as you’re-a-sexist-prick comments! 🙂
Totally confused about the whole title of “favorites”!! None of them are favorites of mine.. I remember a few, Cochran who is awesome! Malcolm, who I now after reading tonight see why he is playing under the radar this time around (smart move), Brandon… Still annoying.. And Dawn, who looks like my mother in law.. Undecided about her..
Totally agree on the hiding of the immunity idol!!! Ugh
Your blog is a hoot!!! Just found it a couple weeks ago when I was snooping for spoilers on another show 😉 keep it up!!!!!
I completely agree with you about the way the hidden immunity idol was found. Everything about it was suspicious, especially the way he says “just a rock” but then continues to look as if a producer is standing there saying to keep looking. I feel like he was helped to find it because otherwise the show was going to be too predictable with the somewhat firm 6 person alliance that had formed already.
Love your recaps, thanks for the entertainment!
Oh man, when Reynold pulled out that Idol, I seriously yelled “You idiot” at the television. He just wasted an idol and he and his little group are so screwed now!
The whole Immunity Idol thing is dead. It doesn’t even come in handy anymore. When was the last time someone getting voted out actually used it to save themselves? They need to come up with something new to help along the process and to save people from elimination.
Something that still gives them immunity, but not in the form of something they need to stick in their pocket to use. I’m sure the show has thought of doing something like this, but like me right now, can’t actually think of anything. I’ll give it some thought…
Hey Scott! Love your blog. Love it so much, in fact, that I signed up for an account just to as you WHERE ON EARTH IS THE RECAP?? You are seriously messing up the best part of my Thursday lol.
Yeah, Scott, I’ve been waiting all day so that I can read your recap… and then comment for you. 🙂 At least Friday will have something funny for me to read.
My theory for a way to shake up hidden idols: make it a challenge and make multiple idols.
The Challenge:
Everyone works at a station with partitions between each player. At each station are a number of locked boxes and keys. Every player has an idol locked inside one of the boxes.
The players are given clues/puzzles as to which box contains the idol. You can spend as long as you want on the puzzles BUT you may only unlock one box. If you get it wrong, game over. If you get it right, idol!
The part that would make it intriguing is to make the idol small so it could be hidden in a pocket, shoe, etc. When you emerge from your station, no one knows whether you correctly solved the puzzle and are hiding an idol or whether you failed and got nothing. In theory everyone could have an idol and THAT would make for a different kind of game play.
Original aspects of the idol would stay in play. The social game: do you share your outcome not? Strategy: can you fake it if you didn’t find one? Can you lie convincingly if you did?
I think it would be a great way to mix things up at any rate!