Cue up Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock” and let’s get this show on the road! With an episode entitled “Actions vs. Accusations,” you know there’s going to be a lot of Rocker in this one. Even the promos told us that. In everything I saw this week, Rocker’s past is the hot topic (or is being exposed to those who don’t know him) and it looks like everyone’s trying to get him to scramble. Little do they know our boy John is holding a hidden immunity idol, so I wouldn’t think he’s going home this week, right?
Recalling my pre-season projections, I didn’t think he had a snowball’s chance in hell – or should I say, a Rocker’s chance in Harlem – to win this game, or even make the merge for that matter, but at least we’ll get some drama this season. Looking up and down the cast, I’m not seeing where else it may come from. So you begin to wonder if the show is lobbying to keep certain players around as a ratings draw. Last season, it was X’XXX and the rice, and then Kass and her flips, in Blood vs. Water I it was Colton and then, “F**k you, Brad Culpepper!” so you know there needs to be some crazy early season drama being generated.
Man, it’s starting to look like the show might be scripted in some way. That’s not possible, right? Right…? RIGHT!? It better not be, or someone owes me for all the buffs, torches, and camp swag I’ve purchased over the years at the end of season auctions! Fish would not be a happy camper to find out his favorite show, nay, his lifeblood, is not the simple reality competition game show that he’s always believed it to be. Lucy (Jeff)…you got some ‘splainin’ to do…
But seriously, I don’t have time to bother with any of that. I understand that to create good shows you have to have conflict. And so they bring on guys like Rocker, or Russell, or (insert any one of a 100 names here) to guarantee you’ll have something to cut with. This season, it just happens to be our good old boy, John Rocker.
And let’s get something straight. I don’t hate John Rocker. I really don’t. I can’t say that I “like” him, but that’s neither here nor there. I’ll probably never meet John Rocker. And I know he doesn’t give two f**ks about me. But I’m not one of those people who still want to crucify John Rocker for the things he said 15 years ago. Hell, we all said and did things 15 years ago that we’re not proud of, and do any of us want to be judged by those actions? Hell no!
Not that what he said isn’t wrong, but what do you really expect from a 25 year old kid, hopped up on steroids (his admission, not my opinion) who’s being interviewed by a reporter while speeding along the highway? You can just sense that it was a free-flowing conversation that spiraled into John feeling comfortable enough with Jeff Pearlman to open up a bit more than he should have. I don’t know exactly what transpired in the conversation, or what questions preceded the one John answered about New York, or if there were any ulterior motives to Pearlman’s questions. Again, I wasn’t there, so I’m not going to sit here and continue to crucify the man. But again, I’m not defending John Rocker.
So here’s the point I’m trying to make. What do you expect from a 25 year old baseball player? I expect him to be able to play baseball really well. Period. Yes, I expect him to not be a murderer, or a thief, or a pedophile (uh, too soon, Stephen Collins?) but I don’t expect him to wax poetic on the racial, societal, homophobic and jingoistic realities of living in New York.
Similarly, I don’t expect my college professors to be able to throw a 95mph fastball or hit a ball 450 feet. That’s not their expertise. I believe you should expect from people what THEY ARE capable of, not what YOU THINK they’re capable of. Not everyone is a saint, or a genius, or…tolerant. And if you’re still upset that that article revealed who John Rocker really is, than more power to you. Christ, let the guy be who he wants to be, as long as he’s not hurting anyone. That is, essentially, what the First Amendment guarantees, right…?
But enough about John Rocker, free speech, and Lucille Ball, let’s dive into the episode.
Hey Fishy,
You know I won’t leave you! Thanks for taking all my ball jokes in the challenge recap. Now what do I say? All jokes aside, I think you summed up the stupidity of all the Rocker bashing perfectly. I have no opinion of the guy but the knee jerk racism stuff is just so over done. I’m sorry Jeremy, your wife made a stupid move. I think he feels a bit guilty about sending her to exile island and acted like a baby who just lost his mommy. Anyway, Mr. Fish, you must give me a kudos again (yes-I need constant validation) Rocker said in an interview to CBS (its on their Facebook survivor page) that he WOULD have given Val his idol if she hand’t said she had one. SEE, I told you. Tee Hee. Now for the important stuff, my 10 year old son giggles every time Julie tugs on her bikini top. Sigh! I really can’t believe Rocker didn’t use the idol. At tribal, EVERYONE was basically saying they were going to vote him out. The dumb blonde (forget her name) practically spilled it out right. Oh well. They were dumb to get rid of him now. I guess Dale will help them win challenges-hahahaha. Josh-way to cocky. (pun intended) Did you hear Rocker tell Natalie she looked like a man? I confess, I giggled at that one.
Best Recap ever Fishy!!!
Thanks, kinb, you made my day!
Yeah, I really don’t get all the Rocker bashing for what he said/did last episode. Natalie is GOING OFF on him, is clearly emotional, and calling him a racist. Now I’m not expert, but if someone is yelling that at me — and it doesn’t matter if it’s a man or a woman — I think you’re justified in telling that person to stfu, in whatever way you please. As long as he didn’t go over and punch her in the teeth, then he’s fine. Gotta protect one’s character… Plus, like I saw someone else note, Rocker was clearly willing to work with Jeremy/Val and with Josh, so it’s not like he’s joining the KKK tribe or the Westboro Baptist Church. I guess once your labeled a racist, it’s hard to live that down…
And whether he said he’d have given his idol to Val or not, I don’t believe that. I think he may be trying to get some sympathy for bowing out so quickly, but who knows?
I was so dumbstruck that he didn’t use his idol! It was clear there were some alliance issues for him, and if there’s ever the slightest possibility that you’re not safe, you use it. Duh! Hell, you can always go out and try to find another one in case you do have to use it, right? So dumb…
You’re raising your boy right if he’s giggling at Tits McGee. Good on ya!
Looking forward to tomorrow night, and hopefully I’ll find some inspiration for my recap… ‘bye!