As both tribes march in for what they think is reward challenge, someone asks, “Where’s Jeff?” And it’s evident they are merged, so let’s give props to the undercover cop! She knew what was up… And as everyone hugs and checks out all the food they can scarf on, everyone wipes their butt with their old buffs and starts thinking about their end game:
-Rodney has already begun thinking about who to sidle up next to.
-Tyler has found new hope in being able to work with people he’s never met.
-Dan gets to eat.
-Hali has transformed in Julius Caesar.
-Carolyn confesses she’s keenly aware of the “power couple” issue and is just glad no one knows about her and Tyler’s hidden alliance.
The “merged tribe” (Escarote? Nagameca?) returns to the old Escameca camp (the original Blue Collar camp) and finds EVERYTHING has been removed from camp. So for their first order of business, it’s Time to Build a Shelter day! Can’t recall ever having a tribe start from scratch on Day 17, but golly, those Survivor producers like to keep us guessing, don’t they?
And as everyone begins the process of building a new camp, we view little conversations which tell us where many people stand. Most significantly, natch, is the Love Fest between Mike and Kelly, who are just so damn happy to be together. Mike tells us things are looking good for the old BC players who may be 5 strong still (Mike, Kelly, Dan, Sierra, and Rodney. Uh…maybe not him). And all they need to do is pull in a couple more and they’ll “run the numbers.”
And, I swear to God, in the next few scenes, Rodney has so many quick conversations, with so many people, and discusses so many different scenarios, I won’t even begin to rewind the DVR to see all the combinations of things he mentioned. Let’s just summarize and say that Rodney wants to take out all the BCs who screwed him, and he’s totally convinced he’s going to pull this off.
One quick scene between Tyler and Carolyn (which made such perfect sense after the Ritalin Bros. and Barnum & Rodney Circus scenes) and it’s discussed they need to remain tight, but apart, leaving the old WC tribe as swing votes. While either side discusses plans to wipe out their enemies.
The next morning as Dan is returning from a poop run, he encounters Jenn, who’s also going on a poop run. He shows her his foot, which was stung by a jellyfish, or a stingray, or some other nefarious demon of the deep. Jenn, being a former lifeguard, instructs him to put his foot in some hot water, because you know that’s what she told Max, and look what it got him. Dan thought he was fine after having peed on his own foot, and you know that wasn’t the first time he’d done that before. Of course, all those other times he was standing at a urinal in some brew pub in New England.
He leaves Jenn, who has bigger things to deal with right now (rhymes with stoop) and runs into Shirin, who offers to pee on him as well. Oddly, he hadn’t even mentioned he was stung by a jellyfish when she offered that, but maybe it’s just “her thing.” To each his or her own… I really hope I’m not called in for that job interview at Yahoo now…
The next order of business is deciding on a tribe name, and the only suggestion seems to be “Merica” (suggested by Mike) because of the obvious White & Blue Collar colors, and because No Collars wore red. Okay, that makes sense. Whatev. And since no one has the wherewithal to recall that EVERY tribe ever on Survivor has been some foreign name or made up word that sounds remotely “foreign” (to pay homage to all the foreign lands the show has visited. Well, except for “Heroes,” “Villains,” “Nobag” on Gabon (morons), “The Outcasts” on Pearl Islands, and last but not least, Malcolm’s stupid “Enil Edam” tribe on Caramoan. Seriously, with all the puzzle-junkies on the show and NO ONE called him on that backwards spelling of his mom’s name?!).
But I digress. Merica seems to be fine with everyone, especially Hali, who, we’re told, plays with herself while reading the Constitution, but not Shirin, who’s disgusted by the bastardization of our country’s name by a bunch of rednecks, that even Sarah Palin is viewed as being above calling the dadgum USA “Merica.” What total morons. And yes, I’m speaking to you: rednecks, hillbillies, Duck Dynasters, rebels, bumpkins, and people who shoot at road signs…
Rodney and Mike share a conversation about taking out Joe next, by blindside, since he’s the top dog on the “other side” and while Rodney is nodding his head and telling “…Mike-ica” what he wants to hear. He’s still harboring ill will for slicing Joaquin’s throat.
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This was a pretty good episode. The producers couldn’t have written a better “script” than to have it rain on their monkey pole challenge. I was happy to see Joe win immunity. I’d like him to stay in the game.
Do you think he and Sierra fix eachother’s hair? I mean…his always looks nice and how in the heck could she do her own french braid without a mirror? (The random stuff I think about when a challenge involves a lot of boring hanging around for the contestants)
Jenn needs to get back to camp and find that other idol.
I loved seeing that confused/upset expression on Rod’s face once again. Like a toddler about to throw his sucker in the dirt and pout. Awesome.
Keep up the great recaps! Your excellent knowledge of survivor history and the snark with which it is delivered makes for fun reading.
My question is why did the NC go for Kelly when they could have taken out Mike?
I was born and raised in Texas and I have never heard anyone say “Merica”. Okay, that is a lie but I have only heard people say it in a joking manner, for example if they are making fun of rednecks, which is what me and the only other liberal in the whole dang State do for fun.
Perhaps I am on Survivor burnout, but this season seems lacking so far.
I live in Chicago so I got the Luc Longley reference, but why in the world is Mr. Boston using the Bulls instead of Red Sox/Celtics/Briuns/Patriots for an obscure reference. Is Rodney even a real person or just a character manufactured for our humor? Funniest part of this episode for me was when Jenn (or was it Hali) asked Joe if Rodney is smart. The look on his face was f-ing priceless.
I am not a fan of the merge so soon after new tribes have been formed. What was the point of going 3 tribes to 2 to 1 so quickly? Why not just 3 to 1?
Is Yahoo woman going to known as Golden Shower girl at work now? Fat guy should have gone for it, I want a hook-up. He isn’t doing better in the real world.
Perhaps I have been drinking too much, but the strategy of some players is beyond me.
Will – Just flying all over the place – Joining a alliance of 5 by yourself seems suicidal
The two WC’s who joined the BC’s, once again WHY? You are outnumbered by a bunch, the BC’s have the stronger guys. Smart move to me would be WC/NC alliance, start eliminating the strong BC’s and then adjust at some point to get rid of Joe .Carolyn and Kicker seemed to have made a big mistake.
I also have a bone to pick with the producers. The showing of the Hali vote may have too much influence in the future. It was the confirmation of Will’s loyalty. However, actual vote had no bearing on the outcome. Why was it shown? Other episodes have not shown certain votes. I think all votes should be shown, no hiding of votes. Be consistent. So, I am being a bit hypocritical here. I think all vote should be shown, but following Survivor tradition where all votes are not shown, Will’s vote which had no bearing on who was booted, but has a bearing on he treated by the tribe, should not have been shown.
Dang, I got all caught up in Survivor talk and forgot to wish Fish a happy vacation. I have not been to Vegas in 20 years, so much different now, plus I never took my family there (did not have one back then). I really hate family vacations, but, as they say, it is for the kids. Hopefully this helps you get Father of the Year votes.
Such great comments. I am honored…
hathor: Thanks! I’m glad you dig them. I guess there’s so much downtime around camp people there’s not much else to do than each other’s hair. It looks like Hali is doing everyone’s hair, and then there’s not enough time to do hers, as she always looks a mess… And yes, Jenn is in trouble. I totally glossed over the fact the BC/WC banded together to try to vote her out. Doesn’t look like that’s changing. RealitySteve actuall emailed me after the episode (he’s a big Survivor fan, BTW) to discuss Jenn’s tenuous standing. And OMG, Rodney could be used to sell baby bottles with his pout…
erica: Good point. Another thing I didn’t think about while viewing the show (Vegas really had me off my game!). I guess they didn’t want to piss off a strong player if their plan failed…? IDK, what do you think?
susie: You must feel like such a fish out of water! What’s funny is that he’s obviously doing his take on “murica,” but he couldn’t even get that right! Stupid rednecks are so precious, aren’t they…?
doc: I agree on the burnout. I just think we had such high expectations and now we’re being let down. When the pendulum is supposed to swing high, it ends up swinging very low too… And yeah, I think I fell into a bromance with Joe on that expression… Yeah, what’s up with the pointless tribe swap!? What great television that would have been if they showed (pixilated, of course) Shirin peeing on Dan’s foot. Even if it wasn’t necessary, that was a moment missed by a Survivor producer in camp. I’m sure if a former producer from The Bachelor worked on Survivor, we’d have seen it… Will just seems too “deer in the headlights” on the gameplay aspect. I expected more after his flip on Vince. And perfect explanation of how to play the game when saying the 2 WC should have gone to the NC side. I think they’re doomed now, unless they think Carolyn’s idol will be a game-changer… I get your point on the reveal of Will’s vote, but maybe it was just one of the first votes selected? And I know they must reorder the votes in the urn based on dramatic impact (for both the viewers and the contestants) so I guess they just thought it was a dramatic moment they wanted to create. Know what I mean? It’s their show, they can do what they want… And a big thanks for the “Daddy shout-out!” I try to be a good one, but it’s tough some times. If I ever revealed what my personal life was really like, many would be amazed my family been’s able to hold it together for so long. Not saying we’re special, by any means, we just have a very unique situation at my place. Ooooh, secrets…!!!
Thanks again, folks. Loving all your comments!
Yes, it looks like Jenn is in trouble. I am just hoping that the greatest group of contestants ever, continues in their mind-blowing idiot decisions. From previews, perhaps Rodney makes another stupid move. (but why should we believe misleading previews)
Perhaps Carolyn and Kicker, remember that that they are smart and figure out that (4 + 2) > 5. We may have learned that in 3rd grade. This formula ignores Will, I am
guessing that he can be persuaded to vote for Malcolm who is not even in this season.
Good luck with the family, I also have a wacky situation at my house. My kids are older than yours, but the sacrifices are worth it. I may write a rant about my family in another post.
Hey Mr. Fish,
Hope you didn’t get too “Nipple” and dimed in Vegas. Yes, poor Jenn. Getting poked in the coochie as she clung to the stiff pole. Sorry! Anyway, good episode. Poor Shirin. Am I the only one who thinks she actually kind of looks like a Howler Monkey? You are right, Joe is Malcom 2.0. I’m going to go out on a limb and root for Dan to win. Someone has to! And am I wrong or do they give the contestants tons more food this season? It seems like they get a food reward every time they do anything…
doc: Don’t know why, but I just think that Jenn will survive this week. Maybe you’re right and Tyler and Carolyn can convince NC to flop back. Vote for Malcolm… good one! And yeah, I think there’s a lot of folks with crazy family situations, but you know you’re own always seems the craziest…
kinb: There you are, girl! Yeah, a day does’t go by without me seeing some nipples, so I can’t complain about that. My big gambling excursion was playing poker at Wynn and getting up from the table down only $6. I usually lose it all, so I felt like a winner this time! And way to go with all the sexual innuendo in your comment. I like to see that! Howler Monkey? Hmm…yes, now I see it… I’m not a fan of Dan winning, but you never know how things switch up at the end.
So here’s my big question: Now that RealitySteve posted the link to the returning players being asked to come back on a future season, should I openly discuss it, or get through this season? I know some people don’t like any kind of spoilers in Survivor, so I’m conflicted… Let me know your thoughts, everyone. I’ll tweet my request too.
Talk to you guys in a few days.
Fish
I like spoilers.