The opening montage reminds us:
-this is epic
-there’s a bunch of switching
-soundbites guarantee you’ll get airtime
-the season should have been called “More Blindsides than Helen Keller”
-6 are left…
Jeremy – has it all, but will he let it slip away…?
Tasha – despite poor sound editing (really guys?) she’s survived all season. That’s enough, right…?
Keith – a surprising challenge force, who seemingly is sleepwalking his way to the finale. How is this possible when there are so many strong players this season? Keith then spits a long, gooey, disgusting loogie at us, let’s move on…
Wentworth – is just so damn beautiful, even after 35 days without a shower. F**k me, I’m not even paying attention to what Jeff is saying…
Kimmi – In a position that should guarantee her another couple votes, but she just doesn’t seem in a place to win. I think everyone agrees with that.
Skeletor – I mean Spencer (dude, eat a cheeseburger) looks like an extra on Schindler’s List. If tonight’s episode was shot in black and white, I’d have him jump into a Andy Gump and have Ralph Fiennes shooting at him from a nearby balcony. But, in Survivor, he’s in a good place, even though the hero edit he’s received may not be enough to save him. We’ll see.
Orkun tribe, Night 35, the players return to camp and immediately start chatting about sending Abi home. Keith is trying to figure out why they’d send her home, since everyone should want to sit at Final Trial with Abi. That explanation alone is – seemingly – why they voted her out, but it makes no sense to me either.
As you know, I hate that Brazilian Nut, but when Keith (not the genius of this group, mind you) says, “Why’d you do that?” and your argument is wrong (Boy Wonder/Spencer) then something’s wrong in doggieland. Let’s break this down…
Keith is saying: Bring Abi to the end, because anyone can win against her.
Spencer is retorting: Since YOU want to bring her to the end that’s why we have to get rid of her.
Now, let’s get something straight. For some reason, everyone wants to place the crown of intelligence on Spencer (for whatever reason, dude is 21 years old, and only recently discovered emotions…let’s see if that works to someone else’s advantage later) but Keith’s argument holds water.
What Keith is saying is, “EVERYONE should want to bring Abi to the end.” But what they’re hearing is “Keith wants to bring Abi to the end, so that’s 2 of the final 3 spots, IF Keith and Abi can both survive another 3 Tribal Councils.” Which is almost as ludicrous as it sounds. What Spencer is failing to realize is, he (and his alliance, can drag Abi with them for a couple more votes, get rid of Keith and Wentworth, and then toss Abi aside at Final 4. And the only reason he/they wouldn’t want to do that, is if they (Spencer, Tasha, Jeremy) don’t trust each other. Am I right?
So I find Spencer’s attitude of “Why can’t you just understand our side?” a bit demeaning, because there’s nothing more annoying than a kid who thinks he knows everything.
And with all this annoying banter, Kimmi is ready for action. It’s time for her to swoop in on Day 36 and make this game her own. Let’s see if she can pull that off. Let me remind you, guys, Survivor: Australia was a LONG time ago…
So with everyone asleep, Kimmi and Kelley share a little hammock chat where Kimmi reveals she’s got something up her sleeve. Realizing she’ll probably be #4 in her alliance, it may be time to target Jeremy or Spencer, since they seem to be the strongest competitors left. Kelley’s all-in, but really, what other play does she have if she doesn’t win immunity?
And right off the bat, we head to a killer immunity challenge. Jeff describes it, but what’s important is that no one will have any advantage from here on out. All challenges will be brand new to everyone, so no one can draw from previous experience. Sounds like a good plan, “let’s keep it fair.” Hmm…wonder why the production is suddenly starting to play fair.
With all those tribe switches at odd times, you just have to wonder if the show wants certain players to do well more than other players. This is one of the questions I asked Coach in my interview last season, and while he didn’t think the show manipulates the show’s outcome, Christina, on the other hand, didn’t totally agree with that. We’ll never know.
But let’s not speculate, let’s just get to the challenge, which consists of untying batches of wood boards and building a giant staircase on a huge structure. Once all the steps have been assembled, a slide puzzle at the top awaits.
With the fatigue, hunger, and emotionally exhaustive state everyone is in, you know this is going to be a difficult challenge. And while there may be a huge benefit to being a strong player, the mental aspect of choosing the right steps and puzzle itself make it possible for anyone to win. Let’s get right to it…
And this is another place where sitting next to a former player comes in handy. Have you ever wondered why the players have buffs around their necks? They’re concealing microphones. Thanks, Christina…
The challenge gets under way and after a couple poor choices by Jeremy and Tasha, Spencer takes the lead. He’s making the right choice on every piece and it’s paying off. Another mistake by Jeremy slows him down, but the only thing keeping him in it is that he’s so much stronger than everyone else. While they’re all laboring to get up and down the steps, he’s able to run up the stairs to make up lost time.
Spencer’s perfect choices allow him to complete the steps section first and climb to the top of the structure to begin working on the puzzle. And I love when they cut to the close-up of Spencer’s puzzle and the hairy arms of Chewbacca are seemingly moving Spencer’s pieces… Continuity!
Wentworth is the second to begin the puzzle section, followed by Jeremy (damn, he made up some time!), a nearly crippled Keith, the buxom Tash, and…Kimmi’s thighs. With the approach of someone trying to figure out a Rubik’s cube, Spencer studies his table and methodically moves pieces around. Only Kelley appears to be challenging him, but his obvious penchant for puzzles is proving to be what separates him from the others. Chewbacca slides the last few pieces in place and wins immunity! May the force be with you, Spencer!
As the Immunity Necklace is placed on Spencer’s neck, Kelley reminds us she, Keith and Kimmi better get their plan underway, or else the other 3 (the Triad) will make a run to the Final Tribal.
Upon returning to camp, Tash confesses how awesome it is Spencer won, because it means her alliance of 4 is sitting pretty and Kelley and Keith “gots to go.” But when Kimmi mysteriously asks Keith to go fetch water with her, it gets the attention of her own alliance (Spencer and Tash).
At the water station, Kimmi details to Keith her plan to blindside Jeremy. He’s down with it, but back at camp, Spencer and Tasha start to wonder just what’s up with Little Ms. Kappenberg. She shared time with Kelley on the hammock, and now she’s pulling Keith aside. Could she be planning to jump ship? And when Kelley suddenly heads off toward the water station too, Spencer knows something is up.
Tash on the other hand, keeps proving Varner right in how much of a bitch she is, by implying “isn’t it cute the way Kimmi’s trying to “play” the game too?” but she’s coming across more like Abi right now than a power player. Wonder if she’ll ever lose the labels she’s earned this season…?
Kelley reaches the water station and confirms what the other conspirers already know. The three of them are blindsiding Jeremy, but if anyone asks, Keith and Kelley will be voting for each other. Done. And…the best part is, Kelley doesn’t have to play her idol tonight! Yay… Oh, wait, something’s up…
Kimmi returns to speak with her “alliance” and they all agree the only play Kelley and Keith have is to target each other and hope they stick around. So Kimmi has to do a porn-level quality of acting,
“Hey, you’re not the pizza delivery guy…”
“And I’m here to give YOU a tip…”
So they discuss splitting votes and taking out Magic Butt or the Spittin’ Cajun. But as soon as Kimmi heads back to camp, Spencer and Tash immediately begin to question her loyalty. Jeremy is not so sure about that, and I’m surprised he isn’t more cognizant of people’s strategies. Right now, Spencer is playing the best game, having won challenges and keeping his head on straight, so he takes the lead and tries to explain to Jeremy what’s going on.
Despite that, Jeremy still needs to go smooth things out with Kimmi, and basically tells her what he and Spencer and Tash are thinking. Kimmi – ever the strategist – plays the emotion card and begins crying about “How could you think that?” She then confesses she’s putting on a show and is confident she’s tricked him into keeping things as is.
A bit later, Spencer and Jeremy throw on some MC Hammer and do some “Hammock Time.” Jeremy is trying to convince Spencer to trust Kimmi, but Spencer’s spider senses are tingling telling him she’s lying. The Triad needs to vote together, no splitting, and get through this vote. Spencer is leaning toward voting out Kelley, but Jeremy is still unconvinced Kimmi is flipping. With Spencer having Immunity, Jeremy thinks he’s not thinking straight, and having Immunity, Spencer thinks he’s thinking clearly. Something big is going to go down at Tribal tonight, and who knows which side will come out on top. With all the blindsides this season, methinks this isn’t a normal tribal council ahead.
At Tribal, the players sit and Jeff brings in the jury. And I’m left wondering, why the hell is Jeff announcing who’s in the jury? The players all know who these people are, and even the viewers at home know who they are. Just shut up and let them take their seats. Think of something else to talk about for 15 seconds. Jesus, you guys have writers on set, right…?
Abi is the last jury member to enter and has on her best/stupidest bitch face. Yes, you’re such a villain, kitten… Spencer and Wentworth’s reactions tell us how pathetic they think she is too.
Jeff opens by asking Jeremy “what’s up?” and he replies that all these voting blocs have morphed into alliances. “Well, hush my mouth,” says Jeff, “that’s the first we’ve heard about alliances this season. Kelley, is he telling the truth?” Kelley confirms that she and Keith are on the outs, but then Tash opens her big fat mouth and says “I don’t know if it’s all that simple, Jeff.” Jeff then asks Kimmi if it’s as simple as “Kelley vs. Keith.” She replies that it is, but something about her response sounds fake.
This turns the conversation over to “idle/idol chatter” and Jeremy confirms there’s something going on. Spencer gives Jeff the lay of the land, and it’s that he, Tash and Jeremy are voting 3 strong against one person, because something Kimmi did is not sitting pretty with them. This comes as a surprise to a few, mostly because it spells out exactly what his alliance intends to do.
“Jump on board with us, or draw a rock and maybe go home.”
And in the hubbub over that statement, suddenly everyone is spinning their wheels, trying to figure out what to do. Keith is gung-ho for whatever, Kimmi is feeling bullied, and Kelley is trying to figure out if she’s good or is she being lied to when Spencer says, “You’re good.”
With a few last apprehensive moments, Jeff decides going to vote is more important than talking anymore, so let’s do this…
Nothing is revealed, but when Jeff asks for Hidden Immunity Idols, that’s when the fun begins. After a lengthy pause, Kelley finally gets up and hands over her last idol to keep her safe one more vote. The surprise on everyone’s face is awesome as she kept another one secret. Good on ya, Wentworth!
And with 2 pebbles of sand left in the hourglass, Jeremy rises and tells Jeff he wants to play an idol too. Damn… This is beginning to get interesting. Jeff reads the votes:
Kelley
Jeremy
Kelley
Jeremy
Kelley
Jeremy
Oh snap, everyone just wasted their votes. What are we gonna do now? Let’s see what Jeff and the Survivor brain trust has up their sleeves…
With no votes cast, it’s time for a revote, but since Spencer, Kelley, and Jeremy are all safe, you can only vote for Kimmi, Tash or Keith. Jeff gives them a moment to discuss what to do, but it’s clear once Jeremy realizes who voted for him (Kimmi). Time to revote…
With Jeremy talking a lot of s**t, everyone walks over to cast another vote. All except Jeremy, who skips across Tribal to cast his vote for Kimmi.
Jeff reads the next round…
Tasha
Kimmi
Tasha
Kimmi
Tasha
Kimmi
Jeff asks if any of the 4 players who didn’t receive a vote will change their vote but none will. Which means we’re deadlocked, so if the four people who didn’t receive a vote can’t come to a unanimous decision, then Kimmi and Tash would become immune (joining the other 3) and Keith would go home by default, even though he hasn’t received a SINGLE VOTE. That’s effed up, wouldn’t you say?
After a quick discussion, Keith gives up and is willing to give up his spot to Kimmi since she’s a single momma, but the other players are lobbying to have him reconsider. With much chatter back and forth, Jeff finally steps up and says, “What the f**k are you gonna do, d**kheads?” And it’s agreed that Keith needs to stay. Sayonara, Long Island Cowgirl…
When they return to camp, the high drama from Tribal is discussed, but nothing is a shock anymore. There’s 5 people left and Kelley/Keith are on the short end. What magic can they muster tomorrow?
We cut to CBS where Jeff gives us his CBS Sports telestrator recap of what just happened, but we’re smart enough to figure it out. Moving on…
Well worth the wait my friend . Great column . In the game of life based on the little we actually know about these people Jeremy is a slam dunk winner . Firefighter , family man and sure seems to be a great guy . Survivor though is a game . A game he did not deserve to win . I am not upset that he was given the million dollars . I am happy for him and his family . Personal feelings aside Spencer deserved to be named sole Survivor . I think he is an egotistical , self centered , obnoxious ( plus clumsy ) baby . I think his whole I wanted to grow as a person garbage was gameplay and total bulls%$t . However he won challenges he maneuvered himself from the bottom of the pecking order into a power alliance . He played better than Jeremy its that simple . I wonder if Kimmi and Tasha were Jeremy ‘ s preferred final three . Kelley Wentworth may go down as the player with the best game that didn’t make final tribal . Too skinny for me ( need a girl with a bit more meat like RC or Morgan ) but a charming and beautiful young lady . It was an honor to watch her play . Keith impressed me a little by not trying to play the fake idol . The former competitive athlete in me respects losing with dignity . Thanks for a great season of recaps .Best wishes for your future . Love to see you return in Feb but you have to do what is best for you . I mean sure my boss might fire me if there is no column to recap and she sees how little I actually do here but hey you do you . Merry Christmas Fish !
I totally agree with rick above that Spencer probably played a more intense game and if that’s the measure of a winner, than he deserved it. But I also think Survivor is so fun to watch because its a game of finesse which Spencer never had. So, while you can be fierce in competitions and it can help you win sometimes (Mike), with other groups of contestants, it can also not help you-especially if you are an obnoxious conceited geek who thinks he’s better than everyone else. So yes, Jeremy didn’t win much but he did win when it counted and was savvy enough to use his idol at the right moment. I don’t really think that it was such a big deal to play the sympathy card with the jury. It worked so why is it wrong? t found Fishy Back much more appealing in that while he was whiny and a bit weird, at least he didn’t have that smug glare that Spencer wore the whole season. He had this angry look on his face like a newborn baby about to shriek. Fish, I have a question. Did they do much talking to the non-jury contestants at the live show? They hardly spoke to them at all on what we saw but I wondered if that was just edited out? I noticed Shirin looked totally bored and disinterested (maybe bc the attention wasn’t on her?) and was playing with her necklace every time the camera panned over her. Can we please NEVER see Kelly Wiggles again! What a baked, over filled, weirdo. I agree-go back to Mexico, please. Interesting tidbit about Vitas. I didn’t even notice he was gone. Tasha def. did not deserve to be in final 3 but she filled the role of goat well. She sure was different from the challenge beast she had been. Woo was so disappointing too. Just a total bore. I swear Abi said she was a realtor on her Ponderosa video. Next season looks awesome. Big Brother Fans, did you notice that Caleb (AKA Beast Mode Cowboy) is going to be on it? Hope you will be back Mr. Fish. We all love you and hope things go just your way in 2016. You sound like a great dad, you are a great writer and I bet you are a pretty cool guy. Big Kiss from your favorite redhead!
Obviously I was the only one waiting with baited breath for this column so I will continue . Tasha embarrassed herself and my hometown of St Louis . Every year some delusional person thinks they are playing a winning game when they in fact are doing nothing but playing someone elses stooge (this season we had two ) . Tasha it cant be easy being a terrible person and player but kudos for pulling it off . Vytas had a choice 15 k or so at the Ponderosa spending time with Kass and Abi or go home . Pretty easy choice . Pack your bags and go !!!! Of course he missed out on some bro time with Joe and a possible night of hot monkey loving with Wentworth but I understand his choice .
Rick: Thanks for the comment — and all your comments — this season. It’s nice to know I’ve connected with you and your Survivor viewing group. Yes, I agree, it seems that Jeremy is one
hell of a class act. I’ve seen nothing to indicate anything but that. Now, I get what you’re saying about him not qualified to win. You’re echoing the same thing I wrote about in my recap. But…I
will say that as a game, the rules shift based on each season, and the few contestants left in the game. And while his game may not have been strong enough if he was going up against
the Boston Robs, the Ozzys, the Russell, the Coaches, the Tysons, etc…it was good enough to win THIS season. And even though he was going up against a guy like Spencer (who, we
both agree, did enough to win) the simple fact is…it’s not up to us. All he has to do is convince those 10 players, not Jeff, not America, not us. I know you know all this, but it’s important to
remember how little one season has to do with another. Look at last season. Mike played one of the greatest games ever statistically, but again, compared to other great players, would you
really stick him in the same class as Rob/Tyson/Tony/Yul, etc? BUT…because he was part of one of the WORST groups of players ever, he shined. Kinda messed up, but that’s the game.
Yeah, I get what you’re saying about Spencer, but I just look at him as a child. Seriously, the fact no one called him out for being such an immature brat is shocking. Who knows? Maybe
someone did and we just didn’t see it. Like I wrote, the Triad all got the “hero edit” this season, so who knows how he was really treated? Jeremy just beat him on the most important
aspect: the personal one, which is definitely the way to win. As I’ve mentioned, I adore Kelley, but I don’t know if she was such an amazing player. She found idols. That was her greatest
accomplishment. And hearing what she heard at Tribal, she played them to save herself one more vote. Just so happens that those two plays were the two biggest moves all season. Good
for her. I think we’ll see her again sometime… (I hope). And you can have the meaty girls. I’ll take the skinny, pretty, girls with small booties… Now Keith, on the other hand, won’t get my
respect. He had a move to make. Whip out the idol and see if anyone panics. That was his ONLY play left. He has to try. If you’re down a run in the bottom of the ninth, you’re not gonna
simply take 3 strikes. You’re going to go out swinging. At least try!
I’ll try my best to return. I still love the show but recapping makes it a little more like work. Gotta balance that a little better. We’ll see what happens. It’s a long time til Feb. 17th. so we’ll just
have to wait and see. A very Merry Christmas and a great New Year to you and your boss.
Kate: Thanks for your unfailing support. I adore you…
I’m really surprised that Spencer didn’t get a single vote. I guess his antics at the last 2 Tribals were enough to wipe away everything he had done to that point. Something for future players
to keep in mind. No petulant babies at Tribal Council, please… And I’m not criticizing Jeremy for playing the sympathy card. More power to him. What he did right — and I think this fact
escaped the viewers because we were always privy to his situation back home — is that he surprised everyone with his “It’s a boy” comment (as if his 2 daughters didn’t already qualify him
as a great daddy…?). Did anyone else find that weird? Like, “I’m going to have a son so that’s so much more important than having another daughter.” I don’t get it…
I think Fishbach recovered once he was out of the game. He was seriously creepy in it, and I don’t think he’s cut out for this kind of show. Many people aren’t. I’ve always wondered just how
difficult it would be, but I think the hardest part would be the bug bites, the rats/snakes/scorpions slithering around, and the hunger, but not the interpersonal relationships and time away
from family. I mean, this is what they signed up for…
Regarding your Live Show question, what you see is what you get. There isn’t any additional conversations, at least on camera, as the show really plays out in real time. Maybe during a
commercial break Jeff goes up and speaks to someone, but it’s not mic’ed, so the audience doesn’t hear it. I guess they don’t mind, considering they get $10,000 for being at the reunion,
but I’m sure they’d all LIKE to say something. Gotta extend that 15 minutes, right. What did surprise me (I mentioned it) was when Jeff asked how many people felt any additional pressure
to play better based on being voted on the show. Everyone — except Kass — raised their hand. Seriously? What kind of bitch/asshole doesn’t feel obliged in any way to their “fans.”
Personally, I hope this is the last we ever see of her, considering how selfish she obviously is. What the fuck is wrong with you, America, for voting her in?
Speaking of the “last we see of her,” I’m glad you agree with me on Wigles. She’s just not all there, and I just wonder if years of smoking weed just fried her brain. Not that I know that, but
she just seems “off” a little. And all her surgery doesn’t fit the natural, healthy vibe she’s trying to give off. Just a confusing person… RE: Vytas, as I tweeted to Coach this week, it’s funny
how Vytas is booted for making family a priority, but that’s what won it for Jeremy. You’d think — because these shows are loaded with smart, resourceful people — that if Vytas really wanted
to be with his family, perhaps some arrangements could have been made to bring them to him? (And yes, I know passports are hard to acquire when both parents aren’t around.) But that
should have been something he thought about. Again, he probably had NO IDEA he’d go home first, and was not looking forward to being away from his wife(?)/kid for another 36? days. He
could have tried something different. And did they really have to drop the anchor like that? It’s not like he spoiled anything, so maybe they say, “Come to the Reunion show, but you won’t get
paid?” I don’t know. This season was supposed to be about the fans, not the stupid players or the show.
Yeah, Tash really didn’t get how little she was valued. Funny how she thought she was so important. Woo = never again on the show. Watch Abi’s Ponderosa again and tell me the exact
minute:second she said she was a realtor. I believe you, but I want the proof! 😉 Next season looks intense. Wonder why it was so rough? Same location. I know time of year counts in that
part of the world, so maybe it was just that much hotter/humid? You know I don’t do Big Brother…
And thank you again for all your kind words. I’m an okay dad, an okay hubby, an okay writer, an okay everything. I’m just not great at anything. However, I’m a fantastic Survivor fan, which is
what I really wanna get across in my recaps. I know there are errors, I know other people write better, and I know a lot of my stuff is really inappropriate/juvenile/dare I say prejudiced? “Ah
heck,” I’m just trying to get a laugh. And I hope people realize that. As I’ve said, it’s right there at the top of the page: “slanted, sophomoric, and skewed,” so if anyone’s offended, “kiss my
ass.” Thank you, Kate. And give my best to the bartender! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Rick x2: You and Kate must have been writing simultaneously… Yes, delusional is never good, especially when millions are watching. Players try everything they can to find those
soundbites that make them seem important, but it’s funny when they get burned by it. Tash must be a very nasty person, but again, I don’t know what kind of person Varner is to have said,
“There’s a reason she’s a “40-something, single, childless,” scrooge. The one thing I keep noticing about many players is how brusque they are. The show wants big bold characters, and
that’s who they cast. Wallflowers need not apply, because you’ll never get on the show. Too bad, I know a lot of nice wallflowers…
And not that it matters, but Vytas would have gotten to hang out with Varner, Woo, Shirin, Peih-Gee and Monica, not the jury members. Bro time with Woo, and hot monkey loving with
Monica, more likely… But, I think he just wanted to see his baby…
Peace out, everyone, unless I see some more comments. Come on, where are you doc, ericah, thatguy…? 😉
I keep trying to post, but blocked at work and site crashes pretty often while at home. I have posted a few times to only to have a crash before I can hit Post Comment. So I will go back to multiple short posts.
Congrats on attending the finale and hitting the daily double, Asian and rackalicious!!
Pretty much everything I wanted to comment on has been covered. Jeremy clear choice but no one could throw Spencer a vote? Glad to see the challenges stepped up, but why wait until he end? With the more grueling challenges at the end, doesn’t that give certain players an advantage? Mix it up!
Us home viewers did not get much of a look at Monica, I hope you were able to, but then your eyes may have been occupied by a couple nearby large objects.
I sure hope there is more to the next season than evacuations medical emergencies. Not sure why Survivor promoted that aspect so much, do the viewers really go for that?
Hey doc, Merry Christmas! Thanks for the comment. Not sure what’s up with site, since I have nothing to do with that, but glad you were able to send them in. I know the frustrations of being blocked at worked (government jobs blow) but I was able to work around it using something called Tor. Look into it…
Yeah, Christina looked amazing but unfortunately, not showing any boobage. It’s been a cold December in LA meaning mazophiliacs are SOL on the cleave…
Agreed, not one vote for Spence? He’ll regret attacking Kelley for a loooooong time. And I get that they want those huge challenges at the end, for spectacle, but you’re right, they do tend to favor the strong. Whatever happened to simple balance things to give everyone a shot?
I was sitting far enough away (and on the wrong side of the audience) to get a good look at anyone. After the show ended, I could have tagged along with Christina to get a close-up of players, but I’m not that guy. I simply don’t care about meeting people… And I agree that there’s gotta be more than “it’s physically grueling.” Maybe it’s another weak season with no standout players, which is why they promoted the Evac aspect. Who knows? We’ll find out in Feb. Have a great holiday season and a safe New Year. And thanks for all the comments this season.
Fish
Hey Fish – I’ve enjoyed your recaps all through the season but didn’t always have a chance to tell you so. I’m a huge Survivor fan but am a distracted viewer, so having your recaps to fill in the blanks has always been helpful. I thought the season was okay – not the best, certainly not the worst – but overall I was entertained, and isn’t that the point? I’m extremely happy for Jeremy and his family – I always liked him, even in his prior season. Thanks for the laughs, the finale insights, and the great writing – as an editor, I value and appreciate that! Hopefully, you’ll be back at it next season!
It was a great season, but final tribal was definitely lack luster.
I’m overall happy with the winner, but I do hate how people can suddenly throw down “I came out here for family! I got a baby at home!” Would have had infinitely more respect for Jeremy’s win if not for that. Given the way the questions went, I’m not convinced that Jeremy had a clean sweep until he dropped that bombshell on everyone. I honestly feel like Spencer had the stronger game and was probably the more deserving of the two, but you can’t fight “I did this for the baby! Without the million, the baby may starve to death!” (I know that’s not exactly what he said, calm down). Yes, he definitely lost a lot of points in that final four tribal, but come on, he didn’t lose them all. It’s just one of those things that suck to be completely honest. You can’t force people to not use it, you can’t force the jury to pretend they didn’t hear it. It’s effectively a trump card which just feels like Jeremy played the hidden immunity idol that forces votes to him. It was obvious from the second he dropped the baby bomb that he won (although I didn’t think he’d get ALL the votes, I knew he won). Oh well.
Having no votes count was definitely more exciting than I thought it would be, but really only because it resulted in yet another tie and the threat of someone who hadn’t received a single vote being the person to leave the game.
Thanks for your write ups after the fact! Always a pleasure to catch up and see everyone’s opinions afterwards. See everyone in Feb!
PS, sorry for the late response, holidays, family, log cabin in the woods, very spotty internet/phone service…
Had to save my phone for an emergency medical evac if I started hearing Banjos playing in the woods…
jlb! Glad you’re here one last time before the off-season. Thank you for checking in every week, I couldn’t do it without you. And I’m glad I can make your Survivor experience a little better. I try not to miss anything good, but sometimes I blink too… You’re right, the season was good, not great, not bad, not just okay. Pretty good. Yeah, it was pretty good. All this talk of it being “the best ever” is such bloat. There have been much better seasons — Heroes vs. Villains, Australia, Cook Islands, to name a few — but this one was definitely entertaining. I think if they had an amazing Final Tribal, it would be near the top. Everything just kinda fizzled… I really appreciate your kind words. And if you’re an editor, tell me what I can write for you! I need a job… Hit me up if there’s anything I can do for you…
thatguy… FT: agreed (as stated). And I know what you mean about the “family” thing. Everyone’s gotta family, wants to make a family, or misses their family. And I’m sure on a fireman’s salary and benefits and pension, his family isn’t suffering. As I’ve said many times, this show seems to have a lot of contestants who are well off. Maybe not 1%ers, but who else can afford to take 6 weeks off from whatever it is they do? You know, I never really thought of Spencer as a possible winner because he (once again) was on the bottom much of the game. Remember when he was sitting pretty, and then the tribe swap, and he’s effed again? It’s like the deck was stacked against him. Maybe he’s just a prick…? And even thought he dropped that bomb at final four, you would think someone on the jury may have lost respect for Jeremy for caving to Spencer’s threat… Ya know? And yeah, that “no vote” tribal was crazy. Probably one of the best ever. How the hell did Wentworth become the player who dropped the mic at 2 tribals?! Amazing. Thanks for your support, guy, really means a lot to me.
And one last cherry on the top of this season… Does anyone wanna know the tiniest spoiler I just read about next season? Not “who wins,” of course, but it concerns hidden immunity idols. Let me know if you’re intested. If not, I’ll see you in February…
I’m more than happy to hear what you’ve read personally.
Ok, you win, 1-0, thatguy. Here’s what I read… And again, this ain’t gonna spoil anything for you. It’s just intel.
Seems the show is tinkering with Immunity Idols next season again. This time, multiple idols are in play (duh), but they can be “connected,” as in, one piece is Yin, the other Yang, and will fit together creating a “Special Powers” Idol. Maybe it’s like Fishbach’s, maybe it’s like Dan’s, or maybe it’s like Tony’s “advantages.” IDK, and there’s some other piece that needs to be attached to let you know the pieces go together. I’m not sure how that works, and I have no desire to play investigative reporter and sniff this out. I read it somewhere, I’m giving it to you, go with it…
Have a wonderful and safe New Year everyone. 2016 had better be better than 2015. Fish, out! XOXO