Meanwhile, Zeke, Jay, Will and Bret are bonding over the support everyone showed Zeke at Tribal. He’s doing his best Jim Carrey impersonation and singing to the stars just how AMAZING Tribal was. The men (and Will) discuss how David’s boneheaded idol plan for Ken will seal their fate moving forward, and just watch how they’re going to take them out…one by one. Hmm…that seems to be a common theme. Will Cher be making a cameo tonight…?
So with Jay’s passion, Bret’s allegiance, and Will’s fake ID, Zeke is feeling very empowered right now, and sees a clear path to the final five, or even winning the game, and he’s doubly stoked that his arch-rival, David, is going to lose it. But I’d hold on a second there, Stanley Ipkiss, the one failing trait a player can have in Survivor is over-confidence. Just ask…half the people who’ve ever played the game…
On Day 31, Plastic Penis finds the Legacy Advantage in his Bag of Tricks and heads off to read it in private. Okay, “if you’re here on Day 36 you get an advantage,” blah blah blah, and we learn Ken’s main focus this season is to play the game with authenticity and integrity and still get ahead. I’d sure like to see how Jessica would’ve treated Ken on Day 36 if she was still around with the Legacy Advantage, but I guess that doesn’t matter now. Regardless, I’m a fan of Ken’s because of his “I’m playing to make my life better for my daughter and me” which is a noble motivation. Beats the hell out of “I’m going to spend my winnings traveling the world and visiting wineries,” like Michelle Fitzgerald seems to be enjoying…
And actually, that doesn’t sound so bad either…
Off to the first challenge we go and whaddya know, it’s the Loved Ones visit challenge. Grab your hankies, it’s going to get emotional in a sec. Jeff introduces:
Sunday’s hubby
Bret’s pop
Jay’s sister
Hannah’s mom (who beat cancer, which is REALLY hitting home with Adam right now)
Adam’s brother (and we’re reminded their mom has stage 4 lung cancer…)
And in this very emotional moment, Adam takes a second to bring us back into the depths of the game and remind everyone that he holds a “Steal a Reward” Advantage (the sinister music playing in the background also signals we’re back in game-mode for a second). However, instead of playing evil village plunderer, Adam tells everyone regardless of what happens, he’s not going to steal the reward, because this one will mean so much to whomever wins. Perhaps some diehard Survivor fans would think this is a bit of a cop out – I’m sure there are some ex-players (Russell, Corinne) who think Adam’s a p**sy right now – but this moment is totally real for him, and the thought of family is at the top of his list.
Side Note: In case you weren’t aware, I read on Twitter today that Adam’s mom passed away two days after Final Tribal. That’s brutal. I only mention it because it may provide some insight why he’s exhibited so much emotion all season. Now, I don’t wanna seem insensitive about the situation, because no matter how you look at it, it’s got to suck. I don’t even want to imagine what I’d be going through if my mother was in danger, but I’m pretty sure it will suck. The only reason I bring this up is because why would someone leave their mom for six weeks when there’s a chance she could pass at any minute? Yeah, I know “being on Survivor is the chance of a lifetime,” and “you could win a million dollars,” but is that a trade-off for losing all that time with her? I’m not judging Adam, I’m just throwing it out to you to see what you think. Hit me with a comment and tell me your thoughts…
Back to the Loved Ones. We meet…
David’s pop (and everything David is saying right now about how he “walks out” from Survivor is making me think David could win this season)
Ken’s brother (Hannah starts imagining a threesome, or two twosomes…)
Zeke’s pop (and did the show hire this guy to play this role? I’m confused because they don’t look alike, nor seem to be affectionate)
Will’s mom (who hands him a ton of correspondence school coursework)
Jeff then describes the challenge and I’m instantly wondering if the Loved Ones are going to participate in some way. Those challenges are always fun because there’s always a chance for some drama, but it looks like the show didn’t get OSHA’s clearance to have so many older folks from participating, so it’ll be up to the castaways to handle things themselves. Loved Ones will be watching from the bench, awaiting the good or bad news…
In the challenge, players will be attached to a rope that is woven through a series of obstacles. Players will need to unwind themselves through the course, dig themselves under a log, and the first one to reach their post wins reward, which is having their Loved One come back to camp with everyone, eat a feast, and then take a tour of the shelter where Taylor and Figgy “did the Fiji shuffle.”
Jeff says “go.”
Adam, Sunday and Will immediately have issues, while Ken and Jay take the lead. The biggest challenge is digging themselves under the log, and it’s Ken who dives under first. However, he didn’t dig deep enough to squeeze his moneymaker under, and gets stuck halfway under the log. Jay – and his little butt – takes the lead and should win if he doesn’t screw this up. And he doesn’t… Jay wins.
Of course, with the win he gets to pick someone else to share the love… And per one of his earlier promises, he chooses Will. And when Jeff tells him to pick someone else, he says he made another promise to Sunday. I don’t remember that but I guess it was an Ikabula thing… She and her husband join Jay and Will.
And then Jeff tells Jay he can pick one more player/Loved One combination. Jay was already starting to worry how much food Sunday and her hubby are going to eat at the feast, so he really doesn’t want two more people to come along, but throws out mad respect to everyone and selects Adam, since he didn’t steal anyone’s Reward. Adam and his brother join the others, and Adam slobbers all over Jay’s nipples…
So the dads and Hannah’s mom are told to “f**k off”…get the hell outta Dodge. This is all about Jay and the others and I wonder if any damage has just been done by his choices.
Back at camp, the lucky ones are enjoying their feast and toasting Jay’s generosity. He tells Adam how much he respects him for not playing the Advantage and gives him the ultimate Millennial compliment,
“You’re a cool dude.”
A bit later, Adam and his brother take a walk to speak privately about on their mom (with a camera in their face). Not really anything that needs to be discussed in a recap, so let’s just say things are serious. We do hear that Adam’s family are all Survivor fans and getting strength from him being out here, so I’m a total jerk for questioning why he’d come to play a game… We hear a little speech on how his being here is actually helping his mom, but I’m not buying it…
Adam feels the need to share some of his joy and calls Jay over to have a little confab. Considering all the positive vibes he’s experiencing from having his brother here, Adam tells Jay he wants to give him the Reward Advantage…no strings attached…for what Jay has done for him.
“For real?”
“Dude, I’m so not kidding…”
Adam just isn’t as cool as the other Millennials…
We’ve reached the morning of Day 33 and David, Will and Adam are waking up. David spots a meeting going on nearby, and points it out to the other guys. Jay, Sunday, Bret and Zeke are having a secret conversation and it’s not sitting well with the guys at camp. Will confesses that seeing his mom made him realize he needs to start playing this game.
And for the love of all things holy, do I really need to say this again?
You’re starting to play the game on Day 33!? I mean, c’mon, dude. Each time I say it, it sounds dumber and dumber, because we keep going deeper in the game, which makes the person saying it that much more ridiculous.
What have you been doing for the previous 32 days? Huh, goat?
Do you think you have the résumé to earn the title? HUH!? Stop being a stupid little prick and make a real move, virgin. Will then goes on about “all the moves he’s made” and how little credit he’s been given, and I’m struggling to remember ANY moves he’s made.
But now’s as good a time as any to start playing – right? – so he discusses with David how strong a player Zeke is and how the Okie from Okefenokee can win the game. David, of course, is in total agreement, because why wouldn’t he be? Anything to point the target at someone else sounds good to David. So he suggests to Will that he uses him for the next vote.
But Will is anxious to be a real player and tells David he’s tired of “using” people, he wants to “work with people” (big difference there, Einstein). So tonight’s the night for Will to pop his Survivor cherry. I could go on and on about how dumb he appears right now, but let’s let the kid have his moment. The 3 coolest guys left on the island – in Upside Down World – agree to take out the Zekester tonight.
Boom! David drops the branch (that he couldn’t snap earlier in the season).
It’s off to the Immunity Challenge we go and it’s a simple strength/coordination task where players have to hold onto two handles, which keeps tension on a steel bar that’s suspended. When they release the tension, the bar will drop and they’ll be out. Instantly, I’m thinking anyone weak is a goner, so goodbye to Hannah, Sunday, Will, Adam, and David, I’m thinking. This has got to come down to Ken vs. Jay, right? Let’s see how it shakes out…
Players grab their handles and we’re under way. After what seems like 15 seconds (and I’m being generous here) David drops his bar. Really, dude? Hannah drops about 20 seconds later, then Will, then Bret. Seriously? The Boston PD needs to re-evaluate their physical requirements because Bret has not shown us anything this season…
Sunday drops (at least she outlasted Magnum) and we’re down to four.
Jay (Kung-Fu)
Ken (Derek Zoolander)
Adam (Baby Nick Viall)
Zeke (the Round Mound of Expound)
And immediately, Zeke can’t keep the bar spinning on his finger and falls out… Giving David and Hannah a moment of delight.
Right about now, I’m thinking this challenge has been going on for a while now. Like, 15 minutes? But Jeff informs us it’s only been four minutes! and I’m thinking I could win this challenge. Really? 4 minutes!?
Presumably out of embarrassment, Ken and Jay begin to show signs of slipping. And as much as I like Ken, he really hasn’t shown me anything that resembles dominance in a challenge. Is he just one of those beautiful creatures who can’t do anything? Hell, at least Nick Maiorano was funny… 😉
With Adam having taken over the soul of Kwai Chang Caine, praying to his spirit animal like a good grasshopper does, he shows signs of being mortal and slips for a quick moment. But then Jay drops his bar out of nowhere, perhaps realizing his Reward Advantage will save him later. We’ll see about that…Adam wins Immunity!
And after Jeff places the necklace around his neck and players begin heading back to camp, Will lets us know it’s time for Zeke to go home, and it’s the “big move” that every player hopes to make in Survivor. Fingers crossed, Jersey JWill, fingers crossed…
WOW a lot happened for a one hour episode ! I will be as concise ( as possible ) with my comments . Will flipping and voting against a player who received 5 votes last tribal is not a big move . Zeke was well aware he was a target . Telling everyone Brett and Zeke were becoming tight and making a play to vote Brett would have been a big move . You kid have a lot to learn . Ken dumb I cant think of any other way to say it . One of the biggest things I have seen this season is the different ways that people react to hearing they are on the block . Jay has never flinched knowing he was on the bottom . Never blinked partially because he had an idol but mostly because he knows that if you survive a tribal or two it will pass and others will become targets . My problem with Zeke s game was he lost control when David came for him . Zeke was playing such a great game but he made his power move to early in my eyes . Adam played his advantage perfectly . He got the only thing he wanted . Instead of looking like a jerk looked like a hero and then took the target of having the advantage off his back . Well played and of course deepest condolences for your loss . Fish both of my parents passed away after long hospital stays . It gets to be that they don’t want you seeing them at their weakest anymore . I believe from what I have read about Adam and his family his mom knew her time was coming and there was nothing Adam being home could do to save her . God bless all and may you and yours have a safe holiday !
Hey Rick! Thanks for your kind words… Good observations. I agree with you on Will and Zeke, and Ken. You’re right about how people react to hearing they’re on the chopping block. It’s like, “Me?! Why would anyone want to send me home…?” So dumb. Ken’s delusional if he thinks he isn’t a target…when EVERYONE’S a target. That’s why it’s a game… He just thinks if he keeps acting cool with everyone he deserves to be there at the end. Seriously? At some point, his strength should be a plus but it just seems he has “model” strength. He’s got muscles but he doesn’t know how to do anything with them. I’ll take Jay over him to win because at least he seems coordinated. Yeah, Adam played it all so well, so I’m presuming he’ll last a few more votes. Since he won that challenge, I guess he’s more capable than I thought… Can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Who’s your pick to win? And who at Final Tribal?
I think Jay will win . I think he takes Sunday who has done zero so far with him to the finals . Man the 3 rd person is tough . I will say Hannah . I need some Survivor talk to get me through this miserable Monday . Come on folks we need some more comments !
Hey Fish, I read you every week and always want to comment, but the last time I tried signing up it didn’t go through and was a major pain in the ass. But I wanted to give it one more try, because I really do love your column . I think way too much about Survivor, can’t help it though, it’s the best show on TV. Anyhoodle, I kind of came to a sad realization theory this weekend that I hope is wrong, but I have a feeling it’s right. Everyone is puzzling over why there are still so many people with only two eps left. My sad theory is that Adam leaves to go be with his mom. With her death coming less than 3 days after filming, I feel like they must let him know and he makes the decision to go to her. Would have cut it too close for him to film the last tribal and then immediately leave, I just think he will go if he gets word the end is near. It’s sad, he started out being kind of a dingus, but I like him and his game play now. Wouldn’t have minded if he won, but something tells me he won’t be there. I like Ken, and I would nail him in a heartbeat, but he’s about as stupid as sh%#$ when it comes to actually playing the game, so I can’t in all good conscience root for him, as I like to see an actual player win. Yeah I know, doesn’t always happen, but for die hard fans like us, it’s always what we want to see. I’m still not completely over Aubrey getting screwed last time. So that leaves Hannah ( dirty goat all the way), Will (man boy. Wait, am I the only one who thought of Jim Carrey as the Grinch when he said the “audacity”? All I could hear was the.unmitigated.gaul. Anyway, nope to man boy) Sunday (hell no) Brett (eh, if we must, but not preferred) David (ok with that one, but I doubt it) and Jay (I think he’s the one, playing a smart and subtle game, shoulda been gone weeks ago but he’s still here). So, after reading you every week for who knows how long, I’m done giving my more than two cents, but now I promise to comment every week. If I remember my password! yeah, can we change that sh$%$, or am I stuck with that random crap it gave me? OK, love ya Fish, rock on!
We were doing the math in the office Jerseygirl 71 and didn’t even think of that . 8 people left 2 episodes . I know 2 go home to night and assume 2 go home next week so unless they have 4 in the finals I sadly think you are right . I am also a 71 kid and looked just like Ken so if you wanna never mind just looked in the mirror . I look nothing like Ken . Anyway agree that with most of what you said about the remaining players . David is looking more like a player compared to the rest of these clowns !
Jerseygirl, I totally agree with your Ken assessment! He’s currently in my “Freebie Five.” To be honest, my list changes frequently. Poor hubs. Anyway, I was totally rooting for Ken and then this episode happened. I know it’s easy for me to say, but why can’t people just keep it together!? Sadly, I think you’re right about Adam too. I like him and will be sad to see him go. He’s been playing a strong game. As for final 3, it irks me to no end when people who don’t deserve to be there get pulled along. If I were playing the game, that’s absolutely what I would do, but it’s frustrating as a viewer. I think Jay is my current favorite to win. Maybe David, but he’s been a tad too spastic for me. That’s about it. I’m sure Sunday is a nice lady, but hasn’t done anything worthwhile. I enjoy watching Bret drink and I think we could be besties in real life, but again, hasn’t done much worthy of winning. Will has lost his damn mind. Hannah’s a nut. Ken’s real hot but kind of imploded. If Adam sticks around I’d be on board with him winning. I liked his handling of the “advantage” last week. I had a long day and already started drinking my dinner. So sorry if this long and rambling.
Rick! Thanks for stumping for me. I appreciate your efforts. I like the Jay pick, and I do think it’d be a good idea to drag Sunday with him. Don’t think you can get 2 goats at FT so I’m guessing David (or Ken, using the Legacy Advantage) will be there with him. We’ll see…
JerseyGirl: Welcome aboard! So glad you made it. And thank you for all your reading and support. You know, what you proposed never occurred to me but makes total sense. Funny how the show never really promotes more than one week at a time. And I don’t think Jeff ever “sold” this season as “one of the most emotional finishes ever.” I’m too lazy (drunk) to research that at the mo, but just go with it. And thank you for telling us about your affection for Ken. The one quality I appreciate more that others is sexual confidence (and vocalizing it) so I’m tickled you are so open about it. And I agree with all your other observations… Now, let’s continue hearing from you each week. I’m anxious to hear what else you got… 😉
Jen: “Poor hubs”… Classic. And again, I agree with all your observations. As I said above, I think there’ll be a goat (Sunday, Hannah or Will) and then a player (Jay or David), and then someone else who’ll give the jury a “choice” (Adam (sadly, prob not), Bret, or Ken). We’ll see. Those Immunity Challenge change everything (ask Michelle and Jaclyn) and the Legacy Advantage could throw a huge bone to Ken. You can make your own joke… Keep the booze flowing, Jen. Love ya!
Fish – Thank YOU! I love your recap and it’s a huge highlight of my week. I’ve been watching Survivor from the beginning and I’m a huge fan of the show..and of course Jeff Probst. Thank you for sharing your humor and opinions each week. I always look forward to it.
I completely agree about your comments: “Once again, another strong player leaves the show and I’m left wondering if Survivor is becoming a game of winning by playing poorly. It’s like strong players aren’t respected anymore and the only way to guarantee a place at the finale is to be the goat.” This thought has been playing in my mind for a few different seasons. It always frustrates me when the strong players leave early! I like the concept of taking the best players to the end. As a viewer, I can’t stand seeing the weaker players make it to the end, just because they can be beat. But it’s even worse when the jury doesn’t respect the strong game play and they give the million to a player who in my eyes, didn’t deserve it. Gosh, I love this show. Some seasons are better then others, but I enjoy each minute of every episode. Ahhh I love it.
Breaks my heart hearing about Adam’s mom. Luckily, I haven’t been in that position and can’t imagine what I would do. It’s such a fear for any kid, thinking of losing their parents and when and how that will happen one day. His emotions made me cry this past episode. I love the loved ones challenge. The human emotion is amazing.
Thanks again for always recapping the show. I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I truly truly enjoy it. I hope you write for as long as Survivor stays on TV, which I hope is forever. Haha. I even enjoy your comments at the end that are real. You’re right, the holiday season is about family and the people we love. Thanks for encouraging your readers to pick up the phone and tell the people you love them. That’s what the world needs more of, people like YOU! Looking forward to tomorrow. Cheers!
ksig: You are very sweet, thank you for writing in. I’m so glad you’re getting some enjoyment from the recaps. That’s all I’m asking for… You bring up the point about weak/strong players that just punches me in the gut. It’s so frustrating! Look at this season, if you consider the 12 people who’ve been voted out, you could make the argument that 7 of them are “strong” players (Mari, Figgy, Michaela, Michelle, Chris, Jessica and Zeke) and 2 others (Paul and Taylor) were playing big. That leaves Rachel, CeCe and Lucy, who — I’m sure most would agree — didn’t show anything. And out of the remaining 8 players, I’m pretty sure everyone agrees that-
-Sunday, Hannah, and Will are worthless
-Bret and Ken are not exactly playing strong games
-Leaving David, Adam and Jay
So, unless those 3 make Final Tribal, we’ll have a goat or two. And BTW, not to play spoiler, but if you read the comment above, but if Adam is leaving this week, or next week before Final Tribal, then we’re looking at an even weaker finale. Seriously, the show needs to do something to address this, because this “organic, let the game write itself” approach is going to end up shooting itself in the foot. This whole “meandering alliances,” “voting blocks,” or “trust clusters” that have been mentioned are really tearing the game apart. What happened to strong alliances? What happened to our old school Survivor? What happened to a truly deserving winner? Let’s hope things improve next season…
Many thanks to all of you for your comments this week and I hope tomorrow’s episode will be amazing. Can’t wait. Happy holidays, everyone!
Fish
Ken, oh Ken, just be pretty and don’t ask questions.
Jay is like Nick from FTWD in more than looks – just going to survive no matter what