Once players return to Vinaka, they pat Adam on the back briefly but what everyone wants to do is discuss who’s going home. David confirms for Hannah and Adam that it’s “Zeke, no matter what” and they all just hope that Will is not playing them. Upon hearing that “it doesn’t work without Will,” Ken seems a bit uneasy, but that could just be his broody Blue Steel look he’s practicing…
David, on the other hand, is even more anxious, because that’s what he does well, and is also uneasy about having to trust a virgin to guard the stack of unopened Playboys. However, around the others, David is playing it too cool, which makes the others – Zeke, Sunday, Jay, Bret – question why he’s so calm, when he may be going home tonight. Noticing this, Jay suggests that “something is up,” which causes Zeke to start wondering if David has an idol. And if he does, then Zeke is going home. He thinks David is some kind of Hidden Idol Whisperer, so it may be time to throw someone else under the bus tonight. Zeke suggests Ken, because…I guess Zeke doesn’t like waking up with a Ken chubby every morning and not be able to do anything about it. And with Will nearby hearing all this, we know that cat will be out of the bag real soon…
So Ken and Will take a walk, and while on it, Ken tries to make a whole, “I’m trying to sense who your inner being is,” vibe but it’s just coming across as buffoonish to Will. But he knows he’s got to jump through these Ken hoops if that’s what’s needed to make it farther. But when Will tells Ken the other alliance just mentioned voting for him, you can see all that Kung Fu, all that coolness, and all that “Serenity Now” bulls**t melt away. Ken is now Paranoid Ken, and that’s a difficult Ken to deal with. He sulks back to camp, knowing he’s got to do something to change his mood. Maybe he’ll go bang Hannah just to clear his head…
Doesn’t happen, but back at camp, he enlists Jay to help him look for driftwood, and I’m starting to wonder if Ken is thinking of making a fake Hidden Immunity Idol. Wouldn’t be a first time, as we all know, but I doubt Ken has the creative chops to fashion something that could fool anyone. It’s probably just be a stick with the words, “Imoonitee Idle” scratched onto it…
However, it looks like Ken just wants to talk to Jay, and does so within 10 seconds of leaving camp. “Will told me you’re voting me out…”
Jay is dumbfounded by this direct question and soon, it’s Jay, Will, Ken and Bret discussing what Will said. Once Zeke rolls up, Ken decides he’s going to let the other dudes figure things out, because he knows nothing he hears right now will be the truth, factual, or integral to his game. He stomps back to camp, to let his alliance know what’s happening.
Meanwhile, Will is trying to explain how he “really really” wanted to make a big move that he can take credit for, and is just trying to build a résumé worthy of a Final Tribal jury. Too bad, kiddo, looks like you’re still being fed at the children’s table…
When Ken finds David, Hannah, and Adam, he tells them what Will told him, and Adam is the first to rip Ken for needing to “test Will” on how he’s really voting. He rips Ken, Jay & Bret rip Ken, and then Will gets kinda/sorta emotional about how the mighty and noble Ken had the audacity to pull that crap on him. (Really, dude? Looks like you’re about to cry, you big baby…)
So the Zeke Alliance questions who they should vote for, and the Dave Alliance think it’s going to be David or – for some reason, Hannah thinks it may be her again – no idea where that would come from because she’s clearly in the “goat” realm right now… But as they head to Tribal, Will still believes he’s in control of the vote tonight, because he and only he will decide who’s going home. And damn, it really seems this kid is paying way too much attention on “who’s making the big move tonight?”
At Tribal, everyone takes a seat, and Jeff calls in the Jury. Jessica is looking very sexy having been cleaned up and in her nice dress, but she’s clearly not over her ouster, shaking her head at the looks she’s getting from the remaining players…
Jeff asks David about the last Tribal and what was left of the Vinaka tribe afterwards, and David provides the brass tacks on the current state of the tribe…
“There are two sides vying for a single swing vote…” To which Sunday is asked to outline the division to everyone. And she does… Hearing that Will is in the middle, Jeff takes the liberty to ask him what happened today and Will is eager to divulge. But when Sunday suggests “the big kids” were making the decision what to do, Will gets instantly defensive and tells Jeff this is why he’s so upset. He’s being treated like a kid but he wants to be treated like an adult. Jesus, stop being such a baby! He’s really coming across as a whiny kid right now, and I hope he’s getting ripped at any Survivor viewing parties he’s attending tonight.
Now’s the time for a few players – Zeke, Jay, and others – to make their pitch to Will that he should vote with them, but – according to Jay – it should just come down to what’s in Will’s heart… It’s time to vote…
Votes are cast and Jeff asks for Hidden Idols. After a dramatic pause, natch, Adam pulls a bulge out of his shorts and hands the dripping idol over to Jeff. Jeff says, “that’s not a bulge, this is a bulge,” camera pans down and Survivor just received its first TV-MA rating…
But no, Adam tells him he’s playing his idol for Hannah. And I’m thinking… “Seriously? Hannah? Why would you save her?” But let’s see if I’m misreading the room… Jeff reads,
Hannah (oh snap, Fish is losing his touch…)
Hannah
Hannah
Hannah
Zeke
Zeke
Zeke
Oh, damn. There goes my Zeke On The Finale theory. And I’m sure millions of Survivor fans just said, “I wasn’t expecting that…”
But Zeke takes it like a man (and why does that sentence sound so dirty?) and heads to Jeff to get his torch snuffed. But first, he needs to say something cheeseball…
“It’s been an honor to play with your balls…
Sorry, I may have misheard what he just said…
Next time on…Survivor!
Will thinks he’s now running the show and wants to take out David, and Adam can see the train wreck that Will has become. It looks like we’re heading for that Lord of the Flies scenario that I mentioned earlier this season. What will happen next week?
And lastly, in Zeke’s final words, he speaks of how fervently he played the game and wonders if he’ll get a chance to play again. And since we already know that he will, I’ll end tonight’s recap by pointing out that Will voted with Zeke after all, but even THAT big move is stolen from him by Adam’s Hidden Idol play. How’s it feel to still be at the kids’ table at Easter, Will? Want another glass of milk…?
Alrighty then, folks, that does it for another week of “Inmates Running the Asylum.” 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. What a sad day this is. I was really hoping Zeke would entertain us at Final Tribal, but I guess we have to wait for his Jury Question for that.
Speaking of, it does appear we’re heading for one of the better Juries in quite a while. With Jessica, Chris, Zeke, and whoever else joins them, I’m looking forward to some hard, biting, direct questions. Spare the rod, as they say…
And heck, I hope Taylor does some stupid s**t that just makes America love him again. Something tells me that guy has a future if he just keeps acting like a dumbass. Oh man, how “Idiocracy” is coming to fruition is scary…
Well, there are two more weeks to go and I do hope the Jury can save this season. See you next week for another epic episode.
And if you have time, check the new show on Epix called Berlin Station. It’s kinda like Homeland, except it’s…uh…exactly like Homeland. But, I like that the protagonist isn’t some dumb character that’s bipolar and always drunk and screwing up and sleeping with terrorists and then somehow being rewarded. Check out Berlin Station… and Gotham, and when’s Turn coming back? And Humans? Damn, I watch too much TV…
I’ll leave you with one final thought tonight. As we near the holiday season, with all these consumer oriented themed days – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday/Week – I really hope that everyone realizes what’s really important about the holidays. It’s not about buying love, and it’s not even about giving, it’s about family. So pick up the phone and call your mom, or dad, or kids and tell them you were thinking about them. Won’t cost a thing and it’ll make both of you feel better. Fish has a lot of family issues right now, so this is something I’m trying to do every day.
I truly appreciate my Survivor family – all of you – and I hope you’re getting something out of these columns. I know I am…
Hottoddyingly,
Fish
Email: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com
Twitter: @BF_TheFish
AIM: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com or Bryan Fischer
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