Watching Survivor

Are you ready? No, not for trick or treating, but for tomorrow’s episode of Survivor?! It’s said that my boy James might make a grave mistake tomorrow, and I’ve been busy sacrificing all my candy in the hopes that it just ain’t so!

While we wait, there’s of course a multitude of things to read! You can hop over to Survivor Fever, and read the cut scene between Jean Robert and Sherea, as well as Sherea’s final words, and day after comments. She’s pretty sure she was voted out because she was a threat - just like every other survivor that’s been voted off. She did her best to keep her head down and her mouth shut, but it just wasn’t enough. She is, however, already planning Survivor Days for the kids in her classroom - she sounds like a great hands on teacher to me!

And, of course, there’s the interview circuit - everyone’s favorite. Sherea’s interviews can be seen here, here, here, here, here and here.

And, from the looks of previews for tomorrow, James just might find himself the SECOND Immunity idol too - they told him where the first one was, stands to reason the second is in the same place. How could he make a horrible mistake if he has TWO idols? There is also promise of unique challenge, where if we don’t pay attention, we’ll miss the clues.

And, because I do love to watch James so very much, The Buzz has an article about him posted online: Acadiana ‘Survivor’ star and Crowley native strongest contestant?

They too speak of him having two immunity idols, and his friend says he might be in the best position of any Survivor ever - he’s strong, and used to hard work. Man… now we KNOW something’s going to happen to James soon - if not this episode, the next one!

Well, hopefully it’s not until the Jury, so that I still get to watch him every week for the rest of the season!

PS - just for today, check out CBS’s How To Survive A Horror Movie. There’s some seriously good stuff there! (grin)

I know it’s a little late, but the California Sun was so…so… Sunny! But I’m home now, and things will resume their regular schedule around here, asa! So, with the proper suck-up-ing done… We rejoin Zhun Hu on day 16…

Peih-gee, Jaime and Erik are sleeping, while James is doing all the work – when are those girls gonna do something? Peih-Gee is still planning to throw the next challenge, to get rid of James. He, on the other hand, is still working hard and doing what he does, hoping to push them forward in the next challenges to save himself at the next council.

At Fei Long, John Robert is snoring up a storm, while Todd pulls Amanda aside and tells her that he has the clues for the Hidden Immunity Island, but since he can’t find it, he needs her help. Amanda is socked, of course, as she didn’t know one existed.

We jump right to the reward challenge, early this week! One by one will race through the abandoned Chinese village, find a plank, untie it, and bring it back, once they have it they’ll use the planks to solve the puzzle and spell “The journey of a thousand minds begins with a single step.” The reward is a trip to the tea house for bathing and food, plus they get to kidnap someone. For Fei Long, Denise, Amanda and Courtney sit out.

James and John-Robert start off, finding the planks easily, untying and running back. Fei long is in the lead, Sherea takes off, and so does Peih-Gee, who takes the chance to tell Sherea that they’re still with them as a tribe, and will work to get their fei long member out of there. Sherea says nothing. They’re working hard, and they are tied, 3-3, it’s close and remains so as they work the knots and Fei Long pulls ahead bit by bit. Tied 7-7, and Zhun Hu is trying to line planks up to get a head start, but there is none to be had. They’re slightly behind as Fei Long starts working on the puzzle. Frosti thinks he has it, and Zhun Hu has zero progress in figuring it out.

(more…)

Still on vacation, doing my best to survive the heat, made all the better by the plethora of fires popping up all over the place. Tomorrow, I’ll be headed up out of the Fire range, to visit with family, and hopefully to watch this week’s Survivor: China!

Aaron, of course, like all ousted Survivors is working that bitter card along the interview circuit. Victimized by the Tribal Switchup twist, he’s not exactly feeling the love. You can find interviews with him here, here, here, here and here. They all tend to touch on the same things, though my buddies at Buddy TV get straight to it and ask about the romance rumors between Aaron and Amanda. He says absolutely not – cuddling was for warmth purposes only.

Ok, Aaron, we believe ya!
No, really, we do.

Other then that, Aaron (predictably) mentioned that if it hadn’t been for the twist he would have been in a lot longer. He felt the Tribal Switch up really messed with his chances. Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t – I’m still of a mind that Peih-gee and Jaime made a BIG mistake pulling a card like that too early in the game.

So the question is – do they dare do it twice? Will James suffer the same fate that Aaron did and will I be wailing and gnashing my teeth come Friday morning? I’m not sure – but the preview does not look good…

Not sure when I’ll get my recap up – will do so asap, however!

(Part one, part two)

Immunity Challenge Time!

Aaron makes no bones about having to put up or shut up to win the challenge or one of them is going home. Immunity is back up for grabs. Today’s challenge, two members swim to a platform and pull the sticks to free the disks that represent the signs of the Chinese zodiac by alternating turns diving. They put them all in the boat, the other tribemembers will arrange the puzzle to put them in order, winner is safe from Tribal council.

Erik and Aaron swim for Zhan Hu, Frosti and Jean-Robert for Fei Long. They all get to the platforms pretty quickly, they can pull as many sticks to free the disks as possible in one breath, then get back to the mat before the next guy can go and do the same thing. They are neck and neck at first. Courtney cheers for Jean Robert, then tells Amanda it hurt a little in her heart to say that. The deepest stick is about 12 feet down, and Jaime tells them to take their time and James gets upset as he waits for them to bring them in. They try to figure out how to work it, and the girls tell James they’ll work on the puzzle he should just place it for them. Frosti was done for a long time and got all the remaining tiles. Erik and Aaron have a big lead, it’s a race to shore, Aaron is swimming with the rope in his teeth, and Jean-Robert is completely spent!

Jaime tosses one of their pieces over the puzzle table, then saunters back where she and Peih-Gee are in slow motion, as James works around them and tries to get them into the lead. Jeff Probst says that Jaime is unconcerned and “You’d never think something is on the line!” Fei Long is working hard, no one wants to go home. Jeff asks Peih-gee a question, and she answers and James tells her to pay attention! Feih Long wins Immunity!

He tells Zhun Hu it was he worst performance in a challenge yet, they had a big lead and the girls and James completely blew it. Aaron looks worried, and James looks PISSED.

Back ag Zhan Hu, James tells the ‘puzzle girls” they can’t handle pressure, and Peih-Gee and Jaime are trying (and failing) not to laugh as James goes on and on and asking them why they weren’t focusing, and they need a strong team, and that’s all he’s gonna say. He don’t wanna babysit a bunch of children that won’t try, so they may as well send him home! The girls walk off and start giggling and cannot stop laughing. Erik follows to talk to them, and finds out they did throw it. He’s not happy, but what can he do? He can’t believe that they threw it, but it worries him, clearly. They talk about James and Aaron, but Jaime feels they should vote off Aaron first, feeling like Aaron probably has more ties in the other tribe. Peih-Gee talks to James, and try to get them on their side, and she discovers that he doesn’t trust them at all after what happened that day. Aaron talks to Erik who says the girls are voting against James. Aaron decides to vote for James so he doesn’t end up with hard feelings should he stay.

Tribal Council!

They talk about the switch first, and Jaime tells Jeff that they wanted to break the other team by taking their strongest members. Aaron says it was hard, and to lose immunity was still harder. Jeff says that Jaime is smiling, and it’s odd. She just says she’s not trying to pissed off. Jeff says he’s been around, and he had no concern about winning. She says flat out that they threw the challenge and James is UPSET. Peih-Gee says the big assumption they are making is a numbers game, and it’s driving James nuts. He says it does drive him insane, and they aren’t winning anything, even when Peih-Gee says it’s not winning the battles, but winning the war. He says he can’t work with them if this is the way they’re going to be. They know how he is about not going 100%, and he loves being there and he can’t take another loss like that. Aaron says he wants to be there as long as possible, and says he feels comfortable he’s going to still be there tonight, but he brought his bag anyway.

Jeff says it’s pretty clear that it will be James or Aaron, so lets end the suspense and see who gets the guietine.

The Votes: Peih-Gee, James, Aaron, Aaron, The fifth person voted out of Survivor: China, Aaron.

Jeff closes Tribal Council by telling Jaime, Peih-Gee, Erik are making a strategic gameplay. If they’re assumptions about the game are right, it was a good move – but if they are wrong…

Next time, on Survivor: China! The search for the Idol gets warmer and warmer, and the Survivors get a first hand taste of some local Chinese cuisine.

–

What did you think of the episode? I can’t believe they risked throwing a challenge this early in the game, and blindly trust that the other members of their team won’t be working hard to be part of the other tribe instead of sticking with the originals. have these people never WATCHED this show? UGH!

(part one!)

The boat comes back, and they are given the other note with their names circled. They FREAK, and unhappiness abounds as Sherea and Todd get ready to go. Sherea tells us not thinking about that was really dumb. Frosti reminds Zhan Hu that whatever happens they have the advantage 3-2 over the two strongest players from the other tribe. Tears a flowing, and Frosti and Sherea head to the other shore.

Fei Long, of course, is completely unsurprised to see that James and Aaron have to go join the other team. No tears, but Aaron is upset that its messed up, as all they’ve worked for now has to be left and James says he’ll have to work his way into the system again and start all over. Jean-Robert is worried about losing his strongest ally in the game. Denise will miss James too, but “thing change.” And she says that Jean-Robert will have to move his ass and get “wahter” *L*

Jean Robert has them talk briefly to make a quick decision over what happens if they lose immunity, to get rid of one of the other two. He says it’s a “God awful day for Jean-Robert”

Two boats passing in the middle of the day, and Aaron and James are a little apprehensive, and that doesn’t get any better when they don’t see any shelter or anything. They do get a welcome basket of food and wine, which makes them happy of course! James says it’s relaxed over there, and his people are all unhappy, and that’s fine because he loves misery. HAHHAH! They talk about how balanced they are, and James says they should focus and win, he’ll do everything around camp.

Back at Fei Long, Frosti and Sherea get a happier reception then the others did, and Sherea says she feels like she is starting over again, and hopes she can step it up and solidify her position. Frosti says he’s uncomfortable and being outnumbered, and is going to try to get in with alliances or something to keep him around.

Day 14 at Fei Long, and Jean-Robert got up early and decide to build a fire and make rice. And everyone realizes that he’s going to be unbearable and they don’t want to argue. Frosti says that it makes him feel better to wake up to everyone bashing Jean-Robert. Denise tells Jean-Robert to quit handing out orders, and she makes him ask nicely instead of telling them what to do. Jean-Robert is clearly the one who gets on everyone’s nerves, and if he don’t watch it, they will take a chance to get rid of him rather then the two new members!

At Zhan-hu, everyone is swimming and Aaron is glad to meet Erik and Jaime and Peih-gee are great people. He’s starting to get them thinking about how strong James is physically, and playing his strategy card to get him saved vs. James if they lose. Peih-Gee doesn’t trust him completely, of course, thinking he’s a little crafty. Peih-gee figures that she and Jaime need to have a little talk, where they decide if they can get rid of the two biggest individual immunity threats, they’ll go into the merge with a numbers advantage. So they start talking about throwing the next two challenges in order to get rid of Aaron and James, knowing it’s risky.

(UGH! Throwing challenges is STUPID)

(part three!)

Previously on Survivor…

We start at Zhan Hu where everyone slept in a bit, and Sherea is digging the relaxed vibe around camp without Dave’s abrasive presence. Peih-Gee decides to take the leadership reigns, and says if everyone pitches in, they’ll be strong at camp and for the challenges, and she thinks that’s what the other tribe is doing. Of course “It helps that they have James!” (gee, foreshadow much, guys?) Sherea feels like the outsider and wants to spice things up and get some drama up because the other four clique up and leave her feeling out of the loop.

We go back Zhun Hu and Erik tells us they feel like their in the Garden of Eden setting, minus all the food, and they’re a man and a woman and… they’re in the water flirting and Jaime says she hasn’t been able to find anything wrong with him, and cut to him telling her she’s a virgin. He’s saving himself for the right person. She says it’s great and it proves he’s trustworthy and she wants to “make it with him to the very end”. In a proof of her trust, she tells him how they get the clues for the Hidden Immunity Idol. It’s flirt central up in there.

Over at Fei Long, Denise finally gets some screen time, while james tells us he’s carrying the tribe with the challenges, but Denise is strong, compliments and works with you, and he finds that attractive, she’d be in trouble if he was 10 years older! She says they get along well, and their work ethic connects them, and she feels she can trust him and ride his coattails as long as she can.

They eat a breakfast of some shrimp, and then a boat comes in and gives them a message. They are to choose the two members from Zhun Hu who they think will be the biggest benefit to their tribe, and circle their names. The fishermen will then go and pick up the members and bring them back. Aaron, of course answers what the catch would be – they’ll have to give up two of their own, and it’ll likely be James and Aaron. That’d be the smart thing to do, as they are the strongest and it’s all about strength. Smart cookie, that Aaron…

Todd figures that’s exactly what will happen, and they make a tribe decision on who they’re going to pick. Frosti is their number one, and they choose Sherea as a smart move. She is the better performer on the Challenges, but Todd says it’s kind of crazy, because everything they’ve planned is on pause.

Back at Zhan Hu, they do get the same note, and they prove how stupid they are because they have NO IDEA hey will have to give up some of their own. Peih-Gee is crowing because the power has totally shifted to their side, and they’re all excited about getting the advantage of adding Aaron and James to their team, without having to give up anything.

(Part two)

I actually got to watch Survivor last night here at a friends house (Though they, the heathens, are not Survivor fans! CAN YOU IMAGINE?? Harumph.)

I will write a full recap as soon as I can but can you BELIEVE the audacity of those girls?! I’d be as upset as my man James! UGH!

Its a darn good thing they didn’t boot James though, I’m so not done watching him yet… raaaawr….

Promise! full recaps asap!

I’ve got a whole variety of things for you today!

First off, I am going on vacation! I’m headed from the growing colder by the day deep freeze of Alaska to the sunny shores of California where I’ll regroup and relax and spend time with some friends, my BFF (not Jill. ha!) and family. I’ll be gone about 11 days, however, I will STILL be thinking of you all - in fact, I’ll be bringing my new laptop with me so I can continue updates whenever I’ve the time and a connection. Yes, I love you guys THAT MUCH! So, while my posts might not be every day, and may occur all at once in spurts, I WILL be updating. So hang in there with me folks, while I get my head back in the right space.

Next - as all the Survivors before him, Dave has been busy on the interview circuit. What amuses me is that he still says that he was changing and adjusting to make a better leader for himself. What I saw was same Dave, different day. How about you?

You can find some of the interviews here, here, here, here AND here. Also, his final words tell the true tale of what he was thinking.

“I gave it my all. Perhaps I gave it too much. At least I did it with conviction and integrity. I thought I was humble. I thought I listened. I wish that some people had perhaps listened to be a bit more. There’s nothing I can do about it. I wish them the best of luck. Ah, youth. (smiles)”

And then the day after:

“It was a very big exercise for me to bite my tongue and not illuminate the inequity of work at camp. Even though they said I was speaking fairly condescendingly to them, I think that was a grossly over-interpreted thing due to the amount of effort I put in. I don’t think it was quite acknowledged.”

Oh Dave.

And C - What does James REALLY think of his tribe?

They’ve been bothering me up there. They should know better. They should know they’re only gonna get a negative response. If you tell me, ‘Thank you,’ I don’t care. I will tell you constantly, ‘Thank you,’ means getting your ass up and helping me. Thank you doesn’t come from words. I can’t work off words. I work off physical energy.”

[…]

That’s kind of getting on my nerves, this whole liberal talk thing. It means absolutely nothing, nothing but lip service. This lip service stuff is killing me. It really is. If you don’t want to do nothing, don’t say nothing. Don’t come up to me every five minutes and ask how I’m doing, tell me I’m doing a good job and then go lay your ass down. Apparently you’re not that thirsty. Don’t complain about what I make the water in; if you don’t wanna drink it, you don’t have to. Stick your lips back in the algae-filled river.”

[…]

“Right now I’m just so aggravated with these people, I’m almost ready to go home anyway. They’re killing me. The thing is I don’t mind doing the work. It’s not the work, it’s not the weather, none of that is killing me anymore. It’s the little attitude they give me when I’m chilling and minding my own business. I don’t bother them when they’re in the pool. They want me to come in the pool and be sociable. I’m like, ‘No, we need water.’ Leave me alone, and if you keep asking me that, I will give you a more aggressive response. They seem not to learn that, because they’re on a damn learning curve. I don’t know how many times they got their hands burnt when they were kids, but I’m surprised they have any fingers. It don’t make any sense for a person to…and they don’t ever get over the hump of learning stuff.”

And last, but certainly not least - DO NOT CLICK PLAY if you are easily offended. If you are easily offended, and you are to curious and HAVE to click play? It is NOT MY FAULT.

But this made me spit out my diet coke all over the keyboard. Some people have too much time on their hands - and it’s TOTALLY worth it. With that in mind, I give you “The Pervert Song: Starting Jean-Robert”.

Enjoy - and I’ll see ya when I see ya over the next couple weeks!

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

(Part one, part two)

Immunity Challenge!

Dave rejoins his tribe, and once again Immunity is up for grabs. For their protection, everyone is dressed in traditional Chinese armour, they will square off, and throw meteor hammers to try and break vases, while blocking the other team with bamboo poles. At the end of three rounds, whoever has the most vases wins!

They have to sit out a man to make it even, Fei Long sits out Jean Robert. First team, Courtney and Denise vs. Peih-Gee and Sherea. Each team has three throws per round. Denise launches first, misses, but Peih-Gee can’t even get it close. Sherea almost knocks it off. Courtney is short. Denise is blocked by Peih-Gee, Sherea scores for Zhan Hu, they lead 1-0.

Round two - Todd and James vs. Frosti and Dave. Dave launches, just misses, Frosti misses. James and Todd both launch and both connect! Frosti is blocked by James, who replys and scores again! Fei Long leads 3-1!

Amanda and Aaron vs. Jaime and Eric in the last round. Amanda tosses and is deflected. Aaron tosses and Eric stops it. Jaime launches and connects with TWO! We’re tied 3-3! Eric goes low, its deflected, Amanda tosses her last one, and scores! Fei Long has to hit two to win - Jaime misses, Fei Long wins immunity, 4-3!

Back at Zhan Hu, Dave’s already making waves, and he says it feels strange to be back. He doesn’t want to go home, but he’s picking up on strange vibes. He feels precarious, and thinks it might be his slave driver mentality. He asks Peih-Gee and Erik point blank, and he pleads his case, and they tell him no one doubts he pulls his weight. Jame says it’s between Sherea and Dave. They have a meeting, and they know he’s getting on their nerves, but he does a lot. They expected more from Sherea, and she’s not doing much of anything. She’s on the bank listening to them. She’s concerned, and knows her name might be written down tonight. She talks to Frosti too, and she says everyone pulls their weight in different ways and she’s pulling hers in challenges, unlike Dave. Erik says it’s a tossup - dave drives everyone craze, sherea doesn’t work, and it’d be perfect for him if he could send them both home.

Tribal Council!
Jeff asks how the tribe dynamic changed without Dave for the day. She said they kept busy, it was the same, and Frosti says it could be seen as a credit for Dave for establishing the routine. Erik agreed, and says he likes Dave, and it frustrates him not to see Dave’s leadership qualities. Dave says it’d be nice not to have to lead, he didn’t want too, but he fell into it. Sherea says everyone is doing something, and she’s stepping it up and she says she’s been trying to do more, but is saving energy for challenges. Jeff asks if camp life is more important then challenges? David says that Challenges is a short term goal, they have to have a good camp too. Peih-Gee says that you can’t really pick one over the other. Sherea says she lives for the challenges, every day. Jeff says it’s time to adjust tribe dynamics for the better of the tribe - Time to vote!

The Votes:
Dave, Sherea, Dave, Dave, Fourth person voted out of Survivor: China - Dave.

(YAY!)

Jeff says it’s clear that they weren’t happy about the way things were going at camp, he hopes they have a new plan to put in place, as they’ll need it.

Next time on Survivor: Jaime and Erik explore new territory, and a twist turns the game on it’s head!

Dave tells us he gave his all, thought he did well, and if they can’t see parts of him are priceless, well, he can’t force them too.

–
So what did you think of tonight’s episode? I am SO GLAD to see Dave gone! He annoyed me like crazy… and Jean Robert pulled out his Chinese at just the right time, huh? I am loving this season so far - how about you?

(Part One here)

Fei Long chooses to kidnap Dave, who will remain with Fei Long till the next immunity challenge, and he’s given the private message to open later. Zhan Hu heads back to camp, and more fireworks go off while Fei Long celebrates!

Back at Fei Long, they’re excitedly awaiting their reward. Dave says he feels like he’s on vacation. He’ll get to eat well, and since the deal with Sherea, he couldn’t ask for a better time to be kidnapped. He tries to hug James who is like “Dude, stop, I told you about the hugging.” Too funny. He says he’s spying for himself, not the tribe.

(UGH. SNAKE.)

He opens the clue, and he has to give the sealed clue to someone and he’s laughing and is trying to decide who he’ll give it to because it could help him later. He’s all over everyone and Todd says he’s a nut job. He takes Dave to show him where the kiwi’s are. Dave says he’s cool, and says he has a good hunch he could trust him. (oh Dave.) So he asks Todd if he believes Turn about is fair play, and when Todd says yes, and he’ll return the favor. Dave tells us he trusts him, and they’ll win and get the same thing, and he feels there’s a loose alliance going on.

Todd reads the clues, three of them, and he’s looking for it on the sly. He looks right at it, but there’s no telling if he figured it out or not.

At Zhan Hu, they’re talking about how Dave is way to happy going to the other Tribe. Sherea was glad he’s out of her hair for a couple days, and there’s no conflict without him around. Dave is a work horse, and it helped them, and Frosti says now they have to take up the slack. Everyone’s working, while Sherea is laying down and sleeping. Oh Sherea, not a good idea. Erick is having problems starting the fire, says he’s having a hard day. He’s frustrated and tired, and he feels like SOME people are getting away without working. Frosti gets the fire started, and Sherea tells us she’s trying to conserve her energy for the challenges and she’s gonna ride the work horse till the tail falls off - she’s not gonna do anything till she has too.

Back at Fei Long, the fisherman family comes to teach them how to fish, and cook a meal for them. Denise tells us it’s the best reward they could have ever had - everyone is nice, the kids are so pretty, there’s fish and veges, rice, oil, pans and everyting looks together. Jean Robert speaks Chinese! So he is able to translate, and everyone is shocked, Todd was like it was fantastic! JR says it had been 20 years since he spoke the language, but it all came back when he needed it. He was as surprised as them.

They send birds out, to catch bait, and Denise is laughing that they thought they’d eat the birds. James gets offended that Jean Robert is translating - but barking orders. He can’t fault him though, he did good and was what they needed it. They get shown how to use the net, to get fish too, and everyone eats a huge meal made for them. Denise said it was the ‘delicate-est thing” she ever put in her mouth. Amanda is grateful for the cultural experience and the advantage of good food for upcoming challenges. (It’s nice to see more of Denise finally! She seems to be really enjoying the whole of the experience too.)

(Part three!)

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

Part 1 - Thanks, as always, goes to ATI for streaming the episode for all of us!

We rejoin Fei Long on day 10, with a lovely shot of James working. Rawr! Jean-Robert tells us he thought there was a small chance of leaving last night, but he’s the type of guy who likes to start in last place and catch up. He’s improving his work ethic and people are noticing. Aaron makes a snarky remark about him really ’sucking it up! It’s like 6:30am!’ JR tells us that of course, he’s not worried at all for the next Tribal either, because Courtney is the weak link - if she survives, she’ll be the luckiest Survivor ever. He also has to tell us again that he’s a Poker player. GEE! We didn’t KNOW that… He yells at Courtney, and she tells him she doesn’t like it. She says he’s unpleasant and always in her face and she’s sick of it. Way to roll your eyes there, girl.

At Zhan Hu, they discover their rice is moldy. They’re trying to separate the moldy stuff from the good stuff. Dave is working on it again, and Sherea and him get into it and she goes off and tells him what’s what. He tells us she came unglued, and had no grounds because she didn’t do anything around camp and it’s frustrating. He asks her not to throw away some shells, and she’s all “Back up off me! I wish you WOULD touch me! Back up OFF me!” and he’s all offended, and she’s done with his attitude.

He talks to Frosti, who gives him so good advice about leading, but he wants to bitch about Sherea. Frosti things he might just have worn out his welcome.

At Fei Long, they get Tree Mail that says both tribes go to Tribal Council! It doesn’t require lots of brawn, and there’s a food reward tied into it, the note says. Jean Robert is excited because he needs to eat something!

Both Tribes arrive at Tribal Council, Fei Long is surprised to see Leslie is gone, and Jeff explains the challenge. Two tribe members will use giant chopsticks to send a fireball through the course, to set off fireworks to win reward. Each round the sticks get longer and harder to maneuver. The Reward - A fisherman and his family will teach the winning tribe how to fish, and make them a meal with spices, etc. Courtney sits out for Fei Long.

Peig-Gee and Sherea vs. Todd and Denise for the first round. They have to light the ball, work together, pick it up and carry it through the course. Denise and Todd make some progress, and do very well. Peih-Gee and Sherea catch up and start to get it figured out, but Todd and Denise have the first ball down the shoot and set off the fireworks - they’re back for Fei Long, as Amanda and Aaron work together for the second. Peih-Gee and Sherea get theirs, and Frosti and Jamie working a little at a time, but are falling behind. Aaron and Amanda are kicking butt, and they have their second Fireworks! Jamie and Frosti are right behind them - dead even!

Jean Robert and James vs Dave and Eric for Zhan Hu. James and JR are getting closer, big reward on the line - fish, veges, spices… They’re very close while Dave and Eric still aren’t doing well, as their tribe tries to give them pointers. Zhan hu starts to gain, but it’s too late, FEI LONG WINS REWARD!

(Part two!)

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

Today’s the day! Episode four of Survivor: China is tonight at 8pm! In case you’re not excited enough - here’s CBS’s preview, posted before the episode this week. Thanks CBS!

Jean-Robert, likeable? This I gotta see…

Heather, over at the Salon, makes me laugh, especially with her unwavering enthusiasm to making sure we’re educated about TV and what to watch, with careful consideration to those who read her column just to comment on what a waste TV and reading her column is. You gotta love that kind of dedication!

Recently, she dedicated her column to Dave - or as she calls him “the aging Derek Zoolander” and “how he represents the broad-scale collapse of the American personality”. How could you not love her?

She goes on to compare the American’s of old - strong, silent, occasionally drunk and promiscuous to Dave - the control freak who accuses you of being controlling, the bully who’s main line is what a bully you are.

The magic of Dave is that, when he gets in your face about something, he can almost convince you that you’re the crazy one. And then he goes away, and you don’t feel crazy anymore. You just want to kill him — a completely rational urge, actually.

Pop over there and read the rest of her take on the Dave’s of the world, a pox on the land!

In other news, my buddy Jonny Fairplay got a disappointing verdict in his lawsuit filed against Danny Bonaduce for the incident at the Reality TV Awards. According to the press release, the district attorney’s office Friday said that there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bonaduce committed battery, due to Jonny initiating contact.

Thing is - Jonny’s really a nice guy. He’s one of the first past survivor’s to talk with me, and I find his antics mostly amusing. Bonaduce, on the other hand, has always annoyed me to the very depths of my soul. He’s a trainwreck that I gladly look away from. I think he overreacted, and really should man up and at least admit that. So I’m definitely biased in my opinion here, as most folks are. But at the core of it all? I just want to wish Jonny a fast recovery!

Get better soon, Fairplay!

Last but not least? There’s this little tidbit in the TV Guide:

Oh how I love the conspiracy theories! Especially when it’s a 99% probability that it was just editing that put things into the wrong order. *chuckles*

(Part one, Part two)

Courtney is devastated (as well she should be), and Fei Long will be going to Tribal Council tonight, where one of the eight of them will be voted out.

Back at Fei long, the mood is very down, and Courtney says she “lost two hands and possibly a shoulder” and shows off her battle wounds. Jean-Robert says that it’s clear they need brawn, and strength on the team. Leslie talks about the other tribe and how three of them are Christans and that’s why they picked her. She cops to telling them little bits about them. She told them that Aaron is the leader, and he is not happy. He points out that she doesn’t think, her heart overcomes her brain. It scares him because of the merge, and what bonds she made over there.

Leslie and Todd talk to Courtney and how it was a hard challenge, and they know they need to break Jean-Robert and James up. They want Jean-Robert out first. He goes and talks to Amanda, and they talk Courtney vs. Jean-Robert. It’d be nice to keep Courtney, for later. And they decide to vote Jean-Robert. Todd is WORKIN two different alliances. I like this kid! They go to their main one and talk about Aaron, and he wants Leslie. He feels she’s more dangerous because she’s got friends on the other tribe. So now it’s Leslie vs. Jean-Robert. Todd doesn’t want the big guys in down the line, so he’s in a bind.

There’s a bigger group meeting, and Jean-Robert says Courtney or Leslie, and calls Courtney anorexic, and that one of them has to go. Ends when Courtney and Leslie walk up. Todd is doing the best he can to think strategically, and he’s unsure.

Tribal Council!
Fei Long lights their torches for the first time. Jeff talks about the challenges first, and Zhan Hu now knows they can beat the tribe. Jean-Robert is worried, because they have two of the strongest guys, but also have two of the weakest women. Courtney, of course. Jeff says that that can’t feel good, and she says for the past nine days, it’s been ‘where will you do the least damage’ because it’s always trying to put her, todd and leslie.

Jeff calls out Jean-Robert for trying to change what he said! “It’s not that I perceive them as week” “That’s EXACTLY what you said!” Go Dimples! Leslie says she spent the night with Zhan Hu, and she saw a tribe with Heart, and that her tribe lost because of Zhan Hu’s heart, not their strength. Jean-Robert says the heat has been on him, and he’s worried, and he feels he’s in danger and hopes he doesn’t get voted off.

Time to vote!
(Courtney “I’m voting for you because when you snore at night it sounds like someone is choking a walrus!” Awesome.)

The Votes: Jean Robert, Leslie, Jean-Robert, Sister Christian (Leslie), Leslie, Mom (Leslie) and the
third person voted from survivor China - Leslie.

Jeff says that it seems that the tribe needs to have fun, and do a better job utilizing each members unique strength. That’s it, grab your torches, head back to camp!

Next time on Survivor: Things heat up between Courtney and Jean-Robert, Sherea blows her cool at Dave, and both tribes get a lesson in the art of war.

—
What did you think of the episode? Am I the only one who just LOVES to watch James? Or the only one surprised when he actually started talking - and disappointed when he talked with JR? Heh. Sound off!

(Part one, here!)

They get to kidnap a member of Fei Long, and they decide to steal Leslie. (…) and she gets the scroll to open in private and win the note. Fei Long heads back to camp while Zhun Hu celebrates.

Back at Zhan Hu, they have all their rewards, and there are smiles all around. Leslie tells them she’s happy for them, and Dave says he’ll watch his mouth and keep his drawers on, and Sherea rolls her eyes. She says that moral wise, they seem to have a leg up, which is impressive. They go swimming, and Frosti and Dave dive in the water to cheers. Leslie tells them they’re happier, and they talk about tribe members and Leslie gives it all up. Peih-gee says they got information, like girls gossiping. Leslie says she’s misunderstood in her tribe because of her Christianity. (Ed - she is just NOT a student of this game! Ugh!)

At Fei Long, James and Jean-Robert are laughing about praying Todd and Courtney eavesdrop, and hear that they are targets for Jean-Robert, who says Courtney is the first to go. And Todd is all “I’ll strangle his ass.” And he’s like “Dude - she’s right HERE” as James and Jean-Robert debate Leslie vs. Courtney. And James is like of course I like Courtney - and she’s cracking UP, as Jean-Robert are joking about “only thing better then $1 million is $1 million and a piece of ass”. Courtney says “I’m not sleeping near them EVER AGAIN.” And Todd tells us that James and Jean-Robert are the trash, and they gotta go…

Back at Zhan Hu (EW SNAKE GROSS!) Leslie opens the tube, knowing what’s in it because Jamie gave her the same thing. She decided to give it to Jaime, and return the favor. She says she thinks she understands her, and that’s the best part. Jaime says she trusts her more then anyone else, and it worked out really well for her. So it’s the same clue as last time, plus clue number two! Jaime is pretty sure it’s right in front of her face, which we know it is.

Immunity Challenge time!
Leslie says it was fun with Zhan Hu, then rejoins her tribe. Time for the challenge, blade-runner. There are 4 choppers and 2 puzzle builders. Choppers race one at a time to chop through 7 ropes to release wooden disks. Once all fours groups are gotten, the two puzzler builders work on the puzzle to stack them right on the pole on a heavy base, then they pull it across the finish line. Fei Long sits out Denise and Leslie.

Survivors Ready, GO! Courtney starts wacking, while Jamie makes short work of her ropes. Courtney looks PATHETIC… she can’t even get through the wood, and Jaime gets the first bundle, and Peih-Gee is off for the second, and Courtney is flailing around and “I’m sorry guys.”

Peih-Gee has the second level, and Courtney is STILL complaining! Frosti takes 7 wacks for 7 ropes and Zhan Hu has bundle three of four, and Eric is on the course! and Courtney is STILL WORKING on it. Jeff tells them it’s a LONG puzzle do NOT give up. Zhan Hu has all four bundles, and Jean Robert coaches Courtney to FINALLY get her bundle. James is just shaking his head.

Amanda makes short work of her set, as Dave and Sherea are going VERY SLOWLY with the puzzle, getting confused. Amanda has bundle two for Fei Long, Aaron goes for number three. Zhan Hu having no luck on the puzzle. Aaron through all ropes and James gets bundle four in NO time at all - Jeff “that’s why you NEVER QUIT!”

Zhan Hu has given up nearly ALL of their lead. Todd and Jean Robert making quick work of the puzzle, Zhan Hu has a rhythm now, not panicking. Todd and Jean Robert are getting ahead of themselves, and Todd tells Jean Robert to “Get out of my face!” when he’s trying to put another piece on before the one Todd has is in place.

It all comes down to who picked the right people for the right part of the challenge! Zhan Hu has the puzzle completed, and only has to drag it across the finish line; it’s VERY heavy.

OMG ZHAN HU WINS IMMUNITY!!!

(Part Three…)