Watching Survivor

Hey ya’ll! Welcome to the weekly roundup of all things Survivor! First off, thanks to Lynn at Reality Exploits for pointing this one out to me - it’s the Outlasted Castaway’s campaign against Jeff Probst! Funny!

Next, the famous bloggers: Jeff Probst blogs his disgust with the Fang Tribe, as does Erik Reichenbach, from FvF.

And the interview circuit for Kelly: Reality News Online, and Survivor Fans Podcast. I’ll add the others as they show up about the internets.

So how are you doing on the Survivor Pool?! I don’t even know how to go about picking for this week - the preview for Ep. 7 showed so much chaos! As Erik said, it was more exiting then Ep. 6 itself! Sugarbooger is still holding on to the lead, but everyone else is coming on strong! There’s still plenty of time to get your picks in and take over the leaderboards!

Here’s a couple of the promo’s to help you make your picks though:

And of course, here’s a batch of the promo images from CBS. Looks like we have the old water barrel roll, and “Elephant eggs’ which looks like a giant game of keepaway. Both of these are physically demanding I really can’t see that Fang can do well at either of them, but well, what do I know? Either way, both tribes will be voting someone off. The question is… who? Beats me, but it looks like Crystal may be in trouble for Fang, and Susie for Kota.

The pictures are all below the cut! Enjoy, and keep checking back for more interviews as they come up!

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-:10 Alrighty - I’m here! San’s working headphones for whatever reason, but I’m here! Survivor in 10, recapping goodness to be had, you KNOW you can’t wait! Who will get the boot tonight? With the Snake, or the Snake’s Sugar? Someone else? Or will Fang manage to actually pull off a win?

HAHAHHAHAHA.

Ahem. I mean, stick around and find out!

:00 Previously, on Survivor…

:02 Fang, night 15, after the Tribal Council. They get a fire started, to applause, and they say there’s positive energy now, all positive. Ace tells us it was sad, but not unexpected, GC had to go. He has Sugar in his pocket, and needs to arrange something to keep himself safe until merge - he just doesn’t know who is his potential benedict arnold. The next morning, they’re talking, and Matty says that his girlfriend is his driving force out there, and he makes a ring or something to remind her. He feels like he’s in a bad position, and looking for something to keep him farhter in the game.

He wanders off and talks to Ace, to see what he’s thinking. They agree they want to make it as far as possible, and it depends on how close everyone is. They agree they want to keep Kenny, Ace wants to keep Sugar, and two the merge, they agree not to stab each other in the back. Matty says it on his girl, Ace says on his mother’s life, and says his mother’s his best friend. Matty tells us that they’r the top competitors, and that he can’t break the promise for a million dollars, not even if it were five million.

:06 Roll intro and credits!
(feeds a little choppy today - so, I’m doing my best!)

:09 Kota is eating well, and Bob discovers that Dan is eating twice as much as everyone else. Corinne says that it doesn’t matter how much you weigh, you get the same food. But Dan wants more, and they’re going through their food at an alarming rate!

Back at Fang, they want rice, and are trying to figure out how much they have left, and how to divy it up. Kenny tells us if they don’t have rice, they’re dead, and their at rock bottom right now.

Sugar and Ace talk in the hut, and he tells her that everyone knows she has the idol, that they went through her bag. He told her not to leave it there - so she offers it to him. He says he doesn’t know, it’s up to her. He’s not asking for it, but it’s up to you -she says if she isn’t going to play it, might as well give it to Ace.

She tells us she gave it to him because they had found it, and she’s putting faith in Ace - he’s a snake, but her snake. Ace tells us he’s in an excellent position now, he’s got people, (Oh! Elephants in the background! He pauses and declares it beautiful.

:12 Challenge time!

Today, they’ll carry a 200 pound snake, racing around the course, starting on opposite sides. YOu can opt out, but then the others have to take up that weight. First to catch up with the other tribe and touch them, wins. Reward? Coffee, Tea, food. Corinne sits out for Kota, and they get started… Survivor’s ready? GO!

The tribe that wants it the most will win - they’re off and running, and Fang has an early lead off the start, while Kota is nice and steady… but Susie is not quite as fast as the others. Kelly is barely moving, which leads Kota to gain on them, one lap in… Everyone is still in it for now. Fang is fading fast, and Keny is go, Sugar goes, and that helps as Fang starts to sprint… moving very quickly, and Crystal tells Kelly to go, get out now! And she pushes them - three memebers are carrying the 200 pound snake.

Susie drops out for Kota, and they speed up. Crystal is starting to drag, as Matty pushes them, come on come on - tells Crystal to drop out if she can’t do it - it’s all Matty and Ace! Kota with 5 strong uys, as matty and Ace struggle, trying… Matty is encouraging, dragging Ace on, but Kota catches up - and KOTA WINS REWARD!

And Jeff lets them eat it right in front of the losing tribe. Jeff asks what hurts more? Losing or seeing the food and not being able to get it - and she cries and says losing over and over. Fang sends Sugar to Exile island once again.

Randy tells us he loves watching them lose. Crystal says that he disrespected her, and he’s a troll, a troll. Even at a merge, new Fang and old Fang won’t get along.

:19 Commercial!

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…but he’s Sugar’s snake! Or is he?

I suppose we’ll find out tomorrow on Survivor, but this could be the biggest blunder of the season that we’ve been promised - and if so? It once again involves the Hidden Immunity Idol. From what I can tell on the promos, Ace is getting a little too smug for his own good, and that NEVER bodes well for a survivor! Who will fall victim to it, though - him or Sexy Sugar?

He even utters those terrible two words…. “Trust me.”

In the meantime - here’s GC’s interview roundup: Reality News Online, Reality Wanted, Survivor Fans Podcast, TV Guide.

The New York Post also did a writeup on the REAL star of last week’s episode: the Elephanants. What? That’s how my nephew says it - and I made SURE he got the call when it was Survivor time just so he could watch that four minutes of Survivor: Gabon goodness. Props to the Producers for allowing us to bask in the amazement along with the contestants for a full 4 minutes that would have otherwise been more of Ace’s backstabbing plans, or Randy’s self-congratulatory and mocking confessionals.

In news of our favorite Mr. Dimples - he and Mark Burnett are teaming up again for another Reality TV Show created by Jeff Probst himself, that he’ll also host. The pilot for Live like you’re dying will be filmed after Survivor 18 has finished filming, and involves featuring one person per episode who’s been given a diagnosis of a terminal illness, with a finite time to live. The show will follow that person as they are taken on ‘the last adventure of their life’, giving them the chance to live out their dream, as well as reunite with long lost friends, feuding family members, etc. Probst insists the show won’t be a debbie downer or morbid, but rather will focus on inspirational messages, telling stories about living to inspire people to get the most out of their lives every single day. No word yet on when we might see the pilot, or any other information on the series - but we’ll certainly be on the lookout for it!

I’ll get Probst’s preview up here as soon as it’s posted! Don’t forget to make your WS Pool Party picks for the week before showtime tomorrow!

-:10 Happy Thursday All! Ready to get our recap on? Showtime in just a few minutes, so I hope you got your picks in for the Watching Survivor Pool Party already! Who will come out on top this week? Also - who else is looking forward to the ‘do or die’ challenge? And will Crystal really go through Sugar’s bag? Will she find the idol? Or was Sugar smart enough to hide it elsewhere? And of course, ELEPHANT RAMPAGE! It doesn’t get better then this, folks! Hold on to your hats, it’s Survivor Time!

:07 Kota day 13 - There’s fish for breakfast! Yum! They find an electric one, that shocked Bob, so everyone else has to try it too. Randy talks a bit about the new tribe, and how they have fish, beans, corn - way better then Fang, he has no complaints. Kota welcomed them into the tribe, but he’s pretty sure that he’d be voted out, but this “crusty old man” can adapt.

Back at Fang, day 13, and elephants are making serious noises - Matty goes to investigate, and races back for Camp - getting everyone to bring them to see what’s going on. Across the Lake is an elephant, and everyone is enthralled as they watch him shake the trees and pull it down - “That’s crazy!” The elephant is lifting stuff and throwing it, knocking down trees and the like as they all watch. Someone wants to take the canoe over, and Ace and Matty are eager to do so. Everyone says “brave boys” but they’re really thinking “Stupid!” I’m sure.

Matty says that seeing the elephant made him step out of the game for a bit, it makes you appreciate Gabon, and the purity of things.

:13 Challenge time!

Kota is shocked that they got rid of Jacqui, especially given her effort yesterday. The numbers are now even. Today’s challenge, each tribe will start with a large pile of fruit - you throw through holes to your tribe members while the other team tries to whack it out of the air. The most fruit gathered wins. Today’s reward? Herb garden - you can keep living and replenishing, salt oil, and you keep whatever fruit you catch.

Crystal and Ace are defending for Fang, Bob and Charlie are for Kota.

Survivor’s ready? Go! Dan catches one right away, Ace denies some more, GC can’t throw them high enough, but Kenny gets the first fruit on the board! Ace is Denying them all! Kota has to figure out how to get by Ace to score! Kenny catching and Fang has an early lead, as Ace continues doing a great job - “This is kinda fun!” he says. Fang has a big lead, Kota is starting to get the hang of it - but Fang has a great strategy with smaller pieces of fruit. Kenny catches a pineapple - both baskets are looking full - it’s neck and neck - 10 seconds left! It’s all about the weight now.

Fang weighs in with 16 pounds. Kota 18 - KOTA WINS REWARD! They decide to send Sugar to exile island once again. She laughs and says she already named it the Sugar shack. They say for entertainment, but no, it’s really that they figure she’ll have to play the idol before the merge if she has it and they want it back in circulation.

:19 Commercial!

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Oh lord have mercy this week is getting away from me! I apologize for not getting this up earlier! I’ve been swamped and attempting to pull myself out inch by inch. Don’t worry though, I’ll be here in all my recapping glory tomorrow!

Let’s get the interview links with Jacquie out of the way first! There’s TV Guide, The Dead Bolt, Survivor Fans Podcast, and Buddy TV. The common thread through all of them is that Jacquie thought she had the game locked up, if she could just get through two more Tribal Councils. She had alliances on both sides, and felt that if she had just made it through Thursday, she’d have made it to the end. Over-confident, anyone? She says repeatedly “They were smart to get rid of me, I’d have won it all.” You know, I’ve never, ever, ever, heard an early boot say anything that. (HAHAHHA!) They always say that, it soothes the ‘early boot’ wound.

Other blogs - Mr. Dimples, himself, blogging about episode four can be found here - along with the deleted scene that makes Ace look like a total geek and I kinda don’t love him anymore. Maybe it’s because his hair is growing back… and did he lose the accent there a couple times? Is the accent fake? Dude, you can’t PRETEND to be a sexy bald-headed arrogant prick! That has to come from the HEART! Harumph. Pansy.

Jeff, however, I adore. Always and forever amen. “The immunity challenge: I’m so done with Fang right now.” Haha! And I agree, it had to suck to see the man they all hate, Randy, dominate the challenge like that. It was kinda awesome.

I loved the ranking and tribe switch though - that was a genius move. It’s awesome to see that the challenge gurus over there still got it, even after 17 seasons. Well played, Survivor Gods!

Here’s a couple of previews for ya - both including slo-mo, to maybe help you decipher you’re picks for the Watching Survivor Pool Party (Get your picks in now!)

They haven’t posted Jeff’s preview yet, but I’ll post that as soon as I get it.

So, how do you like the season so far? Love it? Hate it? Think Ace is a bigger pansy then all of us believed? Dish, darlings!

I’ve something cool to post here in a bit as well, and then we’re ready for the recapping delight tomorrow! I swear I’ll be better this week with the updates! (grin)

-10 Or almost, that is! Fair warning, I may not be recapping the first few minutes on east coast time, as I’m one of the Big Brother Interactive I-guests, and it’s POV time right at the beginning of the episode and EVERYONE knows that you have to play your hardest for POV or risk getting backdoored and evicted! So! Yes. I might be a little late to the party - but hang in there, I’ll pop in asap and recap the remainder of the episode and fill in the blanks in my own time zone. Stay tuned!

:00 Previously on Survivor!

(zips over to BBi, zips back - ENDURANCE comp? Omg. *L* I’ll be recapping as long as I can!)

:06 Fang, day 10. Randy points out again that they need to conserve rice again, and everyone keeps saying no. He wants them to eat one meal a day, that’s why it’s called Survivor. He tells us that Crystal, Kenny and GC aren’t with him, haven’t listened to him at all since he got there. matty, Susie and Dan aren’t allies, but are friends. They go off to get fruit, and GC, Ken and Crystal, say they other’s are probably doig something, they’re outnumbered. Meanwhile the others are talking about GC and how it’s not good - Randy gives his cancer is GC, and needs to be cut out. Matty says he feels like the four have solidified and it’ll carry him far. All that matters is the four of them.

:08 Challenge time! They’ve been there 10 days, time to put the knowledge of each other to good use. Rank the tribe top to bottom, according to importance. Then they’ll take their spot according to rank. Everyone fills them out in private.

Alright - ranked according to importance - Kota put Marcus number one, which worries him a little. Then Ace, Bob, Charlie, Jacque, Corinne, Sugar, Kelly.

Kelly finds that interesting, she’s never been last picked ever- Ace tells us shews a whiny little… and doesn’t do anything.

Fang - Matty, Dan, Randy, Crystal,
Crystal tells ys “What the hell. Number fou after no one who can do anything? i’m very insulted!
Ken, GC. GC says wow, Kenny picked before me? not looking too good for a pimp out here.
This leaves Susie last.

Marcus is surprised that there’s no girl in the top three of the Fang tribe, while Randy says that he’s not thinking anything alliance wise - then Jeff drops the bomb. Drop your buffs! time to pick new Tribes! Everyone is worried, Charlie says he was comforable, and oh it’s such a buzz kill.

Marcus and Mattie will remain members of their tribe, captians and start the school yard pick.

Marcus - Dan, Charlie, Randy, Corinne, Susie, Bob
Matty -Ace, Crystal, Ken, Jacque, Kelly (Ken says because she’s hot. Ha! Jeff calls it suprising.) GC

Sugar is left and has to go to exile once agian. She’ll remain there until after the next tribal council, and then join the tribe that loses a member. She takes off and waves bye. New tribe buffs - for some it’s a brand new start, for others, a band new game. Head back to camp!

:18 Commercial!

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They’re back! Jeff Probst previews every episode a day or so before it airs. Here’s week four!

Don’t forget to get your votes in over for the WS Pool Party!

Hey Survivor Fans! Here’s hoping you had a fantastic weekend! I’ve got a ton of links and such for you today, gathered from around the internets. Sadly there are still no spoilers to be found - can you believe it? This is the most tight lipped season EVER. What do we know about this weeks episode, episode 4? Only what the previews tell us - we’re picking new teams, and it’s blond vs. blond vs. blond. Sounds like Ace and Marcus’ dream episode! Ha!

Here’s the preview - including the slow motion captures which may give clues for who ends with who.. Looks like for sure Randy switches tribe.

We also have a whole slew of interviews to link to! First, those from last week I didn’t get a chance to link to:

Michelle with Buddy TV
Michelle with the Survivor Fans Podcast
Gillian with the Survivor Fans Podcast
Gillian with Buddy TV
Gillian with RTVW
Michelle with Reality Wanted
Gillian with Reality Wanted

And here’s some Paloma’s interviews:
Reality News Online
Survivor Fans Podcast
Buddy TV
The Deadbolt.com

And as if THAT isn’t enough, we know that Jeff Probst and his Dimples has joined with EW.com, not only to bring us a weekly blog from his point of view, but also secret scenes!

I know!

Here’s the link to the Episode Three blog, and you’ll find the secret scene at the bottom of the page. The most exciting part of the imunity challenge for Jeff? Bikinis. Yes, it just goes to prove that underneath it all, the best reality tv host EVER, is simply a man.

The immunity challenge provided at least one bit of excitement — bikinis! It’s just not Survivor if, at some point, the women are not in bikinis. Am I wrong? Is that sexist? I’m just saying what people on the street tell me. Just keepin’ it reeeel dawg. Why you gotta bring me down? I don’t believe you critics anyway. I think you like it.

And Jeff isn’t the only Survivor INsider blogging this year - Erik Reichenbach is too! Yes, the ice cream scooper from Michigan is sharing his insights on the game for Showbiz Monkeys. Check it out!

And last but not least - how are YOU doing in the WatchingSurvivor.com Pool Party? Sugarbooger put in yet another good showing to hold on to the lead, and I redeemed myself with a lucky guess and extra points to sneak up to third in the overall standings. Still not sure who I’ll pick for this week - maybe a blond…

How bout you?

-:09 Nine minutes to go, and I’ll be recappin away! Only one hour tonight, one episode, one person cast off by the tribes they’ve come to love and loathe… who will it be? Stay tuned! Thanks, as always to Bobby for streaming east coast time for us west coast folks!

:00 Previously on Survivor… here we go kids! 16 are left, who will be voted out tonight?

:02 Fang, night 6, and they just got back from Tribal Council and Crystal is happy they got rid of their weak link. Everyone is ready for the next day, but Randy doesn’t believe its possible that they can win. He thinks they’re stupid, they don’t know they’re complete idiots, but they are.

:03 Roll Intro and Commercial!

:06 We’re back, and it’s day 7 on Fang. They’re making some rice. Randy says they’re halfway through with rice, because someonehad the bright idea of having three meals a day, but it’s Survivor. He tries to get the tribe to go down to two - and everyone agrees, except GC, who says that he threw away rice the first couple days because people made too much. Randy tells us GC is the cancer in the tribe and they’ll continue to have problems until it’s excised. Randy and GC get into it a little bit, GC wants to know if Randy was the leader, Randy doesn’t want to be, and tells GC to drop it. GC says he can ask whatever he wants.

Dan listens to this and tells us they’re not pulling together as a team. They’d ahve a better chance if they thought like a team.

Back on Kota, it’s fishing time! The girls cheer on Charlie and Marcus, and Charlie gives us the rundown. They feel they can use Bob, but are somewhat concerned that the other five will band together, though theyr’e too flighty, so it’s ok.

Paloma and Jacque chat about how they think Ace is king and everyone bow down, meanwhile Ace and Sugar watch, and Sugar says Ace will take care of her. Tree mail! They’ll be playing for comfort, kicking and screaming. They talk about who should sit out, and Paloma points out to us again that everyone bows down to Ace, and she can see right through it.

Challenge time!

Today’s reward challenge -one member will be at the post, 2 members of the other tribe will try to pull them from the post and drag them to the sand to the finish. 1 point per. You can swap positions, 2 points win. PLaying for blankets, pillows, hammock, mat, and sending a loser to exile.

Ken sits out, and Corrine, Jaquie Kellie sit out for Fang.

Dan is first on the post for Fang, Ace for Kota - Ace yawns, surprising Jeff. Survivor’s ready? GO! Dan hangs on tight, and mAtty and GC try to pull of ace. Marcus and Charlie have Dan off the post, Ace proving strong for Kota, as Marcus and Charlie inch Dan toward the finish line - Kota is close and Ace is still on the post, GC gives up, KOTA SCORES FIRST!

Ace gives Paloma tips, she takes the post. Susie takes the post for Kota. Randy an Crystal go for Paloma, and drag her quickly - and they’re tied one one!

Original matchup - Ace and Dan, with marcus and bob for Kota, Crystal and Matty for Fang. Final round, for reward. Fang is desperate for victory Survivors ready? GO! They dig deep, Dan is holding type, Ace isn’t budging, who wants it more? They get the top half of Ace off the post, Crystal works on the legs, Dan barely hanging on as Crysta and Matty get Ace off the post and start dragging him. Ace tries to get away and is tackled - Crystal starts dragging, Kota getting close to fist victory! Ace knocks Crystal down - Dan screaming for help. Matty is pulling Ace - Who has the will!? FANG WINS REWARD!

Crystal is in tears, and she says it was worth it, and they send Sugar to exile. She says she knew, because they think she’s dumb, but they don’t know her. They give her a map and she heads off. Kota, nothing for ya, head back to camp, Fang get your reward.

:17 Commercial!

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…talkin’ bout pe…

I’ll let ya fill in but I always find things out! Ok, so someone asked me if I had seen it, and then pointed me toward the evidence and oh dalally, I bet Charlie wishes he was paying closer attention to Dear Dr. Marcus.

I know the CBS censors were!
There’s a NEW Dr. McDreamy on the loose… or at least, parts of him. Heh. Heh. Heh.

You see, it seems that during the second hour of the premiere, Episode 2, just after Jeff gave the infamous “Survivor’s ready? GO!” command for the reward/immunity challenge… Dear Dr. Marcus had the male equivalent to a ‘nipslip’. And the censors missed it. Oh yes, yes indeed, wearing those loose boxer-briefs is indeed a hazard when one is running around the African plains, playing with giant balls.

[What? I'm just sayin'!]

The videos of the (ahem) event (ahem) has already been pulled from the CBS site, presumably to censor it properly before being put back online, but that doesn’t help all those copies on youtube (fast forward to approx. minute 6:24 for the event). And the properly slow-mo’d and zoomed in screen shots by other, most happy, very quick eye’d internets folk. Or the thread about it on the CBS forums, that includes a picture.

What makes it even funnier is that there was blurring on the show - because a little pubic hair was showing on one of the guys. Mr. Censor must have fallen asleep at the button, or was simply to distracted by Dear Dr. Marcus’ abs. Bet he never thought THIS is what he’d be most known for in Survivor: Gabon, hm?

And someone tell me, WHEN will people realize that when they say “photoshoot time!” you put on ACTUAL CLOTHING?! Forget the dresses, the suits… grab a track suit, some sweats, a swimsuit, or DECENTLY FITTING UNDERWEAR for crissakes. What part of “Clothing on your backs” do these folks NOT understand after SEVENTEEN SEASONS?

Ok. All better. Heh.

So! What did we think of the first episode of Survivor: Gabon? How crazy were those shots so close to the animals, who were so close to the camp? Who do we like, who do we hate, have we picked a winner yet?

I have to say that I was surprised to see Michelle go first, and didn’t really pick up on the negative vibes that they claimed was the reason she was voted out. On the other hand, there’s Gillian, who was so positive that they couldn’t stand it. I think her boot was the smart one, and they’re going to regret not having Michelle’s strength down the line. In fact, Michelle pretty much feels the same way, as she told Buddy TV in an interview they released this morning.

Didn’t you think that when you were the first girl to the top of the hill that you had earned your place in the tribe? I would think that that would do it, but apparently not.

I definitely think that that would do it, but even if I hadn’t been the first girl up the hill, just looking at my tribe members, I’m obviously in better shape than more than half of them. And if you really want to get down to it, I know for a fact that I’m the most fit person on that tribe, and probably in the entire game. I’m a freakin’ boxer. You have to be in incredible shape to box, and I’ve been boxing for years.

I did love the little moment over the Termite hill with her and Ken though. Apparently she had no clue he had such a crush on her, but found it utterly adorable, as the rest of us did too.

Another thing I loved was Randy fighting the doorframe and losing. Nothing like a guy cracking his head open the first night to bring life to a show! And it couldn’t have happened to a better guy. I thought I’d hate him out of the gate, but I have to give him props for being able to bite his tongue when he should, and leave most of his comments for the confessionals. That might help him in the long run - though it does look like he and GC get into it next week… will he bite his tongue again?

You know who else is blogging about Gabon? Jeff Probst! That’s right, Mr. Dimples himself has decided to blog about the show each week for EW.com, and his comments about last night are up already. I love getting his inside view on the show. He calls out Crystal for her problems getting up that hill, the Fang tribe for their poor choice of school yard pick’um, and his love of Corinne’s standing on the Bitch Meter. The blog is funny, tongue in cheek, and classic Probst.

He does mention that Michelle’s zeal disappeared and he had picked her as a favorite, but she just lost something by the time the game started. There was obviously some more stuff that we didn’t see.

Jeff and I agree on Ace - LOVE HIM. The yoga in orange shorts and that accent? Classic. Hit up the interview for more of Jeff’s comments, and be sure to leave some of your own here! Dish, darlings - what did you think of the start of Gabon… are we in for another awesome season?

How’d you come out in the pool for the week? Sugarbooger is back, and I’ll tell you right now she’s the one to beat! That girl has an uncanny ability to come out on top, she barely was nudged from first prize last season! What, you haven’t joined the pool? Well go on! you can still play!

-:30 It’s here it’s here it’s here it’s here! WHOO! Just 30 minutes to go before it’s time for the first as it happens recap of the season! Two whole hours of Survivor: Gabon deliciousness! Stay tuned - I’ll cover it as it happens, right here, thanks to JustTvNuts streaming the East Coast feed!

:00 It’s time! Elephants, monkeys, hippos, and more…. This is Gabon, one of the last untouched places on the planet! (Hi Mr. Dimples!) 18 Americans have been dorpped here in the wild with nothing but their street clothes. They’re being led to the most remote part of Africa. Crystal is the olympian, a teacher, a kid who has had it tough, Ace, the bald headed beauty - forced to work together, they must build a new society, while fighting the elements and each other. In the end, only one will remain to claim the prize. 39 Days, 18 people, 1 Survivor!

:02 Rooooooooll Intro…

:03 Welcome to Survivor Gabon - ready to get started? Everyone goes through and introduces themselves and what they do. Randy, the wedding videographer, isn’t a fan of marriage. Ha! Crystal doesn’t tell anyone that she’s an Olympian. Corinne promises to be a bitch. Dan says he’s finding himself.

In gabon, it is tradition that the elders make decisions and are the leaders - the two oldest people, Bob an Gillian take their places on the mat, and it’s schoolyard pick. No limits - man or woman, doesn’t matter, going off only the info they just heard. RPS to see who chooses first. The tribes

Bob: Yellow: Kota
Baldy (Ace *L*), Sugar, Marcus, Charlie, Paloma, Kelly, Jackie, Corinne

Gillian: Red: Fang.
Crystal, Susie (Mama’s gotta hang together. Charlie says it’s stupid survivor!), Matty, Randy, Dan, Danny/GC, Ken and last pick is Michelle.

Jeff asks how Michelle feels being the last and she chuckles “I’ll learn to love you. Maybe.”

First challenge time! On Jeff’s go - race through the flags to the top of the hill where there are two immunity idols for the first person of each tribe that makes it.Also waiting is the essentials, including a bag of rice. The first entire tribe wins the corn and beans. Are you selfish to get the idol for yourself or work together to ensure food? See ya at the top! Survior’s ready - GO!

It’s a mad rush through the flags, as Jeff runs alongside to keep up with them. GC is in the lead, Gillian is bringing up the rear, Matty and Dan go back to help the tribe - get em on the hill, get em on the hill. GC and Marcus are going after the individual immunity, a big move to make so early in the game. Bob helps Paloma, Ace pushes someone else. Marcus is first to the top with the Idol for Kota, GC for Fang, the rest falling back - Michelle, the last woman picked is the first woman across. She tells us they can kis her ass. THe question now is who gets the food?

Kota has a big lead, as susie, Crystal, Gillian are really struggling. Kota wins the extra food! Corn and Beans as Matty tries to get his tribe to the top. He tells us tha Gillian is a huge load to carry, she’s a slow human being. Matty helps Crystal too, and she tells us that running is easy, that hill was hard.

Marcus has the idol for Kota, GC for Fang. Jeff says it’s gonna be a long run for Fang if that’s any indicator, it wasn’t even close. Everyone grabs their stuff, they’re maps, and heads out to find their home.

Coming up - things get serious in Gabon!

:14 Commercial!

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Are you ready? Are you excited? Caaaaan you feeeeeeeel the loooove tonight…

…sorry. It’s my Lion King moment. I’m done now. Honest. (Maybe!)

Here’s a couple of things before we can get started with the premiere party tomorrow night - have you joined the pool yet? Why not?! Click here and get your picks in for the first week before showtime tomorrow, so that you can get maximum pointage! You know you want too…

Secondly! Congrats to Erik and Jaime from Survivor: China! They announced recently that the friendship that started as part of the Zhan Hu tribe in China has blossomed into dating, as they told us at the finale, and then into romance and now? They’re engaged! They are currently living in Nashville, but Erik flew her home, convincing her that they were supposed to be part of a photoshoot in Charleston, NC, but ended up on one knee in the Battery to propose. AWww! He told Buddy TV that “A little over a year ago, I was convinced that I wouldn’t find anyone, then my life was turned upside down. I went to China on a reality show and found the girl of my dreams.”

We remember, of course, that there was a friendship but no showmance while on Survivor: China, all that developed afterwards, away from the prying eyes of the camera crews. Still, we here at Watching Survivor wish them all the best!

In more current news, Charlie - the marathon running gay lawyer for Survivor: Gabon, talked to The Advocate about the impending premiere, his job at the law firm, and about his friend Clay Aiken coming out of the closet at long last. (Really, was ANYONE surprised?!). It’s a great article, and Charlie sounds like the kinda guy we can route for! Check out the interview here!

Let the countdown continue! I’ll be here East Coast Time to live blog the premiere as always - I’ll be stumbling over names and trying to keep everyone straight (so to speak) and having a good time doing so! Join in the comment section, read and watch along, and be sure to let us know what you think of this new group of Survivors!

That’s right, EW.com has posted Dalton’s videos from the first few days of filming Survivor: Gabon, and as expected, it’s fun! And amusing! Poor guy even got INJURED so that he could check out the Medical unit. How’s that for dedication?

So check it out - start here, with the Welcome to Gabon video, then click on the others below it and work your way through. There’s the first challenge, a visit to exile, and even individual interviews with the castaways. Enjoy!

Two more days!

Last night at the Emmys, there was a brand new category - Outstanding Reality Show Host - and to kick off their first year, it was decided that the five nominees would share the hosting duties of the Emmy’s themselves. It was an interesting idea, though I don’t think it played out as well as it was hoped that it would. The hosts were:

Heidi Klum (Project Runway), who lit up the stage, as always…
Tom Bergeron of Dancing with the Stars, and AFV
Howie Mandel - how and when was “Deal or no deal’ declared a reality show?!? I thought it was a GAME show..
Ryan Seacrest, AI, who hosted the Emmys last year
and of course the best of the best - Mr. Dimples! I mean, Jeff Probst!

He cleans up pretty damn good, don’t he? Rawr!

When it came time to dish out the award though, there was no doubt who the winner would be - at least for us here at Watching Survivor! The winner of the first ever Emmy for Outstanding Reality Show Host was none other then Jeff Probst! (Survivor’s ready? GO!)

Congratulations, Jeff, on a well deserved award! It took them 16 seasons to recognize your genius - so it’s about time!

Here’s a few shots of the festivities, and of course, Jeff with his Emmy.

Don’t forget! The premiere of Survivor: Gabon is THIS THURSDAY on CBS, and if you haven’t done so yet, there is still time to get in on the first week of the WS Pool Party! Scoot over there and join our pool, run by FunOfficePools, and see if YOU can come out on top by predicting correctly the winner, and who will be booted week to week! You know you want too…

And to entice you farther - after the cut, there’s the ONE spoiler I’ve been able to dig up for the first episode, to help you make this weeks picks. It has to do with that last picture there in the gallery…

I know. I’m too good to you. (grin)

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