Episode 7 - Bobby Jon, That's Just Nasty

Once again, I lament the fact my VCR failed last time and I didn't get to see Judd's ranting at Margaret. Of the short clips they played before this week's episode, it looked like he was the height of petty maliciousness (including that leering smile he gave after Margaret recieved the verdict). I'm sure Judd is probably a big "teddy bear" when he's not bitter and half-starved in the jungle, as in this case.

Anyway this episode showed once again the toll this Survivor is taking on the Surviviors. Those were some nasty looking bruises and scabs from last week's challenge. I don't think any of the previous contestants have looked that beaten up and raw before. Starved, sure, but not festering masses of sweaty, human limbs? The best part was when Bobby Jon was floating in the pool and little fish were eating the white, floaty parts of his shoulder scabs. Bobby Jon, in return, would try to catch one of them in his house. Darwinism baby, survival of the fittest.

The vote was pretty straight forward. Amy didn't have the alliance numbers to keep her in the game, plus her ankle was hurt and she was starting to give idle threats to Gary. I bet she's sitting at home cursing Gary for lying to her as we speak. Better change your name and your address Gary, lest she eventually finds you out and puts you on the FBI's 'most wanted' list for fun.

Episode 6 - Why VCR's Are Extinct

Well unfortunately for some inexplicable reason, the VCR I was using to tape the show (yes, I still have a VCR) suddenly cut out halfway through the episode. And I didn't realize it until I sat down to watch it last night.

Anyway the tape did go as far as Jamie and Bobby Jon screaming at each other like crazed gorillas in the jungle. That wasn't as big an event as the preview clips led the audience to believe -- as if it was about to come to blows. I can't help but wonder what the actual monkeys are thinking as they lounge up in the trees while the 'higher evolved' humans push a giant ball around below.

And it's too bad I missed the trible council because I hear Judd really let loose on Margaret. I still can't understand why Judd called out the immunity puzzle 'ANCIENT RUIN' like 4 times (just in case Rafe didn't hear him). Either way, Brian and Margaret said goodbye.

Episode 5 - The Big Rope Embarassment

I love how Judd defends his treachery at the beginning of the episode. He talks about how the game is "cutthroat" and how each contestant has to do whatever they can to get ahead. Then he says the only thing that matters is the "love of his family." Now that's all fine and good, but what does that have to do with Survivor? I think Judd is just trying hard to justify his actions to himself.

Oh, the challenge! The reward challenge had to be one of the best the show has ever come up with (mostly for the go cart ride at the end). Too bad one tribe didn't make it past the first step. Jamie, as much as I feel bad for him, that was an embarassment. Yet I wonder why no one on his team told him to stop sawing the rope when it became obvious it was about as effective as using a butterknife.

And then afterwards by the dock, Judd is suddenly all about the team, and how they can't place blame because a team "doesn't work like that." Make up your mind Judd. Stephanie is really coming out as a bitter person these days. Attacking Bobby John for his "feminine" qualities will not win her popularity points.

The immunity challenge was pretty good, though I'm surprised the tribes weren't more aggresive in pushing each other out of the way. At the vote, "frat-boy" Blake was booted off, much to his surprise, considering BJ and Danni went against their alliance. Guess it's not much of a penalty when Blake can head back to his self-professed "DD girlfriend." If that's all you need in life Blake, then go gettem.

Survivor Slump?

Interesting story from today's Metro newspaper:

"Reality TV will make you rich — if it lasts another season. These are the mixed signals the industry is getting from the TV genre that was supposed to scour the broadcast landscape clean, at least according to everything we read two years ago.

"Nearly every returning entry in the once white-hot genre is either flat or down," said the Hollywood Reporter in a Monday story, as the summer ends and more sober numbers are coming in with the fall season.

Warhorses like Survivor are down, with the popular grime, sweat n' bugs show losing 19 per cent of its coveted 18-49-year-old demographic..." [full article]

Seems like nothing is able to kickstart the ratings...except maybe a Canadian/American matchup! I'm just saying.

Episode 4 - King of the Jungle

So...hot...sweating...can't type any...witty....commentary. Actually here in Vancouver it's fairly cold and rainy. Not like summer in Guatemala. I love the contrast the editors made between the Nakum camp in the baking sun (even though they were technically supposed to have the 'better' site) and the riverside camp of Yaxha tribe. The river did look pretty refreshing. Until the crocodile of course. Ethan remarked on the Survivor Strikes back blog that they "did a great job of hiding the cage that the croc slithered out of." Makes me wonder if the wild animals were placed in the other seasons as well. Or maybe Ethan is just yanking our chain...

The reward challenge/tribe mix up was well done. The producers are always great at running challenges that reveal what the tribe mates really feel about eachother -- such as who's the smelliest, weakest, hardest worker. The results were interesting, Bobby Jon and Gary get to smell good for at least a few hours, though Danni certainly looks like she needs more than an apple. But why oh why is Gary continuing to lie about his past QB history? Ego? Illusion? Oh what a tangled web we weave when we lie and say we're a landscaper when a radio sportscaster is now on our tribe.

And Judd...silly move my friend. Silly move. To jump ship that easily says his confidence in his past tribe was slim, and he appears more than willing to do it with his new alliance. (In between his Tarzan declarations about 'his' jungle of course). It may not have been as much of an issue if his aim hadn't wasted so much time at the challenge. Does anyone ever remember playing the old TurboGraphix 16 game "Bonk's Adventure?" For some reason watching the tribe's huck these small club-like paddles reminded me of those glory days. Back when there was no new fangled "3D" worlds...only beautiful 2D in 8 colours.

Anyway, Brooke took the fall at this tribal council. Can't say I'm that sorry to see her go. Brooke, we hardly knew yee. Jeff also made a stinging remark to Stephanie asking if she was the bad luck charm for her tribe, a thought I'm sure most of the audience is pondering. Or maybe Mark Burnett and crew have been conspiring all along to put her on a tribe that's bound to lose...you never know.

NEWS FLASH: Jeff Probst may quit as host of Survivor!