Blogging 'Survivor: Guatemala' Take 2

Bloggin' the Finale: Facing the Jury and the Winner Is...

2005-12-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

Continued from previous entry...

Aha! It's time to face the jury. Now, Danni thinks she's going to go for the All American Girl approach while Stephenie thinks there are good reasons as to why she should win -- the old Outwit, Outplay and Outlast bit and she's there and they're not. @@ - needs the ol' eyeroll, for sure!

Once at the final Tribal Council, Jeff reminds the jury that the vote they cast will be FOR the winner, not to vote out a person. Well, duh! He explains that the F2 will each have an opening statement, then the jury will each have questions or a comment for them followed by a closing statement from both of the F2.

The opening statements were both honored, great contestants, blah, blah, happy, blah... you get it.Judd just looked mad.

The following is paraphrased as I was taking notes while watching:

Bobby Jon -- Asked them why they deserved to be there or why they were in the F2. Stephenie told him it was because of him that she was there, she has no regrets, played the game the best she could play. Danni was happy and grateful.

Gary -- Said his vote would go to whoever was the most honest. He asked both why they shouldn't win. Stephenie said it would be because she changed alliances as the game went on. Danni said it's because she became selfish and allied with Rafe.

Jamie -- Asked who they thought should be Final 5. (Odd question - it's like he wanted them to say he should be in there.) Danni said something about getting close to people then having to vote them out. Stephenie talked about group decisions and good reasons.

Lydia -- Her questions of both seemed to be on trust issues. She mentioned she was loyal to Stephenie since Day 6 and wanted to know why she was voted out. Stephenie said she wanted to go against the best -- Danni and Rafe. Then Lydia told Danni that she trusted her and was loyal to her. Danni told her she had to think of the game and that they did indeed talk.

Cindy -- Asked both if they could remove a jury member from the vote, who would it be? Danni said Rafe because he'll probably vote for Stephenie. Stephenie seemed confused by the question and ended up saying Bobby Jon because he was the first jury member.

Rafe -- Told Danni that he thought he was deserving and that he felt sorry for Stephenie at the challenge when he told her that promises are released. Said Stephenie dominated strategy and determined who would be voted out. Steph and he agreed they were completely honest with each other.

Judd -- Opened with "Congratulations, youse." Then he asked if Danni ice skated or Rollerbladed. Confused, she said she has on occasion, not very well. He then told her she skated through the game. They fussed back and forth about lying, then he hit up Stephenie with how she always complained about starving when she ate more than anyone there, how she backstabbed him and lied to his wife. He brushed off her defense and sat down.

In the final statements:

Stephenie: Thank you, hardest game ever, yada yada, brings out worst qualities, yada, decided at the start to align with the right people, outwit, outplay, yada, outlast...

Danni: Merge, yada, my head on chopping block, yada yada, Rafe and Stephenie in control, yada, made friends with them, yada, outwit, outplay, money will go to good use, yada...

In the end, Rafe was the only vote for Stephenie to win, all the rest voted for Danni. Danni gets the million and one of those Pontiac Torrent SUVs while Stephenie gets the second place prize of $100,000.

Okay.... to my opinions --

In previous entries, I noted how good Danni's game was. This wasn't a case of flying under the radar or skating, in my opinion. She was playing, and very well.

I thought both Danni and Stephenie had way too fluffy hair for the finale. Oh, and Brandon looks a lot better with shorter hair.

So... what did you all think?

Bloggin' the Finale, Pt. 2: "I Release You From All Promises, But You Won't Get MY Vote to Win!"

2005-12-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

Continued from previous entry....

All right, we're at Day 38 with the Final Three -- Stephenie, Rafe and Danni. The monkeys are howling, the corn rotted in the rain and Stephenie couldn't care less as it's down to a day.

The Tree [Jug] Mail gave them instructions for the ol' tribute to departed tribe members bit. Each tribe member voted out had a torch with a drawing of them perched atop it. The Three had to say a few words, then in Mayan tradition, throw the image on the fire. Now, that led to a few interesting bits, but not many. I giggled when they said what a great father figure Jim was and then nonchalantly tossed his image in the fire. @@ In voice-overs and video bits, the Departed had their moment. Judd said he was through being hotheaded. Yeah, right.

Then it was off to the second Immunity Challenge of the finale:Jeff told them that the challenge would demand good balance and intense cooperation. They had to stand on a board which was placed on a short pole. In the beginning they had two ropes they could hang onto to achieve balance. After an hour, they had to release a rope. Then after three minutes, the second rope had to go and it was hands off for the rest of the challenge. In the third stage, they found they could lean their backs on the support pole and keep their feet on the board. Rafe lost focus for a moment and used his hand. GONE!

Stephenie and Danni were out there a good long while. Stephenie was sliding down further and further and breaking down. Finally her butt touched the ground and she was GONE. Danni won final Immunity! Rafe immediately went to her and told her that he wouldn't hold her to previous promises -- take whomever she wants to the F2. I think he was very touched by Stephenie's efforts and her breakdown.

Back at camp once again, Danni was in shock that she would be in the Final Two -- she had to fight the odds for most of the game and the numbers were against her. Stephenie now thinks everyone loves Rafe (as opposed to when she was thinking Rafe was the only one she stood a chance to beat with the jury). Danni seems to seriously be considering everything... including jury votes she may or may not get. She says she won't know for sure until she writes down a name.

Off to the second Tribal Council of the finale! In my opinion, Stephenie tried to sway the jury and Danni by bringing up the Rafe "pissed off the same people" and she even said it was all his planning. Rafe told Danni to vote with her heart. He defended himself a bit, but not really emphatically. When Stephenie made the comments about Rafe and her getting the same folks mad, Jamie and Bobby Jon broke into grins and low-high-fived each other. Judd just looked mad through the whole TC.

In the end, Danni said she felt Stephenie was the most deserving to be in the F2 with her (remember, Rafe told her the promise was "released"). He did fine as he went, but in the confessional, he said he was disappointed in Danni and would be voting for Stephenie to win.

To be continued...

Bloggin' the Finale, Pt.1: "You ATE the Chicken? The Gods Will Be Mad!"

2005-12-12T19:47:00.000-05:00

It seemed like the Recap To End All Recaps in the beginning of the show. We're talking almost 20 minutes and a recap since the season started. Oy.

Then, once that was out of the way, we found the Final Four at camp -- Lydia was happy and cooking; Danni was feeling the pressure and Rafe was proud of his decisions and happy with the folks in the F4.

Lydia headed off to get the Tree [JUG] Mail and came back skipping and frolicking... or something to that effect. The mail told of a Mayan ceremony, not a celebration! Lydia, you silly! ;-) They were expecting some Mayans to appear at camp to perform a ritual which ended up including a sacrifice. Yikes. When the Mayans arrived, there was incense, candles, chanting in native tongue and then... YIKES... a chicken lost its head. (And, certainly not of the chicken's doing.) It was a ceremony to honor the Mayan ancestors and the chicken was then burned in a fire.

The first Immunity Challenge of the finale was the most complex Survivor Maze ever -- it was in the shape of an Incan bird. The Survivors had to find puzzle pieces at seven separate stations, run them to a holder thingee and then, once all pieces were found, assemble the puzzle. Rafe won Immunity.

After the challenge, it was back to camp. Rafe thinks he just might make it to win while Stephenie thinks Rafe is the only one she might win against because they "screwed over the same people." But, when talking to Rafe about the F3, he said he gave Danni his promise that he wouldn't vote for her yet Stephenie thinks that Lydia should go to the F3 as she could be easily beaten in any challenge.

The always hungry Stephenie had asked Lydia to ask the Mayans if they could eat the chicken. The Mayans said no, it's a sacrifice and sacred. An hour after they left, Stephenie and Lydia checked out the chicken and then ate it with Danni. Rafe, who was very enthralled with the whole ceremony and touched by the cultural experience, refused to eat the chicken. But when the skies let loose less than an hour later, Rafe got rained on as well as the women. Were the Mayan gods angry? Rafe mentioned that he heard the Mayans say something about the Thunder God when they were there. Now, I don't know if I would have eaten the chicken or not. I think I'd be too creeped out by the thought of it unless I was absolutely starving. Would you have eaten the chicken? (I also would be wary that it was sitting out for an hour or more and had bugs all over it.)

Off to the first Tribal Council of the finale:
Danni tried to be convincing as she said Lydia is indeed a threat because she's so well liked by all. Did that work? We'll see. Jeff questioned them about the chicken -- he didn't seem too thrilled that they ate it. (Except for Rafe, mind you.) Stephenie mentioned that Danni is likely to get jury votes because she didn't have to backstab like Rafe and herself -- something I mentioned in last week's blog, I believe. ;-)

The votes were tallied -- Lydia voted for Danni, the others all voted for Lydia. Lydia goes off into the sunset and the Final Three are Stephenie, Rafe and Danni. Lydia took it well. She seemed thrilled to have lasted as long as she did.
To be continued...

East Coast Update - Winner of 'Survivor: Guatemala' is...

2005-12-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

DANNI

East Coast Update - Final Two are...

2005-12-11T21:45:00.000-05:00

Danni and Stephenie...

East Coast Update - Final Immunity Winner

2005-12-11T21:32:00.000-05:00

Danni won the Final Immunity. Rafe told her he will release her from all promises -- take whoever she wants to the Final 2.

East Coast Update - Final Three Are...

2005-12-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

The Final Three are Rafe, Stephenie and Danni. Lydia was voted off 3-1 (she voted Danni).

East Coast Update - Immunity

2005-12-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

Rafe wins the Immunity which will guarantee him Final Three.

Tonight, Tonight... and Jeff Probst News

2005-12-11T17:50:00.000-05:00

Tonight, tonight... won't be like any other night! If you're west coast and just "gotta" know, check back for breaking east coast updates on tonight's finale which starts in about two hours here. As it's a three hour ordeal -- hey, you know I have to watch the reunion hour -- I won't be posting the recap/review until tomorrow after I get home from work. Yeah, unfortunately I do have to work for a living and they even expect me to be there in the morning! Sheesh! But I will be taking my show night notes and posting major update brief as they happen tonight. I'm sure to be full of opinions and love to hear your opinions, too. :-)

In other rather late news (I meant to mention this before), Jeff Probst fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Our favorite Dimpled Host has signed on to go through the 16th season of the show.

Survivors ready? Let the finale begin... er... in two hours!

Bloggin' Ep. 13: "The 'Survivor' Car Curse Lives On"

2005-12-09T11:47:00.000-05:00

Five are left. Who will be voted out tonight? (Um... last night.)

After recapping Judd's loving departure, the episode began with the remaining five talking about Judd. No surprise. He made his departure talkworthy. Cindy is a bit leery. She sees a pattern. Jamie was blindsided. No one told Judd. Judd was blindsided, no one told her. She's very concerned that she'll be next. The camera cuts to a howling monkey who seems equally concerned.

Rafe is in his element -- last man standing, the women like him and almost consider him "one of the girls", he thinks of them as Rafe's Angels which must be some sort of play on 'Charlie's Angels' in his mind. Is he old enough to remember the series? He feels all who are left are very close. But, as the game of 'Survivor' goes, close friends mean nothing in the long run as you go for that million dollar prize being the Sole Survivor. I snickered a bit when Rafe referred to Judd as one of the 'cool kids' gone leaving the dorks to have fun. I personally wouldn't list Judd as a 'cool kid' but that may be just me. I thought he was a bit dorky! (Hey, I myself am dorky... takes one to know one!)

In the Tree (MAYAN JUG) Mail, all they got was a car key. Gee, do you think they're competing for a car? ;-)

As the castaways got excited, we found out tidbits like Stephenie has never owned a car at all, new or old... and Lydia would give it to her son. They were all psyched for the challenge.

The challenge was called Second Chance. It took elements of previous challenges and was done in three rounds. In the end, Cindy won. What did she win? A 2006 Pontiac Torrent and an overnight barbeque excursion at the local archeologist dig site. Jeff gave her a speech about the Survivor Car Winning Curse -- not one person who ever won the car has gone on to win the show. Four more Torrents drove in and Jeff told her if she sacrificed her win, the other four castaways would each get a car. [Hmmm... this makes me think. They've already procured five vehicles to give away. I have a feeling that if she had given up the car to let the others have them, the show probably would have given her hers, too. I could be wrong. But, a previous season had this sort of scenario with family visits and the one who gave up the prize received the prize. What do you think?] Cindy chose to keep the car for herself and chose 2nd place in the challenge Stephenie to accompany her to the overnight barbeque.

Important note: The four remaining Torrents are being given away. If you want a chance to win one of them, head to your local Pontiac dealer and ask for the 'Survivor' scroll. Then you go to the CBS website where you can find out if the code on your scroll is the winner of a 2006 Torrent. You only have until 12/12 to do this. Scoot along, but bookmark this page to finish reading!

Ah, you're back! Did you win?

Stephenie seemed almost as excited as Cindy was and said she would have kept the car, too. Cindy seemed too excited to be having second thoughts. She wanted to break the curse.

But... back at the camp, Rafe wasn't so thrilled with her choice. He insists he would have given the car away so the remaining four could have cars. My thoughts about this? He probably would have. While I think Rafe is a tremendous player and a nice person, I think he lives in a different world from the others remaining on the show. Well, perhaps not so much different from Danni, but very different from Stephenie, Lydia and Cindy who don't seem to have come from any sort of privileged backgrounds, plus weren't raised in an environment such as Rafe was (read his bio on the website). So, while the girls are away, Rafe plants the seeds and Danni sows 'em. Lydia seems very quiet. I think she would have loved the car if given to her, but if she won the challenge she wouldn't have given away the cars... just like Cindy. She later told Rafe that she thought Cindy made the right choice.

Cindy's determined she will beat the odds and come away with both the car and the million. Yeah, right. As Stephenie and Cindy talk at their sleep away and eat until ya bust, the talk turns of ousting Rafe! Yep, Cindy is pushing that angle and Stephenie seems receptive. They talk of getting Lydia to join the Darkside against Rafe of Goodness and Light. Will it happen? Hmmm...

Upon returning to camp in the morning, Cindy made the fatal error of going on and on (and on and on) about the car. Tsk, tsk. If her fate wasn't sealed prior to that point, it would be soon. Danni and Rafe didn't say much at all to her and Lydia just worked around the camp. Shut up about the car, Cindy! Sheesh! I thought while watching that her only chance to stay after the car would be to win Immunity.

So... off to the Immunity Challenge! This was yet another physical tasks one and now the players (except Lydia) are more equally matched on that level. Rafe may have an edge, but Steph, Danni and Cindy are all pretty tough. There were shackled hands and feet, ropes, keys, knots and running at the end to raise a flag. Finally, Stephenie won something on her own -- for the first time. She was in happy tears. She's made the Final Four.

Scheming time comes, as per usual. Rafe and Danni commit to each other that they want to be the Final Two. Rafe says he trusts her and won't vote for her. Meanwhile, Danni seems to have a trick or two up her sleeve. I think in the past week or two she's proven to be excellent at the Outwitting and Outplaying aspect of the game. Will she Outlast? Rafe is a good player, but I think Danni may have the edge on him. She's shrewd, yes she is.

They made it look like Rafe would be voted out, but in the end all voted for Cindy to leave. So, for the Final Four, we have Stephenie, Rafe, Danni and Lydia. In my mind, though I think she's probably a great lady, Lydia doesn't belong there. Will she be next to go? Who do you want for the win? I think Stephenie has redeeemed herself a bit, but I'm straddling on a Rafe or Danni win. I was a huge Rafe supporter all along... but now I'm thinking Danni could have it in the bag if she makes it to the Final Two. Rafe will be seen by many on the jury as deceitful as he was part of their leaving and was supposedly a friend. Danni, on the other hand, was on the "other tribe" and her actions weren't technically those of a "friend." We'll know Sunday night!

What do you think?

'Survivor Insider' Transcripts

2005-12-07T14:26:00.000-05:00

Once again, the fine folks at the Survivor Sucks site have transcribed the latest 'Survivor Insider' video clips from the CBS website. My own computer hates the videos on the CBS site and tends to gather all kinds of bizarre adware whenever I try to watch them. So, it's easier to read the transcriptions other people take the time to write! :-)

This week was a good one as Judd was such an angry, nasty loser. Check out the link in the first paragraph!

Judd on 'The Early Show'

2005-12-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

Rats. I would have liked to have seen this one, but I had to work. It doesn't sound like they grilled him as much on his exit behavior as I would have! The CBS website has the scoop at CBS News Doorman Gets Denied On 'Survivor' December 2, 2005 11:00:05. As I'm typing this, Judd is going to be appearing on the Saturday 'Early Show' to answer their 20 questions. I never searched out links to that secondary appearance, but I'll scout about.

An excerpt from Judd's Friday morning interview:
On The Early Show Friday morning, co-anchor Rene Syler wanted to know if Judd will speak to Stephenie at the "Survivor" reunion. "We'll see what happens," Judd replied. "Like I said, I thought me and her were tight. Not only tight, I thought we were pretty good friends. I took her on every reward there was. She blindsided me, back-stabbed me." But, Syler asked, "Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing?"

Bloggin' Ep. 12: "You're All Lying Scumbags! Even my Jersey Girl!"

2005-12-01T21:34:00.000-05:00

First, I'd like to thank AOL's One and Only Zoetawny for creating this nifty holiday Jackie/Survivor tag for me! She rules, she surely does! :-)

Onto tonight's 'Suvivor: Guatemala' --

Six are left. Who will be voted off tonight?

After the inevitable recap, we opened on Xhakum Day 31 where Danni is fully expecting to be targeted in the next Tribal Council, and Lydia had the rather odd sensation of smelling sausage and eggs. The first valid concern, the latter was all in Lydia's mind. Judd and Danni then practiced their cartwheels. Please don't ask me why -- I haven't a clue. In Danni's confessional, she spoke of a plan to get with Lydia and how the alliance (Judd, Stephenie, Rafe and Cindy) must be broken up whether she instigates it or they just turn on each other. We'll see...

It's off to the Rewards Challenge! Woohoo! ;-) Jeff issued each Survivor $500 to spend at auction. Two people could pool their money to bid on an item and then share it. Danni jumped on the first item, beef jerky, most likely as it's high protein. She got it for twenty bucks and refused Jeff's offer of trading for "what's behind the curtain." A wise choice as the trade was a huge bowl of uncooked corn, the only food they seem to have in camp. Lydia spent $140 determined to get a mosquito net for one. But, the big prize was... ta da... loved ones come out of behind bushes. Lydia gave Stephenie all her money, but that didn't beat Judd pooling in with Cindy. The winner won the family member overnight. Judd won with $880 spent. Before the Loved Ones, Danni bid and won a rather cool item. She got a sealed envelope which may help her win the Immunity Challenge. She was very determined to outbid everyone on that one for obvious reasons.

But, wait! Is there more? Yes! The winner could also select two others for the visit while the three Unchosen (wasn't that a movie?) had to go spend the night at the old Nakum camp. Judd chose Cindy as it was her money which helped him win and Stephenie, his Jersey Girl. @@ - I can roll my eyes at that as I'm writing this in NJ! So, it was Judd and his wife, Cindy with twin Mindy and Stephenie and her boyfriend doing the overnight while Rafe, Lydia and Danni hiked on outta there.

I could roll my eyes at the entire Overnight Sleep Out Crew, especially Judd and his wife. @@! On and on it went. "Oh, Judd does all of this?" "He's so great!" "I do it all. I'm just darn wonderful." In confessional, Stephenie spoke of how much she owes Judd and how cool it would be if the Final Two were from NJ. "Jersey would be proud." Um. Er. Speak for yerself! In game talk, Judd has decided Danni would go and, if she won immunity, then it would be Lydia. Cindy and Stephenie were fine with that.

As the discussion at the old Nakum camp wasn't all Judd-centric (well, in a way it was, but...!), I found that more interesting. Danni is making her move and working her plan. She talked to Rafe and planted the Judd Out seed as he admitted that he doesn't trust him. Rafe thinks Judd has to be caught in a lie. Didn't Gary do that last week in front of all?

As the Exiled Three returned in the morning, the loved ones (mushy) were still there. The ever romantic Judd likened seeing his wife to eating 25 White Castle cheeseburgers. Eww! Sliders! Now, if I were to say that about someone, I'd be talking ghastly ill. He said it with love. Eww. After the company left, Lydia kept prying at Judd for info... plans, Final Two thoughts, etc. But Judd was pretty quiet about things. Danni and Lydia both started playing Judd as if they want Rafe out. Judd feels like a secure man, but he's Dead Man Walking. Heh. They played him like a fiddle!

And, it's off to the Immunity Challenge! There was a roughly circular platform made of white tiles with a spinning part like in a childen's park placed in the center. The Survivors had to turn a tile over to reveal red, then step on it. They couldn't move diagonally. When surrounded by red, they were out. If they could make it to the spinning thingee, they could spin to choose a spot near them. Danni opened her envelope -- it was a one shot opportunity to change position with anyone. She used it to switch with Stephenie when Stephenie had been doing best. The challenge went down to Stephenie and Danni, Danni won and saved herself from an almost certain fate at Tribal Council. Stephenie seemed mad at first, but then backed off a lot as Danni needed the immunity right at this point. Almost desperately needed it.

Back at camp, Danni goes to Stephenie planting the Judd Seeds of Doubt. Stephenie is reluctant, but goes along as, even though she likes him, he's a threat and can't really be trusted. You go, Danni! Now Rafe, Danni, Lydia and Stephenie are in on the Judd ouster. They didn't think it would be wise to get Cindy in on it. Meanwhile, Judd is strutting about like he's King Rooster and untouchable. He's so certain that Lydia is going, smug about it, too. "As long as it ain't ME!"

We're onto the moment of truth, Tribal Council. Eh, no good confrontational questions for the most part from Jeff until Judd opens his mouth practically dissing everyone there. Smooth move, Judd. You sealed your fate if it wasn't already a done deed. "Deal with it!" Heh.

In showing Danni's vote, she said (paraphrased) "You say the squirrels get the nut. You're the nut." Someone wrote Judd's vote as the Juddinator. Judd voted for Lydia. Smugly, I might add.

As Jeff read the votes, he jockeyed the first four between Judd and Lydia, then Judd, Judd, Judd. I have never seen such a sore loser! He went on about not lying, called the others "scumbags" twice before he left Tribal Council and once more in the goodbye message. At TC he told them he hopes they get eaten by crocodiles. In the goodbye he said he'll say more to the Final Two. Yikes, look out Sue Hawk! And, trust me, he wasn't joking. No class. None at all. Don't let the torch hit you on the way out, Judd.

Jeff dismissed the others saying "You can't rely on what used to be. The game has changed in a big way."

And, yes... it has.

I wasn't expecting it to work. I really thought Lydia would go when Danni got immunity. I didn't think Danni and Lydia could work 'em the way they did. Danni really impressed me tonight. How 'bout you? What did you think of tonight's show?

Predictions? Um, well...

2005-11-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

In my previous entry, ColoradoSurvivor said: "Alright, Jackie, it is time to put you on the spot. Who do you think is going home this week? Are you ready to make your picks for the final four? What about the final two?"

Ohhh... I'm not great in the prediction spotlight! Usually, those I want to win at these shows never do, although I predicted both the Richard Hatch and Tom Westman wins very early in those seasons. But, when you think about it, that's two seasons out of eleven. Not good odds at all, I don't think. That's one reason I never got into gambling. ;-)

Okay, I'll try. Now, keep in mind -- usually the folks I want to win the game don't. I'm going to try to look objectively at this. My personal favorite for the win is Rafe, but I don't know if that will happen. If the tribe were smart, they'd get rid of Judd tonight. I don't think that will happen. I think it will be Danni going... or Lydia.

These are my predictions, no spoilers... just my own self. Prove me wrong about the winner, 'Survivor: Guatemala' --

Final Four: Stephenie, Judd, Cindy, Rafe
Final Two: Judd, Stephenie
Winner: Judd

I would personally prefer the Final Two to be Cindy and Rafe with Rafe taking home the million. But I think this is going to be one of those years that because that's how I feel, it's not going to happen. And, in thinking of the jury, of Judd and Stephenie, Judd's probably got more votes for the win despite his faults.

Prove me wrong, show! Prove me wrong! Who do you think will be in the Final Four? Final Two? Win? Please remember I've allowed anonymous comments, but if I know you give me a hint! :-)

Gary on 'The Early Show' Today

2005-11-28T19:41:00.000-05:00

As he wanted to spend the holiday weekend with his family, the ousted from Guatemala Gary Hogeboom didn't appear on 'The Early Show' until this morning. CBS has the transcript (or you can watch the video) on their website ---> CBS News Game Over For Gary November 28, 2005 13:00:05

A few interesting tidbits:
So why did Lydia and Danni vote him out?
"I told them not to vote against anyone else," Gary says. "I told them to vote for me. I wanted both of them to go far, and if they voted for Steph or Judd, it would work against them."

For his part, Gary stayed consistent in his voting, making Cindy his target. "A few weeks ago, we wanted to keep Brandon on and vote out Jamie," Gary says. "She told me she was going to vote out Jamie and she voted for Brandon. I was mad at her for it and wanted her out."

Aha! I was wondering what was with the voting for Cindy bit with him! I was so pleased that he called Judd out on the Immunity Idol lie. :-)

Bloggin' Ep. 11: "Gay Mormon Boy Rules, Liars Exposed and Steph Explodes"

2005-11-24T22:24:00.000-05:00

Seven are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

After the obligatory recap, the show opened on Xhakum, Night 27 where Judd was stuttering, stammering and confused by Joltin' Jamie's ouster in Tribal Council. He wished someone had told him, but as a viewer I can see why they didn't -- and it was a good move on the part of Rafe and Stephenie... Lydia to a lesser extent.

Gary is a happy castaway, but of course. he thinks Jumpy Jamie did him a big favor by driving his own alliance crazy.

When Day 28 dawns, Judd saw that Gary was grilling Lydia. No, not in a cannibalism kind of way! He was asking her who's the leader of the alliance, who she thinks should go next, yada yada yada. And, she seemed to be answering him honestly. She said Stephenie is making most of the decisions and she nailed that one right on the head. Judd ran to Stephenie to tell her what she heard. Judd, Stephenie, Rafe and Cindy think they have the tightest group and will make the final four. They're willing to lose Lydia to Gary and Danni, saying she should have been voted off weeks ago.

In confessional, Rafe talked how Judd has changed and can't really be trusted. He added that he will use him for the time being, though. Judd's confessional showed that he thinks Gary is the biggest liar as he said at the Mansion Reward that he felt Cindy and Lydia should be voted off and now he seems to be in an alliance with Lydia. Now, I think he didn't lie. I think Gary's just trying to do whatever he can, allign with whomever he can... to stay in the game. That's all. To me, that's not lying at all. I don't recall him telling Lydia he'd never vote for her or anything of the sort. Lydia herself is looking out for her best interests. She says she'll go with whoever is the better deal for her own advancement in the game.

It's off to the Rewards Challenge! Each contestant is represented by three clay pots (labeled with their names) full of corn and suspended by ropes. Jeff asked a series of questions based on Mayan culture. Correct answers got the opportunity to bust a pot of another player. Wrong answers sat out the round. The Reward? A day at a glorious waterfall with a feast and a massage. Food! Lydia was the first person to break a pot and went immediately to Stephenie's. Oh, no! Steph was ticked! She started making nasty comments about jealousy and just being downright mean to Lydia. She was the first clubbed out. Now, this is the kind of challenge which really shows who wants whom out of the game. But, the way they handle things may allow a bad relationship to at least cruise along a bit. Not in the case of Stephenie vs. Lydia. Lydia's rationale was that she hadn't won any food and was very hungry. Alas, Cindy turned out to be the winner and she chose to bring Rafe along with her. He came in second place.

Back at camp, Stephenie went on and on. I liked her last season, but not so much this season. She is a strong player and competitor, but the first part of this season we saw her whine so much and now it looks like the power of numbers has gone to her head! Argh! C'mon, Jersey Girl -- throw a bit of normality in there! Just a teensy bit! Please! I felt sorry for Lydia who was Stephenie's target and I wasn't too thrilled with her, either. She pouted like a child -- "Cindy should have chosen ME!" Dang it, what happened to Pep Rally Lydia? I liked her!

In confessional, Gary pointed out that Stephenie eats anything and everything and may be the only contestant there who hasn't lost weight. Lydia said that if she had won, she would have taken Rafe as neither of them have eaten. Um... then why is she faulting Cindy for taking Rafe? After all, she couldn't choose them both!

Cindy and Rafe tightened their bond during their outing and it's evident that they just might have the strongest bond of any two players outside of the Gary/Danni bond which is under the Numbers Game Target. They have final two plans a'goin', trust me!

Upon returning to camp, they couldn't help but notice that Lydia was not only in the role of an outcast, but was acting strangely, too. Cindy doesn't feel sorry for her and seems to think that's Lydia's game ploy with her behavior -- the Woe is Me Card. In discussion between Rafe and Stephenie, it's pretty much decided Lydia is no longer in their alliance at all. Gary tried his hardest to work on Rafe -- he wants in with the Inner Circle. Will he prevail? If not, he'll go down fighting 'til the end.

Could it be time for the Immunity Challenge? Why, yes indeed, it could and it was. This was more of a thinking one with a smidgen of running involved. Jeff told this long convoluted Mayan folklore story that I couldn't begin to explain right now -- the sun, the moon, sons who held the sky down and the ending was why the sun always hides from the moon or vice versa. There were seven stations, each contestant had a color. They had to run to a station, put together a puzzle which asked a question about the tale. Then there were two boxes with answers on the lids. The right one had flags in each color, the wrong had colored sticks. The right answer would run to tie the flag to their stand, the wrong had to run to throw the stick in a fire and then go back for the right answer. Gary gave a valiant effort, as did Cindy... but Rafe won Immunity once again. You go, Rafe! He's thrilled! He thinks he's doing the gay community proud by doing well athletically and mentally.

Back at the camp, Gary made his play for Rafe. No, not that way! Sheesh! His game play! Rafe admits that he doesn't trust Stephenie 100%, but doesn't really offer Gary much to go on with how he'll vote.

Of course, it was raining as the tribe headed to the Tribal Council. Jeff asked his Probsting questions starting with Lydia and the hostility betwixt her and Stephenie. It got quasi-heated right there at Tribal Council between them. Stephenie denied she was running the show. Meanwhile, Gary said that some seemed starstruck by Stephenie and should wait until after the show to ask for her autograph. That got the jury -- Bobby Jon and Jamie -- guffawing and slapping knees. I didn't guffaw, but I chuckled. ;-) Judd went on about how he has never lied in the game and that Gary is the biggest liar because of the Lydia/Cindy thing. Gary called him on the hidden Idol lie. I chuckled once again.

Darn. I'm going to miss him. Gary was voted off tonight. Sigh.

So, who am I liking? I really like Rafe. I think he's playing a smart game mentally, he's getting along with folks and that the only thing he has to watch is winning so much. He's going to have to keep on winning or he might be perceived as too big of a threat no matter how much folks like him. I've gotten so I like Danni, but I feel her days are numbered. I'd like to see Stephenie and Lydia out at this point, followed by Judd.

What do you think?

Jumpy Jamie 'The Early Show' Transcript

2005-11-19T22:52:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well... Paranoia Prince Jamie made his 'The Early Show' visit yesterday morning. The official CBS website has the interview up here --> CBS News Jamie: Et Tu Lydia? November 18, 2005 12:30:05 Ack, I'm so glad he's gone! He's way too confusing and jumpy for my liking!

An excerpt:
And then, I felt like my team was getting picked off one by one, so I had to be the backbone and say what I wanted to say, get in their minds and be like, 'We'll take y'all out one by one,' talking about the other team. Then we merged. I was still so in the mix with things that I couldn't get together one tribe. I couldn't understand it."

Also included in the article are snippets about how Gary, Judd, Stephenie and Danni reacted upon seeing themselves in the mirror for the first time since entering Guatemala. Okay, Stephenie and Danni think their butts are still intact. :-)

Bloggin' Ep. 10: "Blindsided by a Fishmonger!"

2005-11-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

Eight are left. Who will be voted out tonight? (Okay, LAST night -- my apologies for running late with this entry!)

The show opened on Night 24 as the tribe members question Gary about finding the Immunity Idol which saved his butt for a week. Of course, Odd Duck Jamie -- recall, I will use descriptors each time I use his name just because he annoys me -- doesn't like him, doesn't trust him and is growing increasingly paranoid and ... er... ODD. He tried to get Cindy in a frazzle over the fact Gary voted to oust her. Now, she has no issue with that at all. She's not taking the vote personally, but Creepo Jamie certainly is! And, you know it's sad when even Judd is a voice of reason. Eek. Yep, even Judd who definitely doesn't trust Gary himself tried to reason with Paranoid Prince Jamie.

So, we watch as Jumpy Jamie starts making up things about Gary -- how he lied and such! @@ No one's buying his delusions.

Onto the Rewards Challenge we go...Jeff explained that the Survivors would be tied together in pairs running through a mud course (about 8" deep is my guess as I watched), making their way through obstacles to retrieve a pot of corn. They had to race back with the corn filling a container at the end. The pairs were two men and two women per team. Lydia was an embarassment at this one literally causing her team the loss. Rafe and Jerk Jamie made up the time she lost. But, had they made that time atop of a normal racing of the female pair, they could have won for sure. As it stood, the challenge was won by Judd, Gary, Stephenie and Danni.

They reaped the benefits of a helicopter ride to a mansion owned by a guy named Louie. While there they would shower (Judd got naked trying to rival Rich Hatch by being a Fat Naked Heterosexual Guy), feast, get fresh matching pajamas, spend the night, have lots of product placement Folgers coffee and, as a special bonus, they received videos from loved ones at home. Gary's family was a hoot! One of his kids asked if he had been hit on the head by a coconut yet and, if so, she introduced herself so he would remember her. I also liked Danni's dogs -- as her Mom put it, the two special men in her life.

They bonded a bit, although Judd is way strong on the Six Power, thus not likely to be swayed no matter how much he enjoys Gary's company. Stephenie also points out the wisdom of remaining with the Six in her confessional. As they left to go back to camp, they brought some of the Folgers with them to share.

Oh... did I mention that Jamie was outright scary livid about their winning the rewards and not him? We're talking schizo livid. You could see the daggers in his eyes! Even after they lost, he ranted for Cindy and Lydia to finish... even though it would mean absolutely nothing. While the others were gone, Lydia was apologizing to Rafe for her horrible performance in the challenge. Rafe was understanding. Camera cut to Jamie Insanie -- he's squishing fruit in his hand and it seems like the fruit symbolizes Lydia's head! The daggers were still in his eyes upon the return of the winners. He immediately went into his Paranoia Will Destroy Ya mode grilling Judd to see if he likes Gary better than him. @@ -- had to eyeroll. Just had to!

More than one Rafe confessional session, perhaps all of them, were about Strange Jamie. Rafe understands that he freaks out about everything, is very paranoid and isn't doing well. But, when he tries to calm him down and talk sense? Well, the paranoia just doesn't stop. When approached several times by Jumpy Jamie to verify that he wouldn't vote for him Rafe said, "I told you I wouldn't vote for you. Ask me one more time and I just may." The reply creeped me out -- "I'd have to kill you then. I'd murder you."

In the Immunity Challenge, yet another physical one, the Survivors were attached to a rope and had to race through obtacles and untie knots... er, and stuff. ;-) The first four to complete the course would move onto the next part -- the same sort of deal but with three levels. Rafe, Jamie, Stephenie and Cindy were the ones who went on. In the end, it was the amazed Rafe who won. In a later confessional, he mentions he may have to rethink his strategy as he might come across as a threat. Out of three Immunity Challenges in which he's participated, he's won two and came in second on the third. Watch out, Rafey!

Back at camp, Judd is figuring the vote with Edgy Jamie thinking the most Jamie would get would be one vote -- Gary's. But the plot thickens! Rafe, growing increasingly disturbed about Lamie Jamie, approaches Lydia and Stephenie about voting him out. Lydia is reluctant and it's left that if she goes with it, Steph and Rafe will vote him out. They know that Gary and Danni will most likely vote for him. Gary campaigned, but it looks to him like the Six will stick together. Wisely, Rafe left Judd in the dark about the plan.

It's off to Tribal Council! Of course, we endure Jeff's Probsting of the Survivors. Judd was so overboard with kind words about Gary that I had to roll my eyes! @@

As the votes were read, the tie bit came to play. You know, leading with Gary, tied and so on. In the end, Lydia went with Stephenie and Rafe -- Jumpin' Jamie had to jump on outta there! He is shocked! As he said after his torch was snuffed -- "Blindsided, niiice! That's how you vote someone out!"

Jeff pointed out that who you share information with, what information you share and how you share it is critical to the game.Well done, Rafe!

I apologize this entry is so late in coming. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd write it at all. Right now I'm so down on AOL for mucking up my blogs with their huge nasty banner ads for companies that I would not personally promote. Again, I bid folks reading this to write to the AOL screen name JOURNALCHANGES@aol.com to help protest this crass move.

Due to AOL's Banner Ads, I'm Here

2005-11-16T19:02:00.000-05:00