Habs (and any other Survivor fans)

[Coco]

You watching Survivor this season or what? I'd say we've got a pretty strong season going right now. Malcolm's pulled off some great (if slightly needless) moves at the last two tribal councils, and with the exception of Sherri (and maybe Dawn?) we could be heading towards a final three with no obvious weak links. Exciting times, no?

I hate what the hidden immunity idols have done to the game, as it takes something away from the social and strategic elements of the game that I value more than the Easter Egg Hunt skills that many players have gotten by on in recent years. But they do lead to some exciting tribal council swerves.

Where you at, Survivor fans? If I recall correctly, I think JGKY is among our ranks. Come on out and play, friends.

 

[Megatron]

I do watch the show and was quite amused with how that last tribal went. Dawn can fuck off though. Too emotional for my liking. And Sherri's boring. I imagine she'll only stay since she's no threat whatsoever.

 

[Coco]

Sherri in the last reward challenge was guffaw-worthy.

 

[hatehabsforever]

Of course I'm watching Survivor, Coco, I'm still a diehard fan of the show. I totally agree with you about the hidden immunity idols. As entertaining as last night's tribal council was because of them, I feel there is too much emphasis on the luck of finding a prize in a hole or in a tree, which takes away from such things as strategy and alliances.

I'm not totally sure why Malcolm just gave away his extra idol. Sure, it made for some great television at tribal council last night, but now he is screwed next week, unless he wins another challenge or exhibits great "Easter egg hunting" skills again. If I was him, I would have used one this week and saved the other one for myself next week, being the selfish bastard that I am.

If Dawn doesn't exit the game soon, I'm probably going to crack up. Annoying as hell her first time around, and even worse this season. In stark contrast to my predicted winner, Brenda. Last time she ran her mouth constantly and in doing so talked herself right out of the game. This time she's been solid, flying nicely under the radar while being more than competent in all of the challenges.

It's been a great season so far, I've really been enjoying it.

 

[Da Prophet]

Hidden immunity idols should be pushed back to having only two each season. Start with one at each tribes camp and that's it. It becomes so boring when all people do is just go and get another idol after they play one the night before. The lack of Parvati also makes me sad.

 

[Megatron]

Also losing Shep was a love/hate move for me. While he isn't acting as ridiculous as he was the first couple of days, the guy is always worth some good entertainment. On the otherhand, his shtick with the labels got old fast. Should've just kept promoting his secret agent status.

 

[Con T.]

Hidden immunity idols have, at this point, become like the Coup d'état's in Big Brother (or, more colloquially known as the "Fuck Jeff's Enemies" switch), in that they do more than take out the strategy. They feel forced, they feel like they're inserted into the game, and you can tell the producers have a hand in this.

Sure, last night's tribal council is great... But how long before we get annoyed with this? I don't think very long

 

[Coco]

I'm not totally sure why Malcolm just gave away his extra idol. Sure, it made for some great television at tribal council last night, but now he is screwed next week, unless he wins another challenge or exhibits great "Easter egg hunting" skills again. If I was him, I would have used one this week and saved the other one for myself next week, being the selfish bastard that I am.

Well as you said, saving the second idol for himself would have been selfish and would have sent Eddie packing last night. But by saving Eddie, Malcolm's entire alliance is protected and he increases the odds of the majority alliance cracking. Personally, I think cutting the head off the snake and getting rid of Philip has more potential long term benefit for Malcolm than making the more selfish play that essentially buys him a few more days at the most. Even if nobody except Erik switched sides and voted for Philip last night, possibly in an effort to secure Philip's jury vote, I like to think that certain members of Stealth R Us had a Come To Jesus moment at that tribal council and realized the peril they're in if they stick with their current alliance. Andrea and Dawn come to mind immediately. If Andrea or Dawn switch sides and Erik decides to play with the men again, we may have the makings of a new game for Malcolm and his seemingly doomed threesome.

Using both idols was a huge gambit, but I think it was the correct decision. The question now is if someone like Cochran or Brenda can keep this thing from going off the rails.

As for the winner, it's too early to tell. Brenda's a good shout, but this is one of those rare seasons where I could easily see one of the fit challenge killers making it to the final three. Of course if I had my way, I'd see Cochran win it all. I have no trouble relating to the pasty nerd. Sentimental favourite by a wide margin in my book, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him make a winning case to the jury.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

Love the show. Really hoping Malcom takes it all this year like I wanted him to last year.

THANK GOD Phillip is gone! He drove me crazy this year but LOL at Erik putting "Fillup" I seriously wonder if he thought that was supposed to be making fun of him or something. I agree idols get old but this is the first year that I've seen them played so much.

The only time I think they should be rehidden is when someone goes home while holding it or if its used very early on. Dawn annoys me too, Come on threatening to go home if you don't have your retainer with a couple teeth on it?

Oh yeah and really looking forward to seeing how gorgeous Brenda and Andrea look at the finale this year.

 

[IHW]

Me and Hollywood Nightmare talk about Survivor frequently through PM. I've been watching since the first episode of Redemption Island, and have been in love with the show ever since.

This season has been great. There were a few episodes right before the merge that I though were kind of dull, but they certainly have picked up. When Malcolm basically told Reynold to give him his idol, and Reynold did so, that's when things really got interesting. If I were Reynold, I would have been pissed when I found out Malcolm had an idol of his own. But, this is why Malcolm was my favorite from last season, and is my pick to win it this season. He is great at getting people to like him, but shows that deceitful side when others aren't around. Not to mention his great showing in challenges, and ability to find the Hidden Immunity Idol. I think the move he made at the last tribal was epic. It made for a good moment in the game. Eddie lucked out, and Malcolm knew he would need numbers going forward, or it was just a matter of time. Though he is great at winning challenges, and they got him to the final four last season, no one can rely on getting individual immunity every week.

Next step for Malcolm, Eddie, and Reynold is to recruit. It is 6-3 right now, so they still need that big move to turn the game. I think Erik is someone they need to go after. Erik voted against the 6 last week, if you watched the very end. So, he is up in the air on where he sits. I would stay away from Dawn and Cochran.

Wednesday is a great night on TV. Survivor and Duck Dynasty make for a good night of television. Oh, and I love a good Survivor Auction, so I am hyped for this weeks show.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

What'd yall think of tonight's episode?

I don't wanna spoil it for those who may not have watched yet but I think Sherri is a moron. Also someone needs to crush that ego Cochran is getting.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

If Sherrie wants to win, sticking with the alliance of six is the best way to go. She had little no chance breaking past fourth with the Three Amigos. Within the six she can float until the end and probably make the finals. Although I don't think she has much of a chance in a final any way you slice it.

Crap, I changed my mind. Her best chance to win the game is to sit with Reynold and Eddie in the end. I just don't see how she does that without pissing off the rest of the six enough.

Cochran was a bit much with his challenge hubris tonight. I'm not sure how much was him just trying to be funny though. Did you like his line and reaction after sucking the peanut butter off of Sherri's finger? I thought it great.

 

[IHW]

I was pretty upset when Malcolm went home. He was my pick to win it because of his tricky game play. No, I guess I'll root for Reynold, but the only way I see him winning is if the alliance of 6 breaks up next episode. Otherwise, its just a matter of time.

Of the remaining players of "Stealth R Us," if I had to pick one, it would be Cochran. Erik flip flops to much, and doesn't have a good strategy. Andrea worries about her place in the game to much, and doesn't have any confidence in herself. Dawn's a wine-bag. Sherrie hasn't played the game much at all, she is just riding the wave. And, whose left? Oh, Brenda. she hasn't made enough of an impact for me to even remember her.

So my top three right now are Eddie, Cochran, and Reynold. That's what I'd like to see. But, I see the finals being more like Reynold, Andrea, and Cochran. Weird final 3, right?

 

[hatehabsforever]

Of the remaining players of "Stealth R Us," if I had to pick one, it would be Cochran. Erik flip flops to much, and doesn't have a good strategy. Andrea worries about her place in the game to much, and doesn't have any confidence in herself. Dawn's a wine-bag. Sherrie hasn't played the game much at all, she is just riding the wave. And, whose left? Oh, Brenda. she hasn't made enough of an impact for me to even remember her.

The thing is, though, is that this happens with at least one person every single season. Someone is a pretty good player, does at least decently well in challenges, but makes no enemies along the way. Doesn't do enough to put a target on their forehead, doesn't perform too well to be a threat, but is still a solid enough player to go the distance. And this is why I still have Brenda as my prediction to win it all this season.

Look at the year that blond girl won in Russell Hantz's first season. She won it all and she was so non-descript that I don't even remember her name. She did absolutely nothing and yet she beat one of the most notorious Survivor players of all time. Hell, Sandra went 2/2 in Suvivor seasons personifying this strategy (she's the only two time winner and I had to google search to even remember her name).

That's one fundamental flaw with Survivor, as much as I love the show and the game. The vast majority of the time, the best player is not the one who ends up winning (I guess depending upon how you define "best player"). You don't have to be the strongest, the fastest, or even the most strategic to be victorious. You just have to be able to be somewhat decent in all of these parameters, and make sure you don't piss too many people off along the way.

I see a final three of Brenda, Cochran, and Andrea. And I see Brenda taking it all.

 

[IHW]

The thing is, though, is that this happens with at least one person every single season. Someone is a pretty good player, does at least decently well in challenges, but makes no enemies along the way. Doesn't do enough to put a target on their forehead, doesn't perform too well to be a threat, but is still a solid enough player to go the distance. And this is why I still have Brenda as my prediction to win it all this season.

Look at the year that blond girl won in Russell Hantz's first season. She won it all and she was so non-descript that I don't even remember her name. She did absolutely nothing and yet she beat one of the most notorious Survivor players of all time. Hell, Sandra went 2/2 in Suvivor seasons personifying this strategy (she's the only two time winner and I had to google search to even remember her name).

That's one fundamental flaw with Survivor, as much as I love the show and the game. The vast majority of the time, the best player is not the one who ends up winning (I guess depending upon how you define "best player"). You don't have to be the strongest, the fastest, or even the most strategic to be victorious. You just have to be able to be somewhat decent in all of these parameters, and make sure you don't piss too many people off along the way.

I see a final three of Brenda, Cochran, and Andrea. And I see Brenda taking it all.

Yeah, that happens very often. Look at the last three winners. Denise from last year, and Sophie and Kim from the two years before. None really made a big move. None played all that great of a game. Hell, Denise went to every single tribal council, and survived them all. That's about all she did last season.

I think when Boston Rob won it, it showed what the show should be like. The best player (like you said, depending on your definition) won it. Rob played a great game, and earned his win. I'm not saying the girls didn't, but Rob exemplified what a good player of the game does. I think Malcolm managed to do the same. He used idols. He made big moves when needed. And, he did great in challenges. Which, on the bad side of things, he made himself a threat.

With Brenda, she has a good chance of sliding into the final three. I just wonder if this jury will vote for a nice player, or someone who played the game more.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

If Sherrie wants to win, sticking with the alliance of six is the best way to go. She had little no chance breaking past fourth with the Three Amigos. Within the six she can float until the end and probably make the finals. Although I don't think she has much of a chance in a final any way you slice it.

See I think if she went with the Three Amigos she was in the final 3 without a doubt. No chance in hell would Malcom have brought both Reynold and Eddie to the final 3. I honestly think she would have either been in the final 3 with Malcom and Eddie or Eddie and Reynold.

Crap, I changed my mind. Her best chance to win the game is to sit with Reynold and Eddie in the end. I just don't see how she does that without pissing off the rest of the six enough.

I can't see Sherri winning. The jury won't vote stupid they will vote for who played the best IMO.

Cochran was a bit much with his challenge hubris tonight. I'm not sure how much was him just trying to be funny though. Did you like his line and reaction after sucking the peanut butter off of Sherri's finger? I thought it great.

Oh Cochran made me wanna knock his ass out with the whole "i'm the biggest threat" yeah okay cause winning an eating challenge and beating the strong guys by having a HUGE advantage proves that right? He would have been first or second one out if it wasn't for that. However that line was brilliant.

What are the odds of Andrea getting the idol next episode? She knows where to look and who knows if anybody else really does. I see Andrea (providing she gets the idol) using Eddie and Reynold to get out a couple people from the 6 then convincing Eddie to turn on Reynold.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

See I think if she went with the Three Amigos she was in the final 3 without a doubt. No chance in hell would Malcom have brought both Reynold and Eddie to the final 3. I honestly think she would have either been in the final 3 with Malcom and Eddie or Eddie and Reynold.

I think Malcolm would definitely have brought Eddie and Reynold. Eddie and Reynold are the same person and unlikely to get much jury support against Malcolm who is a stronger game player in every way. He is also far more likeable. Sherrie's current alignment with the remaining favorites may get her some votes (deserved or not).

Now if Reynold and Eddie were in charge I think they bring Malcolm since they are so far up his ass and you have to figure Sherrie has built some bond with the remaining favorites.

I can't see Sherri winning. The jury won't vote stupid they will vote for who played the best IMO.

The odds of Sherrie winning are small but I wouldn't say it is because she is stupid. I think she is actually quite bright. She just hooked her wagon to the wrong alpha male in Shamar, got lucky switching to the athletic tribe, and then smartly integrated in to Stealth R Us (stupidest name ever). I think I would have expected better from a Marine in the middle of nowhere but she found a way to survive him. I think if she can get Brenda and Dawn to turn on the other three favs she may be able to win in that final vote.

Oh Cochran made me wanna knock his ass out with the whole "i'm the biggest threat" yeah okay cause winning an eating challenge and beating the strong guys by having a HUGE advantage proves that right? He would have been first or second one out if it wasn't for that. However that line was brilliant.

I think the producers put people up to say things like Cochran's "challenge threat" line and Sherrie's "I am in control of this game" line or the comments are pulled out of context. I didn't take them to mean much in seriousness but I could be wrong.

What are the odds of Andrea getting the idol next episode? She knows where to look and who knows if anybody else really does. I see Andrea (providing she gets the idol) using Eddie and Reynold to get out a couple people from the 6 then convincing Eddie to turn on Reynold.

Andrea's best chance at getting votes are from Eddie and Reynold. Turning on her alliance is bad news for her in the end. She's played a good social game with Eddie, Reynold and Malcolm she needs their votes not them as finalists. I think it's in her best interest to sit with Dawn and Brenda or Sherrie and Dawn/Brenda. Dawn and Brenda are basically the same two hangers on with little social game game play and I've already discussed Sherrie to death. Cochran, Andrea and Eric are all threats to each other.

Who knows any of this though? We only get to see 44 minutes a week compared to people who spend 24 hour a day together for 39 days.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

Well to be fair, on the fans tribe Sherri WAS in charge as if they didn't switch it up Reynold and Eddie were slowly going to get picked off.

I still think Andrea is gonna bring Eddie to final 4 at least. She knows he will vote with her if push comes to shove now that Malcom is gone.

Who do you guys figure would be left in the game right now from the ones currently there if Malcom and Korin were able to carry out their plan? I think Phillip and Cochran were going 1 and 2 then Andrea.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

I agree. Phillip because he is annoying, then Cochran and Andrea in some order since they are always threats. Then Brenda and Sherrie. Then Dawn and Eric. Then Malcolm, Michael, And Corinne get numbers over Eddie and Reynold for your final three. It would have been a great situation for Malcolm since in the end he could pick a side and look like the puppetmaster all along. He's a good guy to have on the show. Bright player who was dealth a tough hand the past two seasons. I think he'll win the fan vote this time.

And I think you undervalue not the loyalty of Stealth R Us but the fear they have in Eddie and Reynold in challenges. I really think without immunity the next two Tribals are foregone conclusion with Eddie and Reynold going home.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

What exactly has Eddie won? I don't remember him being the hero ever for the fans or winning any immunity challenges for himself. That's why I think Andrea will work some magic to carry him further.

Plus lets say Reynold goes home next okay your down to 7. Don't you think it'll break down to 2 groups of 3 with both sides wanting Eddie's vote?

 

[hatehabsforever]

Well what a shit move to take Brenda out last night in the manner they did. I cannot believe that after giving up her reward challenge victory and her time with her family to her four fellow contestants, after voluntarily conceding the immunity challenge to Dawn (granted that was a bonehead move), and after diving in the water a few shows ago to find Dawn's retainer before she had a fit, they still voted Brenda off anyway. Strategy be damned, that was a shit move. At this stage of the game, I say go Eddie.

Should be an interesting finale this Sunday, although frankly, none of the remaining contestants are particularly impressive if you ask me.

 

[Coco]

It was the right move. Brenda was the obvious favourite at this point. It's only a "shit move" because you predicted she would win the whole thing.

 

[hatehabsforever]

Not really. I just think it was a crappy way of repaying the person who just gave up a significant personal reward for the benefit of the rest of the group. Jesus, Sherri was so distraught about not seeing her family during the reward that she was literally on the ground in grief (which I really don't get, but that's another story). Hell of a way to say thanks.

If Brenda had wanted to she almost certainly would have beaten Dawn in the immunity challenge. She voluntarily (and stupidly) stepped down for Dawn. Again, hell of a way to say thanks.

A few weeks ago, Dawn was devastated and ready to leave the game when she lost her false teeth. Brenda dove into the water and found them for her. And yet Dawn voted her off anyway. For someone who has been a blubbering basket case for the entire season, she's suddenly become ruthless.

I've seen Survivor pretty much every season and I know strategy like this is all part of the game. It's happened before and will happen again. I just thought it was pretty shitty. They could have taken Eddie out as planned and done Brenda next.

Plus I hate being wrong.

 

[Coco]

Survivor isn't about saying thanks. It's about winning.

 

[hatehabsforever]

Agreed. And I think they should have gotten down to business and taken care of Brenda as one of the biggest remaining threats. At the next tribal council.