Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Finale + Reunion

And the winner is...

This is it! I can't believe it's over... but this season of Survivor has come to a close, and for the second time in a row, my favorite and clear pick from the beginning has won with a landslide. I'm so excited!!!

I have a TON to say about what went down tonight, from Redemption Island returns to emotional manipulation, and of course Final Tribal council, the crowned winner and Reunion episode ridiculousness. I encourage you to watch my video below, but in a nutshell, here are my main points:

• Redemption Island returnee was not my pick.... but I don't think it really affected the outcome
• Tyson just continued to play a flawless game towards the end, from challenges to his Final Tribal performance
• I was very surprised to see how people continued to give Monica such a hard time at Final Tribal. To me, she was an open book (hence the thumbnail in my last blog post!)
• Who disappointed me with their Final Tribal questions and attitude
• How Final arguments either lacked in delivery or didn't
• Who stood out the most at the Reunion
• Next season

That's all for this season, folks! Thanks for following, and be sure to let me know how excited you are (or not) for the winner, and how you feel about next season! Brawn vs. Brain vs. Beauty. 

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Thirteen

Monica, such an open book!

Another solid episode in a very solid season. Ultimately, now that we're so close to the end, I can say this hasn't been my favorite season, but I've still very much enjoyed it. Even if Tyson, who was my pick to win from the beginning, takes the title and the money, it'll still be pretty straightforward and predictable because no one made moves early enough to really shake things up.

Sure, Hayden's ruckus that lead to drawing rocks last week, and his fight to the very end this week were great to watch and very valiant efforts, but at the end of the day, it was just too late, and that's what's a shame. I suppose that tends to happen when you put experienced players who don't need to warm up as much against new players who have many more things to adjust to before they start thinking as big. Nevertheless, this season has certainly been entertaining, and I didn't hate Redemption Island nearly as much as the first time!!!

The main point of conversation for me in this episode is Monica. She got pulled so far on all sides and attacked so vehemently that I really felt bad. I mean, she's a beast, and I totally respect her, don't get me wrong, but she is emotionally vulnerable and Hayden, Ciera, Tyson and Gervase ALL took advantage of that. Granted, it was the best move for all of them, but still.

Now, we're just a few days away from knowing who comes back from Redemption Island and who wins... What do you think? Is there still a chance things will get shaken up, or is it a straight shot from here?

All that and more in my latest video, which you can watch below!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Twelve

Best challenge I've seen in a long time!

Just finished watching the episode and OMG-WOWZA-WOOHOO! Some Tribal Councils just make me want to jump up and down and hug the screen and share to whoever will listen how amazing Survivor is. Tonight was one of them. Not only was it hilarious (rustle/ruffle feathers, anyone?), it was also high in adrenaline, surprises and sitting-on-the-edge-of-my-seatness.

Right? 

But because my videos go over more than just Tribal Council, what you can expect to see in this one includes my thoughts on Caleb, Hayden's last ditch attempts to shake up the game, Ciera's risky and ballsy decision, and drawing rocks at Tribal Council for the second time in 13.5 years. 

At this point... the two possible Final Threes seem pretty clear: it'll either be Tyson, Gervase and Monica or Hayden, Ciera and whoever comes back from Redemption Island. I'm still rooting for Tyson whole-heartedly, but I think everyone left has played a commendable game and contributed to making this season very, very good! 

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Eleven

Could've been a very different season if Aras and Vytas
had played a little differently...

Remember when Survivor used to air a season recap / previously unaired scenes episode on Thanksgiving week? I never liked those, and am certainly happy that they're not not making us wait an extra week for new action during a crucial part of the season... But unfortunately this week that meant I was unable to watch the episode or record my vlog right on Wednesday... I hope you'll forgive the lateness!

So, we're coming really close to the end now... and of course that means moves must be made -- or players must forever hold their peace. I was happy to see Hayden and Caleb attempt to make such a move, and have to commend their effort.

Other comments you'll find in this latest video relate to what happened on Redemption Island, how Ciera impacted Hayden and Caleb's "big" move, and how awesome Monica is playing.

I also wish I had more time to listen to all the podcasts and after-show episodes out there each week. I listened to Rob Cesternino's interview with Aras as well as Dalton Ross' one. Lots of insightful stuff, and a great place to keep the conversation going. I also discovered the music video for one of Aras' songs -- or rather Odd Us' songs -- "Sword In The Stone," which is really amazing. Both the song and the video. I highly recommend watching it. 

And now... here's this week's vlog on Episode Eleven of Survivor!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Ten

Impressed at how long Tyson lasted
despite an injured shoulder!

I admit, I got a little teary-eyed at the very end, and was a lot upset at the very beginning, which coated this episode with a tinge of sadness for me. That said, I was happy to see some action happen between the pairs, and even though there were no high-production-value fireworks, I was really impressed with how Ciera and Laura M. handled the idea of not being able to work together.

In my video this week, I go over what went down at Redemption Island, how Ciera made a big mistake despite great intentions and some craft moves, and how Monica has earned her keeps in the tribe, and major Survivor respect points. Then of course, what was teased at the end of the episode, though I still have my doubts about Tyson being dethroned. Oftentimes, the trailers are very misleading, and though I'd like to think moves will be made, I'll wait until next week to go into more detail.

What do you think? Are you still as excited about the season now that the past few episodes have been more predictable? Who are you supporting to re-enter the game? Let me know!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Nine

I want me one of those...
but I wouldn't eat grubs for it.

We got a double challenge + elimination episode tonight! Made things seem to go so much faster, but it also got me in the mood for a Survivor marathon. Man, I remember when I watched old seasons in the space of a few days just back-to-back-to-back... But I digress.

Nothing too unexpected happened this week, except for the turn Vytas took that showed a less than charming side to him. I'm still a fan, but I wish he'd stayed as strategic and with his head screwed on straight rather than lose it completely. His best move instead of verbally attacking everyone would have been to try and get an all loved ones alliance going... but he didn't see it, and if he didn't see it, I doubt anyone else would have, and so that means that game is pretty much over for any of the loved ones as far as I'm concerned.

I'm definitely rooting for Aras on Redemption Island and would be more than happy for Aras to win if it's not Tyson. Gervase is also playing an excellent game, and I'm so happy to keep witnessing how much better of a game he's playing this season vs. 13 years ago. I also talk about Monica and Tina in this video, particularly how awesome Tina is. Such grace that woman has!

Video is below, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

PS. Small shoutout to Hellogoodbye, Metric and Paramore, who I saw tonight at Madison Square Garden and who KILLED it! Definitely recommend checking these guys live if they're in your area. 

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Eight

My favorite brothers of Survivor.

You might hear me say the word "excited" once or five times in this video... but hey, I'm allowed, right? It's the MERGE, after all! I'm not excited that Redemption Island is still in play, and that could mess up a lot of things for Tyson and Gervase, but at the end of the day, maybe that's a good thing too and will prove exciting. I think Aras making it back from Redemption is almost as good of a story as Ozzy making it back.

I've pretty much laid out all my cards when it comes to voting predictions, but it's true that I haven't taken into account a rock-the-boat-return from Redemption Island... and I also still need to think about Jury votes, because I'm taking it for granted right now that they'll vote my way, so still lots to ponder!

Other things you'll find in my video are: the Redemption Island challenge and the big return, Tyson's brilliant moves that led to this crucial blindside, and how what-who-said-when made the chips fall as they did for the votes and the expulsion (temporarily) of King -- I mean, Sir -- Aras.

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Seven

Does a player coming back from
stand a chance at winning the game?

Wow, we're already halfway through the season! And here we are with another key episode that in and of itself isn't exceptional but continues to reinforce how incredible this season is overall.

I have to give all the props of this episode to Vytas. He showed incredible self-control, intelligence, intuition and strategy in order to survive not one but two Tribal Councils and as we saw in the preview, make it to the merge as one of the two sole remaining pairs in the game. It's safe to say, though I think it will be very difficult for either one of them to win, that Aras and Vytas are the most epic pair of the season.

In this video, I talk about Kat (briefly), Tyson and his new alliance on Tadhana, Vytas Vytas Vytas, who might have just earned a spot in my favorite players of Survivor ever, Monica/Tina/Katie's move to vote off Laura B., and how I see alliances falling post-merge next episode.

CANNOT WAIT!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Six

Isn't it weird that all of a sudden Gervase was swimming...
swimmingly?

I have so much to say in the latest episode of Survivor that I hope I was able to articulate it all clearly in my video... I thought this was a good episode, and a good setup for even more exciting things to come later. Overall, I have to say, this season is really delivering so far.

To try and make things easier to follow in the video below, here are the big chunks/ideas to take away from this episode:

- better managing Laura M. before and at Redemption Island
- tribe swaps: who's in a good place and who isn't... and how they handle it from there
- how the dice falls on Galang and optimal strategies/alliances vs. what actually went down
- a series of stupid moves from Kat, Monica, Kat again, and maybe Tyson
- Hayden vs. Tyson vs. Aras next week... and personal moves of choice

Check out the video for yourself and let me know what you would've done!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Five

Way to go, Candice! 

How exciting that things finally turned around a bit in this episode! As much as I always root for the returning players to win, I was dying to see some more Galang action, and this was just what the doctor ordered.

I'm continually impressed with Aras, though I think people in his tribe and his alliance are equally impressed and will ensure he doesn't make it the final three... Poor Laura M. though didn't see through him, and that's what got her on Redemption. At least she'll take comfort in knowing she was only sent there to beat Brad so that Monica would become a stronger asset in the alliance of 5. 3 out 5 without loved ones? That's definitely a solid alliance, and those three aren't innocent spring chickens -- they know what they're doing.

I was definitely bummed about who left Redemption Island, but so it goes... Nothing that changed the game tremendously in any way. Nothing like a tribe mixup that looks like it will go down next week!

All this and more in my latest video...

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Four

Yeah, think hard, Brad!

This was a decent episode, but definitely a "middle of the pack one." I don't agree with Jeff that it was one of the biggest shifts of power during a Tribal Council ever, but that's because I'm very wary about these "ever" kind of statements. It was certainly exciting, and I'm surprised it didn't come to a tie -- particularly that Vytas was the one who ended up switching votes -- but on the other hand, when things are out of your hands, you're almost worst off and now Vytas can align with Caleb, Ciera and Katie if he needs too.

That said, I'm still a bit frustrated at the Tadhana tribe... They're either playing with their head too far in the game, or they're being rash and emotional and their tribe ends up being weaker as a result -- and that's what I think happened here.

For more on that, as well as my thoughts on what went down at Redemption Island and the challenge of the week, check out the video below!

Tyson still for the win!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Three

Love this guy.

I have to say, I'm loving this season -- which is surprising because I was not a supporter of the theme when it was first announced. I feel like I'm getting a special Survivor treat for superfans only every week.

That is, aside from Colton, who I talk about in my video, but who I do not want to dwell on much either. Honestly, it kind of serves the producers right for casting him again, even if it sucks for viewers. I really hate when contestants quit.... but it also pisses me off that they're making such bad decisions in bringing back "controversial" players. Brandon Hantz, anyone?! I mean, bring back villains like Abi-Maria, not crazies like Colton. I don't feel bad for him. Jeff is right -- he should have just stayed on the couch. How immature.

Other things I cover in this week's video are the challenge, where I thoroughly enjoyed watching loved ones battle each other, Tadhana's voting strategy, which I don't agree with, and my favorites, which haven't evolved all that much since the beginning. I'm still rooting for Tyson to take it all -- and even more so after this episode. I also love Aras and Vytas.

Check out my latest video here:

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode Two

Redemption Island challenges always
have me holding my breath... 

Let me start this post by venting a little bit.

Some guy wrote a comment on my video from episode one that supposedly revealed, according to a "reliable source," who was in the final three. Now, if you know anything about me, you know I hate spoilers -- especially Survivor spoilers. In fact, one of my close friends who watches the show loves spoilers, but still hates them when it comes to Survivor. I mean, why even bother watching a show like Survivor if you're just going to look up who gets voted out / gets to the end. So, I obviously deleted to the comment and told the guy to never do that again so I wouldn't ruin it for anyone else, but I also can't unsee it and I'm worried my commentary and predictions are now going to get skewed by what I've not read. I'm going to do my best to ignore it, but as I work on that, I ask that please, no one post any spoilers anywhere on my blog or YouTube channel or anywhere around me, really. Please.

Ok, rant over, and episode commentary a-go: I thought this was a solid episode, and I love how all the twists are coming into play. What I love even more is that the players are working the system and using those twists. Tonight's vote was all about that.

So in my video this week, I talk about the outcome at Redemption Island, Colton on Galang, Tadhana's strategy in voting and the new alliances / contestants that excite me.

Since last week, I've kind of lost some hope for John, but I'm still pumped about Vytas and Hayden. And Ciera really impressed me, so I hope she can turn the tides and play the Tadhana guys. For Galang, I'm still excited about Tyson and confident he'll make the right decision at Redemption Island, and my respect for Aras has substantially increased. I'm still excited about Tina too, and I hope Monica can live up to the potential I saw in her when she played in One World.

Check out my video below and comment away!

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - Episode One

Blood vs. Water: Will this cast sink or swim?

We're baaack! I had my doubts about this season when they announced the premise, but my deep-rooted fandom took over quickly and my excitement at the return of Survivor was unsinkable.

I have SO MANY thoughts about the season, the twists, the premiere, it was hard to contain them all in one video, but I did. In about ten minutes, I go over how I feel about the first twists: Day Zero, voting someone off right off the bat and Redemption Island; as well as my views on the tribes and their strengths and weaknesses.

Before the season even started, I had high hopes for Tyson. I adore him and can't wait to enjoy his sense of humor and wit on the show, which I hope will be given some more attention in later episodes. Other than that, my early favorites are more on the loved ones tribe... which seems to go in line with Jeff Probst's thoughts too.

So ultimately, my picks for the loved ones tribe are Vytas, Hayden and John, with some hopes for Ciera and Rachel, who we haven't seen much of yet.

For the returning players tribe, I'm putting 80% of my chips on Tyson, with big hopes for Tina and Laura M.

What about you? How do you feel about the new season's twists? Who are your early favorites?

Survivor: Caramoan - FINALE

PLEASE LET ME BE ON THE SHOW!

It is bittersweet to be writing this post tonight... Excited at the amazing finale, but sad say goodbye to Survivor for a few months once again... At least I know Jeff Probst has his bags packed and is still going to host the show for the next year! I was almost afraid that with Boston Rob's appearance, they were going to announce him taking over for Jeff as host. Not yet, people, please!

But let's talk about the season, shall we? It has definitely been a roller coaster, with some awful moments and some really standout/epic ones, but ultimately I'm SUPER happy with the outcome, both on the Sole Survivor front (called it!) and on the Player of the Season front (Malcolm, I love you.).

In my final video of the season, I go over my thoughts on the Reward Challenge advantage, the Eddie vs. Dawn in Final Three dilemma, the Final Tribal speeches and questions, and some thoughts on next season's Blood vs. Water theme...

Can't wait to hear your thoughts, and look out for my upcoming Best Survivor Players of All Time post to complement my Favorite Survivor Players of All Time, and my soon-to-be updated (yet again) Hottest Guys and Girls of Survivor!