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.