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!