Survivor 11.12.09 "Tastes Like Chicken" SPOILERS!

[Crobinzine]

Uh, that was Good!!! :up:

"He just stirred up a whole lot of Hell!:up:

[TomK]

That was such a great blindside, one of the best ever.

[Legion]

If Russ and Sham are that tight, then Foa Foa is now in control.....5-4.

Great blindside though. Russ is a scrounger.

[heySkippy]

Even my wife, who hates Russell with a passion, had to admit tonight that he earned it. He's one of those relentless players that never stop.

[TomK]

If Russ and Sham are that tight, then Foa Foa is now in control.....5-4.

Great blindside though. Russ is a scrounger.


There are still 10 people left, 6-4 tribe breakdown, but if Sham sides with Foa Foa it would be 5-5.

[heySkippy]

^^ Exactly, it's effectively a tie game now because Sambo is glued to Russell.

[Crobinzine]

Even my wife, who hates Russell with a passion, had to admit tonight that he earned it. He's one of those relentless players that never stop.

I don't care if the guy is evil! I'm rooting for him! Good TV!

To find the idol twice, with no clues!!:up:

[6079 Smith W]

Started out hating him, but now I have no choice but to hope he wins it all. Go Russell! If they keep re-hiding the idol and he keeps finding it...

I had to rewind and slo-mo replay the Galu reactions at tribal council to Russell's play.

[SoakinginSoap]

Survivor has always been my favorite reality show. Tonight showed why I love it so much. It was BRILLANT! Have not liked Russel from day one but boy does he play this game.

IMO, it seem as if they are rewriting the show to keep Russel in the game. There never have been so many Idols in one season before.

A nice twist for the remaning 4, Foa Foa members, would be for one of them to find the Idol, then give the threat that any one of the remaining Foa Foa MAY use it, forcing the other members to think twice before they write a name down, because any one of them could go, with just two votes. I just love this show!

[martinp13]

Russell IS quite insufferable when he does something good. But props to him... that was solid logic to figure out where it might be. I bet he geocaches. :)

[Legion]

There are still 10 people left, 6-4 tribe breakdown, but if Sham sides with Foa Foa it would be 5-5.

Ah yeah....I thought they started with 10. My bad.

[jradosh]

What was meaning of what Shambo wrote on her card? "Russel 10-9-8" ?

[YCantAngieRead]

If Russ and Sham are that tight, then Foa Foa is now in control.....5-4.

Great blindside though. Russ is a scrounger.

I've only watched a couple of episodes thus far, but they can't be that tight. She voted for him in the elimination.

Am I wrong? Was that odd to anyone else?

[Magister]

What was meaning of what Shambo wrote on her card? "Russel 10-9-8" ?

After Russel 10 are left, then 9 then 8. Kind of a taunt. Don't think she really meant it.

Russel might even win the favorite Survivor audience vote and get money at the finale.

[LordKronos]

but they can't be that tight. She voted for him in the elimination.

Am I wrong? Was that odd to anyone else?

No, not at all. There was only 11 people. That means it was 7 to 4. Even if they split their vote, the best they could come up with was 4+3 vs 4. Thus Foa Foa didn't need Shambo's vote either way. It was best that she vote for him to keep up the appearance of not being with him. Russ seems to be very smart, and I'm sure he realized that himself and told her to vote with her "tribe".

[gossamer88]

I've only watched a couple of episodes thus far, but they can't be that tight. She voted for him in the elimination.

Am I wrong? Was that odd to anyone else?

No. Shambo knew they were gunning for him. And she obviously knew he was going to use the IO. She "appears" to be on their side for strategic reasons.

[LordKronos]

At this rate, they may have to stop hiding the idols back at camp in future seasons (well, at least after next season). I can see Russel's strategy getting copied left and right in future seasons

Also, from the preview for next week:
If they are all following Russ around as it appears, just so that he can't find the idol secretly, that would be REALLY lame. "We can't beat you, so were just gonna antagonize you and copy you". Would be really fitting if one of the other 3 ended up finding the idol while they were all worried about Russ.

[TriBruin]

I've only watched a couple of episodes thus far, but they can't be that tight. She voted for him in the elimination.

Am I wrong? Was that odd to anyone else?

I think she was protecting/hiding her alliance with Russell. If she voted with Foa Foa, she would become an open target to the other 5. For right now, they aren't 100% sure which way she is leaning.

As far as Russell, let me echo what others have said. He is someone that I hated at the beginning of the season. But he has played the game as good as some of the great Survivors.

[betts4]

I haven't watched the show in a few weeks. Just sort of following it here. I am sorry I missed last weeks but MAN does tonights make up for it!

What a Survivor rush. I was sitting waiting for something like Russell to not use the IO because he heard 'natalie' mentioned, but nope he did it! Aweseome episode and great play!

[Einselen]

When it was mentioned maybe Russell would find the re-hidden idol I was like possible but I doubt it. Now I hope he finds the third one that is rehidden.

I think the strategy now is some how get old Galu to vote off Laura. Maybe claim that she is strong and while they have numbers get rid of her then Galu can go down the line and pick off Foa Foa. After that have Shambo jump ship and joining Foa Foa getting the lead. Problem is I am sure Galu might be hesitant on Shambo's commitment to the old tribe so they probably won't risk that.

Next week is the week to tune in as it will be the move which might get Foa Foa in the position to win this thing. I hope it is Mick and Russell at the finals.

Oh also Natalie killing that rat. I am in love!

[YCantAngieRead]

Guess I'm alone. I still don't care for him.

[astrohip]

Uh, that was Good!!! :up:

"He just stirred up a whole lot of Hell!:up:

I don't care if the guy is evil! I'm rooting for him! Good TV!

To find the idol twice, with no clues!!:up:
You don't need to spoilerize what happened during the show.

[latrobe7]

I don't need to like Russell to appreciate his tenacity and appreciate him sticking it to the Galau's. That was awesome. I hope someone from Foa Foa - whether it's Russell or not _ finds the hidden idol, then Russell wins the immunity challenge. Then it will be the end for Laura...

[lodica1967]

Guess I'm alone. I still don't care for him.

You're not alone. I still can't stand Russhole but that was a pretty cool blindside.

Why didn't they get Dave out while they had the chance? Who the heck is Kellie, had we even seen her before? Not sure I understand the strategy there.

[Peter000]

Didn't someone from Galu find the first II that was hidden in their camp early on? I could have sworn it was up in a tree. (I know the first one Russell found was inside a hollow tree trunk).

[tetspa]

Keep in mind that strategy that appears obvious to us as viewers with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight and clever tv editing may not be so obvious to the players at the time in the heat of the moment.

An interesting note is that had Russell won the regular immunity, another member of Foa Foa would have been picked off. THE ONLY WAY TO NOT HAVE A FOA FOA MEMBER GO HOME WAS FOR EVERYTHING TO HAPPEN EXACTLY AS THEY DID - Russell not having immunity around his neck, not telling anyone he had the hidden idol, and lure everyone into voting for him.

In other words, in order for FOA FOA to survive, they must 1) find the hidden idol again, 2) find out for certain who the other side is voting for (perhaps Shambo can be of help there by finding out and telling Russell), then 3) giving that hidden idol to that person. All terribly risky, but all terribly exciting.

Given that, finding the idol may be a problem if the other team watches Russell like a hawk. The only option there would be for Russell to lead them on a wild goose chase while the other 3 Foa Foa look for and find the idol.

Next week, assuming Shambo jumps to Foa Foa, the vote will be 5-5, barring any hidden immunity idol plays. The rest of the season may well fall on who wins the tie-breaker - building the fire the fastest, etc. UNLESS Shambo can convince someone to jump with her to Foa Foa, but that is HIGHLY unlikely at this point.

IF Foa Foa can somehow survive next week, then this would mark the greatest comeback in history of the show. And Russell wins as the greatest player in Survivor history, even better than Richard Hatch.

[lodica1967]

Didn't someone from Galu find the first II that was hidden in their camp early on? I could have sworn it was up in a tree. (I know the first one Russell found was inside a hollow tree trunk).

Eric had it on him when he was voted out last week.

[Peter000]

Why didn't they get Dave out while they had the chance? Who the heck is Kellie, had we even seen her before? Not sure I understand the strategy there.

I was thinking the same thing. But I think that Russell's reasoning is that he doesn't want an all-female alliance rearing it's head down the road. Laura is the most threatening player physically so she needs to be gone (from R's point of view).

[Peter000]

Eric had it on him when he was voted out last week.

Okay. Thanks. It all makes sense now.

[Philosofy]

You're not alone. I still can't stand Russhole but that was a pretty cool blindside.

Why didn't they get Dave out while they had the chance? Who the heck is Kellie, had we even seen her before? Not sure I understand the strategy there.
I think that was Russel attacking the girl power block. Remember, it was Laura and her girls that got rid of Erik last week. Laura was in control, and if it couldn't be her, it had to be one of her second in command. Dave is a pawn of Laura, that's all.

[betts4]

I loved their faces when he pulled it out and played it and then with Jeff counting votes!

[Peter000]

One of the most entertaining, well edited episodes of Survivor ever.

I can't wait to read Probst's blog (http://popwatch.ew.com/author/ewjprobst/) about it.

Looks like it's already posted! Awesome.

[JETarpon]

IMO, it seem as if they are rewriting the show to keep Russel in the game. There never have been so many Idols in one season before.


I think you are wrong. They have done separate II's at separate camps before AND rehidden idols when played (but not when they leave the game unplayed). They aren't doing anything different.

[bareyb]

That was OUTSTANDING! Best turn around I've seen in many a moon. I told myself, if Russell pulls this off he deserves to be counted as one of the best players ever. I didn't like him at first, but you gotta hand it to the guy. He gets it done. I can't believe he pulled that off! Great episode. One of my favorites ever. THIS is why I still watch Survivor! :D

[Kablemodem]

Maybe we should have a plan in case Russell found another idol.

No, let's not worry about that for now.



It would stink if someone went out with any injury now. That would really mess up the game.

[bareyb]

I loved their faces when he pulled it out and played it and then with Jeff counting votes!

My favorite part was when the Ponytail guy mouthed the words "oh Wow...". I think even they had some grudging admiration that Russell had actually pulled it off. :D

[stark]

I think Russell was throwing the immunity competition because if he got immunity, it would mess up his plans.

He realized that was a mistake when Laura was able to move to the second round.

[MrCouchPotato]

Who the heck is Kellie, had we even seen her before? Not sure I understand the strategy there.

Ha! Same here. She was talking to the camera and I had no mental recall of seeing her before. Losing her was no loss to entertainment value of the show.
Now Natalie I know;) Keep her around for a while please.

[SeanC]

In general I still don't like Russel, but I'm totally pulling for the guy. He is playing a better game than anyone else on the island. His talk of mind control and Russel seeds is just a bunch of crap, but the guy sure knows how to find HIIs.

I'm so happy that Galu is sliding, they were morons to split up in any way and not take out the 4 Foa Foa, right away.

Old Galu deserves to get the boot one at a time, all eight in a row. That would be awesome. No doubt in my mind that Eric feels totally vindicated.

[laria]

When they get back to camp, the rocket scientist guy is going to have a big "I TOLD YOU SO" all ready. :)

[SeanC]

Oh, and if Fao Fao does pull off the biggest upset of a whole tribe after a merge, it will be because of Russel and Shambo.

I think Shambo is pretty nice person, but she is not made for this game. There is no doubt in my mind that if it comes down to the 4 Foa Foa and Shambo, she's gone. How she can't see that, I dunno.

[jradosh]

When they get back to camp, the rocket scientist guy is going to have a big "I TOLD YOU SO" all ready. :)

I recall Monica was also in favor of splitting/switching the votes in case of a HII.

[jradosh]

Losing her was no loss to entertainment value of the show.

Are you kidding me? :eek:

http://www.realitywanted.com/images/upload/survivor/samoa/kelly_sharbaugh.JPG

[Honora]

I recall Monica was also in favor of splitting/switching the votes in case of a HII.

Monica was the first to bring up that Russell could have found the II again, and John backed her up. The others should have listened. He had the whole time they were away enjoying their reward to look for it.

[Jebberwocky!]

I recall Monica was also in favor of splitting/switching the votes in case of a HII.

They didn't have enough votes to split them did they?

they should have voted out someone else and let Russell think he was going home. (Hindsight is pretty cool)

[laria]

I recall Monica was also in favor of splitting/switching the votes in case of a HII.

Yeah she brought it up but it was John who was really pushing for it. He made the arguement if it was him, he would have spent the whole time back at camp looking for it while they were on reward.

[MrCouchPotato]

Are you kidding me? :eek:

http://www.realitywanted.com/images/upload/survivor/samoa/kelly_sharbaugh.JPG

OK, I stand corrected :) But if they keep the camera on Natalie that is good enuff for me..

[KyleLC]

OK, I stand corrected :)And I'm really surprised you didn't remember seeing her before. Yes, she didn't get as much air time as many of the others, but she's not easy to forget.

[pmyers]

wow..what a episode!...what a season!

[Einselen]

Again Galu didn't have the numbers to flush out/split the votes. Best they could do is tie on Russell with a vote 4 Russell 3 for backup and then Foa Foa's 4 would vote Kellie. When Russell played the idol Foa Foa still would be controlling who went home.

[jradosh]

Again Galu didn't have the numbers to flush out/split the votes. Best they could do is tie on Russell with a vote 4 Russell 3 for backup and then Foa Foa's 4 would vote Kellie. When Russell played the idol Foa Foa still would be controlling who went home.

That's all true given the way the vote played out. But if they were clever they could have gone to (for example) Natalie and said "we think Russell has the idol so we're voting for you unless you vote with us against Jaison". If they got one person from Foa to go with them they still could have controlled the outcome. But they had to first assume Russell had the II.

[Peter000]

Oh, and if Fao Fao does pull off the biggest upset of a whole tribe after a merge, it will be because of Russel and Shambo.

I think Shambo is pretty nice person, but she is not made for this game. There is no doubt in my mind that if it comes down to the 4 Foa Foa and Shambo, she's gone. How she can't see that, I dunno.
She's not going to fair any better at Galu. She's at the bottom of the totem pole there.

If I were Russell, I'd want Shambo sitting next to me at the final 2 or 3. Everybody thinks she's mediocre, and nobody's going to vote to give her the million unless the REALLY hate Russell.

[stark]

They couldn't have split the vote, but they certainly could have voted for someone they could be more certain didn't have the idol. Pick off Mitch or Jaison.

They got arrogant and ignored some possibilities. Always a deadly combination in Survivor.

[AJRitz]

There was no need to split the vote. As soon as Monica mentioned that Russell might have another II, John suggested they vote out the girl-on-Russell's-side-whose-name-I'm-drawing-a-blank-on instead. Because if Russell DID have another II, he was certainly going to play it. If he didn't have another II, they hadn't lost anything - they'd still have chipped away another member of his alliance. John and Monica shouldn't have allowed themselves to be talked out of it. They had the right strategy figured out.

[LifeIsABeach]

Even my wife, who hates Russell with a passion, had to admit tonight that he earned it. He's one of those relentless players that never stop.

Although still admamant in my "he is not as smart as he thinks he is" opinion of Russell I now believe he deserves the million dollars. He is outwitting all those people by a mile.

[Einselen]

That's all true given the way the vote played out. But if they were clever they could have gone to (for example) Natalie and said "we think Russell has the idol so we're voting for you unless you vote with us against Jaison". If they got one person from Foa to go with them they still could have controlled the outcome. But they had to first assume Russell had the II.

Good idea but there is no need to have to show their hand. Like others said they could have voted for someone other then Russell if they feared he had the idol.

Also with that plan Natalie could run back to Foa Foa tell them she has been approached. Then you are starting to play the mind games and WIFOM.

[DevdogAZ]

IMO, it seem as if they are rewriting the show to keep Russel in the game. There never have been so many Idols in one season before.
They've reintroduced HIIs before after they've been played. The difference this season is that Russell is actually using the HII rather than sitting on it and keeping it in his pocket until the final four. There have been so many seasons where the HII has been pocketed and never used.

I loved this episode. The only way it could have been better was if Russell had beaten Laura into the final round of the Immunity Challenge and then she was voted out. But I've got to give her props. She kicked arse on that challenge. Did anyone see Mick's board after she won? He hadn't even completed half of it.

[Einselen]

By the editing it looked like Russell was all smug and slowly pulling in his last bag when Jeff said Laura had hooked hers and it was a race is when he started actually going faster. I deleted the show (on the Verizon DVR) so I can't go back to see if that was a trick in the editing or if Russell thought he was moving on to the next round.

[laria]

By the editing it looked like Russell was all smug and slowly pulling in his last bag when Jeff said Laura had hooked hers and it was a race is when he started actually going faster. I deleted the show (on the Verizon DVR) so I can't go back to see if that was a trick in the editing or if Russell thought he was moving on to the next round.

No, I said the same thing to my SO... he stopped to smirk and give a wink at... something, Jeff maybe? Then he started hauling as soon as he said Laura was pulling hers in.

[InterMurph]

Great episode. Add me to the list of people who hated Russell in the first two episodes ("I have my dumb-ass girl alliance...") but who are pulling for him now.

My favorite moment came when the Gang of Four was strategizing, and it was suggested that Russell might have found the immunity idol. Not only did Dave think that Russell did not have it, he said "I don't think it would even occur to him..."

[jlb]

Russell is to this season as Hatchie was to Season 1.......he is playing a totally different game than everyone else.

But as amazing and cool as that blindside was, the killing of the rat by Natalie was better, IMHO.

Probst even noted this in his blog and considered it the epitome of Survivor and one of the greatest moments in Survivor history.

I mean, think about it, here we have a cute bikini clad Sales rep walking in the jungle...she is so hungry that she kills and then helps eat a rat. That is gold!

[DevdogAZ]

By the editing it looked like Russell was all smug and slowly pulling in his last bag when Jeff said Laura had hooked hers and it was a race is when he started actually going faster. I deleted the show (on the Verizon DVR) so I can't go back to see if that was a trick in the editing or if Russell thought he was moving on to the next round.

No, I said the same thing to my SO... he stopped to smirk and give a wink at... something, Jeff maybe? Then he started hauling as soon as he said Laura was pulling hers in.
Yes. Russell's hook came off the bag he was pulling or I think he'd have beaten her into the next round.

[Einselen]

Yes. Russell's hook came off the bag he was pulling or I think he'd have beaten her into the next round.

Possibly, but what I am saying is it seemed Russell though since he hooked his bag and was slowly pulling it in he was moving on already and then Jeff said Laura hooked her bag and Russell started pulling like mad. Why wasn't he pulling faster prior to that?

[jradosh]

Possibly, but what I am saying is it seemed Russell though since he hooked his bag and was slowly pulling it in he was moving on already and then Jeff said Laura hooked her bag and Russell started pulling like mad. Why wasn't he pulling faster prior to that?

I think because he was worried it would come unhooked.

[stark]

Russell didn't want to win immunity. It wasn't until it looked like Laura was going to get into the final round that he cared.

[goMO]

a bit off topic, but I've seen every Survivor except the original. Is that one out in Blue-Ray? I'd love to see it in HD if possible.

[Magister]

a bit off topic, but I've seen every Survivor except the original. Is that one out in Blue-Ray? I'd love to see it in HD if possible.

My understanding was that it hasn't been recorded in HD until either this season or the last. Prior was just in SD.

[laria]

How dumb where Shambo and Mick during that puzzle challenge? They weren't even LOOKING at the shape of the blocks, just trying to shove them in holes wherever.

[martinp13]

Some people are more spatial... obviously those two weren't. :)

[Einselen]

I think because he was worried it would come unhooked.

To my initial watching (and only that watching, maybe I should have gone back to view it) is that he thought he could leisurely pull it in. I would say his first reel in he moved faster then his second. I understand the concern of it getting it unhooked, but it seemed he was moving somewhat slow there and if he was moving at a higher faster avg speed to begin with he wouldn't have had to pull so fast at the end that it did become unhooked.

Russell didn't want to win immunity. It wasn't until it looked like Laura was going to get into the final round that he cared.

I agree he didn't want immunity but with all his strategy etc. I would think he would know he should get to the final 3 of the comp to block out Laura and then have "problems" with the puzzle aspect.

[Einselen]

Some people are more spatial... obviously those two weren't. :)

What kind of Dr is Mick? Hopefully not a surgeon as I want my surgeon to be spatial!

Edit: Looks like he is a resident anesthesiologist

[KyleLC]

My understanding was that it hasn't been recorded in HD until either this season or the last. Prior was just in SD.The previous season was the first in HD. I just checked the Blu-ray category on Amazon.com and didn't see it there.

[DevdogAZ]

a bit off topic, but I've seen every Survivor except the original. Is that one out in Blue-Ray? I'd love to see it in HD if possible.

My understanding was that it hasn't been recorded in HD until either this season or the last. Prior was just in SD.

The previous season was the first in HD. I just checked the Blu-ray category on Amazon.com and didn't see it there.
This is actually the third season in HD. The first was Survivor: Gabon and the second was Survivor: Tocantins.

[stark]

I agree he didn't want immunity but with all his strategy etc. I would think he would know he should get to the final 3 of the comp to block out Laura and then have "problems" with the puzzle aspect.
I don't think Russell thought about that until Jeff said that Laura was pulling in her second bag. Up until that point, he didn't seem very concerned about how badly he was doing.

[astrohip]

How dumb where Shambo and Mick during that puzzle challenge? They weren't even LOOKING at the shape of the blocks, just trying to shove them in holes wherever.

Some people are more spatial... obviously those two weren't. :)
Acknowledging that some people aren't spatial, I was still stunned at how poorly Mick & Shambo did. At one point Shambo was holding a rectangular looking block with a notch, and was trying to put it in a banana looking curved opening. Almost like they were trying every opening with whatever piece they were holding. :eek::confused:

[DancnDude]

Oh and again I have to give props to the Survivor challenge team who came up with another new and unique challenge. The puzzle board with the pegs that came loose when inserted correctly was pretty cool. Even though Laura won.

[Crobinzine]

You don't need to spoilerize what happened during the show.

Oh, OK, sorry about that..

[astrohip]

Oh, OK, sorry about that..
No problem, this was just too good an episode to hide anything that happened! :):up:

[laria]

Acknowledging that some people aren't spatial, I was still stunned at how poorly Mick & Shambo did. At one point Shambo was holding a rectangular looking block with a notch, and was trying to put it in a banana looking curved opening. Almost like they were trying every opening with whatever piece they were holding. :eek::confused:

Exactly. :) Some people aren't spatial, but like Russell kept saying on the sidelines, just LOOK at the pieces! It was like they weren't even trying to do any spatial reasoning.

[wendiness1]

At this point, Russell could make a HII fake and "leak" out the info - and they'd believe him.

[heySkippy]

Does anyone left know that Eric had an HII in his pocket when he was voted out?

[JLucPicard]

I'm pretty sure there were a number of people around him when he found it up the tree (original Galu people - it was before the merge). Whether they actually knew if he had it in his pocket at that tribal, I don't know.

I also didn't like that Shambo left the second of the first two pieces (that didn't fit) in the trough at the bottom of the puzzle. I think she actually even picked it up later, just further complicating things for her (which SHE definitely doesn't need!).

[bryhamm]

Survivor has always been my favorite reality show. Tonight showed why I love it so much. It was BRILLANT! Have not liked Russel from day one but boy does he play this game.

IMO, it seem as if they are rewriting the show to keep Russel in the game. There never have been so many Idols in one season before.

A nice twist for the remaning 4, Foa Foa members, would be for one of them to find the Idol, then give the threat that any one of the remaining Foa Foa MAY use it, forcing the other members to think twice before they write a name down, because any one of them could go, with just two votes. I just love this show!

Not true about the bolded. They always put HII back out there. But sometimes they aren't found again. This season, they are being found and played quickly, so it seems like a bunch.

[bryhamm]

I think you are wrong. They have done separate II's at separate camps before AND rehidden idols when played (but not when they leave the game unplayed). They aren't doing anything different.

or what he said

[stark]

Does anyone left know that Eric had an HII in his pocket when he was voted out?

Jeff said in the "previous on" that both Russell and Eric came to tribal council with their idols.

[bryhamm]

I recall Monica was also in favor of splitting/switching the votes in case of a HII.

but splitting the votes would not have worked. they didn't have enough votes to do this.

[AJRitz]

but splitting the votes would not have worked. they didn't have enough votes to do this.

They didn't need to split.
They just needed to cast their votes for other than Russell. They could have taken out Jaison or the girl whose name I keep forgetting on Russell's team. If Russell had the idol, he'd have burned it. If Russell didn't have the idol, he'd still be one player weaker on his side, and he could be voted out next.

[laria]

the girl whose name I keep forgetting on Russell's team.
Natalie. :)

[DevdogAZ]

They didn't need to split.
They just needed to cast their votes for other than Russell. They could have taken out Jaison or the girl whose name I keep forgetting on Russell's team. If Russell had the idol, he'd have burned it. If Russell didn't have the idol, he'd still be one player weaker on his side, and he could be voted out next.
But they were more focused on getting rid of Russell than in simply preserving their team and picking off the Foa Foa one by one. That was their mistake.

[JETarpon]

Jeff said in the "previous on" that both Russell and Eric came to tribal council with their idols.

WE know that, but i doubt he did a previously on for those still playing.

[JETarpon]

They didn't need to split.
They just needed to cast their votes for other than Russell. They could have taken out Jaison or the girl whose name I keep forgetting on Russell's team. If Russell had the idol, he'd have burned it. If Russell didn't have the idol, he'd still be one player weaker on his side, and he could be voted out next.

But havent people gotten burned before by not taking the shot at the primary target, and then not being able to later when they went on a run winning immunity?

[JFriday]

Watching Ponerosa...

Eric's attitude sure change once hot Kelly showed up

[Jebberwocky!]

But havent people gotten burned before by not taking the shot at the primary target, and then not being able to later when they went on a run winning immunity?

The only safe answer is one that uses hindsight

would've could've should've

[AJRitz]

But havent people gotten burned before by not taking the shot at the primary target, and then not being able to later when they went on a run winning immunity?

People have, but Russell's performance in individual immunity challenges hasn't really been that impressive. And I suspect it will get less impressive as we move to the later challenges that emphasize things other than brute strength more and more. He's not the all around physical threat that previous front-runners like Chris or Tom were. They had speed and balance and strength. Russell is a brute. But he's not particularly agile or fast. And he hasn't ever struck me as a whiz during puzzle challenges either.

[pmyers]

How dumb where Shambo and Mick during that puzzle challenge? They weren't even LOOKING at the shape of the blocks, just trying to shove them in holes wherever.


I agree...once you figured out which of the 2 pieces were the correct one, this challange should have been easy and the first person to start that puzzle really should win it as it's just a daisy chain at that point. What killed Shambo was that she left the 2nd piece in the bottom and then got it mixed up so that she then was back to 2 pieces to figure out where it went...

[pmyers]

Does anyone left know that Eric had an HII in his pocket when he was voted out?

everybody knows this (on the show).

[Einselen]

everybody knows this (on the show).

I thought most assumed and I think maybe only Shambo knew he had it (since she gave him the clues to find it I think he showed it to her or told her he found it).

[mostman]

Shouldn't the fact that Eric left with an idol mean that there should be TWO out there?

[sushikitten]

Wow.

Go Russell!

[Roadblock]

"I ain't finished playin just yet." I have to admit that was awesome, even though I don't like Russ. I do have to wonder if there was any production 'tampering' with Russell finding both idols so fast. It made for great TV.

I think she was protecting/hiding her alliance with Russell. If she voted with Foa Foa, she would become an open target to the other 5. For right now, they aren't 100% sure which way she is leaning.

Yep, she even fake-agreed with Laura after the "he just stirred up a whole lot of hell" comment. We know she doesn't like Laura at all.

Why didn't they get Dave out while they had the chance? Who the heck is Kellie, had we even seen her before? Not sure I understand the strategy there.

Because Dave is, in his own words, so dim. He's the one that blew it for his side. He said he would be SURPRISED if Russell was even thinking about looking for the idol in camp and ignored Monica and John's very valid points. Dave's dumb look after Russell stood up was great.

Shouldn't the fact that Eric left with an idol mean that there should be TWO out there?

Nah, there were two idols when there were two tribes. They merged, one idol.

[JETarpon]

Shouldn't the fact that Eric left with an idol mean that there should be TWO out there?

no. idols that leave without being played are dead.

[mattack]

How dumb where Shambo and Mick during that puzzle challenge? They weren't even LOOKING at the shape of the blocks, just trying to shove them in holes wherever.

Speaking of the puzzle challenge, they made it way too easy in one way.. (as I brought up at the gathering I was watching with)..

Since each item had little nails or whatever sticking out to 'hold' them when they were pushed in, you knew exactly which end was "out", and thus had only 4 rotations for a particular spot. If they were basically "cube-ish", and could rotate any way, it'd be a lot harder to get similar-ish shapes to fit.

also, it reminded me of a game (can't remember the name) where you turn on the timer, push down the 'table' and IIRC, put all of the pieces in the right spots before it pops up and spills everything... Only in that both have weird shapes you have to get in holes.

[Boston Fan]

...also, it reminded me of a game (can't remember the name) where you turn on the timer, push down the 'table' and IIRC, put all of the pieces in the right spots before it pops up and spills everything... Only in that both have weird shapes you have to get in holes.
Perfection! (http://www.amazon.com/Milton-Bradley-4060-S5-Perfection/dp/B00000IWHG/ref=pd_sim_t_2)

http://files.sharedreviews.net/images/reviews/33971/milton%20bradley%20perfection_1225213583.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Milton-Bradley-4060-S5-Perfection/dp/B00000IWHG/ref=pd_sim_t_2)

[stark]

Who the heck is Kellie, had we even seen her before? Not sure I understand the strategy there.

I think it was a pretty good strategy for two reasons. One, she was part of Laura's posse. It serves the double purpose of weakening Galu as a whole and weakening Laura's influence inside Galu.

With that in mind, the two choices were Kellie and Monica. Apparently everyone liked Kellie, which would make her harder to vote out later.

[sushikitten]

I, too, thought of Perfection. I would have kicked butt in that game...when I was 8. :)

[Anubys]

I think it was a pretty good strategy for two reasons. One, she was part of Laura's posse. It serves the double purpose of weakening Galu as a whole and weakening Laura's influence inside Galu.

With that in mind, the two choices were Kellie and Monica. Apparently everyone liked Kellie, which would make her harder to vote out later.

first of all, it's never a good strategy to vote out the pretty blond girl in the bikini :p

I found the choice very strange...you need to increase your chances of winning II, Kellie posed no threat...neither physical not mental...

[Jebberwocky!]

first of all, it's never a good strategy to vote out the pretty blond girl in the bikini :p

I found the choice very strange...you need to increase your chances of winning II, Kellie posed no threat...neither physical not mental...

It's a girl thing ;)

[dtle]

I found the choice very strange...you need to increase your chances of winning II, Kellie posed no threat...neither physical not mental...

It does seems like Shambo is running the Foa Foa Foursome. She's the one who suggested Laura, then Kelly. She has intense dislike for the other pretty ladies of Galub (jealousy, perhaps?). Or perhaps the Galub Girls (minus Shambo) were the ones with power when they kicked out Eric?

[The Flush]

I thought the Foa Four should have split their votes for 2 different Galu to force a tiebreaking vote in which Galu would have to turn on each other a little.

Of course this assumes that Galu all still votes for Russell and the rules go to a tiebreaker between just the 2 highest vote receivers instead of a revote for everyone but Russell or a fire making challenge.

[Peter000]

I think that Russell wanted Laura gone just as much as Shambo, but for strategic reasons, where Shambo just hates Laura's guts. So either he suggested it and Shambo jumped on the bandwagon, or Shambo suggested it and Russell just agreed because it was what he was planning all along.

But Shambo ain't running anything, as far as I can see.

[pmyers]

I LOL at the people who say Survivor is rigging it for Russell...how? The idol has always been hidden by some type of landmark. Jeff even mentions it in his blog.

[DVC California]

I LOL at the people who say Survivor is rigging it for Russell...how? The idol has always been hidden by some type of landmark. Jeff even mentions it in his blog.

I agree, how could it be rigged when Russell found it twice without any clues, in two different locations?

I think the landmarks are only true of "Exile Island" seasons. Otherwise, the idols are hidden in each camp, with the clues directing them where to look (treemail post, tribe archway, buried near cave, etc.)

[generaltso]

Did anyone else think it was weird that they randomly picked people for 2 teams of 5 for the reward challenge, but all 4 of the Foa Foa people ended up on the same team? I don't think it was rigged or anything, but I wouldn't think that would be very likely mathematically either.

[DevdogAZ]

I think it was a pretty good strategy for two reasons. One, she was part of Laura's posse. It serves the double purpose of weakening Galu as a whole and weakening Laura's influence inside Galu.

With that in mind, the two choices were Kellie and Monica. Apparently everyone liked Kellie, which would make her harder to vote out later.
The reason they chose Kellie was because people don't like Monica and so it won't be hard to convince people to vote for her later.
Did anyone else think it was weird that they randomly picked people for 2 teams of 5 for the reward challenge, but all 4 of the Foa Foa people ended up on the same team? I don't think it was rigged or anything, but I wouldn't think that would be very likely mathematically either.
There were only three of the Foa Foa on that team, since Natalie was the odd man out.

[hughmcjr]

I agree, how could it be rigged when Russell found it twice without any clues, in two different locations?

I think the landmarks are only true of "Exile Island" seasons. Otherwise, the idols are hidden in each camp, with the clues directing them where to look (treemail post, tribe archway, buried near cave, etc.)

I don't get what you are saying? If he had clues it would be more of a chance of being rigged?

I believe Russell found the HII legitimately, but asking how could it be rigged without clues has a simple answer. He was told where they were.

As much as I dislike Russell personally, he is doing ok at the game, and I dislike Laura even more. She really does have an evil scowl on her face.

"He just stirred up a whole lot of hell". From Laura's mouth... I tried to tell everyone she was a "devil worshiper". :D