Four Week Hiatus

I am highly disappointed to announce that I will be unable to blog about the rest of Survivor Caramoan. I will be traveling and will have limited internet and limited time to write. I will return this summer and post my take the ending to this season. 

For up to date news and recaps, check out the links on the sidebar of this blog. I have listed the very best sources of information and analysis for Survivor Caramaon.

Survivor Caramoan Episode 10 Recap: Dawn's breakdown and Malcolm's fireworks

In what was an even better episode than last week's show, Wednesday's edition of Survivor was as crazy and unexpected as we've ever seen.  This one goes down as an all-time great episode of the show we so love.

hate him or love him, Phil keeps his troops organized

At the beginning of the episode, we are left with more division of alliances. The power three alliance is seemingly completely isolated, being composed of only Malcolm, Eddie, and Reynold.  The Favorites plus Sherri alliance is tighter than ever, having exclusive meetings that are clearly noticeable by the others.  The Favorites are entirely faithful that Reynold, Malcolm, and Eddie will leave next - in that order.  While Reynold and Eddie are almost accepting of their fate, Malcolm knows he's not going home this week. As they should, they hunt for idols. They have good chances, as Malcolm and Reynold seem to know their way around an idol.

Still edible?

The reward challenge is an obstacle course with familiar elements. The key to this challenge was a mud pit, in which each team member had to pull out a bag of balls.  Malcolm and Reynold had a good, proven strategy: pull out every bag and leave them in easily found places for the other contestants. While Reynold does this very quickly, Malcolm takes too long in this process and gets irreversibly behind the the relay race. Malcolm's much younger and stronger team thus looses to the somewhat weaker purple team.  The resort reward looked great, but we see very little from it. It is also important how we don't see much maneuvering with Malcolm back at camp. Staying back at camp during rewards is often the best time to strategize with members of opposing alliances.

He's a problem for the Faves

At the immunity challenge, we have a classic from Pearl Islands.  Jeff Probst makes a big deal out of Phillip not competing due to childhood trauma, and I don't blame him. Although he had very little chance of winning, Phillip must try for immunity at this part of the game.  The immunity challenge was again a battle between Reynold and Malcolm. Reynold outlasts Malcolm, perhaps because Malcolm had to swim in two consecutive heats. Reynold's win poses few problems to the Favorites alliance, as they can still go after Malcolm and Eddie. Everything's going to plan for the majority alliance.

Do they even bother to make clues anymore?

Malcolm and friends continue their search for the idol, but this time the other alliance joins in. Unfortunately for Malcolm, Andrea and Dawn are right there with him as he finds the idol.  This is not ideal, but it keeps his three safe for one night.  Andrea reports this to the Phillip and they keep their plan to split votes between Eddie and Malcolm. Questions loom in the audience's mind over how or if Malcolm would pull a Parvati and distribute his idols.

The fireworks take off with surely one of the greatest tribal councils of all time. Everything is calm at the beginning, with everyone expecting the removal of Eddie (including Eddie himself).  When Malcolm pulls out his second idol, all hell brakes loose. No one sees this coming, not even members of Malcolm's alliance.  These are the faces that we see after this happens:

And the tribal council whispers begin...

Suddenly, the Favorites alliance must find out who to vote for during tribal council. Andrea seems sure to go, while others audibly whisper to one another about voting off Phillip. Several, including Dawn, seem utterly perplexed by the situation sprung on them. This situation is unprecedented. Malcolm rallies everyone to vote Phillip, but only Erik strays from the original plan of the majority alliance. To force both idols out, the other six in the majority vote Eddie and Malcolm. This is not a bad move for them, as they all hope to not vote for Phillip in return for an eventual Jury vote. Malcolm and Eddie smartly play their idols, and the Favorites are stunned. This was utter mayhem, and sweet honey for fans of the show.

Last second decision making

While Phillip is gone, not much has changed for Malcolm's trio yet.  They still have only three alliance members compared to the majority of six.  We know already that both teams will be scouring the trees for new idol as soon as possible, and who knows who could stumble on one. The safe move for the minority is to get two flips from the other alliance to join them. The top candidates are Erik and Sherri. Sherri and Malcolm have a decent relationship, and Erik is well assimilated into the Gota guys alliance already. Making a flip happen will require a great deal of work, but is possible. As for the favorites, keeping tribe loyalty is key. And without the vocal Phillip, who can step up to lead?

Survivor Caramoan Episode 9 Recap: Malcolm scrambles, Dawn snitches

This Wednesday's episode of Survivor reminded me of the glory days of Survivor Micronesia. Opposing alliances begging for votes, sleek deception, and multiple idols in play.  This was one of the best single episodes of Survivor for a long time, and we Survivor fans will continue to remember this one.

He can't be comfortable just yet

The vast majority of this episode was devoted to strategy, but let me quickly mention the challenges first. I can't help but think that the reward challenge was poorly designed.  The idea was that the "defender" would act as some kind of goalie, defending the net behind. But after a few tosses, it became clear that contestants could very easily lob the ball over the defender, thus easily gaining a point.  So Malcolm and Mike essentially became obsolete after a few throws. Disappointing, but I respect the production team for trying something new!  I still cannot get over how nearly every challenge this season involves throwing something. I'm pretty sure this is unprecedented, and I can't see how it would hurt to mix it up a little.

Has a "guy power" strategy ever worked?

A diverse group of dudes pigged out at a waterfall for winning, and also repelled down the rockface. I couldn't help but laugh at the beaming Cochran as he sloppily scales down the rock face.  As they eat, Eddie, Reynold, and Mike push for a guys alliance.  However, in a confessional, Cochran notes that an appeal to manliness is no way to earn his allegiance.  Erik said very little, and it seems that he's still going to be a pawn of Andrea and Brenda. 

Brenda "Serenity" Lowe looking stellar

The immunity challenge is a classic and one of my favorites. It premiered during Survivor Micronesia, and in spectacular fashion Jason beat the challenge master Ozzy Lusth. Anyway, Brenda kept herself totally calm and destroyed the competition to win an essentially meaningless individual immunity challenge.  

Dawn plays both sides

Back at Camp, Malcolm hatches his master plan. He believes that he can pull in Dawn and having a voting block of six (Malc, Reynold, Ed, Mike, Erik, and Dawn) to vote for the strategic Andrea Boehlke. Malcolm tells the opposing alliance to split votes between Eddie and Reynold, in which case Andrea's six votes would prevail. The problem for Malcolm arises with Dawn. Malcolm talks about how Dawn would willing to make a big move due to her inaction during South Pacific. But Dawn falsely assures Malcolm while keeping her alliance to Phillip and Andrea.  With Dawn, the Favorites alliance is the majority and they quietly plan to all vote Malcolm.  

Strategic or real relationship?

Everything goes haywire when Eddie and Andrea consult before the vote. With a potentially budding romance, the two are sharing information (though it seems only a one-way flow). Before the vote, Eddie lets slip that Andrea could be going and she gets nervous about the Malcolm vote. She knows that idols may be involved, and she's nervous that the joke could be on her. The new plan: vote Michael - the safest possible option.

Her paranoia pays off

Going into tribal, the audience has no idea what's going down. Phillip and the Favorites give the impression that they could take out Malcolm during Jeff's questioning.  I could tell Malcolm's mind was racing. What comes next was a historic move by Malcolm.  As Reynold walks up to present his idol to Jeff, Malcolm convinces him that it is he that is going. Malcolm play's Reynold's idol but to no avail: Andrea switches the vote to Mike.

I believe Malcolm made the right move. It was highly possible that the favorites could have all voted Malcolm and gotten Andrea booted.  This could have easily happened, in which case it could have been one of the best idol blindsides of all time.  But even though this didn't take place, Malcolm made everyone know that he absolutely doesn't have an idol. Literally no one knows, and when it gets played there are going to be fireworks.

Like him or not, he's playing to win

Malcolm's counter alliance seems screwed. The only chance is for some big move, resignation, or alliance flip to take place. This is entirely feasible for Malcolm, seeing as he has three days to figure it out. We have a great season on our hands, folks.

Looking back at Survivor Philippines: Who should return?

A well-rounded powerhouse

Survivor Philippines was a great season on so many levels - there was drama, surprises, but most of all great players. In my opinion there was not an undeserving player in that final three. With that being said, who would be fit to return in the future? I would argue that there are many viable candidates.

• Denise Stapley - Undoubtedly a great winner, Denise was the entire package. Very social and very strategic (and athletic), the only thing that could hold back Denise is her age.  Her shining moment was her cunning decision to cut ties with Malcolm after a game-long alliance with him - this won her the million.  She would do very well if asked again.
  



One of the best villains in quite some time

• Malcolm Freberg - He of course is playing right now, but I couldn't imagine another All-Stars or Heroes vs. Villains season without Malcolm.  On paper, the perfect Survivor: he's a savvy outdoorsman with a charming southern personality and a degree in economic game theory from Dartmouth. He could be (or already is) one of the most popular of all time.

• Abi-Maria Gomes - She would be perfect as a villain in another Heroes vs. Villans season.  She's downright annoying and sassy, but Abi plays to win and I respect that. She fights in every challenge with a viciousness that is frustrating if you're rooting against her.  She is the perfect woman villain, maybe the best woman villain ever.
  



Killer style

• Pete Yurkowski - Pete would be another great vilain  His clever play was planting the hidden immunity idol clue in R.C.'s bag. Unfortunately, this move led to the complete implosion of the only tribe in Survivor history to never go to tribal. Pete is both a strategic and athletic competitor and a likable villain personality. He would be fun to watch again.

• Carter Williams - Sure, he's quiet and can seem to be stuck in a blank stare. But Carter was very likable and a great competitor. He would fit perfectly on a Heroes tribe.

Smart and attractive

• R.C. Saint Amour - She is charming and strategic almost to a fault. In in interview with Survivor Oz (a great website/podcast), Mike Skupin talks about how intensely strategic R.C. was. This was her downfall, and I'm sure if she will be less overt if she were to play again.
  
  

Survivor Caramoan Episode 8 Recap: The Merge, Malcolm's master plan, and a blindside of Corrine

We Survivor fans were blessed with an overall excellent episode 8 of Survivor Caramoan. Tight competitions, cunning strategic maneuvering, and hilarious antics filled this weeks show.  If this show is any indication, we are in for an excellent post-merge game. 

Too hungry to strategize

The Gotas arrived to a warm embrace by their Bikal counterparts. Everyone seems legitimately happy, especially Malcolm.  He's been waiting to change the game, and now is his chance. But before we get into his strategy, let's acknowledge how awesome it is how Malcolm got the tribe named after his mother (Enil Edam is "Madeline" backwards). This is just brilliant, however pointless it may be.

Ready for a big move

But Malcolm gets down to business right away, affirming Corinne of their alliance. Malcolm knows that he has Eddie, Reynold, and Erik on his side. Corinne offers Michael.  They believe they have 6 votes, and that they can take control after they take out Sherri at the next vote.  Their only problem is convincing Erik to stay in their voting block. Erik is notoriously susceptible to women based on his experience in Micronesia.  If everything goes according to plan, Malcolm's six will vote Sherri and the rest of the Favorites would go along and vote Sherri as well. 

No one is comfortable

We are then treated to an classic immunity challenge from Season 1 (check it out here). The players eat gross native foods and the slowest of each round are eliminated.  No one had it easy in this challenge, with even the very strongest players having trouble swallowing.  Brenda and Reynold had a particularly hard time. Coming out victorious was none other than Cochran, who breezed through this challenge to the surprise of everyone (including Jeff).

"I think this is exactly what my love life needs"

Cochran is so elated that he does a celebratory dance and gleefully accepts immunity. As Cochran says, if anyone else were to have celebrated like that, they would have raised eyebrows. But since he has never won (and may not ever win again) immunity, it was ok with the tribe. Cochran has always been quite terrible at all challenges, so this dominant performance was certainly a thrill for us Cochran fans. In South Pacific, Cochran came within inches of knocking off Ozzy Lusth in a redemption island duel, but this the closest Cochran every got until now.

Does she only align with good looking or gay people?

Telling Dawn = bad move

Strategy is now the priority for everyone, as virtually anything is possible for the next vote. Corinne reassures Reynold and Eddie of their alliance and the brawny fans couldn't be more loyal. Corinne however makes a blunder when telling Dawn. We hear a lot from Dawn in this episode. In a tear filled confessional, she talks about how hard she is trying to win the game for her kids this time around.  The editors gave her a long confessional, where she mentions winning many times - could this be foreshadowing??  She said her mistake in South Pacific was not telling anyone when she heard of Cochran flipping. She kept this to herself and tried to convince Cochran not to do it.  Dawn wants to be more proactive this time around, and so she decides to tell Cochran. Soon enough, the entire group of Favorites know Corinne's plan.

Phillip hears of the plan and immediately Corinne is on the chopping block. But, the Favorites need Sherri and Erik to switch to make this happen. Andrea convinces Erik to flip, and Phillip gets Sherri to vote Corinne as well.  Malcolm and Corinne seem to do very little to reassure Erik to remain in their voting block. They pay the price when their supposed ring leader Corinne goes down.

Every confessional is a shout-out to mom!

Malcolm had a excellent plan in place, ruined by Corinne's big mouth. But it's not over for Malcolm. In fact, he has many things going for him. Now, no one knows that he has the idol since Corinne's gone. Also, no one knows that this was Malcolm's master plan. Every Favorite thinks that Corinne was running the show, when Malcolm was the real leader.  Next episode, Malcolm will only need one flopper (if Erik is loyal) in order to take control of the game. He is fully capable of this.

Survivor Caramoan Episode 7 Recap: Gota's Dominance, Birth of a game-changing alliance

Dead Fans walking

Unfortunately, the editors didn't have much to work with on this last episode. With a few exceptions, the dominance of Gota continues the Favorites of Bikal are tasked with eliminating the unlucky fans stuck with them. If anything, the takeaway from this episode was "wait 'til you see what happens next week." From what it seems, we could see Fans and Favorites alliances shattered.

At the Bikal Tribe, we are exposed over and over again to the "rift" between Corinne and Phillip.  But while Corinne is most vocal, the rest of the Favorites feel with her. She and Cochran discuss his cocky nature after Phillip claims to be a dominant player when it comes to strength. The fact is, they don't hate each other enough to turn on each other. The Bikal Favorites alliance are very experienced, and know it's the smart move to dispose of the Fans first.

Making up for lost rewards in Micronesia

Over at Gota, spirits are high and only get higher as the episode progresses. They're coming off multiple wins, and are sure that their prowess can continue (if only for one episode). Everyone is comfortable. Except Malcolm.  He's here to win this time.  With the Favorites still having a 4-3 lead over the fans, so Andrea and Brenda feel comfortable. But Malcolm knows that he will be a physical threat at the merge, and he will be targeted instantly.  He approaches Reynold with an idea for a secret sub-alliance withe Reynold, Eddie, Erik, and Malcolm.  Reynold, wary of liar, somehow emphatically believes Malcolm and reveals that he has an idol. Malcolm has two alliances that trust him, and neither of them know he has an idol. This is why Malcolm is one of the game's most popular.

The reward challenge was done before it started. In another challenge dating back to Cook Islands (watch it if you haven't!), Gota's fit team demolished Phillip and the toothless Bikals.  In perhaps the most valuable reward by far, the tribe drank coffee and ate pastries 'til they were sick (Dawn called it a "diarrhea-fest," bitter from losing). Malcolm kisses all his tribe mates and no one second guesses him. 

Magic touch

At immunity, called "Phoenix Rising," we have a brand new challenge (wooo!).  It was supposed to run during Philippines, but got cancelled due to rain.  Bikal kept up in the rowing portion of the challenge due to their careful steering, but Gota prevailed under the keen throwing hand of Reynold. This season has been unique in its amount of throwing components and lack of puzzles. I don't know if I like this. Puzzles even the playing field in a way that throwing games do not.  A puzzle, for instance, could have given Bikal more of a chance. I'm a big fan of Survivor Gabon, for one because I witnessed underdogs coming out on top with a puzzle. Who could forget Kenny Hoang comes out in the clutch to win immunity with this puzzle performance? I hope they add more puzzles into the mix in the future.

"I threw the challenge"

Bikal takes the predictable, smart route and splits votes between Julia and Matt.  Ultimately it's Julia who goes after failing Phillip's "test." However, the editing hints at an overthrow of Phillip for much of the episode. Corinne vents, and she and Cochran later chuckle at his over-confidence in the reward. Maybe this is a sign of things to come. Matt will be saved by the merge. He's stayed out of the spotlight and fostered ties with Corinne and I hope he stays for a few more episodes. Matt is a rational, smart player, and the game is almost always better when contestants are playing hard to win.

First Reward

Next week is the merge, and the main story will surely be Malcolm. Certainly Eddie and Reynold will be put on the chopping block by the majority Favorites alliance. Will Malcolm flip and take control of the game? Let's check the numbers. If Malcolm and Erik flipped to join Eddie and Reynold, they'd be four against the other eight. IF they brought in Sherri and Mike, they would have 6 on 6. But Sherri hates Reynold and Mike is tight with Corinne, so that would be unlikely. Another option would be the Big 4, plus Corinne and Mike. This is a real possibility because Corinne loves Malcolm and thinks they are tight.  We're gonna get a show next Wednesday.

Codename "Thrilla Vanilla"