Survivor Blood vs Water Episode 1 Recap: Twists Aplenty

For this weeks blog post I will breakdown a few key talking points from what looks to be a highly unpredictable and intriguing season 27. Let's jump right in!

1. Vytas is for real

No one appears more prepared from day 1

From what I have seen, there is no loved one more suited to win than Vytas.  He carries many of Aras's attributes while appearing as much less a threat.  He is both likable and fit, and has mental toughness to withstand the elements.  We saw him share his drug-addict past with Brad and Ciera - A great example of him opening up to others in order to build trust.  In another very smart move, Vytas agreed to go along with Brad's "man alliance," while also confiding and connecting with the women of the tribe.  He appears to have no enemies, which will pay off big later.

2. This could be Tyson's shot at success

Tyson strikes a happy medium between a threat and weakling.  He's tied for second most experienced with Candice and Tina, but he's never been very successful. Think about it. He's played with such greats as Coach, Parvati, Boston Rob, and Stephen Fishbach (Yes, I do consider him a great).  His tribe already loves him for his ability to make fire. He is very well suited to succeed, especially if the returning players are up numbers at the merge.

3. Brad's game lacks subtlety

Brad's strategy is remarkably similar to that of Jeremy's this season of Big Brother: All the guys in an alliance to the end.  Just like in Big Brother, this alliance will not last.  Brad is simply enlarging an already huge target on his back. I don't expect him to make the merge.

4. Gervase is the same old guy

Gervase was known in Borneo for needed help to swim, not working hard, and being lovable and sociable. Nothing has changed, other than that he is perhaps less athletic. This could actually work in his favor on a returning players season - that is if he doesn't continue holding his team down in challenges. Luckily, as of now it seems Laura Boneham will be the first voted out of galang, giving Gervase some time to form bonds with his tribemates. Life could be tough for him after the merge though, due to his cockiness in the first challenge.

Sadly, We may not be seeing Rupert for much longer this season

For this season, I will try to keep an updated "Power Rankings" list - This list ranks players based on the strength of their strategic position at the end of the current episode.

Power Rankings Through Episode 1:

Galang:
1. Tyson
2. Kat
3. Tina
4. Aras
5. Monica
6. Colton
7. Gervase
8. Laura Morett
9. Laura Boneham

Friendly and Low-Key John sits at #3 on Tadhana

Tadhana:
1. Vytas
2. Caleb
3. John
4. Hayden
5. Brad
6. Ciera
7. Rachel
8. Katie

Blood vs. Water (Rumored) Cast Breakdown: Rupert Boneham

With the finale of Caramoan far behind us, it's now time to look ahead to one of the most radical twists put into the Survivor format. I am talking about the ominous Season 27: Blood vs. Water. Details have been leaking out since the finale, and no information has been confirmed by the show. Nevertheless, let me break down the rumored cast. We'll begin with an all time great.

Rupert Boneham 

Maybe he plays the non-threat card to advance in the game?

The winner of America's Tribal Council will be playing for a whopping 4th time if he is indeed on this season.  The interesting thing to note with Rupert is that even though he is not regarded as a strategic player, he has finished 4th and 6th in his two all-star seasons. This is quite a feat given the stiff competition he faced in seasons 1 and 8.  


Rupert began his journey in the Pearl Islands, where he led the Drake tribe to early challenge success. He was an excellent spear fisherman, providing food and offering complete tribe loyalty. He entered the merge in a strong alliance, but got blindsided by the tribe because of his challenge ability and likability. He would have won the jury vote, and they know it.

In All-Stars, Rupert joined with Borneo player Jenna Lewis to form an alliance within the Sabogo tribe. At the merge, the two were the sole survivors from their tribe and they joined up with Boston Rob's Chapera alliance. Rupert stood strong with Rob, but they had to cut Rupert loose at 4th place.

In Heroes vs. Villans, Rupert was challenged from day 1 when he broke his toe. Regardless, he contributed in challenges and endeared himself to the Heroes alliance. With Parvati's double idol blindside of J.T., the Heroes alliance was down in numbers to Russell and the Villans. Seen as less threatening than J.T., Amanda, or Danielle, Rupert slid through to sixth place.

"I've tried to show that good will win"

How will he do this time? Well, he may not be the challenge beast he was during Pearl Islands.  Although he was hurt in season 20, he didn't seem to be a threat to younger players. He will, however, be well-liked in his tribe and contribute around camp as always. As long as Rupert doesn't ruffle any feathers or appear to be scheming, he will make the merge. His fatal flow is loyalty. Once in an alliance, he is reluctant to leave it unless he has to.  I hope, for the fans sake, that he stays around to entertain us.

By the way: he's rumored to be playing with his wife Laura, who has appeared on All Stars. 

Survivor 27: Blood vs. Water Unofficial Cast Members

Although we haven't heard anything from the show, leaks have indicated the following cast for the next season:

It's an odd group, but they have the potential to make a very interesting season 27. Over the next few weeks, I will be breaking down the cast and the controversial new format. 

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.