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This week on Survivor, JT learned that some things just aren’t true, no matter how much we sometimes want them to be.It’s Day 25, and the Heroes are looking haggard. “This whole thing is exponentially worse than I ever remembered,” Colby says, miserable. JT points out that the five Heroes have been together for a long time; they’re praying for a merge just so they can change things up and get some new people around. “I hope I’m not annoying anyone,” Rupert tells Amanda. I think he means the other Heroes and not the audience, but either way: the answer is yes.
Amanda and Rupert go to check the treemail and find a chest. A note tells them to take the chest to camp and wait for the key, which is over with the Villains. The key comes with a “map” to the Heroes camp, which I’m pretty sure was cut from the back of a cereal box.
Before the Villains can leave, they need to come up with a plausible story to explain why Parvati is still around. They decide to tell the Heroes that Parvati played an idol at the same time that Russell did. As we know, this is much more plausible than even Russell knows, since Parvati has her own idol in pocket.
Of course, all the Heroes have to do is compare notes with Sandra. The smart thing to do would be to bring her into your alliance, because right now, she has a one hundred percent chance of trying to screw you over. Anyone who’s seen her in her prior season knows that her vote is for sale, so the safe thing is to include her here.
The Villains arrive at the Heroes camp, key to the chest and all. “I saw Parvati coming and immediately wanted to know where Russell is,” JT says, confused. “But then I saw his legs and was like ‘thank god!’” This is an accomplishment, because finding Russell’s tiny legs is no small feat.
JT immediately assumes that Parvati must have played an idol. In fact, he’s “one hundred percent sure” of it. You’ll hear JT talk about how he’s “one hundred percent sure” about a lot of stuff during this episode.
As expected, the box contains a feast and new buffs, signaling that the merge has arrived. While the remaining players mingle with each other and eat, new tribe names get thrown around. Sandra suggests “Hillains”, which is completely terrible and a slight disappointment, coming from Sandra. Jerri suggests “All Villains”, which is even dumber, because she thinks everyone’s a villain, and Colby gives her the WTF face behind her back. As with all things, Jerri’s statement is an opportunity for Rupert to become preachy and act superior. “We’re all something good and positive,” Rupert says. “Why do you need to keep the Villain attitude? I guess that’s what villains do,” he continues, shrugging. I guess Rupert’s constant references to what a bright and shining beacon of light he is constitutes doing something “good and positive”.
While everyone else chats and catches up, Parvati sits by herself in the shelter. She’s visibly upset that no one’s interested in talking to her, and she knows that she’s the prime target. Danielle tries to comfort Parvati, telling her that they have the game on lockdown and no one knows it, so she should quit worrying about who doesn’t like her because they’re not going to be around for long anyway.
On a side note, one of the conversations we overhear during this sequence involves Amanda telling Russell how one of the other contestants has a worm living under their skin, which is pretty much the grossest thing I can think of.
After the feast, Rupert and JT converse quietly with Russell in the shelter; Russell tells JT that Parvati played an idol too, and then they had to have a revote and he couldn’t vote and somehow Courtney went home as a result. Since we have no idea what the procedure would be when no votes count, we can’t be sure he’s lying, so this is actually a pretty good detail to add. “I swear on my kids I’m with you,” Russell says, trying too hard.
JT swallows it up, though. “He’s a good old country boy, just like me,” JT says hilariously. I guess if you’re a country boy, that makes you automatically trustworthy? That’s such an American thing to say. As with most other people in my generation, growing up in the era of Clinton and George W. Bush has brainwashed JT. Excuse me; do you live south of the Mason-Dixon Line? If so, here’s my ATM pin number!
“Russell could be lying, but I’m very sure that he isn’t,” JT says. “He could have never been going home, he could be the leader of the girls over there. Do I believe it? Not a chance in the world.”
Sandra, however, will no go down without a fight. The rest of the Villains are apparently supposed to be babysitting her, but she manages to sneak away and get in front of Rupert for a brief moment. She tells him everything: that she’s the last of her alliance, that Russell and Parvati are working together, and that Russell is not to be trusted. Rupert tells us that he has to believe Sandra, since they were aligned before in the Pearl Islands. Sandra can get loud too!
On the morning of Day 26, the tribe enjoys a breakfast of leftover eggs (from the feast, I’m guessing), but afterwards Parvati is still hungry. She wanders over to where the Heroes have been keeping their bananas and starts to eat, and this pisses off all of the Heroes, particularly Rupert, who knows that bananas are only for good people, which is why you need a permission slip from a Nobel Peace Prize winner to buy them at the supermarket.
The Heroes go for a walk to discuss their frustration with the banana situation. Rupert chooses this point to tell the others about what Sandra told him, pointing out that the Villains can easily vote them out if they believe Russell and he chooses to screw them. JT, however, is having none of it. He is absolutely convinced that Russell is on their side, and he won’t listen to reason or even indulge the possibility.
Rupert persists. “He’s on the Villain side for a reason, JT,” he says. You know what? Way to make me side with Rupert, JT, you dick. Worst thing anyone’s ever done to me. I can feel my glands shutting down.
But the other Heroes agree with Rupert, so JT acquiesces and decides to go along with the new plan, which is to test Russell’s loyalty by telling him they’re voting for Parvati, but in actuality voting for someone else, likely Sandra or Jerri.
“Rupert needs to be told where to vote by someone smarter than him,” JT says, continuing his streak of unintentionally humorous confessionals. I can’t make these things up. Here’s another gem: “Think about this a minute: Do you believe what Sandra told you, or do you believe the obvious truth?”
Meanwhile, Rupert is busy disrupting my worldview some more. “The minute I met Russell and he swore on his kids’ life, right away I didn’t trust him,” he tells Amanda and Colby. When Rupert’s instincts are correct, I feel like everything’s backwards. It’s strange, all of a sudden I simply cannot wait to go see The Back Up Plan, you know?
Later, Amanda and Parvati finally find some time to sneak off together and compare notes. Parvati knows she’s a target, but Amanda tells her that she’s working hard to make sure that Sandra is the one going home this week. NO. That is not permitted.
Parvati then tells Amanda that she has an idol. Amanda goes “Another one?” because she’s testing to see if Parvati’s story matches Russell’s, and Parvati takes it in stride and shakes her head. They do the secret handshake from Micronesia that they used to do all the time and go their separate ways, agreeing to watch out for each other. That alliance could have potential if they agreed to work together in secret to disassemble their tribal alliances from the inside.
Immunity Challenge. The Survivors file in, and when Probst asks for a tribe name, they reveal that they did indeed go with “YinYang”, which is pretty damn terrible. “It means good and evil,” Russell says helpfully. Thanks! Up next: Russell explains the plot of The Matrix to everyone.
Today the contestants will be competing in the traditional first individual challenge, the “hold onto a pole for as long as possible” endurance test. Sandra’s in trouble like thirty seconds in, of course, but what’s surprising is that Colby is, too. They agree to step down together, and they’re the first two out before a minute has passed. Russell falls next, followed by Rupert. Parvati’s hot ass is hanging on with one foot, and when Jerri falls we get a shot of JT sitting with a blanket over his head in what is perhaps the most blatant metaphor in Survivor history.
Pretty soon it’s just Parvati and Danielle left, and because they’re situated right next to each other, they have the luxury of whispering. Danielle tells Parvati that she needs to win because Parvati has the idol, and Parvati agrees to step down from the pole and give Danielle and her disgusting left breast the immunity necklace.
Back at camp, people are rightfully suspicious that Parvati would just quit the challenge when it’s plain that she’s on the chopping block. Indeed, that was a pretty bad move. Rupert wants to use Parvati’s resignation as reason to oust Russell, and for real, I cannot say it enough, screw you JT for making me root for Rupert. They agree to move forward with their plan to vote for Sandra or Jerri as a test to see if Russell’s for real.
Meanwhile, Russell’s ready to execute on the Villains’ plan to eliminate JT by tricking them all into voting for Parvati. He gives her the idol that JT gave to him last week, because he has no idea that she already has one. So now, Parvati has two idols, which she shows to the camera wickedly. “I guess they’re right; I am the most dangerous player out here,” she says, satisfied.
Parvati checks in with Amanda before Tribal Council. Amanda wants them to play together, but has no idea how to make it happen. “All I can tell you is to play the idol,” Amanda says, trying to be coy but coming off obvious and stilted. Being clever is not Amanda’s strength. Amanda’s strength is her function as a reliable sidekick. Also her butt, but mostly the sidekick thing.
Parvati can tell that Amanda’s lying because they’ve spent a lot of time playing the game together. “Amanda is so fake,” Parvati says, “I could tell immediately that she wasn’t telling me the truth.”
“My head hurts,” Amanda responds. She’s as reliable as ever. Try not to think too hard, honey. Hey, do you guys remember when she was smart? I’m having a hard time reconciling that with what we’re seeing in front of us now. I agree with Rupert ONE TIME and all of a sudden everything is magically reversed and now Amanda is a brainless zombie. Thanks, JT!
Tribal Council. Hey Rupert, what’s it like having new people around camp? “It’s…an adjustment,” he says like the perfect asshole. He brings up the stupid banana etiquette thing again, and Danielle can’t stay quiet any longer, pointing out that there are bananas all over the place. “No, there are plantains everywhere,” Rupert says. We have reached the point where these people are arguing over fruit, so I cross “exhaustively recap the least interesting argument ever” off of my Bucket List.
Russell halts the banana discussion, causing me to be grateful for his presence, which is yet more evidence that I’ve crossed into the land of I Blame JT For This. Russell points out that nothing is going to change with this discussion, and that there are still two separate tribes. I believe someone is required to say that at the first Tribal Council after every merge.
Parvati notes that everyone’s avoiding her, which makes her think she’s being targeted. Probst thinks she’s just being overly sensitive, because she is a girl who has girly parts. “Is that because you’re used to getting attention all the time, in life?” he says, making everyone laugh and crossing the line yet again. Tone it down, Probst. We get it.
Time to vote. Russell votes for JT: “You seem like a real cool guy, but it was a real dumb move to give me your idol.” Less cocky than I thought, but also pretty funny given what’s about to happen, and how little Russell actually has to do with it. He just gave Parvati an idol with exactly the same amount of correct information that JT had last week.
Parvati votes JT. “This is my love letter to you. X O X O!” she says, mocking JT’s Do You Like Me Check Yes Or No letter to Russell last week.
We see Amanda, Rupert and Candace vote for Jerri, explaining that she’s the least likely person to be given the idol if one exists. Pretty solid strategy, right?
Yeah, except: Probst goes to gather the votes and gives the group the opportunity to play the immunity idol. Parvati pipes up, telling Jeff that it would be sad to have to watch bananas ripen without everyone around. Then, she pulls out an idol and gives it to Sandra, who looks pretty damn shocked (in addition to everyone else in the room).
And then! Parvati pulls out the second idol and gives it to Jerri. For the first time in many years with this show, I was legitimately and honestly blown away.
Think about it: Parvati has used the power of logic to deduce the following: that the Heroes can’t vote for Danielle because she has immunity, that they won’t vote for Russell because they think he’s on their side, and that they aren’t voting for Parvati herself because they believe that she’s going to play the idol. Thus, this leaves two possible options for the Heroes: Jerri and Sandra. By giving them both idols, Parvati has eliminated every single possibility the Heroes have given themselves.
Parvati’s essentially guaranteed herself safety for the next few rounds by playing for her entire alliance instead of just herself. This one move has guaranteed her safety for at least another couple of rounds, and here’s why: In one fell swoop, it moves the target off of her back and paints it squarely on Russell, whom the Heroes are going to blame for flipping. There’s a one hundred percent chance that Sandra’s going to flip, and when she does, the Heroes and Sandra will be going at Russell instead.
The move also endears her to Jerri and Sandra, two members of her alliance that were originally on the outside of the central Danielle/Parvati/Russell triad. If things go south with Russ and Danielle, Parvati is straight up covered. Sandra’s already said that she wants to keep as many winners around as possible, so why not give her more incentive?
Yeah, Parvati could have played one idol and kept one for herself, but what would that do? She has a 50-50 shot at selecting the right person, and even then she’d still be targeted sooner than later and would likely have to play it at the very next Tribal Council. Better to protect everyone and form a tight alliance in which every single member owes you, giving you a guaranteed shot at keeping your needed votes around.
In short, I believe that it is the single best play in the history of this show. So, so smart and well thought out.
Oh, and for those of you that have been emailing me all weekend telling me I’m a hypocrite for thinking that this is the same thing I criticized Russell for back when Tyson got voted out, this move is WAY different. Parvati systematically eliminated every potential choice the Heroes could have made; Russell took a shot in the dark. It’s a shot which turned out to be correct thanks to some dumb luck, but what’s different is the thought process. Parvati’s thinking in this scenario is much more advanced than Russell’s was a few weeks ago.
Probst begins to read the votes; all five votes for Jerri don’t count. The votes for JT, however, do. The person who’s the most shocked at this turn of events is actually Russell, who shakes JT’s hand as he’s voted out, then tells Parvati that she’s got some explaining to do. “Secret!” she says, giggling. I get the feeling that Russell’s not amused to be kept out of the loop like this. Also, if they had gone along with his remedial-ass plan, Jerri would be gone right now, his alliance would be down 5-4, and he’d likely be the next person out. Just saying.
In JT’s final words, he tells us that the one thing he’s taking away from this is never to trust women. Russell is apparently blameless in this entire scenario. Wonderful!
Next week: Sandra finally gets Russell, hopefully. But probably not, because previews showing Russell in trouble are always wrong.
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33 Comments
Shoon,
Can’t help but agree with you on Parv’s move.
I love the transition you’ve made with her throughout the seasons. From having basically no respect for her as a player in Cook Islands, to reluctantly giving her kudos for her smart plays in the FvF season to straight up giving the respect she deserves. I never thought i’d say this but i am not totally down with Parvarti winning this whole thing, either her or Sandra.
There really hasn’t been anyone on the Heroes to root for since Tom, Steph and Cirie go voted out. I guess the only one i could say im kind of rooting for is Candice, strictly because she’s pissed me off the least in that tribe.
But i digress, this was a fantastic hour of television, even Russell was somewhat less unbearable. This episodes title -”Going Down in Flames” – couldn’t have been more fitting. Though it still frustrated me that JT props to Russell for the play that he had so little to do with. Makes it pretty likely Russell will have atleast one jury vote it he makes it that far. *fingers crossed he doesn’t*
Really looking forward to the rest of the season and to the fiery debate i expect in the comments section!
Schoonie,
I totally agree about Parvati’s move. I actually screamed HOLY SHIT at the TV when she did it. I loved the fact tha Russell was not happy about it, and that she just giggled at him. Hee! Too funny.
I really hope Sandra makes it far in this game – I really have loved her this season. Honestly, I think I’d love to see a Parvati/Sandra final 2 – not sure who I’d add in if it’s a final three – anyone but the bandy legged troll.
Thanks so much for yet another freaking fantastic recap – you are the shit!
SWAK, PottyMouth
I have been waiting for this recap and I was not disappointed. I laughed everytime that ridiculous picture of JT came up. You forgot one though “Russell told me Tommy Hillfilger was on Oprah and that he don’t like black people and don’t make clothes for them. He wish black people would quit wearing his clothes. It’s not on youtube, as a matter of fact, the video or audio exists nowhere and the show has never shown a rerun, but I believe it 100%”
Now on to the main course. Let me just say, I HATE THE HII. Here’s why – I respect gameplay and strategy and if you can’t talk your way to the end (Rob, Richard) then I don’t exactly think you are a good player. Winning immunity or finding an idol has nothing to do with how you play the game, it’s luck. It’s out wit, out play, out last. It’s not show up, find idol, don’t fall off the pole. Rob basically ran All Star season without nary an idol in sight. Even when he did not have immunity no one ever came up with the brilliant plan to just vote for him .. it was not illegal. He even had another tribe scared of him!! That’s Survivor to me. Which is why, like Schoonie, I respect Pav move more than Russell’s. Russell is NOTHING without an idol. PERIOD.
Oh Schoonie – I forgot to mention that I absolutely LOVE each and every one of your JT “100%” screencaps!! Hilarious!
I always hated Parvati until this episode, now I love her. I loved her “I don’t give a fuck” attitude when Russell was so obviously pissed at her for hiding her idol from him. Thought the same thing as Schoonie, how the hell was it possible that Rupert was the voice of reason throughout the episode?! God I hope Sandra takes out Russell next week. Danielle’s boobs still scare the shit out of me. Hilarious recap!
“The key comes with a “map” to the Heroes camp, which I’m pretty sure was cut from the back of a cereal box.”
Great. Now I’m craving Captain Crunch.
Schoonie…your JT confessionals are BRILLIANT!
JEEPERS! I laughed ’til my sides hurt.
But the Russell/Danielle dustup at Tribal is proof of how much this show has deteriorated. It’s SURVIVOR. They shouldn’t HAVE so much food that they’re fighting over it.
I am now on team ABR…Anybody But Russell.
Those “I am 100% sure” screencaps were pure comedy gold!! Thanks for the lols, schoonie!!
One thing I am 100% sure of is that Parvati just made the most brilliantly strategic and logical move in Survivor history. She should change her name to Spock.
Schoonie –
First, the picture you chose for the JT screencaps .. awesome in its doofiness. Second, I 100% agree with you and everyone else about Parvati’s move. It was PHENOMENAL, and I seriously doubt that Jerri, especially, will flip on her anytime soon. Finally, you missed my favorite part of the ep! Sandra’s reaction to getting an idol made me laugh out loud. “Aww FOR REAL??”
Also, I love the random references to Sandra getting loud too. Please, PLEASE go check out the youtube clip of it … I cracked up after she owns Fairplay in the argument and then does the air-boxing.
To put your worldview somewhat back into order Schoonie, this statement from Rupert: “The minute I met Russell and he swore on his kids’ life, right away I didn’t trust him” came only after Sandra had her talk with him. Rupert showed not a single sign of disbelief in Russell’s word before Sandra opened his eyes. To the contrary, he was still boasting about the genius of the plan up to the time of his and Sandra’s talk, so I think he’s full of crap and trying to make himself sound more perceptive than he actually is.
I thought tribal council was hilarious, but on reflection think Parvati seriously screwed herself. She should have used one idol to save Jerri and kept the other idol secret. She has to KNOW that Sandra is going to flip, because Sandra will not be content to be number five in her former tribe’s pecking order, even if they were now willing to work with her. Having Sandra voted off would not have made her alliance less strong, and might have even been beneficial because Sandra is about the only person outside of Parvati’s alliance that can actually think. Actually, her using the idol to save Sandra was somewhat akin to JT giving his idol to Russell: you just don’t use an idol to save the enemy.
The only way Parvati could possibly think the move would benefit her is if she thinks the gesture might buy her some loyalty from Sandra. Unfortunately for her, I don’t think it will. Even if Russell is the next one targeted, and god forbid (haha) he’s actually voted off, Parvati becomes the next most dangerous/hated player of her alliance for the heroes to go after. The heroes are not going to just forget that it was her who got JT voted off, and even if Sandra did feel some loyalty to one of the most dangerous players in the game (and I’m not convinced she feels any loyalty, because she has to understand that the idol was not used on her for her benefit), how much of a fight would Sandra put up to keep Parvati safe when the heroes are going to be gunning for her? Sandra is all about protecting Sandra, and is not going to fight too forcefully for Parvati if it means putting her own neck on the line.
The villains are now outnumbered and they have no immunity idols to use as a safety net. I don’t see this as a win for them as an alliance or for Parvati personally. I guess only time will tell.
@cattyfan: “But the Russell/Danielle dustup at Tribal is proof of how much this show has deteriorated. It’s SURVIVOR. They shouldn’t HAVE so much food that they’re fighting over it.”
If you watch the Ponderosa clips, one of the first things Coach talked about was that his tribe had absolutely no food, that they simply weren’t eating and that was why the tribe was so weak. I think the show just isn’t focusing on the food situation as heavily this season. Maybe it’s because nobody is making an effort to get food, so there isn’t much worth showing. People don’t argue about food when there is an abundance of it available, they fight over food when it has to be rationed.
I was already a fan of Parvati but this move was freaking brilliant! LOVE her. My ideal top 3 would be Candince, Parvati & Sandra. but for that play alone, please Parvati FTW.
I read somewhere that J.T. was bragging bout never having to do homework coz all the girls would do it for him. No wonder he’s so dumb. btw, the captions are hilarious and I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually DID say it. haha
Schoonie:
First I have to applaud your recap, very funny, and I love JT. This makes me wonder if he has any of his million left. “A Prince in Nigeria had a flat tire and said if I’d send AAA (African Auto Association) a million dollars to change his tire that he would send me back two million. I sure hope he gets home safe.”
But I call foul on the Parvati HI play. I totally believe Amanda told Parvati about the plan for her side to vote out either Sandra or Jerri. They don’t show it but if Amanda’s plan was to tell all then what Parvati did would make the most sense. No way Parvati gives away both idols unless she knows the Hereos plan. So IMO nice editing from TPTB, yuck.
Also the Ponderosa videos of Coach are a must see. He actually uses a black Sharpie pen to paint his beard, then with Courtney….I’ve told enough just go see for yourself.
HII has ruined Survivor.
One more last: Russell the Bandy-Legged-Troll was arrested for pushing a woman down in Louisiana last weekend. He might have just being trying to shake her hand though and busted her knee-cap.
And Big Brother fans, Matty from the sleazy season got arrested for domestic violence on his pregnant girlfriend. So good weekend for CBS huh?
At first I wondered why Parvati played both idols too, since she could have easily kept one — both Danielle and Russell would have believed she’d played the one they knew about.
But having an immunity idol can also be a huge liability, if anyone finds out about it. So it’s better just to get rid of them — and Schoonie analysis of the play is excellent, I completely agree.
That leaves Sandra, Parvati and Rupert as the remaining winners (and Russell no doubt believes that he won his season as well, and most likely has told everyone this, since he is incapable of keeping his mouth shut) — I have to assume that the only way anyone of them can win again is to go into the final three with other former winners.
They’ll bring Russell anyway, since he’s so loathsome and stupid, no one will vote for him. I find it unlikely Rupert is capable of thinking that far in advance. Which leaves a teamup between Parvati and Sandra pretty much guaranteed.
Other thoughts: no one minds that Probst called out Candace for stepping down during the challenge? Why interfere like that?
Oh yeah, here’s what I wrote in the forum about an epiphany I had:
“I figured out my problem with Russell. I grew up in New Jersey, where there are places where the air is so foul with chemical smells that you simply don’t want to breathe. So you hold your breath while you pass through, but of course, you can’t hold your breath that long, so you try to take just mini-breaths. But that doesn’t work either. No matter what you do, you have to take that stink into your lungs. Russell is that stink.”
I disagree with you Schoonie about this being the best move in Survivor history. Certainly, it was awesome to watch unfold. It was also well played, and certainly a good move. I don’t think, though, that it was the best move Parvati could have made.
One name: Sandra.
I come at things from a different point of view. Parvati has to know that Sandra has absolutely no loyalty to her. Giving her an idol, that didn’t even happen to save her ass, isn’t going to make Sandra loyal. Everyone knows that Sandra will jump ship at any time, when and where necessary. That is what made Sandra a villain.
So going into this week’s Survivor we know that Sandra is going to flip. That’s going to put the Hero’s at 5 and the Villains at 4. This move may have saved Parvati for the next few moves in the game, but it isn’t going to get her to the end.
Think about it in these terms. Had Parvati simply decided that losing Sandra wasn’t a big loss, since she was almost certain to flip anyway, and instead just given one idle to Jerry – her ally – what would it have accomplished? First, Amanda’s biggest concern would have been cleared. She’d believe that Parvati played her only hidden immunity idol. Second, Russel would have thought that she played the idle that he gave her. Third, Danielle would have believed that Parvati played the only idol she had.
Meanwhile, unknown to everyone, Parvati would still have a secret idol stashed away just in case.
If Sandra had been voted off, she’d be in the exact position that she is in now: Heroes 5, Villains 4. This would have at least given her another opportunity to put the other hidden idol to use.
Further, by playing BOTH idols she shakes the confidence of her closest ally, Russel, who as we know is always paranoid. I certainly believe it is within Parvati’s ability to soothe his fears, but now there will always be that little bit of doubt in Russel’s mind… and he’ll have an easier time betraying her if and when necessary. It also shatters the delusion that Russel likes to hold, that he is in total control, that he’s the smartest one out there, and that he’s the leader of his alliance. Parvati just threatened all of that.
There is a single hope for Parvati though. If she can get Amanda to flip, and Amanda can bring Candice with her, then that gives them a clear pecking order to get rid of people.
This still might happen this week. But by throwing away the idol on Sandra she effectively has no backup plan.
All that being said, I don’t necessarily consider it a bad move. I think it was a good move. It could have the potential effect of securing whatever little loyalty Sandra has – mostly in good will – and could potentially keep her on for the next vote. I don’t see that as likely, but anything can happen.
Great recap by the way. I loved the stuff about JT. I just love how he has completely validated the fact that Stephen was the entire brains behind his success.
Awesome recap, as usual!
I have to admit–I actually had to watch a couple parts of this show twice, because I was like, WTH just happened? Rupert used reason? (but then got all crazy eyed, sweaty and paranoid…LOL…) Russell wasn’t in complete control? Probst interfered with the challenge and tribal (again)? Danielle’s wonky implants formed an alliance with the bananas?
Anyhoo–I thought it was a brilliant move by Parvati–and your reasoning, Schoonie, was right on. If Amanda were a better liar, it may not have worked out so well…But like Sandra, with HII or not, Parvati knows that being able to read people is the best way to outlast…I think this is shaping up to be one of the best seasons ever. Would have been “evah” had Boston Rob still been there…
ohhhyeah…they have coconuts everywhere…bunches of bananas…and Rupert says they have “plenty of plantains.” Maybe the Heroes were just to lazy to get some of these. (Although at the beginning of the season we were shown Rob getting Coach to shimmy out on a limb where there were coconuts.)
In the first few seasons, players were given a little rice and then had to fish and hunt for roots. It was an important part of the game, and made winning reward challenges more valuable. Now they’re plopped someplace with an abundance of easily identifiable foods…and handed idols so they don’t have to think so hard to stay in the game.
Cattyfan: Agreed. This show risks going the way of the Amazing Race, which is not at all amazing.
I’m not so sure that Parvati was trying to win over Sandra, I think she was making a point of getting rid of the immunity idols (although the producers will probably race to get them back in the game again to help Russell out).
Keeping the idol would have run her the risk of Russell and Danielle communicating — if Danielle found out that Russell had given her the idol, she surely would have informed Russell that Parvati already had an idol. Her best play was to get rid of both of them.
Okay this is what made me laugh, mister:
“and when Jerri falls we get a shot of JT sitting with a blanket over his head in what is perhaps the most blatant metaphor in Survivor history.”
I didn’t think of that! I thought he looked like cousin IT from the Addams Family. Poor JT. I feel sorry for him but I blame SUGAR. She has obviously soured him on women.
I’m not worried about my boy Russell though. RUSSELL is the King of Survivor and Parvarti is the Queen. Unfortunately, their kingdom is comprised of a bunch of idiots and egomaniacs but that’s not their fault.
Uh, and Schoonie I don’t know why you said Parvati was looking less attractive this season. When she was standing on that pole — on one foot — she kinda looked attractive EVEN to somebody who doesn’t “go that way” and doesn’t normally notice those things.
See? What did I say?
Me and Mr. D. Couch buddier forever. ;-D
I agree, excellent recap and deduction of Parvati’s move. I do think it was the best move. It shocked the sh$t out of me. And I think that it will actually endear Sandra a “little” to Parvati. From the previews, Sandra is trying hard for Russell to get out. And if what was said about Sandra saying she wants previous winners in the end is true……. I also think that if Parvati makes it to the end, this is something she will use in her closing arguments. And I also think JT’s comment about not trusting women is better for Parvati because he thinks it was all Parv. He is not giving Russell credit for that move, therefore he may think Parv is the better player.
Mel I don’t think Russell will be faded by Parv’s move. He claims to love this game and the real players of it. I think he felt a little bit of a gut punch, but I think he will respect the move. Especially if she explains that it will help keep the villains together, even if it is for mostly her benefit. I also think Russell has to stay with Parv, because now the heroes know he gave the idol they gave him to Parv, so they REALLY will not trust him. He has to stick with Parv. She killed it this episode to me, and I am not definitely now on Team Parvati. I am down with Sandra and Candace as possible final 2 & 3.
It is supposed to be I AM on Team Parv. I was too excited about this episode and recap, lol.
My 1st thought when Parv made her move was that obviously Amanda tipped her off. Those two are working together, but faking in front of the cameras that they don’t trust each other (Probably at the request of production). Hence, the horrible acting by Amanda. I’d like to give Parv the credit that she used the same logic as you, Schoonie, but I’m not quite buying it. She’s definitely a smart player, but not that smart. Plus, the move was too risky without having solid evidence from Amanda of how the Heroes were gonna vote.
SOAPBOXX – which Ponderosa video? I thought I’ve watched them all, but don’t remember seeing Coach with a Sharpie? And, what happened with Courtney? I’m just cracking up over their band – The Dragons!
msjacqmills:
There are like 4 Ponderosa videos of coach, and 3 each of JT and Courtney. It’s there. What happened with Courtney,Coach was in her hut with her and borrowed her mascara and used it on his beard and eyelashes before tribal council. What a douche. He had been complaining about his beard being gray, but dolling up his lashes???? C’mon.
Also LOL@Itchy referring to Russell as the NJ toxic stink!
Seriously, one of the best TC’s ever. My jaw literally dropped when Parvati pulled both idols out and gave them away. I agree it would have been better for her to keep one, but it’s still risky. There is no way Sandra is going to be swayed by that, she has absolutely no loyalty. I can’t wait for the next episode.
You know, I’ve been sitting and thinking about what the best moves are for who, and why… There are three people who are effectively in control of the game right now. The next move they make will determine the entire flow moving forward, barring something crazy happening. Those three people are Sandra, Amanda, and Candice.
Moving forward, the current alignment of the teams is most likely going to look like this:
Heroes: Colby, Rupert, Amanda, Candice, Sandra – 5 Players
Villains: Jerry, Danielle, Russel, Parvati – 4 Players
One of two things has to happen to keep things from swinging toward the Heroes.
1. Sandra has to remain loyal.
2. Amanda and Candice must flip to the Villains.
All of this is a pure numbers game, and doesn’t take into account the newly hidden immunity idol which may emerge sooner or later.
Sandra has no reason to stay loyal to the Villains. The idol Parvati gave her means nothing, she knows that once all the Heroes are gone she is next on the list. She knows the pecking order. She has every reason to flip.
Likewise, Amanda and Candice know the pecking order on their tribe. Colby and Rupert will remain tight, and if Sandra flips and stays loyal that would make her the swing vote. That means things don’t look good for Amanda and Candice.
The irony is that in order for Sandra to make it to the end, she needs allies. Like the type of allies she had in Boston Rob and Cortney. For Amanda and Candice to make it to the end, they’re going to have to get rid of Parvati. There is no way either of them make it to the end with Parvati still in the game. If Russell falls it’s Parvati, Jerry and Danielle in the final three. Russell means nothing. Parvati has effectively taken control of that alliance, with Russell as the angry troll she unleashes upon her enemies.
If Amanda and Candice do not flip to the Villains, then their next move must be to get rid of Parvati. This would effectively drive a stake through the heart of the Villains alliance.
With Parvati gone, it means they can peel off Jerry, and it leaves Danielle to make a decision as to whether or not she should stay loyal to Russell, look for a game changer, or try and dethrone Sandra as being one of the potential final three.
After Parvati either Danielle or Russell goes next. If Danielle is loyal, get rid of Rupert. If Danielle is not loyal get rid of her. The Final Six: Sandra, Amanda, Candice, Rupert / Danielle, Colby, and Jerry.
The next move is to decide who is the least likely to remain loyal for the next immediate vote. I’d say Sandra or Danielle. I’d say Sandra, as Danielle is likely easily convinced that she could go to the final three with Amanda and Candice. After Sandra is gone, get rid of Danielle. Then get rid of Colby. Final Three: Jerry, Candice, and Amanda.
I’m not confident that Amanda and Candice could pull that off, but it’s the only real path I see for Amanda and Candice to get to the end… unless they flip, Danielle gets the boot, and they turn on each other for the final three slot – which would be entirely decided by Parvati. They’d also be going up against Jerry for that, and it isn’t a good deal for Candice as Amanda is likely to be chosen over her.
However, if they don’t flip to the Villains, my bet is that Parvati goes home next. (Which would validate my previous post in pointing out the foolishness of giving Sandra one of the idols.) Of course, it’s always possible that if they refuse to get rid of Russell right away that Sandra remains loyal to the Villains. It would be a stupid move on her part, but anything could happen.
Meldread, after reading all that, my brain has officially turned the consistency of whipped cream.
What was it before that? Clotted cream? *mwah* Love ya, Itchy!
Roquefort.
Not even thru with comments, so i want to say b4 I forget. Oh yeah-I agree about the HII, but I think Schoon makes a good case for using both as well.
Myself, I would have loved to see the dropped jaws next tribal, when Parv would have had to use the other, coz even if Sandra didn’t go, she would switch, you know, like she’s about too. I enjoy the total shock factor, and everyone, everyone except Dani would have been. Am I the only one confusing Amanda and Dani–I just can’t keep it straight which one’s on which tribe–how sad for me . . .
Anyhoo, knew it was going to get juicy, and continue, esp if hero’s get upper hand at this point.
If I’m allowed to predict, lil Russ either finds another HII, or get’s immunity, and Sandra waits to make her move to avoid becoming a target. I could see Russ eventually aligning with anyone to get further.
It’s also funny that the fear of Parv making merge was that she would rejoin her old friends–looks like that happened. I could see Amanda, Dani and Parv making a run for top three.
hee, I’m really Danielle’s boobs . . . since I’ve finished comments, I can see meldread covered my thoughts in the first post. Also, if I had known the boob’s name was going to work, I totally would have given you all shit for picking on them-LOL!
Totally agree with all on the inspired recap!
I thought JT congratted lil Russ for his murderous lies, not for the idol stunner. And his dis on woman just fuels my feeling he’s in love with lil Russ. Sorry Mr. D . . .
It’s a total blast on this, hearing all the opinions!!! Weee, I say, weeee . . . . After reading Meldreads second post, and all the other thoughts, I still think, at some point, Parv is going to gather who she can from both tribes and stage a coup. Should be fun!
Schoonie:
Excellent recap. Here’s a great summation of Sandra’s winning season. Just take out the spaces, thenscroll down about half way.
survivorsucks. com/topic/61491?page=20
Ok, I still think for Parvati to use an idol on Sandra was a waste of a perfectly good immunity idol, but one legitimate benefit to using the idol in that manner has occurred to me, even if Parvati thinks that Sandra is likely to flip to the other alliance and that using the idol on Sandra will buy her no real loyalty.
If Sandra is the only member of the villains alliance that comes away from tribal unprotected, then the heroes would know that Sandra was on the outs with the villains, and her integration into their alliance would be that much easier. By protecting Sandra, Parvati has insured that a measure of doubt and suspicion will linger with the heroes about Sandra’s true motives even if Sandra decides to work with them, and Sandra will have a much more difficult time getting the heroes to trust her than if it were apparent the villains had no further use for Sandra.
So if nothing else, using the idol in Sandra will sew doubt into her new alliance and make it a little more difficult for Sandra to work her mischief.
I still think Parvati should have kept the idol though. She will probably have some indication as to which villain the hero alliance will be targeting, and the idol could once again have been used to foil the heroes’ vote. As it stands, the villain’s alliance can now look forward to having one less person after next tribal council. If she supposedly saw the idol as a liability that was too dangerous to keep, then her best bet would have been to give the idol to Russell. This would have kept her in his good graces and “proven” the solidity of his and her alliance, it would have insured that Russell was the main threat if word of the idol got out, and the idol will probably be used on her anyway, so she really loses nothing.