worth the looong wait Schoonie..LOL imagining Pavarati doing the dance for Ozzy.. that didn't really happen did it? I think the reason James is so popular is because he has never gone "Hollywood"..there's a lot to be said about a guy who after being on tv can go back to his humble job of digging graves.. he was never my favorite but I get the appeal..

and I agree Cirie absolutely deserved it..but I fear if she had gone to the final two she still wouldn't have won the cool million..she just did not forge friendships like Amanda and Pavarati did..anyway a favorite season of mine..i'm happy that pavarti won..sex sells and she used it..

and Amanda won too.. she got Ozzy..and maybe just maybe they will be the new Rob and Amber and appear on Amazing Race together soon.. one can I hope..

thnaks for your recaps Schoonie.. they always make me laugh out loud and give a lot of insight..

I think James is funny!! He isn't the best strategic player, but he cracks me up. You can't see past your hatred for him. Since China you have hated and you don't give him another fair chance like you do Parvati, etc...

I was also yelling at the tv when Amanda was answering the jury. I would have said I had the "glossy" look on my face b/c of just getting back from China and going back on Survivor. Who does that?? (besides Amanda and James). I think that Amanda thought she was smarter than Parv and could argue against her but not Cirie - it's a sad statement that Parvati seems to be smarter.

Nice recap. Thanks for thoughts on the reunion show as well. I didn't watch it as I was tuned into the finale of "Brothers and Sisters". Not having a DVR really sucks sometimes.

Also, I wanted to comment on a few of the things the person before me said. First, Amanda won because she got Ozzy? Wow...I couldn't disagree more. And saying maybe they will be the next Rob and Amber is just really sad. Rob and Amber are awful and wanting someone to be like them is crazy.

I've said on numerous occasions that I think James is funny. Also if you look at the first recaps from this season, I said that I would be giving him another chance this season. He got plenty of opportunities from me!

Rob and Amber are awesome and probably played a better strategic games than most of these morons. If you don't like em it's because your peeps got duped by them and you're still bitter.

Good recap!

Rob and Amber are NOT awesome. Sorry to disappoint you.

And I don't want dear Amanda turning into the second coming of them with Ozzy.

Also, donnabgood, Parvati didn't do the dance. She had no idea what an interpretive dance even was. Neither do I, so I can't blame her.

Also, donnabgood, Parvati didn't do the dance. She didn't even know what an interpretive dance was. I don't, either, so I don't blame her.

I don't want this to turn into another Rob and Amber debate, but you can put me down firmly in the camp that think Rob and Amber rule.

Oh I was kinding of joking around when I said Amanda won because she got Ozzy...but if they truly are in love that is a better prize than money..ask Hurley from Lost what a winning a lot of money can do to your life..I like Amanda and Ozzy..granted he became bitter and was over the top with his jury speech but I still think he is a much more sincere than Rob,.. Boston Rob just manipulated the cameras, Mark Burnett, Amber, Crate and Barrel everyone who paid for his wedding/honeymoon, rings, furniture..if they are de-throned by Amanda and Ozzy it's ok by me..I think Amanda and Ozzy are much better people..who knows just a guess..anyway personally I don't like showmances on reality television, If I want to watch that I'll watch shot of love with Tila..Paradise Island or the Bachelor.. not.. Anyway I still stand behind my statement if Amanda and Ozzy are happy together that is better than the million dollars..remember the car salesman who won a million(went to jail for animal and wife abuse) and richard hatch...need I say more?

Wow. So much to say. I was pleasantly surprised that Parvati won. She played a meaner, tougher, smarter game than Amanda and I 100% approve. Still sad that Cirie didn't make it.

My annoyance with James at times is still nothing compared to my absolute disgust at Ozzy this season. I almost feel like James doesn't know better (which is sort of condescending in its own way). But Ozzy totally had to know he was a douche.

And seriously...
Probst is to James what Schoonie is to Eliza :)

Schoonie, just write her some fan mail, I'm sure being the AWESOME SMART AMAZING cool person she is, she would write back and you guys would become like best friends and she would never roll her eyes at you or be mean or stab you in the back...Just teasing, I was just wholly underwhelmed by her from the beginning!

First and foremost I want to say thank you to Schoonie for the recaps, they've been a welcome read, even when I have to wait for them.

I was absolutely satisfied with this season. Granted the blindsides were against star-struck/horomonal young men, but come on, still good TV.

Regarding James' jury speech, "fluffing" is a common term where I'm from (the South). All it means is that someone is pulling your leg. I don't think James was referring to the eventuality of the conversation, rather he was simply saying that it was unnecessary for her to come over with that look on her face to be like "I don't want things to be awkward...".

If it were me, Amanda should have responded soooo much more intelligently to the jury questions. She just sucks at those I guess. I would have reiterated the pretty good move of reinserting myself into an alliance after I was blindsided. She had no idea Ozzy was going. We've often seen that be the downfall, but she sucked it up, and just talked to Parvati and got herself right back in. She also should have brought into account that she never made a deal with Natalie or Alexis, Parvati did. Yet, Parvati voted her out. May seem like giving strategic credit to Parvati, but if you already think those votes are guarenteed, can't hurt to play on the "loyalty" card the jurors like.

My guess is that like you, me, and most of America, and the rest of the Survivors, there'd be a Final Three. That being said, I completely believed Cirie would win. Chances are, people didn't vote for Cirie because they already believed she would win the million and didn't need it.

Just my thoughts, wasn't a horrible outcome but not great. Thanks again.

I might live in Chicago now, but I grew up in Kentucky, and I never once heard the term 'fluffing' used. Where are you from, bentley? I'm interested, maybe it's a regional thing.

Great recap, Schoonie! It didn't occur to me until you pointed it out that they would have had a Final 3 if James hadn't gotten injured.

Just wondering, does everyone like a Final 3 as opposed to a Final 2? I think it makes it too easy for the jury with 3 to choose from. And having one of the last 3 choosing who she goes up against in a Final 2 is a HUGE part of game that gets lost with a Final 3.
Also, what were they going to do if the vote ended up 4-4?

First of all, a quick note to donnabgood: I certainly hope you know that "Hurley" from "Lost" is a fake character on a TV show. I don't know many REAL examples where coming into large sums of money made life worse for someone...

A couple quick questions:
1) I also would like to know what would've happened with a 4-4 tie.

2) Did they ever show the final votes?

A few comments:

To the anonymous person who said they don't know REAL examples of people who's life made a turn for the worse after coming into large amounts of money- you must never have seen the E! Special: Curse of the Lottery. Seriously, that was like a 1 or 2 hour show about 20 Lottery winners who's life went to complete HELL after winning huge amounts of money. I think they are even going to do a Part 2. It was insane and almost made me happy to never have won the lottery! Almost...LOL

Schoonie, if you love Eliza so much, you honestly should go to survivorsucks.com forum. She is posting there all the time, there is a thread stickied right at top where she is commenting on everything. Her username is Eorlins and the thread is titled "The ElizAlien has landed". Go PM her and proclaim your love.

Also, Kathy is on there, as well as Erik, Mikey B and I believe Amanda made a couple appearances.

Regarding the finale/reunion, I am so pissed at how they pretty much ignored Cirie and her awesomeness during the reunion. I don't give a sh*t if grieving old ladies ask James to remove his shirt (what the hell was the point of this waste of time), and we certainly didn't need 10 minutes devoted once again to how stupid Erik is! No one gave Cirie the props she deserved for being a mastermind this season. I've never seen Jeff give her props....since she's not a hot 20-something female or muscle head guy. Pissed me off. And she so deserved that $100,000.

A season that started kinda lame ended up being pretty great, and Schoonie, once again, thanks for recapping with your patented combo of humor, strategic analysis and encyclopedic knowledge of all past seasons.

I agree that all the blindsides were fun, but putting one over on Eric seemed about as challenging me tricking my four year-old out of the change in his piggy bank. Is it THAT hard to find intellgent people who want to be on reality tv, whether it's "Survivor", "BB", or "Real World"? Come on, casting directors, help us out here! See 'ya for BB10, Schoon.

I'm so glad this site recognizes the fact that Amanda barely did anything to deserve winning. Everywhere else was so p.o'd that Parvati won. I would've been so annoyed had Amanda won. I don't think Amanda would've had any chance going up against anybody except for Natalie maybe. should've been Cirie and Parvati on final 2. Too bad Cirie didn't win last immunity. bummer.

I don't know what to say. The word "whatever" sums up the entire season for me. I did love the recaps, though. They were better than most episodes.

Cirie deserved better, Parv is a who-cares really.. just glad Amanda didn't win. Ozzy should hang his head in shame. He went from alpha male survivor material to gelatinous goo in one episode.

Someone please tell me that the next season will have new cast members and not people who've already tried and failed at this game. SO SICK OF THE STUNT CASTING. Thank you.

Love this website! Mostly because the recappers actually read these comments.

#1. I think Probst said that "word on the street" business about this being the next best season because Dalton Ross kept saying that on ew.com

#2. I really dislike Cirie. Always have. So when the $100,000 was awarded to someone besides Cirie, I was happy. Although I wish they had given it to someone like Yau-man.

Best line of this recap:

"Ovaries do not somehow function doubly as medulla oblongatas, Natalie."

That one had me laughing out loud. I hated on Natalie for some reason throughout the game. Maybe it's the macho side of me objecting to the large balls she believes she has or maybe it was the pursed, pinched lips during her confessionals. Still, I rooted for Amanda 'til the bitter end, just because she did observe loyalties during the game.

James, really, you have him pegged, Schoon. He's a douche. It's the only thing I liked about Parvati, that she wiggled her little body and made James drool at the beginning.

Great season, Schoonie, thanks for the great recaps, which are better than the eps themselves. I look forward to your doing BB soon.

alright! just one of the many reasons for why i heart schoonie.
also... altho the season came through in the end, second best compared to season 1? nooooo way. Allstars 1 takes the cake.
I didn't like Cirie this entire season (maybe because she outed Yau-man, but her parting words did redeem her a bit in my eyes and i wouldn't have minded her getting the 100,000.
And James? seriously? i do not know how he got it.
If not Cirie, it should have been Jonathan for his awesomeness!!!!
and to Anonymous--- what? Lost isn't real? All this time?? I've been played! Get over yourself. Someone was just having some fun with comparisons.
Last but not least, they should keep it final two. Final 3 is kind of blah for me.

I thought it was interesting that in the EW interview with Amanda, she said that Ozzie is a very private person... did she NOT see the playboy show and/or pictures he did?

Excellent recaps Schoonie!

oh hell to the no....amanda is waaaaaaaaaaay hotter than that little skank pavarti...no contest.

Actually, I think alexis blows parv away too...

Serjen...I just noticed that Probst all but ignores Cirie....you are so right.

I'm pissed. Between that and his googly eyes at Ozzy and James....UGH.

Oh and for the record, if Joel the fireman offers to carry me out of a burning building, I MIGHT accept. But I would spit on him and call him a jerk afterwards. He really is a a cretan.

And re: Erik's schpeal about being a "bigger person." Whatever. You stayed that long because you were a sure thing in votes, mindlessly following the alphas--you know, sort of like my labrador follows me around the house?

yeah, but when it's playing the game Survivor, Parvati's "hotter" than Amanda. She would've lost anyway had Parvati not gotten rid of Ozzy. Coz Ozzy would've taken away her votes. She's almost as bad as Yul's Becky.

serjen -

I don't think the word "deserve" has any place in the game of Survivor or in the doling out of money voted to a player from the fans. The person who wins the game "deserves" the money, and the fan vote is obviously a popularity contest.

I don't think they should give any money away via fan vote, period. It's bullshit.

Got that right, Schoonie! Especially when someone like RUPERT can win a million bucks for whining on screen for half a season!

In most ways I disrespect the fan vote. Like another poster commented, Rupert? Never understood the likability factor. However, at least the show is willing to respect the fact that shows are made my viewers some times.

Schoonie: Born and live in Florida, but the first time I heard fluffing I was living in Alabama, which I did for some time. Guess it is regional. Funny, I studied regional dialect for some time, but fluffing was never something discussed. Who knew?

serjen -

I don't think the word "deserve" has any place in the game of Survivor or in the doling out of money voted to a player from the fans. The person who wins the game "deserves" the money, and the fan vote is obviously a popularity contest.

Thank god you guys; I thought I was the only one who hated Rupert! Every time I'm discussing Survivor with someone and Rupert comes up, I'm like "HATE" and then whomever it is unleashes a torrent upon me.

Thank god you guys; I thought I was the only one who hated Rupert! Every time I'm discussing Survivor with someone and Rupert comes up, I'm like "HATE" and then whomever it is unleashes a torrent upon me.

The amazing thing about Rupert is that he made even Jerry look logical and practical... anyone recall his genius idea to build their shelter underground during an Allstars challenge?
Jerry fought against it and pointed out that they'd be screwed if it rained and Rupert was too stubborn to listen to anyone about it.
aaaaand then they dug right into a tree root.
aaaaand then it rained.
oh yeah, and then they lost the challenge.
And I actually sympathized with Jerry!! for that, I'll never forgive Rupert.
Needless to say, it seems that people with the soundbites are the ones getting the popularity vote over the people with actual strategy. sigh.
but I guess this isn't surprising because if it's based on the fan votes and this last season's tribe consisted half of Survivor's biggest fans (who lacked any strategy whatsoever) then it all is starting to make sense.

Rupert always amused me! He was so out there and nutso, but he really seemed genuinely sweet (if not in need of a major shower).

First I want to say thank you for all the recaps.

For many weeks I have been saying cerie and parvati, parvati and cerie are where it's at this season and I too am a little sad cerie wasn't in the final 2, however I just want to say that I think parvati is being way underrated.

While you are one of the better sites people have such a huge problem giving parvati credit for anything, she played a great game that despite what everyone is saying was not weaker than cerie's (even though cerie's was amazing too!) as parvati said in the reunion ep she pulled those girls together knowing that they would all have loyalties to her. in a recap several weeks ago when one of the challenges was to write who "falsely thinks they are running the game" and everyone wrote parvati you said something along the lines of "she is but it doesnt matter because she's not going to win" well it sounds a little bit like the old james syndrome, she was running things then but now since she actually won, oh now she wasnt that instrumental?

I'm not knocking cerie, as parvati has said many times they made a lot of similar moves and cerie and parvati were both great at walking the direct/subtle tight-rope. another thing people give cerie credit for but not parvati is how great parvati was at saying the right thing nearly every time. you said it was surprising when parvati sided with cerie in that argument she and amanda had after tribal but it was obviously the smartest move. it gains her favour with cerie yet costing her very little with amanda (amanda is already more angry at cerie for playing to the jury).

even though it was a given that amanda was taking parvati, parvati still even played that correctly, she seemed a little stupid to amanda saying things like "not like cerie would win, she's pissed off tons of people on the jury" and then on the other side cerie is saying to amanda "take me I wouldn't win" it makes it definitely look to amanda like "cerie's going to be able to make a good case for herself, parvati wont be able to, she doesnt get what she's doing"

when she needs to say the 'wrong' things she does yet when she needs to say the right things (like at the final jury) she does, parvati used awesome suggestive language. when cerie asked her why cerie deserved to be in her spot parvati did 'suck up' however her sucking up was constantly double complimenting herself and cerie at the same time AND then she says the best thing: 'sorry I couldnt afford to go against you' once again making the suggestion in ppl's minds that she's in control of everything that she could have made it be the other way around her and cerie in the final but chose to go against amanda. (another time she was very suggestive to the jury was like you noted calling amanda her little sister, somewhat claiming amanda's blindside as her own making)

also while not about parvati I would just like to say I think you missed the point of cerie's question to amanda. I'm sure cerie gets what it means to take someone to final 2 but amanda is stuck in her "i'm playing a "good" game role" making it very hard for her to come out and say, "i think parvati is weaker but i'm taking a person that has screwed over people i supposedly care about so much (ozzy), just because i think i have a better shot against her" amanda should have said that but she was stuck in the 'good' role she decided to play (and i think cerie was just bitter and wanted to give her a hard time about it).

amanda's choosing to play the "good" role is also the reason that at tribal when cerie was saying the stuff about being on the bottom of alliances amanda couldnt say: "cerie you are trying to make your game appear stronger than ours by saying you had to make up for lack in relationships by having good strategy but we all had to make our way in this game by making the right relationships to get you farther and you should have done the same. if you feel you are at a disadvantage it's b/c of a fault in your strategy" (i dont agree with this i'm just saying it would have been the best response) instead the only thing she can use is good v bad, 'you're making us look 'bad'/'mean' etc.'

I forgot to say i really enjoyed your comments about james, and parvati owning him at the last tribal...when i said 'james-syndrome' earlier i just meant acting like something wasnt exactly how it was (like you said she told him she was going to take grls and then she did, how was she 'fluffing him')

also I thought james and ozzy were such self-entitled jerks, like 'how could you dare try to stand in my way to the million?? it's clearly meant for me and you are all just meant to be a cooperative part of my journey to it.' *yuck*

In addition, what makes Parvati's game even MORE amazing is that she set up multiple alliances and kept herself in the center of all of them successfully. In that way, she could keep her options open later. No one EVER caught her in that position, and she was able to make her way to the end of the game very easily, with no danger to herself at all. That makes her deserving of the win in the end.

And you dislike Cirie, LisaMay? Then you suck as much as James and Ozzy do.

In addition, what makes Parvati's game even MORE amazing is that she set up multiple alliances and kept herself in the center of all of them successfully. In that way, she could keep her options open later. No one EVER caught her in that position, and she was able to make her way to the end of the game very easily, with no danger to herself at all. That makes her deserving of the win in the end.

And you dislike Cirie, LisaMay? Then you suck as much as James and Ozzy do.