First Peter rambles on and on about his holy whole holes, now Rob has become the poster child for every misogynistic homophobe in Massachusetts. While at least Ethan and Elisabeth gave us a LITTLE pride, Linda "Mother Africa" "Didn't your momma hug you?" ex-social worker freaked us out and Nick sat on a log for 99.8% of his stay in Austrialia. Who does Eastern Mass have to cheer for? I mean, the nearest state is... Vermont; ARRGGH! That means Kathy! General Boston consensus on Rob Moroniano...
BOSTON HERALD ARTICLE TODAY-
Most wanted: His strategy may seem idiotic, but Canton's Rob Mariano has `Survivor' skills
by Mark A. Perigard
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Survivor or stooge?
In just three installments, Canton's Rob Mariano has emerged as the most compelling member of CBS' ``Survivor: Marquesas.''
Last week, the 26-year-old construction worker deviously played three of his fellow Maraamu tribe mates before a tribal council vote that cast out de facto leader and Fed Ex pilot Hunter Ellis.
``It's important for me to have people on my team that are gonna do what I tell them to do and not know that I'm telling them to do it,'' Mariano told the camera in an already classic ``Survivor'' confessional.
But is Mariano diabolical or just dim?
His tribe is shattering records - for utter losing.
The Maraamu has lost all five challenges, including three immunity and two luxury. Going into tonight's episode (8 p.m. on WBZ Ch. 4), his tribe is down to five people - Mariano, his erstwhile girlfriend Sarah Jones, complainers Sean Rector and Vecepia Towery, and nature guide Gina Crews, seemingly destined to be the next victim of the tribe's self-destructive streak. The rival Rotu tribe is intact.
``It doesn't matter if my team is stronger physically or even stronger mentally but that they obey,'' Mariano told the camera last week.
But is Mariano playing ``Survivor'' or Russian Roulette?
The three evictees - Millis resident Peter Harkey, who started the tribe's fire; Patricia Jackson, who organized the group; and Ellis, who kept the work going - were easily the three most strong, focused members.
Those remaining, with the exception of Crews, seem talented only for grousing.
Never has a tribe seemed so bent on self-immolation - making this the most watchable ``Survivor'' since Richard Hatch gathered his dour band of backstabbers in season one.
Mariano, with a thick Boston accent that even makes native viewers cringe and a manner that suggests he's buzzed when he just can't be, is one of the more confounding players.
On his first night, he snuggled with Jones, a bubblehead who told host Jeff Probst she came to the island for the adventure and to meet some ``cool people.'' Forget island romance, this is all calculation. ``She'll vote whatever way I tell her to vote,'' Mariano said proudly.
He went on a wild rooster hunt that left him fooled and foiled, he lost the tribe its second immunity challenge by tossing up some rotten fish and his strength hasn't been a factor in the challenges. He's not even good at carrying rocks.
He oozes a laid-back attitude to his fellow players while apparently plotting his own inscrutable strategy that may somehow lead him to a million bucks - or a spot in the ``Survivor'' hall of shame.
Elaborating on his plan, he quoted in a roundabout way from ``The Godfather'' that keeping loyal means keeping people afraid. Now he's the guy pulling the strings. Madman or mastermind?
Of course, Mariano isn't the only reason this ``Survivor'' is the best sequel season bar none. Last week, registered nurse John Carroll of the Rotu tribe emerged from the waters with a sea urchin sting and begged someone to urinate on his hand to ease the pain. (Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien obliged.)
Then there was Ellis' farewell last week, easily the best exit speech of any cast member ever. Ellis dismissed his castmates as ``knuckleheads'' and promised to call the Red Cross in a few days to pick up their bodies after they die of starvation and dehydration.
But Mariano could be the one to watch, if only to see how long he can possibly last.
``Survivor's'' motto has always been outwit, outplay and outlast. If Mariano isn't careful, CBS will be adding to that phrase: out-and-out idiot.
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