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"The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

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VerucaSalt 1580 desperate attention whore postings DAW Level: "Peanut Festival Grand Marshall"	11-05-09, 01:40 PM (EST)
"The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"
In light of BR's observation, I started a new thread which is a nice surprise as I have not done that in quite a long time. I am very happy to see more people posting in the thread. Perhaps my absence was indeed the right decision
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Table of Contents

  Subject     Author     Message Date     ID

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... dankeng 11-06-09 1

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... dabo 11-06-09 2

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Tublecane 12-17-09 90

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... jobgirl 11-07-09 3

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... mysticjay 11-10-09 12

Episode #8: Editing Thoughts michel 11-07-09 4

   RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts SquidProQuo 11-08-09 5

       RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts dabo 11-08-09 6

   RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts LFJ 11-08-09 7

       RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts PepeLePew13 11-08-09 8

           RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts LFJ 11-08-09 9

   RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts Belle Book 11-08-09 10

   RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts dankeng 11-09-09 11

   RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts CTgirl 11-19-09 43

Episode #9: Editing Thoughts michel 11-14-09 13

   RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts DRONES 11-15-09 17

   RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts LFJ 11-15-09 19

       RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts SquidProQuo 11-15-09 20

           RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts PepeLePew13 11-15-09 21

   RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts princat 11-15-09 24

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Georjanna 11-14-09 14

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... SquidProQuo 11-15-09 16

       RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Georjanna 11-15-09 18

           RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... SquidProQuo 11-15-09 22

               RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Flowerpower 11-16-09 33

                   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... LFJ 11-16-09 34

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... SquidProQuo 11-15-09 15

   Editing Comments: michel 11-15-09 23

       RE: Editing Comments: SquidProQuo 11-15-09 25

           RE: Editing Comments: SquidProQuo 11-15-09 26

               RE: Editing Comments: michel 11-15-09 27

                   RE: Editing Comments: SquidProQuo 11-15-09 28

                       RE: Editing Comments: PepeLePew13 11-15-09 29

                   RE: Editing Comments: dabo 11-15-09 32

       RE: Editing Comments: DRONES 11-18-09 39

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... jobgirl 11-16-09 35

       RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... dabo 11-16-09 36

           RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... michel 11-16-09 37

               RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... dabo 11-17-09 38

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... SquidProQuo 11-15-09 30

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... michel 11-15-09 31

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Flowerpower 11-18-09 40

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... goldenmike4393 11-18-09 41

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... michel 11-18-09 42

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... CTgirl 11-19-09 44

       RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Brownroach 11-19-09 45

           RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... emydi 11-19-09 46

               RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... SquidProQuo 11-19-09 47

                   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... CTgirl 11-19-09 48

                       RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... michel 11-19-09 49

Episode #10: Editing Thoughts michel 11-21-09 50

   RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Belle Book 11-21-09 51

       RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Rahaim 11-23-09 52

           RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts true 11-29-09 53

               RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Belle Book 11-29-09 54

               RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts michel 11-29-09 55

                   RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Belle Book 11-29-09 56

                       RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts dabo 11-30-09 57

                   RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Brownroach 11-30-09 58

               RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts CTgirl 12-01-09 59

                   RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Flowerpower 12-02-09 60

                       RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Loree 12-02-09 61

                       RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts LFJ 12-02-09 62

                   RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts michel 12-02-09 63

                       RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts LFJ 12-02-09 64

                       RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts CTgirl 12-03-09 65

                           RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts Outfrontgirl 12-06-09 69

Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: michel 12-05-09 66

   RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: Belle Book 12-05-09 67

       RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: dabo 12-06-09 68

   RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: Outfrontgirl 12-07-09 70

       RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: michel 12-07-09 73

           RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: Brownroach 12-08-09 75

           RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: goldenmike4393 12-08-09 76

   RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: mysticjay 12-07-09 71

       RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: michel 12-07-09 72

           RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: Georjanna 12-07-09 74

           RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: Brownroach 12-08-09 79

   RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: CTgirl 12-08-09 77

       RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts: Outfrontgirl 12-08-09 78

Brett Outfrontgirl 12-10-09 80

   RE: Brett frisky 12-10-09 81

       RE: Brett Outfrontgirl 12-10-09 82

           RE: Brett michel 12-10-09 83

   RE: Brett tmontgomery71 12-10-09 84

Episode 11: Editing Thoughts michel 12-12-09 85

   RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts Belle Book 12-12-09 86

       RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts frisky 12-17-09 87

           RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts Outfrontgirl 12-17-09 88

           RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts Flowerpower 12-17-09 89

           RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts michel 12-17-09 92

RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... kingfish 12-17-09 91

   RE: The Players, The Game, The Edit... Brownroach 12-17-09 93

Episode 13 Editing Thoughts: michel 12-19-09 94

   RE: Episode 13 Editing Thoughts: Belle Book 12-19-09 95

   RE: Episode 13 Editing Thoughts: DRONES 12-20-09 96

       RE: Episode 13 Editing Thoughts: shanana banana 12-20-09 97

Russell at the Finale Flowerpower 12-21-09 98

   RE: Russell at the Finale samboohoo 12-21-09 99

       RE: Russell at the Finale PepeLePew13 12-21-09 100

           RE: Russell at the Finale Belle Book 12-21-09 101

   RE: Russell at the Finale michel 12-21-09 102

       RE: Russell at the Finale Georjanna 12-21-09 103

       RE: Russell at the Finale DRONES 12-21-09 104

       RE: Russell at the Finale Brownroach 12-22-09 105

           RE: Russell at the Finale CTgirl 12-22-09 106

Tying Up a Loose End! michel 12-23-09 107

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dankeng 2 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "American Cancer Society Spokesperson"
11-06-09, 08:20 PM (EST)

1. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Hi all! First time poster, long time lurker here...just thought I'd chime in a few thoughts after the merge ep.
Is it just me, or is the Foa Four being edited somewhat like the Aitu Four? You have the "strategist" in Yul/Russell, the "brawn" in Ozzy/Mick, the "backup" in Sundra/Jaison and the "strategist's true ally" in Becky/Natalie...
On a totally unrelated note...which is worse, Amanda talking herself outta a million bucks TWICE, or Erik effectively talking himself into a blindside?

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dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-06-09, 09:34 PM (EST)

2. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Welcome aboard!
The Foa4 got the underdog edit in the merge episode mainly because they are the underdogs. Sometimes underdogs make comebacks, sometimes they don't, it means nothing other than it makes good television.
Erik reminded me of John in Marquesas, he took the forefront and managed to rattle so many players he became the target and his alliance was suddenly in the underdog position. Galu isn't in that situation right now, they still have the numbers, but that is what it reminded me of. It doesn't really compare with Amanda who basically, in the end, couldn't or wouldn't stand up for herself.
But again, welcome aboard! Love it when newbies start posting, we need more of this.
(And thank you VR for starting this thread.)

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Tublecane 141 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Blistex Spokesperson"
12-17-09, 10:24 AM (EST)

90. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

"the 'brawn' in Ozzy/Mick"
Aside from winning that crossbow challenge, I have a hard time seeing Mick as "brawn".

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jobgirl 36 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beauty Pageant Celebrity Judge"
11-07-09, 11:28 AM (EST)

3. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

LAST EDITED ON 11-07-09 AT 11:44 AM (EST)
I always enjoy this thread, and in my opinion Veruca, your posts were always filled with terrific insights and I wish you were still active in this thread. Of course I really enjoy everybody's comments.

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mysticjay 28 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beauty Pageant Celebrity Judge"
11-10-09, 12:32 PM (EST)

12. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

I second that. There is something missing for me in this thread this year by your silence. Do come back!

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-07-09, 07:07 PM (EST)

4. "Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

Welcome aboard dankeng and Jobgirl!
Veruca: Thanks for the clean sheets but you know we would love to read your thoughts.

Jeff summarized the season by saying Galu was almost invincible but that gaps started to show; the four guys formed an alliance and ticked off the women by electing Shambo their leader.
<Monica’s interview saying the vote was stupid>
There’s feud brewing between Shambo and Laura.
<Laura saying Shambo didn’t like her>
Shambo stuck it to Laura by sending her to Foa Foa and denying her a once-in-a-lifetime reward.
<Monica said that Shambo wanted to assert herself as leader>
At Foa Foa, Russell and Natalie immediately pounced on Laura.
<Russell said that Natalie was doing a good job>
Russell made good on his threat to vote out Liz.
Outnumbered 8 to 4, Foa Foa needs a miracle in order to survive.
Note the not so subtle change of tone towards Shambo. There would have been a nicer way to explain Shambo’s decision than sticking it to Laura. With Laura turning out to be the one helping Foa Foa, she had to be rehabilitated somewhat. Jeff told us we should understand Laura’s motives. That’s another indication that the winner is in Foa Foa.

This episode was
Back to Day 1
Foa Foa
Night18
Jaison arrived in camp saying: “If rah-rah is what we need, I can be rah-rah.”
That had been her message at the last TC so Natalie agreed: “Alright, we need rah-rah.”
Jaison (interview) : “We’re down to 4 so we’re in a horribly inferior position… It makes our job even more difficult. We have to struggle to get to a merge and then try to divide and conquer.”
In the shelter, Russell contemplated that the merge could be coming. “It’s game on.”
Mick said: “We’ll take the whole thing down.”
Russell (solo): “We have some strong idears (sic) once we get over there. We plan on working as a team, talking to different people. There’s segregation in their tribe. In Foa Foa, there’s unity. We’re working as a team. I’m not really nervous about my numbers. I’m too good for this game, I’m too sly. Now, I have to make sure my seed is planted in all these dumbasses heads. Once we do merge, we can stir him up over there.”
Galu
Day 19
Laura (solo): “Since my return from the Foa Foa tribe, there’s definitely a lot of tension...
<we see the start of the canteen argument>
“I don’t know what’s going on with me and Shambo. When I got sent over… Dave handed her my canteen. I didn’t care but when I came back to camp I said; where is it? She made this huge big deal and brings up all these other things I have no idea what she’s even talking about.”
Shambo (solo): “It wasn’t a fight about canteens. It really is the way that she treats me on a regular basis. It’s almost like those popular girls in high school that are cheerleaders…I’m done with her. I have no use for her. None!”
Erik and Kelly laughed at the argument.
Erik (solo): “Honestly, we know Shambo is crazy so, if you get in a fight with Shambo, who looks bad? You’re just being a b*tch”
That confessional balances out the recap. We should understand Laura, not like her.

Foa Foa
Natalie read tree mail.
Jaison (solo): “We’re not super confident in our abilities to win challenges anymore but we don’t want to lose any immunity challenges because the 4 we have are the 4 we want to go into the merge with. They are the people we think can really help us out when we get there.”
Russell (solo): “Tree mail is so vague that we don’t know what it really means. It doesn’t sound like the merge but I’m pretty confident that it is about to happen. So, I have to take my immunity idol everywhere I go. We only have 4 people now but we have such a tight group that it’s not over. There’s so more to this game than playing a physical game with somebody. You have to be able to outwit them. That’s the most important thing of the whole game.”
The Merge
John: “We were going to a challenge. We’re walking down the beach, the other tribe is coming towards us and there’s a treasure chest and Jeff isn’t around. Everyone is on edge, not really sure what is happening.”
Mick read the message: “You are now one tribe.”
Everyone cheered.
Here, maybe the camera lingered a bit on Natalie more than the others (she had 3 close-ups) but Kelly, Monica and Dave were also seen more than once so nothing conclusive can be drawn from those pictured. We saw Mick from the back hugging Laura and he got the first confessional.)
Mick (solo): “I can’t even tell you the sense of relief that reading it was the merge. As soon as I got the news out of my mouth, I could tell you that it was going to be a hell of a good day.”
Monica (interview): “I’m actually really, really happy that it was the merge and the feast was delicious.” <She goes on describing the menu and licking her lips.> “It was really a feast fit for royalty”
Guess who will claim the title of King.
Shambo: “Galu-Foa Foa merge…I am on top of the world! My prayers were answered totally”
That wouldn’t last long. Before that however, we had a shot of Shambo floating out in the ocean which is a perfect illustration of her strategy: She’s a floater between alliances. Isn’t she an editor’s dream?!
Jaison talked to John while Natalie was with Dave. Russell observed it all with a smile.
Russell (solo): “Things are about to change totally in this game. The other tribe, I don’t think they even realize it right now. I’m looking around at Foa Foa and everybody is taking that step to do exactly what we said in camp: Get with these people, bring them under your wing and connect with them. We are steps ahead of them. We already have our plan down. The ones I know I can trust, they are doing exactly like I want them to do and it’s going to get stronger as we get along. I already see that I’m going to rule in this kingdom. <Monica offers him grapes.> Who gets fed grapes to them? The Kings do!”
Aiga
Day 19
We saw Russell giving Erik a hug.
The kiss of death!
Natalie (interview): “The Galu camp; I love it, it’s awesome. I feel like I’m at the Hilton. At Foa Foa, we had absolutely nothing but here they have pillows, blankets and everybody feels like a family. Laura kind of took me under her wing, she was like mother hen, showing me around and it was really nice. It was really important for me to talk to Laura to find cracks in this group. Make no mistakes, there are cracks but are there enough cracks and big enough cracks to get the numbers on our side?”
Brett proposed the name Aiga which apparently means “Extended Family”.
Erik (interview): “Foa Foa! The only thing they have going for them is that they have a new beach and they have new people to talk to. <Natalie shown talking to Kelly, Monica and Laura while Russell observed.> They’re starting over; they’re one day 2. I’m on Day 19. I have the immunity idol, it’s in my pocket and that’s power in this game... Extended family? What is Samoa for: “Get the hell off my island?”
Aiga
Day 20
Russell (interview): “I definitely have tricks up my sleeve. Day 1 in Foa Foa, I was very aggressive, I went to everybody right off the bat and my plan happened like I wanted to. Over here, I’ll be going to people saying the same things, using exactly the same strategy but I have to idol to help make them sway my way.”
<He showed the idol to Laura and promised to give it to her if she took him to top 7.>
Laura (interview) : “I can’t believe Russell showed me he had the idol! You know what? Desperate people do desperate things. I don’t believe he would give that to me but just knowing that he has it is huge because, when we do get rid of him, it will have to be a big blindside.” <Russell imposed 2 rules that didn’t sit well with Laura.> “It’s kind of funny: Russell came to me with this attitude of like “I’m the boss and here are some rules.” Well, just so you know; I hold all the cards right now and you just try to stay alive.”
Russell (interview): “Laura’s digging her own grave. <Indeed, she was digging in the dirt with a spoon!!!!> She told me “I’m 90% in charge of this Russell; you’re about 10% right now”. In other words; “Sit down and listen”. No! It don’t work like that for me. She might be the first to go. With Laura, I don’t think it’s going to work so I’ll do the same thing with somebody else, maybe Monica.” <He promised to give the idol to Monica in exchange for a final 2 deal> “Monica didn’t mean a word she said over there on the rocks. I see it in her eyes but she might actually start meaning what she tells me if I get rid of her boss. I get rid of Laura, she comes running. Now, if we can get one of the guys on my side; that would be gold. I’ll get rid of Laura one way or the other.”
<He told John he found the idol without a clue>
John (interview): “Russell divulged to me that he had the hidden immunity idol. I think because Russell is an aggressive player and he realizes that, having a relationship with someone like me is something that can be very beneficial to him in this game. <Russell warned him against “girl power”.> Laura and Monica have a relationship that is potentially dangerous and, even though it’s going to be viewed as a big move, I think it’s a manageable risk to vote off Laura first while we have votes from the other tribe.”
Russell (interview): “Me and John could be a good team, I believe. He’s smart enough to know what is going on. So, things are going to get crazy tomorrow. You ever hear of a man named Babe Ruth? He struck out more than anybody ever but he also hit the most homeruns. So that tells me one thing: Keep on swinging, baby! Eventually, you’re going to hit one.”
Aiga
Day 21
Russell (in voice over as he is fishing next to Shambo) : “Shambo is a really good person and we do connect. I think it has a lot to do with my Southern background. People trust the South. She could be one of my numbers. I could use her for that. Shambo hates Laura, she hates her. So, I know that, at any point, she’ll write Laura’s name.”
Shambo (interview): “I trust Russell implicitly. The guy’s definitely cut from the same cloth as me; he’s a country boy, I’m a country girl. He keeps bringing up that Laura needs to go first. She is the bane of my existence in Samoa. It’s not like we need this multi-layered plot. Write Laura’s name down tonight; it’s that simple.”
Russell (interview): “It was easy to control these minds, way easier than I thought. John’s on board and I have Shambo in my pocket. <Shambo seen doing martial arts figures that looked just as useful as yoga!> So, if we can get rid of Laura, this whole game might change.”
The Immunity Challenge
When Jeff revealed the immunity necklace, the camera showed Natalie, Laura and John.
The last two are understandable because they would walk off with that necklace but why Natalie’s smile again?
On another note: Did this challenge have anything to do with the Babe Ruth comment?!!
Dave once more provided comic relief by saying making love was his sport instead of baseball. Asked if he played a lot he answered “not often enough” while swinging a big bat!
Erik showed his cockiness once more, saying he was going for the 10.
“At least, you look good.”
When Laura won individual immunity, the camera lingered on Russell’s disappointed look. While everyone was heard clapping, we saw Russell’s stern face.
I wonder: How much of that was fabrication, how much was real?
Shambo: “When I saw Laura win immunity, I got a gut-wrenching feeling in my stomach. The plan had been put into motion: We were going to write Laura’s name down tonight and now we can’t. That sucked because I really wanted her gone.”
Back in camp, Erik unknowingly hurt his own cause by telling Kelly and Monica: “Those guys can’t win a thing.”
Russell tried to sell the idea of voting out Monica to Shambo but she said it wouldn’t happen.
Russell (interview) : “Laura would definitely be going but she won immunity. Shambo doesn’t want to get rid of Monica; she says it isn’t going to happen. She wants to let one of our guys go. I’m sure I’m being targeted so, I don’t want to have to play the idol <Erik shown> but if I’m feeling ansty tonight, I may have to go that route.”
Laura told Erik that Russell showed her the idol. They agreed to flush it out by letting him play it while voting Jaison, who was “like worthless to the tribe.”
Russell was shown sleeping at the wheel in the hammock while this new plan voodoo was set in motion by Erik who went to John. John deflected the target by saying that Monica had to go.
John (interview): “Some members of Galu, they just want to go down the line Foa Foa Foa Foa. That’s like playing junior varsity Survivor. There are tons of inherent risks in breaking up the team <Kelly and Brett shown> that we’ve worked this far building up Galu but it is a risk I am comfortable with because I still believe it is in our best interest to get rid of Monica.”
Erik (interview): “At first, I didn’t like the idea however, by allowing me to vote with Laura, when she gets spooked after tribal council, she will have nobody to turn to but me. I could go ahead and gain her trust which could be good for me down the line.”
Erik complicated the plan by telling the Galu men not to talk to Shambo (“I don’t care if she votes for Probst tonight!!!” he said) and that he’d want to flush out Russell’s idol by using the votes of the other 3 Foa Foa on Monica.
Dave (interview): “Erik wanted to vote Monica which is crazy. The plan should be simply to vote Foa Foa, just shoot them down. Like Turkey shoot: Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop. There could be something going on in Erik’s head that he’s not letting on. He’s a crafty dude and that makes me a little nervous.”
Erik then told Mick, Jaison and Natalie to vote Monica and not tell Russell so that he plays the idol.
As soon as he left, Jaison told the other 2 that he felt Erik was treating him like a child.
Jaison revealed his plan: “We tell them we’ll vote the way you want us to vote and flush out the idol and then we go get Erik.” (Jaison’s confessional was inserted here) To Mick and Natalie, he added: “You guys tell me what you want to do and I’ll go along with it but I can leave this game easily knowing he went before me.”
Jaison (interview): “Erik told us that, if we get Russell to flush out the idol and use it tonight they will agree to vote out one of their own instead of one of us. But, to be honest with you, I don’t really like that guy so I just want to put 4 votes on Erik and let the ball roll.”
That’s when Natalie made her move, going to Laura: “Erik came to us and told us you all 4 need to vote for Monica. He wants all the girls gone. I don’t trust him.”
Laura told Natalie she had good instincts but wasn’t sure they had the votes.
They asked Kelly what she thought.
Natalie repeated that Erik wanted to vote Monica and that Galu still had plenty of people while Erik could wreak havoc.
Natalie (interview): “Kelly and Laura, I just basically let them know that Erik needed to go now. We have 4 people, they have 8. It’s not a big deal if they lose 1. I’m definitely putting my fate in Laura and Kelly and I’m just gonna hope that it works.”
It did, as Kelly first informed Monica and then Dave of the new plan.
Natalie then told first Mick and then Russell that it was a done deal: “I just changed their mind.”
Russell underestimated Natalie: “I don’t think you talked them into it. I think you think you did.”
Dave went to Shambo in another fun scene:
Dave: “Tonight, Erik goes.”
Shambo: “Who’s Erik?”
It’s nice to realize that the editors know full well they didn’t develop Galu. This scene was their way of telling us that it was more fun this way.
We also saw John grabbing Kelly and dragging her away where she told him they were indeed going with the new plan.
Russell (interview): “This is the first time that I don’t know nothing. All of a sudden, all hell breaks loose. All of the girls want to vote Erik out now. I don’t know what they’re thinking. They could possibly be saying let’s vote Erik that way Russell will feel way comfortable and won’t use his idol, we’ll vote him out. They could get me and the idol.”
Note that it isn’t Jaison’s plan anymore but the girls’ plan, the girl power that had to show up sooner or later.
Erik (interview): “What concerns me is it seems way too easy now. That makes me uncomfortable. Fortunately, I got the idol in my pocket and I’ll use it if I need to use it.”

Tribal Council
Asked about the merge, Jaison said it was frustrating being the visiting team and having no say.
<Natalie approved, Erik looked surprised>
- Monica said: “In this game you never really know who to trust.”
<Erik, Natalie, Laura and Kelly shown>
-Erik: “I struggle to see anything that Foa Foa has to offer Galu.” <Russell was laughing, Jaison and Natalie were paying close attention.> Erik continued: “Let’s just say they were able to get a Galu member to turn in a very cohesive team <Monica and Laura shown with small smirks, Kelly blinking.> I would be floored if I saw them get one, let alone 2 or 3 that they would need to spin this game.” <Shambo approving> “That’s not me being cocky or confident <Natalie rolled her eyes, Mick didn’t like the taste of that> but I really struggle to see what it is that they can do. My heart goes out to them but they’re in the hole.”
-Russell responded: “I don’t like pity. I think we have a lot to offer. I think he’s going to be surprised.”
- Erik: “Again, you see the tenacity in the 8 of us <John and Natalie shown> since day 1 so it’s a long shot… I think one way to look at it is how they reacted to the merge and dealing with the 8 of us. I can tell you right now: Russ goes out there and scrambles, he’s been in everybody’s ear, <Laura smiling> Mick comes in, he does his thing and takes it on the chin saying the numbers are what they are, Natalie doesn’t want to step on anybody’s toes and Jaison is just an enigma because you see his intelligence, you see his athleticism but you don’t really see it coming together.”
- Jaison: “He can take a look at my résumé. I’m here to play a game, I’m here to be strategic in my own way. I have a strong problem with that comment.”
-Erik: “Let’s look at your résumé in this game from day 1 and I think you’re making my point.”
- Jaison: “Personal attacks… they eat at me… I tried to play this game hard but not take it too seriously but sometimes something just kicks in.”
-Erik: “I like that in a player…”
-Jaison: “My point is I don’t care what you like.”
- Russell said he still had hope.
Jeff, knowing a good thing, went back to Erik saying he had to respect someone who still believes he can win.
<Natalie shown again>
-Erik: “I do respect that. He doesn’t strike me as someone who gives up...But this type of competitiveness is misaligned…”
<Russell and Jaison laughing>
- Russell: “In other words: Roll over and get voted out quietly. Well, that’s not going to happen.” <Natalie smiling> “I will talk to each and every individual up here and I will try to strategize with everybody <John and Kelly paying attention> to stay in this game. I ain’t gonna stop playing.”
Russell surprised Jeff by playing his idol (1 eyebrow Jeff, not both!).
“Everybody knows I have it, I might as well play it.”
As the votes were read, the cameras showed Russell, Laura and Natalie 3 times each. When Erik stood up, Laura smiled and glanced in Russell and Natalie’s direction. They returned the smile.
It is a new game.
The Story
There were a lot of references to the early part of the season in this episode. Mainly from Russell using the same strategy as in day 1 and Erik saying Foa Foa was back to day 2. There were many other similarities to the impressions of the first episode. One of which I feel is a big clue to the winner of the season.
The Characters
Brett Just as in episode #1 Brett had a nice but completely insignificant moment. It would have been a good moment for him to tell us where the idea for Aiga came from but he still isn’t deemed important.
Monica: She is simply shown because she is a cute girl. Look at the way the camera shows her from head to toe to realize what I mean. Her confessional describing the menu was just like her original one about leadership: Both times she was used not because she’s significant, just because she is a cute spokesperson who happens to be in the line of fire.
Shambo: The throwaway shot of her in the ocean was to remind us of her scene in the swamp and to remind us that her strategy simply consists of floating around. Her feud with Laura will play a large part in the outcome of the season but the editors show us that both are crazy. While they fight to the death someone else will thrive.
Kelly: There are too many shots of Kelly being deep in thoughts to ignore but I don’t think she will ever make a winning move. Her vote is what is important and it serves others more than herself. It was her voting decision that mattered when Yasmin was voted out and again she was the one that Natalie and Laura needed to finalize Erik’s elimination. It seems that Kelly’s story will simply be to vote for the winner of the season.
Dave: He continues to deliver good lines. Just as with Yasmin, Dave played a key role in this vote but again, was it in his best interest? For someone who didn’t like the idea of voting anyone else than a Foa Foa, he quickly jumped on the vote-out-Erik bandwagon.
Laura : She’s now Natalie’s best friend and Russell’s worst enemy. Ashley will tell us how that will turn out. All the smiles we saw in Tribal council tell us that Laura still has a role to play in breaking up Galu. But, as he said, Russell will eventually use Shambo to vote Laura out and Natalie won’t have a problem with that.
Mick: He’s still trapped in the moment. He showed promise in the shelter scene when he vowed to take the whole thing down but once it was time to act, he didn’t. Consider the difference between his merge confessional and Natalie’s confessional when they arrived in Galu. Both told us exactly what was happening at the time (The merge makes it a nice day and the Galu camp was like the Hilton) but Mick’s confessional ended there. No game substance to it while Natalie went on to say that she will be looking for cracks. Erik may have been arrogant but he was right in his assessment of Mick: He simply takes it on the chin.
I had to smile at that since I’ve been saying all along that the editors are taking jabs at him.
Jaison: He shines whenever someone attacks him during Tribal Council. In a totally different register, Erik was being just as much a jerk as Ben and Jaison eloquently put him down: “I don’t care what you like.” Jaison had the last laugh but that could conclude his story. He said he’d be fine leaving as long as he did so after Erik. Russell wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice Jaison to save his own skin.
John: From his confessional as they arrived to the merge beach to his strategy talks with Russell and later with Erik, John returned to his episode #1 form: He was all talk and very little (smart) actions. His obsession with voting out Monica led to this mess and, in the process, he killed his alliance with the Galu men, giving a lot of power to the women.
What had we heard about John’s talk in episode #1? Shambo told us: “My only problem right now, is we have some very strong male dominant personalities that aren’t hearing one another. They got all hung up on exactly what should be done, how, when, where.”
Isn’t this exactly what happened once more? The guys, including Russell, talked around in circles while the women acted. I take this return to a theme of episode #1 as a clue that a woman will win this season.
Russell: He still looks awfully good at this game and the editors are giving us everyone one of his thoughts. However, we saw that his plan failed, that he wasn’t paying attention when talks turned against him and that he underestimated Natalie once more. He didn’t believe she could have changed their mind. If he had, he’d still have the idol. There are many leaders left around and Russell will need to make aggressive moves, moves that not everyone will like.
Natalie: I really think Natalie wins this season.
I needed to understand the edit she received in the first few episodes and it took this episode to figure it out. She didn’t talk because that’s what the guys were foolishly doing. She listened. She listened to Russell’s alliance offer, she listened to Betsy’s warning, she listened to Ashley’s thoughts just like she listened to Russell, Erik and Jaison in this episode. This time however she acted and now, Russell, John and Erik’s fear of girl power is a real possibility. She didn’t speak during tribal council because, just like during the Ben-Jaison TC fight, she leaned back, avoiding the punches. Make no mistake, this TC was Natalie and Laura teaming up against Erik. Neither woman spoke, the camera spoke for them.

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-08-09, 01:18 AM (EST)

5. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

Great analysis, Michel, as always! It's hard to add much since you were so thorough, but just a few thoughts:
* To me, this merge episode was all about the stark contrast between the 2 tribes. The FaoFao underdogs were shown to be united, working together as a team, and having a strategic game plan. Meanwhile, Galu is portrayed as a fractured, dysfunctional family, with bickering, in-fighting and competing strategies. The audience is supposed to be rooting for the underdogs, which as you mentioned, seems to bode well for the winner coming from FF. And I think Russell's quote that there's a lot more to Survivor than the physical game is key (and probably the quote of the night): "You have to be able to outwit them -- that's the most important thing in this game." To me, that pretty much sums up what FF will do. Despite the fact that they stunk at the physical challenges and came into the merge outnumbered, they will prevail by outwitting Galu.
* While I tend to agree with you that the editing points to Natalie as a winner, I'm not ready to declare that just yet. I really think it's a very positive thing that RussHell is finally being portrayed as having vulnerabilities and doubts. That is typically important for a Survivor winner -- and it somewhat humanizes RussHell and makes him just a bit sympathetic to the audience, vs. the over-the-top caricature that we've seen the first half of the season.
* I think Laura was portrayed very negatively this episode, especially her treatment of Shambo. Others have made fun of her in the past, but this was just plain mean-spirited. RussHell's comment about her ("Once she's gone, the girl power is over") and Shambo's comment (both the 90210 and "I'm done with her, I have no use for her") appear to have sealed her eventual fate.
* As you mentioned, Jaison's edit took a huge positive uptick last night, esp. when he was once again seen as the calm, smart voice of reason vs. Erik's arrogance at TC. To me it was a mini-reprise of the Jaison vs. Ben TC showdown. Unfortunately, I think this means that Jaison's story is coming to a close, but I hope I'm wrong.

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dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-08-09, 03:17 AM (EST)

6. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

Agree, Natalie as a winner is not a certainty. On the other hand she is being shown as a much smarter social player than Russell. And Russell made a fool of himself in the last episode desperately trying to impress the Galu with his HII and work his You're-All-Dumb magic head games, which backfired, the Galu weren't buying it. His early bravado in confessionals got shaken.
On the downside, Shambo was the only vote for Jaison (besides Erik), she is way on the outside.
On the Galu side, otherwise, Laura and Dave seem to be the only real players. Brett, John, Kelly and Monica seem incidental.

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LFJ 363 desperate attention whore postings
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11-08-09, 06:49 AM (EST)

7. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

Loved the commentary, Michel.
"Erik may have been arrogant but he was right in his assessment of Mick: He simply takes it on the chin."
If Mick reaches final three (big if, I know) he will be very difficult to beat. MD's are expected to take Oral examinations to graduate from Med school. He will have made zero enemies, and will be extrememly adept in explaining his game to the Jury. He won't falter.
While I agree that Natalie appears to be playing a great social game, so does Mick, to the extent that everyone likes him. No one on the Jury will see him as having engineered their ouster.

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PepeLePew13 26134 desperate attention whore postings
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11-08-09, 11:56 AM (EST)

8. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

> MD's are expected to
>take Oral examinations to graduate
>from Med school. He
>will have made zero enemies,
>and will be extrememly adept
>in explaining his game to
>the Jury. He won't falter.
I would respectfully disagree on this one. From what we have been shown so far, the editors do not seem to respect Mick's leadership skills as we have been shown almost nothing at all of his thoughts or ability to lead the team, and a big moment to me was when they showed Mick explaining why he didn't bring the leadership pendant to the challenge two episodes ago - we heard more about Mick's thoughts on leadership then than we did in the previous episodes total.
This tells me that Mick wouldn't do well if he ended up in front of a final jury. Why would they hide his speaking abilities and leadership if he did well in the end game?
By contrast, Natalie has made a major play and her editing is on a big upswing in the past two episodes and RussHell's editing has been softened over the past couple episodes as well (shown as vulnerable, as "human", less destructive behaviour).
If it turns out that these three are the finalists, I see Natalie and RussHell getting more votes than Mick at this point in time with the editing so far. I'm sure that might change over the next few episodes but that's based on what I see at the moment.
Galu - I don't see any of them edited as potential finalists, except for Shambo in the Susie or Cassandra role. I cannot see any of the 7 Galus as a potential winner right now.

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LFJ 363 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Cooking Show Host"
11-08-09, 05:32 PM (EST)

9. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

Pepe,
Your points are well-taken. And I know absolutely nada about editing. And yet, I can't help but notice some little things about Mick.
Everyone seems to like him. He is embraced by both FF and Galu. He says virtually nothing - is never shown saying or doing anything negative. Maybe that in itself is a negative? However, I seem to remember RussH, in one of the episodes saying that he "felt sure he could get Mick to go along with...", (I don't remember the topic) which implied to me that Russ would go to Mick, and run something by him.
While Mick has never won a challenge, he has never been in danger, never mentioned (even by Galu) as a possible threat or target. He has what I would call aplomb. He can get in the air and seemingly stay there for a long time, defying...gravity?
He handled the questions about his necklace in a gentlemanly (didn't say whose idea it was not to wear the necklace, but rather, went along with the notion) manner, while it was clear to me that he was not superstitious in the least (possibly chagrined, in fact).
Maybe I am just looking at this from a strange persepctive?
And, too, what do I know? I barely manage to watch the episodes online, and rely on all of you seasoned posters to put everyting into its proper perspective.
Thanks for your comments.

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11-08-09, 06:09 PM (EST)

10. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

I would be totally happy with a Natalie win or even an Mick win, since I like them more than RussHell. But yeah, it seems like Natalie could well be the winner -- and I wouldn't mind.

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DAW Level: "American Cancer Society Spokesperson"
11-09-09, 01:12 AM (EST)

11. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

First of all...great insights!
The whole baseball home run-strike out metaphor RussHell used kinda suddenly launched me into a mental image of RussHell being paralleled to Tarzan. You know, the out-of-his-mind jungle dude that swings from tree to tree? The trees in this sense can stand for Galu, I guess. And then you have Tarzan's female companion, the only person who can "tame" him.
Jane.
Or, Natalie. =D

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11-19-09, 01:08 AM (EST)

43. "RE: Episode #8: Editing Thoughts "

I am really late to the editing thread due to a crazy real life but I wanted to comment michel, that I really liked how you compared the merge episode editing with the premiere. It goes well with how I saw this season being divided into an act I and an act II. I hope I still have the show on my DVR because now I want to re-rewatch it and look for more clues!

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-14-09, 04:30 PM (EST)

13. "Episode #9: Editing Thoughts"

Previously, on Survivor; Galu had a comfortable 8-4 lead over the old Foa Foa.
<Dave seen doing his “turkey shoot.”>
While the old Galu was basking in the glow of victory…<Laura and Erik smiling> they were blind to the fact that Shambo felt ostracized by Laura and embraced by Russell.
<Russell reminded us that Shambo hates Laura>
They also didn’t realize that Natalie was working the Galu women to take out a Galu man.
<Natalie: “I don’t trust Erik. Why don’t we get him out first?>
<Russell noting that “all hell breaks loose”>
Jeff told us about the 2 HII and that Erik felt safe while Russell was sure he was in danger so he played his idol but he didn’t need to because Natalie’s plan worked.
Thanks to Natalie, the old Galu blindsided one of their own.
Although the Foa Foa4 lived to see another day, their battle is far from over.
<All four shown with Natalie the last one focused on and then she is shown leading the march out of the Council with Mick and Russell in tow>
Interesting that Jaison’s role was completely ignored to give all the credit to Natalie. Even Russell was portrayed as surprised by the turn of events.
The reward was symbolic of the episode:
Big Slide Down the Waterfall
Aiga
Night 21
Arriving in camp, the Galu men, represented by Brett and Dave were talking about chocolate chip cookies.
After such a huge TC, Galu is still not focused on the game. What will it take?
Russell (who’s definitely still in the game): “At tribal council today, I had a strong feeling it would be me. I didn’t think twice about playing the idol. I’m really worried because I’m pretty sure I’m out next.” <Russell shown putting his arm around Natalie’s shoulders who said: “I’ll pray for you.”> “I’m hoping for a miracle…”
Natalie joined Laura in the shelter as she was gloating about a perfect result.
Laura: (interview): “I think it was the dumbest move that Russell could have made... When he stood up and he used it, I about came off my stool. It could not have happened any better for us because, not only did we get rid of Erik, we just flushed that idol and exposed who is coming up next… Russell should absolutely be nervous. Russell is going to be gone next.”
Note that in the opening credits, the turtle is now constantly preceding Natalie who wound up listed first before Mick and Russell just like what was shown after Tribal Council
Aiga
Day 22
Natalie: (interview): “I went out for a walk and I stumbled upon this rat or mouse. I’m like: Oh! My goodness! That’s something to eat. I’m starving. I never thought I’d be this hungry in my life.” <She kills it and tells it she’s sorry> “Finally, I hit the rat. It was really hard for me; it was looking at me, it was cute...I’ve never been so hungry in my entire life. I feel like I’m just fading away.”
Jaison: (interview): “Natalie walks into camp with this rat in a coconut. We were just shocked. She came into this game; the Southern Belle. Very sweet, nice girl but definitely not the rough and tumble Survivor type. She wasn’t a Shambo. So, when she came back in her little bikini with a rat in a coconut, we were all shocked to death. On so many levels, I am proud of Natalie out here. From what I knew of her coming in to where she is now, I think she’s changed a lot in the last 23 days and I’m really happy for her.”
Before we get excited by this scene, let’s remember that Amanda was shown catching a shark in Micronesia. What I do like about this scene is it’s time manipulation: It happened while the other 5 members of the tribe were enjoying the reward. Jaison tells us it is day 23, not 22 and it isn’t a miscalculation on his part. Except for an isolated shot of Shambo which could have come from any time, the only players shown were Brett, Mick, Russell and Jaison who shared the rat while Laura was seen in the shelter when Natalie arrived. (Laura probably didn’t feel like eating rat without the proper sauce.) It was determined that showing Natalie killing a rat was the most important thing to show after seeing her “killing” Erik, even if it didn’t happen that day.
Later, the previous day ( ) Mick and Russell went to get tree mail. Russell was already snooping around.
Russell: (interview): “If there’s another immunity idol that gets put into play, I’m going to find it…I’m working on it.”
Reward
Natalie was left out of the challenge so she picked the team of Russell, Jaison, Mick, Brett and Laura to support and take her on reward if they were to win. They didn’t.
Not much of note except: “Shambo really slowing purple down.”
Natalie wasn’t forgotten as she was heard cheering.
John: “Today’s reward is awesome. The rock slides are killer… It’s what I’ve been looking for to for a while; just a day of relaxation.”
Kelly: (interview): “It was so fun, it was going down and it’s fresh water, it’s clean, it’s clear.”
Monica: (interview): “My family is from Porto-Rico and this totally reminds me of Porto-Rico… Having these waterfalls around you makes for an amazing reward.”
Monica read the note that was a clue to the next idol hidden in camp.
John: (interview): “There is another immunity idol that has been put into play and that is hiding at camp somewhere. Since there is no old Foa Foa here, we are going to keep this information strictly Galu. Right now, I’m starting to feel more and more comfortable with the plan of knocking off Foa Foa after Foa Foa.”
Kelly put the target on Russell but Shambo said she didn’t want him to go.
Kelly: (interview): “Shambo, she’s protecting Russell. Russell is one of the most conniving players I feel we have in the game right now. He needs to go. If I were to pick one player who could go to Foa Foa it would definitely be Shambo. But, whether Shambo is with us or not, we still have 6 to 5 if she goes with them and we don’t really need them.”
Aiga
Day 22 maybe
Russell while looking around: “I don’t care for no damn reward, I’m here to win the game. I’m gonna find the next immunity idol and I’m not going to tell a damn soul. It has to be near something, a landmark, something!”
<It was under the bridge over troubled waters.>
“I just found the second HII without a clue. I’m shaking, this is crazy. This might be worth 1 million dollars… Am I that damn good? This is unprecedented. I missed fried chicken and brownies for the second HII. Sounds like a good exchange to me!”
Aiga
Day 24
Russell: (interview): “Yesterday (?!!), I found an immunity idol without anybody telling me anything. This is just the gift that I have; this is why I was born. I was gonna keep it to myself but we only have 4 people left in Foa Foa so you have to have help with it.”
<Shambo was so surprised to see the HII, she gave Russell a big kiss.
“Her head is getting lopped off” she said, referring to Laura.>
Shambo: (interview): “I’ve been pretty much aligned with Foa Foa for the last 2 weeks. I really hit it off with those guys, created some really great relationships. Russell is probably the one guy that I impeccably trust. Our plan is: Let them vote Russell so, when they vote Russell, we’ll come back and vote Laura. He’ll play the immunity idol and she’ll go home. I am so excited!”
Shambo realized that Laura could win immunity.
Russell said it wouldn’t matter because they’d vote out one of her posse.
Shambo said Monica would be easy to eliminate but that no one had anything against Kelly, adding: “Kelly’s a bigger threat than Monica.”
Immunity Challenge
Strange how these things work out at times, isn’t it?
The only things I noted during the first leg were Natalie getting a bag but Jeff not mentioning it and Russell’s smile before realizing Laura had a shot to catch him. It was somewhat odd in both cases but probably meaningless.
In the second leg, Laura was up against our resident doctor and the woman that we had been led to believe was good at puzzles but Laura raced through that challenge.
“All they got to do is look at the piece” said a frustrated Russell while Jeff mentioned that “Mick is studying while Laura continues to place pieces effortlessly.”
This time, it wasn’t editing: While everyone, including Natalie, applauded Laura, Russell stood with his hands on his waist, nodding in disbelief.
Laura: (interview): “Right now, we are just getting rid of Foa Foa. Clearly, Russell is the first to go because he’s lied to us all. I see the Galu tribe voting for Russell including Natalie. I think that she wants to make good that she is in. Tonight, Russell is going home.”
Aiga
Day 24
The image of a shark preceded the tribe’s arrival in camp.
Shambo: “The challenge sucked cause Laura won… My heart is broken…You always have to have a plan B so I said that in the off-chance that she got immunity today, we’d vote out Kel because Kelly is stronger than Monica. Monica is no threat whatsoever. So, we vote somebody that’s close to Laura, cause some dissension amongst the ranks. That’s the plan of attack.”
Russell told Jaison that he had another immunity idol and to vote Kelly.
Jaison (interview): “So, Russell found another idol that the Galu members don’t know about and the idea is to surprise them with it. If Galu gets wind of what’s going on, they’re going to change their votes and take somebody from Foa Foa out that’s not Russell. So, it got to be Russell tonight or we’re all through.”
Jaison and Russell told Natalie and Mick about the plan. Mick said he didn’t even think there was another idol while Jaison was “beginning to really love that guy!”
That’s what the viewers are meant to think also and it seems to be working.
Mick: “Russell found the idol. It’s unbelievable how he finds these things and so quickly too. He has a keen mind for it. I’m excited to see what happens at tribal council. We are hoping to make a big dent in Galu today and put a dent in that arrogance and that condescending, patronizing attitude they have towards us.”
Dave, Monica, John and Laura were finalizing their plans
(Note that Brett and Kelly weren’t seen)
Dave indicated their pecking order: Russell, Natalie, Mick and Jaison.
Monica wanted to consider the fact that Russell could have an idol.
Dave didn’t think it was the time to worry about that.
John countered by saying it wasn’t rocket science to figure an idol was in camp.
Another jab at Mick maybe?
Dave was hesitating: “I say Russ first and then Natalie or vice-versa.”
Laura said Russ first just as Russell was seen walking by.
Russell: “I think I heard that they were going to vote Natalie. I heard them say her name. That’s how this game goes; it messes with your mind. I don’t know if I should play it or not. I’m confused on what to do. I don’t want to be the dumbass that gets voted out with the idol in his pocket and I don’t want to be the dumbass that plays the idol again and then nobody votes his name.”
Laura: “Right now, I think we’re tight. The Galu tribe is tight. We don’t trust Sham but we are still definitely 6 strong. As long as we can get the Foa Foa out and then we have 7 of the Galu left; that’s what we want.”
Tribal Council
First thing to note is that Foa Foa all sat together on Jeff’s right with Galu on the left. Those seats are assigned so production wanted to keep them apart.
Dave said that voting out Erik wasn’t a sign that tribal lines were gone: “Our tribe was weakened from within by Erik’s presence and it was a strengthening of our tribal unity.”
<That really infuriated Erik and pained Shambo.>
Kelly said “There was a snake starting a lot of trouble and it seemed to always come back to Erik.”
Natalie said: “They are trying to make us all still feel welcomed like we are all one.”
Jeff was all over that: “How can they possibly make you feel like you are all still one?”
Natalie stumbled: “You know, I’ve been welcomed in their shelter…”
Jeff interrupted: “But Natalie, you’re not all still one.”
Natalie recovered: “You’re right but they’re not being mean or ugly to anybody. I guess that was more or less what I was trying to say” <Jeff finally approved> “The fact of the matter is they are 7 to 4 and they are tight.”
Jaison said it was hard to figure out if there was a crack in Galu. “Maybe there’s another Erik out there that hasn’t been exposed yet. I’m trying to hold on to some hope.”
<Dave looked at Erik who was still boiling>
Shambo said it felt like the original Galu was pretty comfortable.
<Laura bit her lips not to smile, Russell nodded>
Mick: “The numbers are obvious but we still hope someone will see passed the former Galu, the former Foa Foa and seek 4 solid votes like “I need to make a big move here.”
Russell said he used to look for cracks but “it’s getting to where we’re hoping somebody comes to us and wants to do something but they seem to be pretty tight.”
<Laura and Monica couldn’t hold back big smiles during this!>
Monica said that FF could “see how strong the 7 of us are…If they are giving it a try, I can respect them for doing so but I don’t think it’s that hard of a try that they are giving.”
Dave said the vote would be decided by “physical ability, <Russell shown> mental toughness <Jaison on screen> and strategic acumen <Mick’s turn>. It’s a communal decision. We try to come to a consensus so that everybody feels heard and feels that their needs are being met.”
<Laura and Monica approved, Shambo frowned dubiously>
As Jeff returned with the votes, Russell stood up saying: “I ain’t finished playing just yet.”
<Dave’s jaw hit the floor, Erik was pumped, the scales fell from Laura’s eyes, Monica felt she was a goner and, in the background Shambo acted surprised.>
As soon as Jeff read the first vote, Russell winked at Erik who was really enjoying the demise of his old team. The music changed: From the pulse-pounding drums during the voting and the nervous violin strokes after Russell handed his idol, it turned to a softer melody. We were meant to savor this moment along with the Foa Foa 4.
Slowly, Jeff read 6 more Russell votes before showing where the axe would strike Galu.
Kelly’s: “It’s me” reminded me a lot of Gretchen when she realized her own fate.
Laura seemed to look with anger over at Natalie who smiled before looking away.
When Kelly reached for her torch Laura, the real victim of this set-up spoke: “He just stirred up a whole lot of hell is what he did.”
<Shambo acted like she agreed!>
Jeff left them with a question and a fact: “Will tonight’s vote change the game or merely delay the inevitable? One more thing, the hidden immunity idol goes back into the game.”
The Story
This episode could serve as proof that challenges aren’t that important in Survivor. For all their wins (and this reward challenge was still yellow vs purple), Galu is portrayed as a dumb tribe. Monica and, to a lesser degree, John were the only ones sensing a possible danger. Was it a coincidence that Dave was heard revealing a pecking order of Russell, Natalie, Mick and Jaison before letting Jeff know that the vote had to be determined by eliminating the ones with most physical abilities, mental toughness and strategic acumen? Was it telling us that Natalie is ahead of Mick and Jaison in those regards? On another note: If Kelly was the second most dangerous Galu member after Laura, they don’t stand a chance!
The Characters
Laura : She’s on the endangered species list; a woman who dared to challenge Russell directly. Her challenge prowess is overshadowed by Galu’s arrogance and their condescending attitude which is a reflection of its leader.
Dave: If that wasn’t the time to think about the idol, when was? By his comments against Erik, Dave told us he had no intentions of making a move to Foa Foa. He’s going down with the Galu ship.
Monica : She’s still only a cute but meaningless player. Despite her vulnerable position, she doesn’t seem to be smart enough to consider a move to Foa Foa.
John: Maybe this is the player that completes the overthrow of Galu. He had an opening with Russell at the merge and he saw how poor Galu’s strategy was. He must have felt extremely relieved to see that Kelly was the name written on the parchments but we didn’t see his reaction. Will he risk it once more or will he figure he’d better make a F5 deal with the FF and count on simply 2 immunity wins from there? I don’t think it’s rocket science to see what is the better option.
Brett: If John isn’t the one that seizes the opportunity, Brett could certainly be welcomed by Foa Foa. I found it interesting that, after all the talk of getting in good with members of Galu in the previous episode, we didn’t see any talks with Brett during the time the other Galus were on reward and that he was completely absent from all Tribal Council reaction shots. What is up with Brett? For 9 episodes, the editors have kept him out of sight. He could simply be insignificant or he has a surprise up his sleeve. That would only make him a one-trick pony, not a contender.
Shambo: She is smarter than we’ve been led to believe. Her reactions at TC and her vote for Russell were ways to keep her cover and I think it’s working. It’s a good thing to fool the other players by pretending to be dumb; it’s quite another when the editors go along with it and presents you as dumb to the audience. Ask Candace from Cook Islands.
Both Kelly and Laura said they didn’t trust Shambo but neither considered her a threat, just a bothersome family member that doesn’t know when to leave the house. Russell must consider her as a perfect opponent in the Final 3 but we haven’t heard anything from him about it. That’s quite out of character for him. Only Cirie saw the danger that someone like Shambo represents. Will someone take her out to remove one of Russell’s options?
Jaison: He’s only serving to advance the stories of Russell and Natalie. He really loves Russell right now and he is very proud of Natalie. That tells me he’ll have a tough choice to make from his jury seat.
Mick: He still seems to only be there. What would be the message if Mick were to win? As soon as I asked myself that question, I practically got a confirmation on why Mick can’t win. If Mick wins it would show that leadership isn’t important in Survivor. That even elected leader, it was better for Mick to lay low and let others decide. From what I know of Survivor’s love affair with leaders, that would be a very strange message. Like Natalie, we can say that Mick didn’t talk too much, he didn’t ruffle any feathers but what has he done. Jeff and Russell’s words even made him look bad during that challenge loss: “You just have to look at the pieces” we heard while Mick was studying the board, getting nowhere fast. At TC, he confirmed Erik’s assessment by saying that the numbers were obvious.
Russell : He could still win this thing! At least, he ain’t finished playing just yet and the reaction shots told us he has Erik’s vote, at least for now. Can anger be transformed into admiration? That will be his challenge. Also, he could have to explain how finding idols is playing Survivor. From one of the most despised jackasses in series history, many are now liking Russell and we are told we should do so by Jaison. It would be a huge story to see him win.
Natalie: Probably more people are with me in thinking that Natalie will win but let’s not crown her just yet. That scene with the rat was endearing and Jaison’s words showed that Natalie is a worthy Survivor. The time factor manipulation is also something to consider but there were odd moments in the way she was edited this week: First, Jeff neglected telling us that she got 1 bag during the IC. We didn’t hear her thoughts about getting rid of her friend Laura. Then, we saw Jeff get frustrated by Natalie during Tribal Council although she recovered and we were shown Jeff’s nod of approval at her final comments.
But, overall, those are trivial compared to the recap that Jeff served us of the situation. What could have been Foa Foa’s plan or Jaison’s suggestion was entirely credited to Natalie and Foa Foa had her to thank for still having hope.

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DRONES 615 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Reality Show Commentator"
11-15-09, 02:47 AM (EST)

17. "RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts"

>Natalie: Probably more people are with
>me in thinking that Natalie
>will win but let’s not
>crown her just yet. That
>scene with the rat was
>endearing and Jaison’s words showed
>that Natalie is a worthy
>Survivor. The time factor manipulation
>is also something to consider
>but there were odd moments
>in the way she was
>edited this week: First, Jeff
>neglected telling us that she
>got 1 bag during the
>IC. We didn’t hear her
>thoughts about getting rid of
>her friend Laura. Then, we
>saw Jeff get frustrated by
>Natalie during Tribal Council although
>she recovered and we were
>shown Jeff’s nod of approval
>at her final comments.
>
>But, overall, those are trivial compared
>to the recap that Jeff
>served us of the situation.
>What could have been Foa
>Foa’s plan or Jaison’s suggestion
>was entirely credited to Natalie
>and Foa Foa had her
>to thank for still having
>hope.
>
Great write up as usual michael. I disagree with you on few things though.
Practically every episode we are told that these people are Russell's pawns and they are doing exactly what he told them to do. We were even given the visual of this with his narrative, to show us that this isn't just bravado big talk but in fact a reality. I could almost picture, in my minds eye, Russell setting on each of their shoulders like the devil telling them what to do.
There is a subtle shift going on with Russells edit as you pointed out. Can anger be transformed to admiration. It certainly appeared so with Erik. We are also showing how vulnerable Russell is week after week( classic EPMB misdirection) with the constant tease of could this be the episode that it all catches up with him.
The idea of using Russell's idol the way they did was purely Russell's idea. Shambo, being his spy into the former Gaulu, told him the boot order...so much for their idea of not telling Shambo anything. He told the former Foa's he had the idold and what he wanted to do and once again Russell's plan was executed to perfection.
After seeing the whole Natalie rat scene I'm now convinced that she is who Russel wants to bring to the finals with him. Remember that Natalie is doing the dirty work of befriending the Galu women. Now that those girls are being voted off they are going to blame someone and that person is Natalie. She will not do as well in front of the jury as Jaison or Mick would, which is exactly why she is his choice and not one of the other two.
DRONES

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LFJ 363 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Cooking Show Host"
11-15-09, 10:52 AM (EST)

19. "RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts"

I have a question - editing related, I think?
Will any of the Jury know that Russell sabotaged his tribe by burning personal items and pouring water out of canteens (after he drank his fill, that is)?
That kind of info would definitely prejudice me against him, regardless of what kind of game he played.

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-15-09, 01:01 PM (EST)

20. "RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts"

The only way they would know is if someone mentioned it in their Final TC speech (or question). But since it appears that nobody else caught on, and I can't imagine RussHell would it bring it up himself, they're most likely not going to know until they get back home and watch it on TV.

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PepeLePew13 26134 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-15-09, 01:05 PM (EST)

21. "RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts"

Both Betsy and Marisa said in their post-game interviews that they didn't know what Russell had done. If Russell is there in the final TC with Natalie and/or one of the other FFs, the jury is going to be dominated by Galus, so they wouldn't know what Russell had done, either.
Not going to be a factor at all in the final jury comments.

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princat 77 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Hollywood Squares Square"
11-15-09, 03:06 PM (EST)

24. "RE: Episode #9: Editing Thoughts"

Long time Lurker. I really enjoy reading everything you guys see in the editing.

In terms of Natalie and Russell. If they make it to the end I wonder what luck either of them would have depending on the 3rd person there.
If the Galu members end up on the jury I see many of them being bitter (and that will show in their voting). Someone like Laura who dislikes Russell and might feel betrayed by Natalie might go for option number 3.
I don't know if enough of them will respect game play/strategy. I also wonder if they even agree that Foa Foa is playing a good game? I haven't heard them mention why they would want to get rid of Natalie after Russell. We assume it's because they think she's a threat but who knows with them. Maybe someone there actually does like Mick more then Natalie?
Ok just some ideas for thought. I could totally be on the wrong track. As everyone here knows the editing is highly manipulated, who knows what is being hidden.

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Georjanna 1316 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beef Jerky Spokesperson"
11-14-09, 07:03 PM (EST)

14. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

LAST EDITED ON 11-15-09 AT 01:45 AM (EST)
During Micronesia I mentioned that I felt that if the editors continued to subtly scrub Parvati's relationship with James while exploiting Amanda's steamy liasons with Ozzy, I would have to concede that Parvati was the Season's Sole Survivor.
This Season, Natalie is being polished to perfection. For instance, the last lady - Denise - who couldn't swallow one of those disgusting "native" dishes certainly didn't escape notice. And if James had never before done a kind thing - or hasn't since - I will always think of him as a hero because of his grace that day.
But, there is something about Natalie's edit and Jeff Probst's failure to trumpet just how much we are going to like Samoa's winner that suggests (to me - and it is just a feeling) that those editors are trying much too hard to make it appear that she is Samoa's winner. And I wonder if that edit is being manipulated to provide a stark contrast to the actual winner's supposed villainy. Or supposed ineptitude.
I can almost hear him saying 'Human nature never ceases to amaze me. But, that's Survivor! And the best woman - or man - doesn't always win. It's why I keep doing the show ... maybe.'
G

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-15-09, 02:23 AM (EST)

16. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Georjanna, I get the same feeling as you that the editors are trying way too hard with Natalie. It feels like a stretch...hard to say at this point if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
Regarding your comment about Jeff not trumpeting that we'll like this season's winner: Maybe I'm mixed up, but I vaguely recall reading somewhere that this season's winner won't be the JT/Bob loveable type. Although that might have been the beginning of the Russell/evil villain pre-season hype.

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Georjanna 1316 desperate attention whore postings
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11-15-09, 06:04 AM (EST)

18. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Squid,
Regarding my point (badly put):
You're right. Probst did, in at least one interview at the beginning of the Russell/Evil Villain pre-season hype, virtually promise a 'different-from-loveable' winner this Season. And that (accompanied by the fact that he hasn't since disabused us of the notion) is one of the reasons that, to me, it seems improbable (given her canonization by the editors to date) that Natalie is going to fill the role.
And if that's so, then the question becomes 'Why the edit in the first place?'. And the only reason that I can think of is that there was a decision to - in the person of Natalie - emphasize/enhance that difference. And if all of that is so, I wonder if the winner or the jury will be portrayed as the villain of the piece?
And about the (journey) point in your post addressed to Michel:
I thought it was an excellent one. The whole 'Natalie Gone Native' scene reminded me of Cirie and the leaves. But I think that your vision of Sugar was far more apt.
G

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
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11-15-09, 01:06 PM (EST)

22. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

To be fair, I'm sure there were winners with a bit of a journey edit (Bob comes to mind and I bet Michel could come up with others), and certainly Cirie and Sugar both went far (and actually Sugar could have won if she didn't give it away to Bob). So I'm not saying Natalie can't be the winner, it just gave me pause this past episode.

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Flowerpower 7262 desperate attention whore postings
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11-16-09, 10:14 AM (EST)

33. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

I felt I had to jump in and throw in my 2 cents worth. I agree with everyone that michel has such a wonderful handle on the editing, and I always look forward to hearing his take on the episode. Just amazing, is what he is!
Regarding the thoughts on the winner, I have to say that I am not discounting Russell out at this point either. He really is starting to gain favor with the audience as he is seen as 100% focused on the game and on playing the game, while others are edited as arrogant, entitled, and downright lazy. The other FF's seem to be just pawns in his chess game.
Interesting that Jiffy's continually hammering us over the head with how wonderful Natalie is? I recall he did the same with Bob, and look how that turned out. This time, however, I do get that it's overkill and makes me think that perhaps she is NOT the winner.
Then we have his comments about this seasons winner is not a likable one, such as JT....hmmm. I think Natalie is pretty likable, she is certainly not unlikable. RussHell definately is not really likeable, due to his antics in the beginning and his dismissal of his peers, that leaves Mick. He is not really likable, but not really unlikable either...if it is a F3 this season, I am starting to see how perhaps an undeserving player could indeed wind up as the winner. Votes could be split....and Dave's observation of the pecking order has revealed this. Russell, Natalie, Mick....?? If RussHell creates too much anger and resentment, it could lose him the game with a jury full of stupid Galu's. Seems Natalie is not the pawn that Laura thought she would be either, in that she is sticking strong to her FF alliance, and not voting with Galu's as Laura predicted....that could anger Laura and company, especially when she has a huge handle on voting them out. That leaves benign Dr. McDreamy....didn't do anything game worthy other than follow orders, but due to the nasty people on the jury could perhaps just wind up the winner. I dunno, it's just food for thought. Clearly, at this point, the MOST worthy winner would be RussHell!!! And, I do find myself rooting for the despicable player...

[

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LFJ 363 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Cooking Show Host"
11-16-09, 11:24 AM (EST)

34. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

"That leaves benign Dr. McDreamy....didn't do anything game worthy other than follow orders, but due to the nasty people on the jury could perhaps just wind up the winner."
ITA. RussH has been the most entertaining, by far - but how many promises has he made? to how many people??? Just about everyone, I think. And how many will be on the Jury?
It could be he gets to F3 and loses to the undeserving Mick, and then gets to reprise his role in the following Season.

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-15-09, 02:12 AM (EST)

15. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Michel, thanks for all the time and effort you put into these each week. I always look forward to reading your analysis, and you always catch things that I didn't notice. (Although this week even I noticed how they credited Natalie for last week's boot -- they kinda hit us over the head with that one.
I agree with you that while Natalie's overall edit was positive this week, there were some peculiar things. First of all, while the whole rat saga certainly was cute and adorable, part of me found it a bit patronizing toward Natalie. More importantly, though, a red flag went up for me that it's never really good for the ultimate winner to have the journey/personal growth edit -- and that's the vibe I got from the whole rat story, that we should be proud of Natalie because she's walking around without shoes and killing a rat and has come a long way. (It kinda reminded me of Sugar.) If someone only watched this episode, they might even guess that her story arc was coming to a close. So while overall it was a positive, there was a bit of an undercurrent.
I thought RussHell's edit took a big turn toward the positive this week. Suddenly we're meant to root for him. Suddenly he's being nice to Shambo and getting kissed. It's more of the softening/humanizing that I mentioned last week. If this keeps up, it could be a very good thing for him. Then again, he could go back to being RussHell the one-dimensional evil villain next week! If nothing else, this unlikely pair makes an interesting contrast in styles.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-15-09, 03:06 PM (EST)

23. "Editing Comments:"

LAST EDITED ON 11-15-09 AT 03:21 PM (EST)

Great comments, everyone!

Drones, I do like Russell’s story a lot. I think this season will come down to the jury deciding between Natalie’s good but quiet social game and Russell’s over the top strategic game.
You say: “…these people are Russell's pawns”. I will respond that 1 of those pawns told us she plans on using him instead of having it go the other way around. She also told us she counts on Russell underestimating her and we saw Russell doing exactly that during her (first?) big move. I don’t eliminate Russell but I do like to take a risk and pick 1 player. It seems to me that a loud-mouth male goes against an important theme of the season.
As for Russell wanting to take Natalie, we’ll see how that plays out but I don’t like to predict how a jury will respond. The editing tells us which conflicts will be underlined during jury questioning but not how it will be handled by the player and his judges. The Galu women will certainly ask Natalie about the betrayal and she could freeze like Amanda or she could, like Todd, explain that the friendships were real but it was a game.

LFG, from what we have seen, Mick, Jaison and Natalie aren’t aware of Russell’s sabotage attempts. So, unless he stupidly boasts about them like Ozzy did about throwing a challenge, Russell will only have to answer to it during the reunion. Bet on half the reunion being centered on that subject alone.
Georgiana, I’m not sure that Natalie’s edit is perfect. We didn’t have a confessional from her during the introduction. Her story has been slowly growing from there but has remained mostly in the background. Jeff’s pre-season trumpets aren’t part of the editing so I don’t consider them much during my analysis of a show. But I understand your objection and I think you’ll see what I make of Jeff’s comment in my response to Squid.
As far as offering a stark contrast in editing, yes, definitely the contrast is there between Russell and Natalie but he doesn’t need her to receive a manipulated edit. Natalie could have been ignored like Becky or Cassandra and nothing would have changed for Russell.
As far as Russell’s ineptitude, I don’t understand. I think the edit shows that he is good at this game even if his strategy is quite unorthodox.

Great comments Squid and I think they deserve a careful analysis.
(I apologize for the lengthy reply!)
Which players have been edited as being on a journey?
Starting with Vanuatu when I first got interested in how the show was edited, I remember:
- Eliza who was always under attack and proved she was resilient.
- Leann who felt she wasn’t tough enough but reached her journey’s end when she told Ami: “If I continue to win rewards and you continue to win immunity, we can win this whole thing.
- Ian was on a journey to prove he was worthy of the approval of Tom, his “survivor-father”. That journey was mentally draining for Ian but we saw him reach his goal when he made peace after the final challenge.
- Cirie was a couch-potato afraid of what lurks behind leaves but who wanted to make her family proud. When we saw the smile on her husband’s face during the family visit, we knew her story was over. Her strategic prowess was only shown at the end of the game and was almost a side-note to her story. What a pity.
- Aras was on a coming-of-age journey: Starting as a new-age yoga instructor, he became a corporate manager who had to lead a crazy bunch against the perfectly organized, military-type tribe led by Terry. His story could only reach its end once he defeated Terry and that led to his overall victory.
- Yau-Man was on a journey to prove his worth. He surprised everyone by opening that box in episode #1 but still, everyone (except Earl) continued to underestimate him. He proved his worth by reaching the Final 4.
- James’ journey started in one of the most touching scenes in series history: In episode #1, he told us he wasn’t good at the social game so this giant of a man, looking like a lost puppy, said: “I’ll have to make them love me”. By the end, everyone wanted James on their side and he certainly succeeded in making the audience love him.
- Courtney was on a journey to survive her personal hell living with flight attendants and beauty queens. Her story had to end sitting between those two.
- Erik was on a journey to prove he was as good as Ozzy. The moment Alexis said Ozzy was the greatest ever Erik became, editing-wise, a dead-man-walking. He did outlast Ozzy.
- Alexis was on a journey to prove she could outwit the Favorites. Her journey died somewhere in the editor’s garbage bin.
- Sugar was on a journey to prove that a pin-up model wasn’t dumb. She outsmarted everyone but forgot that the goal was to win.
- Bob was on a journey to prove an old man could be valuable. He was always on the side of the person in charge, first Corinne and Marcus, then Sugar, then Kenny and back to Sugar. He helped all of them until their own shortcomings ended their story. Bob, the energizer bunny, went on until there was no one else to help.
- Erinn was on a journey to prove that a hairdresser could survive. She faced one of the bitterest feuds ever against two powerful players and one of the toughest exile and she persevered, outlasting her tormentors.
- Stephen was on a coming-of-age story: This awkward, nerdy city boy became “The Wizard”.
- JT was on a journey to prove that a hillbilly could provide for his tribe and lead them successfully. He was so good at it that he won.
So, with the examples of Aras, Bob and JT, I have to disagree with your premise:
“it's never really good for the ultimate winner to have the journey/personal growth edit.”
But, more importantly, I don’t think Natalie is on a journey about personal growth.
The 15 examples shown have certain things in common, most notably:
1- The players told us immediately about their fears or hopes.
2- The audience was supposed to share in their journey, wanting them to succeed.
So, with Natalie, point #1 is as troublesome as it is for her winning edit. I will say however that her strategy explains her lack of initial airtime. To win, she has to lean back and avoid the punches (the camera!).

A journey player needs a starting point so that the audience can jump on the train with them. By the way, those journey players are the likable ones that Jeff mentioned in his pre-season interview so I have no problem with him saying that the winner won’t be as likable as Bob and JT.
Natalie never told us that she was afraid of what stood in front of her. If she had been a player on a journey of personal growth, she would have told us about those tough rainy days. Jaison certainly did. Natalie, apparently, went through those atrocious days without a single complaint.
No, I compare the rat scene to Parvati’s Micronesia story. In the Cook Island, while Yul and Ozzy looked like Federer and Nadal, Parvati had her own nice story. That story was killed when Jonathan told the audience it was pathetic to see someone having spent weeks on Survivor and still being unable to cut a fish.
In Micronesia, Parvati said something like: “I didn’t come here to be miserable and not win.” When we saw her smiling in the cave while Eliza and the Fans were miserably huddled and shivering, I knew Parvati was on the right track, editing-wise. When we saw her learning everything the natives taught them and succeeding in catching fish, I knew the editors wanted to let us know that NOW, Parvati was a true Survivor.
That’s what that scene did for Natalie. Will it be enough? Maybe!

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-15-09, 03:27 PM (EST)

25. "RE: Editing Comments:"

Thanks Michel for reminding us of all the "journey" edits -- your historical knowledge of Survivor never ceases to amaze me!
I think Aras (and to a lesser extent, Earl, who you did not mention) are both excellent examples of journey players who won the game. But I think overall, many of the others who get the personal growth edit turn out to be the likeable runner-ups.
Perhaps the key to differentiating is whether there is something else (something "more" -- another dimension) to their edit beyond the personal growth story? E.g., JT had a whole lot more going for him (strategy + social game + a great alliance partner in Stephen). Parv too. Perhaps Natalie falls into this category.
I like that there's a bit of doubt with the edits of both Nat and RussHell. It keeps me interested in watching how it'll play out. Certainly Natalie is the much more likeable (from a jury perspective), so I'm thinking RussHell is the underdog here. Can't wait to see how both of their edits progress over the next few weeks.

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-15-09, 03:45 PM (EST)

26. "RE: Editing Comments:"

P.S. Michel, as long as we're going back to the historical archives, I've been meaning to ask you about the original All-Stars season. I can't remember what Boston Rob's and Amber's edits were like. Was this Editing thread even around then?
The reason I'm asking is that the RussHell/Nat situation reminds me a lot of Boston Rob and Amber -- i.e. the bulldozer, risk taking guy with the strategy/brains but no social skills, and the quiet social game that rides the coattails to the end and pulls out the win because she was more likeable. Just curious how their editing was, and whether you see any similarities? (You can just PM me if you think it doesn't really fit here -- I don't mean to sidetrack the discussion. Thx.)

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-15-09, 04:24 PM (EST)

27. "RE: Editing Comments:"

LAST EDITED ON 11-15-09 AT 04:35 PM (EST)
Thanks Squid.
It's hard to make a case about Earl being on a journey during Fiji after he proclaimed himself the "King of Fiji" in episode #1! Most of his confessionals were game related, from his poker-face, his plan under construction and even the understanding he reached with snakes symobolized his alliance with Dreamz. His human side was revealed through his talks with others, Anthony and Yau Man mainly.
I once did a summary of Fiji loosely (very loosely) based on Citizen Kane. Earl, on his death bed, says the word "Heavy-Duty". Historians, at a loss, had to go over old Survivor SOTS and Summaries to understand where it came from. So, to me, Earl wasn't a story in Fiji, Fiji was solely Earl's rags-to-riches story.
With a lot less of airtime, most of Natalie's interventions, like Earl's, have mostly been game related. Even during her fumbling moment at TC with Jeff, she was allowed to elaborate until Jeff approved and she made the 7 to 4 game comment.
As for ALL-Star, I think that was Veruca's first full-time editing analysis. The main theme she expressed was that "Players were bound to repeat the same mistakes." I was only a lurker back then but I remember that, like Russell and natalie, we saw Amber and Morono make their alliance on the beach, picking up a log. I remember Amber was fairly quiet also in the first episodes while Morono grabbed most of the airtime. It's tough to compare beyond that because we knew these players from before.
ETA:If you want to look in the archives to find it, I'd start the search somewhere between pages 190 and 210. (Rule of thumbs: Back then, seasons covered about 25 pages each. S8 = 200)

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SquidProQuo 2526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
11-15-09, 04:54 PM (EST)

28. "RE: Editing Comments:"

Thanks Michel, I'm going to check out the archives the next time I have some free time. Would love to see this thread in its early stages. I do miss Veruca!!!
P.S. Re Earl: I'm thinking of his journey as more spiritual -- I can still recall that gorgeous shot of him looking over the land....maybe I'm confused, but I thought Bob had a similar shot Also with Earl, there was a leadership journey...having to keep together that crazy group of misfits, his friendship with Yao, etc. But I'm not trying to argue with you....I agree it's more of a stretch.

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PepeLePew13 26134 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-15-09, 06:16 PM (EST)

29. "RE: Editing Comments:"

I'd have to look at the archives if VS's editing analysis thread was around then - I've been here so long, it's hard to remember when certain people rolled into Dodge and started something up. But that sounds about right, right around the time of the All-Stars season.
I do recall that I was the one who predicted the Romber alliance/romance based on some pre-show vidcaps and a shot of these two together posing for a picture with a third contestant.

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dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
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11-15-09, 10:57 PM (EST)

32. "RE: Editing Comments:"

Just from memory, most of the players in All-Stars played the game exactly as they had done before. The exceptions were Jerri, who tried to present a nicer Zen Jerri side, and Jenna and Sue, both of whom decided to opt out for personal reasons. Rob was still taking it to the mattresses, Amber was still the wingman, Jenna L. was still the loudmouth, Rupert was still ... whatever, etcetera and so on.

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DRONES 615 desperate attention whore postings
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11-18-09, 01:59 AM (EST)

39. "RE: Editing Comments:"

I agree michael. Natalie is not the journey player. The journey player this season is Shambo. The underdog outsider to the 90210'ers gas managed to hang on a long time especially considering she's been a targe of her own tribe since day 1.
Back to Russell....Last week it was edited that he was in danger of being voted out. This week will be more of the same. He's the ultimate strategist like Chris or Dique. You really don't like them in the beginning but by the end you're sort or cheering them on. In order for Natalie to start to get some serious consideration as the winner she needs to be in jeopardy of being voted out. That just isn't the case right now. My only real reservation with Russell are his earlier comments about how he is out to prove that anyone can win this game. EPMB always highlights these players for a big fall. Afterall, EPMB is the ultimate puppetmaster of this game.
DRONES

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jobgirl 36 desperate attention whore postings
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11-16-09, 07:31 PM (EST)

35. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

I have to say that I really enjoyed this episode. I don't do much analyzing...I leave that to you Pros, but one comment really stood out to me. When Jaison said that now he really loves RussHell, it seemed that we are supposed to forgive him for his dastardly start. He really does know how to play the game.

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dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
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11-16-09, 09:06 PM (EST)

36. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

From what we've seen, yes, Russ is really playing the game hard. Moreso than anyone else. But does he really understand he needs the jury vote to win in the end?
I'll agree with anyone who thinks Rob should have won All-Stars instead of Amber, but that won't change the fact that Rob lost and Amber won.
As far as his dastardly start; we know that about Russ because we saw it, no one in the game at the time ever caught on.
That's another smart thing about Russ, actually. He keeps his bad side to himself.
Anyway, the way this is being edited, you may be correct, they may want us to accept the prospect of a Russ win. Something to think about. Thanks for posting, for participating, that's really what it is all about around here.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-16-09, 11:10 PM (EST)

37. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

You are right Jobgirl, that comment from Jaison was good for Russell. Jaison also told him: "You deserve it"... Still not quite as good as Russell himself telling Natalie: "You've got it made." (episode #4)
Dabo, I'm not sure that Russell is really hiding everything: Natalie told us he rubs people the wrong way, Laura told us he stirred a lot of trouble and Kelly mentioned wanting to see him go in her final words. Going after the well-liked Kelly is being perceived as mean-spirited not just self-defense. And all his final 2 deals could cause problems in FTC.

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11-17-09, 00:53 AM (EST)

38. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Points taken, michel. I do think Russell is trying to keep a lid on things but a certain amount of that relies on other people not sharing information. Risky. I'm on the fence about how he plays the social aspect of the game. Sometimes he seems to do it well, other times he doesn't seem to care.

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11-15-09, 08:13 PM (EST)

30. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

P.S. Michel, I forgot to mention something about Natalie and the sea turtle imagery. I had noticed a couple weeks ago that she was shown with the turtle in the opening credits but forgot to put in my post back then that my son has done a lot of research on sea turtles and they are considered very important, even sacred, in some cultures. I googled and sure enough, their Samoan name means "sacred fish," and they are a very important part of the Samoan culture. Do the CBS editors know that? Probably not...but you never know. I do think it's a good sign for her -- as I said back in my original post (different thread), sometimes "slow and steady" wins the race and no doubt the CBS editors are at least aware of that turtle connotation.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-15-09, 10:35 PM (EST)

31. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

In Panama, Aras was often pictured after a small green frog. It turned out that the frog was poisonous and so had no predators. Much like Aras escaping all of terry's attacks.
I'd guess the editors would know.

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11-18-09, 08:41 AM (EST)

40. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

This week the preview promo was all about pitting a Russell vs. Laura showdown, with some hunting for the 3rd hidden II. I found it very interesting then, that this shot was sandwiched in...
Last week we saw Natalie kill a rat and provide for her tribe, this week, she is out fishing...some would say that she has adapted to her new environment and has morphed into a real survivor...
This is a random shot, that really didn't have anything to do with the text of the transcript, I found it interesting indeed. Is this more Natalie love, or is she a smoke screen?

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11-18-09, 05:05 PM (EST)

41. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

LAST EDITED ON 11-18-09 AT 06:53 PM (EST)
CBS has a Secret Scene with RussHELL telling listeners that he was PROUD how Natalie has adapted. And, he confides to the camera that he trusts SHAMBO as much as he trusts Natalie (two different clips).
In conclusion, you and RussHELL agree that Natalie has a done a superb job of adapting. I hope this isn't upsetting ;)

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-18-09, 06:26 PM (EST)

42. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

If she doesn't catch a fish or an idol with that spear then she should go home according to Jeff!
It's a nice picture but I'll wait to see what happens in that scene or if it's even included in the show.

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CTgirl 8013 desperate attention whore postings
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11-19-09, 01:25 AM (EST)

44. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

FloPo, I also wondered at the randomness of this vidcap of Natalie. But it also reminded me of Matty and the white bird. He kept on popping up in vidcaps towards the end of the season and we all know how that ended!
I keep going around in circles about who I think is the winner - there are pros and cons to Russell and Natalie's edits and as you said above, Mick could slip by. He isn't doing much but he is playing a good social game. Michel's comments about the type of confessionals Mick makes makes me questions his chances. On the other hand, Russhell's social game needs some work, but he's a great strategist. Natalie's edit is uneven. It still concerns me that she didn't get an opening confessional in the first episode; that goes against the winner's editing pattern. But as I said before, even if she doesn't win, the editing has to justify if she gets some votes. The fact that there isn't a clear cut favorite is rejuvenating this thread. Everyone is bringing up some great points. I love it!

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Brownroach 15341 desperate attention whore postings
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11-19-09, 12:06 PM (EST)

45. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

LAST EDITED ON 11-19-09 AT 12:36 PM (EST)
I don't think the winner can be chosen based on the editing this time. Natalie and Russell are both looking like contenders at this point, and I think that's how they will want it to appear at the end.
Picking the winner is going to be a matter of guessing how the jurors will vote, imo.

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11-19-09, 12:26 PM (EST)

46. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

LAST EDITED ON 11-19-09 AT 12:27 PM (EST)
I agreed 100% BR...I think it comes down to a 5-4 vote imho

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11-19-09, 12:28 PM (EST)

47. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

I agree too....check out the post-game interview thread...I just posted a Kelly interview with People that might give us a window into how some of the Galus will vote.

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11-19-09, 02:57 PM (EST)

48. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

I think there will be clues, but we may not recognize them as such until after the show is over. (Bob is a perfect example.) At any rate, I think that the probable winner's edit won't be clear until the finale (after we've all made our picks! ) BUT TPTB know who the winner is so they are (and will continue) to manipulate the edits of the winner and runners up. So if we are astute enough we'll be able to see some of those manipulations. Look at how they've manipulated Laura and Russhell this season - people are hating on Laura and cheering for Russell tonight! If we see Russell's edit take a turn for the worse again after Laura is booted, then that would be a clue that he played too hard and will fall short.
I agree that this game will come down to the vote (and it may be a screwy vote this season), but the editing is going to subtly inform us how they vote. We can also look for clues in who people will vote for. For example, the funny scene with Courtney and Frosti when they were on reward set up the connection for Frosti to vote for her. I really think we need to keep an open mind about all three of the possible F3 and discuss the pros and cons each week of their edits. We may be able to figure this thing out! Editing is a science and even if they try to hide the winner, they've still got to give us an acceptable ending to the story.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-19-09, 07:03 PM (EST)

49. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

"If we see Russell's edit take a turn for the worse again after Laura is booted, then that would be a clue that he played too hard and will fall short."
That could be something to look for. What I think will be an important clue is whether or not doubt arises regarding Russell's potential to earn jury votes. Right now, it seems he has Erik's vote locked in and the other players appear to respect him as a player rather than hate him for the evil person he is.
Too much hatred wouldn't be good but if doubt arises from benign stuff then things would look good for Russell.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
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11-21-09, 06:57 PM (EST)

50. "Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

What we needed to remember:
After the merge, the old Galu tribe was up 8 to 4
<Laura told that Galu would stick together>
They anticipated that the rest of the old Foa Foa would go out quickly and easily.
<Erik said: I can’t guarantee the 4 of you are here tomorrow>
But the Foa Foa4 resolved not to go out gently.
<Mick: “We all hope to put a big dent in that arrogance and patronizing attitude they have towards us”>
First, they convinced the old Galu to vote out one of their own
<Natalie telling Laura: “I don’t trust Erik. Why can’t we get him out first?”>
When Erik left, Galu’s numbers dropped down to 7.
At the next tribal council, the old Galu was set to take out Russell but he shocked them by playing the hidden immunity idol so Kelly went home, leaving Galu with only 6 members.
<Laura saying Russell stirred up a lot of hell>
The Old Galu doesn’t know that one of their own, Shambo is conspiring with Russell to get rid of Laura.
<Russell: “Shambo hates Laura”>
<Shambo: “Laura needs to go…”>
We then saw the end of the last TC where Jeff told everyone the HII was back in play.
<Russell smiled, Laura looked at the sky>
Natalie, Don’t Fall Out!
Aiga
Night 24
With a drum beating slowly, Russell was shown resting in the hammock as the other players filed into camp in slow motion.
It gave a “King of the Island” feel to the scene but it could soon signify he’s resting on his laurels.
Russell (interview): “My work is done. It’s like a painting, like a Picasso. He’s a great artist, this is my artwork. This might be one of my best pieces of work I’ve ever done. It’s going to be a pretty expensive sale when I get a check for a million dollars for this work. I can take that to the bank.”
Dave walked up to Russell and shook his hand while Jaison and Mick observed. He said: “Don’t tell Galu I said this but: Good Move!”
Laura wasn’t as appreciative as she went to bed in the shelter with Monica and Natalie.
“I cannot believe that little snake.”
Laura (interview): “It was quite the shock at Tribal Council when Russell pulled out that second immunity idol. We know that he’s sneaky, that he lurks around camp and he’s always snooping around so we should have known better.”
In her own little hole, Shambo was whooping it up when Russell came by. She told him that Laura said he had ruined everything.
Russell liked that, asking if Laura expected him to bake her cookies and cakes.
Shambo (interview): “Nobody had a clue what the hell was going on with the exception of me and Russ and when he got up to play the immunity idol: The look on Laura’s face! She was pissed! It was awesome. I was thinking that I have to find that immunity idol and give it to Russ again.”
Aiga
Day 25
While everyone slept, Russell was already on the prowl. “It’s a new beginning. Jeff said the new immunity idol was back in the game…I will find it. It’ll be the third one. They’re like magnets to me. I’m just drawn to them.”
Jaison was preparing the fire while Natalie was hunting for crabs.
Monica was amazed by Laura’s immunity run.
Another image that this could be the season for a woman…If they don’t knock each other out! What happened to men getting voted out at the merge?
Shambo (interview): “Laura is the head viper. She is the viper queen of Galu. She’s the evil demon…Laura has been the first one to go in my mind since day 1. I’ve got 4 Foa Foa and I got me. We’re on an even playing field right now. I have to have John; he’s my number 6!”
She told him the plan but John couldn’t give her an answer.
John (solo): “I believe that I am the only from Galu that knows Shambo has flipped. Now, the question is: “What are you going to do with it?” Things are on the table with Shambo, she thinks she’s in good with me and she is but I gotta do what’s right for me.”
The Reward Challenge
Russell (interview): “During the reward, I’m thinking they will be giving out a clue to the hidden immunity idol. Man! If I can find this clue; that’s it, it’s over.”

In a challenge like we first had in Panama, we saw Natalie go in the cradle with Russell, Dave, Brett and Laura pulling her.
The other team had John (note Jeff’s slightly surprised voice) in the cradle with Jaison, Mick, Monica and Shambo pulling him.
Women have always been in the cradle but I guess it looked tempting to the hammock-champ.
Fun comments: “Natalie hanging on with her legs…Natalie hanging out of that cradle using all of her body…Natalie, Don’t Fall Out!”
After that bumpy ride and all the “At a Girl”, “Good Job, Nat”, “Hang in there”, Natalie received the camera-phone from Jeff to take on reward.
Russell (interview): “If I can find this clue to the next immunity idol then I can’t see how it’s not going to be possible for me to do what I want to do and take out Laura.”
The Reward
Russell: “We won a reward today; me, Natalie, Laura, Brett and Dave. We get to fly to another island to eat and take pictures, which is wonderful because I have to eat, bad.
Natalie: “Oh! My goodness! Finally, day 26, I get to go on a reward. I needed the food. I was literally, like, wasting away. I felt just like home, it was really, really nice. I felt really thankful to have gotten to go.”
Aiga
Day 25
Jaison was talking to Monica with Mick listening. Jaison assured her he had a 5th vote on his side, that she was 6th. Mick backed him up.
Monica: “I’m thinking that one of the other people that they are talking about is Shambo. Shambo could be the 5th vote for the Foa Foas.”
Monica wanted John out, Mick said they could do that.
Back at the Reward:
Russell: (solo) “Looking through the photos I see a note that’s telling us to go to the Memo board and you’ll get the clue. The first thing that pops in my head: Immunity Idol! That would be my third one…I’ll look all over the place. For sure, I’ll find it…As soon as I go back to camp, I’m gonna find it because I need that immunity idol for myself.”
Aiga
Day 25
Russell told Jaison and Mick immediately that the HII was under a square rock. With Jaison following, he was already on the move. Laura urged Dave and Brett to follow him.
Laura: (solo) “We totally underestimated Russell’s capability of finding the idol. What we need to do is keep that immunity idol out of Russell’s hands.”
Russell: (solo) “I know that it has to be where that wall is in camp. They have a rock in a square hole. It looks like that rock in the picture to me. Dave is following me around, turning over rocks. I get nervous at first because I think I see the rock, he turns it over and nothing’s there.” <Cleverly, Russell tells Dave he’s thought of another place and starts jogging. Dave follows so Russell goes into a sprint until he loses Dave.> “I came back to the same location; I’m looking at the wall, look down there…There it is. This is getting way too easy. I’m enjoying it, I’m having more fun than I ever had and my butt’s probably on the sling more than ever but not if they think I have an idol. I’m going to be A-OK!”
Aiga
Day 27
A whole day was erased and now, everyone is relaxing in camp. Has Idol hunting season suddenly stopped, did everyone give up and decided to wait for another clue or did Russell tell them he had it? Something was not right with the picture:
Laura was resting with Monica while Russell, Natalie, Shambo, Mick and Jaison were nearby.
Monica was telling Laura of their predicament regarding Shambo and John.
Laura: (interview) “I think the Foa Foa people are coming after me. I’ve had a target on my head from them from day 1. Sham totally despises me. I need to be on top of my game and I have to win this challenge.”
The Immunity Challenge
Of note: When Laura missed, Shambo started laughing and gave a high-five to Russell.
When Mick approached the spear gun, Jeff said: “One spear is all it takes. One shot could win it.”
Was he still taking immunity or the million dollars?
Shambo (voice-over): “I believe it is the destiny of Laura to go home. Today is the day of reckoning when Laura’s head will be lopped off!”
Aiga
Day 27
In a scene reminiscent of the episode’s first moment, a drum was slowly beating as Russell was swinging in the hammock.
Russell: (solo) “The plan is, as it always was for the last 9 days is to get rid of Laura. She keeps winning immunity, she finally looses; we have to get rid of her. I was happy about that because I knew at least we have a tie. Now, we have a fighting chance because it is 5 to 5. Shambo is voting Laura, there’s no ifs, ands or buts about that”
Shambo was telling Brett exactly that. Note the accompanying music used was a very sorrowful piano. It was an “End of Innocence” scene for Brett, especially as Shambo said: “There is no more Galu.”
Dave and Laura approached John, their “number cruncher”.
John told Laura that voting Russell was “Incorrect. The answer is Natalie and the reason is: She’s the least likely to have the idol because she didn’t work for it.”
John: (solo) “It’s continually impressive and bordering on annoying how pathetic the analytical skills of the Galu tribe are. Let’s telegraph the move to Russell; you’re an idiot. Let’s sit back and ##### off Shambo; you’re an idiot. Let’s sit back and vote off Erik over a 30 second decision; you’re an idiot.”
Monica, again, was the one with the clearer mind. To Dave and Brett she said: “If they gun for Laura, Laura is going home.”
Dave was still thinking a tie was good.
Monica proposed telling Foa Foa she was voting John to derail the vote.
Dave liked that option but realized that John would get nervous.
Monica: (solo) “Laura is my strongest ally here so I don’t want to throw her under a bus. The plan is for me to tell Foa Foa that I am voting for John. In reality, I am voting Natalie with my tribe. <who at that precise moment was shown braiding Laura’s hair> Hopefully, it goes with the plan and it will be 4 Foa Foa members voting John, 5 Galu members voting Natalie and the one, Shambo, voting Laura.”
She went to Russell and insisted that if she was switching she was going to vote out someone she wanted to vote out. Telling Russell to “Listen, Listen” wasn’t the right approach!
Hasn’t she been watching for the last 10 episodes!!
She repeated the same line to Mick.
Mick: (interview) “I don’t know how much Foa Foa can trust Monica. She seems legit or Laura has put a little snake in the grass to get information which is almost as likely.”
Jaison was hesitant but Russell wouldn’t have it: “I think the only way this is going to work is to let John know.”
Galu, through Brett, was just then getting around to telling John: “So Monica’s plan seems like the only feasible one.”
John was mad when he heard that (unless it was because Brett was in his hammock!): “It would be nice to have that run by me before…”
John: (solo) “The most recent development today is that the new best way to save Laura is to throw 4 Foa Foa votes behind John!? Ah! No! It doesn’t sound like a good plan when you’re John.” <When Dave joined them, John said: “You are betting my life that Shambo votes for Laura.” Brett assured him that they all had his back.> John’s confessional went on: “I am not risking my life to save Laura’s. Sorry Laura, not in the cards. Laura picked a fight with somebody that is about to knock her out and I’m not stepping in the way of the punch.”
Russell told John that they were being swindled in writing his name but that they were writing Laura’s name down and going to the tie.
John: (solo) “If there is a tie, the rules of Survivor state there is a re-vote and if there is still a tie, the remaining 8 players then choose a rock…If I vote Laura tonight after the tie, I wake up on this beach tomorrow.” <John made a deal with Russell that the next one would be a Foa Foa.> From a different confessional spot, John added: “Russell is a player. This guy is full of BS. It’s clear; the guy will do anything to progress in this game. My first instinct is the best situation I could position myself in would be to vote with Galu, have a 5-5 tie, vote with Galu again have another 5-5 tie and just pray to God that one of the Foa Foa members go. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”
Tribal Council:
When Jeff ushered in the jury, we had a close-up of Natalie.
Is it her jury?
John said that the 2 votes were surprises.
Jaison said that people could depend on the trustworthiness of the minority to go further.
<John and Russell shown>
John said FF’s appeal was their 4 votes.
Russell replied that they were still looking for somebody.
Mick agreed: “At what point somebody says: Oh! This is an individual game and takes advantage of our votes and start playing their own game.”
Asked if Galu was still a tight unit, Shambo answered: “Negative. The day everybody decided to vote Erik off, Galu was broken…”
<Erik was happy to hear that but not Laura.>
Laura countered: “I don’t know who she’s talking about because the Galu that I know, that I have been in, I feel is tight.”
<Erik covered his eyes and shook his head at that.>
Laura added: “I guess it depends on how big of a group you’re considering.”
Jeff considered that both groups were now equal at 5 and asked if she was ok with the prospect of a rock.
Laura said she wasn’t ok with it but that she wasn’t in control.
<Natalie made a face that showed she saw the risks.>
Dave said: “If I need to go to the stones, then I’ll go. You have to be ready to make big moves in this game in order to win. I’d say there’s nothing bigger than Lady Luck.”
Jeff said he was curious to see how the vote would go.
It went and went again. 16 times Jeff read names while Laura and Natalie remained tied.
Erik whispered: “Man this is good ___.”
When Jeff revealed the 18th vote, the remnants of Galu were shocked, Natalie smiled broadly, John looked at the jury, Erik commented: “So good” and Shambo laughed.
Dave was still in shock as he stared across the room at John and Russell.
Jeff left them by saying: “I don’t know if it’s Galu, Foa Foa or Aiga and I guess you don’t know either.”
Erik had the final words; “And there goes the lead.”
The Story
Now, we know why we had such a weird imbalance in the airtime for some players. The audience had to pull for Russell and Shambo against Laura. The best way to do it was to make us share the thoughts of the last two and isolate Laura, not show her friends, especially the more likable ones such as Kelly and Brett. What did we see Laura do that was so horrible that qualifies as viper queen or demon?
The Characters
Brett: Survivor is a cruel game and the scene when Shambo told him she was voting for Laura was an example. Can Brett play the game now that his good social game has been wasted?
Monica: Time after time, Monica has a better grasp of the moves required for the tribe but she never convinces everyone to follow her. Was that why we heard her talking against leadership in the first episode? If she had asserted herself more maybe Galu wouldn’t be in this mess. But, “The Men aren’t Listening” this season.
Dave: John’s criticism that Galu’s analytical skills were pathetic was directed at Dave Ball. The same guy that was ready to pull rocks. Dave’s story tells us that Survivor requires more than intelligence. Dave lacks the ability to understand the needs of other even if he said it was crucial during the previous TC.
John: Speaking of smart men that don’t know how to play this game, John is a good example. We heard Foa Foa say that they were offering 6th place, we heard them saying they were united and they’ve proven it for the last 3 votes. We even heard John saying that he knew Russell was full of BS yet he still took the plunge. We weren’t meant to see John as a smart player but as a guy that runs his mouth and that thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. Erik told us he’s just given the lead to the enemy.
Shambo: She defies the traditional Survivor editing. Someone who relishes in another’s day of reckoning usually falls on the wrong side of the vote. Seeing her doubling over in laughter at the end of the challenge was almost obscene, at least in terms of sportsmanship. Yet, the editors were banking on the audience pulling for her move to succeed. Strange. At least, showing us Shambo’s “Laura is a viper queen” confessional told us she won’t win if there were still any doubts. Is she even playing to win? If she isn’t, that makes her a very dangerous ally.
Jaison: He’s there but he’s only central to the story when there’s a fight at Tribal Council. He should be good if he makes it to the end but he still hasn’t told us about his end game plans. The idol search with Russell, his talk with Monica, his hesitations about the vote are all about the immediate story and don’t have long-term implications. His comment that going on Survivor was his “worse decision ever” still hangs over his head and nothing has been done by the editors to change that bad taste.
Mick: This was a good episode for Mick. From an insert in the recap that told us where he stood on Galu to his confessionals about doubting Monica, we had more substance than from his usual menu. He still wasn’t sure but at least he was looking forward. Jeff’s challenge comment about needing only one shot could have been inserted before anyone attempt but it was heard before Mick’s shot.
I’ve asked it before but if Mick wins, what would be the message? Leadership is not important in Survivor, that he advanced by letting others take the lead. That presents a surprising twist if he faces the jury. We heard that Galu was broken but I think they’re still united in one aspect: Their admiration of Swan. Would they vote for someone who was so different from their own leader? Think of it another way: If Burnett’s leadership twist led to one of the original leaders winning, wouldn’t we see a Good Mick vs Evil Russell story? Instead we see a clever Russell and a coat-tail riding Mick. I still believe that can’t be good.
Natalie: She traded places with Mick this week because she received the narration confessional instead of the game related one. On the surface, this was a bad episode for Natalie: We didn’t hear her comments about voting for Kelly, we simply saw her in the shelter with Laura. Like John in Monica’s plan, Natalie was used as a pawn but we didn’t hear any confessionals about Foa Foa betting her life on the vote’s outcome.
What if it was part of her story? What if she doesn’t fall out?
If Natalie is the winner, this episode would certainly have been considered a turning point by the editors. In this episode, the challenge and the game of “Dare you to pick a Rock” in which they faced off would have been used to establish the story of a contrast between Natalie and John.
The theme of males talking, not hearing each other and not acting was attached to John. Natalie was the complete opposite. She listened but didn’t confront the guy that looked tough as nails.
During the merge, it was John’s big idea of not playing “junior varsity Survivor” that caused Galu’s mess. Natalie’s simple action of suggesting voting out Erik was much more effective.
The same contrast applied here: John and Natalie were the 2 players in the cradle during the reward challenge and Natalie’s actions won the reward and ultimately the HII for her tribe.
Natalie and John were both put on the spot by circumstances before tribal council. John panicked when he heard his name was used as a bargaining chip. It led to his vote change and Galu losing their lead.
Natalie probably knew that Galu was targeting her but we never saw her panic, she trusted her team.
That could be the winner’s story.
But it could be a stretch! I’d feel much better about her chances if she gives us a nice confessional about this latest TC at the beginning of the next episode.
Russell: This season is his story, win or lose which is our problem!
Russell’s idea of doubling back to get the idol was brilliant and nicely presented with great camera work. What happened after that? He seemed to tell us he’d show the idol to scare the votes away but, for once, we didn’t see him tell anyone he had it. Yet, we didn’t see any idol search after that moment. Something was weird.
What we do know is that he has Mick, Jaison and Natalie totally committed to his plan. He has Dave and Monica totally off-balance and he has practically neutralized John. Russell can practically choose his Final 3 opponents…unless someone goes on an immunity run. Is that the meaning behind his obsession with Laura? Did he forget somebody? Laura certainly wasn’t the biggest challenge threat and Brett looked like a natural making that strike.
Besides that, the only other thing that could cost Russell the million is a bitter jury. Who told us she plans on doing just that? Russell’s hammock scenes and his talk of Picasso had a huge feel of his satisfaction at a job well done when we know that getting to the jury is only half the game.

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
11-21-09, 08:18 PM (EST)

51. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

I understand your concerns about Natalie's story, but I still think she's going to win it all over RussHell -- especially if RussHell goes back to such antics as causing chaos at camp. That's unlikely to endear him to the ex-Galu members.

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Rahaim 28 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beauty Pageant Celebrity Judge"
11-23-09, 07:41 PM (EST)

52. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

If the jury votes according to who played the best game, Russ should be the winner.

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true 9689 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-29-09, 11:16 AM (EST)

53. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

>If the jury votes according to
>who played the best game,
>Russ should be the winner.
>

I couldn't agree more, but the way I interpret the editing this season is that Russell, while being portrayed as the best.player.ever, he is also being portrayed as having the.biggest.ego.ever.
IMO, his ego will be his downfall, and we're being set up for a huge Russell fail at final TC.
Is Russell such a great player or are the others really that stupid? Well, if you listen to Russell it's both. What we have been shown this season, many times, is that Russell just can't keep his big mouth shut. Every time he finds an idol he blabs, every time he says he's keeping info to himself, he blabs. Russell can't keep his mouth shut, and in the end it will cost him the game.
I can't think of any "game-play" reason why the jury would vote for Natalie or Mick over Russell, and when Mick said in the re-crap that he'd use Russell's wealth against him, I thought, how lame, it's not like Mick is a pauper. That's when it became even more clear that Mick has no valid case to win against Russell, and neither does Natalie. (despite Jiffy trying to convince us that she is really a playa. not.)
Every week the editing has smacked us in the face with Russell's huge ego, and his inablilty to keep his mouth shut. I can just hear Russell's jury speech now, he's going to tell them all what he's been telling us in confessional from day one. He's going to tell them how stupid they are, and how he played them all.
The bitter jury strikes again, and Russell's biggest flaw bites him in the butt. A vote for Natalie or Mick is nothing more than a vote against Russell and his huge ego.
We don't need a winner edit for Natalie or Mick because we've been given a steady editing set-up for why Russell will lose in the end.

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
11-29-09, 12:54 PM (EST)

54. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

You're probably right -- RussHell's a very good player, but he has such a huge ego that it's going to come back to haunt him. We don't need a big winning edit for Mick or Natalie because we see why RussHell loses in the end. And the jury may not be bitter just because he rubs it in their faces -- which is a huge no-no in any case -- they may also compare stories. That would make them mad enough not to vote for RussHell.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-29-09, 01:57 PM (EST)

55. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

What we are shown is that Russell is playing a great game to get to the end but that is not what makes the Sole Survivor. Survivor is a social game. Social skills are key ingredients to any winning strategy.
It was interesting that we heard Russell say at the end of the recap: "Natalie is my ticket to get rid of both Jaison and Mick. She can go pretty far in this game with me, maybe all the way to the final 2 cause who better to take. There's no way she can beat me in votes. She followed and did everything I told her to do. She might not know how to talk, she might even say "Oh! Give it all to him. She's so sweet, I love it."
Seems like Russell is forgetting something because being sweet is a good way to beat him in votes.

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
11-29-09, 08:44 PM (EST)

56. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

I'll say! To win Survivor you need enough athletic ability to prove yourself during challenges in the tribal phase (but not too much or else you'll probably go to the jury), enough strategic skills to protect yourself through alliances and enough social skill to get along with others (though again, you shouldn't be too nice or hello jury!) RussHell has the first two parts down cold -- but he's severely lacking in the third part.

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dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-30-09, 11:24 AM (EST)

57. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

I wouldn't count out Russell just yet. Erik has clearly been enjoying the show from his jury seat.

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Brownroach 15341 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
11-30-09, 01:50 PM (EST)

58. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

The way he's going, Russell is virtually turning into the goat that anyone would be happy to sit next to at the end. He doesn't seem to realize that.

A tribe glows in Brooklyn

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CTgirl 8013 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-01-09, 08:51 PM (EST)

59. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

True I think you have hit the nail on the head regarding Russell and his edit (and his ego). He will fail; there is no way he won't. And blabbing to Mick about his millions was probably the biggest mistake he's made so far. Laura said in an interview that someone stole the million and it made me wonder if this is what she was talking about.
I am still leaning towards Mick being the winner. Perhaps when Jiffy said pregame that we won't have as likable a winner as Bob and JT, he also meant we won't like who wins as much as either. We've had seasons where the winner was a bit of a let down and I imagine the editors are doing the best they can with what they've got. We can't have a good Mick vs. evil Russell edit if Mick is playing a passive UTR game.
When Russell said that he was keeping Natalie around to help get rid of Jaison and Mick, he seems as if he's playing for a F2. He seems to have forgotten that he will have to beat two players and Mick could be the one that slips in. I think we are dealing with a very bitter jury (read any of the interviews and they're all unhappy). Galu was edited as the Club Med - beautiful tribe. We saw them as shallow and superficial for a reason. They're not going to want to vote for a creep. I think True is right - they will be voting against Russell. Both Natalie and Mick have ridden Russell's coattails and they both are playing a great social game. If Mick can win one or two more immunities and Natalie doesn't, he might get the win.

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Flowerpower 7262 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-02-09, 09:01 AM (EST)

60. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

Ditto. Ditto regarding what True said and what CTGirl says...couldn't agree more. RussHell has had a very fatal flaw, and we saw it on day 1. No doubt about it. RussHell is a serious aggressive player and is far more proactive than anyone else there. But, I think both Mick and Natalie have his number, and have had it from very early on. With someone like RussHell around, you can't afford to disagree with him or play your own game....Natalie and Mick recognized this and fell under his shadow, the best way to get to the end with him is to let him call the shots and play it his way.
His ego is clearly his achilles heel. His disregard for everyone there, his superiority complex. He couldn't keep a secret if his survivor life depended on it.
Regarding the jury. For some reason I think this a pretty vindictive group. Alot of them are pretty far to the right, imo, and I do think may be judgemental. There is no way they are going to reward RussHell with a win if he makes it to the end. Clearly, either Mick or Natalie will win. And, I do admire them and their games. Had they come out of the block like RussHell did, there would have been major clashes, and odds are they would have landed on the short side of the stick. They came into the game, assessed the people they were with, and adjusted their game play accordingly. Which in my opinion, makes them deserving winners. You can plan all you want prior to entering a game like this, but you have to really consider your opposition, the folks that have been placed with you. Each season it's a different mix. I will say that Natalie and Mick are playing a fine strategy in a season with RussHell.

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Loree 8616 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-02-09, 09:40 AM (EST)

61. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

Yes, the jury is bitter. And I think most of the Galus do not like Shambo either. And Shambo is close to Russell. I believe she could also lose Russell some votes. If Shambo ends up on the jury trying to help Russell... it could backfire. Laura and her buddies would never vote for who Shambo backed. And we have heard that Russell and Shambo slept in the tree together. Shambo flipped to Foa Foa which helped destroy the Galus. The bitter Galus might lump Shambo and Russell together. The editing has shown us how close Shambo and Russell were.
Natalie has gotten more screen time than Mick. Now maybe that is because she looks good in a bikini. I am interested in how much we see and hear from Mick in the next few weeks. His screen time did seem to increase on the recrap ep. If he is the winner we have to learn more about his strategy than we know now.

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LFJ 363 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Cooking Show Host"
12-02-09, 09:50 AM (EST)

62. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

"Clearly, either Mick or Natalie will win...... I will say that Natalie and Mick are playing a fine strategy in a season with RussHell."
FWIW, ITA. I do question how well it will sit with the "Barbie" Jurors that Natalie feigned an alliance with them (at Russell's prompting), and Kelly??? had her torch snuffed as a result.
OTOH, "Dr. McDreamy", as the "Barbies" dubbed him, hasn't been directly responsible for anyone's demise - at least not on the surface. He comes across as a genuinely nice guy who keeps his mouth shut and wins a few challenges. If he gets to the F2 or 3 - whatever - and has to make a case for himself to the Jury, I think he will beat Natalie. IMHO.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-02-09, 07:07 PM (EST)

63. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

CTGirl and FP, you always present solid arguments. I've been hard on Mick and maybe I'll regret it in the end but I wanted to ask a question: We saw Mick, in effect, say: I don't want anything to do with this stupid twist. Would Burnett present Mick this way if he was the winner?
Imagine Burnett's pleasure if his opening twist gave us the winner. Would he rob himself of that pleasure just because Mick didn't cooperate? Mick would win despite the twist not because of it. I doubt Burnett would be happy with that. Especially after telling us all season long that Russell was the better leader.
Of course, as CTGirl points out:
"We can't have a good Mick vs. evil Russell edit if Mick is playing a passive UTR game."

I think anything is possible. For example, at the start of episode 8 Mick said: “We’ll take the whole thing down.” That could have been reinforced with a confessional he must have had before the merge.
Maybe UTR coat-tail riding Mick sheepishly said: "I think I'm going to stay loyal to Russell because he says we can get Laura to flip" but the editors could have spliced that into a forceful: "I think{...}we can get Laura to flip."
After that, Jeff could have told us that Foa Foa was following Mick's plan to perfection. Mick still looks like the leader. Russell looks only like an arrogant fool, eating grapes from Monica while none of his cleverness is underlined.
As LFJ points out, Mick could win by going UTR and counting on his charm with the Galu ladies but even then he appears weaker than Natalie. Mick said about Russell's wealth: "If it's the only ammo I have, I'll use it" while Natalie said: "Russell rubs people the wrong way." Isn't that stronger ammo?

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LFJ 363 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Cooking Show Host"
12-02-09, 09:00 PM (EST)

64. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

"Mick could win by going UTR and counting on his charm with the Galu ladies but even then he appears weaker than Natalie. Mick said about Russell's wealth: "If it's the only ammo I have, I'll use it" while Natalie said: "Russell rubs people the wrong way." Isn't that stronger ammo?"
I guess it's how the jury reads "ammo" and "charms". Someone pointed out in one of the threads (FloPo?) that this is likely a vindictive jury, in which case, Natalie may be floating face down with the 90210 crowd. She can't pretend to be innocent of widening the gaps in Galu. And, she has made a career of following the orders of the "Evil" one. Mick, OTOH, seems squeaky clean. And he will be able to articulate his position well.
This is one of the first seasons I have watched Survivor, and I know next to nothing, but I would bet Mick is a better speaker than Natalie.

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CTgirl 8013 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-03-09, 02:50 PM (EST)

65. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

LAST EDITED ON 12-03-09 AT 02:53 PM (EST)
You've been hard on Mick but with good reason. Neither Natalie nor Mick have been playing a proactive strategic game and Mick hasn't lead at all. However, where you see Natalie getting a better edit, I see that she has hitched herself firmly to Russell. Mick has had a confessional or two where he says that Survivor is an individual game and that he's playing an individual game. He has set himself apart from Russell slightly. Also, even though EPMB has turned the editing upside down with the all-Russell-all-the-time-show, I don't think the editing will totally break from tradition. Mick got enough airtime and confessionals in the first episode to qualify as a winner; Natalie didn't. That's why I think he'll win. There are slight nuances to both Mick's and Natalie's edits which can be interpreted good or bad so I wouldn't be surprised if Natalie does win after all. If either Mick or Natalie wins though, I think I'll be slightly let down. Russell should have this game in the bag, but he's going to lose it because he didn't play the social part of Survivor well at all.
ETA: It would be nice if we could have a family visit or some letters from home to see how the editors portray the projected F3. That could give us another clue to the winner. We're not going to have a family visit and time is even running out for letters from home. Boo on the producers for that.

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Outfrontgirl 6830 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-06-09, 07:59 PM (EST)

69. "RE: Episode #10: Editing Thoughts"

I read somewhere that weather prevented the family from visiting because camp was too miserable or there was some hurricane action hindering flights. I don't remember where (Sucks probably), and don't know if it's true. If so, then it was not producer's choice.
I've looked at the weather for the rest of the game and the only rain I see is circa F4, which would be late for family reward. But local rainfall can vary from the airport.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-05-09, 05:50 PM (EST)

66. "Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

Jeff’s summary told us that Foa Foa’s losses sharpened their abilities to strategize…
<Russell said they were steps ahead of Galu and had their plan down>
Their plan worked…The old Foa Foa paid a price: Russell had to play his immunity idol.
Then, 3 game changing events took place:
- Russell found another idol
- Shambo agreed to vote with the Foa Foa 4 to take out Laura
- John agreed to change his vote, hoping Russell would agree to take out a Foa Foa next.
At Tribal Council, John changed his vote and Laura was voted out, making it 3 of the old Galu in a row.
<Erik whispered “there goes the lead”>
The entire tribe is left to find out if the old Foa Foa is as good at holding on to a lead as they are getting one.
The recap focused a lot more on Foa Foa as a team rather than their individual moves. Certainly Russell is still presented as the central figure but even his move with the idol was a price all of Foa Foa had to pay.
This episode was like a Survivor version of
You’ve been Punk’d
Aiga
Night 27
A crab crawled towards the caged chickens.
Shambo: (voice-over): “Medusa has been dethroned! Isn’t that hysterical?”
John (Interview): “At tribal tonight, Laura went home…I’m not gonna go home because of ridiculous rocks. I had a conversation with Russell in which he and I said the next person to go would be a Foa Foa.”
Monica (Next morning’s confessional): “We all want to make it to the end but, at some point, you need to show loyalty and integrity and respect for the people you made promises to. I’ve definitely come to see John as the Judas to the Galu tribe so John has to go home.”
This is not only a clear path to the outcome of this episode but could also be a set-up for the Jury’s state of mind.
Aiga
Day 28
Russell and Jaison brought tree mail and wallets with cash for the auction sending everyone in a frenzy at the thought of food.
Shambo: “Money means food…Today’s a really good day.”
After asking Jeff to uncover the first item, Natalie immediately bid $200 on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That surprised Dave, Shambo (holy cow!) and Jeff: “Natalie, knowing that the bidding jumps in increments of $20, jumps to $200.”
Her smile told us that she was serious.
John conceded: “She just bought herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Jeff.”
Jeff was still laughing when he closed the deal but it was “totally worth it” according to Natalie.
Shambo jumped all over the next covered item, spending $240 on sea noodles and slug guts. Shambo didn’t appear to know if she had been duped or if it was Haute Cuisine. The parsley and the Parmesan made it “Yum…Nice.”
Monica and Jaison seemed to sympathize with her while Russell enjoyed the joke. Getting a closer look (and maybe smell) Monica’s face told us what she thought of the “Survivor Spaghetti”.
The next item was also covered and Daveball immediately went to $300. Russell thought the odds were good that they’d be two consecutive bad items but Monica still overbid Dave with $340. She was begging for something good and she got it; a full roasted chicken. John, holding on to his hair, and Dave, searching for his, looked very envious.
Monica was jumping up and down and looked like she was in chicken heaven.
(Look during the bidding for the next item: Natalie is still eating her sandwich while Monica’s already looking for more meat on the chicken’s carcass! How fast did she eat that thing?)
The advantage for the next immunity challenge led to a short bidding war between John, Natalie and Jaison.
Jaison (confessional): “I thought that, when John was bidding for the item, that we needed to be in possession of that item. Maybe it was my turn to sacrifice for the good of the old Foa Foa.”
Jaison ended it when he asked what would happen if both bid $500. Jeff answered that the first one to $500 gets it. After hesitating for a few seconds, Jaison said 500 bucks and walked up to the podium. John was disappointed but Dave appreciated the bold move.
Jaison had no food and was wondering if he made the right move.
The next item caused Jaison more doubts: Jeff uncovered a hamburger feast with cold beer. Mick didn’t hesitate a second and bid his $500 before Jeff could even describe it. That really surprised Jeff and made Jaison salivate while he “buried his head in his hands”.
Shambo told Mick he had done a nice job while Jeff had to ask Jaison if he had second thoughts.
Jaison certainly did: “I want that hamburger, I want it badly.” (It was HUGE!)
Next, Jeff put a clue to the hidden immunity idol up for bids.
The camera naturally focused on Russell but he didn’t make a single bid.
(I would think a bid or two could have been a good idea to keep everyone in the dark)
John started at $100, Natalie bid $120 but John went to $200.
Natalie looked over at Russell who stayed quiet. Jeff repeated the importance of immunity while Daveball looked on in silence.
The gavel announced that John had earned a clue to the idol’s previous location but it wasn’t totally worthless:
John (interview): “Russell may have the idol, anyone can. I’m not going to sit here and go: “I’ll let the immunity go, someone else can buy that.” Absolutely not. Immunity is the goal.”
The next item was the Survivor shower which came with shampoo and a change of clean underwear.
John bid $100 but the mention of underwear got Natalie to bid $120.
John said: “Get in there girl, no one wants to see old John take a shower.”
The editors thanked John because it was the occasion to play some striptease music as Natalie went in the shower, seductively undressed and washed her hair.
Jeff then revealed a gigantic piece of apple pie.
Brett suddenly appeared and bid $180.
John bid $300.
Brett returned to his natural mute state.
Jaison was still regretting his decision because apple pie is his favorite.
Jeff presented John with a dilemma: Eat the pie he had bought or give it up so that 4 people could each get one.
John asked what the group wanted. Natalie said she wanted pie but most said it was his move.
John pulled a Cindy and kept the pie saying that they wouldn’t vote him off for pie.
(I guess apple pie is worth the same as a new car to these survivors)
Russell (interview) : “John should have given the pie to everybody. It just showed how stingy he was. You’re playing a game, you’re in the game; you don’t need to eat. If it was me, I would have given it to my tribe Foa Foa and Shambo. I think it was a terrible move.”
(Russell, didn’t you have $500 left? And speaking of stingy; what do you call a millionaire that keeps his $500?)
Jeff ended the auction. Dave looked disappointed, Mick and John were still eating and Monica was showing us that the chicken was finger licking good while Jaison looked catatonic.
Dave, Brett and Russell weren’t shown winning a single item while Shambo didn’t appear to go for anything with the rest of her money. There are always more items up for bids than those shown so it’s always important to note which players are ignored. In Russell’s case, at least he said “You don’t need to eat” but is that enough?
Aiga
Day 28
The crab looked huge as it climbed up a rock to catch some of the sun’s rays.
John: (voice over) “This morning, I got a clue to the hidden immunity idol…”
John searched for the HII but realized that Russell probably had it: “I’m still going to make moves to advance myself in this game.”
Back in camp, Shambo had to say goodbye to her chickens.
Shambo: “The chicken were probably my single source of happiness in the last 29 days…”
This happened on Day 29 which makes more sense than Day 28 as this was presented because they’ve just come back from the auction where most of them ate a lot. Killing the chicken on Day 28 made no sense.
She couldn’t kill the chicken so Mick went to get Daisy and held it down for Russell to kill it.
Jaison (interview): “I think most people just want to skewer the chicken and put it over the fire but Shambo, being the chef, is going to want to do something crazy. You know, we don’t even care as long as we’re eating chicken today. I think that’s the plan unless someone decides to veto it later.”
So Dave walked in and got into an argument with Shambo about her plan to boil it for 2 hours. Dave pointed out that he had won the chickens but she would hear none of it.
Shambo (solo): “I don’t think I’ve been more angry in the last 29 days… Shambo has lost her mind.”
We didn’t hear how the chicken turned out so the argument was more important than knowing who was right.
Aiga
Night 28…yeah, right!
The chicken must not have agreed with Shambo’s stomach because we shared her psychedelic nightmare. There were crabs, chickens, an eclipse of the sun, an immunity idol, tremors, weird chants… and Dave.
Shambo (solo): “It’s crazy….They’re literally clairvoyant dreams… I had a dream last night where we voted Dave of.”
Aiga
Day 29…finally!
Shambo and Russell agreed that Dave’s departure was set in stone.
Russell (interview): “Shambo had a dream that they voted out Dave. I said “that’s a sign, Shambo. It’s God talking to you.” He laughed at that and told Natalie about it. She couldn’t believe it. “Once Dave’s gone, we have the numbers; I’ll run it all the way to the top.”
Aiga
Day 30
Immunity Challenge
Jaison read that he could move up 2 knots on his rope which would reduce the tension and the amount of weight he’d be holding.
We saw Shambo fall flat on her back and Russell quickly joined her.
When they reached the end of the rope, Monica, John and Brett quickly fell out leaving Jaison, Dave, Mick and Natalie to compete.
Jeff commented: “I have to say Natalie that you are the surprise of this challenge.”
Her effort was even more evident when Mick fell out.
Jaison appeared to be in trouble but, with Russell and Shambo heard encouraging him, he outlasted Daveball.
Jaison (solo): “When Dave’s hand slipped and the plate broke, it was like heaven. I’m not sure I would have beaten Dave without that advantage. Shambo wants him gone and the Foa Foas are trying to strike when the irons hot with Shambo. We have to execute; we got to get Dave out tonight.”
Shambo: “I am definitely in a position of power with Foa Foa at my disposal to vote how I ask them to and they say “Shannon, whatever you want.” Dave is so gone and he doesn’t even know it.”
Pre-Tribal Council Scramble
Dave congratulated Jaison on his win and Jaison told him he did a great job.
Natalie went to Dave to say it was awesome and Dave returned the compliment.
They shared a hug.
Mick (interview): “Dave made a few comments to Shambo…She was furious. When she gets angry at somebody, that’s who she wants voted off. At this point, we’re counting on Shambo’s vote so it’s going to be Dave.”
Jaison and Mick were happy to have won back-to-back while Dave philosophically said: “C’est la vie, c’est la vie.”
John and Russell talked away from camp and agreed it had to be Mick if they were going to get further into the game. John said together, they could see danger coming so they could play the idol.
(Even the Samoan chanting understood that John had just made a mistake.)
Russell (solo): “Everybody was on board to get rid of Dave. Probably the best move would be to get rid of John. He’s a threat, strategically and I told him I had the immunity idol. I know he knew I had it…So, I said, yes I have it and it can help us. I got to get rid of John. These poor people have to close their ears when I’m talking because if I tell you something and I make a mistake, I got to get rid of you. It was my mistake but, sorry John; you have to go home for it!”
Russell then went to Dave, saying he could save him by getting rid of John.
Russell asked if Monica was close to John. (!!)
Dave said nobody trusted John after his flip on Laura.
Russell asked Mick who he wanted to see go and Mick immediately answered it was John but he wasn’t sure where would that leave them with Shambo.
Mick told Jaison about the change in plan. The lawyer saw the possibility of a 4-4 tie. Mick said it wouldn’t be a tie but Jaison said he was talking about the next round: “Shambo will leave us in 2 seconds. We’re doing to her exactly what they did to her. Taking her for granted.”
Tribal Council
Jaison was happy about his victory.
Dave said he wanted immunity real bad but in the end ‘my hand slipped and his didn’t…I might have put a target on my back but…I wanted to do my best.”
Shambo said there have been many ups and downs but that “today was peaceful. It wasn’t about game play.”
Russell replied: “Today was strategic only.”
Shambo was shocked to hear that while Jeff was shocked that she was shocked! “How is it possible you are shocked to learn that people were scrambling to stay in the game?”
<Erik blew a kiss to Jeff for that one and Natalie smiled>
Shambo said her vote was based on advancing in the game and that she didn’t want “somebody who did not work getting a million dollars.”
<Despite that, Dave looked serene>
Dave said: “I’ve done my best to be as honest and kind as I can to Shambo.”
John felt that Shambo wasn’t talking about him, didn’t see him as lacking in effort.
Asked if he thought the person voted out would be surprised, Mick said: “At this point, I don’t see how you would be surprised. If you look back here, it looks like we’re getting on planes tomorrow. Everybody brought their stuff; everybody has to come in here ready to go home tonight.”
Russell said he thought they would be surprised.
Shambo thought that the outcome was known.
Dave had the quote of the evening; “If this vote tonight goes the way I’m expecting it to go, I will be shocked.”
John said that the two names he had heard said they wouldn’t be shocked so he guessed it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Jeff reading the votes was like telling John “you’ve been punk’d!”
<Laura realized it: “He’s so screwed.” After the vote she added with a smile, referring to Shambo: “She has no idea what happened.”>
<Erik loved it and Dave winked at him.>
The Story
In the recap the tone of the story changed slightly from All-Russell, All-the-Time to the Foa Foa 4. If that’s the case then it should be noted that Natalie and Jaison were the ones shown playing for the team. Natalie was shown bidding on both the IC advantage and for the clue to the HII and then she did her best to keep immunity in the possession of Foa Foa. Jaison sacrificed everything for that IC advantage and he won it. Russell was shown selfishly not bidding on the important stuff and putting Foa Foa in danger by changing a solid plan to go for a risky move. Mick was also shown being selfish, only bidding on the hamburger. This being an individual game, which player’s portrayal was the best?
The Characters
Brett: His two old friends were on the chopping block yet his opinion didn’t matter.
Monica: She told us from the start how the episode would unfold and she was very close to Dave. Despite that, her role was limited to buying the roasted chicken.
Shambo: We don’t need to sympathize with Shambo anymore so, like Jeff during the auction (Let’s say it does) and during Tribal Council, we can finally laugh at her without second thoughts. This episode was like a practical joke played on her. Even Laura was allowed to have a small measure of revenge by having her words heard during TC.
Dave: He’s a funny guy who could have been in a great position if this game had played slightly differently. Too bad he’s been under-utilized. With Monica and Brett still behind him, Dave could do to Foa Foa what they did to his tribe but there’s been too many indications that Galu cannot apply good strategy. Dave will have to pay for his tribe’s shortcomings.
Jaison: He finally won something and it was portrayed as a win for the team. That would be good for him if it weren’t for all the regrets shown after the decision. It continues his story that Survivor is the worst decisions in his life. This is the story of Jaison’s struggles and how a few simple victories can change his whole outlook. Jaison’s had those victories and his story should end when Foa Foa makes it all the way back.
Mick: He finally had an episode where he didn’t look indecisive. Surprising Jeff with his auction bid could foreshadow that he will surprise us in the end. It showed he knew what he wanted. On the other hand, Mick didn’t do anything for the team. Maybe he didn’t say a word before the hamburger came up for bid so we can’t draw conclusions from that. Still, hearing Jaison’s regrets underlined just how much Mick didn’t think of the team. Not bad in Survivor but not great for his edit.
Ever since Mick made apologies for Ben in episode #2, I felt he couldn’t win but I have to admit that episode #2 is very far in the viewers’ mind. Mick could win and his consistent edit is a great argument for supporting him. Compared to Russell’s knee-jerk reaction, Mick considered the dangers of switching from Dave to John but it was Jaison who made the argument while Mick was again shown uncertain.
Maybe the strongest argument against Mick winning is the killing of the chicken. Mick and Russell were shown killing it without remorse, without any “we are starved” confessionals and much worse, it was presented as if it happened on the same day of the auction, the same day Mick ate his HUGE hamburger when it actually happened on the next day.
Yul killed a wild bird but it wasn’t shown on screen and they were even heard praying for the bird if I remember. Tom killed a shark but who has sympathy for a shark? Daisy’s killers should have been given some sort of confessional to explain their feelings.
On a sidenote if we had identified Russell as the shark, Natalie as the turtle and Shambo as the chicken then Mick revealed himself as the crab, going after the chicken. That's a nice image for him but will the crab do more than go for chicken?

Russell: Did Russell get an item during the auction? If we get pictures of him with something or if we hear he bought an item then I’d say that eliminates Russell from contention. As is, the killing of Daisy hurts him but less than Mick. After all, Russell is supposed to be the biggest villain ever so we wouldn’t expect remorse.
It’s still his game to win and his tactic of switching from one faction of Galu to another for almost every vote is amazing. First, Foa Foa used Kelly and Laura to get Erik then they went with John and Shambo to get Laura and now they switched to Dave and Monica to eliminate John. Those moves should be recognized by the jury and it mitigates the hurt each of his victims feel: What he did to one, he did to the other. On the other hand, it spreads the hurt to many members of the jury.
Natalie: Once more, she didn’t get any confessionals so it makes it hard to support her chances of winning. I thought for sure we’d have to hear from her about the previous tribal council where she was close to going home. Yet, I keep coming up with more clues that she is our winner. The challenges spoke for her. First, like Mick, her bid on the sandwich showed that she knows what she wants and goes for it. Then we heard her bidding on both game items which showed her team effort in an episode that was geared towards the Foa Foa team. Then, her effort at the immunity challenge was nicely underlined by Jeff.
As Monica said, “at some point you need to show loyalty and integrity and respect for the people you made promises to.” Who has done that better than Natalie? That could be her winning story.
To paraphrase Dave: If the season turns up the way I expect it to turn up, I will be shocked!

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
12-05-09, 07:55 PM (EST)

67. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

I think either Mick or Natalie wins, more likely Natalie. RussHell is a good strategist but he's got a huge ego and that'll hurt him in the end. A winner probably has to have confidence and maybe even an ego but s/he has to keep that confidence/ego in check. My favorite winner, Yul, could do that. RussHell can't. Therefore, he'll be taken to the Final 3 or 2 but he won't win. And I don't want him to.

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dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-06-09, 01:33 AM (EST)

68. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

By all reason Rob Mariano should have won All-Stars (S8), he was the dominant player of the season (and that includes lucking out a few times on the stupidity of other players). Did he win? No. Lamber won.

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Outfrontgirl 6830 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-07-09, 05:41 AM (EST)

70. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

this is just my opinion, but after watching the edits of eighteen other winners, along with most of the rest of you, I do not feel that the editors observe all these shoulds and should nots on what they show about the winner.
They don't necessarily try to show the winner as good, nice, kind, or loyal, multi-faceted, or competitive, or close to family. The winner's character is not always redeemed. It depends on the story of that winner. Sometimes they ignore the winner during episodes in service of the immediate story.
One thing they have done consistently since S3 is introduce us to the winner in Ep 1, recently (like at least since S13) with an early confessional. However, it is not a rule, only a pattern, and they can change it.
If Natalie is the winner they broke the confessional pattern but they definitely introduced her with the "secret alliance" scene. They just didn't let us inside her head, same as when Betsy tried to warn her not to trust Russell.
Danni won the game and had a peculiarly weak edit that omitted showing a lot of what got her to the end. So it's been done for female winners.
Not trying to be argumentative, but for example during Gabon people said Bob couldn't win because he was a journey player, and I disagreed and pointed to Aras. The editors of Survivor can do what they want with the material.
Again, JMHO, but in general I think their primary concern is putting together the best episode they can each time and maximizing ratings. Dropping Easter eggs (hints) and consistently portraying the winner a certain way is not their primary goal.
If the winner goes through a metamorphosis during the game, they will show it; if not, they won't. They will show ANY character who has grown from the experience. Look at Stephen last season.
The scene with Natalie hunting and then eating the rat - they would have shown whether she wins or not. They have a frail girly blonde in a scanty bikini who started out as a picky eater, clubbing a rat so she could eat. That's good TV, no matter where she finishes.
I think the best way to figure out who wins is still to figure out, if possible, how each jury member feels, if we are allowed to see it. This season is frustrating because we aren't seeing Mick and Natalie's relationships. John and Mick were friends, according to John. Who knew? Natalie made inroads at the merge, but now how do the Galu feel about her? We don't know. The editors have chosen to make it the Russell show and obfuscated much of the other camp dynamics, which I think is a shame.
However, he has gone from a troll to a real power player.
What is the story of this season?
First, the tribal story is huge. Underdogs flip the game. That is dominating the whole season: the set-up and the reversal.
Second, a really successful but slippery power player will not win because the jury doesn't respect the Outwit portion of the game (other than John). It's going to be a bitter jury that doesn't like any of the choices (as in Marquesas and Thailand), so there is no great story of how the winner got to be the Sole Survivor. Just the story of how the big player wasn't rewarded (similar to Rob Mariano).
Mick, Jaison, and Natalie get strokes when they do something. Natalie has done more than Mick due to her merge efforts. She did get more credit than she deserved. I do think such moments are noteworthy. Jaison was robbed of his credit, and that was blatant. Whatever Natalie does is well showcased since the merge. They simply neglected her pre-merge which was odd. But they did the same to Bob Crowley, ignored him until he got to a position where he was vulnerable and came up with the great fake idol.
Re Jaison, I do not agree that he couldn't be the winner because he was shown discouraged and saying it was a mistake to do Survivor. I think that if Jaison had in fact won the editors would indeed show his nadir and his journey back. Jaison would be a fine winner, just one with a lot of lows and highs. Monica would be a terrible winner. Luckily there is no chance she'll get to the finals.
The point of all this rambling ... there are no RULES. There are opportunities seized and some that are missed, and there is always the immediate story and the build-up for the next episode. Those arcs must be attended to, and if the any of the finalists do something that's noteworthy, I think the editors are happy to work it in. If not, they will pass that player over as momentarily irrelevant.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-07-09, 06:59 PM (EST)

73. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

What you say makes sense, especially the need to put up a good episode but I'm not ready to close shop and be content to watch the Ponderosa clips. We usually have a thread to analyze what the jurors think and it should get very active this season with the amount of interaction this jury is allowed to display. Even Eliza must be jealous!
I know that many of what I see as hints are most likely meaningless but I take it as trying to solve a mystery: Everything can be evidence against the murderer but you don't know what is worthwile until you figure a pattern. The reason why the winner beats the runner-up is always made clear. That means there has to be clues: Matt was cweeepy. Boston Rob broke too many promises.
As for our "Maine Bobster", it was more game logic than editing that indicated he wouldn't win. Who in their right mind would bring this likable man to the end? Everyone figured he'd have to win every immunity to the end to make it. No one counted on Sugar and the fact that she wasn't playing to win.
This season, we know Russell is planning on taking Natalie because he thinks she's so dumb. That's a pattern. It may be wrong but it's there. Russell also keeps talking as if it was going to be a F2 when we know it's a F3. Maybe the other person with Russell and Natalie wins. That's another pattern. I think this one is wrong but who knows for sure?

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Brownroach 15341 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-08-09, 12:33 PM (EST)

75. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

The reason why the winner beats the runner-up is always made clear. That means there has to be clues: Matt was cweeepy. Boston Rob broke too many promises.
I don't think it's always made clear and I don't think they want it to be clear. In hindsight, if the other person had won, you could almost always go back and find a trail that would make it equally "clear" that they would win.
I think in most cases they want to present two candidates who will seem equally poised to win at the end (ideally they want three such candidates for a final 3, but they never seem to get three worthies). They do want some element of suspense after all. Of course there are exceptions, like Earl and Tom W., where there was no suspense whatsoever.

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goldenmike4393 303 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Cooking Show Host"
12-08-09, 12:47 PM (EST)

76. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

***Russell is planning on taking Natalie because he thinks she's so dumb.***
This makes RussHELL's loss delightful. It's one of those "dumb ##### blondes" that kicks him to the curb. Hilarious!
I am loving it.

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mysticjay 28 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beauty Pageant Celebrity Judge"
12-07-09, 02:41 PM (EST)

71. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

Watching the season unfold, two past winners come to mind for me, related to Russell, who I think is getting the winner edit.
First, my reaction to what I have seen and heard on the show about Russell. He has the money quotes about writing a book on how to win survivor, how easy it is to win, finding the idols without clues, etc. Where I think many want to see him get his comeupppance because of his ego, on Survivor, that isn't what generally happens. Big ego isn't a negative on this show. It is often celebrated by how the show is edited.
Russell is playing a different game than everyone else. We've been show it: sock burning, pouring out the water, trying to set the chickens free, deciding to look for an idol and finding not one but three, wearing the immunity idol at night right out in the open. These people don't think like he does, so they can't anticipate him adequately because it wouldn't occur to them.
He tells us and we are show that he understands strategy and how to play the game and play the players. Being on the underdog Foa Foa means he had 3 solid votes in his pocket from merge day 1 against a strategically dumb group, and the dumbest one of all, Shambo, thinking they are best friends. With that block of votes intact, in the hands of someone who has the gift of unconscienceless manipulation, against a weaker-minded enemy, Russell has thrived. Immunity idols are the same as immunity wins for the underdogs this season.
Which brings me to the first past winner with a similar story, Yul, only Russell is the anti-Yul. Yul was smart, engaging, respected, fair, and Russell is none of those things. He is the antithesis of Yul, yet is in the same game position. And having the same results, as his 4 underdog Foa Foas dismantle the majority and take over the game.
The other past winner I've thought of often is Brian H. In his confessionals he was contemptuous of his game mates on his "business trip". But during the game, he was their friend, big brother, confidante. He could move from person to person, as Russsell does, and even if he leaves them feeling slightly used somehow, they give him what he wants. It was after the game ended and Brian's tribemates saw how he talked about them and used them that they came to hate him.
Barring some kind of final jury disaster of Amanda proportions, I don't believe, given what we are shown of Russell interacting with the others, that he would have any problems convincing them to reward his gameplay. He has the perfect cover - "hey, I was on a bad team who lost challenges. Came into the merge with inferior numbers, and used my wits to find idols and make moves. Isn't that what the game is about?"
Unless they boot him before the final is set, he has the story of this season's winner IMO.
However, that said, if he is sitting next to Jaison, who we have watched bemoan his decision, struggle, and make the game move that sunk the Galus with his purchase of the advantage. Others have talked about the conflict within him. That could be a compelling final tribal council argument that would give him the win over Russell. The Jury, I think, will want to see that someone other than Russell did significant game moves and it would be compelling for him to talk about how he at first felt this was a huge mistake, but came to see that he had it within him to win.
Anyway, my thoughts, for the first time this season.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-07-09, 06:36 PM (EST)

72. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

Nice analysis, mysticjay. It's always nice to have many points of view. I just wanted to point out a few things:
1- You write: "It was after the game ended and Brian's tribemates saw how he talked about them and used them that they came to hate him."
Helen, for one, hated him from the moment he voted her out. Her entry in Mario's funny 115 list should prove it:
http://www.averdata.net/~locbaseb/funny/75.htm
The pictures tell it all! The problem for Helen, Ted and Jake was that Brian was up against Clay. Russell would have to be up against Shambo and ?? Monica? to get votes despite his poor social game. I only see John and Erik voting for purely strategic play.
As you said, Russell is the anti-Yul and Yul earned some votes (Brad and Sundra especially) for simply being the likable Yul.
Jaison would make a good case for himself, I'm sure of that. I just can't picture a winner being shown on screen saying that Survivor was the worst experience of his life. Maybe I'm wrong but I dismissed him the moment we heard that. Showing how miserable he felt was already borderline acceptable but that line was unnecessary.

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Georjanna 1316 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beef Jerky Spokesperson"
12-07-09, 08:24 PM (EST)

74. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

LAST EDITED ON 12-08-09 AT 02:03 AM (EST)
Jaison would make a good case for himself, I'm sure of that.
I'm not so sure. Because unless the questions posed to him by the Jurors were very 'soft' ones, I think that we would see more of Jaison's tendency to meet criticism and/or opposition (actual or perceived) with anger and/or aggression. And it is one thing to applaud self-righteous indignation when it is directed at someone else, and another altogether when it is aimed at you.
And I think that Jaison (in his Confessional following his heated, after-Challenge words about John) told us quite a bit about why Survivor was a very poor choice - for him. In it, he described a rather delicately balanced personality who "wasn't supposed to" behave as he had, and hated himself when he did. But I doubt that - when they are not being filmed for international broadcast - Jaison worries about those spontaneous facets of his nature nearly as much as he would have us believe.
I also doubt that Survivor will remain his worst decision.
Edited: To fix 'righteous' ...

... to give a kiss!

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Brownroach 15341 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-08-09, 05:24 PM (EST)

79. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

LAST EDITED ON 12-08-09 AT 05:25 PM (EST)
Helen, for one, hated him from the moment he voted her out.
Helen was majorly p.o.ed at Brian for voting her out -- but she still voted for him to win because she had considered him her friend and she couldn't abide Clay. She didn't hate Brian outright. Yet.
It was after seeing Brian on TV that Helen truly came to loathe him. At the reunion show she said she absolutely never would have voted for Brian to get the million if she'd known how he was behaving throughout the game. She even said somewhere that her biggest regret was that she didn't get to know Clay better while they were in the game.

A tribe glows in Brooklyn

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CTgirl 8013 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-08-09, 02:08 PM (EST)

77. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

I'm with michel that the editing will drop clues as to who the winner is. They may be so subtle that we won't recognize them until after the finale is over, but they are there. Most of us thought that Bob Crowley couldn't win, but I'm pretty sure Veruca thought he would win. She picked up on the clues in the editing. She dropped clues to us too; she just never came out as said as much.
It's a toss-up whether Mick or Natalie wins, but as OFG says, this is Russell's story and the editing will give us just enough to keep them on the radar. This past week, more than trying to figure out who actually wins, I noticed more the bitter jury in the making. Michel already commented on Monica's quote, "you need to show loyalty and integrity and respect for the people you made promises to." It was about John specifically but I felt that it was foreshadowing the jury votes. Then later on Shambo says, "I don't want someone who did not warrant it getting the million dollars." This was about Dave but, after Monica's comment, it also wreaked of foreshadowing. We're being shown how Russell fails not how the winner wins, and that's the story this season!

Dash Away by Agman - bobbled by Tribe

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Outfrontgirl 6830 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-08-09, 05:12 PM (EST)

78. "RE: Episode #11 Editing Thoughts:"

CT, yep, this is what I was trying to say.
>>>We're being shown how Russell fails not how the winner wins, and that's the story this season!
mysticjay, I agree that in many ways Russell has had the winner edit this season. I said so in Week One. However, Yul won the jury votes. Russell won't because the jury isn't a gameplay rewarding jury.
So the editors have a choice - try to make someone else look like the best player, which is impossible. or show the story of the best player and how he loses. In Marquesas, Kathy O'Brian was the best; in the Amazon, RobC was the best. In ASS. Mariano was the star (and only lost by one vote in spite of breaking promises).
In certain seasons the winner is not the outstanding player, or even the person who should have won, and that changes the editing.

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Outfrontgirl 6830 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-10-09, 04:21 PM (EST)

80. "Brett"

People on various forums are commenting on Brett's continued lack of face time.
In an extra clip this week, Brett talks about the immunity advantage at the auction, and why he was not interested, but was focused on using his money for food for increasing his energy.
As we know, we didn't see Brett compete for anything at the auction. I thought maybe it was part of his UTR strategy. After seeing this clip, I'm convinced he wouldn't have sat there and let all the food pass him by. He very likely did bid for and maybe won an item that we didn't see. I don't think we see all the bidding; they only have so much air time for the segment.
That would mean they deliberately didn't feature Brett, once again. The only time he has been featured is when Shambo chose him to run the matching challenge, which had to be shown -- and we saw quite a decisive and capable Brett there.
Here's my thought. Brett is likable, very. The other folks this season who are left, not so much. I think that CBS doesn't want America to root for Brett because it would be SO disappointing to see him fall short, especially if he nearly gets there. Thus they have chosen to make it difficult for the audience to have any investment in Brett, as we almost never hear what he's thinking or hear him talking.
Obviously we will see more of him at some point, especially if he wins a challenge, but they seem to be holding his air time to a minimum. Meanwhile, the viewers are becoming acclimated to the idea that the Underdog tribe will win, and the editing has done a good job of making us glad that they turned it around, even though the initially despicable "biggest villain ever" is one of the Underdogs.
If Brett had won this thing, no doubt we'd have seen a very different season on air.

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frisky 11695 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-10-09, 05:10 PM (EST)

81. "RE: Brett"

OFG, I just came over here from the missyae spoiler thread to delve into this mystery, and what a coincidence -- you've explained it so perfectly!
I am totally on board with your ideas on Brett.
I remember doing the summary waaaay back in episode 4 or 5 and the only nickname I could come up with for Brett was "Bratt," figuring that it fit his name and, who knows, maybe as time goes on, it will fit his personality, or we'll come up with some other smart-a$$ nickname for him as his character develops.
But here we are, two weeks from finale night, and he's still -- Brett!
I wonder how they would have dealt with his character if Galu had been dismantled earlier in the game and he was the one left, due to IC's or whatever, among the underdogs and RussHell. I think the editors must have faced that very conundrum in Gabon with Matty, a likeable, competitive young guy with the added appeal of being a likeable, competitive young guy stuck in a tribe of duds. They must have been so thankful to have that corny, awshucks footage of Matty's epiphany and subsequent mushy marriage proposal to his GF, which put a nice, big red bow on Matty's storyline, not to mention on his parting gift as he went to Loser Lodge. That development allowed them to make Matty a prominent character throughout the season while making his early demise palpable to the audience.
I think Brett didn't pull any big red bow out of his hat; his story was probably, in reality, on an upward arc throughout his time in Samoa, and then *SNUFF* goes his torch. Without an epiphany scene, it's a big letdown. Good guy goes home. His whole story, or what was to be his story, ended up on the cutting room floor.

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Outfrontgirl 6830 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-10-09, 06:52 PM (EST)

82. "RE: Brett"

wow, frisky, that's a terrific analysis. I love the contrast with Matty. I never would have thought of that. And thank you for the kind words.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-10-09, 07:55 PM (EST)

83. "RE: Brett"

LAST EDITED ON 12-10-09 AT 11:23 PM (EST)
Frisky, I like your comparison with Matty. Here was my take on Brett, Kelly and Laura after the episode in which Laura left:
"Now, we know why we had such a weird imbalance in the airtime for some players. The audience had to pull for Russell and Shambo against Laura. The best way to do it was to make us share the thoughts of the (first) two and isolate Laura, not show her friends, especially the more likable ones such as Kelly and Brett."
I think part of the difference between Brett and Matty, in addition to his GF story was that he was often opposed to Crystal, Kenny and GC. Showing the likable Matty didn't make us like those 3 other Fangs, quite the contrary.

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tmontgomery71 7 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "American Cancer Society Spokesperson"
12-10-09, 11:35 PM (EST)

84. "RE: Brett"

"Here's my thought. Brett is likable, very. The other folks this season who are left, not so much. I think that CBS doesn't want America to root for Brett because it would be SO disappointing to see him fall short, especially if he nearly gets there. Thus they have chosen to make it difficult for the audience to have any investment in Brett, as we almost never hear what he's thinking or hear him talking".

I viewed a clip of Brett earlier this week, and he could never look into the camera...I got the impression that he is really camera shy, and maybe that is why we don't see more of him.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-12-09, 05:28 PM (EST)

85. "Episode 11: Editing Thoughts"

Previously, on Survivor, Russell told us he was in control.
Jeff said Russell was driving on cruise-control, mowing down anyone who got in his way.
<Dave, John, Monica and Brett seen huddled by the fire>
Jeff then said Russell felt so comfortable that he left his guard down and revealed a secret.
<Russell told Mick he owned an oil company and made $1.7 million last year>
Meanwhile, Shambo had, what she thought, was a psychic vision
<Shambo says she saw Dave being voted out>
So she immediately decided that’s what everyone had to do.
But Russell decided that John was the one that needed to go so he told everyone but Shambo to switch their votes.
Jaison was worried about going against Shambo’s wishes because her vote is critical to keeping a majority.
At TC, Jaison and everyone but Shambo followed Russell’s lead.
The recap has returned to being Russell-centric instead of focusing on Foa Foa as a team. Russell is shown has making possible mistakes which could be viewed as good for creating doubts or bad in foreshadowing his demise. Which is it? That’s the whole intrigue of the season!
Scrambling
Aiga
Night 30

Shambo (solo) : “John was majorly blindsided, as was I. I had no idea they were voting John. The plan was to vote Dave so I’m positively stunned.
Russell told Shambo: “When John came up to me… he was trying to get rid of you. I didn’t want you to have to break your word to him.”
Russell (interview): “My damage control with Shambo definitely worked. I just lied to her which is exactly what I’ve been doing this whole time. I’ve lied about almost every aspect of my life. I’m the richest man here but I’ve lied about what I do for a living. I will do whatever it takes to win this game.”
As they both went to bed in their little shelter, Russell looked at the camera and said: “This is too easy.”
Note that they are both sleeping away from the tribe’s shelter and that’s never a good idea.
Aiga
Day 31 (even if it said Day 32)
Jaison was talking with Monica and Brett on the beach, asking who they would vote for if they were on the jury.
Monica said Mick or Russell would get a lot of votes.
Brett thought Russell had played an insane game.
Jaison responded: “That’s interesting because, behind the scene, it has been me and Russell making decisions. I let him out there be the aggressive bulldog while I stayed behind the scenes, trying to be nice. I’m beginning to think that was the wrong strategy.” Jaison’s confessional was inserted here. Jaison revealed more: “The thing with Day 36 is that there is no immunity idol anymore. Everyone gets an equal vote and, if you don’t win individual immunity, you’re at risk. Anyway, Russell doesn’t need the money. He told Mick he made two million dollars last year.”
Monica was surprised to hear that.
Jaison (confessional) : “This is an interesting phase in the game because you have to start thinking winning over the jury. The way I’m going to try to play the jury is that the decisions we made were group decisions and I had a big part in those decisions. It wasn’t Russell unilaterally doing this. He was an abrasive guy, I was the more calm, cool, bond-with-you kind of guy. I feel like I’m the guy that should get that million dollars.”
Brett (found a camera) : “Today, I found out that Russell already has a lot of money and I’m starting to see some of the cracks in their armor. I think this will be the time that tests their loyalty to each other, especially since they have different opinions as to who they see in the final three. So, it’s just a matter of time before that bomb ticks and then blows up.”
I found it funny that, for one of the few times Brett has been seen on screen with the caption reading “Tee Shirt designer” he wasn’t wearing a shirt. No free publicity for you! But, what is important to note is that Brett’s confessional stopped at the Foa Foa story. His own agenda wasn’t expressed as we didn’t hear what he planned to do when the bomb explodes. He had to say something about it but that’s not part of Samoa’s story.
Immunity Challenge
Players were told there wouldn’t be a reward challenge; they would be playing for immunity.
(Jaison having brought the immunity necklace told us that the surprised looks were staged)
Russell (an interview probably done after receiving tree mail) : “Everybody was expecting the reward challenge. I’m happier than the reward because I’m ready to start eliminating some people out here. I want to go to tribal time and time again.”
The Survivor bowling tournament was boring; Jaison won. Natalie was the official cheerleader.

Shambo (solo) : “When Dave did not win that challenge, I was like Bye-bye. Dave’s going home tonight.”
Aiga
Day 31
Dave (interview) : “For me, the tide has turned. I’m the low man on the pole. All I know is that someone’s going home and it ain’t going to be Jaison.”
Monica told Dave to stay calm which was what Natalie was doing; drying the underwear she had won at the auction. Russell and Mick went to talk to her. “It’s Dave tonight” Russ said.
Mick (confessional): “The case for getting rid of Dave is primarily because that’s who Shambo wants gone right now. Let’s keep the waters calm. We stirred enough by getting rid of John, we don’t want to anger her, get her upset.”
Monica was ready for some water stirring once Russell had told her flat out that Dave was going home. She told Russell that Shambo could get a lot of jury votes.
Monica: “Right now, I’m trying to stay a little bit more passive and really get into people’s heads. Russell is no fool, he’s not about to take Shambo that far who could potentially get a lot of jury votes.” Have you seen the jury? I wonder of this could have been spliced together. “I just started to plant the seed and make arguments that would make Russell sweat. With me on Dave’s side and whispering Shambo’s name in Russell’s ear, anything could happen.”

Russell (solo): “I have a lot of options in the game right now. I could play different ways and still be okay. One option I have is keeping Dave because I know I can beat Dave for the million dollars. Think of it: Dave, me? For a million dollars? It’s a no-brainer” ( Dave was shown picking his nose right then to underline Russell’s point!) “It’s a good strategic move to keep Dave around.”

Sitting on the beach, Russell told Dave: “Your best strategic move would be talking to me. I don’t know why you didn’t come to me yet.”
Dave (solo) : “Russell comes to me and says; “if you Brett and Monica vote Shambo, Shambo goes home.” I have no idea if that’s actually going to happen. Last night, I was pretty sure I was coming back but I wasn’t positive. Tonight…I don’t know however miracles happen constantly. If one happens tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised because the Lord freaking provides.”
Russell: “Shambo is dead set on getting rid of Dave but truthfully, I don’t even need Shambo. I could let Shambo throw away her vote just like she did with John and I could get rid of Shambo.”
Feeling she was “Sham with the plan” Shambo told us: “I’ll be happy watching Dave get his torch snuffed because that guy drives me absolutely bananas. I believe what Russ says but, if Dave isn’t voted off tonight, I think me and Russ are going to have a little chat.”
Tribal Council
Note that just like John in the previous episode, Dave was seated in the middle with Foa Foa on his right and the rest of Galu on his left. It perpetuates the tribal division, creating an image that can imbed in the viewer’s mind. I’d like to look back and see if Aitu was kept separated from Raro.
Jaison said that the reason to vote somebody out now was “more strategic in terms of trying to get rid of the stronger players because they are smart… they are able to win immunity…and because of the jury. You want to have the best shot you can if you get to the final 2 or 3 to get votes.”
Shambo said she still felt like voting out people that don’t deserve it and she wouldn’t have voted John out.
Jeff told her that was a good way to work the jury.
Monica said: “Unpredictability is scary at this point of the game.”
Dave said: “You got to get people on your side and say: “You have a better shot at a million dollars with me than you have with this person you are currently aligned with.”
Russell said Dave’s strategy was good. “If you know someone is going to get all the votes, you want to get rid of him.”
<Jaison, Mick and Shambo shown>
Dave was voted out 7-1.
Jeff told the tribe that, for the first time, the members of old Foa Foa have the numbers advantage.
<Laura needed to take a deep breath hearing that>
Laura was seen smiling at Brett, telling him to stay strong. He smiled back.
Dave’s final words told us he was quite impressed with Russell’s game.
Aiga
Day 32

Russell told his alliance that he didn’t care about the numbers; Brett was the biggest threat left.
Russell (in an interview): “Brett is just way too likable. He’s a nice guy. He would get 100% of the vote. Brett is a huge threat in this game so, that’s why I have to get rid of him next.”
Mick felt insecure about his position in the alliance. He told Russell: “Last night, you mentioned you’d vote out anyone who was a threat, anyone who the jury was going to like.”
Russell did some damage control by saying he was talking about Brett the whole time.
But they had a chance to vote Brett out in the previous TC and didn’t use it. A mistake?
Mick (solo): “Day 1, I was voted leader of Foa Foa but it developed that Russell is definitely the leader of us, strategically. He’s a game player so I have to start thinking that he could take other people to the jury with him so that he has a better shot.”
Russell told us: “Mick is freaking out and when you freak out that much, you’ll flip. That worries me that he’s going to send me home because that is what I would do.”
Interesting that the previews had us believe Russell was saying that about Jaison.
Immunity challenge
You could tell by the macabre chant that played when Jeff took the necklace from Jaison that he wouldn’t be seeing it again while Brett’s smile when Jeff said it was back up for grabs gave us a big hint as to who would be modeling it for the next TC.
I noted: “Mick for the win… Mick just short.”
When Brett won, we saw Jaison’s frustration.
After the challenge, Jaison spoke for Foa Foa: “Brett has shown that he has new life. If he wins enough immunity challenges, he could throw a wrench in our entire game plan. Now, we’re going to get Monica which is fine but this could be a problem.”
Jeff sent them back to camp saying: “I’ll see you at tribal tonight” and then he winked at Shambo who smiled back.
Aiga
Day 33
Monica (interview): “Today, Brett won immunity and it totally sucks for me. It puts me in a bad situation where I seem to be the next viable option to go home. But, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
With Brett, she asked Mick if he felt comfortable making it to the final 3.
Monica said that Russell was probably thinking of taking Shambo and Natalie to the end.
Mick compared Russell to a snake
Mick (interview): “There’s definitely part of me that wants to make a big move and definitely I thought about the possibility of getting rid of Russell. There are emotional and moral attachments to people but every night I sit there and I visualize in my head my name with a million dollars written in front of it.”
Great scene for Mick except it ended with a close-up of a fire as if his chances along with the check with his name on it were going up in flames.
Mick talked to Jaison about Russell taking Natalie and Shambo to the end but this time it was Jaison who had nothing to say.
Monica saw that she needed to go on offense. She told Russell he was keeping a lot of threats around.
Russell answered: “My position is the best in this game right now. Why would I jeopardize that?”
Monica replied: “You are jeopardizing your game by taking Jaison who is counting down the days until day 36 when it’s your final day to play the idol.”
The cymbals told us Monica was better at hitting Russell than she was at making baskets. “I’m surprised you want to put me on the jury. I could make or break you on the jury. I mean Natalie already told me that you make lots of money. Oh! Not Natalie but, uh, Jaison told me you’re a multi-millionaire already. I’m voting based on need. Who needs the money.”
Her sly smile as Russell walked away showed that she could have been an interesting player if she had been in a good alliance.
Russell went to Natalie: “I told you that if you betrayed my trust, the deal’s off. You told her I make lots of money. Why would you do something stupid like that?”
Natalie was surprised: ‘I didn’t do that.”
They both cornered Brett to find the source of information.
Brett told them it was Jaison.
Russell confronted Jaison asking why Monica would tell him all that.
Jaison simply answered: “Because she’s trying to stay in the game.”
Jaison felt the heat: “Russell was so angry. I might have made a mistake and told her what he does for a living but I really don’t remember. I’m nervous that Russell is going to come after me. We got to nip this in the bud soon.”
Jaison had a discussion with Natalie and Mick: “Russell is Russell. He might think that he can win with Shambo better than he can with the rest of us.”
Natalie said: “Oh! My word.”
Jaison added: “The three of us, myself Mick and Natalie, we have to make a tough decision tonight.”
Russell (solo): “Monica had to open her little pie-hole. The little bitch needs to be sent home tonight but now, I have to worry about Jaison. If, at Tribal Council, I feel any kind of heat, I have the immunity idol, if I feel any kind of threat whatsoever, I will play it.”
Tribal Council
As soon as the jury walked in to tribal council, Russell whipped out the idol.
Jeff asked what was up. Russell simply said he felt like wearing the pretty necklace that he found.
<Jaison and Mick looked surprised.>
Shambo agreed: “Everything he does is a surprise.”
Russell explained: “Some people here think this puts a target on my back but I beg to differ about that. This puts a target on somebody else’s back…Nobody knows what you’re going to do with it which is what makes it so powerful.”
Brett said that Russell appeared comfortable. “They do have the numbers but when you get comfortable in this game, things come back to haunt you. You got to stay humble.”
Shambo said: “It was the worst day we had prior to a tribal. Russell got his feathers ruffled and it was just...”
“Awesome” interjected a laughing Monica.
“Not pretty” completed Shambo
Russell explained: “Monica tells me “if you vote me out, I ain’t putting your name down for the million dollars and I’m talking to people and they’re not writing your name down.” You’re only making me vote you out now.”
A defiant Monica replied: “Russell came into the merge and tried to push a lot of buttons and I haven’t seen Russell’s buttons pushed but today, he was huffing and puffing. He was asking (in her best Russell imitation) “did you say this about me?” He was fuming. FUMING!”
<Brett and Jaison smiled>
Jeff asked what delighted her about that.
Monica said: “I had a sentiment of pride that, if I put a centilla of doubt in their mind, I accomplished my mission.”
Jeff realized that Monica had learned Russell’s lessons.
Russell said: “If I had been on her tribe in the beginning, we would have been dangerous. She got me pissed off. If she had played that hard this entire game, she would be the one in charge right now.”
- “Or I could be going home earlier.”
- “I’ve been playing hard this entire game and I’m still here.”
- “Because of idols.”
- “Well, that’s playing hard.”
Jeff wondered if Russell was concerned that Monica had stirred up trouble.
Russell said “Not at all. I know that everything’s fine.”
<Jaison and Mick looked uncertain>
Russell added: “That might be my mistake in the game but I don’t think so.”
Mick was concerned: “We’re not that short-sighted to say we’re all four going to win the million bucks. Your wheels start spinning a little bit. I might be up in front of the jury against so-and-so instead of so-and-so. You have to be thinking about that and, if you’re not, then you’re stupid.”
Jeff told them it was time to vote.
We saw Monica voting for Russell while he voted for the “stupid little girl”.
After retrieving the votes, Jeff asked if anyone wanted to play the idol but it stayed around our villain’s neck. Was he making a fatal mistake?
Dave seemed to think so when he uttered “awesome” as the votes were tied 2-2 but, of course Monica was voted out 5 to 2.
Jeff left them with a reminder that not all 6 could win so that there will be more scrambling.
The Story
The only question left is whether or not Russell can win the jury vote. There were so many different discussions as to which player can win the vote that it puts the necessary doubt in his story.

Russell: I can certainly see Russell winning and it would be quite an interesting story. Dave practically told us he’d vote for Russell in his final words. Brett and Monica praised his game but Laura and her clique don’t look too thrilled about that prospect. That puts doubt about his potential to get the jury vote. The problem with doubt is that it could also be the explanation why he didn’t win.
In the game, we see that he stays away from the shelter at night contrary to his original plan to snuggle right in. He isn’t the humble person that both Monica and Brett said had to be to have success. And he isn’t the good liar he thinks he is, his secrets all coming out.
Shambo: She got some jury consideration but does one really believe that she could earn votes from the Galu jury? Why include it then? I think the main purpose of that was to show how impulsive Russell could be. It also gave everyone but one person a stake in the final jury decision.
Brett: He’s the source of worry for Foa Foa. He may even cause problems for the alliance but Brett won’t be the one profiting from it. There’s no doubt he would win the jury vote and not enough build-up to make us want to see him overcome the odds.
Mick: It seems that, if Russell is to fall, Mick has been set up to be the one to profit from it. He had a million dollar quote even if it is late in the game for that. It was Mick who first learned about Russell’s job but it was Jaison and Natalie who received the blame for spilling the beans. Or did it rob Mick of his ammo? What I find interesting about Mick is that he seems only concerned about making it to the end. All his scrambling was directed at getting rid of Russell when he should be focusing on getting the votes against him. Is it to show us where he made his fatal mistake?
Jaison : He was the opposite of Mick. He’s the one thinking of ways to earn jury votes against Russell but we see that he may have made the mistake that will cost him a place in the finals. He had the quote about Brett throwing a wrench in their plan when I’m sure everyone mentioned it so it could be telling us that he will fall if Brett stays strong.
It would be also a good story if these two players that have been linked from the start had opposite but symmetric results: Jaison is worried about getting the jury votes but he could fall short of the Finale. Mick is worried about making it to the Finale but he could fall short of the votes.
That still leaves:
Natalie : Did the editors kill her story? They could very well have done just that but I still don’t think so. I found it very interesting that everyone was seen scrambling, worrying about making it to the end or earning the jury votes while Natalie was like the dog that didn’t bark. Even at Tribal Council she never said a word. That could be terrible and she could turn into Becky from Cook Islands or that could be intentional and it could be to make her the surprise winner, the one who stayed calm and humble throughout the game. I think it was the editor’s intent to keep her as the surprise winner because there had to be some worries that Natalie would win the jury vote.

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
12-12-09, 07:39 PM (EST)

86. "RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts"

Where Natalie's concerned, I hope the editors didn't kill her story and that she becomes the winner, beating RussHell. As I said, you need to keep your ego in check if you really want the jury to vote for you. RussHell can't do that; if Natalie has much of an ego, she can. And that's why she might beat RussHell even if the guy's a more active strategist.

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frisky 11695 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-17-09, 01:25 AM (EST)

87. "RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts"

I agree, and I'll take that point a bit further:
You need to have your ego in check if you want the editing to be kind to you.
One of RussHell's first confessionals: "I'm here to show people how easy it is to win this game."
That, my friend, is an insult to Mark Burnett and his game.
The season went on from there, showing RussHell playing hard to win and running the show. If the even-dumber-blonde-girl beats him, what better way to give his ego a bruising than to show all his moves on TV while the even-dumber-blonde-girl socializes. Then, *SNUFF* he loses it at the end.
MB had to hate that comment. I don't think he would have put it in there if RussHell had actually won the game. MB's ego is too big.

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Outfrontgirl 6830 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-17-09, 01:57 AM (EST)

88. "RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts"

Excellent point, frisky! I like it! I'm not sure that Mark Burnett does any hands on approval of the editing these days, but we can alternate Probst and still not be at risk of an ego shortage.

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Flowerpower 7262 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-17-09, 07:16 AM (EST)

89. "RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts"

Yes, I agree with Frisky! OUTSTANDING point! You are dead on....

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-17-09, 05:36 PM (EST)

92. "RE: Episode 11: Editing Thoughts"

That observation had me concerned for Russell's future early in the game but not so much since the merge. Why?
Because I can easily see a montage done after Russell's win where we see that confessional: "I didn't come here to work, I came here to play...winning this game is easy" followed by all the scrambling Russell had to do, the Ben vote, the providing for a tribe that was wasting away, the promises at merge, the error with the first idol etc... After that the camera would cut to Jeff who'd ask with a smirk: "So, Russell, still think it was easy to win this thing?" Russell would answer: "Man! It was a lot of work but it was fun." Everyone's ego is saved and Russell's story concludes the way many want it to end.
Consider that, if Russell loses, either Mick, Natalie or Jaison would be the one able to say that it was easy to win: "I just let Russell do all the work."

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kingfish 20752 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-17-09, 10:37 AM (EST)

91. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

So how come Veruca isn't opining this season? I enjoyed her input to the discussion, even though I usually only lurked here.

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Brownroach 15341 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-17-09, 06:14 PM (EST)

93. "RE: The Players, The Game, The Editing - Survivor Samoa (Part Two)"

Veruca opted out of contributing (except for starting the thread) as of last season, I think, or maybe the one before.
I miss her input as well. She veritably DEFINED the kinds of clues the editing provides way back when, and it's held up all along.

A tribe glows in Brooklyn

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-19-09, 04:30 PM (EST)

94. "Episode 13 Editing Thoughts:"

LAST EDITED ON 12-19-09 AT 09:39 PM (EST)
Jeff reminded us that since the merge, the Foa Foa 4 has joined forces with Shambo but now that they are in the majority…
<Mick’s confessional about wanting to make a big move>
…their loyalties have become clouded…
<Mick seen through a cloud of smoke!>
…by thoughts about the end game.
<Russell’s confessional expressing concerns about Mick freaking out>

After Brett saved himself by winning immunity, Monica was on the hot seat so she stirred up trouble around camp…
<Monica telling Russell about keeping threats around>
…in a desperate attempt to stay alive.
But her plan didn’t work.
<Mick voting out the “little snake in the grass”>
The Foa Foa 4 sent her packing.
The recap set up a confrontation between Mick and Russell.
This episode was about:
Relationships
Aiga
Night 33
Brett (interview after giving Shambo a head rub): “I’m basically sitting around a camp that I’ve known for 33 days with an entirely different group of people that I would have ever imagined.” <We first see Russell and Mick and then Natalie but not Jaison) “I’m the last true Galu and I’m a fighter so I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing and make it as far as possible.”
Russell: (solo): “Monica going home was an extremely easy choice. It would have been Brett but he won the immunity then it had to be Monica. As soon as Brett loses, he’s gone. He has to because he’ll keep winning... all the way to the top.”
Aiga
Day 34
Brett was in the shelter, reciting verses to Natalie: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,”

Brett (solo): “There are a lot of cards stacked up against me but I’m definitely going to try to work what I have here and Natalie and I come from a similar walk of life. Something like that is a great foundation for a trusting relationship. I think that this personal interaction could turn into something really promising.”
Yes, for one of you, probably
Natalie (confessional): “Oh! My gosh! Brett is an absolute sweetheart. Brett and I have had several discussions about the Bible…It’s been nice to have that in common.”
If they had several discussions, then it’s interesting that the verse chosen to make it on air spoke of inner power, something needed for an endurance challenge. Could Natalie win the final challenge? Or is it the part about riches that matters?!
From a spiritual scene, we jumped directly to a ridiculous one: Shambo’s hair.
Let’s skip that and just note that it was her “friend” Russell who told us how nasty it was.
The Reward Challenge
Natalie and Russell were the captains.
Natalie chose first and picked Brett!
Russell then picked Jaison.
Mick went to Natalie’s team and Shambo wound up with Russell.
Even Jeff joined in the mullet-bashing but Shambo didn’t hear or didn’t want to hear the sarcasm.
Natalie told Mick: “Slow and steady”
That’s how the turtle won the race
Natalie: “Brett, you’re a prayer warrior, aren’t you? I’m one too. Let me have your hand. Let God guide your hand on the next one.”
Russell observed the joining of the hands and told Shambo: “I’m surprised by Natalie’s first pick. Straight to Brett. We’re going to have to break that up over there. Something might be going on.”
On her first turn, Natalie got through with only 1 coconut which led to Shambo’s “You lucky little b*tch.”
On her second turn, Jeff noted that Natalie had good luck in the challenge so far.
“God has taken care of me, for sure” she replied but it didn’t last.
As Shambo predicted, (how many times did Shambo “predict” a number though is unknown) she dropped 58 coconuts.
Russell, the best at pulling strings, got through without a single coconut dropping.
Brett, despite being a prayer warrior, lost the challenge.
We heard Natalie telling the other team: “Enjoy it…Have fun.”
Jaison (on the way out) : “I’m definitely concerned about Natalie after she picked Brett and Mick. I’m more worried about inter-divisions that are starting to appear in our alliance.”
The Reward
Jaison (solo) : “When we won the reward, it didn’t mean much. I didn’t know what a reward was because I never been on one. Every single day out here has been a grind… has been a loss… has been an attempt to survive another day in the game of Survivor. But, once I got there it was a totally different experience. To have a day off was absolutely amazing.”
Jaison was ready to get jiggy with it while Russell wasn’t taking the day off:
Russell (interview) : “As soon as I won the challenge, I thought it was perfect for me because the food gives me energy, gets me pumped up. I’ll take any edge I can get right now. Mick and Brett, it makes them weaker because they didn’t get to eat… So I think it’s a great thing they didn’t win today.”
Shambo (interview) : “What I most wanted to do in Samoa was to be part of that cultural experience with the native tribes…I have to continue to build those relationships…”
Aiga
Day 34
Brett told Natalie and Mick that they should enjoy the day, go for snails and watch the sunset on the beach with no game talk.
They all agreed and joined hands again.
A scene that was used in the promo to make us think that a strategic move would happen was just an innocent moment of bonding. On the other hand, that’s still a strategic move!

Brett: “We lost the challenge today, but… in a weird way, we’ll create a reward for ourselves. I don’t play this game overly aggressively, I don’t get in people’s faces but it’s cool to hang out with each other and nurture the relationship.”
Natalie (interview) : “Brett, Mick and myself, we just decided today that we are going to have good attitudes. We just enjoyed each other and I like Mick and Brett a whole lot. Brett is an amazing person. If I have to be standing next to a Galu, Brett is awesome. But, I have been in with Russell since the very first day. Honestly, it’s the hardest thing to balance your heart and your head. As far as strategically and what your heart is telling you: It is so tough. Hopefully, my mind is thinking clear enough to look at the end, to be able to win the game.”
Note that, during the famous helicopter shot, although Brett, Mick and Natalie were all seen, it was Natalie’s confessional that was heard and it was a game oriented reflection.
Night on Reward
Shambo was being a goofball while Jaison was questioning Natalie’s choice.
Russell said he needed talk to Natalie but…
Russell (interview) : “They are thinking that Natalie is aligning herself with Brett and Mick but that ain’t happening. I know for a fact that Natalie is with me. But, I’m putting it in their head that maybe something is going on with Mick, Natalie and Brett so we’re going to have to stop it immediately. My point of this is to get rid of Brett or Mick. Those two are big threats; they are likable guys. There’s nothing else that can stop me.”
Aiga
Day 35
Russell walked away from the group near the shelter to go to the hammock. Natalie joined him.
Natalie reassured him: “it’s me, you and Jaison…That was our plan anyway…You had no doubt in your mind I hope when I picked him first?”
Natalie (interview) : “Russell, from the very first day, he told me “I’m going to take you to the final two if I can trust you.” I was like, you can trust me. I’ve been completely honest with him, letting him know what’s going on. We’ve been on the same page with everything so we actually have quite a bit of power. Two brains are better than one.”
This is probably Natalie’s first episode title-quote. A quote that confronts us with the dumbass girl theme that emerged on day 1.
Russell told her: “You be confident, because it’s gonna happen”.
That sounded a lot like his: “You got it made” from episode #4.
Russell (interview) : “If we can prevent Brett from winning immunity, today will be a wonderful day. There will be no arguments. He has to go. He’s a little punk, he’s 110 pounds, he’s not faster than me, he’s not stronger than me so he’s not a huge threat to win the challenges but he is a huge threat to win the million dollars.”
Except he’s better at solving puzzles.
The Immunity Puzzle!
As he predicted, Russell was the fastest to the stations and the first one back to the table (those short legs can move!) but Brett, kicking it into high gear, solved the puzzle.
Natalie? She was just counting fish, not a threat in this challenge.
Russell, this time, shook hands with the winner.
Jaison (interview) : “It’s so frustrating; Brett winning two in a row. What if he wins three? What if he wins four? Then, we’re screwed. Russell and I said that, if Brett wins immunity again we’d get rid of Mick but I think Shambo is not helping us in the challenges to beat Brett. <Natalie shown on screen as he says this> Tonight’s Shambo’s night and we’re just going to get rid of her.”
Did Natalie help beat Brett? No, so maybe it should have been her turn. Or maybe she’s the one that ultimately beats Brett.
An Opportunity Missed
Aiga
Day 36
Jaison told Russell “If Brett goes (to the end), we all lose. If we we’re going to have a shot at Brett, then we got to have Mick.”
Shambo was worried but Russell told her it was going to be Mick.
Russell (interview) : “We just get back to camp and Jaison walks up to me immediately and says “You know what’s got to happen, we have to get rid of Shambo.” I didn’t want to do it this route; I wanted to get rid of Mick. We didn’t want Brett to win immunity but he did. Worst case scenario is Brett keeps on winning. His whole crew is over there watching him on the jury but right now, we have a decision to make: Either Mick or Shambo.”
I wonder how Russell felt about receiving strategic orders from Jaison?
Russell told Mick that Shambo gets on his nerves that she was only there because they used her.
Mick (interview) : “I was surprised, I was a little shocked. Russell has spent a lot of time with Shambo, cultivating that relationship. Now, it sounds like he’s scheming to vote her off. I think you’ve got to be skeptical all the time, always assume that something else is going on in their minds. That every time someone smiles at you, what’s going on really in their minds? Of course, there’s a chance that Russell’s lying to me and he could be taking me out tonight. I’m anxious as hell, it scares the hell out of me.”
Then, Shambo asked Russell: “Don’t you think that Mick thinks it’s a little strange that nobody’s talking about who they’re voting?”
Russell (interview) : “My decision tonight is either Shambo or Mick. I could keep Shambo around because she won’t put my name down, she’s horrible at the challenges and she won’t get any votes for the million dollars. That’s three good reasons, extremely good reasons. The only good reason to keep Mick around - there’s one - is to keep athletes together to be able to beat Brett in the next immunity challenge. Right now, I’m not sure what I’m going to do. The immunity idol, I’m going to have it around my neck because it’s the last day I can play it. Even if I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t be voted off but I have it so I’ll be fine.”
Tribal Council
Jeff told Russell that Shambo has been with them a long time.
<That irritated Laura>
“I’m a traitor” laughed Shambo.
Asked about Shambo’s betrayal, Natalie said: “it’s an opportunity to keep someone that I think I can beat.”
<Mick shown>
Russell said: “She’s helped us tremendously and I trust Shambo as much as I trust the Foa Foa members.”
<Mick shown again>
Russell added: “There are phases to this game. Right now, we are in the end phase and that phase is who’s going to get the most votes for the million dollars.”
<Unfortunately, the camera went to Shambo just then>
Jaison said: “Everyone thinks that Brett is the one guy that could sweep a jury.”
Shambo enumerated the reason why Brett was a threat.
<Monica winked to Brett in agreement>
Brett was determined to win those challenges.
Jeff pointed out that Mick was the other physical threat.
Mick said he’d be frustrated if it was him that left: “I’ve been part of this whole thing from the get-go. I haven’t played as aggressively a strategic game as Russell but I have always been loyal. So, after all this, to go home tonight, yeah! I would be a little pissed off for sure.”
Russell said it would be the first tough vote.
With a nice touch, Jeff asked: “If you have the immunity idol around your neck and you want to play it, tonight is the last time you can do so.”
Russell, being Russell, decided to keep a souvenir!?
The camera showed that Erik couldn’t believe the move.
<Mick seemed surprised to get one vote>
<Laura enjoyed seeing the Shambo votes>
<Shambo looked upset and left hugging only Brett>
<Dave shook his head and looked at the sky>
Jeff left them by saying that Brett was the only thing standing in the way of a Foa Foa Final 4.
The Decision
Russell will not win. All season long, his story kept him in contention to win this game but this episode was about relationships. It showed that Russell, being Russell, hasn’t cultivated those relationships. It was hearing him call Monica a “little bitch”, Brett a “young punk” and Shambo “nasty” that showed he doesn’t deserve the votes. A winner, even the most evil one ever, would have been presented as being less disrespectful in his final days.

There was also a strong message that Russell missed an opportunity in this episode to seal his victory. So, who did he let slip by and will get the million dollars?
The case for Brett: His million depends on 2 immunity wins but he won’t get them. Not only because he was so meaningless to the story before the last few episodes but because, when he was shown early on, he was always directly implicated in the worst aspects of Galu. He was next to John when they couldn’t agree on the shelter, he was part of the Yoga sessions, he was in the 90210 clique and he was part of the decision that elected Shambo as leader, the move that irrevocably split the tribe.
The case for Jaison: Alongside Russell, Jaison was shown missing an opportunity. His confessionals reinforced the idea that Foa Foa had a problem. He’s the athlete that should compete against Brett yet Jeff didn’t include him in the physical threats. Why? Probably because it won’t matter, Jaison will not be the one to beat Brett and he won’t win the immunity challenge when he needs it. Remember, the last time Jeff took the necklace from him, the feel was that Jaison wouldn’t see it again. Anyway, he’s the only one that Russell could see taking credit for the game’s strategy. Russell won’t want to have anyone telling the jury that they had a part in the decisions.
That brings us to:
The case for Mick: He’s certainly not the one that could challenge Russell about controlling the game. We didn’t even see him make a move to protect himself when he was in danger even if we heard him say he was scared as hell.
On the other hand, this was a great episode for Mick if we are looking for the player that slipped by Russell’s radar. We heard that Mick was likable, that he had to go but, even if Brett wasn’t available, Mick survived. That could be Mick’s winning story. We’ve always felt that Mick was well perceived by the jury but his relationships with them were never really outlined. That could be good or bad for him. I’ve always felt that Mick’s story was lacking so a last minute surge can only serve to cloud the issue, much like that scene in the recap.
Natalie will be Sole Survivor : They didn’t get the helicopter pilot to fly out just to underline the confessional of a loser, did they?! She is well liked, we were shown that explicitly but she wasn’t mentioned by Russell as a threat. The message seems to be that she has completely fooled him. We know how she bonded with a tribe that has many religious players. The verse about inner power sounded like an explanation for her victory. It could even foreshadow that she wins the final immunity.
Natalie didn't miss the opportunity that a challenge loss gave her to build a relationship with Brett. She doesn't see him as a punk which was a big contrast to Russell's opinion. We even heard her wish well to the victors to let us know that she's always nice, that she wasn't being Russell! Many expect a bitter jury against Russell, I expect a jury that will be happy to hand the check to someone they like.

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
12-19-09, 08:02 PM (EST)

95. "RE: Episode 13 Editing Thoughts:"

I agree with you there: RussHell's inability to cultivate relationships -- and his inability to realize he needs to cultivate them as well as strategize -- will be his downfall. He won't win. Sure, he might deserve it in terms of strategy, but you need social skills as well as strategy in this game and RussHell never bothered to learn that. He won't win.
Natalie, on the other hand, knew that she not only needed to scheme & plot, she needed someone to be the fall guy for her (namely, RussHell) and most of all, she neede to cultivate relationships. That is why she will win -- she formed the necessary relationships she needed and she'll be able to explain that she played the game after all. So Natalie will be the Sole Survivor and I'll enjoy seeing RussHell stew in his own juices.

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DRONES 615 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Reality Show Commentator"
12-20-09, 11:19 PM (EST)

96. "RE: Episode 13 Editing Thoughts:"

As always michael, a great recap. I disagree with your conclusions about Russell. This entire season has been about him and everyone is just playing bit parts. If you look at the group of players left, except for Russell, you have to ask yourself what has EPMB shown us about them?
Brett is playing the part of the only real spoiler to Russell winning. Not that it's not about Brett winning but Russell losing. He's a fun distraction to a season with not a lot left to it except for the final vote.
Jaison has been in out of this game. He's been hanging on for a while now just to keep his head above water. Once again we see him making a decision based on emotion, voting of Shambo.
Mick, we just as well call him inVeesible Mick. He's done nothing and contributed even less. He's a pawn, a vote for Russell.
Natalie, would be the only real threat left out there to Russell winning this game. She is so firmly in his hip pocket that she'd be willing to ignore her connection with Brett and Mick. If there was ever any doubt about her loyalty to Russell we can now put those to rest.
That leaves us with Russell. He's the man that you love to hate. He's JR Ewing from Dallas fame. As much as you hate him and as much of want him to lose you know that the show would be less without him. EPMB knows this as well. EPMB knows that he's not very likable and so he's playing that angle up to the point that you can't help but watch him. It would have been worse had EPMB tried to make Russell into something that he's not and so from an editing standpoint I like how he's been shown. Russell is out there and in your face. He's a horses arse and the audiance knows it, although I'm not convinced that contestants know it. Russell has played one of the better games I've ever seen on this show. Like Dique he understands what it takes to win this game. Since the first episode he's been my predicted winner and he's done nothing to make me doubt him as winner.
DRONES

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shanana banana 658 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Reality Show Commentator"
12-20-09, 11:37 PM (EST)

97. "RE: Episode 13 Editing Thoughts:"

LAST EDITED ON 12-20-09 AT 11:45 PM (EST)
Edited to say -- I've been gone so long I forgot I should be in the East Coast spoiler thread only, lol, so I'm deleting my post and reposting there.
shanana banana

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Flowerpower 7262 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-21-09, 10:32 AM (EST)

98. "Russell at the Finale"

I wanted to pull up my post of my first impressions to compare:
Brett has the first confessional and therefore can not be discounted...especially for making end game. AS I recall Erinn had the first confessional last season and she was the F3. But, Brett's confessional is of his first impression of Shambo, who then follows with a pretty impressive first confessional of her own...that she's one chick that rocks and people gravitate toward her. I'd say this is enough to make me think she just might make end game... Well, this observation was one with legs. Brett was the F4, Shambo the F6.
Next confessional is regarding Marissa's first impression of the evil Russell, and we know that she is already toast. Betsey's confessional is also just after Russell's which associates/ties Betsey to Russell imo.
This sure rang true, as both Marissa and Betsey were identified by Russell as the two that challenged him and thus, had to go.

Somehow Betsey should definately not trust either Natalie or Laura...as they are panned over when Betsey noted that now she doesn't trust anybody...I think so Natalie and Laura are not to be believed...
I do not think that they will be end players however, as they are panned over with a negative intonation.
Now this was an interesting introduction for Natalie and Laura. Both were integral characters, Natalie, who sided with Russell, and Laura, who was his nemesis. Betsey never interacted with Laura, but it was an accurate observation with Natalie, she was not to be trusted by Betsey, as she was aligned with Russell. Panning over them was significant, as they both were significant players, even though they never received a confessional in the first segment.
Ben is seen when Jiffy notes that they will have to battle the elements and each other...Ben is trouble, but I don't think he'll win, nor do I think the evil Russell will win...however, they both could be players that make the merge and beyond.
Ben was trouble, and did not make the merge. Russell was an end game player that indeed made the merge.
Russell S. is seen when he says they must learn to adapt While Russell S. did learn to adapt, his body did not.
and Jaison is seen when he finishes the sentence with or they'll be voted out. This makes me believe that Russell S. will learn to adapt, while Jaison will NOT. Russell was not voted out, yet Jaison was...very late in the game. Both of these players were significant, only one was an end game player.
In the end (see John), only one will remain(see Shambo), to claim the million dollar prize(see Liz then Erik). John, Shambo, Liz, and Erik. Three of the four were post merge and at least jury. Significant? Eric was not the sole survivor, as JT was the last one the camera panned to with Tocantins and was indeed the winner.
So: I favor these players for end game and possible winners: Brett, Shambo, John, Betsy, Russell S, Liz and Erik. I do think Evil Russell will make it post merge and could go toward end game, but he will not win. I think Ben could make merge, but I think he will fall short as well. I recall that JT did NOT have a confessional in the intro segment, and that he was the last one seen before Jeff said, "39 days, 18 people, 1 survivor"...could Eric be the winner?
Food for thought.
Now, regarding last night at the Finale:
Russell was extremely upset that he was not the winner. To me, he looked as though he had visible tears through most of the show. To me this signifies that this could have been his only shot at winning the game. Makes me speculate that he may not get this far in the next season.
He also looked round, as usual, imo. I may start a new thread to discuss this.

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samboohoo 17173 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-21-09, 10:41 AM (EST)

99. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

I agree with you about Russell.
He also didn't seem to have much of a weight loss for doing it two in a row. I doubt he severely fattened up between 19 and 20. And I thought I read somewhere that there were only 10 days between the two.
There was also his insistence on being called "The Sole Survivor." Me thinks Samoa was his only shot.

Samboobree, brought to life by Arkie

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PepeLePew13 26134 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-21-09, 10:59 AM (EST)

100. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

Either that, or he started to realize that he had just played the same type of game in season 20 and knew that people weren't going to bend over and kiss him hard enough. If he couldn't get these idiots on season 19 to see his vision in the final jury, he surely had to realize that his similar performance in 20 wasn't going to make it either.
If he goes far in 20, I think he realizes that he got raked over the coals big time by the more veteran contestants so he knew 19 was his only shot.
He's probably bitter that nobody could "see" what he was doing as "good for the game".

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Belle Book 3613 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
12-21-09, 04:32 PM (EST)

101. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

Yeah, either he didn't get as far in S20 or he did and really got raked over the coals. He probably thought Samoa was his real shot -- but he failed there as well, since he made the fatal mistake of ignoring social skills. The sad part is that if he hadn't dumped the water and burned the socks, I might've liked him more. As it was, the dumping of the water left a bad impression that he could never erase -- for me.

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-21-09, 06:57 PM (EST)

102. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

I felt that, although important, the introduction was actually edited to show how wrong first impressions were:
- Brett had first confessional yet he was insignificant for 12/14 episodes.
- He thought Shambo would be a great leader for Galu, she was responsible for their failure.
- Shambitch thought everyone would gravitate to her yet she was completely isolated.
Marisa didn't want to mess with Russell, yet she did.
- Betsy thought Russell shouldn't be trusted, yet Natalie proved he could if handled the right way.
- Mick said he had leadership skills and could make snap decisions yet he proved to be "feckless"!
The significant scenes of episode #1 for Natalie were subtle:
- She was the one shown on screen when Russell said he planned on creating chaos, making it miserable for all. Natalie was never shown complaining during the terrible days of rain. That was a huge hint that she was to be seen as a worthy survivor.
- The intuition scene with Betsy. I was happy to hear that episode #1 connection in her jury speech: It was her intuition that guided her to the best strategy: Stay calm and avoid agressiveness. (which is a characteristic of alpha males that we also heard was bad in episode #1)
Erik's jury speech told the story of the season in a nutshell. That's why he had such a nice edit. Mick's totally ineffectual leadership, Russell's ambition that translated into his bully attittude and Natalie's quiet grace under pressure.
PS: Did anyone notice the turtle calmly swimming below the surface of the raging ocean during the episode's opening?

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Georjanna 1316 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Beef Jerky Spokesperson"
12-21-09, 07:23 PM (EST)

103. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

LAST EDITED ON 12-21-09 AT 07:23 PM (EST)
PS: Did anyone notice the turtle calmly swimming below the surface of the raging ocean during the episode's opening?
Oh, yes.

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DRONES 615 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Reality Show Commentator"
12-21-09, 09:39 PM (EST)

104. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

michael, congrats on sticking to your guns in regards to Natalie. As always it was right there in the editing. As I watched this season I was confindent that Russell would definately be in the finally but what I completely failed to take into account was EPMB. One of Russells first confessionals was that he was there to show how easy it was to win this game. Because this quote was so bold and daring it could only have gone one of two ways, either Russell goes down hard or he ends proving that it is easy to win this game with a single strategy. EPMB loves himself and this game. He goes overboard to show how difficult this game is; and how great would it be for him, EPMB, to show that this game can not be one by the ultimate player. Russell going down in flames was the only way this could have ended. If this had been any other season Natalie would have been no better than inVeesible. In the end this season will not be remember for who won it, but for who didn't win it.
DRONES

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Brownroach 15341 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-22-09, 12:21 PM (EST)

105. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

Brett had first confessional yet he was insignificant for 12/14 episodes.
I'd been meaning to comment on this all season and I kept forgetting to. I think the actual content of the confessional needs to be considered. I never thought it had any significance whatsoever for Brett because the confessional was *about* someone else -- Shambo. It seemed to me that the purpose of showing it was to introduce Shambo. It didn't matter who was speaking it.

A tribe glows in Brooklyn

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CTgirl 8013 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-22-09, 01:20 PM (EST)

106. "RE: Russell at the Finale"

I think it was both. It was *about* Shambo, but it was also used to introduce Brett. Anyone could have spoken it but we had to meet Brett at some point since he made F4. The editors may have chosen that quote after they had figured out that Brett was going to do a disappearing act. What better way to showcase him than give him the first confessional and let him say something so we know who he is before we go and forget about him for 12 episodes?!

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michel 10958 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
12-23-09, 09:23 PM (EST)

107. "Tying Up a Loose End!"

I had suspected as much but Russell didn't find the first idol before Yasmin came to camp:
http://www.#####.com/forums/survivor-samoa/85031-interview-russell-hantz-natalie-white-let-s-rename-social-game.html
Russell, do you maybe think the Idols was somewhat easier to find this season?

Hantz: "Sometime they’ll make it easy, right. So that’s why I started looking. I know people think, “Oh, there’s no way he’ll find it without a clue.” I seen Yasmin looking up and down trees, and nobody else was looking at Yasmin. She had the clue, and she’s looking all up and down trees, so you know what that tells me? It’s in a tree. But nobody’s looking, because everybody’s too busy, you know, getting friendly with everybody. Not playing the game. That’s when I found the first one."
Besides this nugget, the interview proves once more that the creep is a sore loser. Natalie's attitude is great but it's a shame she has to defend herself.

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