Disappointing episode on many levels. Reward challenge was so lame that the competitors themselves barely seemed into it. One of them should have chucked a football at JP.1. Amanda - Her and Russell were the episode. More on Russell later. Her confessional where she told JT to bring it on was the highlight of the show. Nothing came of it this episode, but enough foreshadowing seemed to be in play to suggest she makes it further than JT in this game. This episode showed she has been the center of power in the tribe from the beginning. Obviously she really cares about James, and that is the kind of person that she is, so nothing wrong with crying. This season is threatening the original All Stars for most tears shed.
2. Rob - Led his tribe to another two challenge wins. This is becoming a more dominant performance than Chapera had with him leading. I have a hard time seeing him stumbling blindly into the HII, but we willl see. Editing is certainly trying to threaten it.
3. Coach- Show started with him, which is nothing new. Watching him pay homage to Russell was pathetic and sickening, but this guy seems to be in a good spot no matter what goes down.
4. Parvati- Edit brought her back into the fold and revived her chances of going far in this game. I like that she told Russell- "I don't ride coat tails." But she has done nothing but so far. Is it wise to sit up top with Russell while the rest of the tribe swims below? Doesn't appear to be playing the social game that she usually displays. Is it possible she is just coasting until merge? We'll see. Curious though.
5. Russell- Found the HII, of course, though everyone knows it. Had some good confessionals and was wise to talk to Coach. However, this guy is like a karaoke singer who thinks they are great but only sings one song over and over again. I am over-tired with it. Dude, in the game of Survivor, you are the King of nothing. It is personal between you and Rob? Holy short-man's ego, Batman. If not for Rob and winning challenges, you would have been booted right behind Randy, before you could have found your precious idol. Actually, "precious" is a great word for it, now that I think about it. This guy is like Gollum with his idols.
6. JT- Falls back down the list after tucking his tail between his legs and practically begging Amanda for forgiveness. Two trustworthy players were in your debt. Bring Candice into the fold and you don't need Amanda and her alliance. After he swore to Amanda again, he couldn't betray her a second time and make the smart vote for James. It was too late.
7. Sandra- I have liked her this season, but it is just hard to see her going far. She hasn't gotten much of an edit.
8. Jerri- Attached to Coach, which should be a good thing, though not much of an edit either.
9. Tyson- Same as Jerri.
10. Candice- Now trusted by no one though she is trying. Previews said she made a game changing move. She did no such thing. Deceptive teases are par of the course, but usually they are not that blatantly false. Strange. If she makes merge, possibilities still exist. Can't say she's getting a winner's edit right now though.
11. Rupert- Tool. Had brief narrator's role early.
12. James- Hurt and a tool. Part of a tribe that is getting whooped in near historic fashion.
13. Danielle- No edit. Waste of casting at this point.
14. Courtney- DOUBLE ditto.
15. Colby- I always liked the guy, but besides some good challenge performances in S2, forget any of the credit I've given this guy for that season. Apparently, Tina WAS his brain. He played no game in All Stars and no game this season either. Frankly, he was a waste too besides a handsome face for the ladies. Why did you come back if you are just going to glower all season?
On time departures-
Sugar melon- Sweet but unfulfilling.
Stephanie- All Star of Losing only.
Randy- a coat hanger with a frown would have been as useful
Cirie- hoodwinked by JT, reputation wrote checks her game couldn't cash
Tom- I've always given Tom, and others, credit for being strong challenge performers. As such, I'm not going to make any excuses for him this time around. Yeah, you had the numbers against you from Day 1, but do what you do, win some challenges, and Stephanie is never singled out and the ball never starts rolling in the first place. You showed up out of shape and unprepared and thought you could just think your way through it. You still have a good head for the game, always underestimated, but you don't win Palua without the challenge wins. You needed both.
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