Survivor Samoa (Current US Series) ***Spoilers for TG4 viewers***

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Survivor Samoa kicked off in the States last night. Anyone else see it?
I thought it was pretty promising looking. People say Survivor has been going down hill as the seasons progress, but I think there's been a few great seasons recently.
Anyway, that little fat guy Russell, seems like he'll be an interesting player... already stirring s**t. Hope he makes it quite far in the game.

Thargor

Yeah looks like an interesting line-up, that Russel guy seems great, and hes already a millionaire, evil little oil-baron type, I like him, my only gripe was that in the first episode they got rid of one of the sexiest women Survivors ever had, she was stunning whoever she was, perfect body and face. Can only find the one pic of her online and its not great.

God I love this show, cant believe its been 19 seasons so far, Ive been watching this for most of my life now, hard to believe it still feels so fresh, its definitely the best reality show and one of the best shows in general ever made.

Toto Wolfcastle

I just watched it and while I want Russell to get his comeuppance I also want him to stay in so that it remains interesting. I do hope that he gets voted out at some stage.

I found it strange that at tribal council that he was saying to Marisa that he didn't want her thinking he was stabbing her in the back (or something) and that no one thought that this was suspicious. If it were me I'd have taken that to mean that he had at least one other secret alliance besides me.

L31mr0d

Thought a new thread might be needed, as they don't want spoilers in the other general Survivor thread.

So what did you think about Bens eviction? It's rare to see Jeff get in anyway involved but you could tell he really did not like Ben, even just from the way he put out his flame.

I don't for 1 minute think he was being racist intentionally. I just think he was stupid.

Will be interesting to see how long Russell H. lasts. I don't see how he plans on surviving past the merge (even if he does). His main goal seems to self destruct his current tribe. It's like he's forgetting that traditionally the tribe with the lower numbers that merges tends to get picked off. Russell has already made enemies with Yasmin, and they didn't really show him playing nice with Shambo (she'll be gone before the merge anyway though, don't hold out much hope for her)

EDIT: snafu... didn't see the other thread. please merge with the other thread

L31mr0d

Thargor wrote: »

she was stunning whoever she was, perfect body and face. Can only find the one pic of her online and its not great.

Here ya go, go wild. Add her as a friend

Pretty much most of the recent Survivor cast have facebook and myspace pages from before they where on the show.

She's no Parvati Shallow or Amanda Kimmel though :pac:

Mr E

Ben was very unlikeable so had to go.... his chopping wood in the middle of the night, aggressiveness in the challenges and his racist comments didn't work in his favour.

Russell is a great character. I don't think he'll make the merge though.... people are going to see through him soon enough. If he makes it all the way to the final, it'll be a great season.

Glad to see the back of Exile Island in this series. The spy format is alot more interesting.

L31mr0d

Mr E wrote: »

Russell is a great character. I don't think he'll make the merge though.... people are going to see through him soon enough. If he makes it all the way to the final, it'll be a great season.

I think he'll make the merge. Those blondes will go before he does. They seem like deer in headlights, and are just coasting, doing whatever they're told. I mean I couldn't believe they helped to vote out Betsy. They could of had a strong alliance with her, and she had a head on her shoulders.

I guess it depends on who Russell guns for next. If he goes for Jaison, I think he has enough clout with Mike and the rest to turn the tide against Russell

Mr E wrote: »

Glad to see the back of Exile Island in this series. The spy format is alot more interesting.

Yeah definitely. Exile has never really been good. Although it was hilarious in Gabon seeing Sugar sent there week after week. Coach doing his made up Yoga-esque poses in Tocantins while the Helicopter does a fly by was also very good.

Still I don't think the spy is as good as it could be. It would be nice if they gave the spy nice food while they are there so that the other tribe resents them.

I do like the set nominated leaders though. Stops all the faffing about with people trying to keep the target off their back and nobody taking the lead.

Bottleopener

Galu are screwed, I can see them losing a few in a row now. I'm kinda sad to see the back of Yasmin. She was a great character :P. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the place the booted contestants are when Yasmin and Ben are together :P


Next week will be fun. Liz looks like she means business.

L31mr0d

Was kinda irritated at the reward challenge, they pretty much gave the ending of it away before it was finished.

Overall a good episode. Liking Russell H. more and more each week. Shambo needs to go, what was she in the military? A cook? A latrine digger? She's useless and just keeps going on about how no one else is doing any work. Quickest way to get voted off tbh.

Bottleopener

L31mr0d wrote: »

Was kinda irritated at the reward challenge, they pretty much gave the ending of it away before it was finished.

Overall a good episode. Liking Russell H. more and more each week. Shambo needs to go, what was she in the military? A cook? A latrine digger? She's useless and just keeps going on about how no one else is doing any work. Quickest way to get voted off tbh.

I'm not sure the editors are setting Shambo up to be voted out though. I can see her making the merge and somehow ending up in the final 5 or so.
I'd like to see a tribe switch next week :P

Thargor

L31mr0d wrote: »

Was kinda irritated at the reward challenge, they pretty much gave the ending of it away before it was finished.

Overall a good episode. Liking Russell H. more and more each week. Shambo needs to go, what was she in the military? A cook? A latrine digger? She's useless and just keeps going on about how no one else is doing any work. Quickest way to get voted off tbh.

She was in the Marines unbelievably, you'd think they would have knocked that horrible fat American waddle she does out of her.

I thought the editing for the reward was alright, at least in Survivor you dont know which way its going to go because sometimes they build it up like that and then nothing happens, it was still pretty tense. Mythbusters on the other hand is ridiculous, you've seen the result of every experiment and explosion 5 times by the time they get around to showing it in full, I dont know why they do it, I suppose the show would only be 20 minutes long without the constant recaps and previews.

L31mr0d

Thargor wrote: »

I thought the editing for the reward was alright, at least in Survivor you dont know which way its going to go because sometimes they build it up like that and then nothing happens, it was still pretty tense.

Just before the last ball was thrown they cut to interviews with Galu and Foa Foa clearly after the event. Yer man from Galu was decidedly more enthused to get out his winners story than the guy from Foa Foa was, who had the look of someone making an excuse for a loss. As soon as I seen their faces I knew that Galu was going to win it with the last shot.

They do this a lot on survivor. Another thing I've noticed is that the tribe you see the most footage of during the episode will inevitably lose the immunity challenge, they will also usually show that tribe talking about who they have tensions with just before the immunity challenge. It's downright irritating because it pretty much gives away the result before the contest. Don't believe me? Just watch in the next episode. They've been doing it since season 1.

Aard

Totally agree with you L31mr0d. Another thing I've noticed is that the people who have gotten the most air-time in previous episodes tend to be voted out sooner. Eg I predict Shambo will go before Laura (bad example, but you get my drift!).


This is a good Survivor season. In Tocantins, there were only a couple of interesting people, but I feel that most of the people on this series are good players, without being "edgy" (think Coach...).


I agree about Ben - not racist, just not too bright. I liked him though.


I think Russell on Galu is a terrible leader. Once Shambo goes, or there's a switch or a merge, their tribe will fall apart - the only thing holding them together is their hatred for Shambo! At least the other tribe has alliances going - everybody on Galu seems to be one big happy family. Then the merge will come, they'll realise they don't trust anybody on their tribe, and some will align with Foa Foa. The ones who don't (probably Russell among them) will get voted off. Then it'll be an ex-Foa Foa majority, and an ex-Galu minority. Cue more switching until it's something like Mick and Russell from Foa Foa in the final two. :pac:


Anyway, that's just my impromptu Survivor Samoa speculation I hope I'm wrong though and Foa Foa Russell gets voted out early. Especially if he's blindsided and doesn't use the hidden immunity-idol. OK, that's the vindictive side coming out in me, but hey it's Survivor!


***


Also, for people like me who don't have satellite TV, you can watch the episodes Youtube-style on this site: http://watch-survivor-samoa.blogspot.com/

Also Starring LeVar Burton

I hope Russell of Foa Foa wins... Or else Mick of Foa Foa... don't care for anyone on Galu...

Thargor

They're just going to get picked off after the merge, Russel with his sneakiness and hidden immunity is the only one with a hope.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Man last night's episode was tough to watch. As Jeff said in 19 seasons of Survivor he had never been so scared... I've seen every single episode of Survivor and I completely agree with Jeff - I was genuinely scared for awhile...

Toto Wolfcastle

It was very hard to watch, especially because he seemed ok and then when he sat up he was gone again. I was very worried for awhile.

Once I got over my worry all I could think about was the fact that they didn't get any pizza. That must have been hard for the people who remained.

L31mr0d

Yeah Russell blacking out with his eyes open was really eerie to look at. Jeff definitely looked on edge.

I think Galu is running headless at the moment. I can't see anyone in that tribe being a leader as good as Russell. He knew how to motivate, lead by example and build morale with even the slightest bit of good fortune (not many people would see the silver lining in a rainbow and try to talk everyone into being excited about it)

Oh and, once again, if you watch the preview for next weeks episode you will now already know who wins next weeks immunity challenge... god damn Survivor :mad:, I hate how shoddy their editing seems at times.

Aard

I think Erik will become the leader of Galu. He certainly seemed the most vocal and emotional at Tribal Council.

I was also really shocked by what happened with Russell. For a second I thought he had actually died, before I realised that they would never show that on TV

I'm not surprised they didn't have a vote at Tribal - they have already lost two people due to injury. However, I really thought Jeff was going to say that they had merged or there would be a switch, once all 13 of them were sitting down together.

L31mr0d

Aard wrote: »

I think Erik will become the leader of Galu. He certainly seemed the most vocal and emotional at Tribal Council.

I do also, but he will probably be a bad leader, he's far too unstable and I haven't really seen him looking out for anyone but himself.

But, looking at Galu, I can't really see anyone that would either want to be leader or would be accepted as leader. They might give it to shambo as a sort of dummy gesture.

Bottleopener

L31mr0d wrote: »

They might give it to shambo as a sort of dummy gesture.

You got this one correct anyway.

Was a pity to see Liz go this week, was a strong player. The merge should be interesting seeing as though Shambo and Laura are gonna flip to Foa Foa without doubt. I get the feeling the Foa Foa members will stick around for a while, and Galu will rip themselves apart from the inside.

Aard

Yeah Liz was a strong player. I can't understand why she didn't go to Jaison and Mick, and tell them that Russell had the hidden immunity idol.

L31mr0d

Aard wrote: »

I can't understand why she didn't go to Jaison and Mick, and tell them that Russell had the hidden immunity idol.

She didn't seem that smart tbh. Russell seems to be the only one of Foa Foa that's actually playing the game and has the foresight to start planning for the merge

thank you preview, I now definitely know it's next week :mad:

Mick is like a wet rag. I put Foa Foa losses purely on his shoulder, he's a horrible leader. He should be playing the coach role in the trials but he's just keeping his mouth shut to pass under the radar. I didn't expect Jaison to go home, regardless of his performance in the trials, he isn't a threat to Russell, and if Russell is expecting the merge, he knows the game is going to become an individual one soon so he's of no consequence.

In the alliance game Liz was a loose cannon and had to go.

I really hope Dave Ball from Galu goes soon. The guy is just annoying. Although his interactions with Shambo are hilarious. I just winced when he said "bros before hoes"

Thargor

I like Danger Dave, he looks, sounds and acts like Kevin Spaceys character in American Beauty. Bit of a dull episode this week though I thought, so glad Shambo is being kept around, her stupidity and the lads comments on it are one of the best bits of this series, especially her speech about why she thought she was chosen as leader.

Cant wait for the merge to see Russel in action with everybody, he didnt deserve the sh1tty tribe he ended up with.

Aard

Yes! Kevin Spacey look-alike Dave! He's an oddball, sure, but at least he's entertaining, unlike that Kelly girl. Although, judging by her lack of air-time, she'll go quite far in the game :pac:

Also Starring LeVar Burton

I'm hoping Russell wins the game, so looking forward to see how things go with the merge...

Aard

Wow! Probably the best Survivor episode I've seen in many a series!


I'm very impressed with Natalie - I had totally underestimated her. It just goes to show how helpful a hot Southern girl can be in an alliance. Her social game (OK, I may be stretching it a little here) is genious. She had the Galu girls change their mind in minutes! She's now my favourite player, and I hope she wins. Her move today was the most pivotal in the game so far.

Russell is dead, by the looks of things. And good riddance - I never liked his sleazy demeanor. He was foolish to play the idol. Galu would never have written his name down; they knew he had the idol, and wouldn't risk the person with the next highest votes (a Galu) being voted out. The way things were so up in the air - at least 3 names being bandied about - he was bound to play the idol (Galu would think), so no point in voting for him.

I was so happy to see Erik go. His speech at Tribal Council was so funny - the audience knew the blindside was coming. However, I have to admit that I got a little worried when I saw two votes for Jaison. Amazing blindside though, still.


All I hope now, really, is that there isn't a fucking "catch-up" episode. They piss me off no end. :pac:

Also Starring LeVar Burton

What a blindside... I didn't like Eric at all, so very glad he got the boot.
The previews tend to be slightly misleading at times, so hoping that the preview at the end of this episode, isn't suggesting what I think it is.

Thargor

Haha the hole he dug for himself before the blindside was an all time classic Survivor moment, I dont think Russels going next week either, hope not anyway.

L31mr0d

Erik was right though. The old Foa Foa just can't catch a break. Jaison, almost playing the race card.... again, was cringeworthy. Erik was clearly talking about his résumé from the game of survivor, not his real world résumé. Then Jaison goes off on another one of his "woe is me, I'm so oppressed speeches". The guy needs counseling or something, he's a wet rag.

I'd like to think Russell isn't going home next week, but I don't know. It could go either way. My guess is the hidden immunity idol will be put back into play again and russell will find it, or he'll win immunity.

Have to say though, Mick is doing a great job of flying under the radar. He's consistantly average, not too lazy, never argues, but not too amazing at the challenges. I can see him outlasting most of the old Foa Foa tribe

Aard

AHAHAHAAHAHAH!!!! WHOAAA!!!


Yet another great ep from Samoa! The look on their faces when he played the idol ... again! Priceless! As much as I hated Russell in the beginning, I'm actually warming to him. I didn't think Kelly "deserved" to go, especially seeing as how little air-time she's had over the series. Can't wait for Laura to go.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

That was FREAKIN' AMAZING!!!
This is easily becoming one of the best seasons of Survivor since the early days.
I absolutely love Russell... what a legend...
I'd love it if he got another one next week...

L31mr0d

CaptainNegative wrote: »

This is easily becoming one of the best seasons of Survivor since the early days.

Apart from Russell though this season has very little else going for it. Fans vs Favourites is still my favourite season so far (or maybe the season with Ozzy in it the first time)

Nobody else is really memorable and come this time next year I doubt I'll remember anyone but Russell. Mick and Brett are no shows for the majority. Jaison is a wet rag and the rest are just too normal to be interesting. There's Shambo but she's no Rupert from Survivor All Stars. He's still my favourite crazy from the series

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Back the truck up - Rupert wasn't crazy... he was a legend and shouldn't even be compared to Shambo.

Bottleopener

Absoloutely awesome. Russell has gone up in my estimation. I noticed Shambo made her first non-insane move of the game. Her voting of Russell at tribal and feigned surprise will make the Galu members think she's with them. Possibility of an all Foa-Foa/Shambo final tribal council? I think it's surely on the cards at this stage. Russell is playing a magnificent game, and is using great common sense in finding the idols, I mean for the most part the idols have been hidden in pretty obvious positions at camp :P.

I felt sorry for Kelly in a way, and it was interesting to note in a post-boot interview she said her strongest ally was Brett, which is amazing as the editors seem to be completely ignoring Brett (as Erik also said Brett was the strongest player in a post-boot interview last week).

Anyway Laura vs. Russell should be intense next week. The preview of Dave running after Russell as he looked for the idol looked hilarious :P

L31mr0d

CaptainNegative wrote: »

Back the truck up - Rupert wasn't crazy... he was a legend and shouldn't even be compared to Shambo.

Well he was odd, but in a good way. Every season usually features 1 or 2 characters that seem to of been raised in an alternate version of society. Shambo was clearly put in the show because she ticked that box as was Rupert. But she's not memorable in any way, except maybe having a nickname that rhymes with Rambo.

Shes seems more like Sugar from Gabon ... but way WAY less hot :pac:, slightly emotionally unstable with some unresolved childhood issues (sugar had her daddy issues, whereas Shambo seems to have highschool issues, probably why she is projecting most of her anger on Laura who she sees as the archetypal Cheerleader/Popular girl) When, in reality, Laura has really done little to antagonize Shambo.

Thargor

That was just incredible, one of the best eps Ive ever seen, this would be the best series ever but for the reasons already mentioned above, also the challenges and rewards are a bit dull aswell compared to other seasons I think. Still though, I was hugging my knees and taking deep breaths watching that last tribal, no programme ever gets your heart thumping like Survivor at its best.

Aard

Looks like Russell might be on the block next week...


Also, yay, Laura's gone!


EDIT: There's an effing recap ep next week, but I'll be away, thank god \o/

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Russel is a God.
I don't think he'll be on the block next week and even if he is, he's got another Idol.

Thargor

God I love this programme, stupid recap episode always happens at a brilliant bit every year, another great episode, Russel is an actual genius but now I think they might just decide to blindside him.

Bottleopener

Brett continues his invisible edit streak. This reminds me of (Micronesia spoilers)

Natalie's run. Let's hope Brett becomes a big personality out of nowhere :P

Toto Wolfcastle

Shambo is a horrible person. She's turned into a total bully.

As much as I hate Russell and wish he was gone, he is at least making the show interesting.

Thargor

Good ep this week, should be interesting next time if they're actually after Russell, why didn't John tell people Russel had the hidden immunity idol when he realised he was betrayed though? Hope we see the idol in action next week aswell.

I think this season would be a bit bland without Russell though, I mean the rest are just morons stumbling along, hopefully Shambo will shake things up now that shes turned into this horrible cúnt.

Aard

I love how everybody has taken Shambo for a ride. She's now a dangerous woman - i.e. somebody with nothing to lose. She should be taken out next, otherwise she's likely to fire without warning.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Wow! Another nailbiting episode...
This season really has been awesome...
I know I'm gonna be on the edge of my seat next week during the finale...

FYI, Episode 14 airs in the US next Thursday (17th) as usual, but then on Sunday (20th) there'll be a 2 hour finale and 1 hour reunion show... and at this stage it is anyones game, so it's gonna be good...

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Fantastic ending to a fantastic season... Just brilliant.

But season 20

looks absolutely fantastic.... Heroes vs. Villains... Can't wait... It's like every Survivor fans wet dream... I imagine I'll definitely be rooting for the Villains - Fairplay and Russell I imagine will definitely be back and hopefully Hatch and Penner amongst others...

Bottleopener

CaptainNegative wrote: »

Fantastic ending to a fantastic season... Just brilliant.

But season 20

looks absolutely fantastic.... Heroes vs. Villains... Can't wait... It's like every Survivor fans wet dream... I imagine I'll definitely be rooting for the Villains - Fairplay and Russell I imagine will definitely be back and hopefully Hatch and Penner amongst others...

Heroes vs. Villains will be good

As for the final, disappointed in a way Brett didn't win, I'd taken a bizarre liking to the guy. Natalie was a good winner though, and I was happy to see her win after Russell's arrogance went one step too far.

L31mr0d

Gutted for Russell, wanted him to win so bad. He seriously looked upset right from the start of the show even before the votes where read. The other survivors all jumped on Russell, I'd say they where arguing with him before the show went live.

After Natalie's cringe worthy "prayer warrior" rubbish last week I really did not want to see her get the million. The fact that nobody recognized Russells genius made it even worse.

Overall a disappointing end to the season. I hope, beyond all hopes, that Russell is in it again next season. Although, everyone will know his tricks now.

Thargor

Totally agree with all that L31mr0d, gutted about the end and the winner did not deserve it imo, would have way preferred Brett if it couldnt be Russell, at least he got his consolation prize of 100k and hopefully a shot at S20, cant believe Ive watched 20 seasons of survivor, Ive been watching it since secondary school right after TG4 launched, no internet back then, it was just pure chance that I stumbled across it.

Next year looks awesome, only a few weeks to wait aswell, God I love this programme.

Mr E

The thread has **Spoilers** in the title, so no need to pussy-foot here.

Russell was absolutely robbed, pure and simple. There is absolutely no way coat-tail-riding Natalie deserved to win. And he is such a threat that he'll be gone within the first half of Heroes vs. Villains. He'll be bamboozled like Hatch!

Glad to see it looks like they are pooling contestants from all 19 seasons and not just those since season 8. Should be a brilliant season.

L31mr0d

Mr E wrote: »

The thread has **Spoilers** in the title, so no need to pussy-foot here.

Well the only reason I was spoilering it was that I'm subscribed to this thread and got emails about updates to the thread before I'd watched the finale. I'm glad they where spoilered as opening them would of ruined the finale for me.

On further taught. If I'd watched the show and seen what Russell was doing and saying behind my back I'd probably also have bad feelings for him. I mean he made all of them look like fools. Yes, he played a better game, but he also bruised a lot of egos in the process. I think Natalie was just lucky that she went up against Mick, who stupidly played the sympathy/pity card (it has never paid of) and Russell who not only did play a better game but he lauded it over their heads.

Next season will be interesting though. As far I can imagine, the Heroes are going to be physically dominant in comparison to the Villians. I can't remember any real physical treats that where the villians in the series.

I really hope they bring back Amanda Kimmel and James Clement for a 3rd season. Felt both of those where robbed in Micronesia.

Edit: btw, if you want to send Russell a message he's on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/people/Russell-Hantz/100000450583428#/profile.php?v=info&id=100000450583428