Survivor

[UtahDan]

When he projected his insecurities on the lingerie challenge player I about had a cow. It made me sick how he was blaming her for his own problems. I have not liked Brandon at all and his religious shtick is disgusting.

I had forgotten about that. That was truly awful.

[myboynoah]

When he projected his insecurities on the lingerie challenge player I about had a cow. It made me sick how he was blaming her for his own problems. I have not liked Brandon at all and his religious shtick is disgusting.

I had forgotten about that. That was truly awful.

His overt religiosity is just as cynical as that of the others, he just isn't self aware yet and is probably fooling himself (or maybe deep down he understands this). Notice how he suddenly started to "tell it like it is" when the numbers were in his favor; until then, he was mum about how the voting was going to go. How could the Asian girl be so blind-sided unless Brandon was covering up. Also, look at how we was so protective of Cochran when Cochran turned on his former tribe mates, all the time knowing that Cochran's head would soon be on the chopping block. Where was the honesty and integrity there?

That whole prayer circle thing is bugging the hell out of me, partily because I've found myself trapped in those situations. mrs. myboynoah is from the south and everytime we go out to eat with her family we end up holding hands and praying over the food (usually after I've already started eating). I sit there looking at all those people thinking, "what you won't do for a chance at a million dollars."

[wuapinmon]

That whole prayer circle thing is bugging the hell out of me, partily because I've found myself trapped in those situations. mrs. myboynoah is from the south and everytime we go out to eat with her family we end up holding hands and praying over the food (usually after I've already started eating). I sit there looking at all those people thinking, "what you won't do for a chance at a million dollars."

So, you married into money I take it.

[myboynoah]

So, you married into money I take it.

Yeah, that gives the wrong impression doesn't it? Folks accommodating Brandon's religious talk and activity, even praying with him, so they maintain their chance at the reward; that's what I'm trying to say.

[DrumNFeather]

His overt religiosity is just as cynical as that of the others, he just isn't self aware yet and is probably fooling himself (or maybe deep down he understands this). Notice how he suddenly started to "tell it like it is" when the numbers were in his favor; until then, he was mum about how the voting was going to go. How could the Asian girl be so blind-sided unless Brandon was covering up. Also, look at how we was so protective of Cochran when Cochran turned on his former tribe mates, all the time knowing that Cochran's head would soon be on the chopping block. Where was the honesty and integrity there?

That whole prayer circle thing is bugging the hell out of me, partily because I've found myself trapped in those situations. mrs. myboynoah is from the south and everytime we go out to eat with her family we end up holding hands and praying over the food (usually after I've already started eating). I sit there looking at all those people thinking, "what you won't do for a chance at a million dollars."

It really makes you wonder if he felt like he had to play that way to really distance himself from Russel. It also makes me wonder if the producers cast him thinking he'd play one way only to find out he is playing another way.

As an aside, I wouldn't be surprised to see some combo of Brandon and Russel and maybe Brandon's dad in a future season of Survivor.

[Eddie]

I have to admit - it is all of the relationship intrigue that draws me into survivor. I love watching how people think, how that translates into action, what they'll do when they feel the pressure that they are about to be gone, and how they will respond when they eventually are. For someone who likes to study human behavior, the only bad part is knowing that they edit each episode to lead you to perceive things a certain way - which may or may not be accurate.

Brandon is a flat out kook. I believe he really did come on wanting to show people that he could play different than Russell, but then found himself lying and manipulating early in the show as he tried to get lingerie gal gone. I think this pushed him over the top. Sure, he went on the show wanting to win - but he also wanted to show everyone what a good dude he is as compared to Russell. Seeing himself resort to Russell-like manipulation seems to have caused him to decide that win or lose, he wants to be seen as a good-guy Christian.

Having Brandon's dad come on and try to play the game for him - confronting coach - was priceless.

I think Coach really does believe in some kind of warrior code with honor and integrity - but I think his perception of what that means is twisted. He thinks making a promise isn't a promise unless he makes the promise as a Christian? Coach seems to have seen the Christian angle as one way to bring everyone together and create some unity when the tribe was sucking and falling apart - as well as a way to get himself off the chopping block early on.

Cochran is an idiot. I get that he wasn't always treated the best by his own tribe, but what did he expect? All along the other tribe had been talking about how close they were - no divisions - just one big happy family. And he thinks that they're going to let him show up and replace one of their own? Dude says he's a student of the game, but plays like he's never watched it before. Sorry dude, people don't drag you along just because you threw your own tribe under the bus.

I have to admit that I'm somewhat curious as to the mainstream Christian folks perception of all of the Christian talk. Are they uncomfortable with it as many here are? Or do they just nod their heads and say "Yep...God wants a Christian to win. God's will be done!" Of course, this was similar to last season when the Christian kid was on Redemption Island for days on end winning challenge after challenge because God wanted him to, only to be gone immediately after being reintroduced to the tribe.

Anyway - I enjoy watching this show more than I should. And I have to admit, it is entertaining to see the emotional meltdowns and the self preservation efforts.

I don't know if this is editing, or if they are just dumb, but right after the merge when one tribe was so tight and the other was being eliminated - I was surprised that no one said "You know - they've NEVER taken 6 to the final vote. Three of you are going to be gone. Coach seems to be a leader here - who do you think he is planning to take with him? Are you comfortable with your spot?

Even when they were down to 6 and Edna was on her way out (and I was glad to see her leave - holy annoying!) I would've loved for her to say to Jeff "Hey Jeff, these 5 seem to think that you're going to take them all to a final vote. Have you ever done something like that?" Then ask them if they'd rather be number 4-5 with Coach or if they'd like to join with her to see if they can go a little further.

And I have to admit - I'm looking forward to either Ozzie or Brandon rejoining the tribe. Either way there should be some decent fireworks. Either Ozzie telling them all how he's just going to continue winning challenges, how much they all suck, etc....or Brandon going off about integrity and being a Christian and how they were dishonest with him.

Finally - I'd really enjoy seeing Coach have another conversation with Brandon's Dad after last night. That could be fun to watch too.

[Green Monstah]

I think this season may kill the show for a few reasons.

1. It's been really, really creepy. It has always been a little creepy, but got really weird when Coach's Cult won an immunity challenge after he prayed, and then he forced everyone to get on their knees to pray instead of celebrating.

2. It's the first time I can remember (have watched 80% of the seasons) where a group of five were able to stick together the entire show and there were never any bold plays. Quite frankly, it was a little boring to watch.

On my mission (was out when the show started), I hated Survivor. Our P-days were Thursdays, and so when we'd go out after dinner, EVERYONE was watching the freaking show and would cancel our appointments. I too came to love it, but after three or four great seasons, this one has been a dud, IMO.

Also, love that Dawn cussed when she was eliminated. She seems like a great individual.

[myboynoah]

Also, love that Dawn cussed when she was eliminated. She seems like a great individual.

I like Dawn, but she messed up big time by not blowing up Cochran's plan when she had the chance. Had she let her tribemates know, they could have taken control then. I guess she felt some loyalty to Cochran, which he didn't return.

But I bet those are difficult things to see there on the ground.

[Eddie]

I've talked to someone who has had conversations with Dawn since she returned. It's given some pretty interesting insights into the show and just how much they choreograph things.

First - she said that they told her what to wear. And I mean EXACTLY what to wear. They had her mail it to them for approval, and they didn't like her jacket the first time so they mailed it back and told her to get another - with specifics as to what it should be like.

I always thought some of the players had to be complete idiots with what they wear onto the show. I mean, I would be wearing what I wanted to have on for the duration from the moment I arrived, just in case. But this makes me think some aren't as big of dolts as they appear to be.

Dawn also said that she was pretty good friends with one of the younger gals and that they did everything together, but that all of those interactions were edited out.

Finally - she said that the tribal councils were typically VERY intense, and would at times go on for several hours. So they have a lot of material to work with when they edit all of that down to the final 5-10 minutes of tribal council that makes the cut.

Anyway - I still find it interesting. And as boring as it may have been having the 5 stick together, I think that just makes it all the more interesting going forward - who gets dropped and how do they take it? Does anyone ever take on coach or do they let him coast into the final? Of Ozzie and Brandon - who rejoins the tribe, and can they form an alliance with a couple of players to form a couple of groups of three?

Some seasons are definitely better than others. But that is true of all shows.

I have to admit - once Cochran said that if they voted him out at #7 after he dumped his own team it might be the dumbest thing anyone on survivor has ever done - I couldn't have been happier to see him be voted down.

[SuperGabers]

I think this season may kill the show for a few reasons.

1. It's been really, really creepy. It has always been a little creepy, but got really weird when Coach's Cult won an immunity challenge after he prayed, and then he forced everyone to get on their knees to pray instead of celebrating.

2. It's the first time I can remember (have watched 80% of the seasons) where a group of five were able to stick together the entire show and there were never any bold plays. Quite frankly, it was a little boring to watch.

On my mission (was out when the show started), I hated Survivor. Our P-days were Thursdays, and so when we'd go out after dinner, EVERYONE was watching the freaking show and would cancel our appointments. I too came to love it, but after three or four great seasons, this one has been a dud, IMO.

Also, love that Dawn cussed when she was eliminated. She seems like a great individual.

Yes! I have been trying to pinpoint my boredom and you just enlightened me as to why! I totally agree.

[RobinFinderson]

Cochran's smart move would have been to stick with his team... for a little bit longer. But you have to give him credit for recognizing that he was his team's Edna. Cochran's team messed up by not letting Cochran think that he was much more appreciated than he was. Cochran's mistake was to jump ship too soon.

[myboynoah]

Yes! I have been trying to pinpoint my boredom and you just enlightened me as to why! I totally agree.

I think the show recognized that and had two tribal councils in one show simply because they couldn't even try to generate some kind of drama about the vote.

[myboynoah]

Cochran's smart move would have been to stick with his team... for a little bit longer. But you have to give him credit for recognizing that he was his team's Edna. Cochran's team messed up by not letting Cochran think that he was much more appreciated than he was. Cochran's mistake was to jump ship too soon.

You're right. It was pretty funny when they fully sniffed out his little spy attempt, then he turned coat quicker than Benedict Arnold.

I liked Cochran and all his escapades and commentary.

[DrumNFeather]

Interesting finale last night. There's always one person who doesn't understand how they are viewed by the tribe and this year it was Albert. He was right though, that not getting rid of Sophie ultimately cost Coach the million dollers.

The reunion was kind of hit and miss as well. If true, it's sad that Brandon's family wouldn't support him at the finale except for russell, who was only really there for himself.

The next one takes a different slant on the game where the tribes both share the same space, so that should make for some good drama.

Overall, a decent season.

[SuperGabers]

Interesting finale last night. There's always one person who doesn't understand how they are viewed by the tribe and this year it was Albert. He was right though, that not getting rid of Sophie ultimately cost Coach the million dollers.

The reunion was kind of hit and miss as well. If true, it's sad that Brandon's family wouldn't support him at the finale except for russell, who was only really there for himself.

The next one takes a different slant on the game where the tribes both share the same space, so that should make for some good drama.

Overall, a decent season.

And you just knew they were setting up a Hantz on Hantz season...