Survivor Live: Blake

Survivor Live: Blake
Hosts: Dalton Ross and Tom Westman

On Being Voted Off
He still didn't see it coming. He thinks Bobby Jon switched his vote at the last minute to seem to be going along with the group. In hindsight he should of had more of a clue. The day of the Tribal Council Blake wanted to tell Brian that he was being voted off but Brandon and Bobby Jon said that wouldn't be a good idea. Why was Brian their pick to be voted off (last week the order was going to be Amy, Brian, Gary)? Amy is a hard worker and hilarious to have around camp.

There Goes the Judd
Judd is miserable in Guatemala and just doesn't want to be there. He is virtually friendless [that's a big problem in this game] although he was kind of friendly with Brandon. However Judd even bad-mouthed Brandon behind his back. Judd was so much of a handful that Jeff Probst at times didn't know what to do with him.

Stephenie
The three of them spent some time talking about Stephenie. Blake said he didn't spend much time with her (he was never in a tribe with her) but he did say that he thought her athletic ability was over rated. Blake said he thought Danni was better than Stephenie. Tom said the real truth about Stephenie's personality is between the all-American girl image of Palau and her portrayal so far on Guatemala.

The Others
Everyone knows that Gary is lying and was in the NFL - it's no big deal. Blake said he was real close with Margaret [I guess they became so while he was so sick.] Brian is obviously very smart and no one believed him when he said that he attended Connecticut State (or some such nonsense). Brian is also a real student of Survivor, however he gives himself more credit than he deserves for things like getting Blake voted off. Brian also said that he doesn't want to just slide through the game he wants to be a factor in it. Jaime is a pretty cocky kid. Blake was very grateful for the back scratching that Danni did for him

Tom mentioned that we haven't seen the sleeping arrangements. Blake said that people really aren't sleeping together because it is so hot. The only real choice is sleeping with clothes on and being really hot but bug free or less clothes and cooler but more bugs.

What's Next for Blake
He's applying to the FBI but if that doesn't work out he will go back to the real estate business in Dallas. He thought about going Hollywood but Bobby Jon told him how much trouble he's had in several years of trying.

Episode 5: Blake Gone

Blake Gone
official title: Crocs, Cowboys, and City Slickers

Summary: Yaxha easily win Reward, a crocodile proof swimming pool, but Nakum win Immunity. With help from Brian's scheming (Bait Blake) Blake is voted off at Tribal Council. It looks like Danni went against her old tribe mates.

After the recap of last week's episode, Stephenie says that she's sick of losing. Judd and Margaret have a few words. He says this is a cutthroat game. In private Margaret tells us that Judd is a traitor and Judd says he only cares about his family's love; he doesn't care what the others think of him, he'll do what it takes to win. Over on Yaxha, Blake tells us that he likes his new tribe. They have the numbers and he thinks the odds for him are good. Amy freaks out over a beetle and is surprised to learn that they can fly. In confessional Brian admits to being a city slicker amongst the outdoorsy.

Reward Challenge
Competition: Watch the Tram Car, Please
Reward: a crocodile proof swimming pool

At two stations four long wooden handles must be freed and then the handles are used in a turnstile to wench a rope that pulls a cart up a hill. The tribe then gets in the cart and rides it down to the finish line.

This was all Yaxha. Jaime started first for Nakum but he never finished the first station (cutting through a rope with a sharp rock) before Yaxha crossed the finish line. Brandon chopped his way through the rope very quickly and Yaxha never looked back. Jeff even said it was one of the biggest blowouts so far on Survivor Guatemala. After the win Bobby Jon gloats a little and it irks Nakum.

The pool is a floating swim cage at the end of a little dock with a deck around it. It's big enough so that all of them can get into it at once. They also won margaritas, guacamole and chips. As they enjoy their reward, we learn that Brian is playing his Bait Blake game - get him to talk so it pisses the others off. Blake does come off as a jerk as he tells stories of his dating and drinking and women. Gary says "So what you're saying Blake is I don't want you dating my daughters." Danni doesn't look like she is happy with Blake either and Amy has dubbed him the Golden Boy. Brandon (pictured) however is being modest about his fine performance in the Reward Challenge, Gary says of him "he's a new hero."

Over on Nakum most of them are publicly supportive of Jaime, but privately they are a little upset at him. Judd says "we got our asses kicked." Jaime says that he tried his best and the others say things like 'that's all you can do.'

Immunity Challenge
Competition: Catapult and Catch

Brian and Lydia take turn catapulting balls while groups of three try to catch the balls. The first tribe to catch five balls wins. Nakum won 5 to 2, the group of Stephenie, Judd and Rafe did well catching for them.

Scheming
Gary and Brian (pictured) want to get Blake voted off, they just need one member from old Nakum to flip. Who will it be? Next we see Danni talking with Brandon about voting for Blake. Brandon says that there is no way he will vote for him.

Yaxha at Tribal Council
(paraphrased, not word for word)
Jeff Probst: Gary, the other night was a character building night wasn't it? [it rained a lot and only Brian and Blake slept through it]
Gary: Yes it was but some of us slept ok.
Brian: I'm sorry I didn't realize you were having it so rough.
Blake: I can sleep through anything.
Amy: That's the Golden Boy.
Jeff Probst: Blake that's your nickname? Earlier you were gasping for breath and now you're Golden Boy?
Blake: Well, I went through some rough times but now I'm better.
Jeff Probst: Brian is the social aspect of this game becoming a factor?
Brian: Yes, it really has ramped up recently.
Jeff Probst: Amy do you feel this is one group?
Amy: Yes, even though by the numbers I am at a disadvantage.
Jeff Probst: Blake how about you?
Blake: I feel like were one.
Jeff Probst: Bobby Jon is this a tough vote?
Bobby Jon: Yes, they are all tough.

Time to Vote:
Blake 4 votes, Brian 2 votes.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
I have a feeling this game just took a turn, it's a whole new game now.

Blake's final words: I didn't see it coming. Why? I'm strong, I guess they don't need/want strong players. [He reminds me of Fredo in the Godfather, "I'm smart Mikey, I can handle things."]

Alliances
Well, well well . . . things didn't go as the Three Amigos (Brandon, Bobby Jon and Blake) had planned. I assume Danni flipped, I guess she doesn't mind voting with that liar Gary - for now anyway. Judd better watch his butt. Stephenie, Jaime, Rafe and Lydia can vote him off now and still have the numbers against Cindy and Margaret.

Heroes and Villains
I'm sick of Stephenie, she's no longer America's girl to me. I'm done rooting for her. All she does is whine when she loses and to top it off tonight after the Reward Challenge she said Bobby Jon cheers like a girl.

Won Reward: Yaxha
(croc proof swim pool)

Won Immunity: Nakum

Voted Off: Blake
(4 votes to 2)

Preview Episode 5

title: Crocs, Cowboys, and City Slickers
CBS, 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005
Episode #1105.

from the Survivor web site:
When pounding rain takes its toll on a tribe, one member voices frustrations by calling out some of the others.

An incredible Reward is won after one castaway blazes through the Challenge.

One self-absorbed Survivor annoys the tribe with endless stories of a glamorous life beyond Survivor.

from Yahoo TV:
Winners of the Reward Challenge get a crocodile-proof swimming pool delivered to their camp; the driving rain takes its toll on the castaways, leading one to an outburst; another castaway irks tribe members with tales of a glamorous life.

Predictions
My usual sources for predictions are all quiet, so I'll venture my own guesses. Cowboys must a reference to Gary (he played for the Dallas Cowboys). Who else is a cowboy? Brandon maybe? Judd I would describe as a City Slicker but who else? Amy maybe?

So just going by the episode's title I hereby predict that Amy is voted off at Tribal Council. It sounds like the episode will deal with Yaxha a lot which means they go to TC. The old Nakum 4 on Yaxha have said they are targeting Amy first. If Nakum go to TC then look for Cindy or Margaret to be voted off tonight.

Survivor News Flash

Survivor News Flash

Survivor Host Gushes About New Love
New York (AP Oct. 11, 2005) - "Survivor" host Jeff Probst can't stop gushing about "Vanuatu" contestant Julie Berry.

"I finally met someone who could teach me about love," Probst says of Berry in the Oct. 17 issue of People magazine.

Berry, one of 18 contestants on CBS' "Survivor: Vanuatu — Islands of Fire," was among the five still in the running before she was voted off by her rivals. The winner of the ninth edition of the reality show was revealed in December 2004.

The couple didn't start dating until after the show was over, Probst has said. His five-year marriage to Shelley Wright ended in divorce in 2001.

Berry, 24, has moved from Gorham, Maine, to Los Angeles, where she is earning her master's degree in marriage and family therapy at California State University, Northridge.

"Being committed to each other — that's the point," Berry tells the magazine.

Meanwhile, Probst, 43, is mulling renewal of his "Survivor" contract, which is up after he tapes the show's 12th edition this fall.

"There's the inevitable point where you go, `Do I want to do other things?'" he says. "But ... I'll never have as good a job as `Survivor.'"

Jeff Probst Quitting Survivor?
There are several news sources reporting that host Jeff Probst is considering life after Survivor (here's one such article at E! Online). Basically he says that six years is a long time to do one show and now that he's in love with Julie Berry they are considering starting a family together. His contract is up after Survivor Guatemala and he is contemplating whether or not he wants to continue his hosting duties. Doing two editions of Survivor a year means he spends four to six months out of the country. However he does say that he would have trouble finding as good a job as Survivor.

"Love is the E-ticket ride at Disneyland," Jeff Probst (how romantic)

Who Else Can Host Survivor?
The producers of Survivor mentioned that they would consider former Survivors as a possible replacement for Jeff Probst. I think the list is a rather short one.

Long shots: Richard Hatch, winner Borneo, would be a good choice but he is too busy dealing with the IRS. Ethan, winner Africa, not enough experience in front of the camera. Elizabeth, Outback, current host of the View; I don't think she would give up that gig. Jenna Lewis, Borneo, has experience in front of a camera however some of it is of an adult nature so she's out. Rupert, Pearl Island, is popular but has no real TV experience.

Having a decent chance: Jenna Morasca, winner Amazon, has TV hosting experience and is generally well liked (although I don't care for her). Rob C., Amazon, has been on Kill Reality and is the co-producer of the horror movie. Colby, runner-up Outback, would be a good choice however he has a budding acting career and I don't know if he wants to go back to reality TV. Shii Ann, Thailand, has co-hosting experience ( IMDb ) and is in a profession (corporate recruiter) where presentation skills are required. Here's her bio at RealityTV world .

I vote for Shii Ann (pictured), however looking at the former Survivors it would not surprise me if someone other than a former Survivor replaces Jeff Probst if the need arises.

Survivor Instinct

Survivor Instinct
Second Thoughts and Sudden Thoughts About Survivor

Judd, Smart or Stupid?
Was Judd's "betrayal" of the old Nakum tribe a smart thing for him to do or not? A lot of people seem to think it was a stupid move, but I'm not so sure. His critics say Judd should have suggested Rafe or Lydia to be voted off to Stephenie and Jaime. That way old Nakum would have the majority and Judd would be the swing vote. Judd could then vote with Stephenie, Jaime and Rafe/Lydia or he could vote with Cindy, Margaret and Brooke. The only problem with that strategy is often the person in the middle like that becomes the target and is voted off. I'm not sure Judd has skill and social grace to pull something like that off.

Additionally what's the real danger? Brooke won't be on the jury to decide who wins the million dollars and neither will Cindy or Margaret if they're the next two to go. Judd has to hope he makes the merge (assuming there is a merge). Blake, Brandon and Bobby Jon (former Nakum now on Yaxha) will understand that Judd "had to do what he did."

If Nakum can just win a few of the upcoming Immunity Challenges then I think Judd will be OK.

In the News
Reality TV: America's fast track to fame and fortune (Reuters)
This article talks about reality TV and a new book How to Get on Reality TV, by Matthew Robinson. Here's some highlights: 25,000 to 50,000 people apply to be on the top reality TV shows like Survivor. Almost all of them regret it, with the exception of everybody on Amazing Race, all of whom loved it. The Bachelor participants said they totally regretted it and ended up looking like idiots. "The experience of being on these shows is pretty traumatic. I feel for a lot of people who come out of it totally shell-shocked," Robinson said.

Robinson said he was surprised at the hurdles potential contestants have to go through, including spending several days sequestered in a hotel, full medicals by three separate doctors, psychological tests and background checks by private investigators. "Most people quit their jobs to get on these shows. People definitely sacrifice a lot," he said.

Reality TV is here to stay because you can do an entire season of The Bachelor for the same cost as one episode of ER.

Survivor Sighting
Was that Colby (Australian Outback) that I just saw on NBC's Las Vegas? It sure sounded like him and kind of looked like him (the character had long hair). Yes, that is him flirting with Samantha (Vanessa Marcil).