Survivor and beyond (Reality TV)

[November]

’m so glad you saw this too. I was like ”Surely, they write down Logan.” and then it DIDNT happen. Because then they could have gotten two immunity idols out of play in one game move. What a flop!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad my boy Paulie gets another chance at life in the game. But it could have been a legendary move. And it wasn’t. AJ and Myles are going to regret not getting Logan out when they had the chance.

I'm loving the season, but not for the great gameplay! I'm loving it because the stories are good despite the gameplay. I cant predict the winner at all, the editing is too good.

But I selfishly like how terribly Sai is playing and it makes it interesting. Mary was a genius in playing mind games with them. I hope the tribal swap gets Mary a new chance at life!

Totally agreed! Sai does not seem like the most fun person to have as a friend, but shes excellent tv! Mary could go all the way with her social skills.

 

[Stake fodder]

Jeff is definitely not concerned with any fans outside of the US, he actually seems quite hostile towards international versions.

Probably because he knows they are better liked! It's foolish to not care about international viewers. I don't know how it compares with movies, but it's well known that they get much or most of their profit overseas.

Right! It’s only a legendary or historic tribal council because there’s 4 people with 800 advantages going to their 3rd tribal council in a row at the start of the game.

That's another problem I have with recent seasons: the avalanche of advantages. I feel like they warp the strategy and vote too much.

They should at least make them do firemaking or something at 4, regardless of what advantages or idols there are. That would make it interesting!

Firemaking is a great idea! Much better than rocks.

Mary was a genius in playing mind games with them. I hope the tribal swap gets Mary a new chance at life!

I like Mary, too. I don't know why they targeted her early on, but she's proven she's a good player. It was hilarious how crazy she was making Sai.

 

[November]

Dr Will is absolutely hilarious on DONDI. He made David confess that he won Australian Survivor, agreed to help him build a (literal) bridge, and then threw the last plank into the ocean. 🤣 🤣 🤣
If they dont vote out David and Parvarti - first thing - on Survivor AU vs the World, this may be a prequel to a great game.
One more ep of DONDI to go, left it on a cliffhanger - again!

It was hilarious how crazy she was making Sai.

So, so funny. Thats smart play, the way she sprinted off on the beach had me cackling. I'm glad both her and Sai have survived.

 

[November]

Excellent US ep! Well paced, and a great play at the end 😀 Awesome!
I loved the challenge, everyone really going for it, which has been a sore point in AU this season. Im not a fan of so many thrown challenges, I like to see them all try as hard as they can.
I sorta love the commentary on the crap camp causing crap performance as well. But in saying that, Vula were ahead until the puzzle. But Thomas called it - they came from a place that wanted them to lose.

 

[Stake fodder]

I was relieved to see the tribe switch, and to see the old Vula players moved where they have a chance again.

I don't think it's wise for so many players to be throwing their former tribe members under the bus. I feel like it will backlash on Eva particularly though Star does not seem to have many allies. I feel sorry for her.

Vula were ahead until the puzzle. But Thomas called it - they came from a place that wanted them to lose.

Vula does seem cursed. Brilliant play by Kyle and Kamillah. I'm so happy to see the "California girls" broken up - too much power there.

 

[November]

But listen, Star.... at this point, you've been together for 3 days, you know people are going to have made allegiances. Why do we get everyone involved in the cipher? And then to isolate one individual. It just makes you a bigger target.

Star does not seem to have many allies. I feel sorry for her.

Is this the fault of the Beware advantage, or the fault of the player? Its hard to tell. Star does seem isolated, is this a consequence of taking the Beware?

Kyle and Kamilla playing very smart. I want Kyle to win - he has already played such a good game, from start to his correct idol play.

 

[Stake fodder]

Is this the fault of the Beware advantage, or the fault of the player? Its hard to tell. Star does seem isolated, is this a consequence of taking the Beware?

It could be both. I feel like Star isn't getting much camera time, so it's hard to tell, but she didn't seem to be gelling with her tribe mates, old or new.

But also, she told people about the advantage, but wouldn't let them help her figure out the password. It's lucky she stayed on Lagi beach, or maybe she would never be able to get her vote back. Not sure what the producers' plan was with idols that were beach-dependent, and people switching beaches.

I voted in the Survivor 50 options, and hope you both can, too.

Survivor Season 50 Fan Favorite Vote

You decide who the Fan Favorite is of Survivor Season 50. Vote now!

www.survivor50cbs.votenow.tv

I wasn't sure about the tribe switch, but voted no, as it would be interesting to go back to that dynamic. I voted fewest advantages and for a non-athletic challenge.

 

[Cohen]

I did the marble track challenge, yes to tribal switch and minimal advantages. I would prefer for none but you know how they are. I like the tribal swap in 2 tribe seasons. It seems pointless in 3 tribe seasons.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

If only an airplane crashed on the island where survivor is filmed, that way survivor and Lost would have a greater viewership. Would it have more viewers though?

PS I am not exactly an avid viewer of either show, just in case you didn't notice.

 

[Stake fodder]

@November Wont let me vote in my location 😞

Totally unfair! 😡 Of course, they may ignore the votes, anyway. I notice they don't say which options are winning.

I did the marble track challenge, yes to tribal switch and minimal advantages.

I chose the marble track, too, but I couldn't think how to describe it! I want one that gives everyone an equal chance.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that @Stake fodder
please let me tell you
that all your votes(?) area counted,
A-L-T-H-O-U-G-H (tee hee)
please note that any votes not for the girl who once was a member of Black Thorn are considered to have gotten lost.

 

[November]

I'm rewatching this season of AU and am slightly worried that Logan is getting a winners edit. Her intro package looks nothing like her! It is truly amazing what makeup can do. Even from the start it does team up Logan and Laura vs AJ and Myles. Which makes the Laura blindside that much better.

 

[November]

It makes me LOL when they keep mentioning Steve Bradbury, cos I'm pretty sure he was on Survivor too. He didnt win.

Auction? Not auction 🙁 hmm betting could be fun...
Cohen gona be doing that Paulie dance on his next visit to southern hospitality.
LMAO "Pass" me too dude. I wouldn't be all sad about it either, I love pickles!
Myles probably got the good deal out of his two, a whole loaf of bread isnt a bad deal!

I would be so scared to wear so little as Morgan and Kate do. Arnt they worried about being bitten by things! There are some places you dont want to be bitten by bugs.

Tough immunity but nice to have one for the little ladies.

Hmm. I duno if I wanted this twist, but they do need enough content for 3 eps a week - which I do want!

Paulie and Logan are so sour over this haha. Logan using emotions, I hope it backfires on her - I hate it when the popular kid wins over the one who played best - Like in the first Brains Vs Brawn. Haylee should not have won that.

 

[November]

AU monday ep 17

Spoiler: Live time reacts

Hahaaah Paulie and Logan should be a power couple. The filters on the Barron vs Bounty tribe are so funny! Comedy ep of the season. I like this twist actually.
Wow, wouldn't have called Morgan being out so soon, she must be hiding her inner challenge beast?
Big feet... who wants to be Paulies pole right now?

Hmm Myles, why do you make these decisions? It must be different on the beach to the edit. Why not get Logan now? Shes gona beat you mate.
Hes swinging wildly, and its not out of character. Chaotic player. I dont understand why he would choose Kristen - the least threating! Is he playing chess?

AJ is polarising, but I LOVE his game. Actual player. I'd love to see him back again. I dont think he is as bad socially as he is shown - the way he handled AI Allie was far better than I could have! And Kate does have beautiful eyes. Her lips must be tattooed?

Paulie is fighting for his life! Dont blame him. Yes this does seem like an all too convenient scramble... scared of the blindside ON ME!

Ohhhh Logan, playing dangerous, but I get it, throwing Paulie under the bus does save her and take out a Myles ally.

Good boy AJ dont tell Karin anything. Snake.
Love JLPs smile.

Ad for Masterchef - you see why we love these shows downunder - we really get to know the characters when its on 2-4 times a week. It gets us sucked right in, rooting for our faves.

 

[November]

Ep 18 Tuesday AU Now we're getting somewhere!

Spoiler: reactys tribal spoilers

Myles, talking yourself up too much - you better win immunity now! Haha but I love him. Tweedle-dipshit 🤣
Yes AJ go for Karin - good read, as long as the girls don't spill the beans.
Game respects Game .. My fairy mind says Like calls to Like.

This reward outcome couldn't be better for AJ again - a chance to make ties with Kristen. And choosing Kaelen is smart too since he seems close with Kristen. Yes AJ has an underrated social game.

Morgan would have her ass blurred if she was on US

Kristen! You tweedle dipshit! They all called it that Karlin would blow up if she knew. At least shes putting up a good fight!
HAHA Logan claiming ownership. I hope AJ can prove his game at the end...

 

[Cohen]

I am hoping episode 18 is available by the time I get home. It wasn't yesterday. I was sad to see Paulie voted out in 17, but I'm excited to see how AJ and Myles continue to thwart the game. They have been so entertaining this season. I wouldn't be mad if they got rid of Logan.

 

[Stake fodder]

US Survivor ep5:

Wow, I have watched every season of this show, and I don't think I've ever seen Jeff crack up like he did with Eva. That was a great moment in the show. And I think Eva did really well, actually. She still did her part of the challenge, and I think she would have calmed herself even without Joe.

I can't believe Star gave away her idol, though! I don't think that has ever happened, either, without trickery. I hope she doesn't regret it, but it seems certain she will.

I think Bianca played the vote as well as she could. Without a vote, she was not going to be able to manipulate it like she thought. However, Sai is going to have no trust for Cedrik now.

Previews mentioned something about "different belief systems." I'm still waiting to find out what that meant!

 

[November]

US reacts - loving this season too!

Spoiler: reacty rants

Kyle and Kamilla FTW!
STRAIGHT into a challenge. Action straight away always pulls me in. Plus a skills challenge! HHAHAHA "That was an abysmal failure", I do still love Jeff. Some hilarious commentary tonight.
MILK mmm my kind of guy!

Wow Joe, good photo and editing. The world has moved so fast. Good reminder. I like this convo on tv.
I get this, from speaking to my neighbours. The racism is still extreme here. My neighbour still talks about when women were not allowed in the front bar. His drive home to the farm was through bush tracks where aboriginal tribes lived. I share a fence with Elders who have only just been recognised in the last year for their families contribution to town, before town was here. Its crazy how recent it is.

I love swimming challenges. The water looks so inviting so i really do love to watch it on hot summer nights. Vulas first win!

I think she would have calmed herself even without Joe.

I can't believe Star gave away her idol, though! I don't think that has ever happened, either, without trickery. I hope she doesn't regret it, but it seems certain she will.

Agreed!!

I duno if Eva should have been allowed on the show if she truly requires that much support . If I am unable to ground myself and act like that - I am taken away by police and locked up for 72 hours. If she is unable to ground herself - she gets a hug? Nah Not a fan - if her DSM label was "antisocial personality disorder" or "Schizophrenia" the reaction to her would be very different. If she had been born in another country, or if her parents had been poor - she might not have an autism diagnosis at all.

I guess its one of those things that triggers the "better or luckier" argument from Buffy in my head. Eva is very proud of herself for achieving so much in life, but its not because she worked any harder, its because she was lucky enough to have those opportunities for growth and the support through it. Yeah it triggers me because I worked with so many non verbal and low iq children with autism who are not represented by the current crop of autistic influencers. Thats a *me* thing, unrelated to Survivor.

Star is a dumbass giving her idol away. Eva is playing better socially than Star was! I'd like to rewatch and ponder if Star perhaps feels guilty for leaving Eva out of the idol thing, or if this game play, an idol that everyone knows about is a target.

Great vote at the end. Im glad it wasnt Sai gone. Cedric is sneaky

I am still loving this season. I didnt find this episode to drag. I wonder how the 90 min episodes fair on a rewatch. I havent tried any of them yet.

 

[Stake fodder]

I duno if Eva should have been allowed on the show if she truly requires that much support .

I questioned that at first, too. So far, though, I think she's done pretty well. And other people have had their meltdown moments, too, like that emo guy last season. I do think she's been very lucky to never have to go to tribal council yet, and I wonder how she will handle that.

I agree, though, that she would not have gotten a pass with a different diagnosis. I also think that, as a 24-yo woman, she was likely viewed as less risky than a bigger man with autism might have been.

Eva is very proud of herself for achieving so much in life, but its not because she worked any harder, its because she was lucky enough to have those opportunities for growth and the support through it.

Yes, but then most players have been lucky in some way, as the conversation among the Vula players about their parents' hardships showed. I am rooting for Eva, not necessarily to win, but to succeed in playing Survivor in general. I see she is by a few years the youngest player, and I wonder how much she's been tested in the real world; some people will be willing to help you, many won't.

But it was heartening to see Star, who disliked her before, now speak positively to her. It's another life lesson from the show, that a lot of our interpersonal problems come from not understanding each other.

I didnt find this episode to drag. I wonder how the 90 min episodes fair on a rewatch. I havent tried any of them yet.

I love being able to record the episodes on my trusty VCR. I can skip all the ads (cuts almost 30 minutes!), and if Jeff goes on too long at tribal council, I can fast-forward. That's about the only part that I find dragging consistently.

 

[November]

And other people have had their meltdown moments

Liz's "IM PISSED" about Applebees still makes me giggle. Everyone was scared of her after that. The way they looked at her was not compassionate.
Its not the meltdown that irked me, that's fine, show that and show her recovery, but its more that, as a viewer, it felt arced up so they could have their teaching moment.

she is by a few years the youngest player, and I wonder how much she's been tested in the real world; some people will be willing to help you, many won't.

Thats a good point, I hadn't considered her age. Maybe that is why she doesn't have anything nice to say about the women. And I wonder if that has factored into her seeking out Joe - a fatherly type, to be her helper from the start.

Tribal, especially after merge will be interesting. Thats hard socially on anyone. In the current Survivor AU Logan is having a grump every time someone writes her name down saying "I didn't expect this from my friends". It could be tough to remember it is a game. (Logan has blamed neurospice for the reactions on X/twitter).

I love being able to record the episodes on my trusty VCR. I can skip all the ads (cuts almost 30 minutes!), and if Jeff goes on too long at tribal council, I can fast-forward.

🤣 🤣 🤣 I watch on 9now so I can skip ahead but cant skip ads. I dont mind the ads- I usually need to get up a couple times in a 90 min show! Rewatching the Star bit now - thinking that giving the idol was as innocent as it looked - she just wanted an ally and noticed that Eva would likely see it as a show of loyalty over anything else.

Sai is still so fun to watch. I love the chaotic players. Cedrick is smart, but hes not got the charisma in his confessionals. He made a good move with the information he had. And there is no doubt that it is his move.

I am happy with this trajectory that the show is on, survivor 50 may be as epic as hoped!