Yeah, and I think he even realizes it at this point.
Interesting rule clarification from Jeff:
I would be fine with a “returning players” season every five or six years, but I think a 3 season limit for players would be good. Although I wouldn’t mind an “All-star All Stars” season only of players who have played multiple seasons.
Yeah, I don’t mind returning players in an all star game, but there was a period in which it seemed like every season had returning players. My idea is for the opposite of an all star game: a season of returning players who were all goats.
Survivor: Trainwreck Island.
I meant tomorrow night.
I don’t think I could take a season full of guys like Philip and Coach.
I could excited for a No-Stars season where everyone is a returning player who never made the merge in any previous season.
It’d probably get old, but think of the bizarre “strategy” and insane tribal councils. Maybe a half season that starts after the merge with everyone playing an individual game. It would be nuttier than a squirrel’s turd.
I think I would spend the entire first episode saying “I have no idea who these people are.”
A crazy challenge. I don’t think I could do 6 minutes.
I have to say I’m really happy with this cast. All of the jury members seems to be leaving with class and dignity, and that makes the game better. I think this is the second or third time they’ve mentioned that they’ve all given each other permission to play and not take things personally, and they seem to be taking that to heart (have to wait for the finale to be sure of course).
So bravo Alec and Carl for leaving with heads held high and acknowledging defeat with grace. Kudos!
Great episode! Maybe not the insane tribals of the past two weeks, but great political scheming, which is the heart of Survivor. I think almost any of the remaining cast could win, and I’d be relatively ok with it. Still cheering for Christian though.
I do the Why ___ Lost podcast with Jessica Lewis from Millennials vs. Gen X. It’s on the Rob Has a Podcast Survivor feed and the Reality TV RHAP-Ups feed (but not the firehose overall Rob Has a Podcast feed). Our podcast usually comes out late Sunday night/early Monday morning.
After Alec won the reward challenge and did a backflip into the water, I was ready to cheer him on. But he knew he was a big target and didn’t do squat to go look for an idol or an advantage or anything.
I was happy to see Carl go. He was getting very annoying.
It feels like the editors are grooming Christian for a return season.
I actually think the person to watch is Nick. He’s playing a great game while staying in the background.
Important note: If you DVR’d this episode, go back and watch the part when they get letters from loved ones. Pause on the shot of Mike’s letter from his dad and read it (it’s perfectly legible if you get the right frame). It’s hilarious.
Plus he has a Hidden Immunity Idol (are they becoming too easy to find?), which is really strong late game.
Christian also has one, but he’s become a much more visible target. It would be difficult for anyone to win against Christian in the end.
I couldn’t help but call that first immunity challenge the “crucifixion challenge”, and I really thought one of the women would win. Once it was down to Christian and Alec, my money was on Christian just because he weighs considerably less. Christian was smart to try and distract himself with storytelling. Meanwhile Alec was passing out. 
The editors tried hard, but there was no way anyone should buy that Christian would shrug, say, hey, I just went through 5.5 hours of torture to keep Alec from getting immunity, but sure, let’s go after Carl instead.
They showed Gabby trying to go after Christian, so likely he’s safe next week.
So Christ(ian) won the crucifixion challenge? Makes sense.
I’m glad Davie brought up the “black card” and the basketball challenge, so I didn’t have to.
He’s experienced!
I like Davie, and I think he has a shot at winning. He’s played a very good game so far. I just think Nick has a bit of an edge in terms of his social game. Christian’s social game is amazingly good, even if you don’t consider that he’s such a nerd. Amanda is trying really hard, but she’s just not very likable (is that the rice-lady’s name?).
ETA: Oops, it’s Angelina.
Let’s talk about Angelina’s “Advanced Negotiation” techniques:
- Admit you’re desperate
- Say you have an offer but ask to see the other side’s offer first.
- Offer a lot, and then admit you are lowballing
- Hope they come back with something that will make you look good.
- If that fails, ask quietly for what you want over and over again.
Yeah, I found that pretty humorous as well. Start with the hammock, let Jeff work his way up from there (or not). Probst probably knew the offer was coming since the in-camp discussions had been filmed ahead of time, so he was already prepared with the “volunteer to skip the immunity challenge” counter-offer.
And man, you’ve got to think one of the bedrock rules of Survivor has to be “one beer, tops, on a reward”. Save getting shitfaced for when you get voted out.