Sandra Beats Parvati & Russell to Win Survivor Heroes vs. Villains

That's the look on Sandra Diaz-Twine's face when Jeff Probst flipped over a ballot while saying the winner of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, is, revealing "Sandra" as the winner.

This makes two times, now, that having Sandra win made it a good ending for me, for Survivor. More often than not I'm not all that thrilled with the winner.

Like the previous outing on Samoa. I want Russell Hantz to win. It seemed ridiculous that Natalie won. Russell seemed to have the majority with him that time. In the audience, I mean.

This time, not so much. Back to back Survivors had turned Russell into a really nasty mouthed Super Villain.

Good natured JT continued to be a good-natured guy, taking the ribbing and the trophy for making the Dumbest Move in Survivor History, with a laugh and a smile.

Some of these Survivors really need to not show up on Survivor again. Old Grumpy Man, Colby Donaldson, is one. Colby's anger management issues, as revealed when he kept yelling at his big brother, Reid, in the Toss Water Challenge, was pretty embarrassing. What is Colby like when cameras are not on him, one can not help but wonder?

Another who really really wore out his welcome, with me, is Rupert Boneham. Enough with the antique hippie/pirate act. Lose the beard and the tie-dye. Drop the sanctimonious holier than thou act.

Creepy Coach, Ben Wade, toned it down, somewhat, from the demented crazy man act he perpetrated when we first met him. But, still, we need not see this guy again. His style of sanctimoniousness manages to be even more annoying than Rupert's. And all his warrior talk. What makes me think that if this boy ever got into a real situation that called for a warrior mentality that he'd wet his pants and run away screaming like a scared school girl?

I would not be too bothered if CBS put Parvati on my Survivor screen again. Nothing about her really annoys me. Well, there is that tramp stamp tattoo she has on her lower back. Those lose BIG points with me.

I don't know what happened with Jerri Manthey between when she was in the Australian Outback, lusting after Colby, and the 2010 Samoa version, with no lust for Colby, with the lust replaced by the assessment that Colby has no personality. I found the 2010 Jerri very likable. Had she ended up in the Final 3, I'm thinking Jerri may have beaten Sandra for the win.

As for Russell Hantz. I actually like Russell. Probst said he's gotten a lot of feedback telling him Heroes vs. Villains was the best Survivor ever. I pretty much agree with that. Highly entertaining. Largely due to Russell. But, how can Russell be such a fan of Survivor without getting that his Hitlerian Blitzkrieg way of playing is no way to actually win, anymore than it worked for Adolf? In the end, the good guys win, both in Survivor and World War II.

Anyway, I've not made it to the end of the Reunion Show, so I don't know where the next Survivor is going to take place. I suspect it will be somewhere tropical.

Survivor Heroes vs. Villains: Candice & Danielle Voted Off the Tribe

Well, Russell was in full King Russell mode tonight. Two tribal councils, two voted out of the tribe.

Old Man Colby (oops, Russell) gave up in the first Immunity Challenge in less than a minute, as soon as Probst brought out a temptation under a lid. Colby (oops, Russell) pulled a bucket of colored water over himself before he even knew it was cookies and milk.

So did Sandra.

Parvati won the bucket challenge. A clue to a Hidden Immunity Idol was read. Back at camp the scramble was on. Sandra found it. No one knows Sandra found it.

Rupert faked Russell into thinking Rupert had it, including a feigned, almost gonna use it, move at Tribal Council. Danielle ended up being voted out.

Before the next Immunity Challenge there was some tension between Russell and Parvati. Russell told the viewers that he was about to re-take control of the game. And then proceeded to do so by winning the Immunity Challenge.

Russell then manipulated Danielle and Parvati, planting seeds of doubt as to their trustworthiness. Then he worked Colby and Rupert and Jerri.

At Tribal Council Russell continued to fluster Danielle, to the point of driving her to tears and stupidly admitting the strength of her alliance with Parvati, to which Russell turned to Jerri and mouthed "Danielle." As in, vote for Danielle.

Jerri proceeded to do as she was told and Danielle was booted out of the tribe, just like King Russell wanted, with Parvati saying, "This is so messed up."

Previews show Russell convincing Colby and Rupert to join the dark side, in an alliance with him. If Jerri stays on board, Russell stays in control.

But, just like Russell's Samoa Survivor, he is being a great manipulator, but he sucks at the social game. As in, who up against him, in the final, would not win? Just like what happened to him the last time. What was her name? Natalie? That is how unmemorable the final winner was, I don't remember her name. But I do remember the jury had an anyone but Russell for the win mindset.

Great with Sandra finding the Hidden Immunity Idol. Sandra is a really good Survivor player, in every aspect, except for sucking at challenges.

Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains--Episode 9, Courtney Out, JT Gives Russell the Idol

Well, when this latest iteration of Survivor started up I was not all that enamored of yet one more All-Star type version. With so many people wanting the chance to be on Survivor, letting some back on for their 3rd time, just seemed wrong.

However, the Heroes vs. Villains have turned out to be quite entertaining.

I sort of figured that the previews were likely edited misdirection and that the Hero JT would not actually give the Villain, Russell, his Hidden Immunity Idol.

I was wrong.

And it all turned out to be funnier than anticipated. Once the Heroes' tribe was convinced by JT that giving Russell the Idol was a good move, remarks were made about them making Survivor History.

They ended up being correct about that, but not in the way they were hoping.

Then again, maybe, somehow, giving Russell JT's Hidden Immunity Idol will work in the Heroes favor. I somehow doubt it.

Amanda tried to warn the Heroes that they really did not know what was going on on the Villains Tribe, that their assumption that an All Girl Alliance was taking out the Boys might be all wrong, that for all they know Russell is in charge. They should have listened to Amanda.

The pass off to Russell of the Hidden Immunity Idol seemed very odd. Almost staged. First off, we had Colby and Russell the last out in the water on floating docks. So, Colby was able to tell Russell to go to JT after the Heroes won the Immunity Challenge so JT could give him something.

Russell was quite pleased, as well he should be, that Hidden Immunity Idols keep falling into his lap, with little effort. In the post Hero win celebration, JT easily slipped Russell the Idol, along with a very long note, which later Parvati read to Russell, along with amusing embellishments.

My favorite part of the note to Russell was in addition to all the precise instructions, was the last one, which told Russell to destroy the note after reading it. Like the Survivor version of Mission Impossible.

What Russell did not know, because his ally, the sneaky self-proclaimed Queen of the Jungle, Parvati, did not tell him, was that Parvati had discovered a Hidden Immunity Idol Clue in her napkin while at the bizarre beachside Outback Steakhouse. Later, with Russell on the prowl, but not suspecting the girls were up to anything, Parvati and Danielle found the Hidden Immunity Idol.

So, now Russell's Girl Alliance has 2 Immunity Idols. While the Heroes now have none. Thanks to JT.

Next week looks fun. After the tribes merge, Sandra spills the beans to Rupert about the myth of the Villains' All Girl Alliance.

Survivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villains: Coach Voted Out, JT To Give Russell Hidden Immunity Idol

Another amusing episode of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, with next week's previews appearing to indicate next Thursday will also be amusing.

Tonight the Villains continued their losing ways. They were sure there was going to a merge, so they packed up their entire camp and hauled it to what turned out to be a Reward Challenge for pizza.

A bowling challenge, which the Heroes easily won.

Not a happy camp back in the Villain zone.

Meanwhile the Heroes got their first clue to a Hidden Immunity Idol, agreeing to find it together, but at his first opportunity, JT took off to find it on his own, which he did, only to be discovered by Amanda. JT quickly gave up the idea of not telling anyone he had the Idol and proceeded to show it to everyone.

Off to the Immunity Challenge, when they see the Villains have kicked out Boston Rob, the Heroes assume this means an All Girl Villains Alliance is in charge on that side.

The Heroes proceed to win a very muddy Immunity Challenge.

Russell correctly figures out that the Heroes must think his side is controlled by an All Girl Alliance, when it is actually he controlling the game. This makes Russell think it is a good plan to get rid of Coach, thus cementing in the Heroes minds, the All Girl Alliance, thus allowing Russell and his alliance to wreak havoc at the merge.

Russell then changed his mind on getting rid of Coach, switching to Courtney. Mass confusion ensued. At the Tribal Council vote Russell did vote for Courtney, but Coach was sent packing.

Then on the previews the voice over says something about the dumbest moves in Survivor history. We then see quick clips of mistakes made with Immunity Idols and Hidden Immunity Idols.

And then we see JT telling his alliance that it'd be a smart move to give Russell his Hidden Immunity Idol. You know, because of that All Girl Alliance and how they'll be wanting to vote Russell out next. JT says something like if he gets a chance he'll give it to Russell, making it sound as if he's plotting to give it to Russell, even before there is a merge. I can't quite follow the logic with that.

One more thing. The Mud Challenge was disgusting.

Survivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villains Double Elimination With James & Tyson Out

I turned on my TV to watch the DVRed LOST and saw Survivor was recording. Then I remembered basketball games on Thursday, put Survivor on Wednesday.

So, by the time I finished LOST, Survivor had finished recording.

Good, strange episode.

Much foreshadowing in the episode pointing to a comeuppance for either Boston Rob or Russell Hantz, with Rob a number of times bragging that Russell is playing in the Big Leagues now.

The challenge of this episode was different. A combo reward/immunity challenge with a twist. Both teams play for individual immunity. Then each team's winner plays a play-off, with that winner's team getting to eat hot dogs and drink coke while watching the losing team's Tribal Council.

First up, the Heroes. The skinny, small blonde, Candice wins on the Heroes' team. Boston Rob wins on the Villains' team. Oh oh, I thought, it's gonna be Russell who gets his comeuppance.

Back at Heroes' camp, Colby, who sucked at the challenge, told everyone he knew he was going, wished them all well, went to nap in the ocean. While the others debated whether it might be wiser to vote out the crippled James.

Meanwhile over at the Villains' camp, Boston Rob and Russell have an exchange, with Rob warning Russell if he has the Hidden Immunity Idol, he better use it. Russell took umbrage to Rob's cocky ways.

Rob thinks he has it all figured out, they'll flush out the idol and split their votes to guarantee a Parvati ouster.

The Villains are first up at Tribal Council. Time to vote. Jeff says if anyone has the Hidden Immunity Idol, now is the time to play it. Go to commercial. Back from commercial, Russell stands and walks to Jeff. Smug look on Boston Rob's face.

Russell says something like I'm not quite done yet, Jeff. Then goes and gives the Hidden Immunity Idol to Pavarti. Earlier Russell had tricked Tyson into switching his vote to Parvati.

The votes are read, 4 are for Pavarti, 2 for Russell with, I think, 3 for Tyson, sending Tyson home, to the stunned looks of those who thought they'd outsmarted Russell, with one of them saying something like, "What just happened?"

Then, in come the Heroes, the Villains get their hot dogs, with Rupert unable to focus on anything but the food. The Tribal Council proceeds while the Villains eat. This was about the most light-hearted Tribal Council I remember watching, with James providing most of the humor, particularly when describing how Colby was not the Colby of James' youth, back when Colby was Superman, now Colby is Superman with a girdle and no muscle. Colby objected, good-naturedly, pleading that he's really not that old.

At another point James pointed out Colby's failure in that day's challenge, where he was beaten by a cripple (meaning James) and a fat man (meaning Rupert). Much laughter among the Villains.

In the end, the tribe decided Colby was not too old and kept him, booting James, with the bum leg, who, on parting, told his former tribemates that he would be drunk in about 5 minutes.

Both Tyson Apostol and James took their bootings well, at least judging by their post-boot words to the camera, I mean, audience.

Curbing My Enthusiam for Suvivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villians & Colby

I have not been much enjoying Survivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villains. I don't remember some of the Heroes and Villains or why they were Heroic or Villainous.

My enthusiasm was pretty much curbed on the first episode when that Sugar Hero girl was so annoying and un-heroic and got kicked out of her tribe after keeping everyone awake with her constant babbling and chasing Colby Donaldson all over camp.

Speaking of Colby, if you don't remember what Colby looked like before his hair got hit by the recession, watch the above video of a clip of Colby playing himself on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. He is very funny and seems to be being a good actor. Then again, he is playing himself, so how hard can that be?

The villain, Russell Hantz, is really being a dumb ass and showing how it was that he did not win Survivor Samoa. In that he is totally lacking in the social game part. The Villains get the Hidden Immunity Idol clue and all agree not to hunt for it. What does Russell do? Puts a huge bullseye on his back by going off to hunt for the idol, trying to repeat his Hidden Immunity Idol glory from Survivor Samoa.

Some of the Heroes have been acting like Villains, frustrated at constantly losing. James, who was a bit Heroic, previously, is seeming particularly Villainous, as in very cranky. I suspect due to his size he has very high caloric needs and is extra grumpy due t being extra hungry.

And what is up with Jeff Probst being way too prosecutorial at the tribal councils, almost as if he is leading the witnesses. A big no no in a court room.

Colby is the only Survivor I have ever seen in person, signing books at a sporting goods store. In person I was surprised by how big his head was, sitting on top of almost non-existent shoulders.

Surviving Survivor: The Redemption of Heroes vs. Villains is Lost on Me

I watched Thursday's Surviving Survivor. It was interesting. I thought it was going to be an hour of whetting our appetites for next week's 2 hour start of Survivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villains.

Surviving Survivor turned out to be sort of a look back at the 10 year history of Survivor, the impact the show has had on TV and a look at some of the past season's Survivors.

Like Ethan Zohn. I did not know he was fighting Hodgkin's Disease.

The bit between Russell Hantz and Richard Hatch was mildly funny, with Russell insisting, as always, that he's the best Survivor ever. I assume this was filmed after the conclusion of Heroes vs. Villains, which I assume Russell does not win.

I did not like seeing samples of how badly bug bit some of the Survivors get. I had no idea it was that bad.

Cirie is one of my favorites. The girl is looking real good. Colby, I did not recognize, at first. Til he talked. Coach appears to have chunked up a bit.

I am not a fan of all-star type shows, be it Big Brother, The Amazing Race or Survivor. For some of these people, like Colby and Boston Rob, this is their 3rd time on Survivor. You have all those thousands upon thousands of fans applying to be on the show. It just does not seem right.

Already knowing the characters makes it less interesting. When Survivor did Fans vs. Favorites at least half of the characters were interesting because we'd not met them before. When Yau Man walked out, you already knew he was smart and likable. But did I want to see him on Survivor again? No.

I wiill admit, it may be interesting to see how Russell works his schtick among all these veterans. It will be amusing if the producers drop the Hidden Immunity Idol, while we get to watch Russell frantically searching for an idol that is not there.

I may be watching. I've not decided yet.

Survivor Samoa: John Fincher Had Never Watched The Show

That is John Fincher, Rocket Scientist, from the recently concluded Survivor Samoa. The first few weeks of the most recent Survivor I thought John Fincher and the seldom seen, Brett Clouser, were the same person. Til John grew a beard and Brett did not. Then I realized these were two different people.

Yesterday, while bouncing around the Internet, I came upon an interview with John Fincher that I found both interesting and annoying.

I thought it odd that John called himself a Rocket Scientist. John says he is an Aerospace Engineer and knows of no one on the planet who calls himself a Rocket Scientist. It was the Survivor producers who thought it was clever to call John a Rocket Scientist.

Speaking of those Survivor producers.

John had never watched a single episode of Survivor. John did not apply to be on the show. John was recruited. Why? I don't know. After John agreed to be on the show that he'd never seen, he asked the producers for video of past shows so he could study how the game is played.

Now, this just strikes me as all kinds of wrong. You have thousands, maybe millions, of loyal Survivor fans who would love the opportunity to be on the show. There are only 16 or 18 slots and they give one to a Rocket Scientist who has never watched the show? That is just annoying.

Recruit me. I'd be good on Survivor. Though I suck at starving. I'm great at back stabbing and blindsiding.

John also said he tried to put on weight prior to being stuck on an island and gave up boozing, so as to maximize his healthiness. Boozing and a Rocket Scientist seems sort of counter-intuitive to me.

Speaking of weight, John says he weighs 180 and is 6 feet 2. He thought his size would make him a target, but turns out other guys were bigger. That explains why John looked like a small guy to me.

So, the Survivor producers also cast for giants? I wonder how big Shambo is? That annoying Eric guy must be at least 6 feet 6.

How many other Survivors has been recruited, rather than send in an application?

And now we've got the upcoming Survivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villains, with everyone having been on at least once already.

Between Survivor All-Stars, Fans vs. Favorites, Heroes vs. Villains and John Fincher, what percentage of people, who are on Survivor, have not been recruited, in some manner, by the producers?

I guess it is their show to cast how ever they like. But it sort of ruins it for me.

I may not watch Heroes vs. Villains.

Survivor Samoa: Natalie Beats Russell For The Million Bucks

I was tired last night. I quit watching Survivor after Russell outlasted Brett at holding a pole in the air. I figured it was a no-brainer, Russell would win, I'd watch the Conclusion and Reunion tomorrow.

I also figured the part where the jury gets to ask questions would be a snoozer.

Again, I was wrong.

That Shambo can really get wound up. And Eric's, well, actorly speech in support of Natalie, well, I thought that was just odd and hypocritical. By the way, Eric is an actor, not a good one, obviously, but he is an actor. Survivor should not cast actors.

I did not understand Brett's questioning. He only asked a question of Mick. And he asked what they'd do on a Bro-date. It was very odd. Probst looked like he thought it odd, as well, as did others. I had trouble understanding what Brett says sometimes, like his last sentence directed at Mick. I replayed it several times and had to give up.

I'm guessing the Galu people had made up their minds not to give the million to Russell, while holed up together, after Russell engineered their exits.

The Reunion show was entertaining too. That Jeff Probst is one good TV Host. Russell seemed sort of hurt that he didn't win. Russell was very funny. Offering Natalie what I thought was $10,000, but Probst later said $100,000 if she'd just give up the Sole Survivor title to Russell, that's all he wanted. She declined. What a dumb blonde.

The fans voted Russell $100,000 as being their pick as the best.

At the start of the season I, along with most viewers weren't liking Russell. Way too nasty and arrogant. Apparently Russell caught a lot of public flak early on. And then as the season progressed Russell received less bad flak and instead started having positive flak coming his way. I don't remember when Russell went from Villain to Hero for me. Maybe it was about the time he found the 1st Hidden Immunity Idol.

Now, Heroes & Villains brings up another subject. That being the next season of Survivor, also taking place in the South Pacific, called Survivor Redemption: Heroes vs. Villains.

Good guys and girls and Bad guys and girls from past seasons. Which side does Russell fit on? I'd say Heroes.

As for this version of another All Star type season. I don't like it. This will be the 20th season of Survivor. Thousands of people try to get on that show. It seems wrong to have people on again, who had already had the fun.

All Star Survivor ended up with Rob and Amber getting married, which led to other bad things. Like that pair being on The Amazing Race after they'd already won one reality show. But, having said that, Rob and Amber, especially Rob, were pretty good on The Amazing Race.