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« Survivor: China
Things Heat up in Dave's Inferno
The contestants get down and dirty. Survivor by Monty Brinton/CBS
Episode Recap: "My Mom Is Going to Kill Me!"
Remember those days when the pace sometimes dragged during the first few weeks of Survivor? You didn't know who was who and you could barely remember the first person to go and the challenges were a blur? Well, honey, this is not your grandma's Survivor! The game has not reinvented itself, but there is some sort of new energy that has Survivor: China cooking! It is only week two for the viewers yet there is so much going on.
I applaud the competitors for not jumping into things too quickly. These folks are feeling each other out and then making their play. Now, whether that play involves some anachronistic strategy (Jean-Robert) or the tried-and-true Richard Hatch alliance method it's good to see that the players are thinking. Of course I can't say that across the board (Leslie), but I'll remark on that later. It's the poker player's strategy that concerns me the most. In theory, I get the whole lower-their-expectations plan, but anyone who has ever watched this series will tell you that laziness is not the play you want to make. So, while I'm hoping J-R's, "I need to get some more sleep," plan will work for him, I don't see it happening at this point.
Todd is proving to be exactly as J-R thought. In no time at all, Todd has formed a super-secret alliance with Amanda and has pulled in the jettison-able Aaron as a third. We shall dub him the effortlessly cunning flight attendant.
Things weren't so easy though over on Zhan Hu where teamwork had, sadly, fled the pagoda. I'm not talking about Peih-Gee and Dave, who despite my fears were working well together as co-captains. (Peih-Gee's suddenly subdued nature might have something to do with that.) It's that Ashley girl who can't get along with Dave. "I don't need your life lessons!" she yelled across camp after one encounter with the uber-leader.
Now it's true that last week I described Dave as likable. Clearly, by "likable" I meant condescending and patronizing. Has the man managed not to piss off any member of his tribe in the last three days? It's a gift, really. Dave did have one great — if laborious — idea, and that was building that fire pit. The hard work on an empty stomach may have annoyed Sherea and Jaimie, but the protected fire despite the torrential rains proved Dave's worth and saved his kiester from the ejector seat at Tribal Council.
Zhan Hu lost again at both the reward and immunity challenges. Perhaps they were distracted by the topless mud-wrestling that doubled as a challenge on this PG-13-rated family-hour show. Yes, those were Amanda's boobies being blurred out as she scored a point for Fei Long. I wonder what casino J-R frequents that would make him urge Amanda to cover the girls up? Or was that word of caution also part of his strategy? Amanda was not alone. Most everyone who participated had to be blurred. Sherea even had to fight to keep her knickers on as someone was trying to pull them down. Is this what The Art of War teaches? A naked opponent is a defeated opponent?
Kidnapping is now a part of the game. The winning Fei Long tribe was allowed to steal Jaimie from Zhan Hu as part of their reward, but Jaimie got to choose who would secretly receive the clue to the Hidden Immunity Idol. She chose Leslie, who in turn chose to share the goods with Todd because she couldn’t find the idol on her own (shades of Lisi here). Leslie, this is God. That was a dumb move. Todd himself was even like, "What the h--? Why did she share this information?!" Now he's plotting to get rid of her and keep the idol for himself. I can't wait to see how this master move of Leslie's plays out.
Just like I wonder how Sherea will rebuild a foundation at Zhan Hu after calling out Dave at tribal council for not listening. In her best Chris Tucker voice, Sherea emphasized Dave's poor listening skills with, "Do you not hear what came out of my mouth?!" Yeah, this is going to be fun. Even so, Ashley cast the sole vote against Dave and received every other one in turn. And so our fair wrestler has been taken down.
Zhan Hu has not had a good showing thus far. As Jeff would say, "You guys need to dig deep!" Let's hope this tribe does just that, because no matter how much energy Survivor: China has exhibited so far, nothing kills the excitement like a perennially losing tribe. Fingers crossed until next week.
Thoughts? Comments? Who are you rooting for?
Check out Survivor: China video with our Online Video Guide.
For an inside look at the new season, tune into TV Guide Network's "Survivor Preview: China" on Sept. 28 at 7pm/ET.
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Edited by TV Guide Staff at 09/28/2007 8:50 AM
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Sep 27, 2007 10:35 PM
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As soon as I decided that I really liked Ashley, she gets voted off. I probably shouldn't pick favorites anymore.
I loved her comment about Dave being Zoolander. It's so true!!
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Sep 28, 2007 12:14 AM
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I liked Ashley too, daniel45300! This was a great episode. I agree Rhoda, there is a whole new energy in China!! I just wish Dave would have been voted out... definitely a tool. 
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Sep 28, 2007 12:21 AM
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You're right, this season has been great so far! This cast just has so many interesting characters and diverse personalities. And, of course, the locale is just breathtaking. I can't wait to see the land and the culture continue to shape the art of the show. By the way, has anyone seen how Ellen has been using Chicken's "DAY-um" exit clip from last week in her show now? lol, she'll see something surprising or shocking and she'll say "I wonder what Chicken thinks about that" and they'll play that split second clip. Hilarious!
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Sep 28, 2007 1:07 AM
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Another interesting episode. I personally am glad that Ashley is gone. Her physical appearance just turned me off so much. Skinny women should never ever get fake breasts. Looks ridiculous. She didn't perform all that well in the first challenge. I figured with her wrestling experience, she would do better there. I did laugh when earlier in the ep they had to blur out her hooha. The two people she was talking to were getting a bit more then they were bargaining for when conversing with her. She violated one of the basic rules of survival in Survivor about not making waves early on. That just puts a target on your back.
Dave is another who is walking the fine line. He has to dial down or else he will be gone soon as well. Being perceived as a dictator in camp is another fool proof way of getting kicked out. But he did well with the fire pit. I think he just survived because the others thought he would do better in future challenges. Sherea sure took the vote to heart. I guess she was close to Ashley.
I still don't get JR's strategy. He is basically putting a bull's eye on himself with his laziness. Laziness does not get you far in the game. Early votes tend to get rid of the lazy people. Luckily for him, his tribe has done well in the challenges.
Todd so far has played a great game. He is always thinking and is cunning. He should go far because his game face is already on. The downfall for several players in past seasons are they make things too personal. They don't want to screw over their new "friend". Todd seems to be a person who won't be affected by this friend syndrome.
Jaimie had some good face time this week. She probably will become one of my favorites. She is a cute one and seemingly all natural.
Some of these people we really haven't seen much of. I want to know more about the lunch lady. She barely has shown up in these first 2 eps. And barely anything from fan favorite James. Just a memorable finger point.
Jeff is really trying to encourage/prod people in these challenges. He seems more vocal this season. I have a feelling he didn't mind that first challenge though.
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Sep 28, 2007 2:33 AM
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I was happy to see Ashley go...she just got on my last nerve. On the other hand, Dave's ego was out of control this week and he needs to tone it down, STAT! It doesn't look like that's going to happen, as the preview for next week shows him looking like he's coming unglued. I really don't care for anyone on the Zhan-hu tribe, with the exception of Frosty. I'll enjoy watching them implode and voting each other off.
I loved the reward challenge...we were laughing out loud and cheering for Fei Long. Still loving James and Aaron the most. Todd is growing on me and I'm hoping James can align himself with the newly formed alliance of 3.
Until next week...
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Sep 28, 2007 2:54 AM
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I couldn't stand Ashley, so I'm glad she's gone. Dave reminds me of Jonathan Penner from two seasons ago. I liked him, and I like Dave. That tribe needs to get its act together, however.
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Sep 28, 2007 4:49 AM
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Rhoda,
I was going to let it go, but since this is week 2 I have decide to correct you.
It is Jean-Robert no John-Robert.
It is probably moot since you shortened it to JR this week
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Sep 28, 2007 8:48 AM
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Day-um!
I like Ashley much more than that arrogant asshat Zoolander, I mean Dave. LOL!
Anyway, yes ever since the 4 ethnic tribes, Survivor has been much better than it had been in some time. Really interesting challenges too. The mud ball was all for the crew to see some nuditity, but the immunity challenge was really great. First a physical then a mental challenge, both requiring teamwork. Awesome.
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Sep 28, 2007 9:00 AM
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I agreed that Dave seemed likeable last week. This week, I didn't find him as likeable, but don't dislike him (at least not yet). I was glad Ashley went instead of him.
James and Aaron rocked that immunity challenge. They are both amazingly gorgeous men in their own way.
This season does seem to have a great energy so far. I hope it continues.
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Sep 28, 2007 9:41 AM
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daniel5300 ~ I laughed at the Zoolander comment too!
hey speedy! ~ LOL about the wrestlers underwear! They were pretty much eye level with it when talking to her too. And yes ~ we didn't hear a peep from James. Todd must be the odds favorite to win so far. And my God Jeff really is the Probster this season (well the last few maybe). He really gets in there at tribe therapy! He must enjoy those competitions ~ I wonder if it was his idea to trick them into wearing those clothes instead of practical ones! (Just kidding Jeff.)
One more thing ~ (This is coming from me ~ who is someone familiar with chronic pain) I just can't imagine doing these challenges they do. Especially doing all that while being dehydrated and underfed. I am always afraid they are going to do permanent damage to their bodies. It kind of scares me how much they must HURT after! I hope not permanently.
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Sep 28, 2007 9:57 AM
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Someone else voted for Dave too. A woman, but I don't know her name. They showed it at the end, during the credits, when they all hold their votes up. I was surprised Jeff did not read it to prolong the suspense.
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Sep 28, 2007 10:25 AM
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joyceislost- Actually, I just checked the voting history at cbs.com and Ashley is the only one who voted for Dave.
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Sep 28, 2007 10:45 AM
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Ding Dong, the witch is dead!
I'm glad Ashley is gone. I was tired of looking at her balloons and fangs. Her personality was whiney and grating. She seemed to be asking for Dave to be a jerk to her. He was being a jerk, very condescending and patronizing, but a lot of it she brought on herself. Now if we can just get lazy Jean-Robert and his physique off my screen, I'll be ecstatic. I think if his team loses immunity he is clearly the first to go.
On the bright side, we have our first alliance, and that Todd is a sneaky lil fella. Gotta watch him! Not enough footage of some folks, darn it. Leslie made a bad move, it will be interesting to see where that leads.
Jeez, I wish these women knew what supportive undergarments were. I feel sorry for them during the challenges. It doesn't look comfortable at all. Plus who wants to worry about "popping out" while they're trying to mud wrestle a sphere into a goal? Obviously a man's idea.
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Sep 28, 2007 10:48 AM
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twblues, it may just be me, but I get the impression they A) know it all will be blurred and B) feel privacy is thrown out the window with these 'tribes'. The men sure seem to be willing to wear their tighties most of the time.
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Sep 28, 2007 11:18 AM
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