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« Survivor: Micronesia - Fans vs. Favorites
Episode Recap: ‘He's a Ball of Goo!”
What a satisfying episode! There was a tribe mix-up, a brutal challenge, a little hero worship and a blind-sided ouster. I have to say that I am truly enjoying this season. I like that things are not following the frequent pattern of a dominant alliance calling the shots and picking off the lesser alliance one by one.
Jeff pulled the old “drop your buffs” tribe switcheroo. Isn’t it interesting how the new Airai and Malakal tribes turned out? The couples alliance was split between the two tribes yet by some strange coincidence each member of the couples ended up with their respective partner. Looking at the breakdown (Airai: Natalie, James, Alexis, Jonathan, Jason, Parvati, Kathy, Eliza. Malakal: Ozzy, Joel, Amanda, Erik, Ami, Tracy, Cirie, Chet) I have give the edge to Malakal. I see a strong alliance forming between Ami, Tracy, Cirie and Chet that could run the rest of the game. We’ll see.
How lucky is Erik to have landed on the same tribe as his idol Ozzy? Gush much Erik? “I got to meet Ozzy today!” It’s cute though. For some reason, I was terribly amused that Ozzy thought Joel’s name was “Troy”.
Tonight’s reward challenge was rather rough. Parvati came out of it with a fat lip; Jonathan literally punctured his leg (I so hope he’ll be okay). Chet, partnered with Joel, narrowly emerged with his life. There is no way anyone will convince me that the producers did not make sure that these two would be paired up. That was very cruel. Poor Chet was dragged through the course by Joel who smacked Chet into, over and under poles and pulled him through the mud. It was just ridiculously poor sportsmanship on Joel’s part and Chet did not deserve that treatment at all.
While I hate to reinforce the caveman image it is clear that Joel’s neanderthal behavior came home to roost. Some would call it karma. Whatever it was it got Joel voted off the island. This was due in part to Cirie’s wisdom that swayed Ozzy and Amanda from targeting Chet. I love how Cirie sees the whole picture. Yes, she’s acting mainly out of self-preservation but she makes good points in that Chet will be easy to control whereas Joel brings little to the table but a strength that has had no payoff in the challenges. I know not everyone likes Cirie, but you have to respect the game of a woman who has single-handedly picked off the most threatening players and made it look effortless.
I’d like to say the same for Ozzy but I can’t. Not after he made the boneheaded move to tell people that he had the idol. Why? Why? Why would you do that? It makes no sense! Make yourself a bigger target Ozzy, why don’t you? It was such a bad move. We’ll see how it plays out.
Jeff asked some very pointed questions at tribal tonight. That is not new, but did he go too far with Chet? I mean hasn’t the man been beat up enough? Did Jeff need to make him feel even less significant than Joel already had? Even so, Jeff does parse out his criticisms to whomever he feels deserves it like with this gem during the immunity challenge, “Airai, you need to stop bitching and start throwing!” It’s pretty clear that Jeff and Jonathan naturally click and their good-natured sparring adds a nice touch to the show.
One last thought: I just have to say there is no way that this was the first time the ocean put out Arai’s fire. I don’t believe it. That camp was a mess. They are so lucky to have some favorites move in and build a proper shelter – one that’s above sea level.
The previews for next week leave me anxious that Jonathan may have to bail out of the game. I’d hate to see him go and even moreso I would hate to see him suffer serious complications from his cut. What was in that challenge anyway that made it so dangerous?
I’ll leave you with this. Joel, as mean spirited as he was tonight, did make me chuckle when he called Chet “a ball of goo”. However, Joel is out and Chet remains. Raise your hand if, like me, you think this “spineless”, “wet rag” of a player will be in the game for some time?
Find more Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites clips at our online video guide.
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Mar 6, 2008 10:41 PM
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I agree it was a very good episode. I enjoy having villains like Joel in the game, but it was also funny to see him humiliated.
I'm also very worried about Jonathan. He is one of my favorite players and that wound could be a major problem. The last thing I want to see is Jonathan or any other player leaving the game solely because of an injury.
I like how the physically weaker players have been able to take out stronger players so far, but I don't want it to go too far. It would suck if guys like Ozzy, James, Jonathan, etc. allow the Chets and Kathys to take over the game and vote them out. That would make for a rotten end to the season.
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Mar 6, 2008 11:01 PM
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Ugh, do not miss Joel/Troy. Yes, Chet is not too worthwhile in this game, physically, but I do believe he was trying his hardest in that challenge (even if many of us regular folks could have done it better). Afterward, when he told Joel "I hit my head" Joel responded "I don't care," to which Chet replied, "I know."
Well, that just kind of broke my heart a little! No, Chet isn't strong but he doesn't deserve the crap Joel put him through during that challenge--and then to "not care" afterward. Yeah, won't miss you too much.
I swear Ozzy said "I'm not going to tell anyone about my idol." Maybe he said "Everyone" but I swore he said anyone. And then he told...3 people. Idiot! I know it seemed like a good alliance but it was such a boneheaded move--especially for someone who has PLAYED before and knows that the game can be switched up in a second. What was a strong point for that alliance now can become ammo for James and "Poverty."
I'm also enjoying this season--remember that one season where an entire tribe was eliminated? (Or close to it? I can't remember). It was interesting only in that they were the losingest tribe ever. Not really fun to watch.
But you can't be sure this season who's going to win a challenge or get stabbed in the leg, or catch a shark.
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Mar 6, 2008 11:04 PM
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Villains like Joel? Joel was direct, but it's a real stretch to call him mean-spirited. Cirie, on the other hand has suddenly become a smug little power broker - she's somebody that the others should consider getting rid of while they can.
This is the wrong time to get rid of your strongest player, they're going to wish they still had "Troy" around for the next reward challenge.
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Mar 6, 2008 11:17 PM
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When I call Joel a villain I don't mean he's a jerk. I liked Joel. He was just a bit dark and villainous on the show.
I'm still laughing when I picture Ozzy calling out, "Troy". 
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Mar 6, 2008 11:30 PM
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You just know that, Mike was it?, the guy voted out last week was just ROFL when he found out that Joel was voted off after him!
I agree with Charliy. It's way too soon to vote out all your muscle when you need strength in these early challenges. Cirie is getting on my nerves,too. I fear there's no one smart enough to realize she's really in the driver's seat. But, I guess you have to give her credit if she can continue to pull off these kinds of maneuvers during the remainder of the game.
Poor Chet! I felt like I was watching an episode of America's Funniest Videos when he kept being pummeled into stationery objects. My one question....why did Joel and Chet take on the last round to chase Eliza and Co.? In rotation, it should've been Ozzy and his partner. Did I miss something?
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Mar 6, 2008 11:51 PM
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They are dumb as dirt to not kick out Chet!!! Yes, yes Joel was not perfrming all that well. But you know that a water challenge will come up soon. And Chet can't swim! ANd Joel could. And Ozzy better watch out for Cirie...she will try to target him soon. Sneaky girl!
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Mar 6, 2008 11:56 PM
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Last week, I was outraged that they kept Chet over Mikey B, but this week, I am ESTATIC and can't stop giggling ... seeing Caveman Joel (aka Troy) do the Walk of Shame was awesome. The Playa just got played, beaten at his own game. ROFL!!!!
I don't like the switcheroo, mainly because my two favs (Ozzy and James) are now on different tribes. I was wondering about Ozzy's hidden idol...what would have happened if he ended up on the other tribes beach? Would he have lost the idol? Thankfully, he stayed at his same camp but why why why did he spill the beans about the idol?
James' one-liners were hilarious as usual, "I'm suprised they didn't die over here."
I hope Jonathan is ok. That is scary to think that if the infection gets into his blood stream, he could die. Can't the medics shoot him up with some antibiotics since they were able to do clean the wound and do stitches?
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Mar 7, 2008 12:54 AM
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This has been one of most unpredictable seasons ever. In seasons past, the producers would try to show scenes before tribal council of a possible surprise ouster. It almost never worked out where there was a surprise. Until this season. They have been throwing these surprises left and right.
Joel was a little rough in the challenge. He could have been a bit more understanding. It is hard to root for Chet though. The guy truly is useless at everything. At challenges. Around camp. The guy just moans and whines every week and somehow survives. It is utterly amazing that he has lasted this long.
It was stupid for Ozzy to show the idol to anyone. You know people will be gunning for him soon. They may think to take him out before individual immunity. The guy is great at these challenges, so it might be wise to do that.
I don't find any fault with the way Cirie is playing. She can't play physically, so she is using her smarts. I am not sure why that is a bad thing. I think she is playing a great game so far. I enjoy her comments. Also love hearing James comments every week. He cracks me up. Calling the fans dingbats was another classic line from him.
Not sure if I loved the reward challenge. It is good to see a good old fashioned physical challenge. But it seemed too easy for the chasers.
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Mar 7, 2008 1:03 AM
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Even though both teams were tied w/ 8 players, the favs had the clear advantage before the switch.
The mix was interesting, as it brought together the 2 biggest manipulators: Cirie and Tracy. They're right to eliminate the "players", but they're doing it at the expense of victories. Cirie was right to point out that Joel hadn't helped them, but he certainly wasn't worse than Chet.
And I had to rewind the DVR a few times to watch him drag Chet like a rag doll. That was just brutal...and hilarious!
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Mar 7, 2008 1:05 AM
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I just want to point this out since everybody pointed out everyting else. Why in the world would they build a fire near the ocean? Was it high tide or what? No wonder that tribe was struggling. And I laughed real hard when James called them a bunch of dingbats.
Next weeks looks good. With Jonathan might be leaving(and why are they calling him by his last name?). I can't waite.
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Mar 7, 2008 3:43 AM
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You know, maybe there's a reason the "fans" are not doing so well in this game... if the comments by some of the "fans" in here are any indication.
Why is everyone so hung up on keeping the "strong" players in the game? The strong players have not won anything for their tribes lately, and in fact, the weaker players have done no harm - but lately, more good. For all his "strength" - james couldn't even break a tile last night. Joel dragging Chet around not only was mean-spirited, it also cost them the reward. And teh "weak" players - Chet and Eliza - were key in solving their puzzles. Last week, weak little Chet wasn't even IN the challenge, and the stupid "strong" players couldn't figure out how to open their locks.
So talk about "keeping the tribe strong" all you want. As we're seeing, the muscle just keeps getting outwitted and outplayed. I'd bet money that the final three in this game won't be from the "strong" players. (except perhaps Ozzie - and that will not be because of his physical prowess, but only because he has an immunity idol.)
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Mar 7, 2008 5:20 AM
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I agree with Keefer- strong doesn't mean better. Joel was a very big guy- but he didn't really do anything to help the tribe. After seeing Joel drag Chet around like a rag doll I have absolutely no respect for that man at all even if he is a firefighter (like my hubby- so I have tons of respect for that profession). That was disgusting. Joel was going to do that to Chet no matter what as soon as they were paired up because Chet is like a child- he has to show he is upset or doesn't like something. That was his way of showing everyone how much he didn't like Chet. I know Chet is not a very strong player and probably doesn't really deserve to be there but no human being deserves to be treated like that. He got really banged up and the person doing it says very coldly that he doesn't care. My heart also broke a little with Chet's "I know". If something like that had happened off the island there would be assault charges brought up against Joel (just ask Johnny Fairplay).
I also thought it was really, really stupid of Ozzy to tell everyone about the idol. I always respected Ozzy and the way he plays the game but that was the dumbest thing ever. I laughed when he told James because what had happened with James and his- not one, but two- hidden immunity idols.
I don't really like Cirie- but I will give her the props she deserves. She is playing a smart game.
I am really concerned about Jonathan too. I really like him and I hope he doesn't have to quit because of his leg and I really, really hope he doesn't have serious long term effects! I also can see Jeff and Jonathan have a good back and forth banter and I think it adds some fun to it- so I want him to stick around!!
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Mar 7, 2008 7:50 AM
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No doubt, this is one of the best editions of Survivor, ever! Even the "head scratchers" they selected as favorites and fans turned out to be great casting. I agree with everyone that Ozzy should trust no one with his HII news and hopefully it won't come back to bite him. Cirie is a smart player and it would be amazing to see her get to the finals. Few players have ever won on brains -vs- brawn. But if she's targeting Ozzy, she's gotta go!
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Mar 7, 2008 8:52 AM
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I was thrilled that they got rid of Joel. Thrilled! IMO, he was nothing but a big bully, like a lot of the "strong, athletic" men in the past.
Ok, I need to get something off my chest. In the last couple of seasons I have noticed how people are always rooting for the big, strong guys who are considered athletic and good at the challenges. Like they are the only ones who deserve to win just because they are more athletic. Well, that just plain pisses me off. If only people like James and Joel "deserve" to win because of the fact they are strong and athletic, then why even bother casting people like Cirie, Chet and Tracy? Why not just do a season of nothing but the James, Ozzy and Joel types? Because the game is to Outlast, Outplay and Outwit! And last night Cirie totally played the Outwit angle. Good for her! And she made some great points. Just because Joel is strong doesn't mean he was helping them to win challenges. And like someone said a week or two ago, Chet didn't even participate in some challenges so how can they always blame him?
Also, I have always said that if you get rid of the physically strong players and are left with nothing but the "weaker" players then everyone is on the same level, right?
Ok... I feel better now.
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Mar 7, 2008 9:01 AM
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