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« Survivor: Micronesia - Fans vs. Favorites
Episode Recap: Stir the Pot!
Survivor: Micronesia's Parvati Shallow by Monty Brinton/CBS
After 39 days Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites has chosen a winner and her name is Parvati Shallow. Congratulations to her as she played a good game especially against such tough competition as Amanda and Cirie.
If I’ve taken anything away from this edition, it’s the hope for an all-female final four every season. Never has the trail of torches been so entertaining. Usually, the mind wanders as the finalists reach for complimentary things to say of their former tribemates. Not this time. These ladies walked along the beach dropping one-liners like there was no tomorrow. From Cirie, “the chickens have not been the same since Chet left.” From Parvati, “Eliza, my arch rival!” They teased Amanda who praised Ozzy as an all-around competitor with, “You like him! You can carry his torch!” Just gals having fun.
Of course, this was all after they had voted out Natalie, the fourth woman in their pot-stirring crew. The first immunity challenge of the night started on a platform suspended 20 feet above the water and ended with Amanda at the top of a makeshift ladder on the beach, her arms raised in victory. Even so, Natalie, after some heart-to-heart bonding with Parvati, believed she would make the cut at tribal council. She didn’t. Afterwards the women, all favorites mind you, returned to camp and immediately went through the stages of female bonding – lovefests and cat fights.
Amanda, Parvati and Cirie’s self-congratulatory group hug quickly evolved into a spat that had a defensive Cirie explaining why she felt she was on the bottom of their three-way and Amanda crying about why Cirie shouldn’t feel that way. In the end they all got it out of their systems, but the writing was on the wall for Cirie and when she faltered at the final immunity challenge, so too did her run.
What was up with Survivor, throwing a final two curveball? All along these women were playing with a strategy based on a final three. Talk about your blindsides! Still I prefer two to three in the end, if only so that one person would not have to suffer the humiliation of not receiving any votes.
To quote Jeff Probst, it, “certainly was an interesting [final] tribal council.” Amanda and Parvati gave their opening speeches and then I believe Natalie asked Parvati out on a date. She asked something about how Parvati’s flirtatious nature translates in the bedroom. I still don’t know what that has to do with the game, but seeing as how Parvati won, I guess she gave the right answer. “It’s an old standby,” she said of her flirting, “I’m not going to lie.” You got to hand it to Parvati, socializing is definitely her thing.
As expected in this game of betrayal, there was also a fair share of hurt feelings at tribal. Erik still felt “totally burned” and was “not buying” Amanda’s apologies. Ozzy had a mouthful for Parvati that included his being, “truly hurt by what you did to me,” and “You put a price on our friendship,” followed by a command not to speak. Then Ozzy took a breath and created Survivor’s most romantic moment ever by saying that the hardest part for him was that Parvati had, “[taken] away 1 4days that I could have spent with Amanda” and then declared that he felt he was falling in love with his lady love. Way to redeem one’s lagging image bro’. Romance aside, Parvati had the best line of that council when responding to James’ request for an honest answer to her plans after she booted Ozzy, “Ha ha, I got you sucka!” She should put that on a tee shirt.
When all was said and done the jury voted (Eliza dramatically struggled with her decision, taking a lifetime to write a name on the card) and Amanda in her 78th day in the jungle received what we now know was only three votes to Parvati’s five. At least she found love.
On to the Live Reunion Show…
It’s always a shock to see the Survivors back in the real world. For some reason the women look over made-up and the men seem plump even though in reality they are all just back to normal. Amanda, having done back-to-back stints admitted to having “trust issues” upon her transition to the mainland. That’s what a game of deception and betrayal will get you. Natalie also revealed that she has some haters, but it’s all good because there are many layers to her and at least one of them is a loving, kind woman.
I felt particularly bad that Erik has had to endure the media referring to him as the dumbest Survivor ever, but he’s handling it gracefully and as he said, he realized that he does not have it in him to treat people as the game demands. He truly is a nice guy and he got a round of applause because of it.
James is still making people happy at funerals even going so far as to take the shirt off his back if it will relief a mourner’s grief. There’s just something about this guy that makes people like him and so you knew that when Jeff listed him along with Ozzy and Amanda as the top three vote-getters in the $100K giveaway that he was going to be the winner. This is his second year and his second win. No wonder he’d do the show every year if he could.
So that’s it. Survivor: Micronesia has come to an end. It was a great season, made all the better by an excellent mix new and old. Next time it’s back to Africa as Probst and 18 Americans make their way to Gabon to battle surfing hippopotami.
I for one can’t wait. Until then, it’s been great blogging for you all. Be sure to look out for my interviews with the winner and runner-up.
Check out our Online Video Guide for more Survivor clips.
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May 12, 2008 12:19 AM
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I really didn't care who won after Cirie was ousted...but I am confused as to why Parvati won. Based on what I saw at Tribal Council I thought for sure Amanda would win. I'd really like to know more about how each jury member arrived at their decision. Color me confused!
Natalie? WTF was that? I have no idea what her question was about. She must have thought that sounded brilliant back at the Ponderosa...but it just didn't translate from her brain. I understood Parvati's answer that flirting with men/women was helpful...but where does the bedroom thing come in? Whaa?
And does Joel still seem like a tool to anyone else or is that just me?
And Jason was way more attractive plumped up, shaved, and talking coherently!! Again, maybe it was just me...kind of reminded me of Cappie on Greek.
All-in-all a good season and I wasn't sure it would be one early on. The Gabon scenery for next season is beautiful (but when isn't it?). Hopefully that'll be just as good if not better cast-wise...
See you then!
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May 12, 2008 12:38 AM
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Umm, . . . Amanda received 3 votes to Parvati's 5. There were only 8 jury members and Jeff said that if Amanda received the last vote it would be a tie. Wonder what they would have done then?
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May 12, 2008 12:46 AM
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Very good season. A lot of surprises. I am kinda shocked that Parv won. But she did seem to take more risks than Amanda. So I don't have too much trouble with her winning. She did play a good game.
I too am wondering what the heck was Natalie's question. That was one of the oddest questions in the show's history. It made no sense and was a bit too personal. I was never a fan of hers. She seemed to relish the villain role a bit too much.
Ozzy was a bit harsh toward Parv at the final tribal council. It is a game after all. But yes it was nice to hear what he said to Amanda. I do like both those people.
I thought they piled on Erik a bit much in the reunion. I felt sorry for the guy. Then he had to bring up the morals thing. Come on now. You knew what you were signing up for.
I actully thought Amanda and Parv looked better on the island than when they were cleaned up. Best looking final 2 in Survivor history by far.
You could tell that Jeff still doesn't care for Fairplay. I still don't like him. Hopefully I will never have to see him again. And how in the world did he land a model?? I guess she likes drunk losers.
I can't believe that Eliza helped Parv win. Every season, people always assume that you need the jury to like you to win the game. Many times it just doesn't come to fruition. People overlook these things and then reward the best competitor. If anyone is wondering, the votes went like this:
Parv-Cirie, Natalie, Alexis, Jason and Eliza
Amanda-Ozzy, James and Erik
I look forward to next season.
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May 12, 2008 1:15 AM
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I'm still upset that Cirie was voted off, and Parv won. I never did like Parv in her first season, and after this season, I couldn't stand her. Amanda thought that Parv had a better game plan then Cirie......pulease. If it was a final 3 instead of final 2, Cirie would of won hands down.
Natalie's jury question....wtf? I would love to know what made her ask that question. James wasn't the only won who wasn't confused by that odd question. Yeah, speedy1383 it was one of the oddest, but it reminds me of Lisi's(?) question to Dreamz about how many zero's are there in a million. But maybe that goes to the stupidest questions.
I still love James. And I'm glad he won
$100K giveway, but personally I thought Cirie should of been the top 3. I think James should of had his own show. I would never forget him telling Jeff on how-to-eat Bat. That still cracks me up.
Next season looks good and a little scary looking with all the animals in Gabon. Hopefully I would have a new tv by the new season to watch it.
And I hope Jeff is nominated for best Reality show Host in the Emmy's. He deserves it.
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May 12, 2008 2:13 AM
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I, too, was suprised at Parvati's win. Surprised, but it seemed to feel right. At the final four, I thought it was Amanda's game to lose, and that whomever she took with her to tribal, she would still win. Not that I really wanted her to; I'm a Cirie fan. I think Amanda wimped out in the final tribal, just as she did in China. I don't know what it is, but the jury, even if they were mad at you before, seem to respect the more "hey, that's how I played the game, love or don't" approach. I wish they showed more of the questions from the jury. What we saw CAN'T have been the sum total of it, can it? Overall, I thought the questions were lame, except for Cirie's. And Ozzy could have toned it down on the Parvati tirade. Betrayed? This is the same Ozzy who had the high-and-mighty "What? someone wants to vote against ME?!" reactions every time he heard murmurs that people were targeting him. I like you, Oz, but grow up. And treat Amanda well, while you're at it.
If it had been Cirie with either Amanda or Parvati, I wonder how it would have played out ...
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May 12, 2008 2:38 AM
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P.S. The ponderosa videos were a welcome addition this season, so I hope they keep that up!
And, is it possible that I miss Jeff already?! He's a piece of work - and pretty entertaining.
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May 12, 2008 2:40 AM
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oops sorry for the double post, leaving the edited version below!
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May 12, 2008 3:06 AM
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another question after just now re-watching the finale. Did anyone else see Natalie grab Parvati's rear end on the way to the first tribal of the night? I had to rewind, but in fact she did! Wonder if that's where her jury question came from. I wish Amanda would have won, and I'd welcome James back for every season if only because I love his one-liners! All in all it turned into a great season. Anybody know when they start up the new season?
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May 12, 2008 3:06 AM
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A funny thing happened five minutes into the show. Never a Cirie fan, I found myself rooting for her all the way up until she was voted out by Amanda. My heart broke when she gave her post-tribal council goodbye speech and thanked her family, saying that she did the best she could.
Natalie is a freak. Just WTH what she asking Parvati at tribal council?? Earlier in the show, I caught a glimpse of Natlie putting her hand under the back of Parvati’s dress and found it odd, but now I guess we know why she seemed so into the female alliance and hated men. I was expecting Jeff to announce Natalie and Parvati as the second Survivor romance of the show. I found it funny that Natalie could not bring herself to say that what we saw on TV was actually not an accurate representation of who she is. Of all of her layers, I’d say her loving and kind layer is pretty thin.
Down to the final minutes, Eliza was as annoying as ever. Her over the top dramatic soul-searching before voting was ridiculous. And after all that time, she ended up choosing the wrong person IMO. Which begs the question, has there ever been a tie in the finals? What would have happened if the vote went 4-4?
Before the results, some other random thoughts:
- Erik – Total Class Act. He definitely earned his title of the Dumbest Survivor ever, yet I’ll also remember him as kind, sweet, naïve and an overall good guy.
- Amanda and Ozzy – Cute couple. Wish them the best of luck. Is it just me or does Amanda look better without makeup?
- Joel – Cruciatus, no it’s not just you. He’s still a tool or a meathead as I’ve liked to refer to him. He sure did look a thousand times better with a haircut.
- Jonny Fairplay - Another tool. Pretty funny how Jeff changed the subject when he said he’d love for him to give his kid a hug.
As far as the winner, I was SHOCKED that Parvati won over Amanda!! Maybe James jinxed Amanda when he said she had it in the bag. I would have liked Jeff to ask the jury why they voted the way they did. The way I looked at it, Amanda played a very well rounded game. This time around she made fewer enemies, was loyal to her alliance, found (and used!) the hidden immunity idol like a pro and won individual immunity twice (the two most important times). I think Amanda deserved to win, but James winning the fan favorite vote cheered me up! Well done, James! Wish we could have you back every season! Looking forward to Gabon, but this season will be a hard act to follow!
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May 12, 2008 3:30 AM
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I can't believe Parv beat out Amanda! I don't think she played a better game than her. Just because Parv was more vocal and in your face, doesn't mean Amanda didn't pull off good moves, if not better. Plus, she found the idol, used it and won immunity when it mattered most. And, oh ya, she played back-to-back seasons and made it to the end both times! Shouldn't you get credit for that?! She should've been voted out first!
Cirie's questions were STUPID! Basically she told Amanda to tell her why she sucks and Parv tell her why she's awesome. Lame.
Ozzy's speech to Amanda was so cute.
And yes, I think Natalie did ask Parv out in her speech. The fiance made me pause to ask if Nat just asked Parv to have sex with her LOL
Amanda looks way better with less makeup.
Eliza's hair was too straight; it made her face look extra small.
Joel was still bitter.
Jason looked weird with his haircut.
James is just as adorable as ever.
Who the heck is that Mary person?!
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May 12, 2008 4:09 AM
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I understand that Cirie's questions at Tribal Council seemed stupid, but it's my guess that she was trying to get someone to acknowledge that a lot of what went down this season was because of her brilliance. It seemed to me that she was generally ignored by most and that they weren't realizing her contributions to the blindsiding that was done. She at the very least deserved the $100K.
I didn't care who won at the end. I never liked Parvati, but I didn't like Amanda in her China season, and I could see that she was always pretending to be "so sorry" about the backstabbing that she had done. Those pitiful hang-dog expressions and crocodile tears really sickened me by tonight's show, and I think the jury was of that opinion also.
As for Parvati and Amanda looking worse tonight than on the island. Amen to that. I think it was their crappy hairdos rather than the make-up.
Someone mentioned that the animals of Gabon looked scary. I think the show always shows all these animals that in reality the cast never really comes in contact with.
I look forward to the next show, but they'll have to really try hard to be as good as this season.
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May 12, 2008 4:40 AM
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Amanda got robbed...again. I'm sorry but winning challenges is part of the game. I don't think someone who hasn't won at least 1 immunity challenge deserves to win. If winning challenges doesn't matter, then why do they even have them?
There have been other Survivors where the "wrong" person won, but this one really irked me. I just don't know how Amanda having the Hidden Immunity Idol when she needed it (and it saved her,) and winning the final 2 immunity challenges didn't help her win. I mean, Amanda went all out to find the HII while Parv just sun bathed. Who played harder?
Amanda lasted 39 days in back to back seasons. Both times, she won the final 2 immunity challenges, and both times she lost. While the winner of Survivor:China may have been more deserving, no way was Parvati. I think again that the jury voted for Parv either because they were more friendly towards her, jealous of Amanda, or didn't like Amanda. I think her relationship with Ozzy may have hurt her.
Amanda didn't receive any votes in China, even the skinny chick who hated being there got 1, but at least Amanda won $100,000 this time and probably $50,000 last time. That means that James won more money than Amanda. Again, just not fair.
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May 12, 2008 7:17 AM
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I thought I understood Natalie's poorly worded question until I read about her touching Parvati on the way to tribal. I thought she was comparing flirting in real life to get someone in bed to flirting in the game to get to the end. I could be wrong.
I really thought Amanda was going to win considering she played the HII at exactly the right time blindsiding Alexis and won the last two immunity challenges, but Parvati did play a better strategic game, albeit with Cirie and Natalie's help.
I think Ozzie and Amanda make a good couple but I wonder if he, like a lot of us, thought both girls looked better without make up and in skimpy clothes.
I love James and was glad he again won the audience vote. I will miss him. I wish there was a clause that said he could come back again next season since he had to leave with an injury this season. If anyone at CBS is reading this, look into this loophole!!
I wonder how Survivor can top this season in the fall? This was a great cast and a great season.
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May 12, 2008 7:58 AM
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I thought I understood Natalie's poorly worded question until I read about her touching Parvati on the way to tribal. I thought she was comparing flirting in real life to get someone in bed to flirting in the game to get to the end. I could be wrong.
I really thought Amanda was going to win considering she played the HII at exactly the right time blindsiding Alexis and won the last two immunity challenges, but Parvati did play a better strategic game, albeit with Cirie and Natalie's help.
I think Ozzie and Amanda make a good couple but I wonder if he, like a lot of us, thought both girls looked better without make up and in skimpy clothes.
I love James and was glad he again won the audience vote. I will miss him. I wish there was a clause that said he could come back again next season since he had to leave with an injury this season. If anyone at CBS is reading this, look into this loophole!!
I wonder how Survivor can top this season in the fall? This was a great cast and a great season.
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May 12, 2008 7:58 AM
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