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Episode Recap #14: Series Finale
Well, well, well, the ship has sailed on this show and by that I mean we're at the finale. Finally. It's been a long haul with some high points... and some low ones. Nevertheless, Pirate Master has come to an end.
Even though I knew this was the last show, it didn't alleviate any sense of impatience I felt with the episode. It was never-ending. Maybe it was the first challenge between Christa, Ben and Jay to determine who would participate in the finale challenge for Captain Steele's treasure. That was long enough, but the second one went on forever. Especially since Cameron repeated at least three times the players on each crew. Yeah, I heard that the first time. Black crew: Ben, Cheryl, Azmyth, Jupiter. Red crew: Christa, John, Jay, Nessa.
Yes my friends, Ben won his first term as captain and $50K in that initial challenge, automatically making Christa and Jay receive the black spots. The "ghosts" all came back to vote in this last Pirates Court. Long-story-short, all the ghosts hated Jay and voted him out 12-1. No surprise there. Christa and Ben were left to battle it out for the half-million-dollar prize.
But wait! Before we do that, the last two players must each choose a crew from the ghosts. Before that the ghosts must declare whether they want to participate in the challenge and if so, why. These declarations went on... forever. The highlight, though, was John, that exotic dancer/scientist who, unbeknownst to me, has some odd fixation on Christa. He "believes in Christa." He's not "invested in Ben's spirit." Um, what? Later during a bidding war over Nessa when Christa was doling out money to secure her crew, John — seemingly offended at the suggestion that he take money — refused the gold with a "don't even think of offering me money to fight for you." Creepy.
The final challenge was exhausting to watch and not particularly riveting. Given that Christa was pretty much behind the whole time, the suspense over who would win was nonexistent. Ben is the Pirate Master, people! He was so excited about that title, as if it really meant that he now truly was lord of the pirates. Regardless, Ben's a lot richer than he was at the start of this game. Congratulations to him.
It was minimally fulfilling to see all the ghosts return, including Cheryl, who was quite talkative during the episode. I had forgotten about Sean the cute cook. Kendra was particularly nasty to Christa, telling the blonde that instead of going on a reality show she ought to get a job and work to be a good example to her daughter. Ouch. Joy said not a word. Joe Don had trimmed his hair and was quick, for whatever reason, to mention that old cliché of standing for nothing, falling for everything. Jupiter was still all about being loyal to whomever was the current captain. Azmyth wore more eye makeup than usual. Nessa was feisty. Louie still cackled. Christian was silent. And Laurel, God love her, she picked a fight with Ben, stole his coat and declared herself Ghost Captain. She then started a rebellion among the crew by refusing to do any chores on the ship since there was no money in it for them. Man, I've missed her.
So that's it, folks. The show is (officially) over. It's been quite a ride.
For video of the show, check out our Online Video Guide.
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Aug 29, 2007 11:58 AM
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You are correct, there was not much suspense this ep but I laughed through the whole thing. Kendra volunteering to be on a crew had me roaring. All the jocking for Nessa's help turned out to be worthless. Christa promised a win and then dragged the box down the trail, give up much? I think Christa might have had a chance if she would have chosen Lou-Dog and Joe Don, Jon is an idiot and Jay was wore out.
I'm glad I watched the entire season, I still think CBS was foolish to cancel one of its only new runs of the summer.
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Aug 29, 2007 12:40 PM
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That was a loooong final episode. I doubt it would have been as long had it aired on tv. I bet the several mentions of the crews would have been edited. Anyway, it was a good show, and the series did get better as it went along. I was surprised Ben initially chose Nessa after she gave her allegiance to Christa, but he ended up with the crew I thought he'd get. I think Christa would have been better off with Joe Don over Jay, but in the end, Ben was just physically stronger than she was. It was nice but bittersweet to see so much of Cheryl. Since Ben split his $80,000 between the three, and she was one of Joe Don's officers, she probably ended up with $40-50,000, maybe more. As the events of this week with Owen Wilson have shown us (thankfully he didn't succeed,) unlike the title to the theme song of M*A*S*H, suicide is NOT painless. Cheryl was one of my favorites and it just sucks that she (after her boyfriend had also done so) chose to take her own life. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem (in most cases) and it really messes up the lives of those left behind. I hope Owen gets help and then dedicates his life to helping suicide prevention causes, and maybe attends meetings. I had hoped Christa would win, and thought Jay most deserved it, so Ben winning was a bit of a let down. Good for him, though. John was cracking me up, he really gave it his all to help Christa, for whatever reason. I wonder if they're now dating? I loved the way he tossed the bag and ran full bore into the wood blocking the cave. LOL! Then, when Christa returned with the final clue he hefted it over his head and ran down the hill to the shore. You go John! I'd love to see John and Christa team up for Amazing Race. They both give it their all, and are much smarter than people give them credit for. I enjoyed this episode and this series much more than I did after the first few episodes. Congrats to Ben on winning, to Christa for all that she accomplished, and I hope Cheryl's family and friends fine some peace and understanding.
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Aug 29, 2007 12:43 PM
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This series really got better as the season went along. Too bad CBS gave up so quickly.
I loved when Kendra told Christa to get a job. Nessa seemed so bitter, I'm surprised anybody chose her. Joe Don was a real space cadet, and he sounded really creepy talking about Christa using her body to get ahead in the game. (Duh. It only works because some men think with the wrong head). Jon is extremely creepy and weird, and clearly had a crush on Christa. He wanted to be her knight in shining armor. I was surprised she chose him, but, she is a blonde.
I was glad to see Ben win. I always liked him better than Christa or Jay.
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Aug 29, 2007 6:37 PM
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Hi Rhoda:
Thanks again for continuing with the blog. I think CBS should rethink taking off shows before they complete their run. The episodes online were pretty good, although the last one could've been edited down some.
Darclyte, I loved what you had to say about Owen Wilson. Did you see where Samuel L. Jackson told the paparazzi to get the "F" away from him when he was visiting Owen at the hospital? They are vultures!
I think that Christa and John must have something-something going on, because both of them were glowing and making "eyes" at each other. I also think that it would be nice to see Christa/John and maybe Joe Don/Nessa compete on The Amazing Race.
And as for Kendra, who was probably the worst competitor, next to Joy, should keep her snarky opinions to herself. Christa went on the show for the same reasons you did, MONEY!
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Aug 29, 2007 8:14 PM
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Yeah, I thought Kendra was a little harsh on Christa. I didn't like her, either, but she didn't need to say all of that. It's really none of her business what Christa does or how she chooses to make a living for her child. And I also thought Jon was a little out there. But then he always was.
Rhoda, I thought the exact same thing about Laurel. She was by far my favorite person on the show. I loved her.
I have to say that by the end, I was rooting for Ben. Jay was a slimeball, and Christa was his puppet. At least Ben was man enough to admit to Louie that he threw the challenge, and to the rest of the crew that he had done some sleazy things, which is more than you can say for the other two.
It's too bad this show wasn't a hit. It kept getting better every episode, and with a little more tweaking, I think it could've been really good. Oh, well, guess we'll never know now.
It was bittersweet to see Cheryl again. I liked her and thought she got totally ripped when she was cut adrift. I know she must have had seemingly overwhelming problems, or she might've just been depressed due to a chemical imbalance. I have that problem, and not only do I have to take medication for the depression, but if I don't, I suffer from debilitating panic attacks. So I've been there, and you're not rational when that kind of thing goes on in your head. One just never knows what's really going on with people. The best thing to do is just be there to support them. And the thing with Owen Wilson just shows that it can happen to anyone.
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Aug 30, 2007 1:09 AM
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*LOVED* when Kendra called Christa out!
How can she be a "Stay at home Mom" when she's not married and needs money? I agree, she needs to get a job if she wants something for her daughter.
Sheesh!
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Aug 30, 2007 10:56 AM
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The thing about this show that has constantly rubbed me the wrong way is that the challenges are so easily manipulated by the trailing team. All you have to do is follow the leaders and end up at the same place at the end. Most of these challenges ended with both groups digging in the same place, so it was basically luck that decided it. Even in the finale, Jay just went into the cave before Christa had completed her task. Just make two courses, for crying out loud, or at least not allow one team to see what the other team is doing.
I still think Azmyth was the best player. At least he was able to get some more money by helping Ben.
Good news: Survivor is only a couple weeks away!!
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Sep 2, 2007 8:18 AM
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