LadyChatts

Christian during the first IC: “Jeff, do you mind if I tell a story to pass the time” aka try to psych Mr. Muscles out? OMG do I want to marry this man! I don’t understand 99% of what he’s talking about, but I don’t care, let the man speak. Gabby was totally me during my middle and high school years of gym class during that challenge. She may have shed tears tonight, but I was glad to see her gain some confidence in the game play. Second half of the episode, Christian’s TH about Carl’s plan to vote out Alison: “Yes, I’m okay with it. Yes, I’m okay deferring all my decisions to a man that’s half sloshed.” Again, I love this man! One thing, what happened to Nick and Christian working together? He was David Strong tonight and I didn’t see him and Christian talking tonight at all. They seem to have drifted since the merge. I couldn’t believe my hope in Alison staying rested on Mike. I was ready to burn his hat Russell Hantz style. Your choice of head wear is safe for now, sir.

I don't even think she is a villain. I find her unlikable and she does strike me as a mean girl, but not a villain in the vain of other villains that have come through the ranks (even the fun ones). Again, it's hard to say without knowing what's going to happen tomorrow, which I think will be more telling how the rest of the season goes, even if alliances tend to flip flop. She said in the preview the Goliaths don't know how vicious she can be, which might just be nothing but a bunch of hot air that leads nowhere. It seemed from the preview she was more upset her Goliath team mates voted against her-and I am in no way saying she's being unreasonable in being upset. If she merely flips on the Goliaths, gets out everyone but Mike, she's going to look like a coat tail rider. Yes, the fair argument is she got out the very people who were targeting her and she beat them to the final 3, but will the jury look at it like that? Would they consider that good game play, or just making it easier for the Davids? Angelina has already shown that she can be controlling and spiteful when she doesn't get her own way (this is where the Elizabeth fiasco might come back to bite her), so she could get questioned why she played a good game when she merely flipped and just got taken to the end because she seemed like a goat. I would be surprised if the Goliaths go into both TC tomorrow looking to stay together, but it could be no one expects Angelina to flip, or thinks she's the one going. This could come down to her doing all the dirty work and making enemies while the likes of Nick continues to work on his social bonds. Right now, based on edits, I still think Christian or Nick have the best chances of winning. We will see what tomorrow brings in terms of story arc and edits. I hopefully won't have to concede that Angelina might have a solid shot, but even now I'm not entirely ruling it out.

Jenna’s edit wasn’t that great, especially when it came to her tribemate Christy, but I recall many people said she was young and immature, and just aligned with the wrong people (namely her Survivor BFF Heidi). After the season aired, Jenna admitted she didn’t like what she saw and had a lot of growing up to do. I’m not saying she gained a ton of respect, but some people were willing to cut her a break. Thailand was just a shit show season that despite Brian being unpopular (I think more for his actions off the show), people seemed to think he at least played a decent game and was the least worst of the final 4. Your thoughts on Angelina sum up her edit perfectly. It’s why I’m having a hard time seeing her win, but we’ll see what tomorrow brings. She backstabs the Goliath’s it might not matter what Nick does, he might get all their votes just because. I want to see Angelina have a Brad Culpeppe moment when she comes to the realization she’s lost and just turns away from everyone and sulks.

Well so far, it's only been 3 males who've found the idols. I can totally see Christian finding another idol. I believe the second part of that spoiler applied to Dan, unless there's some twist we don't know about yet. Some people on other sites were speculating Alec, and thinking he was bitter over his dis-invite from the reunion. Of course there was strong speculation Alec was a pre-juror, since he wasn't invited to the reunion, and maybe was bitter about an early exit so he violated the NDA and got himself into that mess as a result. It's still possible Alec could have a bitter exit, and I won't be surprised if he is blindsided. Other people though Dan, but I don't know if I believe it was him. I'd laugh if it was Lynn Spillman who did this out of revenge for getting fired.

But she had to practically beg Dan to play the idol for her (or at least that's how it came across), and I can't say her getting rid of Elizabeth is anything to write home about. She almost got herself booted. I just think her edit has been condescending, comedic, controlling, and, again, she gave shades of a mean girl in the premiere when she saw the David tribe for the first time. I'm not 100% ruling her win out if the final 3 is Nick/Mike/Angelina, but so far I don't think she has much to stand on. If Christian is in the final 3 then she doesn't have a chance, unless they are doing a Michele/Aubry edit with them, but Probst likes Angelina so I don't think he'd set her up like that. I only saw the spoiler that mentioned the Goliath male having two idols, another male finds one, and he uses one in a shocking TC. I know his idol will be re-hidden but not sure who will find it. I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't keep the spelling of Davie's name right.

It’s been such a good season but Angelina winning? Yeah, I’ll pass. I do agree with Probst that no one should ever listen to him. He’s a fan of Angelina, so I’m honestly not surprised to hear him say that.

It's hard to say who will and won't be bitter, and whether they are told to play it up. I can see Carl being bitter, but I believe Christian and Gabby will respect Nick's game play. I mean, Gabby is super emotional, but I'd like to think she'll put that aside. It is also possible that he simply aligns with Christian/Gabby/Mike/Angelina (because clearly Nick plus the other rumored final 3 aren't going to get there by themselves). They make it to the final 5/6, and maybe Angelina or Mike finds an idol or advantage or goes on an immunity run. Or if there's another Goliath in the mix, it might come down to the Goliaths taking out the Davids in the alliance, and Nick goes on an immunity run/finds an idol. It could come down to 2 Davids/2 Goliaths in the final 4, and one or both Davids have to make fire to earn their spot in the final 3. It's hard to say right now what exactly is going to transpire. Maybe Davey and Carl try to turn on Nick first and that sets in motion him turning on them. In reality, the Davids banded together because they had to. Had it not been for Mike bailing on Strike Force, thus making Alison and Alec bail on that alliance, we might not have seen the past two episodes play out the way they did. I do think this week might be telling as to how the remainder of the season goes. I think there's several possibilities where Nick can make it to the end and not look like the bad guy, or at least not a total bad guy. I've been surprised by juries before, and again, the only one I can see being bitter is Carl. Dan might be, depending, and Davey could if he goes out in spectacular fashion. It's hard to say!

From a game play stand point, I don't think Angelina has been very impressive, and she doesn't seem to like not being in control. I also wonder if what happened with Elizabeth will come back to bite her. Clearly that was pure jury management, and I don't know why she would be surprised that Elizabeth would be scrambling to save herself or call her out. When she's put on the spot I don't think she handles it well. In addition, in the first episode she was making fun of the Davids as they climbed aboard the boat. It was in a TH, but a weird thing to showcase a winner saying. I honestly just don't think she can pull a win off based on her edit so far, because I don't think she's been portrayed in the best light. Again, there's still time, but not much. The way it has been going this season who knows. I find her annoying and conceited, but comedic at the same time because of her bad gameplay and perceptions of everything going on that is wrong (plus having to beg for stuff at TC). Mike really has nothing going for him, and I really don't think he can change his game around in time. Nick can argue that he was supposed to be the first one gone, and due to unforeseen circumstances managed to survive and get a second chance in the game. He's clearly made strong social bonds, as he had multiple people telling him about the vote for Christian (which in turn helped save Christian), he successfully played his advantage, and has made strong alliances. I don't think he's backstabbed anyone so far. The one thing that might hurt him is when Jessica was voted off, and he was saying it was Gabby's decision, should that come up. In addition, we didn't see all the Goliaths telling him about Christian, so that might hurt his case a little in terms of showing he's got a good social game. For Nick, I hope he doesn't lose to a bitter jury or a Goliath strong mentality on the jury. He hasn't been cocky or obnoxious to anyone in the game, and didn't gloat about his advantage.

If Angelina doesn't have a big break out episode in the next couple of weeks, then I'm going to believe Nick wins. So far, he's the only one of the final 3 that seems like he could win.

I am not looking forward to a Probst casted returning player season, but am curious how he’ll do casting a newbie season. S38 was Lynne’s last season, but I think our current season has one of the better casts in a long time. Also excited to see Canadians in the cast. If S40 is a returning player season of some form, I really hope there’s a good variety. Not just contestants in the last 10 seasons (or the bulk being from post HvsV), and that we aren’t seeing people for the fifth and sixth time.

This is a theme for a future season. In Alec's case, I can see where he can make the argument that he didn't have a choice but to go back on his word to the Davids. I really believe he wanted to work with them, but didn't have the numbers to do so once Mike bailed. After this week, it'll be interesting. Kara kinda, sorta seems like she's playing the game, but I don't know that it'll be enough at this point. Probably her biggest move was trying to get Dan out/voting Angelina. What exact good that did her game, I don't know, but it seems like there's a lot of bonds being made and alliances that we aren't being shown. I don't believe Gabby or Carl have anything. Alison could be viewed as wishy washy, but she could try to make the same case as Alec-wanted to work with the Davids, but didn't have the numbers. At this point, I think Nick and Christian still stand the best chance of winning, maybe Angelina. Davey I'd love but I just don't think his edit supports it. Nick winning would be amazing-from a guy who was supposed to be the first boot to being one of the best game players this season and taking the whole thing. I will be curious next week if anyone has a huge break out episode.

Awww, I don't want Davie to go. Next week is two hours, so a double boot. Hopefully if a David goes a Goliath goes, too. I'd hate to think two Davids go back to back, just because I don't trust the stupid Goliaths to not go Goliath strong again. ETA: they seem to be speculating if it is the same jacket Davie was wearing at camp. Also, there's a screen shot of Christian holding what looks like a folded up piece of paper. Maybe he gets an advantage?

In thinking about it, is it possible Strike Force could shape up again-but without Alec? Alison/Mike are supposedly close, Gabby wanted to work with Alison and may get drawn back in, but I don't see her betraying Christian. And Alison and Angelina may decide to make big moves that means moving on from the Goliaths, especially since she didn't seem too happy about Kara and Alec voting for her (not sure what role she'll feel Alison had since Alison didn't vote). Christian obviously will still have his alliance with Nick, so I'm wondering if that's how Angelina/Mike make their way to the final 3 with whatever David is sitting beside them. It would probably be one of the more dysfunctional groups to work together and making it to the end, but then again, the Goliaths didn't like each other but went all Goliath Strong, and the Davids didn't have a choice but to band together. So maybe that'ls an underlying theme of the season-work with the people you don't like and trust the least. Since Alison was talking about resume building, the Davids kind of have a one up on the remaining Goliaths if the game came down to that, so next week might be where everything descends into chaos. And Christian/Nick/Gabby might insist that they if they were to team back up with any Goliaths, to gain their trust, they would need to vote a Goliath off first before they'd want to work with them (meaning Kara or Alec could get it). Obviously this is pure speculation. I just don't want Christian or Nick having some huge underdog triumph to the final 3, where they have to win immunities and find convenient idols when they need them because they are being targeted. And I don't want 2 Goliaths in the finale to mean they gain the upper hand and pick the Davids off.

Is there a spoiler about the David having worked with the Goliaths making the final 3? I think there are several ways Christian can make it. He could still end up working with Angelina and Mike, despite Mike's betrayal and Angelina wanting him gone. If Angelina wants to turn on the Goliaths at the next vote, she would need the Davids (including Christian) for that. He has an idol, and there's always a chance he could win immunity when he needs it. At this point, I think it'll be Christian or Nick, but I suppose anything is possible. As long as the David wins I'm happy. The only Goliath that I'd be happy to see win is Alec, but clearly that isn't happening. Disappointing that he had to go screw up after the show, because I'd love to see him return in another season, but that seems unlikely. In the one preview posted, Gabby is seen asking Christian if people think she's stupid (and it was just a clip, but her tone made me think she was surprised by that). So there's always a chance she could make a move, especially if she gets pulled in by Alison. Carl and Davey never really had ties with Christian/Nick/Gabby, so whose to say they don't go rogue. I still think it'll be Nick and Christian based on edit, but who knows. I'm more curious how Mike makes it, unless he really is just getting dragged along. Since he's a friend of Probst, I wonder if he's disappointed that Mike is basically the worst game player left.

Pre-jurors don't have their own Ponderosa series, which I think is disappointing. Especially this season-would have loved to have seen the looks on everyone' s faces when Natalie showed up. Once the merge happens, the pre-jurors are sent off on a vacation somewhere. I don't know if they stay right in Fiji or go out of the country (it has varied in other seasons-I know during Worlds Apart, which filmed in Nicaragua, the pre-jurors were sent to Costa Rica). As a rule, the pre-jurors aren't supposed to leave before the game has finished filming, but there have been times it has happened. However, they aren't supposed to make it obvious they are home.

I went back and watched, and you are right, they were talking (or giving each other head nods). I had missed that the first time (way too much going on). So here again, they wanted Dan gone but were they hoping he'd play his idol, and this is how they'd get rid of Angelina? Or Angelina was just the second choice if he did play his idol. I mean Dan really would have been an idiot to not play his idol after the vote steal. This vote left me more curious where everyone's head was at, and this is why we need a longer reunion show this season. Cut the finale down to 1 hour and give us a 2 hour reunion because I have way too many questions to get answered! I had to go back and watch the Davids on the beach right before TC because I loved that moment almost as much as TC. Nick: "I have a secret advantage." Carl: "I have a secret advantage". Christian: "I have an idol." You could almost feel the excitement getting bigger and bigger.

Wow, a preview already? I do think next week will be a big turning point. I am impressed by how practically everyone is playing the game, and now that they are even along old tribal lines, if this means a lot more scrambling, stategizing, deal making, and alliance forming. Mike may find himself very, very sorry for bailing on Strike Force, because why would any of the Davids have use for him (especially Christian/Nick/Gabby), and Alec/Alison/Kara may be doing some thinking of their own. But again, even those who've gotten quiet edits seem to have some sort of strategy. I'm not saying everyone's edit is screaming winner or that the right moves have been made by certain people, but glad that no one is just happy to be in an alliance and get carried.

Dan's in very good spirits. I love when he says 'this wasn't in the rule book.; I will miss the guy. I don't mind the Goliaths getting voted off, but I really liked John and Dan, so too bad it was them. It was a smart decision on the part of the Davids, though, to get rid of two physical threats. John could probably win for being a very likable guy, too. I loved when he went to Elizabeth to talk about missing his kids back home, since she would know the feeling. This was probably my favorite Ponderosa so far. And, in general, this has been my favorite Ponderosa series in a very long time. Hope the rest of the castoffs who make it are as pleasant!

Well, Angelina is friends with Klein, and she has a husband in the military so perhaps she learned something from her friend, and will milk that. It's been such a great season that every week I'm expecting something to go wrong and ruin it. Mike getting to the final 3 is bad enough, and I wonder if he's delusional enough to think he can win. But Angelina winning would be my luck. This season has surprised me, Christian or Nick seem like such obvious winners. I believe the finale is the 19th, so that's 4 episodes for her to pull something big off and turn her edit around. I've been thinking the same thing, but considering the reunion show started at 10:30 the last two seasons, Alec could make it to the finale and probably still not get any airtime. It's too bad, too, because he's been such an amazing character and game player this season. This whole season deserves a full reunion because of all the stuff that has happened. In addition, who knows if Sia has favorite and will crash the stage this year.

Me too. Let them get through a couple more votes as a unit at least. I think Christian is smart and will talk Gabby down, but Carl I'm more nervous about. He refused to spare Elizabeth because he was mad about the Jessica vote, so if he and Gabby go at it enough, he might throw the Goliaths a life line to get rid of Gabby. I hope it is Angelina voting against her old tribe. My guess is she'll go after Kara/Alec/Alison because they voted against her, and Alison said something in the preview about it being a contingency plan. Truthfully Alison is golden because she didn't vote, so Angelina has nothing to be angry at her about if Alison says she knew nothing. But we saw during the Jeremy vote that when she has her mind made up she doesn't like to budge. She almost killed her own game during the Elizabeth vote because she got mad over them not wanting to vote out Christian. I can't even believe I am putting all my hopes on Angelina of all people next week! Alec and Kara may be in her sights.

It's funny because I was just thinking of this idol play last week, but forgot no one knew about it! Savage and his gang made the same mistake Goliath did last week, by putting all the votes on Wentworth and not splitting the vote. And IIRC, Joe was the one who told Wentworth about the plan to vote her off, just like Alec told Nick about the plan to vote off Christian. So maybe there's something else that can be learned here lol

Since I definitely do not see Mike winning, and have a hard time seeing Angelina win (unless something changes in the next few episodes), then I think the David has this. I'm going with Nick or Christian, because based on edits and game play, they seem the most likely. Davey possibly, but I'm doubtful. I do believe we have a jury that is going to vote based on game play, and some of the Goliaths are all about resume and big moves, so Nick and Christian have those. I am very curious what happens the next few weeks, but I hope 2 Goliaths in the finale doesn't mean the Goliaths somehow take control and pick off the Davids. Mike seems tailor made as a goat, because the Goliaths are probably pissed at him, and he betrayed the Davids. Angelina is more of a wild card, but she hasn't done too much to solidify a win, and her edit hasn't been that great. However, she seemed pretty pissed at Kara and Alec in the preview, and she said 'the Goliaths don't know how vindictive I can be', so maybe something else happens where she turns on them? Finds out she's been on the bottom this whole time? So maybe she starts having a break out episode next week. Hey, we saw nothing of Natalie White's game thanks to Russell, and Natalie Anderson didn't get too visible until after the merge. I don't want Angelina to win by any stretch, but not completely ruling it out.

So that brings up a more interesting question, but did Alison truly bail or did she change her mind again and go back to splitting the vote? Clearly we don't know since she didn't vote, but that has me intrigued. In addition, Kara and Alec were sitting no where near each other at TC so they couldn't have talked to each other, but I had wondered if they decided to go back to Angelina to simply to show loyalty to the Davids. But your comment would make more sense. Maybe they assumed Dan would be safe because of his idol so they didn't feel any guilt about ratting him out. Idols have been around since Guatemala, and they've been played the current way since Fiji (not counting super idols). Maybe we'll finally get a season where the idol is an absolute surprise because whoever has it told no one?

So was Nick stealing Alison's vote personal, random, or strategic to make it look like they were voting for her? I'm starting to second guess throwing support behind Alison after tonight. I don't get why the Goliaths give up so easy. Did Kara even try to fight to blindside Dan after Alison and Alec told her they changed their mind?

I'm guessing it might have been Alec who told them. I think Alec is still trying to stay in the good graces of the Davids, just in case, and again, I think he's trying for jury management. Tonight at TC he was all 'oh yeah, the Davids have a point about being down and getting picked off' and played a more sympathetic angle. Honestly I think the Davids are justified to be a little cocky. They've been down in numbers and the Goliaths are throwing them a line but then reeling it in. The Goliaths were just going to pick them off, and instead, the Davids have managed to even out the game. Maybe they got help, but they still have played a good strategic game. I know the nullifier is new, but the Goliaths clearly are not thinking ahead or learning from the last TC. And we saw a team effort idol hunt on the part of the Davids while the Goliaths were still snoozing. All I kept saying was 'do not be an idiot and split the two votes.' *Sigh* Silas, my first Survivor crush. I'm still bitter over that one.