LadyChatts

This season filmed March-May, so that may have been one.

Tonight I was wondering whether Elizabeth going to bat for Lyrsa would inadvertently shift the target to her. I'm glad she was able to successfully save her friend and get someone in an opposing tight alliance out. She made a great case for Jess leaving without overdoing it. I have enjoyed her so far, and she definitely doesn't seem like she'll take crap from anyone, but also seems smart about how to play her hand. We'll see if that continues to be the case, but color me impressed.

I think he's a super fan, but not an obnoxious one. Maybe I should have said I think he's playing up a part. After the last few seasons of superfans and talking about evolution of the game and big moves and making a mark, Christian is refreshing. It's still early, so like some others in the cast, I'm staying a little cautious in case he burns out or goes entirely off the rails. I loved how wide eyed he got when he came out of the woods and was told by the ladies they wanted to change the target. He looked like he was woken up out of a dead slip at that revelation. I wish we could have seen more of the wheels turning with the vote.

I don't want Natalie to go, just to give the girls at Goliath the satisfaction. John doesn't really want her to go, and I'm not entirely sure if Jeremy does, either. He was trying to help her this ep be more observant of her actions, even though she failed at understanding what he was getting at. So maybe those ladies don't have the men wrapped around their fingers like they think. If it got back to Allison that she's not included in the cool kids club, and John/Jeremy find out the ladies think they have them wrapped around their fingers, they might jump ship. Knowing Dan has an idol they would need to be careful how they go about plotting, but potentially they could pull off a blindside. But a Goliath loss is a Goliath loss. I'll take it.

FWIW, since we're lacking spoilers this season, some interesting things coming from Survivor Sucks and Clubs that Suck (all citing the same reddit poster). This person correctly predicted a medevac in the first ep, said it would be a male, and said how it would happen. They also said that someone on Goliath finds two idols, one is discovered by a male tribemate, and this person uses the idol to save someone (and that this person makes the final 3). It's also been said that another male finds two idols this season as well; one is supposedly used in the most shocking elimination of the season along with a twist that same boot (not sure if it was confirmed or speculation but I had seen on these sites that an idol play can get cancelled out by someone, leaving the votes that were cancelled out as is). In addition to Alec someone else is not attending the reunion for quitting and going home pre-merge (not sure if the person actually quits or is voted out and pulls a Vytas). John makes the merge, and one of Dan/Mike/Jeremy makes the final 3. According to the reddit poster, the final 3 is 2 men, 1 female. We'll see if this all pans out!

I think that is precisely why they quit doing separate challenges, so they won't be as tempted to throw it if there's a good reward involved. Of course if Goliath gets a numbers advantage over David then they might throw a challenge just because, regardless of the reward.

I went from liking Christian to hating Christian to liking him again all in one hour. Thankful he helped save Lyrsa! Will be curious if he was swayed by Elizabeth/Gabby or if he came to the decision on his own, maybe realizing that Carl/Bi/Jess plus Davie was a solid alliance that needed to get a number out (and that he could be considered weak and get bounced if he didn't keep numbers in his favor). I'm thinking Christian is playing up the nerd superfan. Big time. Hopefully he doesn't overplay his hand, because the way he goes on and on sounding like a smarty pants and using big words might be his undoing.

I'm cautiously optimistic about her. I was/am afraid she might be a tad wishy-washy and let her emotions run the game, but it's still so early. I hope going to a TC, having the vote go in her favor, and getting that out of the way will boost her confidence. I think she's got a gamer in there! I do like how she recognized if Lyrsa left that might put a target on her for being weak. Two favorite moments from episode 2: Elizabeth going to talk to her about the vote, saying she didn't want to vote Lyrsa, and Gabby automatically assuming it was her that Elizabeth wanted gone. This is where I hope she can get a confidence boost and prove why she deserves to stay. The other moment was her and Christian on the beach. "Do you want to play with me?" "In the sand?" Have we ever had an awkward nerd showmance on any of these shows? I'd love something different than the hot guy and hot girl hooking up.

Pleaaaase tell me that next week's preview showing Jeremy getting pissy at Natalie for allegedly throwing his name out means Goliath loses. Please show, I can't take them winning anymore, and we're only into episode 2!

No, whoever finds it is the only one that can use it. Since Dan found it it's technically his idol, so even though others were with him when he found it they can't even use it. Doesn't mean he can't give it away, however. Nothing will ever beat him trudging out to the Barramundi camp in the Outback, the tribe seeing he doesn't look happy, and Probst saying "I don't think you guys are going to make it", and negotiating with them for more rice rations because they were stupid enough to build their camp next to a river bed. I want that Probst back!

Especially because Christian reacted so quickly. That was probably my second favorite moment all night, after Jess's blindside.

Some other thoughts: Editing this season: I think I know who everyone is! And has everyone gotten camera time between the two episodes?! Big improvement from the last two seasons where they showed someone was getting their torch snuffed mid-season and I didn’t even know they were a contestant all season (not really exaggerating). I like the equal time between tribes, even though I hate the Goliath’s. Yeah, I’ll be saying that all season. Davie finding the idol is how I like my idols found. Taking a leisurely stroll and then ‘hey!’ And despite the orange string, that seemed like a harder find than Goliath’s that was in plain sight with purple string. Two episodes in and we got everyone being miserable in a storm! Any chance they can shift their filming schedule and not film during the rainy season? I vote they just move them into the Big Brother house. Creature comforts, alliance naming, showmances, Probst saying “expect the unexpected” last week. Same show anymore. I wanted to like Christian but then he had to go team up with Nick. And get into Cochran territory with overstrategizing and being a mastermind. And had to throw out voting out one of the ladies (shocker). Now I have to like him and Nick for saving Lyrsa. Smart decision? Well, calling her weak on that tribe can be a stretch. Lyrsa had a valid point about winning the first challenge with Christian. Compared to Carl, who pretty much sucked in his portion of the IC last week and put the David’s behind. They would have won otherwise. Lyrsa had the right idea of keeping quiet at Elizabeth’s revelation. Natalie should have taken a page out of her book. But glad she’s not going down swinging! Especially to Ms. Angelina’s ‘you don’t have the number’s.’ Have I mentioned I hate her yet? I hate the couples/faux couples alliance at Goliath. I still hate Natalia and Angelina. Not sure who I dislike more between the two. May they both get betrayed and blindsided by the men they think they have around their fingers (clearly not John as he wants to keep Natalie around). Dare I say I like Dan for being a love sick doofus that clearly has never seen an episode of this show?

Um, Nick, did you see how JT’s appearances went without Stephen? I hate the Goliaths. Besides Natalie. If the Goliaths run it, hopefully she’s their undoing at a tribe swap or merge. That was the perfect set up for a Jess blindside show! Thanks for not letting me down. I thought Christian’s voting confessional was a giveaway to Lyrsa going. And speaking of Christian, sooner or later he is going to Keith “stick to the plan!” Nale himself if he doesn’t know when to shut up.

I wonder if Pat would have survived the first vote. It seemed like his bossiness was rubbing people the wrong way. However he was strong and a hard worker, so that was going in his favor. I am curious how the vote would have gone if he hadn't been medevaced. I do hope he gets a chance to play again. I pity anyone that goes out via medevac, even those I don't like. Especially as in most cases, it seems the contestants are fine within hours are a day or two. And to go out first like that really has to sting even more.

Next to Natalie this guy was the only other Goliath that didn't annoy me. He seems like the type that will be kept around for strength and will know how to work his tribe mates, all the while laughing at them behind their back for how neurotic and into themselves they are. I know nothing about wrestling so I went in with an open mind on this one. He seems cool so far. And thanks to everyone for the wrestling expertise! That's interesting to read.

My opinion of her didn't change after the premiere. She came across pretty much how I expected (whether that's how she really is or just how the show likes to edit I don't know, I'll say its a combo of the two). Of course I despise the whole Goliath tribe, or at least the ones we've seen, and since she's clearly the underdog I hope she pulls it out. I mean, way to be unique, all you young fit 20 and early 30 somethings voting out the bossy older black lady first. Maybe with Goliath winning it'll buy her some time and shift the target elsewhere. However, it seems like for now the young girls and hot cop are together, and who knows who else they have. I don't see that alliance fracturing. Again, can't be original this time.

Agree with your post but especially these points. I didn't know what to think of Gabby pre-show but I became a fan tonight. I especially loved how she said her opinion of Pat changed after his medevac. I believe she was being very sincere on that. I enjoyed getting to know the Davids as a whole on that level. Way too many recent seasons of "whose that?" and not knowing anything about the cast, even the winner. Goliaths on the other hand can all get lost in the jungle. Such a cocky, arrogant group, but editing definitely played to the theme tonight. I'm waiting for a Goliath blow up when a David tries saying that they aren't anything like them and haven't had their struggles or wouldn't be seen with them in public. They started doing these theme because they are permantely (for now anyway) in Fiji and can't just call themselves "Survivor Fiji" every season. And just a re-hash of the themes used before. I don't know if we've had a theme-less season since Philippines. And even that season featured 3 medevacs. Even the AS seasons had themes to them. In honor of Mike being on Survivor (and waiting for my beloved TAR to start up), I've gone back to watch old TAR seasons and picked the ones he was on. Wasn't a fan then, and definitely wasn't a fan tonight. I was stunned he didn't find the idol. Too obvious too soon? That said, there's about 5 other people I want gone from Goliath first before him, so that shows how must I detest that tribe. I'm thinking people like Natalie just can't help it, especially being an older hard working woman with a bunch of youngin's. She was going to be a target regardless I'm sure.

Cochran resemblance aside, I liked him episode one. That puzzle was close and I'm not sure he was at fault.

I think the Goliaths would take it harder than the Davids. Also, I think them giving an update on Pat means we won't hear from him at the reunion.

I thought the editing was weird around Nick's story. One minute he's sitting in daylight while everyone's pouring the their hearts out, the next it's night and he's got a weirded out expression on his face. Overall I thought the editing wasn't bad but there were parts that were just strange.

I could care less about ever seeing Cochran again so....win? Maybe if they haven't over-saturated certain players and let some of them get handed wins, they might not have such a problem. I don't know if it's a case that they can't find memorable or even good winners-they just aren't the winners Probst wants. And perhaps CBS, too. I'd love to see a mix of pre-jurors vs jurors. Or even a pre-jury season.

I seriously hope the preview isn't alluding to a David loss next week. I can't take the Goliath's winning again. And I really hope Lyrsa doesn't go. I really like her!

I wonder how bad he was hurt? I thought at first maybe he just got the wind knocked out of him bad. I probably shouldn't say this, but if someone was injured, glad it was a freak of nature and not a poorly designed challenge this time.

I've always thought it was funny that Probst just pops out of nowhere when there's a medevac.

I’m bored with Fiji. 3 minutes in and I wanted an impromptu TC where Angelina got voted off. Then I wanted the whole Goliath tribe gone. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed an opening challenge more than this one. Glad the Davids at least got that one. I think Jeff was already trying to walk back his own theme by telling the Goliaths ‘well, you’re kind of like Davids because you worked hard to get where you’re at’. Make up your mind Probst! I was hoping and praying that all the focus on Goliath meant they lost. Even though editing was more balanced than normal, Goliath didn’t come off as well as David. Should have known better. Is there ever a season where there’s not shelter building drama episode one? Natalie may be digging her own grave. She’s the oldest one on her tribe as it is so bossing everyone around probably isn’t doing her any favors. Since I hate the rest of the Goliaths I like her. Natalie for top Goliath! And seriously, you know someone’s looking for an idol, why not go after them? If he finds it, it’s not like he’s going anywhere. Jessica’s “I think there’s a lot of cool people on that tribe and I’m not totally rooting against them” is code word for “how did that other blonde wind up on the hot tribe and I’m with the nerd herd?” Not sure if Survivor plays men and women equally, but okay Angelina. I didn’t want Mike to find the idol, but I really didn’t want Angelina and Natalia finding one. Then hot cop found it and started running his mouth about being with the hot girls. And purple string show? Really?