30 Helens

Maybe we need a cue for which is which. Like, when he's just growling and snarling, that's lack of meds. When he's throwing barware, that's all Sonny. I would look sideways at any cops who DID accept Dex into their orbit right away. He's barely rinsed off the mobster dust. Lois was dressed like a cartoon, but her happy face will never not light up a room. Gorgeous. Speaking of gorgeous, Tracy. How 'bout that twerking? And I loved seeing her hair in a ponytail rather than the usual bun. With the trademark Tracy side braids, yay! It feels like Jane Elliot is having more fun lately. Or maybe I'm just projecting because I am. Willow had a different energy today-- more lively, less clingy. Turns out all she has to do is get away from Michael for me to not hate her. Joss was Joss. Shut up and stop trying to ruin someone else's party with your sanctimonious badgering. Kristina can't even enjoy a cocktail, she doesn't need to endure your crap, too. Was I terrible for hoping an ax would land just a leeetle closer to Drew?

I forgot about this thread, so I am just now seeing everyone's comments. Count me among those who were disappointed with the Amy selection. Not because I don't like Amy (I do! A lot!) but because it was so predictable and repetitive. Sam's played a lot, too, but I am feeling much less Sam fatigue. I was hoping they'd pick him. Or Larissa Kelly. Or Brad. Especially Brad. Or someone else from the past. It was fun when Chuck Forrest came back for the Invitational. I get tired of seeing the same faces all the time and would like to see some old favorites return. What's Bob Harris doing these days? I was a big fan of his back when. Since Jeopardy has tournament fever, maybe they need to do a Veterans Tournament. With players who haven't appeared in a tournament for at least a decade. Not a Mattea fan, but I could become one if they take out Yogesh. I may be the only James fan here, and I'm hoping he goes far because he amuses me. I don't want him to win, though-- I want that honor to go to Victoria.

I guess co-opting Marko's exclamation point did the trick. Took a little zip out of Marko's, perhaps. Next person needs to add two of them, for extra power. I noticed Marko's adam's apple on Friday, only because the stage lights were hitting it in such a way that it appeared to have distinct angles, like a sideways pyramid. I'm glad I didn't envision any creatures poking through, though. (This is not a dis on Marko's appearance, just the unfortunate lighting. I liked and will miss him.) I'm mad at myself because Zora Neale Hurston flitted through my mind, but I rejected her. I'm not very familiar with her writing and thought she was mostly known for poetry. I really have to start getting out of my own Jeopardy way.

Having just finished the season and searched for a reunion episode, I can confidently say that it is NOT available on Peacock. Would love it if someone who has seen it could give a recap? I am particularly interested to know if anyone got salty about the Harry reveal, since they were so unshakably faithful (pun intended) to him. I can't say Harry didn't deserve the win, but I was not rooting for him. He just came off a little too cocky and smug. Much like Paul before him. I was hoping Jaz and Mollie would take it, because Jaz was the smartest and most deserving of the Faithfuls, and Mollie seemed sweet. Just a little too trusting for this type of game, though. I also would have been fine with an Andrew win, even though his play was too reactive and emotional. He just seemed like a decent guy, and I felt like the money would have meant more to him. I never understood why nobody ever questioned Harry's shield story. Yes it made sense, but only if a killing was attempted. We all know that a recruitment happened instead of a killing, but why did no one ever consider this as a possibility? They all knew that could happen, right? Even Jaz, with all his suspicions of Harry, never floated this theory. I was also disappointed in Jaz at the final banishment. He was the only one who asked for another vote, and why would he do that if he were a traitor? I was literally yelling at him to make that point to Mollie, and he didn't. So maybe Harry was the only one who deserved to win, after all. He was the only one who didn't make any mistakes, as far as I can recall. Still not thrilled with the outcome, but this was a damn good season with a worthy winner, my preference aside. Why are the UK versions of game shows always better than the US versions?

Thank you. I’m just being dramatic. Of course I would never pass up cake. I may not be be Jeopardy-smart (this week, anyway) but I’m not crazy!😉

I haven't commented here in a long time, but I have been watching. And I am loving the show right now. For the first time in many years, I am actually happy to watch a new episode rather than just letting it play as background noise. Much of this has to do with the dialogue. Characters are interacting in ways that not only advance story, but give depth to their personalities. Scenes have time to breathe. Best of all, it's starting to feel like more of an ensemble cast rather than a bunch of satellites floating around a few dull stars. I'm glad to see some mob pushback from characters who should have known better all along. Granted, Anna and Laura are being a little wistful (and slow!) in relinquishing their image of Sonny as a kind and gentle mobster, but at least his true nature is being acknowledged. And the show has held him on a pedestal for far too long to do an abrupt about-face. I believe they're easing into a post-Sonny is God era in a way that won't produce character whiplash or needlessly provoke Sonny fans. At least, I hope that's what they're doing, and this isn't just temporary until Sonny gets his proper meds back and people start beating themselves up for ever doubting him. I'm loving the return of scheming Ava. I'm skeptical about the idea of Kingpin Valentin (he's just never displayed the proper cojones for the job), but am willing to see if it takes. I'm actually not hating Jason, and might even be open to a rekindling of him and Carly-- something I've never wanted to see since the Sarah Brown era. It would be a tough sell, but if anyone could make it palatable, it's these writers. I've also noticed less general fawning over Carly recently, and I don't think it's wishful thinking. I liked Sonny and Nina together, but adoring Nina quickly became boring Nina, so I'm glad to see a little of her manic energy return. I don't mind seeing her scheming stalkery side come out; it makes her a more interesting character. And if they're not going to dump Drew, then might as well keep the hate sex going, because that's the most entertaining he's been in, well, ever. Some things never change. Willow and Michael are still boring. But at least they haven't been on much. Joss will never not suck. (Although her line about not accepting Dex's flag-- as the ex-girfriend who would have about as much claim to it as Cody's horse roommate-- cracked me up, so at least her hubris is good for occasional comic relief.) Overall, the new writers seem to have awareness about which character traits/ attitudes/ relationships should be played up and which need to be toned down, so I'm very optimistic about the coming months. Don't let me down, Show!

This was the best episode of the season, hands down. I still haven't watched the finale because I don't really care who wins. This season just didn't hold my attention, despite a talented cast and a promising start. Maybe it was the calculated mean girl persona of Plane Jane, maybe it was the ramped up producer shenanigans, maybe it was Sapphira's obvious (albeit deserved) path to the finish. Everything just seemed so choreographed, and not in a fun lip-synch way. It was fun seeing Amanda again. Yes, she still looks busted, but I enjoy her brand of genial snark. Loved seeing Megami get some redemption. I think she just got tired at the end, which gave Morphine the edge. I hope someone talked Morphine out of blowing her money on plastic surgery, because girl. You're already gorgeous, you don't need it, and there are so many better uses for it. But it's her life. Agree that Plasma got screwed. I thought she won that 3-way. And as for having an unfair 3-way, I'm guessing this competition was planned from the start of the season? When they knew how many eliminated queens there would be? Either make a 4-queen finale or add one more person to the cast. It's not that hard. I'll get around to watching the finale soon, where I assume Sapphira will be crowned and Plane will complete her arc from villainess to supportive friend to all. Tell me I'm wrong. (Or don't. I want to be surprised.)

I really don’t think that would be accepted because while similar, it is not exactly the same. Harlequin is pronounced with a short “e” (and no pause between syllables), while Harley Quinn has a long “e” and is two distinct words. Or maybe I’m just grumpy because I got stuck on an image of a jester and never made it to Ms. Quinn, a character that is only vaguely familiar to me. I’m also still mad about blanking out on Connecticut. 0/5. I’ll just sit in the corner and stuff my face with some of that freaky looking crayon cake. Or some real crayons. I don’t deserve cake.

I said the same thing, so I say yes. But Harlequin was not the name of the character, so I don’t think so. I was really hoping Marko would do a Vanna-like arm sweep of the podium during his introduction. You’re welcome, Sunshine.

Yes, I meant Juan and Shane. I got the jobs mixed up. And Twin Boyfriends has been shorthand for Ricky and Cesar for me all season. Not only do they look alike, they are styled alike. Same hair, same beard. Five bucks says Cesar adores a minuet and a hot dog makes Ricky lose control.

I haven't been commenting this season because with both Survivor and TAR airing 90-minute episodes back to back, my TAR viewing is always delayed. (Not that I'm complaining! I love the super-sized episodes.) But I had to drop in tonight and see if everyone was as frustrated with this episode as I was. I won't call it cheating because it's not against the rules, and I can't condemn any player for taking advantage of all opportunities, but this was some unadulterated bullshit. If there are no limits on helping, then it's not a race. It's a group challenge. May as well have everyone sit in a circle and make dreamcatchers out of hoops and string, then give them all ribbons for making the awesomest dreamcatchers ever, because that's about the level of ACTUAL COMPETITION we are getting this season. Derek and Shelisa may have arrived at the mat last, but they did NOT run the worst leg. They just didn't have the benefit of being virtually strapped to someone else's back and carried along. The show could easily set limits on collaboration that would still allow for some helping. I don't mind someone pointing another team in the right direction or hinting at the right approach to a puzzle. But lines were crossed this time, and the show should do something about it. Actively completing a task for another team should earn a penalty. Alternately, completing a leg with no assistance could earn a reward, something like an earlier start time on the next leg. Bottom line, teams of two should not have to compete against teams of six without some sort of handicapping. Not every couple has the opportunity to enlist four other teammates, even if they want to. I can't even get into the frustration of watching people trying to create a map where none of the road lines meet. GAH. Like others have said, this was nothing but a visual puzzle-- and a nine-piece one at that. Such idiocy should not be rewarded with an Express Pass from another team. I usually root against the teams that run a dominant game, constantly leaving others in the dust, because that tends to be boring. But this time, I would be fine with a victory by the Pilots or the Dating Twins. At least they're running a RACE. And I hope Sunny and Bizzy can join them in the finals, because they are ALSO RACING.

I am beyond annoyed with myself for missing FJ. Arkansas came to mind first but I rejected it for being too late/west. Alaska and California for the same reason. Then my brain skipped right past Connecticut and went to Delaware, which I was not confident in but time was up. Maybe next time/ week/ month? Congratulations Vanna Jr.! I like him, and I liked his story. I had to wonder about the middle guy, though… he gets a job offer in the room and then immediately takes time off to go to Jeopardy? Must have been a really good interview! (edit to add: I realize by Bastet’s post that my brain skipped right past Arizona and Colorado as well. I would have rejected them, but still… oops again!)

What a freakshow. I had to laugh at both Venus and Q playing Hide and Seek Psychology. Who knew they were such birds of a feather? I absolutely believe that Q, self-appointed All-Powerful Mafia Dictator Lord Supreme was so frustrated by not having his every whim obeyed that he was ready to take his whiffle balls and go home. He had previously said that the only game he was interested in playing was one where he is in charge. Of course, he will now spin it as a mastermind scheme intended to root out the traitors and throw Tevin off balance. If only Q had a tenth of the brain power he thinks he has. I have been rolling my eyes at Ben's rock and roll references all season, but his line of "This does not rock" was perfectly placed and had me laughing my ass off. No, Ben, it did not. Hunter did himself no favors with the showboating. Whyyy, dude? I generally like him, but his cluelessness this episode was really surprising. I also don't know why there weren't more volunteers to sit out for rice. Look at the pole, look at your giant feet. Do you really think you have a chance, most of you? I would add Charlie and Maria to that list. Also Tiff. One thing this season is not lacking, is a whole lot of ego. I honestly don't know how they find room on the beach for all those inflated heads.

I am aware of the former existence of Humble Pie, but couldn't have told you who was in it. If I had to guess, I might have said Steve Winwood. I had no idea Peter Frampton did anything other than his very annoying and bewilderingly popular solo records. Alison had eight missed swings tonight. If she tries to guess like that in TOC she won't get past the first round. I think the only reason she's doing so well now is the competition hasn't been that strong. (Fourteen TSs tonight, yikes!) As I was checking the TS count on j-archive, I noticed that they corrected Ken's assertion that Junoesque would make a great Scrabble word. Nope, capitalized words are not accepted! I assume they will hold off on the next TOC until after season 41. Otherwise, there will be a whole lot of invitees! (Or maybe they'll do another qualifying tournament, which would mean basically replaying the whole season, lol.) Just in case it managed to unstick, now you have it back. Hee. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Not many more, I hope. I'm not entirely sure why, but I haven't been able to warm to her. My post-Tournament drought continues. I do fine in the game rounds, but can't catch a FJ to save my life. I hope Podium Three's wife is proud of him, despite a lackluster performance. I feel bad for people who tank their games-- I can redeem myself tomorrow, but for actual contestants it's one and done. What terrible pressure that must be.

This is the bird they showed for Cooper’s Hawk. (actual screenshot, cropped)

I/5 All this time, I’ve been blaming my lack of FJs on tournament level clues. But I missed all the ones from regular play, knowing only Gordian Knot from tournament Monday. I guess I have no more excuses? I will bring a plate of garlic knots to the party. We won’t need a sword to cut through these!

Thanks, that explains my confusion. I said “hawk” without seeing the screen, then looked up and corrected to “…falcon?” That did not look like a hawk to me. On the other hand, I had no problem identifying The Velveteen Rabbit:

What’s with these quotes being misattributed? I’m so used to my own words coming out of my quote box. 😉 As you were.

Yeah, that's one thing I already miss about the tournaments. If Brian hadn't made such a meek DD wager, he could have won. I started out liking Alison, but then she asked Ken to "bring it" and I took a step back. Then I saw she's a knuckle cracker, and I was out.

Which is puzzling to me, because every time he references a rock band or says things like "this doesn't rock", I want to punch him in the face.

Tonight, on "Kenzie is capable of being a nice person... No, really!": There are tears. There is self delusion. (Suuure you meant to jump off that platform.) Brains are too fried to follow a simple child's game. Venus still can't get out of her own way. Soda has the most delightfully gracious exit in recent memory. (Say hi to Seven for us!) Maria continues to be awesome. Liz has completed her transformation into Moriah's evil twin. Oh, and Q is still a dick.

What a difference a downgrade makes: I was calling out answers left and right! I was feeling positively brilliant compared to the last several months. Still didn't get FJ, though. Lucas Partridge: "I waited all this time for that?" Poor guy. Probably psyched himself out with the stress of anticipation.

Who wants to bet that Sam is the Producer’s Pick for the Masters? (My pick remains Brad.)

Lucas Partridge, waking from a long winter’s nap: “It’s about damn time!” Congrats to Victoria. I was rooting for her.