Survivor In The Media

[Special K]

That was fun to watch!   I still can't place that pretty young brunette.  Monica is it?  :)

[rose711]

Kelley Wentworth on Survivor D and D

http://www.survivortalkwithdandd.com/podcast/second-chance-kelley-wentworth-tells-all

[ByaNose]

A new twist. I'm not sure about it:

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/11/survivor-kaoh-rong-jeff-probst-super-idol

Could it be the Medallion of Power Part II? Yikes!!!!

[henripootel]

A new twist. I'm not sure about it:

 

I'm a bit less sanguine.  My problem: a 'super idol' (two HIIs used together) requires no strategy to use.  Just wait for the vote and if you don't like it, reverse it.  You only get to do this once but the threat alone of being able to do it changes everything.  Those not in your alliance can only flush the idol at the cost of one of their own, and since nobody will ever agree who should sacrifice themselves, they won't even try.  It just became super easy to protect your entire alliance to the end, which will precipitate a line (possibly a long line) of fairly boring pagonings as the non-SI holders cut each other's throats.  

 

It's not an uninteresting twist but if they didn't want this to get out of hand, they should have a rule that says HIIs have an expiration limit, say 3 visits to TC.  That would at least take a bit of thought and planning.  The way it is now, not so much. 

[Lantern7]

I was just about to post the RealityBlurred article about that. Now I got Trunks and Goten in my head performing the Fusion Dance. "FUUUUUUU! SHUN! HAAAAA!!!!"

 

ETA: It's probably a dud. Since S32 was filmed before S31, the results were more than likely middling at best.

[ByaNose]

Too bad they didn't think of the hiding the HII at challenges before Second Chances. Of course, we might not have had the exciting uses of both if they had. We will never know. I'm going into Season 32 thinking it's going to be a bomb. That way, I won't be disappointed. Season 31 was off the charts with excitement and I do not think it will be topped by 32.

[Maverick]

With Beast Mode Cowboy? Are you kidding? This is going to be the most epic season EVER! Bether stock up on your Red Lobster cheddar biscuit ix, pickles and bananas to munch on during each week's gripping episode.

[Guest]

I'm afraid it's going to be a dud, too.  Either no one will get the opportunity to use it paired, or worse, they will and it'll protect them to the end in a snoreworthy Pagongathon.  

[Nashville]

With Beast Mode Cowboy? Are you kidding? This is going to be the most epic season EVER! Bethetr stock up on your Red Lobster cheddar biscuit ix, pickles and bananas to munch on during each week's gripping episode.

Thanks for reminding me.

With Beast Mode Bunny Boiler on the scene, this season will require much more scotch.

[henripootel]

Either no one will get the opportunity to use it paired, or worse, they will and it'll protect them to the end in a snoreworthy Pagongathon.

Add to this that when it becomes clear how powerful the SI could be, we're gonna witness Idol-Search-Paloosa.   Which is a wholly sensible move on the player's part but not exactly scintillating television either.  Instead of being a 'twist' and adjunct to an overall game strategy, the HIIs will be the overall game strategy.  Not sure this sounds like a recipe for good Survivor, but I guess we'll see. 

[peachmangosteen]

Season 32 cast on TV Guide.

[fishcakes]

That is quite the unfortunate swimsuit Debbie Wanner is wearing.

[ByaNose]

Yeah, Debbie's bathing suit is certainly unique. And, Joe is quite the stud at 72. He has lots of muscles and it will be interesting to see if the extreme heat does him in. Usually, the buff guy needs more food and the extra muscles don't help you a lick in Survivor.

[Maverick]

 OK, a) neither 'veteran' nor 'former Big Brother contestant' are an occupation      b)  what the hell is a 'cream entrepreneur'?   

[Nutjob]

 OK, a) neither 'veteran' nor 'former Big Brother contestant' are an occupation      b)  what the hell is a 'cream entrepreneur'?   

It's supposed to be "ice cream entrepreneur." The guy founded Three Twins organic ice cream.

[Trick Question]

  b)  what the hell is a 'cream entrepreneur'?   

Eric Clapton

[viajero]

A lot of older contestants and only one college aged.  That sure is a change.  Poor Julia certainly seems to be outnumbered, but I guess we'll have to see how it plays out.

[ByaNose]

An, old guy in his 70's. Very Rudy-esc.

[Lamb18]

There is a contestant from my area who is an emergency room doctor in his thirties, fit, etc. He seems to have Dan-levels of arrogance regarding his capabilities (I'm better than everyone at puzzles) from the small soundbite I heard.

[LadyChatts]

An, old guy in his 70's. Very Rudy-esc.

 

There was a pic that Joe posted of him and Rudy on his twitter.  I have to say, Rudy looks amazing for being almost 90 years old.  

 

I haven't made it to Joe's video yet, but so far, with the cast videos, either they are putting me to sleep or I am so hoping for an early exit for that person (Nick is at the top of my list to go first so far).

[Ms Blue Jay]

The cast was looking pretty good, until I clicked over to the Beauty section.

[fishcakes]

The cast was looking pretty good, until I clicked over to the Beauty section.

 

Heh. The producers are just trolling us big-time now.

[BigRedCheese]

Well, they did have Bryce on the beauty tribe before, have they ever not been trolling us.

[Zuleikha]

Yeah, I feel so rude thinking this about poor contestants who did not choose to be on the Beauty tribe, but I think Brains and Brawn have more attractive people. The Beauty people just seem to be young. None of the Brawn women seem that brawny either, even the body builder.

[LadyChatts]

I just don't get why they are doing this theme again.  In the meet the cast video, with Jeff throwing in his two cents, it doesn't make me feel very confident.  He seems to be selling it too hard.  Much like the first time, a lot of these tribe designations make no sense.  I'd probably say that the Brains tribe is spot on, but the Brawn tribe isn't very Brawn-y, and the Beauty tribe, likewise (a real estate agent/model on the brawn tribe but a veteran and personal trainer on the beauty tribe?)  

 

Also, for the soap fans on here, on Wednesday Joe & Jeremy have their cameo on Young & the Restless for those interested.

Edited January 25, 2016 by LadyChatts

[ByaNose]

Yeah, the themed Survivors are very interchangeable & could apply to anyone. I think Jeff admitted as much when One World was cast. They had the cast but couldn't think of a theme. Thus White Color, Blue Collar & No Collar. It's all kind of silly and I'm not really sure why you need a theme. It seemed to work without a theme before Season 30.

[LanceM]

Jeff Varner give his thoughts about the new cast:

 

http://insidesurvivor.com/varners-verdict-jeff-varner-judges-survivor-kaoh-rong-cast-8192

[LadyChatts]

Yeah, the themed Survivors are very interchangeable & could apply to anyone. I think Jeff admitted as much when One World was cast. They had the cast but couldn't think of a theme. Thus White Color, Blue Collar & No Collar. It's all kind of silly and I'm not really sure why you need a theme. It seemed to work without a theme before Season 30.

 

I don't get why they need themes, either.  They can easily have 2/3 tribes and no theme.  Hey, it worked before.  Usually repeating these themes the season completely tanks compared to the original.  One exception might be if they ever do a W/B/N Collar season again.  The first go round was horrible, but maybe a second time would go really well.  Since they repeat themes I'm sure we will see that one again.  I also think its BS when Jeff says they don't cast specifically for a theme but rather see where people fall into place.  Especially this season.

 

I liked Jeff Varner's insights.  I know he likely will not be back a 3rd time, but damn I wish he could have made the jury.  If for any other reason than for the Ponderosa clips, and since he seemed at great odds with Tasha, that probably would have been a great speech.  I wonder if they would have left in Tasha's remark when PG was voted out that she didn't want it to be her if Jeff spun that around and used it against Tasha during the FTC.  I agree with his take on pretty much everyone, though I hope he's wrong about Joe being an early boot (won't be shocked if he is), and I don't know that I believe Kyle or Neil go deep or that Tai makes the jury.  I 100% agree with his comments on Nick-and was laughing as I was reading along.  Same with Caleb.

 

ETA: Looks like Survivor 33 & 34 are heading back to Fiji, with filming starting in March for S33.

 

http://insidesurvivor.com/survivor-season-33-and-34-location-8479

Edited January 26, 2016 by LadyChatts

[fishcakes]

Also, for the soap fans on here, on Wednesday Joe & Jeremy have their cameo on Young & the Restless for those interested.

 

I just saw a promo for this. Joe wasn't in it, but Jeremy is saying to Random Soap Guy, "It's not as if you're going to get a second chance," and Random Soap Guy says, "Oh, I think I'll survive." And then I went to the kitchen to get some crackers for all that cheese.

[LadyChatts]

I just saw a promo for this. Joe wasn't in it, but Jeremy is saying to Random Soap Guy, "It's not as if you're going to get a second chance," and Random Soap Guy says, "Oh, I think I'll survive." And then I went to the kitchen to get some crackers for all that cheese.

 

If they did anything other than that I think I'd be disappointed ;)  Here's a little article about their experience:

 

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/25/survivor-young-and-restless-joe-anglim-jeremy-collins

 

I forgot just how many reality stars have shown up on these soaps over the years.  Now that I've seen a list, I'm surprised there aren't more.  And, it must suck to be part of The Amazing Race and never get these types of opportunities.  Always seems like they are CBSs red headed step child banished to the basement.

[fishcakes]

Now that I see that still photo, I think Joe was in the promo that I saw, but I mistook him for some Random Soap Woman sitting with Jeremy.

[peachmangosteen]

Now that I see that still photo, I think Joe was in the promo that I saw, but I mistook him for some Random Soap Woman sitting with Jeremy.

 

Classic!

[KimberStormer]

 “The experience was amazing!” says Anglim. “I just tried to take it all in. My grandma is a soap lover and I always remember them playing as a kid growing up at her house. I felt honored to even be asked to be on the set, let along get to experience the magic of film and TV at CBS. I met many members of the cast and crew and had a great time visiting and talking Survivor. It was great getting to know and working with Joshua Morrow and the rest of the crew. I’m so thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait to watch on the 27th. Hopefully, I’ll survive as a soap actor.”

 

Collins is equally enthused about the appearance. “The Young and the Restless was an exciting once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget,” says the firefighter/million dollar winner. “It was awesome to see some real professionals work their magic, I was just trying not to ruin the scene!”

 

Even more convincing than Blossom talking about how great Colton is!

[SnideAsides]

I don't get why they need themes, either.  They can easily have 2/3 tribes and no theme.  Hey, it worked before.  Usually repeating these themes the season completely tanks compared to the original.  One exception might be if they ever do a W/B/N Collar season again.  The first go round was horrible, but maybe a second time would go really well.  Since they repeat themes I'm sure we will see that one again.  I also think its BS when Jeff says they don't cast specifically for a theme but rather see where people fall into place.  Especially this season.

I don't buy that excuse at all. There are so many cases where they've pretty explicitly cast for other reasons beyond the cast themselves - Shii-Ann for the first season set near continental Asia; Amazon as a sexy high-school mixer, complete with out-of-it high-school principal Butch; a pirate-themed season in the show's first Spanish-speaking country with the show's first "clothes on your back" twist casting all three of Rupert, Sandra, and scoutmaster Lill; not one but two lesbians (out of, like, three in the show's entire history) in the gender-divided Vanuatu season; the "diverse" set of actors, models, and showbiz hangers-on in Cook Islands; the fans in Micronesia; Heroes vs. Villains; the complete lack of 30-somethings in the age-divided Nicaragua cast; all the religious people in Redemption Island and South Pacific while Burnett was off making The Bible; an effeminate gay guy in One World to ensure tribes mixed; the combustible lunatics in Caramoan to undermine the favourites' built-in advantage; the entire Blood vs. Water concept - and in the case of Worlds Apart, the first Immunity Challenge was specifically designed to be a metaphor for the choices people make in life. You don't divide people like that immediately before the season begins and have a challenge that big ready to go three days later, you know?

ETA: Looks like Survivor 33 & 34 are heading back to Fiji, with filming starting in March for S33.

That's... surprising, given they clearly want a safer and more comfortable location than Cambodia and there was a military coup in Fiji while they were filming last time.

[LadyChatts]

I don't buy that excuse at all. There are so many cases where they've pretty explicitly cast for other reasons beyond the cast themselves - Shii-Ann for the first season set near continental Asia; Amazon as a sexy high-school mixer, complete with out-of-it high-school principal Butch; a pirate-themed season in the show's first Spanish-speaking country with the show's first "clothes on your back" twist casting all three of Rupert, Sandra, and scoutmaster Lill; not one but two lesbians (out of, like, three in the show's entire history) in the gender-divided Vanuatu season; the "diverse" set of actors, models, and showbiz hangers-on in Cook Islands; the fans in Micronesia; Heroes vs. Villains; the complete lack of 30-somethings in the age-divided Nicaragua cast; all the religious people in Redemption Island and South Pacific while Burnett was off making The Bible; an effeminate gay guy in One World to ensure tribes mixed; the combustible lunatics in Caramoan to undermine the favourites' built-in advantage; the entire Blood vs. Water concept - and in the case of Worlds Apart, the first Immunity Challenge was specifically designed to be a metaphor for the choices people make in life. You don't divide people like that immediately before the season begins and have a challenge that big ready to go three days later, you know?

 

That's... surprising, given they clearly want a safer and more comfortable location than Cambodia and there was a military coup in Fiji while they were filming last time.

 

I've been hearing that they wanted to go back to the Pacific and were attempting to do Palau, Tonga, or one of the other Cook Islands out there.  I wonder if Fiji was a back up.  Well, it beats going back to Nicaragua, but...yeah.

 

Also, 100% agree with your analysis on the themed seasons that they try to claim they didn't cast around.

[vb68]

 

ETA: Looks like Survivor 33 & 34 are heading back to Fiji, with filming starting in March for S33.

 

A big "Meh" to that.  That's  a completely uninspiring choice.  I wonder if they will focus on the themes of the seasons over the location since the previous Fiji season left such a bad taste in most viewers' mouths.  At least the hardcore viewers who remember it. 

[SnideAsides]

They'd have to. They make such an effort to avoid repeating season names, to the point that they retconned "Pulau Tiga" as "Borneo" for All-Stars because they knew they were going to head to Palau a couple of seasons later and thought it would confuse people, that they'd need to find two new location names unless they were planning another themed season. They might be able to get away with either "Survivor: Melanesia" or "Survivor: Mamanuca Islands", but I doubt they'd do both.

[SunDevil28]

Fiji is a country that depends on its tourism.  It is safe for the cast and crew now, and in fact was safe during the last time they filmed there.  According to wiki, "...no significant protests or violence have occurred on Fiji during this [2006] coup."

 

The Fijian people are the kindest and most generous hosts, and everyone at Ponderosa will be very well taken care of.  I've been to the island where they are filming - it has a beautiful resort and is totally gorgeous.  I can't wait for the show to go back to Fiji and wash off the stench of the previous Fiji season. :)

[LadyChatts]

Fiji is a country that depends on its tourism.  It is safe for the cast and crew now, and in fact was safe during the last time they filmed there.  According to wiki, "...no significant protests or violence have occurred on Fiji during this [2006] coup."

 

The Fijian people are the kindest and most generous hosts, and everyone at Ponderosa will be very well taken care of.  I've been to the island where they are filming - it has a beautiful resort and is totally gorgeous.  I can't wait for the show to go back to Fiji and wash off the stench of the previous Fiji season. :)

 

I liked the location-just not the season.  I'm excited to see them go back there (as I said, beats Nicaragua, and after how hard Cambodia appeared to be, maybe Probst and crew won't be needing to bail them out by building them professional shelters).  

 

This current season is titled as Survivor: Kaoh Rang, and Gabon had Earth's Last Eden as its tagline.  So maybe Fiji will have something similar.  Of course, I wouldn't rule out an actual themed season.  It'll be 3 seasons since they did the collar concept, but maybe that'll be the repeat, or maybe we'll get a BvsW season again with returning players against loved ones.  May depend what they get from the casting pool but they can pretty much throw a label on anyone to fit their season.  If S33 films in March, I'd assume the cast is picked or close to being finalized.  

[awaken]

I'm disappointed in the B, B, B theme, too.  Of all the themes they could repeat, this is my least favorite.  I agree with above, most of the contestants on other tribes, are more attractive than the Beauty tribe!  I'm doubting the taste level of whoever is choosing and assigning their teams.  In the eye of the beholder, I guess.

 

There was a pic that Joe posted of him and Rudy on his twitter.  I have to say, Rudy looks amazing for being almost 90 years old.  

 

Wow- hard to believe Rudy is almost 90?!  I imagine him staying forever as he was!  I can't even imagine him aging.  

[LadyChatts]

I'm disappointed in the B, B, B theme, too.  Of all the themes they could repeat, this is my least favorite.  I agree with above, most of the contestants on other tribes, are more attractive than the Beauty tribe!  I'm doubting the taste level of whoever is choosing and assigning their teams.  In the eye of the beholder, I guess.

 

 

Wow- hard to believe Rudy is almost 90?!  I imagine him staying forever as he was!  I can't even imagine him aging.  

 

Yep, he's 88.  Here's an article from 2014 that caught up with Rudy in VA Beach.  Seems like the same old Rudy.  There's a pic of him here, too:

 

http://hamptonroads.com/tv/713186/2014/04/whatever-happened-rudy-boesch

[henripootel]

I'm disappointed in the B, B, B theme, too.  Of all the themes they could repeat, this is my least favorite.

 

Really, really not looking forward to seeing the contestants try to frame their experiences and ideas in the form of their randomly-assigned tribes.  

 

"You know, as a beauty, I've always coasted along on my looks, but I might have to use some brains to win this game!"

 

Ugh, this always makes them look like incompetent stooges and adds nothing.

[KimberStormer]

That is really the problem with any theme season.  The mere name you're assigned has a bizarre distorting effect.  The ridiculous pile of self-important jackassery that was the Heroes tribe for the most painful example, but even like Spencer droning on and on about how much he's changed for his Second Chance.  And as someone (Miss Alli in her new gig?) said, it's not like these categories mean anything about anything -- nobody concluded that Yul winning means Asians are best at Survivor, nobody decided that Brawn is the key attribute thanks to Tony.  I can see how it's helpful to casting, I guess, but don't tell anyone else about it, you know?

[LanceM]

I don't get too worked up about the themes. Yes Jeff will be annoying about it and him and the producers will prod the contestants to talk about how their trait help them get ahead in life but this usually happens in the first couple episodes only. Once the game gets going, tribes are swapped, etc, the theme is put on the backburner and then it comes more about the game play and the personalities of the cast. Hopefullt this cast will deliver on one or both of those accounts.

[LadyChatts]

Michael Skupin is in big trouble with the law.  This surprises and really saddens me (doesn't he have 7 kids?)

 

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/former-survivor-contestant-michigan-native-michael-skupin-faces-child-porn-racketeering-charges

DETROIT - Michael Skupin is charged with six counts of possession of child sexually abusive materials, five counts of larceny by conversion, and one count of racketeering -- conducting a criminal enterprise -- for his role in allegedly running and promoting a Ponzi scheme.  Skupin, a former contestant on the TV show "Survivor," has been arrested. He was arraigned Friday. The 54-year-old is being held at the Oakland County Jail. His bond was set at $350,000.

 

"Not only did this man rob people of their hard earned savings with his financial scams but he victimized innocent children every time he looked at a piece of child pornography,” said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette in a news release. "This man seems to have no concept or caring for right and wrong and will be prosecuted under the full extent of the law for these horrific crimes."

 

Case background from Attorney General's office:

An investigation began into Skupin after victims from his alleged Ponzi scheme contacted a local news reporter. It is alleged that Michael Skupin recruited investors and friends to take part in his “gifting scheme” called Pay It Forward. Victims allegedly made $10,000 cash investments in the scheme. Their money would then cycle through a chart in which participants were eventually paid out of other new investors’ money.  The scheme was discovered when eventually there were no new investors signing and most people in the scheme lost all of their money.  Skupin’s laptop was searched in conjunction with the Ponzi scheme investigation. During the search, investigators discovered images of underage children in sexual situations. The images are alleged to belong to Skupin.

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2016 by LadyChatts

[fishcakes]

Oh god, that's awful. The Ponzi scheme I can see; he's always come across as about half-huckster to me (especially after the Outback when he became a motivational speaker and talked about how he didn't need surgery because God healed his burned hands), but the child porn stuff is surprising. And yes, he has seven kids; I think some of them are adopted but I might be mistaken about that.

[LadyChatts]

Oh god, that's awful. The Ponzi scheme I can see; he's always come across as about half-huckster to me (especially after the Outback when he became a motivational speaker and talked about how he didn't need surgery because God healed his burned hands), but the child porn stuff is surprising. And yes, he has seven kids; I think some of them are adopted but I might be mistaken about that.

 

I never thought he'd stoop to a Ponzi scheme (or even just ripping people off), but I know people have said through the years they thought something was up when he talked about his motivational speaking and spiritual side.  The child porn thing, though, I just can't even believe it.  That's just such a reprehensible act to engage in, and  I really feel sorry for his wife and kids that they will have to deal with the fall out from this.  Given the charges, he's no doubt going to prison for awhile.  When I was looking for more articles on this to see if anything different/new had been reported, I saw his twitter account was still up, the last tweet being from Feb. 4th and he talked about ordering deli meat.  Sounded like he was being investigated for awhile on his Ponzi scheme, but I wonder if this was truly a shocking arrest for him.

[cooksdelight]

Skupin's wife left him a while back, he's currently got a new girlfriend named Tina. When I woke up and was checking Facebook, I saw a bunch of people praying for him, so I went to his page to see what was going on. If all the charges are true, he's looking at serious prison time.

Evidently the Ponzi scheme was the focus of the investigation, the child porn was found in the process of examining his computer. Ugh.....

[cooksdelight]

Here's a news story from his local Fox affiliate. The guy's got a record a mile long. And three ex-wives.

http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/147110-story

[MrsR]

Wow! Just WOW!

 

When I saw the headline "Survivor contestant, child porn" my mind raced towards so many people who might appear in such an article and Mike Skupkin didn't appear my mental list.

 

Jeeze, anyone smart knows never commit two crimes at once.

 

Just wow!

Edited February 6, 2016 by MrsR