S34.E05: Dirty Deed

[Guest]

I still hate Sandra.  Her stunts are no better than when Russell or Tai do things to sabotage their tribe (though sugar is mild compared to burning people's belongings, etc.) but she gets away with it because she's well-liked.  

I like JT, but what an idiot. 

Debbie.... wow.  She is sure something! I think the editors hate her based on how they show her saying one thing and then contradicting it.  It makes me laugh every time.  

[Maya]

1 hour ago, brilliantbreakfast said:

Episode observations:

1)  Without Malcolm, is there any reason to watch at all?  Just sayin'.

That's what I was thinking as soon as the episode started - "I don't care about any of these assholes." 

[Bryce Lynch]

4 minutes ago, ghoulina said:

Holy Fuckin Shit. I think if Philip and Debbie were in the same location the entire island might just implode. 

 

Right??? 'Cause I hate those things! Look, I can solve a crossword puzzle like nobody's business, I'm good with words. But all the puzzles on this show would stop me in my tracks. 

Or they might both instantly realize that they have found their soulmate.  

As crazy as Phile is, he couldn't even carry Debbie's straight jacket.  Phile is George Constanza crazy.  Debbie is Crazy Joe Davola crazy.  

[ProfCrash]

JT is the worst winner ever. Seriously, he is an awful, awful player. Fishbach has got to be beating his head against the wall because the only reason that JT won his season is his alliance with Stephen.

What a fucking idiot. In his first return season he gives an idol to Russell without knowing Russell or what is happening at that tribe. Then he ignores Sandra warning them about Russell. His ass goes home because he is a fricking idiot. In his second replay he finds an idol and leaves it at camp. Sandra and Michaela played him perfectly. Michaela acted as if she knew she would be going home. Michaela didn't get pissed when Sandra was saying that was voting for Michaela. Michaela took it all in stride. The best part was that Sandra didn't even need to do that because JT had left the idol at camp.

He left the fricking idol at camp. He knew that his name was going to be written down and he leaves the idol at camp.

And I have no idea what he meant about babysitting Michaela at camp. I know that there is a lot that we do not see but she did not seem to be behaving all that poorly or being overly lazy. It was clear that Michaela and JT did not like one another so they were seeing what they wanted to see but oh my god the snow job that Varner and Sandra did on JT was impressive. Because Varner looked like he was willing to let JT go on about Michaela needing baby sitting. Varner knew who finished off the sugar and just rolled with it. And Varner went along with all of it, with an amused look on his face at camp and tribal.

That was just masterfully played by Sandra and Jeff.

Never bring JT back because he sucks at this game unless he has someone holding his hand through the strategy part and the how to read the room part.

And Debbie. My god is she freaking crazy. She made me sympathize with Brad for gods sake. That should not be allowed. Debbie with her nine thousand jobs and alternative facts belongs in the White House with 45.

[Bryce Lynch]

While Michaela's drinking and snark about JT telling Malcolm he got him voted out have gotten a lot of attention, I think her most underrated move was the "braid whip" she did in JT's direction as he got up to get his torch snuffed.  

[laurakaye]

16 minutes ago, Bryce Lynch said:

Or they might both instantly realize that they have found their soulmate.  

As crazy as Phile is, he couldn't even carry Debbie's straight jacket.  Phile is George Constanza crazy.  Debbie is Crazy Joe Davola crazy.  

Having just re-watched Redemption Island, I appreciate the LOL.  And your statement regarding levels of crazy is absolutely true.  Which is why I simultaneously want to see Debbie and Phile play together and am terrified at the thought of what might come if they combine forces.

 

15 minutes ago, ProfCrash said:

And Debbie. My god is she freaking crazy. She made me sympathize with Brad for gods sake. That should not be allowed. Debbie with her nine thousand jobs and alternative facts belongs in the White House with 45.

I know, right!??  Major props for Brad not blowing a gasket at Debbie at any time (that we saw), especially when she hopped over to him like a toddler and announced that "I got over the wall first!!  Did you see me, Brad?  Brad??  Look, watch me get over the wall first!!  Watch meeeeee!!"  That was several steps beyond crazy, IMO.  Brad must've just mentally checked out and gone to his happy place, imaging going antiquing with Monica on a sunny Saturday afternoon or something.

I missed it, did the editors ever place a chyron that read "Gymnastics Specialist" over any of Debbie's talking heads?

 

5 minutes ago, Bryce Lynch said:

While Michaela's drinking and snark about JT telling Malcolm he got him voted out have gotten a lot of attention, I think her most underrated move was the "braid whip" she did in JT's direction as he got up to get his torch snuffed.  

It didn't appear that Varner or Sandra were paying attention while Michaela was taking long, deliberate sips from her coffee cup.  I don't know how they managed to not fall off their seats laughing.

Edited March 30, 2017 by laurakaye

[Boilergal]

JT had the whole Beach Eating Crackers thing going with Michaela - glad that JT is the one that went.

I was hoping that Debbie would INSIST on proving herself by doing the balance beam the second time causing them to lose.  

[Special K]

I could not believe Brad, Hali, and Tai kept their shit together in the face of Debbie's breakdown.  They all showed amazing restraint that I, at home, on my couch, was incapable of.  That's some major self-control.  Although I did have to laugh at her rage-pushups.  Joe Davola, indeed.

I LOVED Troyzan's face while Sarah was going all secret-spy on him.  She was like, "pretend you're breaking sticks," and wasn't really making a whole lot of sense.  But he was like "whatever you want me to do, dude" not believing his crazy luck.

Sandra is just the awesome-est.  I have no words for every step she took.  I hope she and Varner continue their reign of terror and laffs.

Someone has to make a gif of Sandra's aside to the camera in Sugargate.

Slide puzzles are truly devilish unless you teach yourself the system to solve them.  Obviously if you're going on Survivor, you'll want to do that.

ETA:  Thanks , @Bryce Lynch for reminding me how to spell Phile's name.  LOL.

Edited March 30, 2017 by Special K

[laurakaye]

2 minutes ago, Boilergal said:

I was hoping that Debbie would INSIST on proving herself by doing the balance beam the second time causing them to lose.  

She's a lot like Coach in that respect.  They are both experts in everything, until it comes time to prove it.  And when they choke, it's never their fault.  Debbie turning her back and refusing to do the beam was a prime example of her boasting of her exceptional balancing skillz but then refusing to prove it.  Using that twisted logic, it's no wonder she can claim that she's amazing at everything.

Also, she's nuts.

[ProfCrash]

33 minutes ago, deaja said:

I still hate Sandra.  Her stunts are no better than when Russell or Tai do things to sabotage their tribe (though sugar is mild compared to burning people's belongings, etc.) but she gets away with it because she's well-liked.  

Sandra got in trouble for burning Russell's hat, I believe she had to replace it and apologized for it. That was also at the end of the game and she knew it would piss off Russell. Pure psychological warfare that, like the sugar, worked. It was also at the end of the game.

The sugar was such a small thing. She ate two tablespoons, that is what Jeff or Sandra said. There was not much left and Sandra knew it would drive JT over the edge. It is a stupid thing to get so pissed about. The coffee stuff, including the sugar, is the entire tribes. It is to be shared. Only two people used the sugar, JT and Michaela, so if Sandra wanted to eat the last two tablespoons of sugar, and that was a large container of sugar, then she is doing nothing more then eating some small portion that was "hers".

The destruction of the fish was probably the worst thing that she did because she deprived the tribe of food. She was pissed that they voted off her friend and is very spiteful. That has always been clear. You piss Sandra off and she targets you with a laser. She has played that way since day one.

Sandra is not a saint. She is willing to spy on folks, she was shown doing that her first season. She is willing to screw with objects around camp to cause friction but her "sabotage" never raises to the level of destruction. She is not going to hide tools or put out fires. She will eat sugar and burn a hat to cause a player to behave irrationally. And she is clear that is why she is doing it. She says that in talking heads and in regular conversation. She flat out told Varner what she was doing when she ate the sugar.

Tai worked with folks to put out fires and hide necessary tools because they were blindsided in tribal. Sandra got rid of some fish. There was other food that cold have been consumed at camp and they tribe believed it was someone else. She "avenged" Rupert's vote out and placed a target on someone else, removing the target from herself. Tai and the bullies made it hard to start a new fire, essential for boiling water, cooking food and heat, and hid the tools needed for chopping wood and cooking. To what end? They put a target one themselves, looked vindictive and mean, and threatened everyone's survival because the vote did not go their way. They did not take the target off their backs. They accomplished nothing with their behavior.

Sandra sent JT over the edge by eating two tablespoons of sugar. He lost his shit and the tribe watched him lose his shit. Then she made him feel so secure with the vote that he left his idol at camp. I don't think Sandra knew he had an idol but she did such a good sales job that Michaela was going home and stroking JT's ego he lef this idol at camp. To top it off she made Michaela comfortable enough with everything happening that Michaela did not melt down over the fact that she was being offered up as the pawn. Remember Michaela's reaction to her being a pawn in the first episode? Remember the eye rolls and body language and confessionals? Yeah. This time Michaela had a drink at tribal while the votes were read because Sandra made her feel so comfortable with the plan that JT bought he was going home and Michaela knew she was staying.

Like the tactics or not, that is fucking brilliant game play.

I don't think Sandra will win. She is playing brilliantly and Varner knows it. No one wants her to get to the end. She will be voted out before long. I want her to win because she is a really underrated, brilliant player but she is not going to win. But tonight was a master episode on how to play this game.

[rasalas]

2 hours ago, JudyObscure said:

I'll never believe Sandra is brilliant while she's playing against someone that stupid.  Stealing something while setting someone else up to take the blame is grade school stuff.  If J.T. hadn't been arrogant as well as stupid he would have played his idol and Mikaela would have gone home based on Sandra's frame up.  I just can't enjoy that kind of play.  It may be within the rules but it's not sportsmanlike.

Exactly. Why didn't Michaela go ballistic when she found out that Sandra essentially framed her for stealing the sugar -- and then took so much glee in doing so? And yet there's Michaela at TC laughing right along with the "queen." I'm also surprised that given the well-deserved viewer outrage over Southern boy JT belittling a strong black woman like Michaela as lazy and a baby that there isn't more adverse reactions about Sandra setting Michaela up as a thief.

[Vyk]

Just now, rasalas said:

Exactly. Why didn't Michaela go ballistic when she found out that Sandra essentially framed her for stealing the sugar -- and then took so much glee in doing so? And yet there's Michaela at TC laughing right along with the "queen." I'm also surprised that given the well-deserved viewer outrage over Southern boy JT belittling a strong black woman like Michaela as lazy and a baby that there isn't more adverse reactions about Sandra setting Michaela up as a thief.

I think, for me, it's because that Sandra only did it within the confines of the game.  She wouldn't do that sort of thing outside of the game, I don't think.  J.T., however, gave off this sort of basic vibe of feeling this way even beyond the game.  That's probably the major difference here.

[ferretrick]

  2 hours ago, Vyk said:

And in addition to that, she was smart to wait till the actual vote-reading.  It's clear she felt confident enough that the votes to send J.T. packing were all locked in, but she didn't start the drinking till she was absolutely sure that his ouster was assured, which was when he didn't play his idol, as playing it would've made all of the locked-in votes for him not count.  And even better still, it was also smarter to wait because doing so before then might've tipped him off that she knew she was safe, and he might've played it . . . had he had his idol with him.

And I don't think Aubry was just going along with things, sad to say.  She was whispering and laughing with J.T. about Michaela and the thought of voting her out, so she really wanted to do it.

Hard to say on Aubry.  She praised Michaela during TC, while also criticizing her.  She also very quickly tried to get back in with the tribe, congratulating them on rhe blindside and giving Sandra praise for her sugar scam.  I think she might have voted Michaela either out of group think (everyone hates her so she must be bad) or just to not alienate the tribe by trying to stop what she thought was inevitable.

It is interesting that Sandra and Varner did not trust her to let her in on the blindside.  

Could be they just didn't need her vote, so why take the chance? Three people can keep a secret if two are dead and all that.

[Bryce Lynch]

5 minutes ago, rasalas said:

Exactly. Why didn't Michaela go ballistic when she found out that Sandra essentially framed her for stealing the sugar -- and then took so much glee in doing so? And yet there's Michaela at TC laughing right along with the "queen." I'm also surprised that given the well-deserved viewer outrage over Southern boy JT belittling a strong black woman like Michaela as lazy and a baby that there isn't more adverse reactions about Sandra setting Michaela up as a thief.

Michaela didn't find out until after the vote, and by that time she knew Sandra had her back against JT.  Sandra saved her butt this week.    

As for JT belittling Michaela, she is my favorite  and I thought he was wrong, but I don't think race and gender matters.  I don't think it is any more or less wrong for JT to belittle a strong, black woman than it would be for a strong black woman or anyone else to belittle a white male.  And as a strong woman, Michaela can take it.  

[Hpmec]

I kept hoping Probst would call in the medical team, including a mental health professional, for an on the spot evaluation of Debbie. We've watched numerous contestants being removed from the show for health related reasons, and Debbie's issues are no less serious. True she makes for good tv, but she is clearly unstable and in need of professional help. 

[brilliantbreakfast]

59 minutes ago, Bryce Lynch said:

I think her most underrated move was the "braid whip" she did in JT's direction as he got up to get his torch snuffed.  

That was epic.  Sandra had better watch out, there's a new queen in town.

[ProfCrash]

5 minutes ago, Hpmec said:

I kept hoping Probst would call in the medical team, including a mental health professional, for an on the spot evaluation of Debbie. We've watched numerous contestants being removed from the show for health related reasons, and Debbie's issues are no less serious. True she makes for good tv, but she is clearly unstable and in need of professional help. 

Brandon was essentially removed for mental health problems. Jeff separated him from his tribe, they had an immediate tribal and Jeff gave Brandon a very long shoulder massage while he was voted out. I do wish that they would learn to not cast, and worst yet re-cast, people who are emotionally and mentally unbalanced. Debbie, Phil, and Brandon have no place in Survivor. They are not fun to watch. They are potentially dangerous.

[SuburbanHangSuite]

1 hour ago, ghoulina said:

Not much to say about Green this week. I was really hoping they'd lose for once, so they could get a chance at TC. 

Not me!  I love how Green is kicking ass quietly.  I find myself really pulling for them in every challenge.  

1 hour ago, ghoulina said:

I will say, Sarah's little "strategic" talk with Troyzan was ridiculous. She keeps claiming she's going to play a different game this time...

I am still hard-pressed to remember Sarah or why she would be a game-changer. And I can't stand how often cops have to remind you that they're cops.  

[ghoulina]

1 hour ago, Bryce Lynch said:

As crazy as Phile is, he couldn't even carry Debbie's straight jacket.  Phile is George Constanza crazy.  Debbie is Crazy Joe Davola crazy.  

Agreed. And great reference. Philip's pink underwear are the robe and crown of the island. With Debbie, I do feel I'd need a police escort to exist on the island with her. 

 

29 minutes ago, Bryce Lynch said:

Michaela didn't find out until after the vote, and by that time she knew Sandra had her back against JT.  Sandra saved her butt this week.

Yup. It worked out in her favor, so she wasn't going to make a big thing about it. File away and remember, yes. Blow up? Not worth it. 

[Bryce Lynch]

6 minutes ago, ProfCrash said:

Brandon was essentially removed for mental health problems. Jeff separated him from his tribe, they had an immediate tribal and Jeff gave Brandon a very long shoulder massage while he was voted out. I do wish that they would learn to not cast, and worst yet re-cast, people who are emotionally and mentally unbalanced. Debbie, Phil, and Brandon have no place in Survivor. They are not fun to watch. They are potentially dangerous.

Debbie is sort of a cross between Phile and Brandon.  She has the self aggrandizing delusions of Phile and the volatile temper of Brandon (though I do think Phile lost his temper once).  I think Phile was sort of like Hamlet, definitely pretending to be crazy to further his goals, but probably also crazy for real.  Debbie is unquestionably, dangerously, mentally unstable.  

[ghoulina]

4 minutes ago, absolutqt said:

I am still hard-pressed to remember Sarah or why she would be a game-changer. And I can't stand how often cops have to remind you that they're cops.  

She was Tony's first lackey, before Trish. She did NOTHING worthy of being called a "game changer" and I was quite shocked they brought her back. But I could say that about quite a few of the contestants this year. 

[laurakaye]

2 minutes ago, ghoulina said:

She was Tony's first lackey, before Trish. She did NOTHING worthy of being called a "game changer" and I was quite shocked they brought her back. But I could say that about quite a few of the contestants this year. 

Which makes me wonder how many former contestants were asked to play and turned it down.

[Bryce Lynch]

5 minutes ago, ghoulina said:

She was Tony's first lackey, before Trish. She did NOTHING worthy of being called a "game changer" and I was quite shocked they brought her back. But I could say that about quite a few of the contestants this year. 

Didn't she trust Tony blindly because he gave her his word as a cop or something like that?  It was funny hearing her in her talking head saying how she knows how to lie like a criminal because the criminals lie to her, while Troyzan (who isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer) saw right through her.  

[FrauBlucher]

10 hours ago, Superpole2000 said:

And Michaela...I didn't care for her smug celebratory drink at tribal council. I can see why it was mildly amusing, but I just can't side with someone who loves gloating that much. It's not fun to play a game with people who do that. 

Before this, I was saying to my family that there must be a lot that has not been shown to explain the dislike for Mikala... but once she started with this choreographed display, I understood why she's perceived as difficult. I didn't find it funny, just childish.

[Daisy]

In Regards to " Pyschological War-Fare"

I personally don't think it's mean - unless you are taking actual belongings (ie: Jaison's socks, Russell's hat (even though that was funny), etc), - because ... and I can't believe I am going to say this - Russell Hantz was right. It's easy to play the game when you're comfortable. It's not when you're not. And you can control people when they're not comfortable - because you can make things comfortable for them. Some people are capable of just doing it by soothing them with words (Kim comes to mind immediately) though some people need to make the nudge first (the sugar in this case). and Sandra as pointed out needed to. JT's phasers were locked on her for from the word go. Stir a little trouble at camp, take it off herself (smart), put it on someone else - then convinced JT that she's good and will work with him, and secure Michalea to her. (and unlike the first time where they just volunteered Michalea to be the vote decoy and that didn't go over too well) - she just made it so. without having to say anything.  I do think unless you are removing/destroying things that literally hinder your ability to survive (destroying fire, throwing out/peeing on rice/beans, destroying camp) - anything is fair game.  I don't think that's mean at all. (millage will vary i respect that). 

I also know why Sandra owned up to it. She doesn't want Varner (love him), to hold that against her further down the line. Own it, laugh, etc. Again with the whole Queen Stays Queen, it's arrogant and annoying, but again she can't play mewling lamb here. and be all "aw shucks, not me." that will get her voted out faster than being the arrogant (awesome) persona she's doing right now. I do believe she's playing chess while those are playing checkers around her and this is outside my Sandra love.  Even when she gets stinged she's not getting all "I CAN GET LOUD TOO." she's quickly readjusting and showing her ability to work with everyone. Again. YMMV. 

Regarding Debbie:
I honestly thought missed something when Debbie was freaking out. Then they showed the flashback and I was like what the heck is Debbie going on about? That whole scene was so uncomfortable, and I have to give credit to everyone for keeping their cool because I know I wouldn't have (and that's why i can't play this game). I am also amazed they didn't throw the challenge, and vote her off because I would have done that too. (though I am grateful they didn't because I won my survivor pool this week). 

 

[Whimsy]

Two reminders:

1. This thread is to ONLY talk about THIS episode. 
2. NO preview talk AT ALL are allowed in episode threads.

I had to hide several posts due to not following the above rules.  Please stay on topic and take your preview talk to the appropriate thread.

[jb0495]

I guess I forget a lot of the last season with Michaela. I don't remember much about her at all, just that she got to the middle of the season by flying under the radar and then exploded or tried to do a big move and she was voted out? Can someone fill me in? 

I can't wait until they merge, I want Sandra and Michaela gone. Maybe Zeke will start talk about Michaela and they'll get Sandra or her next. I think they're all idiots if they give Sandra another million dollars. I bet she's fairly wealthy if she was smart with both winnings; she doesn't need any more money or exposure. 

I like that Green just keeps winning and Andrea is awesome. I think Tai and Debbie; the crazy is much more entertaining than Michaela/Sandra. I'm also still bitter that we lost Malcolm, he was great. 

[ProfCrash]

11 minutes ago, jb0495 said:

I can't wait until they merge, I want Sandra and Michaela gone. Maybe Zeke will start talk about Michaela and they'll get Sandra or her next. I think they're all idiots if they give Sandra another million dollars. I bet she's fairly wealthy if she was smart with both winnings; she doesn't need any more money or exposure. 

Sandra continued to work after winning and her husband continued to serve in the Army. I believe he is retired now after serving 20 years or more. It is one of the things I love about Sandra, she was really smart with her money. She has said in interviews that her kids were expecting big gifts and new cars and stuff and that just did not happen.

I want Sandra to win a third time but I doubt that will happen. She is a really good player who is versatile and fun to watch. I suspect she will be voted out some time soon only because it is clear that she has skills and is using them. These folks are seasoned enough to know better. I think Varner will use Sandra for as long as he needs to and will organize her ouster. Varner could have outed her sugar scheme this week and he didn't. He was the swing vote and seemed to be fine with voting out JT. He spent a fair amount of the tribal council smirking and laughing so I think he has a good read on what is happening out there. I expect him to take out Sandra when she is no longer useful for his game. The key is to do it in a way that Sandra does not see it coming.

[fishcakes]

Debbie is not well. We shouldn't laugh at her. And yet ... "I DON'T GET MAD! I WORK OUT!" [does three pushups, collapses in the sand] Mostly I am bothered by her because she made me be on Brad Culpepper's side.

Glad to see the back of JT. I will say that at least in his final words, he was gracious and had enough self-awareness to know that he did himself in, but everything else out of him last night was ugly. The way he talked about Michaela was very revealing; he called her "ignorant," "lazy," and said they needed to "babysit" her and "hold her hand." Those aren't just dogwhistles; they're fucking foghorns.

If Sarah were actually a criminal, she'd be the one who, while robbing a convenience store, walks right up to the security camera and stares into the lens for a full two minutes.

[jb0495]

@ProfCrash I remembered reading something about Sandra after her first win, so I assumed she was probably smart with both winnings. There are a lot of returning players that I always like to see back (Ozzy, Malcolm, Cochran etc) just because they seems to really love the game and enjoy playing. Sandra just always seems too bitter, manipulative and now completely full of her self; and not the good manipulative, full of it, "I love this game and I love playing" type. 

To each their own, I guess. But I will LOVE if Varner gets Sandra ousted. 

Edited March 30, 2017 by jb0495
more thoughts..

[Daisy]

I'm connected with Sandra on Facebook - she adores the game. 

[Special K]

Just now, Daisy said:

I'm connected with Sandra on Facebook - she adores the game. 

Yeah, you can tell.  It's part of why she is so much fun to watch.  And the brilliance thing.

[sadiegirl1999]

2 hours ago, ghoulina said:

I never know what the editors are doing either! I usually never pay attention to stuff like that, but then when I do - I'm wrong. I thought Michaeala got a lot of air time last night, so I was figuring it would be her, especially with JT's Idol. I was happily surprised.

I thought when she did a TH about going home, that they might be setting her up.

[Daisy]

Just now, Special K said:

Yeah, you can tell.  It's part of why she is so much fun to watch.  And the brilliance thing.

Yup. Like I understand it's a ymmv thing. and there are a lot of things that bother people, that doesn't bother me, and vice versa, but i truly don't see the whole Sandra being mean, bitter, full of herself (i mean - she is, but i think a lot of these players are full of themselves to a point - and Sandra doesn't bug me). but then I've loved Sandra since her very first talking head in Pearl islands. I love how she's up front about "i am gonna get you." and you see how she does it, and she's so blunt and in the entire game - has had 5 votes against her in game. (and they never counted historically, because she had an idol). 

but i mean we all like whom we like, and don't like who we don't like which makes debating this game so much fun imo. 
my hope is that it's Varner/Sandra to the end because they'd just be hilarious together. 

[LizBug]

I don't quite understand why the whole tribe was following Debbie around.  She stalked off with her arms full of clothes or blankets and wanted to be alone. Next thing you know, the whole tribe is around her trying to "make everything better."  Instead, it seemed to rile her up even more and carry over to the immunity challenge.  Let's hope she doesn't hurt herself or someone else in trying to make her point (whatever that point might be).

[Special K]

2 minutes ago, DallasGypsy said:

I don't quite understand why the whole tribe was following Debbie around.  She stalked off with her arms full of clothes or blankets and wanted to be alone. Next thing you know, the whole tribe is around her trying to "make everything better."  Instead, it seemed to rile her up even more and carry over to the immunity challenge.  Let's hope she doesn't hurt herself or someone else in trying to make her point (whatever that point might be).

Maybe they wanted to be sure that didn't happen.

Or production made them go.

[Eolivet]

32 minutes ago, jb0495 said:

I don't remember much about her at all, just that she got to the middle of the season by flying under the radar and then exploded or tried to do a big move and she was voted out? Can someone fill me in? 

Michaela was a challenge beast on the millennials -- she won at least four challenges out of sheer will. When she was tribe-swapped, she ended up on a tribe with three other millennials, Hannah, Jay and Will, and two Gen X-ers, Bret and Sunday. She continued her challenge domination -- even helping fellow millennials Michelle and Zeke when they were in the minority with the Gen X-ers on their new swapped tribe.

But Ikabula (her tribe) lost a challenge -- similar to this one, involving slingshots. It seemed like Bret was an easy vote-off (Hannah claimed he was lying about being a cop, which made it easier). Then Michaela pulled Jay and Will aside and began plotting out an endgame for the three of them, plus Hannah, using seashells. It made both Jay and Will nervous, and Jay got the idea to get rid of Michaela, which Will went along with.

Michaela thought she was allied with all the millennials on her tribe, so when tribal council came, and she got several votes (from the Gen X-ers, plus Jay and Will -- Hannah was in the dark), she was flabbergasted (like a "Whaaaaaat?" type-reaction). "Did you do that?" she asked Jay, who responded "Yeah, I did it." She was voted out, forgot her shoes, came back, yelled a little more, and then left the tribal council area.

While it seemed unusual to vote out an ally, post-game press revealed that Michaela did not trust Michelle, who was part of the "upper echelon of the millennials" along with Jay -- which makes the vote a little more understandable other than "she was a threat."

(I love Michaela, but I believe that her reaction to being voted out absolutely helped book her return ticket back, and she should send Jay a Christmas card for it.)

[himela]

Someone tell JT that when things seem to come too easy they rarely are that simple.

I thought I was crazy that I have Sandra as my winner pick but damn, I may be not that crazy after all.

We never found out whether Hali knew about Tai's idol. I feel we are getting little information this season. The feud between both Michaela and JT AND Brad and Debbie came out of nowhere as well. We have seen Cirie and Ozzy having their problems but it hasn't led to anything yet. I feel the editing is deficient this season.

[KHenry14]

First off, mea culpa, I really didn't want to see these people getting back on the game...and I was wrong. They are making for entertaining television, and I'm not angry anymore about Ozzy getting his 50th chance to win. ;)

• I am a little annoyed and surprised how Debbie's tribemates kissed up to her after her meltdown. Especially since it was sort of illogical. My inclination would be to ignore her. And since she was responsible for the loss, why didn't people call her on it? Is she that intimidating? And I wonder if this story continues on in more episodes.

[Special K]

Maybe they got a strong whiff of the alluring aroma of goat.

[Hanahope]

I can't believe that Sandra/Varner/Michaela so convinced JT that Michaela was the one going home that JT didn't even bring his idol to TC.  Who does that??  Sandra masterfully played JT, creating a fake conflict in order to convince JT that she'd be ok with voting out Michaela.  I'm glad Varner went along with it too, I was worried for a tiny bit.  

Debbie sure is a piece of work.  Who's crazier, Debbie or Abi?

The reward was pretty minimal, imo.  Granted PB has some protein, and I presume none of the contestants had a peanut allergy.  I wonder if that's why it hasn't been used much previously.

Ozzy is just incredible.  The way his tribe always wins immunity, almost solely due to him, I anticipate he'll make it to the merge, but man he's toast the first time he loses immunity.  I hope he's working at that social game.  We don't get to see a whole lot of the green tribe with their winning so much, but nice to see Troyzan and Sarah getting together.  I think Sarah is just getting bored because of no tribal.

[tiredofwork]

Quote

Nope.  That idol is considered "dead" since J.T. never officially passed it off to anyone before he was voted out.  So it can't be used or played by anyone.

So if someone on the tribe happened to find it on a random.., I would assume they would know that it is NOT valid.., However, since nobody else seemed to know he had one, the person who would find it could use it as a decoy for leverage.   However, seems so much would need to be figured out.

On Deb.., is it anyway possible that maybe, just maybe the producers could have edited her part on that challenge to look like she was really incompetent?  I mean, if they did.., that would be horrible and hateful..., I suppose she COULD be delusional enough in her mind to think she breezed through, but wow, that is some strong delusion.

[simplyme]

11 minutes ago, Hanahope said:

Debbie sure is a piece of work.  Who's crazier, Debbie or Abi?

I started to contemplate that tribe and my brain shut down in self defense.

[Bryce Lynch]

Just now, tiredofwork said:

So if someone on the tribe happened to find it on a random.., I would assume they would know that it is NOT valid.., However, since nobody else seemed to know he had one, the person who would find it could use it as a decoy for leverage.   However, seems so much would need to be figured out.

On Deb.., is it anyway possible that maybe, just maybe the producers could have edited her part on that challenge to look like she was really incompetent?  I mean, if they did.., that would be horrible and hateful..., I suppose she COULD be delusional enough in her mind to think she breezed through, but wow, that is some strong delusion.

I rewatched the reward challenge.  It is possible Hali took longer than it seemed, but there is no doubt Debbie failed miserably.  From the time she started her leg of the balance challenge, to when the challenge ended, with her not completing it, the following members of the blue team did these things:

1) JT finished his leg of the 1st round balance task.  He was halfway through when Debbie started round 2.

2) Varner grappled the handle for round 2.

3) Michaela dug up the bag for round 2

4) Aubry completed round 2 of the balance task from start to finish (the same leg Debbie was floundering on)

5) Sandra solved the slide puzzle.

That all obviously took a massive amount of time.  Debbie clearly did not "breeze through it in 2 minutes" or whatever she told her tribe after.  

[SnarkKitty]

I didn't know what could top last week's episode ... until this week. 

Best parts:

1. Sandra looking in the camera after convincing JT Michaela ate the sugar. 
2. Michaela sipping "tea" at Tribal.
3. Michaela and Sandra laughing together after Sandra confesses. 
4. Debbie's crazy.
5. Aubree being all "who gives a fuck" about not even caring to remember her tribe's name.

Also, who gives a damn if Michaela had a spoon of sugar and 7 drops of coffee? The reward belonged to the tribe, and everyone can enjoy it however they want to. Nobody owes JT a damned thing just because he uses sugar for his coffee, and she doesn't drink the coffee. He should be glad that there's more for him. Not bitching because all the extras aren't there for his coffee if someone else has some too.

[Rachel RSL]

15 hours ago, Michichick said:

Varner's obvious delight at assorted shenanigans is a pleasure to watch. I crack up watching him crack up.

I love Varner! When he laughs, I laugh. Plus, he's all about shenanigans. Didn't he dump out a bunch of fish in his first season once he realized he was probably getting voted out? So the Great Sugar Caper was right up his alley.

[scowl]

2 hours ago, ProfCrash said:

Brandon was essentially removed for mental health problems. Jeff separated him from his tribe, they had an immediate tribal and Jeff gave Brandon a very long shoulder massage while he was voted out. I do wish that they would learn to not cast, and worst yet re-cast, people who are emotionally and mentally unbalanced. Debbie, Phil, and Brandon have no place in Survivor. They are not fun to watch. They are potentially dangerous.

I think they cast them because many viewers like me work with people like them every day, and we secretly wish that we had a camera crew to document their delusions.

Right now we're dealing with the "Oh, that's easy" guy who takes on monumental tasks, mocking those who say how hard they will be. Within a few days half the department had to help him complete them so the project doesn't slip too much, then he complains that there's no trust in the department. It's more fun to watch this on television.

[Special K]

8 minutes ago, SnarkKitty said:

5. Aubree being all "who gives a fuck" about not even caring to remember her tribe's name.

That really was awesome.

[Daisy]

7 minutes ago, Rachel RSL said:

I love Varner! When he laughs, I laugh. Plus, he's all about shenanigans. Didn't he dump out a bunch of fish in his first season once he realized he was probably getting voted out? So the Great Sugar Caper was right up his alley.

No - that was Sandra. Varner (my love), got booted out because Kimmi had a big mouth but, Varner was responsible for setting up one of the best blow ups in Survivor History. He kept pushing Kimmi+ Alicia in regards to the chickens. then He ran off, and went all "but what are they fighting about..."  as this went down

I was so mystified how Jeff never got to be on the show earlier - and then he got the early bootout in Second Chances, so i am so happy he is here and I just want my Varner to at least make the jury. He'd be an awesome Jury member (if not winning it all). 

[Bryce Lynch]

13 minutes ago, Hanahope said:

I can't believe that Sandra/Varner/Michaela so convinced JT that Michaela was the one going home that JT didn't even bring his idol to TC.  Who does that??  Sandra masterfully played JT, creating a fake conflict in order to convince JT that she'd be ok with voting out Michaela.  I'm glad Varner went along with it too, I was worried for a tiny bit.  

Debbie sure is a piece of work.  Who's crazier, Debbie or Abi?

The reward was pretty minimal, imo.  Granted PB has some protein, and I presume none of the contestants had a peanut allergy.  I wonder if that's why it hasn't been used much previously.

Ozzy is just incredible.  The way his tribe always wins immunity, almost solely due to him, I anticipate he'll make it to the merge, but man he's toast the first time he loses immunity.  I hope he's working at that social game.  We don't get to see a whole lot of the green tribe with their winning so much, but nice to see Troyzan and Sarah getting together.  I think Sarah is just getting bored because of no tribal.

Debbie, by wide margin.  It is not even close.  Abi is entitled and paranoid and will turn on her friends in an instant without cause.  But Debbie is delusional and has an explosive and frightening temper.