The Amazing Race - March 13, 2011 Episode Recap

This is the Most Stupid Day Ever

Starting out from Tokyo, Japan - Zev & Justin were the first to depart at 8:44pm.  They got the clue to make their way to Lijiang, China.  Because of limited availability of flights everyone will be on the one mandatory flight to China, but once there they must find their own mode of transport on to Lijiang.
-Zev isn't too enthused about China, there are lots of people in China and being autistic he's not much of a people person.  He's also not much of a water person - but he's going to step up when he needs to (we hope.)  He also lets us know the flight isn't leaving until after 9am the next day.
-Gary & Mallory are next out.  Ron & Christina right behind them - are very excited to be going to China - they speak Chinese and have been to Lijiang before.
-The sister's, Jen & Kisha don't have the best memories of China - on their last Race Jen called the deaf guy a bitch... (hahaha - oh yeah - heat of the moment and he was being pushy...) she's not proud of that.
-The Globetrotters head out - Cowboys are right behind them - and Jet tries to get in the wrong side of the car to drive - Golly, everything's backwards here.  (They're still in Japan, it's right hand drive.)
-The Goths are heading out in lucky number 7 spot - their theme for the day is PMA - Positive Mental Attitude (hmm, this seems like some heavy foreshadowing if the previews are correct.)  They try to get in their car but the keys won't open the door - Did someone take our car? (Oh no, and so it begins.)
-Margie and Luke are the next out - he seems happy to be heading to China.
-Kent & Vyxsin finally find their car in the total opposite direction - bicker, bicker, bicker - so much for PMA.
-And finally the Redheads are the last team out at 12:42am - Jaime is hoping China won't be as miserable for her this time (she was a right royal you-know-what last time they raced through China.)
-Vyxsin is having a meltdown in the car - she can't find the highway to the airport - she's crying and he's being so patient... they get on the highway...
6:00am - the rest of the teams are checking in for their flight and still no Kent & Vyxsin - Zev, "they're either in a Kabuki show or extremely lost"... and it's the latter.  They got on the highway going in the wrong direction and they've been driving that way for HOURS... OMG!  Vyxsin finally realizes their mistake and says "Bye, bye Amazing Race."
(Okay, how does this happen? All they had to do was get to the airport, everyone was going to be on the same flight - they had over 9 hours to do that - I guess when you lose your car in the parking lot it sets the tone for the day.)
-Kent acknowledges they're not going to make their flight - but they can't give up, the Amazing Race is also about miracles (someone is sticking with the PMA!)

-Kent & Vyxsin do miss the required flight but finally make it to the airport and book an alternate flight at 3:30pm - they are hopeful they can intercept the other teams but don't know what will happen to them.  (I'm thinking they missed the REQUIRED flight, they're done.)

-The Required flight lands in China at 7:17pm - everyone is now trying to decide what's they're best option of transport to get to Lijiang. (And I must say, I'm digging Kisha's half-fro, looks like she half took out her braids so the back is all full - I like it.)
-Everyone is doing Internet research - but Ron & Christina with their command of the language has had some guy in the airport look up trains for them and they decide to take a train out the same night instead of waiting for a flight the next day.
-Margie & Luke come up to ask them if they're taking the train and Ron blows her off in his abrupt manner - we have to get our money first.  Then they take off for the train station and head out on the first train to Lijiang (oh - I smell Race Karma coming for you old man.)
-The rest of the teams show up at the train station 10 minutes late for that first train - they all take the second train out about 1 1/2 hours later - every team is on that train except Ron & Christina and Kent & Vyxsin - and everyone is breathing a little easier knowing Kent & Vyxsin are behind them ALL.

-Speaking of - their flight gets in at 1:35am and they have no options to move on, everything is closed for the night.  They go to look for a hotel.

-5:38am - first train arrives in Lijiang - Ron & Christina get a cab and are confident enough in their lead that they stop for hot Chinese buns (yum!) I'm pretty sure Ron would have had a tantrum had she refused to stop - but all is well in Ron-world.  They get to the marked shuttle for the next leg but it's not scheduled to leave until 8am.
-6:00am - Kent & Vyxsin are back in the airport and catching the flight out to Lijiang - Vyxsin leaves her passport at the ticket counter but goes back and gets it... (they really are cursed this leg I think... the fates don't want them in China it seems.)
-The rest of the teams show up at the marked shuttle bus where Ron & Christina are not too happy to be waiting for them... as they pull out though the missing Kent & Vyxsin are still making everyone feel good.
-Kent & Vyxsin's flight gets in to Lijiang at 8:15am - they hope to finally see some of the other teams - it's been days since they've seen anyone.
-The shuttle has taken them all up Jade mountain, it looks cold and beautiful.  They see saddled yak's in the water.  Big Easy - we're going in the water... Zev is not ready to get cold and wet.

Route info - they must saddle a yak (which apparently is what they do in this part of China) and ride it across the river where they'll receive their next clue.
-Cord is showing off smacking the yak with his hat and they tell him to stop that. Zev slides off the back of the yak on his first attempt to mount but he makes it finally.  Everyone gets the clue which tells them they have to ride the gondola now up the mountain to spruce meadow to get their next clue.  They're all feeling the altitude- it's making running/breathing difficult - Margie & Ron especially seem to be feeling light headed.
-The clue is a ROADBLOCK - they have to search among hundreds of hanging charms for all the characters of the Chinese zodiac then they must hang them in the correct order on a wind chime kinda thingy to get their next clue.
-So we have Luke, Cord, Cara, Mallory, Flight Time, Jen, Zev & Christina? She and Ron have to discuss way more than anyone else for some reason - he's thinking with his stomach, if it's eating he'll do it - no, she's doing it.  They all first look at the example then head out among all the people and, I would say, thousands of charms trying to collect all 12 they need - this does not look easy.

-Meanwhile - Kent & Vyxsin have arrived at the yaks and she heads across the river on the hairy beast.

-Luke is the first one back, then Mallory and Christina - Luke doesn't get the order right so he's denied but Mallory does and she's the first one to get the clue - she tells Luke to look at hers for the O R D E R.
-The clue tells them to find a marked bus to take them to old town Lijiang, find the ancient prayer wheel where they'll find the next clue.  Gary & Mallory head out. Then Christina, Luke, Cord, Cara, Jen... Zev is still looking, he's having trouble finding them all.  Big Easy terrifies the locals as he runs through them.

-Kent & Vyxsin are now in the gondola and Zev & Justin are the only one's still at the Roadblock - he's getting totally frustrated and Justin is telling him not to give up.

- The Cowboys spy Kent & Vyxsin heading up as they're heading down in the gondola - uh oh. 
-Gary & Mallory are the first team to the marked bus and it takes off - I had forgotten they also have the Express Pass from day 1 so they're sitting pretty right about now.  Mallory is just having fun with her Dad in China... then they cut to Christina & Ron - another daughter, not having so much fun with her Dad in China especially since they jumped in a cart of some kind, not the marked buses they're supposed to be on - they take off down the mountain but she doesn't feel right - they talk to the driver and he tells them they should have taken the bus.  They get the guy to take them back up...

-Zev has all his charms clumped together in one thing - not right.  Kent & Vyxsin show up and Justin is yelling at Zev to hurry up - which doesn't seem to be helping.  Justin asks Kent what happened and he says they're car broke down so they missed the flight.  Justin says, "so the flight you took was not the one you were supposed to take..." Kent says he's not showing all his cards, they are very afraid they'll get a time penalty but he doesn't need the other teams to know that.

-Ron is having a fit on the cart - we're going to lose so much time (blah, blah, blah - I think he wanted to just keep going on the wrong conveyance - you can't do that - if they say take the bus - you take the bus.)  Christina jumps out of the moving cart when they pass the buses and falls on her back (ouch). The Globetrotters get their driver to stop for them (even with Ron throwing something at the bus- what?) - they really are nice guys.  Christina thanks them profusely - she knows it was them - Ron (grumble, grumble. Old fart.)

-Zev is finally getting his charms together but the guy won't give him the clue - the guy looks as frustrated as Zev.  Vyxsin has found 9 of the 12 so far.

Old Lijiang: The buses arrive and Margie & Luke are the first team to the clue box: It tells them each team member must verbally announce their sign of the zodiac, write a wish on a piece of paper and deposit it in the ancient prayer wheel to get their next clue.  DETOUR - Hammer or Horn.
In Hammer: teams must pulverize hot molten candy in the traditional method - by smashing it with long wooden hammers on top of a block of wood - once they have prepared the candy (which looks like pure sugar) the confectioner will give them their next clue (the confectioner is great - he has a future in television.)
In Horn: teams make their way to the square then pick up a huge, long, heavy horn and lead a group of processioners to the palace to receive their next clue.  (I'm wondering if they've made these easier so as not to kill everyone on this leg? :)
-Margie/Luke and Gary/Mallory are all going to do the candy.

-The next buses arrive - and it seems like everyone is either an Ox or a Rooster (hmm, are these adventurous signs?  I'm a Rat, my brethren are not.) - Oh, the Cowboys are Monkeys - and the Globetrotters have no idea what sign they are - so they have to have it right before they can get the clue - they just start going through them all... unsuccessfully.
-Everyone else is getting the clue and everyone is doing hammer except the Redheads, who go for horn.

-Back up the mountain Zev finally figures out he had two goats on his thing - he gets the order correct finally and they get the clue to move on.  Justin praises him for sticking with it and getting it done.
-Vyxsin is starting to have another meltdown - she can't find all 12 of the charms -(no, no more crying... just get it done) Kent says that little pink kitten is trying her best (he really is so supportive - I'd be yelling at her.)

-Oh, and finally the Globetrotters have determined they are a Rooster and a Dragon - they've dropped back 3 or 4 spots - they decide to do the Horn.

-Ron again is thinking with his stomach - he wants his yogurt - Christina tells him no - he can eat after the Detour - walking through town he gets distracted by a street vendor cooking live fish... she has to put her foot down - You are not eating fish, let's go - He whines, Can we take a tram?  No!  (Oh Ron, he's reverting to childhood right before our eyes.)

-Let the hammering begin - everyone is joyfully hammering away - and Ron is eating- ah, this is good stuff. (I think more than anything else this episode I have heard Christina say "Daddy" with total exasperation over and over and over again.)

-Over at the Horn, Jaime picks one up, decides she can't do it and they change.

-Back up at the Roadblock, Vyxsin is blubbering and calling herself stupid while Kent shivers to death. 
She finally gets all 12 of the charms and heads in to put them in order.  Their only hope is to catch up to Zev & Justin - who are now on the bus heading to Old Lijiang.

-Back at the hammering - teams are finishing up and Ron is still eating all their goods - Gary/Mallory, Margie/Luke, Cowboys - get the clue to head to the Eternal Tower - the Pit Stop for this leg of the Race.
-Jen & Kisha finish and head out and Christina is ready to use the cutting tool on Ron - she makes him let her do it, he's so ungraceful and he's still eating - "Will you stop eating, god!" (haha, unfortunately, I think this would have been me and my dad.)

-The Globetrotters are having no problem with the horn but they can't find the palace - Big Easy nearly impales himself with the horn when Flight Time stops short to ask directions - and a little girl nearly climbs in the other end - aww.

-The Redheads have arrived at the candy hammering place and Cara burns herself on the molten sugar as it seeps through her glove - how'd you get it on your hand?  That's what the long hammers are for.

-Zev & Justin get to the prayer wheel and know their signs - Justin wants to win the Amazing Race and Zev wants a long happy life.  They decide to do horn.

-Vyxsin finally gets all the charms in order and she gets the clue - they head down on the gondola.

Here's How They Finished:
1) Margie & Luke - won a trip to Aruba - Which Phil tells them they can enjoy after the race... but right now you are still racing... (What?  Again?) Luke - Noooo.  Margie says you don't know what I want to say right now.  They rip the clue and take off.
2) Jet & Cord - You have to keep on racing - Cord, "Sweet."
3) Gary & Mallory - Mallory, "Ah Nuts!"
4) Ron & Christina - He's so excited to be 4th - but still racing - Oh My God.
5) Kisha & Jen - Arghh
6) Flight Time & Big Easy - Big Easy, "Is this April Fools?"
7) Jaime & Cara

-Zev & Justin are carrying the horn through the town, Justin's not even thinking about Kent & Vyxsin at this point - he's just trying to get through the Detour and let the chips fall where they may.
-Kent & Vyxsin are on the bus heading to Old Lijiang when Kent realizes that their fanny pack is gone - he's left it in the gondola (I see their luck is holding up - all bad.) They start desperately beseeching the bus driver to turn around... their passports & money are in the fanny pack -(why would you take it off?)

To Be Continued... Argh - and my recording cut off the preview of next week...

I want to know what kind of penalty the Pink & Black Attack is going to face... to be continued - that blows.

Have a good week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor Redemption Island - March 9, 2011 Episode Recap

Don't You Work For Me?

After a quick recap of last week when Zapatera did what no tribe had done before - voted out Russell - the episode opened at:

Redemption Island - Night 8
Russell arrives and he and Matt play get to know ya a little.  Russell is pissed off that his tribe lied to him about everything - Francesca being there and how they were voting.  He says Matt may be harder to beat but he's a rookie, he'll take him out - then he'll be there to meet every one of his tribe mates and he'll make them suffer - they'll have to sleep in the mud. (Nice, way to put positive thoughts out to the universe.)
-Meanwhile Matt's building up his own legend in his mind - blindsided by Rob, now having to duel Russell - he's a star!

Ometepe - Day 9
-Phillip is quickly wearing out his welcome - while everyone is trying to sleep, he's up at the crack of dawn sweeping the camp (really?)
-Rob says - who comes on Survivor with saggy bottom tighty-whiteys with everything hanging out?  It's not just disturbing, it's disgusting (blond #2 makes gaggy faces as they blur out Phillip's bottoms).  He's like the gross dad walking around in his gonch - you don't want to have your friends over - no one wants to see that.
-Phillip is spear hunting crabs again - and they're all laughing at him. Phillip says no one understands him so he's frustrated.  He knows it's a social game and thinks he'll have to find another side to himself to be accepted by the tribe (Sybil, better trot out another personality - that scares me.)

Zapatera - Day 9
-Russell's girls are not having any fun (oh, wah) but are sure Russell is going to kill it at Redemption Island and make them all pay (I just don't understand the level of crazy loyalty to Russell - the evil force is strong in that one apparently.
-Krista (Blond #3) says she knows she and Danielle are in trouble, that's why they need to find the hidden immunity idol.  They get right to work... on their tans.
-Ralph said he thought he was going to keep the hidden immunity idol to himself but when he saw the two girls go off by themselves he decided to hook that fish good and proper - and shared the fact that he has the hidden immunity idol with his alliance.  Sarita is ecstatic - Ralph says he told them he had it under control.
-Mike (GI Joe) is apparently still afraid of Russell coming back and says with them having the idol it will keep Russell from going deep in the game (uh, it can't save all 6 of you... and I guess Russell is the boogie man :)

Ometepe - Day 10
-Phillip gets the tree mail about them picking two people to go to Redemption Island and witness the duel - this leaves it up to them how they want to choose and Phillip volunteers himself and Kristina - no one objects (of course not, you two are on the outs anyway - I'm sure they just want you gone for a little while)
Phillip says because of his background as a special agent he is looking for some intel on how to win the game (since it's already a foregone conclusion in his mind that he's going to Redemption Island - I don't think he's wrong there.)

Zapatera - Day 10
-Ralph and Sarita nominate themselves to go - Russell's girls don't look too happy about it but no one says anything - Sarita says if she's able to see Russell walk off and go home - that is almost her million dollars.

Redemption Island - Day 10
Russell acknowledges that this duel is good vs evil - in the real world he'd be rooting for Matt but it's Survivor and he's going to win.
Matt is a warrior for God and because he wants it so deeply and truly he's sure he'll come out on top.
DUEL
They have to stack a series of blocks on zig zag platforms (like dominoes) avoiding trip wires which could cause the blocks to fall down before they're done.  The goal is to line the blocks up so that they will fall like dominoes and release a ball that will smash a tile - first one to smash the tile lives to compete another day - loser is out - for good.
-And off they go - they are neck and neck - Matt thinks he has it but the line only falls half way - he has to reset. Russell thinks he's got it but his also falls short - he has to re-stack as well. 
-Matt goes again and successfully WINS THE DUEL!- Matt stays alive and Russell starts crying like a little b*tch - (I will not feel sorry for him.)  Matt tries to comfort him (he's just too nice.)
Of course Jeff doesn't just leave it at that - he asks Russell if he's crying because he's sad at finally losing or is it embarrassment?
-Russell says he respects this game too much to go out this way - it's tough to be the star quarterback when you have pee wee's on your team that throw a challenge just to get rid of "Russell" (he's using the soapbox Jeff gave him to get in Phillip & Kristina's heads - little does he know that they're not the brain trust of the other tribe.
-Ralph rises to Russell's bait and says within 15 seconds he did what Russell couldn't [and found the idol] - Russell does what Rob did at the first Tribal Council and tells him to prove it - Ralph starts rummaging in his bag to get it and Sarita stops him - don't do that...  Ralph, "ah, I faked ya." (No one buys it)
-Phillip pipes up - It was not a lie - I made my living discerning whether or not someone was telling the truth and you have an idol.  I'll make sure you have the opportunity to use it if I have anything to do about it...  (Wow, testosterone and crazy is flying every which way out there.)
-Russell tells them Sarita is in charge and Mike and Steve as well. 
-Phillip - I'm glad I came.
-Russell says he just made sure that he would live on in the game through these two -(Who? Phillip and Kristina?  Hahaha... poor Russell - surrounded by idiots.)

Russell's final words - it's terrible to play with people that didn't come to play the game, they came for fame or just for the money...(just because they didn't play Your game doesn't mean they aren't playing the game - his ego is astounding to the end) - He gives me hope in saying this is the last time he's ever going to play the game - he has nothing else to prove to himself or his family and he gives Matt props - hope he goes all the way.  So with Russell leaving the game: Coleen T,  Lee G, and Kim A are out of the pool... and I'm with Sarita - seeing Russell defeated so early was totally worth the price of admission :)

-Phillip says he's going to use the info he learned from Russell to get himself farther in the game - (I wish I could believe Phillip had the ability to do that - but I just don't.)

Ometepe - Day 10
-Rob comes up with the idea of the rest of the tribe celebrating the fact that Phillip and Kristina are gone and having a beach day... meanwhile he just wants to get everyone out of camp so he can look for the hidden idol.  He lures them all out to the beach, tells them he's having constipation issues and then books it back to look for the idol (what a sneaky little... what he said he was having trouble with.)
-He's looking in, at, under every tree and knows he's been gone a long time and should get back - they're starting to wonder where he is and he's about to give up when he looks up and sees the idol sitting up in a tree - So, Rob found the hidden Immunity idol... and it seems they bought the constipation story and are none the wiser.

Zapatera - Day 10
-Sarita and Ralph come back and share the fact that Russell is out of the game.
-Julie is so stoked that he's not going to come back to get her.
-Sarita tells them it was hard to see him crying his eyes out but he rallied and threw the covers off everything in the tribe.
-Steve is glorying in the little punk leaving which prompts Danielle to say he's going to far.  David says he can understand how the rest of them dancing on Russell's grave could be hard for those two who are still firmly team Russell.
-Mike is later talking to them and Danielle throws out the dig about stupidly throwing a challenge when they need numbers - he counters that synergy was much more important and worth throwing a challenge to get rid of the plague... I think' little miss attitude' Danielle will be the next to go.

Ometepe - Day 10
-Phillip tells Kristina that they'll share the break down that Russell told them but not to say who has the hidden immunity idol - this is good enough intel to keep Kristina from being the next to go home to being 4th.
-Kristina says she defers to Phillip's experience in these covert matters - meanwhile she tells the camera that it's Phillips idea to blackmail Rob into keeping them there with the intel.  The Specialist thinks he's running the show when The Specialist is just one big windbag - she's going to sit back and let him hang himself.

-In camp Phillip puts on a bit of a show - says Russell went home and he was crying - someone asks if he said anything about idols or anything and Phillip says no, that was it - it was weird (The Specialist is not a good liar.)
-Next, Phillip is walking with Rob and Grant out on the beach (and can I just say, I'm enjoying the man candy Grant provides from the neck down - that hair though, has to go... but I digress).  Phillip says he's going to tell them what really happened.  Phillip says Russell told them who had an idol and the alliances - if I share this information with you will you keep Kristina? 
-Rob is impatient with this - aren't you in my alliance? Shouldn't you be working for me?  Rob doesn't get why he's lobbying for Kristina - big mistake Phillip.
-Rob says absolutely to Phillip and he says Sarita is running things (uh, not quite) and that Ralph has the idol... (I thought he was keeping that to himself.)
-Grant later says to Rob they can't trust that guy - they've got to get rid of him (Ya think?)

Zapatera - Day 11
Tree mail - says something about building and trust - Ralph grabs the tool belt - we got this.
Julie is a believer in Karma - she hopes throwing the last challenge doesn't come back to bite them.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Today's immunity challenge brought to you by Craftsman tools.  They have to cross a balance beam and use a crowbar to open a crate and retrieve a shovel, they will use the shovel to dig up an axe, they will use the axe to cut through a log releasing a rope that has two saws suspended in the air (uh, that's not safe) - they will use the saws to saw through a wall creating planks and they will use the planks to complete a ramp that will get the whole tribe to the top of the platform where they will use a hammer to hammer in 3 nails and break 3 tiles - first tribe to get the Craftsman tool kit on top of that table wins Immunity and Reward - BBQ set including food, steak, sausage, bread and vegetables.
Zapatera sits Blond #3 (Krista)
-Ralph and Rob start - Ralph opens the crate first.  Julie comes out to dig and Grant makes up some time on the digging - Ralph and Rob come back out to chop the log - Ralph makes short work of it and releases the saws for Mike and Steve to get started on the wall - Rob is still working on the log - which he gets through and Grant and Phillip come out to saw.  Steve and Mike are getting through the wall quite well - Grant and Phillip are slow.... Zapatera has the planks done and Stephanie and Sarita are out to put them in place - it's a bit of a puzzle so when Rob and Kristina come out to do the planks he starts making up time... Zapatera are the first up on the platform - Stephanie is working on untying the hammer when Ometepe gets up on the platform - they start on the hammer - but Ralph knock in the nails and they slam the toolbox down - ZAPATERA wins immunity and reward.  Ralph gives a victory crow - cock-a-doodle-doo!

Zapatera - Day 11
Barbecue time!  Mike has never been this hungry in his life - he hasn't thought about sex in 2 weeks, all he thinks about is food. (Uh, I'm going to leave that alone.)
-Ralph says he ate everything right down to licking his dirty fingers and offered to lick everyone else's too - gross.

Ometepe - Day 11
-Phillip calls a brief tribal meeting really quickly - we lost and are down but I think we all put forth a good effort - anyone have anything?  Crickets.
-Rob says Phillip is never one to shy away from his moment in the sun - but there is such a feeling of malice towards him right now - it's palpable.
-Ashley cannot stand him - he treats the girls like they are complete idiots - tries to tell them how to fill the canteens and when they say they're fine he says, 'I got to see this'... (Really Phillip? - I would have yelled at him to get the hell away from me - what an ass.)
-They are all fed up with Phillip - Kristina is lobbying for him to go- says the last thing she wants to do coming back from a loss is listen to Phillip's yammering - everyone is in agreement.  She knows she's on the wrong side of the numbers so she hopes they'll take out Phillip first.
-Then Kristina says to the young dark haired girl (Nicole?) that there was probably a clue in the reward - she bets someone has the hidden immunity idol again.
-Nicole goes running to the rest of her alliance and tells them Kristina was talking about someone having the hidden idol - Rob plays dumb - so she's trying to find out if we have it- or she has it...
-Meanwhile he's thinking she is way too dangerous to keep around - Phillip may annoy the ever living crap out of everyone but he's no threat - Kristina is too smart for her own good.  Rob tells them lets split the vote - 2 for Phillip, 3 for Kristina and if everyone does what they're told, Kristina will go tonight.
-Grant talks to Rob and says he doesn't trust Phillip and would rather they get rid of him - Rob says Kristina's no slouch - he wants them to keep in line - this will prove if he is in charge of the tribe.
-Phillip asks who the vote's for tonight and Rob tells him everyone is voting Kristina - this tells Phillip that Rob is not a man of his word and he is ready to pull out all the stops at tribal council to make the moves he needs to survive (oh, will it be a crazy tour de force?)

Tribal Council
Kristina, both times you've been at tribal council you've been on the hot seat, feeling that tonight.
 - Sure, absolutely.
What's happening that's always got you in trouble?
 - I feel like I started out on the wrong side of the numbers but I'm a fighter and I don't give up and I'm determined - I want to stay.
Natalie (that's her name! Not Nicole) - how do you feel about second chances?
- I think they're great - Kristina's a really nice person, we just have to see.
Grant, can people change in this game?
- Of course - everyone is pretty easy to get along with I think you can get a second chance.
Rob pipes up - But to be fair - I think Kristina just joined this tribe - for the first 8 days I don't feel like she was a part of us.  The real question is, is it too late or should we give her a shot.
Kristina, what do you think they should do tonight?  (Keep me?  How do you expect her to answer that?)
 - I think they should vote out who they consider the weakest link.  She defines weak in this case as disruptiveness.  Then calls out Phillip as disruptive and assertive which makes everyone uncomfortable.
Phillip have you faced being disruptive before?
 - No, I wouldn't call it that. I'm a do-er. But if you show up just at meal time and expect to eat then yes, I'll be disruptive.
Kristina says she's done as much around camp as he has.
Phillip - the last 3 days you have sure.
Kristina - eye roll.
So, obviously Kristina thinks it should be Phillip and Phillip thinks it should be Kristina.
Phillip - I have a history with the tribe - You're a do-er - I call it the Shepherd STAMP - it comes from being one of twelve and having my mother pass at a very early age (I can hear the violins) and having to work my way through high school and joining the army - getting an honourable discharge and the highest honour in peace time for doing field sanitation (I said pardon?)- not a glamourous job.  But that's what I do around camp and I think out of the two of us, I've earned the respect of my tribe. (Yeah, that's why they are all snickering or rolling their eyes at you - poor, deluded Phillip.)
And Jeff gives Kristina a chance to make one last argument to stay as well.
-I'm smart and I can be a trusted member of this tribe - if given the opportunity I can prove that to them.
(Huh, anti-climactic... I'm ashamed to say I was hoping for Phillip to bring the crazy.)

They vote:
Phillip votes Cristina - time has run out.
Kristina votes Phil - you're a pain in the neck and I really hope it's you, not me.

Tallying the votes:
Phillip 1
Kristina 1
Phillip 2
Kristina 2
Phillip 3
Kristina 3... 4 - KRISTINA is the 4th person voted out and to Redemption Island.  She gets to leave in an impressive thunder and lightening display.  Says she's just had her ass raked over the coals at Tribal and now has to face Matt, snivel.
Jeff says this tribe is running out of time - they better start winning.

Next week: Phillip is bugging everyone so Rob thinks maybe he should stay - and Russell's girls are ready to create havoc and it tests the bonds in the tribe.

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

The Amazing Race - March 6, 2011 Episode Recap

We Had a Lot of Evil Spirits Apparently (Japan)

After last week's first elimination of Amanda & Kris (and they had to go out looking ridiculous in those Kangaroo outfits, just to add insult to injury) 10 teams remain on the Amazing Race.  Once they all made it to the Pit Stop on that last leg they immediately embarked on an overnight train ride to Sydney.
Zev & Justin are the first to head off the train at 11:57am - the clue tells them to fly to Tokyo, Japan - once there they must make their way to a parking garage which is like a huge vending machine of cars - to find their next clue.  Last time they went to Japan, Justin had to eat a wasabi hand roll (oh yeah, they did a sort of Japanese game show challenge.) They catch a cab to the airport.
-Flight Time and Big Easy are the next to leave - they're going to remember Big Easy in Japan, think it's Godzilla attacking again - they are going to hop another train to the airport. 
-The Cowboys and Sisters are one minute apart yet the Cowboys make the same train as the Globetrotters and Jen & Kisha miss it - huh.
-Margie & Luke decide to hit a travel agency at the train station instead of heading to the airport.
-Mel & Mike meet up with Margie & Luke at the travel agency - all trying to book the best flights.
-Kent & Vyxsin head off to use a computer to check Travelocity (nice plug there - I wonder if they get a kick back?)  Kent is rocking the little urban cowboy version of a cowboy hat - to prove to the cowboys they're not the only ones who can pull off that look (Uh, yeah, kinda proved the opposite - I could see him in assless chaps though.)
-Cara & Jaime find a different travel agency.
-Gary & Mallory leave the train station and catch a cab to the airport.
-Ron & Christina are the last ones out at 12:28pm (so they're all within 1/2 hour of each other) and they also hit an Internet cafe to check Travelocity(?)  We find out that Christina is engaged to Azaria... someone she met when they ran the face last time - (I don't remember him at all... but he's cute.)

-Zev thinks he and Justin need a cool nickname like the Globetrotters and the Cowboys - "I guess we're the special kid and his friend." (Special friends? - no, sounds dirty... Short bus? that's just mean... Zev & Justin it is.)  They go looking for a computer at the airport.

-Back at the travel agency - Mike wants to book a connection flight through Hong Kong to get them in 15 minutes ahead of the direct flight - Mel's not so keen - Margie doesn't want to do that either - too many things can go wrong (No guts, no glory! - but I'd probably want to stick with the pack too... Yup, I'm all talk.)
-Globetrotters run into Zev & Justin at the Internet kiosk and they're looking at the same flights - Qantas direct 6:15am or the connection through Hong Kong arriving at 6:00am - they're also leery of delays on connecting flights.
-The Cowboys went directly to the Qantas counter and booked the direct flight arriving at 6:15am - no fuss, no muss.
-The Sisters show up at the same counter and book the same flight as the Cowboys - direct 6:15am arrival.
-Ron & Christina book the Qantas flight over the Internet.
-Gary & Mallory run up to the Qantas desk and book the Qantas flight.

-Kent & Vyxsin think 15 minutes if 15 minutes and they book the connecting flight through Hong Kong over the Internet.
-Cara & Jaime also book the connecting flights at their travel agency.

-Globetrotters and Zev & Justin are still debating - they head to Cathay Pacific to possibly book the connection...
-Margie and Mel & Mike have now decided to go for the riskier move of taking the connecting flight through Hong Kong - Mike thinks they need all the extra time they can get.
-And that leaves only two seats left on the connecting flight through Hong Kong - Big Easy says they owe Zev & Justin one - since they gave them the phrase on the last leg - (plus Big Easy ain't so easy about the connecting flight) so Zev & Justin are the last team on the 6:00am flight.

-Mallory & Gary come upon Margie/Luke, Mel/Mike at the airport and Margie's acting all shifty, doesn't want to tell them they have an earlier flight (Oh come on, it's not that much better - but then they don't know the flight is full now either.)  Now Gary & Mallory are nervous.
-So 5 teams are on the first flight and 5 teams are on the 2nd flight.  The first flight does end up having engine problems and they are looking at a major time delay... that sucks.
-Ends up the Qantas flight arrives on time 6:15am - Globetrotters, Gary & Mallory and the Sisters are the first to get the clue at the car park - they have to drive themselves to another city and find a certain Dojo to get their next clue.  First they must ask the parking attendant for a car - wooo - it is like a big vending machine.  Big Easy barely fits in that little Japanese car - it must suck being that tall, especially in Japan.

-Ron & Christina and the Cowboys make it to the parking garage and Cord has never seen the like - Ron is driving like an old fart and when Christina asks if he could go a bit faster he bites her head off - Ah, just like old times.

-The Second flight arrives at 7:20am and all 5 teams swarm to the car park - everyone is taking their turn getting their cars when Jaime steps on Vyxsin's last nerve and she tells her to wait her turn - (the redheads really are so pushy)  Poor Zev & Justin end up in last place (oh, from hero to zero... I'm rooting for these two.)

-The first 5 teams all seem to be lost driving out of Tokyo except Ron & Christina - she was able to ask directions, which Ron was completely ungrateful for,  and they are the first to the dojo/shrine (Ron is just a grumpy old cuss.)  They see a guy riding a horse and shooting an arrow at a target - then find the clue to the ROADBLOCK: must dress as Samurai and learn to shoot an arrow from atop a wooden horse.  First they must learn the ritual (Form), then perform the ritual in front of a master (Bow & Arrow) and if they are doing it correctly they'll be spun on a wooden horse and they'll have to hit the target with the bow & arrow (Target) - once they hit the target they'll get their next clue (Are you kidding me?  I would be there all day.)
-Christina hands this one off to Pops and he's right away Mr Negative Nelly - I don't have the best eye-sight (Grr - he would drive me insane.)
-Gary & Mallory are the next team to the clue box and Gary is going to do the challenge.
-Ron has failed the Form so far - he grouses that he's not coordinated (he's just afraid of looking foolish - this guy needs to take the stick out of his you-know-what.)
-Globetrotters find the clue box and Flight Time is doing the task.  Kisha & Jen finally find the clue and Jen is going in to do it for them.  She's the only one that mentions the outfit they have to wear - silk robes, booties and a jaunty little cowboy-esque hat. (she is a girl after all ;)
-They are all trying to get the form down and are realizing this is not going to be easy.
-The Cowboys are still lost - driving around with Cord buried in a map (he can't read.)
-Everyone from the second flight is lost as well - they are caravan-ing and consulting with each other - except Zev & Justin who just drive on by - Justin seems to have a great sense of direction.

-Gary is the first to pass the Form - and move on to Bow & Arrow - everyone else still failing.

-Zev & Justin are the next team to arrive at the Roadblock (Oh, come on Cowboys, that's 1 1/2 hours they've lost) - Justin is going to do the task for them.

-Back out on the streets - the Cowboys are just heading south - they can't read any of the signs (sigh).  Mel & Mike and Margie & Luke ditch the Goths and the Redheads... but since none of them know where they're going, does it really matter?

-Jen is the first to complete the task, she says she's usually very detail oriented -Form, Bow & Arrow, Target- Way to go girlfriend!  Ron, "Oh, come on."  Hahaha - suck it.  They get the clue to make their way to a certain railway station and find a statue where they'll also find the next clue.
-Justin is the next one to finish the task -Wow!  That is quite the comeback.  He said he thought it through, what does each step means, instead of just trying to copy the steps - (I think Justin is one of those guys that's good at everything - as long as he doesn't lose anything vital this time, I think they're looking really good.)
-Gary is the next to finish and they head out right behind Zev & Justin.

-The Goths, Mel & Mike and Margie & Luke arrive at the dojo and Kent, Mike and Luke are doing the Samurai cowboy.  Kent gets a jaunty yellow outfit and he thinks this is promising.  Margie tells Luke to watch their mouths because he'll have to say something (hmm, this could be hard for him.)

-Flight Time is the next one finished and finally they take pity on Ron and he's through.

-The Cowboys finally arrive and aren't too happy to see everyone's there but them (and the Redheads)... speaking of whom - Jaime is driving and she's never driven on the right side before - Cara cautions her to move over in the lane just as she hits the mirror of a car on their left.  They stop and try to offer the guy money for the mirror but he wants to call the police - Jaime seems to be keeping her cool but she's frustrated they can't even have a conversation (how dare they not speak English in Japan.)
- They had to wait for the police and it did get sorted out - but it took a long time.

-Back at the Roadblock - everyone is failing the Form - Mike says it's way harder than it should be (this is Unfinished Business, they're not making it easier to win.)

-On the road, the Sisters stop at a funeral home to ask directions - oops, Rest in Peace.
-Mallory is the eagle eye and spots the statue on the side of the road - yells to Zev & Justin and they all get the clue to the Detour - Prayer of Purity or Frog of Luck.
-In Prayer of Purity they must take part in a Shinto religious cleansing ritual - don traditional garb, learn a prayer that is both verbal and physical then stand under a beautiful waterfall coming straight from the snows of Mount Fuji (brrr.) The water is 45F and they must stand under the cascading waterfall for 1 minute to receive their next clue.
-In Frog of Luck they must strip down and enter a mud pit.  Then, while on-lookers pelt them with handfuls of mud, they must search through the pit for a buried plastic frog, a symbol of good luck in Japan.  When they find one, they must present it to the frog master(?) to get their next clue.
-Zev & Justin and Mallory & Gary decide to do Frog of Luck.
-Globetrotters and Ron & Christina arrive at the clue box and they both decide to do Prayer of Purity.
-Jen & Kisha get there and decide to do Frog of Luck.

-Meanwhile the Redheads have finally arrived at the Roadblock and Jaime heads in - they are shocked they are still in it - the rest of the teams are still there.

-Luke completes the task - Cord feels right at home shooting the bow & Arrow, he's done - Kent completes it as well - even Mike finally shoots the target.  They all finish as Jaime looks on.

-Zev & Justin and Gary & Mallory arrive at the Frog of Luck and have to don a diaper-type outfit - Zev said they were like really skinny sumo wrestlers (it did cover a bit more than that - and Mallory was allowed to wear a top - this is a family show :)   The mud throwing was a surprise to them but they started to get into it - one guy belly flopped right by them - hahaha... it looks like fun.

-Globetrotters and Ron & Christina get to the Shinto shrine/waterfall - they put on the outfit and start the ritual - doesn't look like as much fun.

-Margie & Luke and the Cowboys get to the Detour clue box - Cowboys are doing Frog of Luck and Margie & Luke

-Jaime is now trying to shoot the bow & arrow - she drops the arrow then can't shoot it, gets stuck on her glove.  Cara is hoping she's not getting frustrated (well, you can hope.)

-Back at the mud pit they are filthy and Justin is the first to find a frog - they get their next clue and Zev stomach bumps the clue master (ha - is that bad form?)
-They get the clue to the Pit Stop - a monument to Commodore Matthew C Perry's landing.  Last team to arrive MAY be eliminated.
-Zev & Justin hose each other off and Justin's not willing to take the time to put on pants - they head out still slightly muddy and wet - Zev is going commando - That's not so hot.
-Gary finds a frog too and they are heading out right behind Zev & Justin.

-Kisha & Jen hit the mud pit and they don't enjoy it - at all - Kisha doesn't do bikini's, she gets mud splashed in her mouth - hopefully it doesn't get ugly.

-The Goths and Mel & Mike get to the Detour clue box - Goths are doing Frog of Luck (that is going to mess up your make up) and so will Mel & Mike - Mike just thinks it will be very satisfying to beat Jaime & Cara.  Jaime finally completes the Roadblock.

-Back at the waterfall Flight time and Big Easy finish first and grab Christina's fanny pack on their way back up to change.
-Once Ron & Christina finish under the water fall she's looking for the fanny pack and mildly freaking out that she can't find it.   The Globetrotters have left it with his stuff back up at the building but don't bother to tell them - (You know, those Globetrotters are sneaky.)
-Christina finally says they must have taken it so we might as well go back up to the buildings - I would be so pissed off!

-Kisha & Jen have dirt where it has no reason to be - Kisha finds a frog and gives it to Jen to present for the clue so she can pelt one of the guys with a handful of mud - Jen hugs the clue guy and gets him nice and muddy - oh yeah, they didn't like that.

-Ron finds the fanny pack in the men's changing room with his bag and bellows for Christina - he is royally irked and having trouble letting go of his consternation (his words - I must say he is always well spoken, even when really angry.)

-Zev & Justin have stopped at a car lot to ask for directions - still in their underwear - Justin says no one even batted an eye while in the states they'd run in the other direction.
-Gary wants to pull over to ask for directions and Mallory takes charge from the backseat - tells him to just keep going (yeah, and her sense of direction is impecable - don't listen to her.)

-Jet & Cord look cute in the diaper - Margie & Luke also head out to look for the frogs in the mud.
-Jen & Kisha are heading off looking for the Pit Stop and Jen is shaking from the cold.

-Jet & Cord are in the mud pit and Cord finds a frog right away (of course he did) - He says live frogs will jump at any time so he was keeping down low, listening for the croaking - He didn't know they weren't looking for live frogs (oh, he's so cute.)  Whatever - it worked for him cause they had it before Margie & Luke even got in the pit.
- Kent & Vyxsin and Mike & Mel come join Margie & Luke in the mud - Kent finds the mud disgusting - surprise.  Margie thinks it's ridiculous.

-The Redheads have reached the Detour clue box and decide to do the Frog of Luck as well.  Hoping they can catch up to someone.

-Back at the mud pit - Vyxsin is the next one to find a frog - and Kent gives the guy a big muddy hug (I'm just going to leave that one alone - it was slippery and he used tongue.)
-Margie is the next to find a frog - it's now dark and freezing cold - Mike is worried about Mel in the mud.
-Mike is feeling like it's a lost cause and he wants to quit - Mel keeps going - it's been the toughest day of his life but he's not willing to throw in the towel right away - Finally Mel gets cold enough that he lets Mike talk him into quitting and they head into a medic van to warm up.

-Cara & Jaime show up in the full on dark to start the Frog of Luck.  Jaime finds a frog.

Here's How they Finished:
1) Zev & Justin - won a trip to Costa Rica - and Justin hugged Zev - he didn't like that.
2) Gary & Mallory
3) Globetrotters
4) Ron & Christina - Phil asks why Christina's so upset and she tells him the Globetrotters took the fanny pack which may have been an innocent mistake but at the very least they should have let them know, as it was it delayed them greatly.  Phil says he's going to slap them with a 30 minute penalty which means:
3) Ron & Christina
4) Kisha & Jen
5) Jet & Cord (Cowboys)
6) Globetrotters - I wonder how they're going to feel about that.
7) Kent & Vyxsin
8) Margie & Luke
9) Jaime & Cara - Like the snotty b*tches they are say the line for Phil - 'you are the last team to arrive and have been eliminated from the race' - Stonefaced, Phil says, "You are incorrect" that shut them up - and made them so happy - they are still in the race. (poop.)
10) Mel & Mike - After a valiant effort - you have both been ELIMINATED from the race - they are just grateful for the experience - Mike knows his Dad would never give up so sometimes he just has to give up for him - he's 70 yrs old - he shouldn't be rooting around in the freezing mud.  (I'm sad to see them go, their relationship is so touching to see.)
So, with Mel & Mike leaving that means - Jeremy N, Kim A, Katie L, Kevin T and Hardeep & Kim are out of the pool.

Next Week : Zev gets hung up in China, Ron comes unglued and Kent & Vyxsin veer off course.
Ooh, looks like a good one.

Have a great week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor Redemption Island - March 2nd, 2011 Episode Recap

Keep Hope Alive

Redemption Island - Night 5
-FabioII (Matt) arrives at Redemption Island, awakes and surprises Francesca - she was shocked to see anyone but Phillip.  Matt says Rob is a real scoundrel, he's really hurt he was blindsided like that.  Also says what an opportunity, to become the underdog and come back from Redemption Island and win a million dollars.

Ometepe - Night 5
-Rob says Tribal Council could not have gone any better.  Grant wasn't sure Kristina was going to give up her hidden idol but she did.  Rob is impressed with Phillip's performance, proved to be a loyal soldier (oh gag me) says his performance was worthy of an Oscar (that is the way to keep Phillip loyal though, play to his ego.)
-Rob lays it out for Phillip - says there is an obvious alliance - 2 of the girls, Rob & Grant and now Phillip is 5th - he's alright with that.  (Really? - Actually, I can see it, he likes everything to be laid out for him.)
-Rob tells the camera he's got to work on Andrea now since she's smart enough to know they double-crossed her (by voting out her buddy Matt), Rob's got to make her alright with it (good luck with that.)

Redemption Island - Day 6
-Our ousted duo get tree mail telling them to make their way to the arena for their duel.  Two men enter, one man leaves... No, it didn't actually say that.  The winner will remain at Redemption Island alone and the loser will leave the game for good.

Zapatera - Day 6
-They get tree mail that tells them to choose stones out of a bag - two people will get the chance to go to Redemption Island and observe the duel (Oh, fun!) - The two that chose the purple stones were David (geeky lawyer dude) and Steve (grey-haired former football player) - they're not sure what to expect but glad Russell and his girls don't get to go.

Ometepe - Day 6
-They also pick stones and blond #1 (Andrea) & blond #2 (Ashley) get the coloured rocks - Andrea is so happy to be going so she can see Matt again (he's only been gone overnight, she's got it bad.)  She says she wants him to know she didn't vote for him so when he comes back he'll still be an asset to her (ah, the confidence of the pretty people is limitless.)
-Rob is none too happy with how the stone picks worked out - He doesn't want Andrea to be able to talk to her Island Boyfriend and get any ideas.

Redemption Island - DUEL
The observers get to sit up on Aztec looking steps - Jeff lays out how they came to be there and Andrea makes sure to pipe up that she didn't vote for either of them.
-Matt says it's do-or-die time - he wants to be the underdog that comes back and wins.
-Francesca wishes him well in his life but she is definitely there to beat him today.

The Duel - they will use sticks and rope to make a long pole and retrieve 3 keys, the 3 keys will open 3 locks on a bamboo door - first person to open their door will win the duel and stay on Redemption Island.

They should be pretty evenly matched on this one - Francesca gets her stick together pretty quickly and gets two keys back before Matt even tries for one - his stick breaks.  She's trying for her 3rd and her stick breaks - He catches up, they are now tied and both going for their 3rd keys... Matt gets his third key before her and is able to open the locks and open his door...( Boo! I wanted Francesca to stick around - too bad.)
Jeff tells her to toss her buff in the fire on the way out (oh, that seems kinda brutal - but I guess she already had her torch snuffed out - Bye Franchesqua - you will be missed.)
And that means: Shelley A, Shane B, and Ian G, will get their $10 back.

Steve from Zapatera says Redemption Island was an eye-opener and he's wondering if they could throw Russell a curve-ball by telling him Francesca won. (Not quite sure what he's hoping that will do.)

Ometepe - Day 6
Blonds return and are welcomed with open arms - they are all asking how's Matt (hmm, foregone conclusion that he'd win) and Ashley tells them they couldn't talk to him but he was saying he wants to come back and take his revenge (Grant looked surprised by that - really?).  Rob knows Andrea will go back to Matt before she sticks with Rob - he knows he has his work cut out for him with her.
- Rob is talking to Andrea on their own - he tells her he's sorry about voting Matt out but it wasn't only him - 4 people agreed to it - (Yeah, right) - She says she doesn't know where she stands now.  She asks if Kristina and Phillip are still going before her and he tells her yes but I could sense the hesitation.
-She doesn't believe him and knows she's in a sticky spot - looking for a way to shake things up. Oh, and here come the water works - she's pissed they took her friend away. (Boo hoo - you're not there to make friends - don't you watch reality TV?)

Zapatera - Day 7
-Steve & Dave are giving a breakdown of the duel - Of course Russell is acting like they have to debrief him - they say the 2 blonds were there (see, I'm not the only one calling them that) and tells them the black chick won - the blond dude went home.  They are all shocked and Russell looks very happy as he walks away.
Then Steve tells them that's not really true - the Blond Dude is still there - he just wanted Russell to be shocked when they vote him out - hopefully they'll never have to see Russell again.
-Russell knows right now his tribe is 6 to 3 (the 3 being himself and his two young girls) - that's why he's putting all his effort into finding the hidden idol - he's having no luck deciphering the vague clue.
-Ralph is tickled watching them search - this is his game.
-The dark-haired young girl - Stephanie - says they don't need the actual idol - they can make a fake one.  Russell has a great resume of finding idols so she's going to pretend she has the idol in her bag and hopefully make everyone believe it.
-Back at camp Steve notices how she's guarding her bag and comments on it - he's playing right into her ruse.  Russell is bragging that they'll do whatever he says (ew, he reminds me of a skeezy pimp the way he talks about the girls - gross)  Steve, I think, is trying to keep his enemy closer - he tells the camera he's going to stay on his toes until they can cut the cancer (Russell) out of the tribe - (Ah, and he plays the cancer card - Nice.)

Zapatera - Day 8
Ew, apparently Russell has funky armpits - he shaved them up and now he's got a puss-filled rash - gross. 
Mike (former Marine/vet) says Russell sits in the shelter with his concubines and does nothing - he's a black hole sucking in all the energy and light.
-Steve talks to Mike & Ralph and says their goal should be to get rid of Russell, he knows no one wants to throw a challenge cause you'll be down in numbers but he's not a number - he's an irritant, you can't have him lie around doing nothing.  They all want him gone.
-The boys broach the idea of throwing the next challenge to Julie (the firefighter), Sarita (dark haired girl) and Dave - Julie is really reluctant to do that - it could start the other tribe on a roll and they could not get it back - she can live with Russell but not losing.
-As they are leaving for the challenge - Steve gives the thumbs up that they are throwing the challenge (Dave doesn't look too happy either.)

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
(Oh this one kinda freaks me out) -3 members of each tribe will be strapped to a large wheel - 3 other members will turn the wheel dunking their heads under water where they will have to get a mouthful of water to spit into a tube  - once the tube is full it will dump and release a ball down to a slide puzzle - one more tribe member will have to complete the puzzle so the ball can move through it and into the final hole - first team getting the ball in the hole will win Immunity & Reward - some deck chairs, pillows, tarp, 3 blankets and a lantern.

Zapatera are sitting Ralph & Sarita - they still plan to throw the challenge -they should have sat Julie I'm thinking.  She's still not feeling right with throwing it.  Steve tells her to miss the tube when she spits - which she does and he is slowing down the spinning.   Ometepe releases their ball first and Rob gets started on the puzzle.  Zapatera finally releases their ball and Dave is working their puzzle but makes it totally obvious he's not even trying - Russell is watching you, man - at least move things around like you're trying... but he doesn't and Ometepe wins Immunity.

Russell says if he didn't know any better he'd think they threw the challenge - every one of them let the challenge go - he's dealing with a bunch of b*tches (who all want to get rid of YOU.)

Ometepe - Day 8
They get back to camp and Rob says normally winning would put him over the top but now he knows there are hidden immunity idols and they all know enough to think there could be a clue to another hidden idol in their reward so everyone is looking for a clue instead of celebrating.  The game is always on.
-Rob has decided this time to try to find the idol instead of ignoring it so he's going over everything diligently.  He sees Phillip sitting in one of the chairs and it's lopsided - he tells him to get up before he breaks it and Rob sees the clue to the idol is sewn into the fabric that was right under Phillips crazy-pants - he tries to nonchalantly take the chair back to his workshop (a la the grinch) but goes and hides to retrieve the clue.  It tells him nothing - the idol could be anywhere.  Rob is happy to have found the clue because he knows no one else did but he's going to keep it a secret because he wants to find the idol for himself.

Zapatera - Day 8
They get back to camp and Russell & his minions go off by themselves - the remaining 6 decide to split the vote tonight 3 for Russell & 3 for Stephanie in case he does actually have the hidden immunity idol.
-At the water Russell is b*tching - it's stupid to throw a challenge, especially when you're only 2 up - when the game just started - do you want to go even to the merge?
-Russell says it makes him sick to his stomach that they threw the challenge - you can't give Boston Rob momentum (huh, he's singing a different tune than he did the first time he played- I think Russell's running scared right now.)  Before he wanted his tribe to lose so they'd be more vulnerable to his mind games - now he's the vulnerable one.
-Russell knows if they split the vote it will be a tie and he'll lose on a re-vote - we need to convince someone to flip.
-He sends Stephanie out to work Julie.  She asks her where she stands in the pack of 6 - Julie's not sure - Stephanie goes in for the kill - we have stuff up our sleeves and we're looking for a 4th person.  Julie says she likes the sound of going with someone that's made it to the end twice before (Noo, Julie don't do it - they don't have cookies on the dark side, I don't care what they say.)  She says this could be a game changer - it's a lot of pressure.  She's thought it out both ways - should I trust Russell cause I know how good he is.
-Stephanie reports back to Russell that Julie's with them - now he's going to close the deal - She crows, this is going to be the biggest blind-side ever!
-Russell fist bumps Julie and tells her he has her back - she says she trusts him (Ahhh! He's the serpant in the tree of knowledge, don't eat that apple.)  He tells her to vote Ralph.  Ralph?  Alright.
-This could be epic!

TRIBAL COUNCIL
So Ralph, first time at tribal council...
 - It's good and it's bad.
What's good about it?
 - I was told we had two parts sshiheuhafu ... (Huh? I have no idea what he actually said)  He was trying to say there is a division in the tribe.
Steve, was it quickly apparent who was jelling with who?
 - Yes, there are 6 of us that are pretty rock solid and the other 3 led by Russell
Sarita, what caused the division?
 - It was a lot to do with Russell and his legacy - he gave a great speech about how he was going to play differently but that turned out not to be the case so there was a huge fissure in the tribe.
Russell, you came in here as a target.
 - The problem with me coming here is everyone sees me as a legacy where I would try to lose by burning socks and dumping water - I am not playing that way - I came to win challenges, not lose challenges and from where I stood it felt like they threw the challenge.
Mike, big accusation. (Stephanie is trying not to laugh - I'd like to wipe that smirk off her face)
 - Pretty big - you know today I would say we didn't go 100%, we'd like to win but if we lose, we have some fat on this tribe we'd like to trim off. (Oh, Russell didn't like that.)
Julie, hard to consider getting rid of somebody when it is a game of numbers quite often?
 - Personally I'd like to merge with as many people as possible weak or strong, get along or not - I think we have to go into the merge with numbers.
Stephanie, what do you think?
 - I think they forget they're in the game of Survivor.  This is Russell, he's played the game (wow, she's really drank the kool-aid - next she'll be shaving her head and etching a swastika between her eyes) he would be a huge part of moving forward - he's done it twice before - (and now that she's got the floor there is no shutting her up) there is going to be backstabbing, all you're best buddies are going to stab you in the back - Dave tries to interrupt her - but she's having none of it - Having numbers going into a merge is what you need to take over the other tribe - we were up 2, guys, so throwing todays challenge is not strategy, it's plain stupidity. That's all. (Uh, the merge is a long way off - and Russell's got to go - that's all.)
Russell looks very proud of his disciple.
Jeff asks Steve if they threw the challenge and he bold faced lies - We did not throw the challenge.
So David, you got your ass kicked by Rob, handily today - Rob beat me.
Stephanie again - "Really? Seems weird to me that someone who does puzzles..." - He successfully interrupts her this time and tells her not to speak for him - just because the hands aren't moving doesn't mean the mind isn't working.
Okay (no one's buying it.)
Sarita - is part of what is scary about Russell is that you don't know what he's going to say or do?
-It's a sickness almost - just a big black cloud over everything (Russell loves it) He does nothing around camp (Stephanie says something into her hands - ugh! Just make her shut up already - Squeaky Frome.)
Stephanie says they do work - wake up.
Ralph says something like - they don't catch any fish but they sure can eat em.
So Russell, what do you do?
-I never stop playing this game. (Jeff points out the tattoo - Keep Hope Alive) Russell says that's all he has right now is hope.  First time I played I was in trouble, 2nd time I played, I was in trouble - and I know what they think but it never is what it seems. (Julie has a big ole smirk on her face now - Arghh! Don't do it!) (She gives Russell the little nod, sigh.)

Time to Vote:
Sarita votes Stephanie - you are so misguided and so rude.
Russell votes Ralph - this is my game sucker (I knew it was a revenge vote for standing up to him - he is such a little man.)

Jeff reads the votes:
Russell - 1
Ralph - 1
Stephanie - 1
Russell - 2, 3
Stephanie - 2
Ralph - 2, 3
Final vote is - Stephanie - there is a 3 way tie!  (Oh, Julie, I'm sorry I ever doubted you.)

So now, Ralph, Russell and Stephanie will not vote and the rest will vote again and they can only vote for one of those 3.

Second go around:  
Ralph -1
Russell - 1, 2, 3, 4  - and Russell is the 3rd person voted out of Survivor Redemption Island!  (I shouldn't be so happy since I got him in the pool - but it was worth $10 to see him get kicked out of his tribe first for a change.)
He says he'll be back.
Ralph says he'll be ready.
Stephanie whispers to Julie "Storm's a comin'"  - (Whatever, little girl, Julie could snap you like a twig, and I hope she does.)

Next week: Phillip Crazy-pants is wearing out his welcome - and it's time for Russell to put up or shut up battling Matt at Redemption island.

Russell's final rant - first time he's ever been voted out, he didn't like it at all - he wanted to b*tch-slap everyone of 'em.
He wakes up Matt in the shelter and says they told him the girl would be here - really?
Right now this is his house but I'm about to take it from him.
(It really will be good vs evil in the next duel.)

I am so happy with this vote - it keeps hope alive in this show for me ;)

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

Amazing Race - Feb 27, 2011 Episode Recap

I Never Looked so Foolish in My Whole Entire Life (Outback)

Quick recap of last week's first part of the leg - Gary & Mallory were the first to the faux Pit Stop mat and they won the Express Pass.
-Kris & Amanda floundered right out of the gate and will face a U-Turn when they get to the first Detour.
-Cowboys Jet & Cord are in last place - can they get back in the saddle? (Oh, hardy-har.)

-At the faux Pit Stop the 10 teams that have gotten there so far received a clue telling them to go "To Sail To Stop" and sign up for one of two flights heading to the outback.  There are 6 spaces on the first flight and 5 on the second. (To Sail To Stop refers to a large anchor/statue out in front of town hall in Sidney.)  Whew, the Cowboys will have a chance as long as they don't miss that second flight.

-Gary & Mallory's cab driver has no idea what To Sail To Stop means - just driving aimlessly.
-Amanda & Kris also have no idea where to go and are not happy they have essentially U-Turned themselves right out the gate.
-The first 3 teams have taken cabs from the Pit Stop back to Sydney, the rest have taken the ferry back since they took a ferry there.
-On the ferry the Redheads say they are so happy to be running the Race with Margie & Luke again - Luke says they are his Race Girlfriends (yeah, dream on buddy.)
-Ron & Christina look to be operating pretty much the same as they did before - he doesn't listen to her, talks down to her like a child - they know how to push each other's buttons as only family can (ah, yeah, we all know how that goes.)

-The Cowboys finally get the password phrase figured out and get the clue to join the crew of the skiff to retrieve their next clue.  They haul a** to the sailboat.

-Gary & Mallory and Amanda & Kris are stymied by the "To Sail To Stop" clue.
-Sisters Lakisha & Jen get taken to a Maritime Museum and ask to use the computer to research the phrase - Zev & Justin catch up with them there and they find out the phrase refers to the anchor at town hall - they all take off on foot as it's a block or so away.

-Mel & Mike are in 9th place - Mel doesn't know if he can physically keep going - his legs are cramping up (he's obviously dehydrated) - Mike is crying on the ferry as Mel collapses into a seat - he's worried and says he doesn't want to kill him for some joyride.  Mel says - I'll be responsible for my decision. (Aw... I love these two - they truly care about each other - Ron, take note.)

-Cowboys are not good sailors - they keep falling off the boat and get dragged through the water like shark bait (luckily their harnesses keep them attached) - Not very much sailing in Oklahoma either I'm guessing.
Cord - Son of a buck. 

-Margie & Luke found a woman with a computer on the ferry so they find out they have to go to the anchor at town hall and share with the Redheads.

-Lakisha & Jen are the first to the sign up sheets - Zev & Justin are right there with them - high 5's all round.

-Ferry docks - Margie/Luke and Redheads take off - Mel & Mike are taking it slow, Mel's legs are cramping up - they ask a local on the street who tells them the phrase refers to the anchor and gives them directions.  Goths and Globetrotters find computers to use at the ferry terminal (I guess) and find out where they need to go.

-Margie/Luke and the Redheads are 3rd & 4th to sign up for the first flight.

-Gary/Mallory run into Ron/Christina and Kris/Amanda - all are wandering the streets aimlessly still looking for the 'To Sail To Stop' - finally ask someone who knows what it is and get direction to town hall.

-Mel & Mike are the 5th team on the first flight and the Goths (with black mascara running) are the last team on the first flight.

-Cowboys finally get to Phil at the faux Pit Stop and dramatically tells them he's sorry to tell them they're the last team to arrive - but here's the next clue - get out of here you crazy kids!  Hee-Haw!  And off they go - so relieved to still be in it.

-The rest of the teams finally get to the anchor and sign up for the 2nd flight - Globetrotters, Ron/Christina, Mallory/Gary and Amanda/Kris, who will still be facing the U-Turn when they get to the Detour.

-The Cowboys are walking around asking everyone what 'To Sail To Stop' is and no one has any idea - they look so exhausted - it's getting dark and they're out of ideas. (Do they not have the Internet in Oklahoma either?)  Cord busts out an 'Oh my gravy!' (I second that.)

-Everyone is at the airport, it's full dark and no one has seen the cowboys for hours.  Back out on the streets somewhere the Cowboys finally decide to catch a cab and ask the driver what the phrase means - he knows - It's city town hall, mate. (Finally!)  Luckily the flights don't leave until the next morning, Phew!

-Next day the first flight heads out for Broken Hill.  Mel is feeling much better.  Once they land they all head for the marked cars and get the clue to make their way into the Living Desert and look for the next clue.
-Kisha & Jen know where they're going - Mel & Mike are following and the old guy is complaining that Kisha drives too slow (hahaha... that's hilarious, she really must be slow if the 70 yr old is complaining.)
-Redheads, Margie & Luke and the Goths all stop at a gas station and ask directions.

-2nd flight arrives and they all take off - Ron, not to perpetuate any stereotypes but, he nearly drives right into the path of a semi-trailer - Oh Jeez - (They also drive on the wrong side downunder so that's had to get used to - but really, look BOTH ways before you pull out.)

-Zev & Justin, Kisha & Jen, Mel & Mike are the first teams to the clue box - DETOUR - they must choose between two aboriginal customs that have survived throughout the ages - Spirit World or Natural World
-In Spirit World - they must us traditional materials provided to create an aboriginal ground mosaic which meatches the example provided.  Once properly completed they must do a dance on the mosaic to raise the spirits - once done correctly they'll get their next clue.
-In Natural World - teams must create aboriginal territory makers using natural paints made of clay and water - they must put the paint in their mouths and spray it on the stencil to make the markers - if they create the markers correctly they'll get their next clue.

-Zev & Justin choose Spirit World - Justin says Zev is very artistic - he chimes in, "and Autistic." (LOL, with a sense of humour about it as well.)
-Everyone else also decides to do Spirit World... and I mean everyone.
-Mel & Mike say it was bedlam - hard to do the task with 10 other teams there - all of them run all over to retrieve the materials to fill in the thing.  Mel's legs start cramping up again. (Uh oh.)

-LaKisha & Jen get their's checked but it's not right.  Kent & Vyxsin get theirs checked and it's right, then for the dance he goes and grabs some of the kids that were demonstrating the dance - yelling at Vyxsin to "Please get me some children" - they have them all dancing around the mosaid but that's wrong... (the clue says to dance ON it... read your clue.)
-Zev & Justin finish their mosaic correctly and the clue says dance on top of your mosaic so they dance - Margie & Luke also dance on theirs - Goths continue to circle.
-Zev & Justin get the clue and head out - they have to find the Home of the Magpies to get their next clue. They ask a local where the home of the Magpies is and he tells them it's the local football club and to go to the stadium - they are off with directions.
-Margie & Luke and Mel & Mike finish - the Goths finally figure out they have to dance on top of the mosaic and finish.
-Ron is berating Christina for not directing him - she's supposed to be assembling and telling him what to bring her - (Ahhh! Because he can't figure it out on his own??? He would drive me CRAZY!)  He's then telling her what to do and she tells him to speak Chinese so no one will understand what he's saying - Ah, that could be quite an advantage for them. SMRT.

-Amanda & Kris start dancing around their mosaic - Jet tells Cord to get ON IT! and they finish.  Gary/Mallory finish and the Globetrotters - Ron/Christina have the mosaic wrong... he screwed up - and admitted it, is that progress?  Kris/Amanda finally get on top of theirs and finish but have to head over and do the other task. 
-Ron & Christina are last at the Spirit World.  They finally finish the mosaic correctly but he doesn't want to dance on it and ruin it (Ha, that was my thought too.)  But he does it and they get the next clue - then have to gather all Ron's crap he's scattered all over the ground (sheesh.)

-Amanda and Kris are now spitting paint on their hands to make the marker - she can't quite get the spray right and keeps spitting a stream - Kris' got it though and they finish the task pretty quickly. (That one was way easier- too bad none of the other teams chose that one.)

-Zev & Justin first to the Stadium and get the clue - Time for a Rude Awakening - OMG! They have to dress in kangaroo costumes - complete with springy shoes - and using only the periodic table with two elements highlighted figure out they need to go to the intersection of Mercury and Bismuth st to get the next clue - (That is Hi-Larious!  They look so ridiculous, I bet the AR people were howling when they thought up this task.)

-Margie & Luke get there next and go to suit up. 
-Zev thinks he's found this years Halloween costume - brown body suit with all the fur parts strapped on the outside - springy feet, big head and huge tail - priceless.
-Goths and Mel & Mike show up and head down to suit up.
-Margie is having trouble with the springy shoes, they kind of tilt forward and she can't find the balance right away and falls down. - They team up with Zev & Justin and all head off together as the Redheads get there and see them in the suits - Really, we have to dress as kangaroos? (Oh yeah sweety - hahaha.)
-The Cowboys find the home of the magpies and the Globetrotters are right behind them.  Cord says Jet will have to figure out the Periodic Table cause he watches way more Discovery channel.  Flight Time says Big Easy is gonna lose his mind - Periodic Table man.  Yikes - that could prove problematic for them - of course everyone is bunched up so they'll probably just follow along.

-Zev & Justin and Margie & luke get a local to look up the periodic table on her iPhone and they figure out the elements - she tells them they're streets and gives them directions.

-Jen & Kisha run into the locker room and can't find their costumes - Mike tells them - This is the Men's locker room.  Oh, my bad.  - Mike - They're always trying to get a peak in the men's locker room. (Ah yeah.)

-Back out on the street it's tough going - it's hot and running in the costumes is hard - Justin's just glad he doesn't have to carry Zev in his pouch yet - (That'd be cute - but impossible.)

-In the Ladies locker room - Jaime says this isn't the type of animal she's used to dressing up as - long way from her Playboy bunny suit (Okay, we get it, you're a Playboy Playmate - good for you.)

-Gary & Mallory finally get to the stadium - they're now in 9th place.

-Redheads team up with the Goths - Kent knows the elements - says that A in chemistry is finally coming in handy.  Jaime says he's got looks and brains (too bad you don't - oh, that was mean ;)
-Mel & Mike are liking the bouncer shoes - they'd like to have them through the rest of the race. (Huh, must make it less stressful on the joints and the spring action gets you farther faster - I'd like to try them too.)
-Kisha says she's never looked so foolish in her entire life - well, look to your left - Big Easy has you beat - he looks ridiculous!  Giant the Kangaroo.
-Jet & Cord want to make up some time and take off running to distance themselves from the pack.

-Ron & Christina finally arrive at the stadium in 10th spot - Amanda & Kris get there last.

-Margie stumbles again and loses one of her foot coverings - Zev & Justin notice but don't say anything - the music tells me this could be important later... oh, then Margie notices and insists they go back to look for it much to Luke's dismay. 

-Zev & Justin get to Mercury & Bismuth and get the clue for the Pit Stop - they have to continue on in the kangaroo costumes - (Oh, the producers are having fun with this one) - but they are allowed to change the shoes so they can drive - they have to drive themselves to Junction Mine - the last team to arrive WILL be eliminated.  Zev slams his tail in the door - Ouch! (such a comedian.)

-Other teams find Margie's foot cover - Redheads notice but run by - Mel picks it up and when Margie/Luke get back to them he gives it back to her and gets a big hug and kiss from Luke (whoa big guy) - Margie tells them they have to go to Mercury St.

-Globetrotters stumble upon the clue box - Big Easy is lumbering along and looks over - Oh hey, look at that. (haha, so lucky.)  Kisha & Jen also get the clue and they all try to drive away in the suits - Big Easy has to take the head off to get in the car - he is a very big man. 

-Gary & Mallory want to team up with Ron & Christina - he's just being a crotchety old fart - whining about everything - he's trying to get hydrated, doesn't want to move to fast - Mallory is being, well, Mallory - It's this way guys come on.  Ron whines, why are we following her, we should figure out where we're going on our own... (Arrgh, he's so annoying.)
-Kris & Amanda are on their own - get directions to Mercury st.
-Father/daughter X2 are looking for Mercury St, too. 
Ron - What is Pb?
Christina - No, it's Bi.
Ron - Bitronium?
Christina - Errghh! Bismuth (she just made the noise I do whenever Ron speaks... haha - and she knows her elements - just listen to her for once.)
-Christina figures out they've been going the wrong way and gets them turned in the right direction.

-Mallory finds the clue box - they get the Pit Stop clue and she yells that they know exactly where to go - while running for the cars.
-Ron doesn't want to follow them - he thinks Mallory is too impulsive - they cut the cord and don't follow.
-Amanda & Kris have the clue now and take off the the Pit Stop as well.

Here's How They Finished:
1) Zev & Justin - Win a trip for two to Cancun, Mexico... and they still have their passports!  Zev just wants to take a nap.
2) Globetrotters - Big Easy is the biggest female kangaroo ever.
3) Jet & Cord - they ran past the sisters from the parking lot to capture 3rd place.
4) LaKisha & Jen - they high 5 the cowboys so hopefully no hard feelings.
5) Margie & Luke - good mid-pack finish
6) Mel & Mike - Mike is really proud of his Dad, such a trooper to soldier through - he's my hero.(Aw)
7) Kent & Vyxsin - Kent still hopping even without the shoes.
8) Jaime & Cara - Phil says they are the best looking kangaroos to hop into this town (Don't encourage them.)
9) Gary & Mallory - she's just SO EXCITED to be there!
10) Ron & Christina - Ron call Phil 'Bill'... Did you just call me Bill? (Maybe he doesn't respect anyone - that could be it - too important to even remember the hosts name.)  Christina says they still have some things to work out - they are just very different people, but they love each other. 
11) Amanda & Kris - **ELIMINATED**  Kris is so bummed - unlike the last time though this U-Turn was their own fault.  He said this is the opportunity of a lifetime and getting to do it twice was like winning the lottery (without the money I guess) - he'd do it again in a heartbeat.

SO - with the team no one remembered leaving already - I have $10 to return to Sue & Hannelore, Janine S, Bob L, Robert L and Nenad M.

Next week - they are steeped in Japanese tradition - Kimonos - chanting under a waterfall - mud wrestling?  And Jaime & Cara suffer a gaime changing set back - did she hit someone with the car?  We'll have to tune in next week to find out.

Have a great week everyone.

Coleen

Survivor Redemption Island - February 23, 2011 Recap

You Own My Vote

After a quick recap of the awesome craziness that Phillip brought to the first Tribal Council which resulted in "Franchesqua" going to Redemption Island... the episode opens at:

Redemption Island - Night 3
-Francesca is all alone and reads the rules by lantern - she'll have basic supplies (which did include flint) and they'll supply her with a ration of rice every day and plenty of drinking water.  At a certain point the remaining person on Redemption Island will re-enter the game - Good Luck (AH - so it doesn't say they'll have the chance to come back - someone will definitely come back in... interesting.)
-Francesca has an optimistic outlook, she feels this could be the best thing for her game - she was on good terms with everyone in the tribe (um, the tribe that voted you out?) but she wasn't in the core alliance - if she can make it back, she could still win this game.

Ometepe - Night 3
-As they return from Tribal Council(TC) Rob says that was one of the wildest TC's he's ever been a part of (and that's saying something.)
-Kristina says TC didn't go so well - wishes she hadn't told Phillip anything (d'ya think?) but she still has the idol and she's so grateful she didn't play that thing.
-Phillips asks if he could speak to Rob for a second and pulls him off by themselves (this should be good).
-Rob tells the camera it doesn't take a genius FBI man to know Phillip and Kristina were lying, their mouths were moving.
-Phillip says he was almost duped today but he wants to tell Rob something from his heart - Until I go to Redemption (he says it like he's dying and going to heaven) You Own My Vote.  When I come back I'm a competitor like I said. 
-Rob tells the camera that Phillip is a piece of work - he believes he has a good heart but he just not quite all there. "Let it be a lesson to you - Government jobs - Stressful."  (HAhahaha, Love it - Rob is pure gold.)
-Rob says except for the twist of Phillip outting Francesca at TC, things went pretty much according to plan - this group can follow directions.  Phillip did himself in, he's an idiot.

Ometepe - Day 4
-Phillip is hunting crabs, in his underwear, with a spear... (What?) He feels like he's being tested to his primal core out there (on day 4?... too soon to bust that one out buddy.)
-The rest of the tribe is spying on his hunting through the trees and Fabio II(Matt) is doing a Wild Kingdom voice over - The fine specimen is creeping up on his prey... in his pink shorts. (Priceless! If nothing else, Phillips earnest sincerity is providing comic relief to everyone at camp.)
-Phillip is talking to the camera again and gets all choked up talking about how Francesca maligned his character and hurt him.  He loves his country and told everyone he was an agent to prove his trustworthiness (Swell of dramatic music) she tried to take some of his pride - he was angry but he gained the renewed love of Phillip Shepherd (yeah, that's himself) he's a good guy and that's okay. (And goshdarnit - people like me.)  He succeeded in killing a crab that's too small to eat - Congratulations big game hunter.

Zapatera - Day 4
-Ralph is crowing like a rooster - Russell thinks his team is not too bright - and poor ole Ralph - he may be the dumbest person on the face of the Earth besides being the dumbest player to play Survivor.
-Russell's happy with his alliance with Stephanie and he wants to bring in Blond #3 (Krista) - 3 worked for him before and it may again.  He's talking to Krista and tells her they have to find the hidden idol - we'll probably get a clue if we win again - we should start looking for it now.
-Russell is out looking for the idol and the rest of the team is watching him, they know exactly what he's doing.
-Ralph is out collecting rocks and, oh hello, what's this in the hole in this root/log?  A hidden immunity idol.  Hot Doggie.  Ralph tells the camera that Russell thinks he's the king of finding idols but it was as easy as wiping his hiney with toilet paper.  So Russell - eat your heart out.

Ometepe - Day 5
-Fabio II(Matt) is talking God to Blond #2 (Andrea)... they are flirting and getting close and this makes Rob nervous - he's played that game before with Amber and he knows how strong a couple can be - he's got to split them up.
-Rob approaches Natalie - he thinks she'll be a good partner to bring in but he's not sure if he wants to have to carry someone on his back all the way in the hopes they still vote for him at the end.  He tells Natalie that next they'll either have to vote Phillip or Andrea to keep the tribe strong... We don't have to tell Matt. 
-Natalie wants to make strong moves in the game and thinks making moves with Rob is smart. (Um, ye-ah.)

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Ralph gives the idol back to Jeff saying they'll be winning it back.  Jeff asks Phillip if that fires him up to win - Phillip proclaims that he will outlast Any MAN OVER There.  And the women? That's another day, we'll see. (Whatever, he gets more eye rolling from Stephanie on Zapatera.)

The challenge - 5 tribe members (one at a time) will swim out to a platform, climb up, jump off and break a tile releasing a key (on a float) into the water, retrieve the key and swim back so the next person can go.  When all 5 keys are retrieved, one more tribemate with use the keys to unlock 3 locks and open a box which contains a ball - the remaining 2 tribe members will then use the ball to break 5 tiles - first tribe to break all 5 tiles will win Immunity and Reward in the form of fishing gear - fins, mask, line, hooks and spear.

-Grant starts Ometepe off with a good lead and they keep a one key lead through the key retrieval but when they move to opening the locks - Natalie falls behind and Stephanie catches Zapatera up - Ralph is the first one with the ball and starts breaking tiles - Phillip gets the ball and breaks one tile but Ralph is on fire until the last tile and he can't quite get #5 - Phillip catches back up and they are tied at 4 tiles until... Ralph breaks the last tile and ZAPATERA wins immunity & reward - Again.
-As they are celebrating - Fabio II(Matt) goes over to Zapatera and shakes their hands, good game.  This really pisses Rob off - what are you thinking - we just got beat 2 challenges in a row - I'm no giving the other team hugs & kisses. (Matt just gave Rob the ammunition he needed to get rid of the young lion in his tribe.)

Zapatera - Day 5
Returning from the challenge, Russell was the one that grabbed the basket of fishing gear and he sees the clue to the hidden idol peeking out of the fins - he palms the clue without anyone being the wiser - then scampers off and congratulates himself on being so smart (It's already gone buddy, you go ahead and look for it though - you deserve it.)
-Ralph sees Russell with the rolled up clue as he clumsily tries to slip it into his waistband, so Ralph goes to the rest of the tribe and tells them Russell took the clue from the basket and kept it for himself - he gets them all riled up against Russell.  Ralph tells the camera, this is MY Game. (You go, Man-Sweater.)

-Russell goes off with his two girls and they're totally ripping on Sarita's performance at the challenge (Who? I know) but they're just mean girls - getting cocky already.
-Meanwhile the fact that he took the clue is spreading like wildfire at camp.  Former Marine, Mike, is disgusted with Russell mouthing off about honesty then being such a weasel - he takes off for the waterhole where Russell & his minions have just read the clue.  Russell's re-hidden it just as Mike gets there - and starts with some small talk, then Ralph shows up with Dave right behind him and Ralph gets right to the point:
Ralph/Man-Sweater (MS) - Was there a clue to the hidden immunity idol in the basket?
Russell/Devil (RD) - Maybe there was.
MS - I'm just asking cause we all won it, not just you.
RD - That's how this game is played.
MS - So you do have it?
RD - No, I don't, and I don't like how you're coming at me. (oh, he's trying to turn it...)
MS - Oh you don't? I'm just asking a question. (good, he's staying cool.)
RD - You trying to tell ME how this game is played?  I KNOW how it's played.
MS - This ole boy does too... [and he walks away] (Awesome!) 
Ralph didn't need the clue, he already has the idol, he just wanted to stir them up against Russell and he succeeded. (Way to do nothing Mike & Dave... not even a 'yeah' from those two.) I'm loving Man-Sweater.
-Russell's on notice now but he blusters on to the camera - he's shocked - how dare he come at me... doesn't he know who I am? (That's the trouble this time Russell - they ALL know who you are.)

Redemption Island - Day 5
-Francesca gets her luxury item today - a journal - so she can be even more alone with her thoughts?  She has no idea when the next person will be coming or what the duel will entail... she hopes they don't have to co-exist there together for any length of time- especially if the next person is Phillip.

Ometepe - Day 5
-Returning from the challenge and Phillip wants to address the tribe (Rob says again they have to endure the pre-tribal TC) - Phillip takes centre stage and says everyone performed galantry-ly, you should be proud, I wish I could have performed as well - I'm not going to run around, you voter how you see fit.  Anyone want to say anything feel free... They all just look at him with dead eyes - and Phillip starts to slink away, crestfallen - Rob sees his expression and says to him - hey Phillip, you did good - it was a team effort - it sucks we have to do what we have to do but it's part of the game. (Rob is a genius in giving people what they need so he can get what he needs from them later.)
-Rob tells the camera that Matt's congratulating the other team was worse - he's trying to play the good Christian game, social game, end game... on Day freakin' 5 - wake up brother.

-Kristina puts on her hidden immunity idol - asks Phillip if he's worried - he says no, because he's a MAN and he likes the sound of Redemption.
-Kristina says she's got to play the idol tonight, they won't let her slip by twice (but they will... you're not even on the radar anymore.)  She's sad to lose the idol.
-Rob is talking to Dreadlock Grant and Blond Girl #1 - they think Andrea was good in the challenge but Matt's congratulating the other team sucked so they're going to let those two think they're splitting the votes and 4 of them are going to vote for Matt.

-Now all 6 of the younger alliance are solidifying their voting strategy - they agree the 3 girls will vote Kristina and the 3 guys will vote Phillip - then Kristina will play her immunity idol and Phillip will go home.
-Rob confirms to the camera that none of that is actually going to happen - Ashley (ah, that's blond #1's name), Natalie, Grant & Rob are all voting Matt and if Kristina plays her hidden idol and it's a home run.
(Just don't tell Phillip anything!)
-Speak of the devil - Phillip approaches Rob & Matt and asks who they're voting for - Rob tells him he doesn't know yet.  Phillip walks away and Rob & Matt briefly confer - Phillip has no move - but he's looking to Rob to tell him what to do...
- Rob follows Phillip and Matt says he's in awe of Rob - he sees what every person needs and fulfills that (he's so right - Rob is successful at manipulating people because he gives them what they need to feel good about helping him - Russell uses fear and gets his way but no one likes him for it.)
-So Rob takes Phillip off on his own and tells him he's going to be alright tonight but he's got to keep his mouth shut at TC.  Rob doesn't trust him at all so instead of telling him who to vote for, he tells him he's going to put his hand on the right shoulder of the person he wants him to vote for right before it's time to vote.  SMRT.  Rob says to the camera, this will be a good test - if Phillip does what he says he'll do he could earn his way back into the rotation - but if he runs his mouth and tells everything he told him, he'll be sent packing.

TRIBAL COUNCIL
Kristina - a lot of attention was on you last time with the idol
 - Well, I had a feeling I shouldn't play it - but tonight, a bit of a feeling I should.
Phillip - I asked before the challenge if this brings out the animal in you
 - He shows the tattoo on his left arm - a gorilla - a powerful animal that won't attack unless provoked. Then he shows the right arm where he has a tattoo of a lion - even animals starving to death won't approach it.  For me, that's how I feel about my family and my country... blah blah blah. 
How do those animals react when they screw up?
 - Lions don't screw up but gorillas are subject to survivor of the fittest (he is so Coach sometimes) - I have to suffer the consequences of that loss.
Boston Rob - what do you say to Phillip when he's saying it was all me and there is a group here?
 - Phillip's a competitor, he takes it very personal and very hard and I understand that - I said we win as a team and we lose as a team - but I internalize it, I feel it was my fault too.
Matt - so you have someone here who says I screwed up, vote me out but he happens to be one of your biggest guys.
- He's a huge asset even around camp - it's tough voting someone out on a single mistake but in this game it can happen like that. 
Phillip - It can't be easy to be on the verge of walking out of here.
- I know when I get to Redemption Island that I'm going to meet my nemesis (wow, he's certainly built that up in his mind.)  Ain't nothing like a little payback.  I would have loved to stay but there is an upside.
Matt - are people spending much time talking about Redemption Island?
 - There are 2 main questions - How many people come back and at what time.  If we knew that it would be a huge advantage.
Yes, it would, wouldn't it.
(Rob subtly pokes Phillip to get his attention, then casually pats Kristina's shoulder - Phillip nods slightly.) HA!

Time to vote:
Matt votes for Phillip
Phillip votes Kristina - for being a manipulator and lying with Fransesska (you'd think he'd know how to pronounce his nemesis' name.)

Kristina plays her hidden immunity idol - votes against her won't count.

Tallying the votes:
Kristina - 1, 2  - don't count
Phillip - 1, 2
Matt - 1, 2, 3 ... 4 - Matt (Fabio II) is the second person voted out of Survivor Redemption Island.
Matt & Andrea are SHOCKED! He says,  "Good work guys, my goodness."

Next week:  Ometepe must deal with an Andrea scorned - Rob says she will cut his throat.  And Zapatera learns what happens when you cross Russell - Stephanie is gleefully crowing about the Biggest Blindside Ever!

Matt's final words as he gets to Redemption Island - he's been on an emotional roller coaster - one minute he wants to go home, the next he thinks Rob has set him up to have the biggest comeback in Survivor history (they use a lot of superlatives on this show.)  Francesca is shocked to see Fabio II join her - bring on the duel next week!

So with Matt hitting Redemption Island this week - Nancy C, Bernice R, and Ritch G are also up for elimination at the Duel.

Until next week,

Coleen