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




   

The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business - Premiere Episode Recap - Feb 20, 2011

Head Down & Hold On (Australia)

The returning 11 teams of favourites embarked on their second chance to win the Amazing Race from a wind farm in Palm Springs, Ca.  The teams are:
-Jet & Cord - Brothers who were cut in front of by the eventual winners at the Shanghai airport - Jet says, I don't think we should have to cheat to win the race and I don't think nice guys should always finish last. (I love these two - and I'm not just saying that because I have them in the pool ;)
-Margie & Luke - mother and deaf son - they were on the brink of winning it all only to be tripped up on the last task.  Luke felt so bad for letting his mom down - he wants to make up for his past mistakes. (As I recall, he got frustrated and gave up.)
-Amanda & Kris - recently engaged - U-Turned by Margie & Luke in Siberia (still only a vague recollection of these two.)
-Flight Time & Big Easy - Flight Time says, Last time we were on the race, Big Easy got us eliminated. (Ha! true dat.) As Harlem Globetrotters they're used to winning and are ready to carry on the winning tradition... and Big Easy says, We're easy on the eyes too, I'd watch me for an hour. (Humble too, I see.)
-Mel & Mike - Father & son - broke off from the pack in Thailand and that was their undoing.  Mel is 70 now so watch out - he's coming on strong (Let's hope he doesn't break a hip.)
-Kent & Vyxsin - dating goth couple who self-destructed in Italy - they are looking forward to redemption - The Pink & Black Attack is Back! (I like these two, I'm glad to see them back again.)
-Gary & Mallory - father and daughter - lost their way last season in Oman.  Mallory said she's almost more excited about running the race again than she was about Miss America. (But she's SO EXCITED about everything.)
-Kisha & Jen - Sisters - took an untimely potty break steps from the Pit Stop in Beijing and were eliminated. Jen learned not to drink 4 bottles of water ont he way to the Pit Stop. (I hope they learned to be better sports as well.)
-Zev & Justin - Best friends - conquered by their own carelessness in Cambodia when they lost one of their passports - No way is Justin losing his passport again! (I liked these two, too - hopefully they can keep it together this time.)
- Ron & Christina - Father & daughter - were eliminated in Alaska when Christina got stuck on a task - they still have the goal to be the first parent/child team to win - (We'll see if he blames everything on her again.)
- Jaime & Cara - Former NFL Cheerleaders - Jaime says, you either hated us or you loved us (I hated them) but they made it to the final 3 last time around. (I read that Jaime, the one with the super brassy red hair this time, is now a Playboy Playmate - somehow I doubt that will improve her horrible attitude.)

Phil welcomed them all back and let them know there would be some changes this time around - first - the winner of the first leg of the race will win an Express Pass - which will allow that team to skip any task they don't want to complete.  Second, there is no clue waiting on their bags for them - Phil has the clue.  They will have to search through a field of paper planes on stakes to find what he needs.  The first 8 teams to bring him what he needs will be on the first flight out, the remaining teams will be on the 2nd flight which lands 90 minutes later - Also, the last team to complete this first challenge will receive an automatic U-Turn - they will have to complete both tasks in the first Detour.  Obviously, 2nd chances don't come free.
-Phil tells them what he needs: Queensland & Northern Territories Aerial Services (and I think they're told it starts with Q and ends with S) - It's Quantas.
-They all run out to the search field and it seems like a lot of them have no idea what they're looking for - you'd think Gary would know, he's a pilot isn't he? - Kris & Amanda and Ron & Christina grab the first flags planes they find and run back - but they're both wrong.
-Mel & Mike, Zev & Justin, Jet & Cord are the first 3 back with the correct answer - Quantas - they get the clue to fly to Sydney, Australia.
-There are a couple more wrong guesses but Kent & Vyxsin, Ron & Christina, Flight Time & Big Easy, Margie & Luke and Jaime & Cara are the next 5 that make it on the first flight.
-Kisha & Jen are the first team on the 2nd flight - Kris & Amanda and Gary & Mallory still seem like they have no idea what they're looking for... Finally they all figure it out - grab the Quantas planes and run for Phil - Gary & Mallory get there first which means Amanda & Kris are the last team and they are U-Turned again! (That's what eliminated them last time.) 

The first flight heads out - and the first 8 teams are all saying how glad they are they'll have a lead - when there is a medical emergency on the flight and they have to divert and land in Honolulu.  Justin & Zev think it sucks, now instead of racing for first they're trying not to be last - Big Easy has his heart in the right place - the most important thing is the man's okay.

Once the teams arrive in Sydney, they'll make their way by train to Sydney Harbour where they'll catch the ferry to Oceanworld to get the next clue.
-The second flight arrives at 10:20am - all three teams get on the train and Mallory tells them that the stewardess guy told her the other flight had to land again - that makes them the top 3 - Aren't you excited? (She squeals at Jen) who says, No, I think you're a liar (she jokes back.)  Mallory is shocked at first - then says, You've been to Kentucky before, you know we don't lie there.
-The frist 3 teams get on the ferry for Oceanworld.

-The first flight lands at 10:47am - the 8 teams race for the trains and 5 make the first train - leaving Ron & Christina, Mel & Mike and Jet & Cord how the bottom 3 teams. (Oh come on, cowboys, put some pick up in your giddyup!)

-The first 3 teams get to Oceanworld and get the clue - Who's Ready to get Tanked?
-Roadblock - one team member will scuba dive in a million and a half gallon tank of sharks and sting rays looking for a compass at the bottom.  Once they get the compass (which is quite large, almost hubcab sized), they have to get out of the tank and find a string of nautical flags outside and use the compass to decifer a message spelled out in the flags (they correspond to letters & numbers on the compass.)  The message is really long - tells them where to go, who to see and a phrase to say to him (I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea.) I predict this is going to mess some people up.  (So far, it seems like they are stepping up the difficulty this season - should be interesting.) 
-Mallory's going into the tank. 
-Kisha says she's going to do it - and they recap the sister's poor showing in water before - Jen says - Not to fulfill any stereo-types because we're African American, but, no, we can't swim. (Still? I would have thought they'd take some lessons before coming back on the race.)
-Oh yeah, and Amanda & Kris are there - already forgetting about them.  She is going in the tank.
-The non-diving team members get to walk through a glass tunnel and can see them in the tank - it looks so cool.  Kisha is not enjoying the diving but she does okay.

-The next 5 teams are on the ferry heading to Manly - Vyxsin says Kent will fit right in. (Hahaha - yeah, manly is the last way I'd describe Kent.)

-Mallory is the first to find a compass, Amanda is right behind her.

-Mel & Mike and Ron & Christina get to the ferry terminal but the Cowboys head off in a totally different direction (what the...?) The cowboys end up missing the ferry so they are now all alone, in last place. (I bet everyone who was hoping got this team in the pool is glad they didn't get them right about now.)

-Mallory is now outside deciphering the flags, Amanda joins her.

-The next 5 teams from the ferry get there and they start choosing who's going in the tank - Margie, Flight Time, Vyxsin, Cara & Justin.  Kent says it was a visual delight seeing vyxsin in the tank - she's like a pink little mermaid in there (but she's starting to struggle with the diving.)

-The next 2 teams get there - Christina and Mel are going to do the diving.

-Mallory finishes deciphering the message and they head out - Amanda is still there and Kisha comes out and starts working on it too.  (I just gotta say, the first flag was a red diamond on a white background and they all called it a triangle - it has 4 sides - not a TRI-angle...)

-Justin, Margie, Flight Time, Cara - all get a compass.

-Cowboys finally show up and Jet's heading in.  He says he's from Oklahoma, he doesn't do water - doesn't even take baths. (but he does well.)

-Mallory & Gary get to the sailing club and get the next clue - to join the crew of a 16ft skiff and help sail across the water of Manly Bay.  They have to find a buoy with clues attached and grab one while harnessed to, but leaning off, the side of the boat. (That looks awesome!)

-Other teams are finished in the tank and Kisha & Amanda are still there.  Cara & Margie are teaming up again(?) (I don't remember them being friendly before but apparently they have a bond from the last time they were on the race and Jaime tells us she really does care about them - Uh huh, we'll see if that lasts.)

-Big Easy can't find the flags (luckily he's not the one that has to do this word puzzle task) and they are right behind you.

-Gary & Mallory are the first to the clue buoy and he hangs out and grabs one.  They both get to ride on the outside on the way back - Whooo!
-Kisha & Jen and Amanda & Kris get the clue from the sailor guy to join the crew - the clue says you may not swim to the clue and Jen says Hallelujah! (Oh, you know they're going to make her swim at some point.)
-Amanda & Kris get the clue and she says the race is so much better than last time. (I think she's liking the amped up location and tasks so far - we'll see if she's still feeling that way after the first leg.)

-Everyone has now got a compass in the tank - but Vyxsin is the last one in there - she's terrified and having problems breathing properly with the scuba tank.  She said she had to make herself think of family - Kent's father recently passed away and thinking of doing it for him allowed her to focus enough to get out of the tank. (Methinks Kent will be doing any future diving tasks.)

-Gary & Mallory open the clue to the Pit Stop - Shelly Beach - one of the hottest surfing spots in Sydney.  Phil is wearing a spiffy outback hat... Nice.

-Gary & Mallory and Kris & Amanda are running for the beach but Gary & Mallory are the first team - they win the Express Pass... BUT... Phil tells them they are not done yet - they are still racing and he hands them their next clue.  WHAT??  They rip it open and find out they are headed for the Outback.
-Amanda & Kris are second - here is your next clue and remember you are still U-Turned (I don't think they've forgotten that Phil.)

-The other teams are getting to the sailing club - Margie & Cara got the phrase wrong - They say "I am the devil and the deep blue sea." (Huh, how do you miss a word as long as between? I guess they don't know that expression either.)  But instead of taking off back to the flags they hang around to try and overhear the next team (and cheat - that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.)
-Flight Time didn't finish deciphering the message but they didn't want to be left behind so they took off after the other teams. (Huh?)  They get to the sail club and see Zev & Justin suiting up to go on the boat - Big Easy yells over to them asking what the phrase is and Justin tells him -(Really?)  Justin says they're the Globetrotters, they're my boys.. and now they owe us. (I don't think I would have done that - I'm too competitive and why should they get to proceed without doing the work.)

-Margie & Cara are lurking but Flight Time whispers the phrase to the guy to get the clue - they can't hear it so they decide they better go back to the flags.  (I'm a little disgusted with all of them right now.)
-As they head back Margie and the Redheads try to get Justin & Zev to tell them the phrase too - Justin says no, I've already helped one team.  Justin tells us he doesn't know those teams from a hole in the wall, pretty easy to say no to them.

-Zev sails every Thursday morning at 8am so he's got no problems on the boat.
-Big Easy on the other hand is a very big man - 16ft is not a big enough skiff for him - luckily the Globetrotters found their balance and they didn't 'need a bigger boat.' ;)

-Back at the flags, Ron & Christina and Mel & Mike head off with the phrase and run into Margie & Luke coming back - Margie's trying to get the phrase from them - Mel is not giving it up but Christina says, you show us where it is and we'll all say it together. (I still think they should have to find it themselves but I guess they're kind of bartering for it.)

-Vyxsin & Jet are the last 2 working on the puzzle - Kent is telling her to hurry up so they just go (again, what?)  Jet doesn't finish it either, gets the first line telling them where to go so they take off (Really? The pressure of being at the back of the pack is scrambling all their brains I think.)

-The Cowboys get to the right place but have no phrase to tell the guy so he won't give them the clue.  They head back to the flags.

-Kent & Vyxsin see Margie & Luke getting ready to get on the boat and they ask her the phrase and she tells them - She says she's willing to help teams they think they can beat at the finish line.

THEY'RE ALL JUST A BUNCH OF CHEATERS!

-Cara & Jaime's boat flips over - Oh, the first example of Race Karma maybe? - Jaime is her usual sweet self and starts demanding they make up time - then when she gets the clue one of the crew sits on her foot and she yells at him - off my foot - off my foot.  (She needs to learn you catch  more flies with honey than vinegar... but then she's a playboy playmate - I don't think catching flies is a problem.)

-Everyone gets the clue from the buoy on the first pass and they're all heading for the Pit Stop.

-Kent & Vyxsin get the clue to join the crew.
-Jet & Cord are back at the flags and he's still trying to figure out the whole message.

Zev & Justin are team #4 - but keep racing - Justin says, Phil, you dirty dog.
Flight Time & Big Easy #5 - but you're still racing - Big Easy - Oh Lord.
Jaime & Cara #6 -
Margie & Luke #7
Ron & Christine #8
Mel & Mike #9
(They are all exhausted and can't quite believe they don't get to rest yet...)

-Kent & Vyxsin get the clue off the buoy.

-Jet & Cord head back to the sailing club but he still doesn't have the phrase to tell the guy (ARGHH!)

Kent & Vyxsin are #10 - and you're still racing - get going....

-Jet still has no idea what he's going - I don't get it.  (I am so Screwed!) TO BE CONTINUED...

Next week: As 10 teams keep racing, will the Cowboys crack the code?  Ron revisits old habits (barking at Christina to stop nagging him) and Mel starts physically breaking down (Already? Oh no, Mike is crying about his dad - that doesn't bode well.)

So, no one is gone yet - but Fred & Gary Moderow, Jeff Thomson, Shane Boutillier, Esther Bennett and yours truly are all in last place with the Cowboys.  - Say it together now: "Oh My Gravy!"

Coleen

Survivor Redemption Island - Premiere Episode - February 16, 2011

The premiere episode opened with the 16 new contestants flying in on a Nicaraguan Air Force chopper.  Jeff tells us they will all start off with only the clothes on their backs (oh buddy, a suit? Really?)
-We hear from Phillip, a CEO of an electronics company and a former federal agent - Special Agent Shepherd was his first and last name for years. (He seems very intense.)
-The Fabio look alike - says his faith is everything in his life, he prays everyday to be more like his Saviour (is it wrong my reaction to that was, Oh Jebus?)
-Farmer Ralph says he's a redneck, a dumb, stupid, bastard (his words, not mine) says they've never had a dumbass win, could be his time. (Haha! I'm kinda liking him.)
EEK - Jeff is sitting with his legs hanging out of the chopper - shouldn't he be strapped in or something?

They land and everyone gets out on the beach and heads to the preassigned tribe mats - The former marine/Iraq vet is really pretty - and cocky right out of the gate, says he's been trained to win something like this... hmm, we'll see if he's smart enough to keep that toned down with the tribe.

-Jeff welcomes them all and then says they have 2 more players joining them... and another chopper comes in and deposits... Boston Rob - everyone starts clapping and seems happy to see him - then Russell gets out of the chopper - Iraq vet says it best for all, "Oh No."  They are not so happy to see Russell (D'ya think?)
-Stephanie, young waitress - says she's going to stare down Russell so he'll know she has a little evil inside of her - she knows if she's not the one person he keeps to the end, she's going to be out. (See, she knows his game.)
-Jeff is recapping Rob & Russell's previous experience playing the game and talking up how they will be a great resource and can help them all out in challenges and camp life...
-Francesca pipes up and says, "They're sizing us up like we're prey.  I don't think they're here just to help us out." (Okay, Francesca's awesome but, honey, never show everyone you're smarter than them right off the bat.)
-Jeff gets Rob & Russell to choose buffs and Rob chooses Ometepe (orange) and Russell joins Zapatera (purple) and they all do a passable job of pretending to be welcoming.
-Jeff then goes on to explain that there is another twist this season - when people are voted out, they will not be going home - instead they will go to REDEMPTION ISLAND, where they will live alone, build their own fire, gather their own food, tend camp all alone and miss out making group connections, until the next person voted out joins them and they will duel for a chance to stay on Redemption Island, the loser is out of the game for good.  At some point in the future, the person at Redemption Island will also get a chance to come back into the game.  So - being voted out is not necessarily the end - and it could also come back to haunt the voters.
-Russell says Redemption Island doesn't scare him one bit - it'd be a vacation - vote me on the Island, cause I'll win and when I come back I'll take some heads off (Ugh, he just gets more repugnant - He has a new tattoo on his shoulder of a cross - I'm surprised it didn't just burn right off the Devil's skin.)
-Jeff throws both tribes a map to their camps and they head out.
-Francesca says the twist of Redemption Island makes having Rob & Russell there even more complicated because they could come back in the game - of course if she got voted out she could also come back but the possibility of getting voted out didn't enter her mind so all she saw was the fact that voting people out could come back to haunt you.

Zapatera - Day 1
-Russell says he was so glad to be back to claim his title of sole survivor.  The first two times he was a schoolboy but now he's ready to become the leader of the camp.  He gathers them all together and tells them he's not there to sabotage anyone, that would be foolish, he's there to win. (No one's falling for it... I hope.)
- David says for anyone to not think Russell is dangerous, would be foolish.  He's never won though because he plays too aggressive and he wants the blood on his hands.

They get to shelter building and they have a Craftsman wooden box full of nails, rope, shovel, crowbar, wire, a machete... wow, they are stocked this time.
-Farmer Ralph is excited by the tools, he says if they will listen to him, they can build a good shack.
-Former Marine(Mike) nicknames Ralph "Steel Wool" - then Ralph takes off his shirt and we know why... ahhh! That is not a sweater he's wearing ladies...Ralph is a hairy man.  Mike tells him it's one of the most impressive man-sweaters he's ever seen.
-Mike is happy, seems like they are the tribe of worker bees - hopes it translates into challenges.

Ometepe - Day 1
-Rob and the boys are busy getting the shelter put together.  Fabio II (Matt) asks if Rob is from Boston (shaking my head) - Matt feels like they are team harmony right now...
-Natalie (the professional 'dancer') starts flirting with Rob - she tells the camera she is so glad to have Rob on the team, she feels such a sense of comfort - thinks Russell would have had them all on edge.
-Then Phillip happens.  He starts giving orders, takes the shovel from Francesca because she's doing it wrong.  Tells Andrea (Britney Spears, is that you?) how to properly hatchet a log (granted it did look like she was going to hack her foot off...but still) his manner is so off-putting, he's not making any friends.

A little later, Phillip has all the girls together (it seems like there are way more girls on Ometepe - I wonder how they picked the tribes?... but I digress) Phillip tells them he wants to share something with them, and he struggled with whether or not to tell people this...(so now is the time? On day 1?)  I'm a former federal agent, I worked for 3 different agencies, so if I tell you something and give you my word, it's going to be my word. (Oh, no, is Phillip a new Coach?) and I'm an expert in analyzing people so that's what I'm going to do when we get to the merge and I'm gonna tell you, that's a friend, that's not (yup, and he's lost them there... ) then he says he's got 7 sisters and he loves women... and he kisses them all (Ahhh, step away from the crazy!)
-Francesca says the best thing about Russell is the comic relief he provides - like the fact he thinks he used to be a federal agent is this big bombshell... Who Cares? (She's hilarious.)

-Kristina the older law student withthe big fake boobs starts looking through all the stuff/tool box etc trying to find a hidden idol or clue.  Rob notices and comes over to shoo her away.  He tells her he knows what she's up to and she should try to keep them away.

-Rob talks to Phillip about the fact there are 5 girls and 4 guys on Ometepe - the guys should stick together.  Phillip of course thinks, Rob must be intimidated by me - we're like two male lions checking each other out...  he throws in some strange animal noises for good measure (is this guy for real?  Don't they have to pass some psychological testing before they can go on the show?)

-Phillip approaches Kristina and tells her Rob has already approached him saying we have to watch out for the girls, he's going to try and divide and conquer and play me for a fool and I'm going to stick to the girls.
-Kristina plays along, says she thinks he has integrity and hesitantly says she's on board with him...(Noooo, don't do it - he's mental in his head!)

Zapatera - Day 1
-Russell and Stephanie head into the bush 'looking for tree mail' - then he gives her the pitch.  Reminds her that he picks a girl to align with (remember the dumbass girl alliances?) - she's in.  He says he's not going to talk to her much until they merge - doesn't want to let them all know she's that girl.  She agrees he shouldn't - and is just glad he chose her, of course she said yes (even if you didn't want to align with him, you say yes.) 

But back in camp the others see them return and comment that Russell is getting to the girls - God, don't let that happen.  David (geeky attorney/suit guy) tells Mike (marine/iraq vet) that Russell has his hooks in Stephanie already, they can't let him play his usual game, to make the girl the villainess.
-They want to get Russell gone as soon as possible.

Ometepe - Day 3
-Kristina (pig pen - she's always dirty - why is there sand on your face while your cleaning your teeth, just brush it off!) thinks they need to get rid of Rob first - he's playing up to the young girls - he's a threat.  She is going to look for a hidden immunity idol - if anyone can do it, it's her.
-Next scene - she's walking the island like Kane from Kung Fu with a shovel - she says her hidden idol antenna has been on the whole time, she looks for landmarks... and finds it!  (Kristina pulls a Russell!)
She thinks she's going to tell someone about it but she's not sure who.  An Idol is power and she thinks she could make a big splash and get Rob out tonight if she wanted.

-Kristina is talking to Francesca and Phillip and they agree that Rob is the first one on the chopping block right now - Kristina says, "just don't say a word." and that sets Phillip off - "You're playing your game and I appreciate that, but if I feel the need to tell somebody something, I'll do it."  (Wha wha wha... if that is not sounding warning sirens to them right now...hello.)  They just laugh, could be because Phillip is standing there is his red briefs and nothing else - he's just tragic.
-He tells the camera about how analytical he is and if you tell him something you're going to do, he'll break it down to see how you got there - it's called corroboration.
-Back talking to the girls he demands to know who the votes are, there are only three of them.
-Kristina tells him to calm down and Francesca backs her up that he's treating them like children... then he tells them, "You have to pipe that."  (I said pardon.  That would be it for me.  He is such an as*.) 
-Kristina says we agreed not to discuss this until we lost and everyone's coming now.  And Phillip announces, "We're done now."  Like it was his idea!
-Francesca, "How did I get stuck in the alliance with the annoying middle-aged man in the droopy fuchsia briefs? That's awesome."

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
The tribes have to push 4 blocks along tracks to build the base of a temple (think: like the slaves building the pyramids in Egypt, these are big blocks) they will form a staircase - which they will run up.  Then one person with use an axe to cut a series of ropes which will allow another staircase to drop/unfold - which they will run up to the top where they will have to put together a block puzzle to complete their temple.
The winning team will get immunity and fire in the form of flint.
-Zapatera starts with a lead right out of the gate and they keep it.  The blocks are really heavy and are not sliding easily.  Zapatera finishes a block ahead of Ometepe - they cut the ropes and start on the puzzle when Ometepe finally finishes and heads up work on the puzzle.  Rob is great at puzzles and he gets them right back in it but it's Zapatera (with Russell) that wins Immunity.

Ometepe - Day 3
-One of the blonde girls, Ashley, feels like they let Rob down.
-Kristina decides to tell Francesca that she has a hidden immunity idol - Who questions her at first but then just goes with it - It's Kristina's plan to lure the other 3 younger girls into voting for her (since she has the idol to keep herself safe), then Francesca, Kristina and big mouth (Phillip) vote for Rob and their 3 votes can get him out.
-Francesca amazed that Kristina has the idol, but she doesn't think it's a good idea to get rid of Rob at this point - they don't have numbers right now and it'll probably piss everyone off.  Francesca thinks they should vote Natalie tonight (generic young girl at this point.)
-Kristina approaches Rob and asks who they're thinking of voting tonight and he won't talk to her about it.  She wants him gone so bad!

-Rob tells the camera he was initially thinking of voting Francesca because the first day she stood on the mat and made it known that she thought he was sneaky and knew his game - he doesn't want someone like that on his tribe.  But then he saw Kristina looking for the clue for the hidden immunity idol and he realized that she was the type who knows you need to work for it and she's more dangerous.
-Rob gathers all the youngin's and tells them he thinks Kristina has the hidden immunity idol and they need to split their votes 3 for Kristina and 3 for Francesca - Does everyone understand? I got so screwed last season because someone (Tyson!) didn't understand... They get it.

-Phillip is running his mouth about a hyper state of arousal, blah, blah, blah... I realize I still haven't gotten the answer to my question of who the other votes are.  Kristina has had enough.  Come on Phil, I have something to show you... NO!!! Don't do it - in the name of all that is holy, woman!  But she does it, she takes him to her hiding place and shows him the hidden immunity idol.  We don't need the votes, this means our votes will decide who is going home. Do you understand?
-She says she didn't want to tell him but she didn't trust him and she needed to give him some reassurance. She hopes he can handle it and not be a spaz about it... because he's a spaz about everything.  You can tell she's regretting already having told him.
-Phillip then tells the camera it may not be in the tribe's best interest but he's (all by your lonesome huh?) getting rid of Rob and you're looking at the new leader of this tribe. (Cheesy Sears catalog pose.)

TRIBAL COUNCIL
Jeff's questions are in blue: Rob, you get to camp, what happens?
-Right to work - Phillip set the tone and we got a pretty good shelter built the first night.
So, Phillip, did you just naturally assume the leadership role?
-Not necessarily the leadership role but if I see work that needs to be done, I'll suggest it. (Francesca rolls her eyes and Fabio II/Matt also makes a face.)
So, Matt, is Phillip the leader, for now, around camp?
-If you're doing something that is counter-productive he'll call you out on it, but it's not something that is well received on the very first day. (Well said - he may be a little brainier than the last one.)
Francesca - what are some of the different reasons you may vote someone out tonight?
-We need to keep the tribe as physically strong as we can so that implies a woman may go (Phillip's head whips around), but we'll have to see what happens.
Kristina - how you feeling tonight?
-I have my stuff right here - good chance I could go.
Rob, sounds like the guys have a free pass, I would put an asterisk by your name.
-Of course, it could be me walking away and there's nothing I can do about it... But that's a game (Good non-answer - you guys should be taking notes on how to handle tribal council here.)
Francesca - lets talk about Redemption island and how voting someone out could come back to help or haunt you.
-Definitely adds another level of complexity to the game.  Like if Boston Rob gets voted out tonight, which he's not going to (Why would you say that??), but if he did, he'd probably be fine (Phillip is agitated...) and we'd all feel like he could come back in the game at some point.
- And Phillip pipes up - I have an issue with what she just said - because Kristina and Francesca asked me to cast my vote for Rob (WHAT THE H*LL ARE YOU DOING?)
-Francesca says that is not true - asks for Kristina's corroboration, which she gives and Phillip is saying "Excuse me, excuse me..." (He doesn't like being interrupted.)  Francesca says, "You are a crazy person." (Amen to that - I'd be sleeping with one eye open with him around.)
-Phillip - "Jeff, I'm a former special agent..." (That gets Rob laughing and Francesca epically rolls her eyes.  Kristina mouths, "Phillip" and Francesca nods...) meanwhile he's still prattling on about going down with the sinking ship unless he hears something different and he heard something different.  So his vote will be for Franches-qua. (He's sweating and agitated, I'd be worried.)
Jeff looks like a kid on Christmas morning - and he just got the bike he's always wanted - Priceless.
-Kristina says she doesn't want Phillip to jump down her throat now - but this freak out may make people think there is some instability there.
-Then Special Agent Crazy-Pants drops the big one - Excuse me, you and Franchesqua approached me to go along with them becase she has an immunity idol. (OMG! This guy must be off his meds - what is he thinking???)
-Everyone now is in total disbelief and amazed joy that this trainwreck is happening right before their eyes.  I don't think I've ever seen Jeff's eyes sparkle so much - Loving Every Minute.
So, Kristina, you do have an idol?  I do have an idol.
Who is that news to?   Everyone.
So then Rob gets in on it, says this was the plan, you two vote me out - they deny deny deny.   
Rob demands to see Kristina's idol and she shows it to him.  Then he tells her if she gives him the idol he'll make sure she stays. (Don't do it!) but she says she can't do that (smart girl.) It's her idol and she holds on to it... but we all know her goose is cooked now.
-Rob says he's going to do what said he was going to do with who he was going to do it with.  That's it.

And they vote:
Rob votes for Francesca - says it's so much fun playing with these amateurs, they give away so much - you have to learn to keep your mouth shut.
Francesca votes for Phillip - your crazy outburst has spared Natalie - I hope to never see you again.

Jeff asks if anyone has the hidden idol and wants to play it, now's the time.  But Kristina does not play it - she's got some cojones that one.

Tallying the votes:
Kristina 1, 2
Francesca 1, 2,
Phillip 1, 2
Kristina 3
Francesca 3,
...and the first person to Redemption Island is Francesqua... Wow.  That sucked.

She says, "Bye guys. Don't trust Phillip."

Next week - Russell and Farmer Ralph square off - and Phillip defeats a two inch crab... in the saggy drawers, ugh.

Francesca's thoughts - I should have trusted my instincts that Phillip was not someone to be trusted.  I don't know what's going to happen now - what the duel will entail - Ahhh, oh God. 

So that was a crazy, fun episode.  I have a good feeling about this season so far, how bout you guys?

Coleen