Survivor

Exclusive Interview With 'Survivor: Samoa' Contestant Laura Morett

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:23:48 GMT

Last night on Survivor: Samoa, 39 year old Laura Morett, the lobbyist enabler from Salem, Oregon, became the third member of the jury. Facing a deadlock and the possibility of picking rocks, rocket scientist John Fincher switched his allegiance on the Tribal Council revote to send his long time ally packing.

Laura was a different kind of player than Survivor has seen in recent seasons - an athletically strong, strategically-involved older woman who defied stereotypes. She avoided the pitfalls of several past outspokenly Christian contestants and became a leader of both male and female contestants, older and younger. Some of her strategic decisions, such as alienating Shambo and cutting Eric loose, were game-changing mistakes in hindsight. But I'll miss her presence on the show.

Survivor Samoa: The Broken Cell Phone Reward

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:33:06 GMT

What a great vote! Dave's face said it all. He could not imagine that one of his four allies turned on Laura. After 26 days with John and Brett he thought they were solid, and he was sure Monica would never vote out her best friend. The Foa Foa's ability to escape their seemingly-inescapable demise week after week must have been unreal. Eric said, "There goes the lead." But really, there goes the ballgame.

Survivor: Samoa: An Unfinished Underdog Story

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 GMT

I love a good underdog story. You know, the sort that does not see the protagonist endure loss after loss after loss, only to start winning after a melodramatic moment with a figure of inspiration, with poetic phrases and life-affirming moments in between. Get the balance right, and I'll definitely root for the underdog, rather than feel worse knowing that the supposed loser will win in the end. But that's just me and my ability to relate everything with myself.

There is, of course, an underdog story in Survivor: Samoa, and no, I'm not referring to Foa Foa. Sure, they lost almost every challenge, found themselves in Tribal Council more often than perhaps anybody else--what Jeff described as the worse performance of any tribe in the show's history. Sure, the folks at Galu were kicking them both in the challenges and in Tribal Council. And then the merge happened and they were taking advantage of every loophole they can find to send the purples home one, by one, by one. That's not exactly an underdog story: they really weren't helpless. Just look at Russell.

'Survivor: Samoa' Recap: You Are Destined To Bite The Dust

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:44:13 GMT

Suddenly, there's no use predicting who does what on Survivor: Samoa--who plans what, who eliminates who, you get the drill. Since the merge, Galu found its influence crumbling, with two of their own eliminated, one after Natalie widened the purple crack, and the other after Russell played the immunity idol. Tonight, there's no telling what happens to who. Or is it the opposite?

The last Tribal Council saw Kelly eliminated, and Russell is beaming with happiness. "My work is done," he says, before comparing his master plan to a Picasso artwork. Laura is, obviously, the complete opposite. "We should've known better," she says. That shock became some sort of punch line for Shambo.

Survivor: Samoa: Previewing Episode 10 "The Day of Reckoning"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:15:00 GMT

Three weeks ago, it felt that everything on Survivor: Samoa was set. Foa Foa was lagging behind numbers-wise and influence-wise. Galu was more than confident that they have the game down pat, at least until it boils down to the final six or something.

But two blindsides and two played immunity idols later, nothing is so sure. The four remaining yellows have forcefully exerted a lot of influence on the game. Russell, in fact, has become a terribly formidable force, so strong that everything the other castaways do have him in mind. Galu, on the other hand, has been forced into a corner, not knowing that one member is subverting them. (Karma bites, everybody who hates Shambo.)

Exclusive Interview with Kelly Sharbaugh from 'Survivor: Samoa'

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:56:10 GMT

Kelly Clarkson may be an American Idol, but Kelly Sharbaugh simply got idoled. On the last Survivor: Samoa the 25 year old San Diego hairstylist became the second member of the jury after Russell Hantz caught her with the old Hidden Immunity Idol trick play.

You had to know Kelly was in trouble when she got several confessionals earlier in the episode. Despite coming across as a clich?? love 'em and leave 'em bad girl Survivor: Samoa's preseason marketing, Kelly turned out to be a shrude player. In fact, she was apparently all too good at holding her tongue for the producer's taste because they rarely let her get a word in edgewise.

Survivor Samoa: Refuse To Lose

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:09:10 GMT

Did you hear about the guy last week who accidentally ejected himself from a plane? He was trying to hold on to a lever during a turbulent moment and then he was airborne. He had no idea what had happened. That's what happened to Kelly on last night's Survivor: Samoa.

Survivor: Samoa: Watching Natalie Grow Up

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:30:00 GMT

When Survivor: Samoa began, like many other fans, I had an idea of who'll make an impact and who will be eliminated early on. For some of you who saw my power rankings over the past few weeks, you would've noticed that I always put Natalie on the bottom ranks. Admittedly, I never really held her in high regard.

Come to think of it. At the very beginning she was one of Russell's "dumb blondes", the people who he struck alliances with early on, only to eliminate when the deed is done, like Marisa. When she got eliminated, it felt Russell would kick her out soon, especially after having found more reliable allies in Mick and Jaison. The gender lines being drawn then on Foa Foa wasn't helping, either. Liz was the most vocal of the females, and Natalie was just hanging on to her (or to Russell, although she was still dispensable). When Liz got voted off, Natalie's demise seemed inevitable. What else could a na??ve Southern belle do?

'Survivor: Samoa' Recap: More Surprises Up Hell's Sleeve

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:28:03 GMT

There was something spectacular with Survivor: Samoa last week. Did you notice how the episode's entire mood changed when the blindside got underway, when names got tossed around, and when the vote finally came in, the editors decided to use different music just to highlight the shift? I still feel chills thinking about it, yes. But Erik's gone and it's another few days for the newly-merged Aiga tribe, where frontrunners get pushed to the back, and the most unlikely people get to jump the line. In other words, I don't know what's happening now.

The one thing that's obvious is that Russell has a way bigger target on his back, especially after playing his hidden immunity idol. It's his "dumbest move," Laura insists, because he's going next.

Survivor: Samoa: Previewing Episode 9 "Tastes Like Chicken"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:15:00 GMT

Nothing beats watching Survivor and seeing a magnificent blindside take place, step by step, from the first seeds being sown until it grown into a huge beanstalk taking an unwitting castaway hostage. But the one last week was better: seeing Erik's face as he virtually shot Foa Foa down, and then seeing it change when the votes started rolling in, one after another, Erik, Erik, Erik, "the seventh person voted out is Erik."

And that proved to be a huge shake-up, a far bigger one than I expected. Suddenly our idea of who's the dominant player has flipped so many times, and the most unlikely contestants have shown considerable strength and influence. Yes, I'm looking at you, Natalie.

People's Choice Award Nominees: 'True Blood,' 'Gossip Girl' and the Usual Suspects

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:03:59 GMT

This morning the People's Choice Award nominations were revealed, and as always, it's populism at its best. On the TV side, the nominees often look like the top of the Nielsen ratings list, with a few notable and surprising exceptions. Shows like True Blood and Gossip Girl crept into the Favorite TV Actress categories while Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show features Lost, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural.

However, those are the very cool exceptions. For the most part, the list is full of CSI, NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, Two and a Half Men and other top-rated shows. Here are the major television nominees for this year's People's Choice Awards.

To vote for the People's Choice Awards, CLICK HERE.

Exclusive Interview with 'Survivor: Samoa' Contestant Erik Cardona

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:08:57 GMT

Erik Cardona was one of the most charismatic contestants on Survivor: Samoa, but we only got a taste of what he had to offer on the show. Erik, as much as anyone, was a victim of the editing's strong Foa Foa focus this season. Because the 28 year old writer from Ontario, Canada, is more than the brash and cocky guy who got clotheslined first by an actual clothesline and then by the right arm of his own tribe. Erik also provided one of our most compelling Survivor: Samoa interviews, and he confidently answered some challenging questions.

Everything I Know about Love I Learned from 'Survivor: Samoa'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:25:04 GMT

This episode seemed well-timed to coincide with the World Series, and thankfully there wasn't another washout. Instead, there were two walk-off blasts to win the immunity challenge; Kelly and Monica debuted their new line of baseball uniform fashion-wear inspired by Honus Wagner's knee high stockings; and John Fincher coming out as Johnny Baseball. But the episode could have just as easily aired around Valentine's Day.

Survivor: Samoa: Previewing Episode 8 "All Hell Breaks Loose"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:15:00 GMT

Once you realize what will happen on Survivor: Samoa tonight, you'll probably think that everything that's been said and done over the past couple of weeks have been useless. So much for Russell vowing that Foa Foa will come out stronger in the next few challenges. So much for the Galu guys recruiting Shambo as tribal leader that will best serve their interests.

Foa Foa and Galu are no more: it's the merge.

Exclusive Interview with 'Survivor: Samoa' Contestant Liz Kim

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:15:41 GMT

Last night on Survivor: Samoa, 33-year-old Liz Kim, an urban planner for the Bloomberg administration, finally ran out of luck. Foa Foa's wheeling, dealing Michael Chiklis look-alike, Russell Hantz, did not trust her to present a welcoming united front to the other tribe after she grew impatient with Galu's visiting auditor, Laura. The decision made some sense. So far Survivor: Samoa has held seven Tribal Councils. Foa Foa has attended six of them. If Galu is going to survive after next week's merge they are going to need to make fast friends and influence people.

Survivor Samoa: Finding Humor in the Worst of Episodes

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:32:53 GMT

The past few episodes may have seemed humorless and soggy on the surface, but they were actually full of funny moments. In case you're having more trouble spotting real joy in these episodes than Shambo on a chicken hunt, let me point out a few moments that really made me laugh.

Survivor: Samoa: Turns Out Russell Isn't So Bad After All

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:30:00 GMT

Is it just me, or is there nothing to talk about after last night's Survivor: Samoa?

I mean, it seems everything has fallen into place. The Galu guys installed Shambo as their tribal chief to serve their interests, the folks at Foa Foa eliminated another one... while there are interesting developments, it feels like either we somehow saw it coming or there's nothing much of interest to speculate on. And to think I started this season thinking that there'd be a lot to talk about, from nefarious schemes to the latest victims, thinking that Russell would be the most evil guy to ever join the game, or so the promos suggested.

'Survivor: Samoa' Recap: False Hopes and Superstitions

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:37:06 GMT

Just when it felt like we'd see three castaways eliminated on Survivor: Samoa last week, we got ourselves a damper: nobody got eliminated. Oh, but it's not really much of a deal, considering that Galu's Russell left the show in perhaps one of the most dramatic moments in the show's history: a medical emergency that Jeff described as the "scariest moment" in his life. And, if it starts one thing, it's a possible power shift--within Galu, and within everybody in the game.

With Russell gone, the guys at Galu realize that a boys vs girls match is imminent, and decide to take Shambo into their fold. Besides, they say, she hasn't fit in with the other girls--and she's perfectly dispensable. The plan, then, is to install her as tribal chief so the guys can have her on their side. The vote went smoothly, and she was quickly installed. Monica thinks the way the vote was done was stupid--"we're all assigned a number and we flash the number of who we want to vote in," in Erik's words.

Survivor: Samoa: Previewing Episode 7 "Houdini Magic"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:15:00 GMT

Now we don't have to get confused over two Russells on Survivor: Samoa, what happens? Well, aside from the lack of confusion, of course.

It feels that behind the surviving Russell's statement over at Tribal Council last week, with him feeling bad that his namesake had to go for medical reasons, is that vindicated feeling, the sort that goes, "I can play the game much better now!" Partly, Foa Foa probably made the unfortunate decision of sending him over to Galu, because he'll make friends over there--and, who knows, maybe an alliance, too. Unless, of course, something is brewing over at Foa Foa.

'Survivor: Samoa' Contestant Russell Swan Talks About His Brush With Death

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:29:13 GMT

I was very glad to be able to interview Russell Swan this morning. The 42 year old environmental protection attorney from Philadelphia seemed moments from death after collapsing during a reward challenge on last night's Survivor: Samoa. He collapsed twice and lay motionless after his heart beat rocketed and plummeted, the result of extreme dehydration, exhaustion and malnutrition. Russell has reported that he's now in great health and thankful for everything he has.

Survivor Samoa: The Captain Planet Debate Revisited

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:55:22 GMT

When you've seen guys fall in the fire, suffer terrible collisions, break out in red spots and get carried away in helicopters it's hard to be shocked by an evacuation. But there was one genuinely chilling moment on tonight's Survivor: Samoa.

When Russell stared up at the sky without blinking and the heart rate monitor went crazy he looked like he was dead. He wasn't moving a muscle. I completely believe Jeff Probst when he says he's never been so scared in 19 seasons of Survivor.

Survivor: Samoa: Is Foa Foa Really The Stronger Tribe?

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:30:00 GMT

During Tribal Council, the surviving Russell boldly claimed, or at least implied, that Foa Foa is the stronger tribe this time around.

Could've been believable, except that the odds are actually stacked against them. They've lost four members to the vote, with a fifth one out due to injury. It seemed, especially at the very beginning, that the tribe is close to breaking up, perhaps because of the actions of a few, or because they just can't get along each other. Galu, on the hand, was almost perfect: there was a consensus, they were able, and they were winning when it mattered.

'Survivor: Samoa' Recap: A Tale of Two Russells

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:26:56 GMT

At this point you can't help but think that the same old will happen on Survivor: Samoa--Galu wins immunity, Foa Foa votes someone off again, everything descends into chaos. It happened last week: Galu won immunity, Ashley was voted off, and everything descended into chaos--Shambo feels alienated, Russell feels cornered, and of course, the strong rains. Talk about insult to injury.

The rains are still keeping both tribes sidelined. Jaison over at Foa Foa has even compared it to Captain Planet, saying that he wishes he had the heart to do so. Nice nostalgia trip, that one. The folks at Galu, on the other hand, are reeling from the cold, with Mick squeezing himself to the side of a tree, thinking it's much better than their shelter.

Survivor: Samoa: Previewing Episode 6 "This Is The Man Test"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:30:00 GMT

Talk about literally weathering a storm.

Last week's Survivor: Samoa ended with a pretty bad downpour, so bad that for once, Foa Foa--the tribe who, let's face it, has had a lot of rain, figuratively, going down on them--appreciated being on Tribal Council. Of course, Pacific storms are the scary sort of stuff, because they happen forever, especially when you're in an island and there's no mountain range to break the storm apart.

Exclusive Interview With Ashley Trainer of 'Survivor: Samoa'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:32:06 GMT

No one seemed to enjoy being a part of Survivor: Samoa quite as much as Ashley Trainer. After 15 days of losing, starvation, torrential rain and Russell Hantz, Jaison has cracked like an egg. But Ashley didn't stop grinning the whole time.

Unfortunately last night on Survivor: Samoa the elements conspired against the 22 year old recent college graduate from Maple Grove, Minnesota. She gagged up her smoothie, and that's nothing compared to how badly she choked in the immunity challenge. After finding a way out of being voted off twice before, Ashley found herself unable to turn the tide of tribal opinion while 48 straight hours of rain kept the tribe shelter-bound.

Survivor Samoa: Skinny Girls, Big Seafood Smoothies

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:34:32 GMT

I adore Ashley. Over the 19 seasons I have been watching Survivor I'm not sure if I have ever seen anyone so excited to compete in the gross food challenge. When Mick read the tree mail Russell Hantz - the big man who bullies other people around - looked very intimidated. Liz was whining. Natalie was making monkey faces. But Ashley's eyes got as wide as saucers and she started jabbering excitedly. To hear her talk you would have thought this was the peanut butter and chocolate eating reward challenge. Despite apparently being a coconutatarian, Ashley made sure to brag that she'll eat anything.