May 15, 2008
Survivor: Micronesia was unique, as far as Survivor seasons go. The hybrid All-Stars formula of Fans vs. Favorites was perceived as gimmicky when announced, and the first handful of episodes did nothing to quell the doubters – the favorites were better, they were taking more screen time, and the whole Survivor season looked like it might turn into a rout. While the Survivor favorites did dominate the season, the fans weren't completely worthless, and they gave us some nice moments along the way. The number of injuries was unfortunate, but it added to the overall excitement of the season. Now, looking back on it all, I thought I'd try something new: castaway grades. The grades are not based on when the players were voted off (though, that obviously plays a part), because luck has a lot to do with Survivor success. The grades are based on how well each player performed, given the set of circumstances they were placed in.
May 14, 2008
It was a pretty surprising finale of Survivor: Micronesia, when Parvati Shallow was named the winner over Amanda Kimmel. At the final tribal council, viewers and players alike felt that Amanda had it in the bat but something shifted and the votes ended up going Parvati's way. She played a strong social game all season and was the driving force behind some major blindsides and power plays. Today, Parvati took time out of her busy schedule to talk with BuddyTV about her win, playing the game for a second time, and what helped her walk away with a million dollar check.
Below, you will find the complete transcript and mp3 of the interview.
May 13, 2008
On Sunday night’s finale of Survivor: Micronesia, Jeff Probst told the audience that fans felt that this season was second only to the very first season, which premiered in 2000. What’s interesting about that statement is, that even though fans may have liked this season, it didn’t translate into viewers. This past Sunday was the lowest rated Survivor finale in the show’s history, bringing in only 13 million viewers. That’s down 5 percent, while the reunion was down 13 percent from the previous year.
May 12, 2008
I should have seen it coming. In a season packed with more blindsides than Survivor has ever seen, even the finale was a shocker. From the beginning, Amanda was a frontrunner. She had played a decent game last season in China, but rode Todd’s coattails throughout much of the season. After finishing as runner up, she headed right back out to compete in Micronesia. After Ozzy’s blindside, Amanda kicked her strategy into high gear, playing a very physical and aggressive game. Even as James said at the final tribal council, Amanda had the game in the bag. Last night, though, viewers were shocked as, once again, Amanda finished second while Parvati was named the winner of Survivor: Micronesia.
May 11, 2008
Early on in the Survivor reunion special tonight, Jeff Probst stated that Survivor: Micronesia might be the best Survivor season since the very first. After the last six weeks, it's hard to argue with that statement. I can't remember a more exciting and enthralling end of a season. However, what happened in the last month and a half is blinding us from what happened in the beginning of the season. Maybe you don't remember, but the season began poorly – starting with Jonny Fairplay's shameful departure, to the wet blanket Fans Kathleen Sleckman and Chet Welch, Survivor: Micronesia did not look like it was going to be a winner. Given this, I wouldn't place this season among the top two or three, but that's nitpicking – Micronesia was Survivor at its best for most of its run, and tonight's finale did not disappoint.
May 11, 2008
Ah, yes, the Survivor Live Reunion show. These are the things I watch the reunion show for: to see the excess of make up worn by the women, to see who has gained the most weight since the island, to see who is tense around who. The word is that Amanda Kimmel and Ozzy Lusth have continued their romance since the season ended. We will get confirmation, one would assume, on tonight's broadcast. Maybe we'll even get a wedding proposal (I hope not). It was a great Survivor season, with all sorts of nonsense abounding, so the reunion show should be pretty fun. I'll be here throughout the hour, giving my live thoughts.
May 11, 2008
Cirie Fields, Parvati Shallow, Natalie Bolton and Amanda Kimmel. One of those four women are going to win Survivor: Micronesia. Throughout the season, the ladies proved once and for all that brains are more important than brawn. While the men were indescribably dumb at times during the Survivor season, you still have to bow down to the women - their level of manipulation has been astounding. The good cop/bad cop routine earlier this week that sent Erik over the edge was a sight to behold. Tonight, Survivor hits us up with its two-hour finale, followed by the one-hour reunion show. I'll be here all night, keeping up to date on the proceedings. My prediction for winner: Amanda.
May 9, 2008
On last night's episode of Survivor, the remaining women in the game convinced Erik to hand his individual immunity to Natalie as a sign of good faith at tribal council. They then proceeded to vote his stupid butt out of the game. Some call when he did stupidity. Others say he was too trusting, too naive. Erik just really wanted to redeem himself and gain the trust of the women. Instead, his attempt at an act of good faith ended up being his undoing. Today, Erik spoke to BuddyTV in an exclusive interview about his dumb move, his dreams of getting on the show, and Sunday night's exciting live finale!
Below, you will find the complete transcript and mp3 of the interview.