Season 20: Episode 13: Loose Lips Sink Ships

The tribe has spoken and Brendan is asked to leave the pool immediately.

At Tribal Council, host Jeff Probst begins by asking Sandra what the fallout out was after the last Tribal Council where Danielle was voted out. Sandra states that Rupert has been trying to create tension between Sandra and Russell in hopes of saving himself again, after seeing what happened to Danielle after her and Russell had tension. Russell says that because Sandra has written his name down twice before in two other Tribal Councils he needed confirmation as to whether or not what Rupert was saying was true. Sandra and Parvati continue to make light of the situation with Parvati making fun of the way Sandra told Russell “I’m against you.”  Parvati then points out that even though she would like to see all Villains in the final three, the game is no longer Heroes vs. Villains for everyone. And Rupert attempts to make one last plea to the Villains by saying that when you get to the final three you want to be able to prove that you were the top Villain even if that means voting out your alliance. The tribe votes, and before Jeff can read the votes, Sandra decides to play her hidden Immunity Idol saying, “I would hate to go home with the Idol in my bra.” With this, Jeff reads the votes, and with four out of six votes against him, Rupert’s last plea fell on deaf ears and he is voted out.  Rupert Boneham, the 45 year old from Survivor: Pearl Islands, becomes the fifteen person voted out and the seventh member on the jury of SURVIVOR HEROES VS. VILLAINS.

When the food supply at camp dwindles, Rupert takes it upon himself to catch some fish.

After learning the meaning of Parvati's name, 'the controlling element,' Russell becomes agitated that Parvati believes she is controlling him.

Quote of the week: Russell then confronts Sandra and Parvati in the shelter and asks Sandra, “Are you with me or are you against me?” to which Sandra jokingly replies, “I’m against you Russell.”

From Jeff: THIS SUNDAY

So, we now head into the final two-hour episode followed by the one-hour reunion show live this Sunday, May 16^th from New York City.  There are 5 Survivors left.  One hero and four villains.  At this point I honestly believe it is anybody’s game.

COLBY:  If he makes it to the end, he wins.  Too many heroes on the jury that have too much animosity for the Villains.  Despite not earning it, Colby could soon be a millionaire.

SANDRA: She has to make it to the end with Russell and/or Parvati to have any chance.  Jerri and Colby will both beat her.

PARVATI: Could become the first two-timer winner.  She’s that good and has played that good of a game.

RUSSELL: Could become first time back-to-back loser.  He’s that good and that despised.  For Russell to win it will take a jury that appreciates great game play and let’s go of the social, which Russell simply doesn’t have.  One thing is for sure, he won’t have JT’s vote.  Probably won’t have Rupert’s either.

JERRI:  I think Jerri has a very good shot to win this.  If she gets to the final with the right person/people she just might get rewarded for all of her growth and overall pretty decent strategic game play.

See ya from NYC!

Be sure to catch the season finale of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, on CBS!

Preview: Season Finale

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon

Survivor 20: Episode 12 “A Sinking Ship”

The tribe has spoken. Maureen and Pat are asked to leave the pool immediately.

Worse than Johnny Fairplay: That's how Rupert describes Russell--and it does make sense. "I think he is a deceitful person," he said. "My only hope is to show the Villains that disgusting side and ask them, truly, 'do they wanna be involved with that?'" Nobody was having it, more so Russell, who derisively called him "the second coming of Christ" before throwing an F-bomb.

But after the first immunity challenge, Rupert got himself a little break. Jeff promised a twist, and it turned out to be a clue to another hidden immunity idol, which he read out aloud. Sandra found that idol ("I can't believe I finally found something") and decided to keep quiet about it. Rupert, sensing that the idol has been retrieved, decided to find a huge rock and slip it in his pocket, the bulge enough for Russell to spot.

Yes, Russell bit the bait, and thinking Rupert has the idol, plans to split the vote between him and Colby so the idol gets flushed out. But Jerri's got other plans: she wants Candice out immediately, thinking that if she flipped that easily to the Villains, she can flip just as easily back to the Heroes. Colby didn't get any votes, Russell got three, and Candice got the boot. Rupert just had to fake pulling out his fake idol.

The fake blind side: The second immunity challenge was pretty simple: solve a table maze, then climb a wall with four pegs, then solve a slide puzzle, to win immunity. Russell won that easily--Rupert surprisingly put up a fight, though--but it wasn't an easy ride for him.

His plan, again, is to flush the fake idol out of Rupert. But after his failed plan during the last vote, he had to regain control of the game--and he's worried about Danielle and Parvati's closeness. So he proceeds to play the two girls: Danielle thinks Parvati's out for her, and vice versa. But Parvati wants to ask Danielle despite Russell's objections, and all the worms went out of the can. But they can't vote Russell out, so they've got no other choice but to stick with the game plan and get Rupert out.

The actual blind side: The second Tribal Council went really, really crazy. Despite Danielle's efforts to show the happy family that is the Yin Yang tribe, Russell's stories came out. He claims she went to him with the plan against Parvati--the opposite actually happened, with Russell telling Danielle his made-up story, and now he's claiming to be testing her. "I haven't said anything to be disloyal to him," she later said. "I don't know why he's testing me." And then she breaks down in tears, before hinting that she's closer to Parvati than he thinks.

That break in the main Villains alliance proved to be another advantage for Rupert. He still got three votes--and he still faked pulling out his rock--but he and Colby went for Danielle. Russell obviously went for her too, planning to force Parvati in a corner. Jerri, who was asked not to change her vote as everything collapsed, eventually did, and gave Danielle her walking papers. "I have absolutely no idea what just happened, but with this vote, I'm sealing my fate," she said. And she probably did.

So here's where we stand. The Heroes are still alive thanks to a rock. Russell's lost whatever control he has left of his alliance. Sandra--she who (for now) holds the hidden immunity idol--has kept quiet all throughout. Oh, and Candice and Danielle, two castaways who looked like they're in a strong position, went home. Yes, things did get crazy. And the same goes for next week's episode, when Russell ends up aligning with the Heroes...

At the live reunion show in NY on May 16th, we are going to crown one Survivor the winner of the “Dumbest Move” in the history of Survivor.  You will decide who wins the trophy!  Cast your vote at:

CBS Dumbest Move in Survivor History vote 

Click below to see a secret video of Danielle and Parvati flirt with Colby on the beach:

Jeff's thoughts on the remaining contestants: 

On my list of players that are still 100% focused on the game and only the game, there are four: Parvati, Sandra, Russell and Danielle.  All villains.  I know that offends everybody else left in the game but here’s my rational:

Colby is certainly a good strategist but his head has been in and out of the game this season and leaves him vulnerable.

Rupert is a decent strategist, but he gets too lost in the morality of what he deems to be appropriate behavior.  It’s wasted energy.

Candice is very smart but she doesn’t commit fast enough and it’s a fatal flaw.

Jerri just doesn’t have it in her DNA to only focus on the game.  Jerri will take time to enjoy a moment or stare at a sunset… I mean really stare at the sunset…and though it’s a great quality in life, it’s not one that works well in this game.

This doesn’t mean Colby, Rupert, Candice and Jerri can’t make it to the end and win. I’m only pointing out that right now there are four people who are truly focused on this game and with each passing day the toll of the game will make it harder and harder for each of them to focus.  Those who hold it together the longest have the best chance of winning.

Quote of the week from Russell:  “I’m not fully in control of this game right now.  But you know what, I’m gonna take control of this game so fast they’re not gonna know what hit ‘em.”

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon

Season 20: Episode 11: Jumping Ship

The tribe has spoken.  Warren is asked to leave the pool immediately.

At Tribal Council, Russell engages in an ongoing battle with Sandra over her untrustworthiness.  Sandra defends her actions by explaining to Russell that he makes her feel like she is at the bottom of the alliance, and that she has better options by flipping to the Heroes’ side.  Colby reveals that his alliance firmly believes that Danielle is in possession of the hidden immunity idol.  Russell admits that if Sandra was to flip to the Heroes, he would be a huge target, and without the protection of the hidden immunity idol, he could be the next to go home.  With this, the Yin Yang tribe cast their votes, and Russell plays the hidden immunity idol.  Amanda is voted out with six out of the nine votes cast against her.  Amanda Kimmell, the 24 year old from Survivor: China, became the twelfth person voted out and the fourth member of the jury of SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS.

Next week is a biggee.  Two immunity challenges.  Two tribal councils.  Two people gone.

Quote of the week:  Russell:  “I am the king of hidden immunity idols.”

Jeff's insight: Over the last two seasons Russell has proven that he has an uncanny ability to find the idols.  In fact, he’s so good at it that he’s forever changed how we will handle idols in future seasons. Next season it will take more than just looking under a rock to find a hidden idol.  I won’t give away what we’re doing, but in planning our creative for next season we coined a phrase, “The Russell Factor” and it influenced how we will play the hidden idol next season.

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon

Season 20: Episode 10: Going Down in Flames

The tribe has spoken and Erin is asked to leave the pool immediately.

 At Tribal Council, Rupert complains about the Villains’ lack of “banana etiquette,” claiming that Parvati and Danielle freely take ripe bananas without the Heroes’ permission.  While Jerri and Parvati claim to be on the outs with the Heroes, Russell reveals that he has had more talks with the Heroes than with his own tribe.  Courtney, sitting in the jury with Coach, observes what is really going on.  “They’re playing,” she whispers.  Courtney could not have been more right.  After all of the votes have been cast, Parvati gives one immunity idol to Sandra and, to increase her odds, she gives another idol to Jerri.  With this, all votes cast against Jerri, whom all five Heroes voted for, do not count, and J.T. is voted out with five votes cast against him.  James “J.T.” Thomas, the 25 year-old from Survivor: Tocantins, became the eleventh person voted out and third member of the jury of SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS. 

From Jeff: THE AFTERMATH

Oh, there will be a big aftermath with Russell and Parvati.  You saw him mouth to her at Tribal, “You got some explaining to do.”  Russell does not suffer fools lightly, especially when he is his own fool.  He’s mad.  Burn your house down mad.  This will be their first lovers quarrel.  Yes, I know they’re not technically lovers, but in the game of Survivor, they’re more than lovers, they’re married and this will result in a major spat.

The question is will it destroy their alliance or will Parvati be able to salvage it.  Any bets?

Quote of the week:  Russell to Parvati “You got some explaining to do.”

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon

Season 20: Episode 09: Survivor History

The tribe has spoken.  Eric is asked to leave the pool immediately.

At Tribal Council, Sandra admits that the vote is between herself and Courtney since they were a part of Boston’s Rob’s former alliance.  Danielle reveals that Sandra puts false rumors into people’s minds in order to control the game, which leads to a huge argument between the two. Courtney lashes out at Jerri for flipping to Russell’s alliance just in time to save herself, but Jerri dismisses her comments, stating that she was never a part of any alliance.  “I didn’t flip quick enough, I guess, and so that’s why me and Sandra are in trouble,” fumes Courtney.  With this, the Villains cast their votes, and with five out of the six votes cast against her, Courtney Yates, the 28 year-old from Survivor: China became the tenth person voted out and second member of the jury of SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS.

Quote of the week: Parvati: “We’ll fill Russell in on a need to know basis.  Right now he doesn’t need to know.”

Jeff's insight: – MY ROLE AT TRIBAL COUNCIL
I’m sure most of you have noticed that I’ve been more vocal and more aggressive at Tribal Council this season.  The reason is pretty simple – these 20 players are very experienced and as a result very good.  To get anything out of them you have to be more direct and more relentless.

I hope you all understand that I never bring up anything at Tribal Council that hasn’t already been discussed or isn’t already known.  I would never betray or reveal secret information.  When you hear them fighting back with me, that’s just part of the game and often, the words they are saying to me, are actually intended to send a signal to someone else.

It’s a very elaborate game of cat and mouse and the reason this season is so good is because we started with 20 fantastic players who continue to deliver week after week.  I bust their chops on this blog every week because that’s the fun part of writing a blog, but since I’m feeling very “confessional” today – the truth is we painstakingly hand selected every person this season and we’re really pleased with the results.  Every single player gave us something, even Sugar.  Every single player left in the game has a legitimate shot at winning. Even Candace.  Ah, I love to kid Candace.

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon

Season 20: Episode 08: Expectations

The tribe has spoken.  Dick is asked to leave the pool immediately.

After the immunity, the Villains return to their camp, and wash off their mud-caked bodies in the ocean.  While the rest of the tribe appears utterly defeated, Coach boasts on his stellar performance.  “Everybody’s down, everybody’s hurting, everybody’s nauseous, and The Dragon Slayer is just coming into his own,” says Coach.  “I feel full of energy, and it’s time for me to shine…off into the horizon,” he continues.  Although Coach ultimately wishes to get rid of his arch nemesis, Russell, he feels that is would be more appropriate to get rid of Courtney, his tribe’s weakest link.  Russell is still dead-set on ousting Coach, but Danielle advises him against it.  “We have a chance [at winning] if we have Coach,” says Danielle.  Russell yells at Danielle for being irrational, and storms off.  After allowing himself some time to vent, Russell has a change of heart, and decides that it would be best to vote off Courtney.  Parvati and Danielle are befuddled at Russell’s inconsistency, and still hope to oust The Dragon Slayer.  “You never know what’s gonna happen between now and when the sun goes down,” says Courtney.

TRIBAL COUNCIL

At Tribal Council, all eyes are on Courtney for her lackluster performances in challenges.  Courtney fights back, but harsh words are still thrown her way by Coach, who views her as the weakest link who continually demoralizes the tribe.  With this, the tribe members cast their votes, and with four out of the seven votes cast against him, Coach is voted out.  Benjamin “Coach” Wade, the 38 year-old from Survivor: Tocantins became the ninth person voted out and first member of the jury of SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS.

Next week on Survivor, what Jeff calls the dumbest move ever in the show's history.

Quote of the week:  from Jeff “Everybody drop your… expectations.”

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon

Survivor 20: Episode 07: I'm Not A Good Villain

The tribe has spoken and Tonya is asked to leave the pool immediately.

Boston Rob started to get the feeling that something wasn't right following tribal council. That something is named Russell Hantz. Because Tyson basically voted himself out of the game, Rob is left wondering who betrayed his alliance and if that person is still sharing a tent with him. Oh yes, paranoia has most certainly set in at the villains' camp.

Going into the reward challenge, Colby knows he needs to step it up big time. There have been three tribal councils where he should have been the one going home but somehow, he was spared. Considering the heroes voted out James over him, they must believe that good ol' Colby still has some gas left in the tank.

In the challenge, teams faced off, three on three. They'd have to retrieve a ball and throw it into their basket, while the opposing team tried to stop them. When the villains were told they had to sit a few players, guess who had no problem taking a spot on the bench? You guessed it - Courtney! She will go down in history as the player who made it the farthest without doing a damn thing. The heroes dominate, scoring all three points in a row, and Colby responsible for two of them. Yeah, Superman! You show them that it's not just a fat suit!

For their reward, the heroes are taken to a waterfall, where the enjoy a meal that consists of more than just chocolate (and nutritionists everywhere breathed a sigh of relief). A note during their meal revealed that another hidden immunity idol has been placed back at their camp. Wait a minute... if there's an idol there... then there's an idol at the other camp which means... yup, Russell's somehow going to find it. The heroes agree to find the idol together and use it at the merge against the other tribe. Smart people.

Over at the villains' camp, Russell is working overtime to pull Jerri and Coach into his alliance full-time. He has Parvati and Danielle, Rob has Sandra and Courtney. Coach and Jerri are just sitting in the middle and suddenly find themselves the most important people in the tribe. Russell spins Jerri and she buys it hook, line, and sinker while Coach struggles with the fact that he gave his word to both Rob and Russell. How does a man of honor keep his word to two sworn enemies?

At the immunity challenge, teams will race, one at a time, across a net to retrieve a bag of puzzle pieces. Once six bags have been retrieved, two members must solve it in order to win. You better believe Rob and Sandra are solving that puzzle for the villains, with JT and Amanda going against them. Basically, everyone puts on a good show in retrieving the pieces, with the exception of Courtney, who was forced to participate because the rules of Survivor state that you can't sit out of a challenge twice in a row. The heroes got a head start on their puzzle and never looked back. They win immunity and the villains lose both challenges.

Back at camp, Rob tells Jerri that she needs to do what's best for her and she knows what's right. Does she? Coach tries to push some attention on Courtney, who is the weakest physical player but everyone is just concerned with getting one of the big guns out. Fair enough. If you're Rob or Russell, you don't want the other one getting to the merge.

At tribal council, Russell digs at Rob, saying he wouldn't have had the guys to give his idol up to a fellow alliance member the way he did. There's a debate about loyalty and what it means to everyone. Of course, everyone swears that they're really the loyal ones.  When the votes are read, Courtney is thrown a vote (thanks Coach) and with four votes, Boston Rob is sent out of this game.

Quote of the week: Rob: (to Coach) You’re a little man.

Heroes				Villains
Amanda	~	Warren		Coach	~	Dick
Candice	~	Maureen		Courtney	~	Eric
Cirie	~	Karen D.		Danielle	~	Pat
Colby	~	Christi		Jerri	~	Lauren
J.T.	~	Erin		Parvati	~	Cara
James	~	Karen R.		Randy	~	Sandy
Rupert	~	Brendan		Rob	~	Tonya
Stephanie	~	Colin		Russell	~	Kim
Sugar	~	Cheryl		Sandra	~	Linda
Tom	~	Nick		Tyson	~	Brandon