SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

Yay! Another reader!!! Hi Simply Red!!

Desi was voted off last night, Day 21, and she is the first member of the Jury. She was a strong, competitive player who others thought would win individual immunity challenges.

It was an interesting episode.

1)Day 20: Lauren found a secret advantage. It was paper switch - at the next tribal she could deposit the advantage into the voting urn, and roll her blank vote parchment and hide it in her clothing. She would now have two votes at a time in the future that she feels will give her an advantage.

2) Reward Challenge: the SALEWA tribe drew stones for two teams. Joe drew the white one; couldn't play but was a member of the reward team automatically.

The reward was a special spaghetti meal. Joe had to number the winners in order of eating; he chose last for himself. Everyone ate from the same enormous spaghetti platter, deciding for themselves how much they would eat and leave for the next person. Cole discovered the immunity message on the bottom of the plate, as did Chrissy and Ryan. There was a bit of a melee at camp when Ryan, who dug up the idol, discreetly hid it in his shorts, but then Chrissy began digging and Cole tackled her and the two of them went at it. The rest of the tribe didn't understand what was happening, and they all gathered around. Ben accused Cole of having the idol and thus he was targeted.

3) Day 21: Immunity Challenge - another balancing contest; Cole won immunity, which Ben et al didn't like because it ruined their chance to evict Cole. Later, Joe verbally riled Ben and the others were happy not to have the focus on them.

At tribal, this continued. Voting occurred; Lauren secretly played her advantage. The vote was a tie between Desi and Joe. Everyone voted again and Desi was voted off.

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?

Charm, wit, beauty, mental fortitude, physical strength—all of these traits and more will ensure I'm the Sole Survivor. Already in good shape, I will show up on the island the strongest, quickest, most powerful and agile I've ever been. Borrowing from my childhood love of puzzles and games or logic and strategy, my mental sharpness will be at its peak. A natural academician, I will arrive having not only watched, but studied the game. If you combine those traits with my will to win and my expertise in gaining feigned camaraderie, I'm nearly unbeatable.

"Nearly" is the operative word, Desi. You were all of the above, but, unfortunately, your tribe mates saw you as the physical threat. At least you made it to Jury.

[This message edited by looking forward at 12:51 PM, November 16th (Thursday)]

Weekly Update

Cole was voted off last night, Day 24, second member of the Jury.

He was targeted by Ben and his six minions who are becoming more concerned with his dominance.

Joe continues to bug everyone. Chrissy wanted him out, but Ben said no - targeted Cole.

Alliances are coming apart....

Ryan told Devon he had an idol; then Ryan told Ben who told Devon...so much for keeping secrets. Devon feels betrayed by Ryan.

Next week is a double episode.

Mike used his hidden immunity idol on himself. He, Joe, and Cole were the targets.

Refreshing challenge again! New Immunity challenge: balance in squat position with hands supporting two wooden bars and avoid tipping water-filled urn at the end of the bars into the fire bowl. Lauren won the Immunity Challenge. Jeff called it a torture device.

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?

I have the kind of mental fortitude and strength it takes to survive. I have the kind of fearlessness and problem solving skills it takes and I have the smarts. No one will come close to being as well rounded as I am.

Not smart enough, Cole. Not smart enough!

[This message edited by looking forward at 11:26 AM, November 23rd (Thursday)]

Next Wednesday, December 6th is the family reunion episode with the 7 remaining castaways!

Last night's double episode recap....later!

I need my Tim's!!!

Okay....here we go!

Episode: Buy One, Get One Free

(quoted by Ryan later in the episode, referencing Joe and Mike as a voting duo)

Day 25: Lauren won the Reward challenge (the classic feet only stack the blocks in a circle to three levels and insert the flag in the middle) - a seaplane tour of the islands, followed by a lunch of burgers, fries, and beer. She took along Devon, Ben, and Ashley. They all received letters from home.

There is an alliance of 7, but Lauren wants to go after the other 3 - Chrissy, Ryan, and JP. The others chew on their burgers and think about it, especially Ashley who is starting to play the game. Devon is too.

Meanwhile, back at camp, Joe and Mike are the last Healers and on their own. Chrissy, Ryan and JP want Ben out first when they reach final 7.

So, hidden cracks in the alliance of 7.

Ben wanders around and finds a clue to a hidden immunity idol which he later finds.

Day 27: Immunity Challenge

It's another balancing one - the triangular platform with feet spread apart for 20 minute intervals. Move up to the narrow top as the final part. Jeff offers food as an incentive to not participate: Devon, Ben and Lauren go for it! Peanut butter and chocolate.....

Ashley won immunity.

Lauren et al schemed to blindside one of the other three alliance members, bringing on board Mike and Joe. And Devon played Ben, who believes he's working both sides of his alliance of 7. The Round Table is falling apart.

At Tribal, JP was voted off.

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?

After watching the show, I always told myself "I could do that!" I love being outdoors and in the elements but most of all, it's the challenges and adventure that I thrive off most. You not only have to be athletic but smart and able to read people. As a firefighter, I feel that gives me an advantage. When we go on medical calls we have to pick apart the problem and figure out what's wrong so we can treat the patient. I feel that with my athletic ability and personality, I will be the final Survivor!

Ah, no, JP. You were very athletic, didn't have much of a personality, and you definitely weren't able to read people. Bye!!

Second episode of the night - yes, I made notes .

Day 28: Reward Challenge (a combination water-land-puzzle)

The eight were divided randomly into two teams. The team of Joe, Devon, Ben and Ashley won. Their reward was Spa afternoon: shower, massage, and food.

Meanwhile, back at camp, Lauren was being quizzed by Chrissy about the JP vote and new alliance group; same with Ryan on Mike - neither Lauren or Mike gave them an info.

Day 30: Immunity Challenge

This was a physically demanding and balancing one, traversing an obstacle course while balancing an urn (with a key inside) on a wheel barrow. After the obstacle course, they had to unlock puzzle pieces with the key and stack the blocks in a vertical puzzle word: INVULNERABLE.

Chrissy won the immunity challenge.

Back at camp: Ashley and Lauren want Ben out, but in the end, Joe, who was too cocky and sure of himself, was voted off!

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?

I can relate to people from all paths of life, I work in a diverse community with diverse backgrounds in age, religion, and social status. I can converse with anyone about anything. With these stories, I’ll be able to manipulate individuals and my surroundings. I'm a likable, outspoken, and natural in most things I do. Nothing I do feels forced or uncomfortable. I'm well aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I'm not going to Survivor for vacation or fame. I'm not going to be away from my children for six weeks and come back empty handed. I can win this and I am confident I can.

Joe, you were not likable, you were definitely outspoken, and you failed at manipulating your way to the end.

So, now Mike is the last Healer left and on his own, unless Devon, Ashley and Lauren continue to try to get Ben out next and need his vote.

Lauren still has her secret advantage, which is no longer secret.

That's all for this week, folks!

[This message edited by looking forward at 11:41 AM, November 30th (Thursday)]

I was glad they didn't get rid of Ben this week. It might have been a good move, but he was working hard for that alliance and deserved to last another day.

It seems Ben is pretty easily manipulated, I would keep him around until Chrissy is out. I think she is the more dangerous player.

I'm rooting for Lauren!

Tomorrow night's episode:

Not Going To Roll Over and Die

The castaways receive a much-needed visit from their loved ones; one castaway must snatch an idol in plain sight.

CBS has set the date for the season finale of “Survivor” 35, dubbed “Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers.” The two-hour finale will air on Wednesday, December 20 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.

As usual, a one-hour reunion show will air immediately afterward, featuring all of the season’s castaways and hosted by four-time Emmy winner Jeff Probst.

[This message edited by looking forward at 1:42 PM, December 5th (Tuesday)]

Episode Recap from last night

Lauren was voted off last night and is the 5th member of the Jury.

The episode started off with a synopsis of last week's episode.

Night 30:

After Tribal...back at camp:

Ben is a double agent, he found an idol, but the core four consider him a threat.

Ryan played his idol, and Chrissy, Mike, and Ryan were stunned (aka blindsided) that Joe was voted out. Mike feels "screwed". Ryan says he was duped, having played his idol.

Ben and Chrissy get into an argument; Chrissy is pissed and calls Ben a jerk.

Day 31: Family Reunion

Lauren was voted off 12th and she is the fifth member of the Jury.

Recap:

Last night's episode was the Family Reunion one, with a barbecue and time together as the reward. It was different in that there was no challenge at all! Each player and their loved one had a bag containing a white marble and a black one. They had to pull out a marble. If the colours matched, then they were safe. If the colours didn't match, they were eliminated.

Round 1: Lauren, Mike, Ryan, Ashley and Devon were eliminated; Ben and Chrissy and their loved ones had matching marbles.

Round 2: Chrissy vs Ben: Chrissy won. She chose Ryan and his dad, Mike and his wife, and Ashley and her dad to participate in the reward challenge.

Chrissy, in a separate interview, said that it was not the time to cross her. At the reward, she tried to convince Ashley to join her alliance of her, Ryan and Mike.

Meanwhile, back at camp.....Ben makes a fake idol, shows it to Lauren and Devon, and hopes that Chrissy finds it and eventually makes a fool of herself at Tribal.

Lauren finds one-half of an idol: the string. In the message it states that the other half will be in plain sight at the Immunity challenge (a shell)and she has to retrieve it surreptitiously.

Day 33: Immunity Challenge

This was a physical challenge. Players had to stand with their arms outstretched horizontally and, with their fingertips only, keep two disks from falling. Ben was first out,followed by Chrissy, Ryan, Lauren, Mike and Devon. Ashley won immunity. Lauren deliberately dropped out because she needed to retrieve the shell at the base of her feet.

Back at camp, Chrissy reiterates that she wants Ben out. Ben is worried. Ben tells Mike that Lauren has an idol, plus her advantage.

So now everybody knows who has idols, advantages, etc. EXCEPT no one knows that Ben has an idol.

As a meaure of trust, Lauren gives Mike the shell part of her idol (a Survivor major no-no ).

It was quite a vocal tribal council. Players moved around whispering who to vote out. Lauren admits that she tore up her advantage and wouldn't have used it.

Mike throws Lauren's shell into the fire! So much for trust, Lauren.

Ben plays his idol.

Vote was 6 for Ben, 1 for Lauren.

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?

I have always been a survivor and everything I have obtained was through perseverance, personal risk (through all climate and weather conditions), hard work and working with the public. I have always put myself on the line and always will.

Well, Lauren (whom I really liked), your experiences of personal risk obviously didn't include trusting people. Mike screwed you. But I believe you to be a very fair-minded person who will vote at final Tribal for the person you deem played the best game, not a personal vendetta against one of the finalists. I hope I'm right. I'll find out in two weeks.

[This message edited by looking forward at 10:27 AM, December 7th (Thursday)]

Wednesday nights tribal was one of the craziest I have ever seen. Did we know Ben had an idol? I was hoping he would be gone. I am sort of rooting for Chrissy.

@undertherug (Yay! Another reader )

Yes, we knew Ben found an idol on Day 25-27, can't remember which day. But he was smart. He didn't tell anybody.

And still nobody knows.

Personally, I don't like Chrissy at all. She is playing a smart game, though.

I am rooting for an underdog like Mike.

Next Wednesday's episode (December 13th)

The Survivor Devil

Castaways battle to win individual immunity to earn a spot in the final five.

Looking forward -- I assume you are still working on your synopsis of last nights show. I know they probably shoot hours and hours of film and most of it has to wind up on the cutting room floor, but I really hate it when someone shows up to tribal with an idol we the viewing audience did not know about. I wonder if Crissy is worried about being the only woman left. I am about ready for Ben to go home but it's really possible he will win the whole thing. As an aside that has no relevance to anything -- I knew a woman who competed on one of the earlier seasons and she would not tell anyone anything about what went on.

Today's update in three parts

1) Ashley was voted off by all except her vote for Mike. She is the sixth member of the Jury. Needless to say, she was shocked! Ben & Chrissy were her original Heroes tribemates.

Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?

If you're not first, you're last—and I refuse to be last. I have never given up or settled for second best at anything in my life. I know that my body is capable of way more than the average human and mentally I have the strong will, stubbornness, and confidence to ensure that I will be there at the end. Being the Sole Survivor is what is meant for my life next.

Alas, Ashley, your life now has a new curve ball. You said in your interview, "I get super anxious when life starts to settle too much so I really needed another curve ball in life to mix things up a bit and this is certainly it."

2) @ undertherug: (Are you in the Atlantic Time Zone??? ) I'm EST.

I agree with the editing issues. We knew Ben had found the clue to the idol and saw him surreptiously trying to find it later in camp, but we went to Tribal without knowing if had found it....building up the suspense, no doubt was CBS's intention.

Re:

I knew a woman who competed on one of the earlier seasons and she would not tell anyone anything about what went on.

Actually, it's quite interesting what the would-be contestants have to legally sign for this show. I suggest you Google because we aren't allowed to share links to other sites.

In a nutshell:

~ In exchange for playing for $1 million...contestants must sign detailed legal agreements with SEG, Mark Burnett’s Survivor Entertainment Group.

~ They are all signed before a contestant goes to Los Angeles as a finalist for casting, meaning many people who never appeared on television have signed these.

~ It is very restrictive. The contract allows for, among other things, CBS to register a domain name in the contestant’s name and use it forever; the “fictionalization” of a person, including for “a humorous or satirical effect”; and the assignment of copyright and other rights to material one produces while on the show, such as an original song.

It also prohibits contestants from having a personal web site during the show (incredibly, pre-existing personal sites must be changed to say “Site Under Construction”) or from writing or commenting online anywhere about anything, even if it has nothing to do with the show (tell that to all the contestants on Facebook). They may also never write a book about their experiences, and contestants and family members also agree to resolve any disputes in binding arbitration.

~ Contestants also have to:

-agree that the environment means subjecting oneself to risks including “severe mental stress.”

-agree to “be considered an ’employee of Producer'” “for the purposes of workers’ compensation only.”

-notify producers if they discover a fellow contestant is someone they know.

-agree to “not defame, disparage or cast in an unfavorable light Producer, the CBS Television Network or any CBS entity or any sponsors of the Series.”

-“not advertise my winning of any prize.”

-be available for a week following the finale to do press.

-give CBS an exclusive option to enter them into “a talent hold agreement.”

-agree to psychological exams and lie detector tests, the results of which can be broadcast on TV.

-refuse contact with past cast members or physical contact with same-season cast members until after the finale.

-agree that they may be further injured because of the lack of health care facilities, and may contract HIV or other diseases from contaminated blood supplies in remote hospitals.

-pay $5 million each time they violate the confidentiality agreement.

Now the above is from a few years ago, and some terms may have changed.

3) Last Night's Episode "The Devil Survivor" Recap

Night 33: Back at camp

Ben realizes that his alliance has turned against him. He says, "No hard feelings." Ryan says, "That's how you play an idol." Devon calls Ben the Survivor Devil (hence the title of tonight's episode). Devon tells Ben that he shouldn't have voted out Lauren. So now Devon is in Ben's sights!

Day 34

Gotta find another idol, right?

So, early in the morning, Ben stokes the fire while everyone is still sleeping and heads out for more firewood and, of course, searching for an idol. When the others awaken, they realize he's gone and Chrissy reiterates that Ben must go.

Ben comes back with firewood.

Reward Challenge

The six are divided into pairs: Ben-Ashley, Chrissy-Devon and Ryan-Mike.

The reward is being taken to a private home on a private island overnight with lots of food and drink, as well as sleeping in a bed.

The castaways were tied together and had to make their way through an obstacle course (over/under/thru)until they reached the ring toss (successfully launch 5 rings onto the hooks.) Devon managed to beat Ben and he and Chrissy won. But Jeff tells them they have to choose one person to accompany them. After a brief huddle, they chose Ryan. Ashley was shocked! I mean really, really shocked!

While enjoying their reward, Chrissy, Ryan and Devon agree on final three.

Back at camp, Ben tries to talk to Ashley but she won't communicate. Now she is in Ben's sights.

Day 36: Immunity Challenge

This was another physically demanding challenge - racing through obstacles, tossing a sandbag into a basketball net, releasing a ladder....the final challenge was to assemble a cog (gear) puzzle and turn the handle to release your flag.

Chrissy won!

Back at camp, Ben wanders off again. He finds a clue to the hidden immunity idol. It is under the bamboo bed. He returns to camp, casually lays down and strategically places his hat over a certain spot and his hand disappears underneath. The others are chatting a distance away.

Did he find an idol?

At Tribal:

It was quite the lively discussion.

Ben produces an immunity necklace and my first thought was this the one he made a few episodes ago. So the back-and-forth continues with the six and Jeff. Ben takes the necklace over to Jeff who confirms that is the real one. So the rest are dumbfounded, of course, and they target their next in line to be voted out by writing her name.

Ashley was voted out 5 to 1 - even her buddy Ben voted for her. She was not a happy camper!!

BTW she voted for Mike.

So.....next Wednesday is the finale - live two hour show with the live reunion afterwards.

Who do you want to win?

Wow, I had never googled it and had no idea of what the contestants had to agree to to be considered for the show. No wonder the woman I knew would not share anything. As for my favorite: gotta be Chrissy with Mike next if she gets voted out. Who are you pulling for?

@undertherug:

Season 35 (this one) and Season 36 (starts in February) were filmed back-to-back. In his interview Jeff said that on one of the seasons an underdog wins.

So, if it's this season, it might be Mike or Ryan.

Who do I want to win? I don't like Ben or Chrissy.

Strategically, Chrissy has played an awesome game. So the jury has to decide if winning challenges, etc. is more "survivor ideal" than staying under the radar like Mike, Devon and Ryan.

I really don't have a preference.

Can't wait until next Wednesday!!

[This message edited by looking forward at 10:14 AM, December 14th (Thursday)]

I believe Ryan or Ben will win. I think Devon will not. Mike could win with this jury. in watching the show there is usually a story teller and the winner in every episode. Ryan and Ben are the story teller or the winner not sure which. I don’t have a preference at this point.

[This message edited by PricklePatch at 11:59 AM, December 14th (Thursday)]

FINALE TONIGHT!

WHO WILL WIN? Jeff Probst promises 'one of the best Survivor finales'

And then, there were five.

On Wednesday’s three-hour Survivor finale and reunion extravaganza, either surfer Devon Pinto, bellhop Ryan Ulrich, urologist Dr. Mike Zahalsky, actuary Chrissy Hofbeck or former Marine Ben Driebergen will pocket a cool one million dollars.

In an interview This past September, host Jeff Probst teased the season was less about hustlers, heroes and healers – and more about secrets.

The problem was none of these blabbermouths could keep a secret.

The most idiotic moves in recent memory:

~ Dr. Mike, not only wasting the Immunity Idol he found by playing it during a tribal in which he wasn’t in danger, to Dr. Mike later throwing, in the FIRE, one half of the Immunity Idol Lauren Rimmer had lent him to prove her loyalty.

~ Speaking of Lauren, she couldn’t help but tell anyone who would listen she had a secret voting advantage in the game and used it the first time she could when she didn’t really need to.

~ Ryan confiding in Ben about his Idol without telling his secret alliance mate Devon he spilled all to the Marine.

So fingers crossed we will be rewarded tonight with an epic winner, final tribal council and reunion show.

Even Probst promised us the finale was one the best in the show’s recent history.

FINAL FIVE ODDS

Devon Pinto: 3/2

Chrissy Hofbeck: 5/2

Ben Driebergen: 10/3

Mike Zahalsky: 25/1

Ryan Ulrich: 25/1

The finale starts at 8:00 pm EST.

[This message edited by looking forward at 8:31 AM, December 20th (Wednesday)]

ROOTING FOR BEN!!

OMG this challenge is insane

Fall Chrissy FALL

DAMN. I do not like her for some reason.

Poor Ben

YAY!! Congrats Ben!