The first half of the season comes to a dramatic close.
My, how times have changed in just seven days.
Well, do not expect that to be a problem moving forward.
Credit: Robert Voets/CBS
In a span of just 20 minutes of airtime, three idols and advantages were obtained by players.
Think about that: two idols and one advantage in 20 minutes.
And thats exactly what the show did this week with the two most famous props inSurvivorhistory.
(Candy and presents galore!)
But there is a secret nobody knows, Michael read from the note after finding Ozzys stick.
For 10 years this stick has been living on Ghost Island, slowly gaining power.
And as of this moment, it has fully matured into a real hidden immunity idol.
WAIT…WHAT?!?!
Heres how my note that came with the stick would have read.
A weapon of unimaginable power, forged out of the simplest of materials mere wood.
It bore the markings of friend rather than foe a metaphorical and literal smile.
But within lurked danger.
Many tried to ascertain its true power.
Now, it has returned.
Its power morphed and magnified.
And, above all else…THIS TIME, ITS PERSONAL!!!!
So, that would have beenmynote.
But producers cant control when those idols are found, so thats not all on them.
Lets just hope they dont all end up in action at the same time and someone gets Ciried.
And there could be more coming.
Well see how it all shakes out.
But lets sum up the other big things about this latest episode.
Well, two things actually.
There was a lot less crying.
But there was another big change as well.
On her last visit to GI, Kellyn was offered a chance to play for an advantage.
But she had to risk her vote at the next Tribal Council to partake.
There were two bamboos and all she had to do was pick the one with the advantage to win.
That seems super odd.
Whats the reasoning for changing the power (in this case, lessening it) for this item?
I dont get it.
I think its an inspired idea by producers.
Not only does it just sound cool, but itiscool.
All of that is great.
But thenwhatthey are playing just does not make for spectacular television viewing.
Picking a bamboo is about as dramatic as last seasons loved ones pick-a-rock reward challenge.
(Think everyone can dive 13 feet down in the ocean?
Just ask my boy James Lim.)
That would certainly make for more riveting viewing.
Two Challenging SituationsLoved both the challenges this week.
This one is always great for two reasons.
1: Teams are practically guaranteed to get close to the end and then watch their entire stack fall.
Honestly, there is nothing more enjoyable in the entire universe than watching this.
2: The second reason why this challenge always works is that is leads to intra-tribe sniping.
And by good things, I mean bickering and bitching at even the slightest transgression.
Once again, high-five your friends and family.
The immunity challenge was equally as fun, and not just for Domenicks epic belly flops.
Seriously, does he not know how to dive?
If he doesnt, thats totally fine.
I loved it, especially when he full-on belly-flopped.
Two fun challenges this episode gets two thumbs up from yours truly.
I mean, I knowwhyaccording to the edit, but it makes little sense.
According to what we saw, Dom and Chelsea turned on Bradley simply because of his bossy annoying attitude.
Hes not aware that hes a nasty son of a bitch, Dom told us.
Now, correct me if Im wrong, but isnt that exactlywhyyou would keep someone in this game?
Dragging along the annoying person nobody can stand is a long, proudSurvivortradition.
Usually the person that drives everyone crazy is the one you want sitting next to you at the end.
(See: Sheppard, Phillip.)
?They couldnt have known for sure that a merge was coming with 13 people.
Again, I cant make any sense of how this was a strong strategic play.
Is there something else we didnt see?
Was there a trust issue with Bradley?
Possibly, but they never said that.
And Bradley told us just a few days prior how he considered Dom his biggest ally in the game.
Something just doesnt add up.
Did Domenick and Chelsea really get rid of an alliance member just because he was bossy and annoying?
That seems really shortsighted and I had Dom pegged as a much better player than that.
But thats all the episode really showed us and thats all we can go on.
Big Bad BradleyAs I wrote last week, Bradley has relished playing the role of villain.
For me, the hardest test out here is to not be a total dick, he said.
Because historically in my personal life, thats been what derails it all.
And that ultimately seems to be what derailed it all again here.
This was not entirely unforeseen.
Thats how I always took his bragging that he was half laughing at himself every time he spoke.
I kind of found it oddly endearing, but then again, Im kind of an odd guy.
I call this sitcom sure to change the face of televisionBrad About You coming to CBS this fall.
Speaking of which, we have plenty moreSurvivorgoodies for you to devour.
Theres ourweekly Q&Awith Hostmaster General Jeff Probst that is always a must read for any fan.
Plus, theres our exclusive deleted scene from last nights episode above, along with other video goodies.
And for moreSurvivorscoop, double-check to follow me on Twitter@DaltonRoss.
Did Dom and Chelsea make the right strategic move in ousting Bradley?
Are you psyched or sorry to see him go?
And what are your thoughts on the made-up 10 year backstory for Ozzys stick and Eriks necklace?
Hit the message boards to weigh in and Ill be back next week with another scoop of the crispy!
