Survivor: Heroes vs Villains Episode 10
I really loved Survivor in college and vowed to watch it till the end. Unfortunately, the latter seasons were rather predictable and boring that it felt more like an obligation than a pleasure to watch. And then Survivor: Fans vs Favorites came on and thought it redeemed the show (lots of twists!). But then we were once again subjected to ennui with Survivor: Gabon and Survivor: Tocantins. Thankfully, the one after that, Survivor: Samoa, was more exciting but that was probably only because of Russell, who should have won it big time. But I tell ya, nothing compares with the all-star seasons! Never a dull moment plus no boring characters to waste screen time on! Everyone’s playing the game and I LOVE it.
Warning — spoilers ahead! (And oh, 40 screencaps.)
Which is why I’ve been following Heroes vs Villains (on time) this time round. I love it that every contestant acts like a pro, feeling the need to play his A-game 24/7 (this is especially true for the villains). And wasn’t it amazing to see relatively new Survivor Russell get Boston Rob voted out on episode 7?! After getting eliminated early on in The Amazing Race All-Stars and this recent voting-off, I guess it’s time that Rob retire from reality TV!
Anyway, last night’s episode proves the point that the show is more interesting with an all-star cast. That move by Parvati easily goes down as one of the best plays ever in the game! And yes, JT’s giving Russell his hidden immunity idol (accompanied by a love letter) IS the most hilarious move ever! But oh Parvati, you are one sneaky little thing, you.
* * *
If anybody has a hidden immunity idol and you want to play it, now would be the time to do so.
(…)
You know what, Jeff, I know it would be downright depressing to sit and watch green bananas turn yellow without my debaucherous little villains so…
Sandra, that’s for you.
Get out of here, for real?
(…)
And Jeff, I would just like to increase our odds so…
(…)
Jerri, that one’s for you, too!
(Damn it.)
(…)
(!!!)
(…)
The rules of Survivor state that if anybody plays a hidden immunity idol then any votes cast against that person will not count.
These are both hidden immunity idols. Any votes cast for Sandra or Jerri will not count.
(I knew we shouldn’t have trusted that __________.)
First vote… Jerri. Does not count.
Jerri. Does not count.
Jerri. Does not count.
Jerri. Does not count.
Jerri. Does not count.
JT. One vote JT.
…
JT…
The tribe has spoken.
It’s time for you to go.
Good luck, y’all!
* * *
At this point, I pretty much like the remaining contestants. Generally, I don’t like the idea of bringing back past winners to take part in an all-stars season but I don’t mind the presence of Sandra and Parvati at all. On Sandra: I don’t think she was necessarily a villain in Pearl Islands and thought the show had forgotten about her because she wasn’t cast in Fans vs Favorites. Seeing her back this season reminded me what an outspoken character she is. Gotta love that little face-off with Danielle in a recent tribal council! Needless to say, I rooted for her then and I’m still rooting for her now. Parvati, on the other hand, truly knows how to work her magic. Drop-dead gorgeous looks + good social skills + clever scheming will never do you wrong in this game. Of course I’m on the Heroes side but this girl never ceases to amaze me with her gameplay.
Honestly, I wasn’t that excited to see Rupert (and his tie-dye shirt) again on the show. But now that the two tribes have merged, I can’t wait for him and Sandra to rekindle old ties and form an alliance once again. On Amanda: for some reason I like her even though UNTIL NOW she still isn’t playing quite a good social game. She made it to the finals in Survivor: China and Survivor: Fans vs Favorites but won neither of them because she didn’t come across as genuine and honest to the jury. This time she doesn’t appear to have learned from past mistakes; it didn’t take much for the wily Parvati to see right through her this last episode.
Overall, this season is kicking ass and I look forward to watching the scheming and plotting unfold. Truthfully, I wouldn’t mind an all-star cast every season until the show expires.
