In advance of this Wednesday’s two-hour premiere of “Survivor: Winners at War,” which starts at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. CBS aired last week a special look back titled “Survivor at 40.” Many of the flashbacks that were highlighted from past seasons featured more than a few standout castaways — including some of the 20 Sole Survivors who will be returning for the special anniversary edition of the show.
They ranged from devious Boston Rob Mariano proposing to wife-to-be Amber right before she was named the winner of Season 8 to nerdy fave favorite Christian Hubicki from Season 37 hanging on a narrow perch for dear life in the blazing sun for five hours just to prove he could win an individual immunity challenge.
See ‘Survivor’ spoiler: Yep, Edge of Extinction returns in ‘Winners at War’ — the agony!
But in our poll of “Survivor” fans, there was one clear standout from all of the past...
They ranged from devious Boston Rob Mariano proposing to wife-to-be Amber right before she was named the winner of Season 8 to nerdy fave favorite Christian Hubicki from Season 37 hanging on a narrow perch for dear life in the blazing sun for five hours just to prove he could win an individual immunity challenge.
See ‘Survivor’ spoiler: Yep, Edge of Extinction returns in ‘Winners at War’ — the agony!
But in our poll of “Survivor” fans, there was one clear standout from all of the past...
- 2/11/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Wednesday’s season premiere of “Survivor: Island of the Idols” was one of the show’s strongest, certainly of the last 10 seasons, but quite possibly among the best in its 19-year history. We are so high on the premiere that it’s giving us hope that producers have course-corrected some of the poor editing and meandering storylines that plagued the last few seasons. Four seasons ago Ben Driebergen‘s eventual win was blatantly obvious from the jump due to his heroic editing and just last season the “Edge of Extinction” twist corrupted the tail end of a season where the story was forced to focus on endgame players that would eventually lose to Chris Underwood, a player who was in the game proper for only 13 of 39 days,
So what made us think that the “Island of the Idols” premiere was a promising start to what could be one of the...
So what made us think that the “Island of the Idols” premiere was a promising start to what could be one of the...
- 9/28/2019
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
There are still two episodes of “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” left to air, but we’re already certain that the Season 37 cast is one of the best in series history. From Angelina Keeley‘s jacket woes to Christian Hubicki and Gabby Pascuzzi‘s nerdmance, the current cast has brought the LOLs, tears and some iconic tribal council votes. But are Wtf moments the only thing that matter in determining whether you like a cast or not? There’s also style of play, chemistry between contestants and whether or not the best characters are also the best players. How do You define the best “Survivor” cast of all time?
Below, take our poll to decide which is the best overall cast in “Survivor” history. To help you decide we’ve narrowed the field down to our Top 8 most legendary casts and offer a brief analysis of what makes them are favorites.
Below, take our poll to decide which is the best overall cast in “Survivor” history. To help you decide we’ve narrowed the field down to our Top 8 most legendary casts and offer a brief analysis of what makes them are favorites.
- 12/12/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Who was voted out in Wednesday’s seventh episode of CBS’s “Survivor: Ghost Island”? Heading into the episode, the Malolo tribe had a lot to prove as they hadn’t won a single challenge since way back in Episode 3. However, the four current tribe members — Michael Yerger, Desiree Afuye, Kellyn Bechtold and Angela Perkins — tried to “reverse the curse” by burning their tribe flag. Did their controversial act appease the “Survivor” gods? And were Gold Derby’s predictions correct that Bradley Kleihege went home this week?
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Ghost Island” recap of Season 36, Episode 7, titled “Gotta Risk it For the Biscuit,” to find out what happened Wednesday, April 4. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaway, who annoys you the most, and who you think can go the distance to join the “Survivor” winners list. Keep refreshing/reloading this...
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Ghost Island” recap of Season 36, Episode 7, titled “Gotta Risk it For the Biscuit,” to find out what happened Wednesday, April 4. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaway, who annoys you the most, and who you think can go the distance to join the “Survivor” winners list. Keep refreshing/reloading this...
- 4/4/2018
- by John Benutty and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
A Miss USA competitor, two former NFL players, and an Iraq war veteran are among the contestants who will be playing for $1 million when Survivor: Redemption Island premieres Wednesday, February 16 on CBS. But the most famous faces competing have yet to be announced, as two former players will once again be returning to the game, bringing the total contestant count to 18. (Their identities will be revealed later in the week.) This will not be the first time that two former players have come back to lead their tribes into battle: Stephenie Lagrossa and Bobby Jon Drinkard of Survivor: Palau returned for the Guatemala season,...
- 1/10/2011
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Natalie White may be the most unexpected winner of Survivor since the series began ten years ago. She is a skinny, non-athletic, unassuming 26 year old who purposely stayed "under the radar" throughout the season. As the saying goes: "Never underestimate the power of a woman." Natalie had taken a risk to join the cast of the show by quitting her job as a pharmaceutical sales representative in Van Buren, Arkansas. As she professed in her speech pleading her case to the jury on the last show, it was all part of her plan to be underestimated and not a threat. She saw how one after another of the "strong" women were being eliminated and she decided to lay low. She also made a smart alliance with Russell Hantz (more on him later) which took...
- 12/30/2009
- by Joan E. Dowlin
- Huffington Post
To the chagrin of many Survivor enthusiasts, Natalie White walked away with this season's grand prize.
How did TV Fanatic's loyal Survivor watcher feel about this development? Not great, but not as bothered as many other fans of the series. After watching Sunday night's finale, he wrote in with his take on the events:
Russell absolutely should have won. The people who take the game personally bother me. It really is Just a game - but because it's so long and involves relationships, people treat it like real life. They can't distance themselves from it.
I've always wanted someone to stand up there and say: "I lied, I cheated, I beat you and you should crown me the winner because of it." I've always felt the jury would reward someone for honesty. I think that on many other seasons, Russell would have won, but he got a very personal jury this time.
How did TV Fanatic's loyal Survivor watcher feel about this development? Not great, but not as bothered as many other fans of the series. After watching Sunday night's finale, he wrote in with his take on the events:
Russell absolutely should have won. The people who take the game personally bother me. It really is Just a game - but because it's so long and involves relationships, people treat it like real life. They can't distance themselves from it.
I've always wanted someone to stand up there and say: "I lied, I cheated, I beat you and you should crown me the winner because of it." I've always felt the jury would reward someone for honesty. I think that on many other seasons, Russell would have won, but he got a very personal jury this time.
- 12/23/2009
- by matt@iscribelimited.com (M.L. House)
- TVfanatic
· Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton go incognito in what's either a new photo from Prince of Persia, or an attempt to sneak out undetected with one of Tobey Maguire's Blu-rays.
· Dollhouse may be ending its run, but at least star Eliza Dushku will have real-life boyfriend Rick Fox on set to keep her company.
· Survivor host Jeff Probst thinks that Russell was robbed in this week's big finale, and I'm inclined to agree. Freakin' Natalie?
· E!'s Marc Malkin says that Entourage's real-life couple of Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Jerry Ferrara has broken up.
· The man who inspired Rain Man has died. He was an excellent plot driver.
· Dollhouse may be ending its run, but at least star Eliza Dushku will have real-life boyfriend Rick Fox on set to keep her company.
· Survivor host Jeff Probst thinks that Russell was robbed in this week's big finale, and I'm inclined to agree. Freakin' Natalie?
· E!'s Marc Malkin says that Entourage's real-life couple of Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Jerry Ferrara has broken up.
· The man who inspired Rain Man has died. He was an excellent plot driver.
- 12/22/2009
- Movieline
If you watched the season finale of Survivor the other night, you probably noticed that, unlike a lot of runner-ups in the past, Russell Hantz was openly bitter and angry about not winning. He didn't try to hide it, which probably proved to the jury that they were right in voting for Natalie in the first place.
But Russell still thinks he should have won and he has just launched a new web site called RussellGotScrewed.com, where he asks you to vote for him if you think he's "America's Top Survivor." You can also make donations or buy shirts and other things in his store. Proceeds go to St. Jude's Hospital, which is a great thing, though I'm not sure exactly what he wants to accomplish with the whole "vote for me" thing. Maybe he wants a recount.
He even told Natalie on the finale that if she asked...
But Russell still thinks he should have won and he has just launched a new web site called RussellGotScrewed.com, where he asks you to vote for him if you think he's "America's Top Survivor." You can also make donations or buy shirts and other things in his store. Proceeds go to St. Jude's Hospital, which is a great thing, though I'm not sure exactly what he wants to accomplish with the whole "vote for me" thing. Maybe he wants a recount.
He even told Natalie on the finale that if she asked...
- 12/22/2009
- by Bob Sassone
- Aol TV.
Russell Hantz's new web site that laments his Survivor Samoa loss was created and registered more than one week before the live finale, during which he learned he lost. In other words, Russell knew--or at the very least, strongly suspected--well before the finale that he wasn't going to win. Of course, it's not all that surprising he expected to lose, considering Natalie told me she'd heard she won, though she also thought the jury might...
- 12/22/2009
- by Andy Dehnart
- Reality Blurred
Welcome to your Tuesday morning television briefing. Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Mia Kirschner (The L Word, 24) has been cast in a recurring role on the CW's The Vampire Diaries, where she will play Isobel, described as "the sweet-yet-dangerous wife of Matt Davis’ history teacher, Alaric." Kirschner will first appear in the January 21st episode. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files) Starz has renewed drama series Spartacus for a second season, more than a month before the first season even premieres. Season Two of the swords-and-sandals drama, entitled Spartacus: Vengeance, will go into production early next year, with executive producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen, and Steven S. DeKnight all returning for Season Two. [Editor: Look for former Dollhouse staffers Mo Tancharoen and Jed Whedon to also turn up on the writing staff for Season Two of Spartacus.] (Televisionary) Over at EW.com, Survivor host/producer Jeff Probst has written about the season finale of the CBS reality series and his belief that the wrong person won the grand prize. "I think...
- 12/22/2009
- by Jace
- Televisionary
The conclusion of Survivor Samoa drew more viewers than last December's finale of Survivor Gabon but the same number of people ages 18 to 49. CBS said that 14.07 million people watched Russell lose to Natalie; last year, 13.76 million watched the Gabon finale. That's an increase of about 300,000 total viewers. Last spring, 12.74 million people watched Jt win in Survivor Tocantins. The reunion was watched by 12.18 million people, although eight minutes of...
- 12/22/2009
- by Andy Dehnart
- Reality Blurred
Natalie White, the just-crowned "Survivor" winner, sat down to answer some questions from fans regarding the aftermath of her victory. Sitting next to her and also answering questions was runner-up Russell Hantz who was originally touted to be the winner of the "Samoa" edition.
"I'm so kind of in shock and definitely has not sunk in yet," Natalie said when asked whether she was surprised of being voted the winner on the Sunday, December 20 finale. "... I was so excited when I heard my name." Regarding her reaction to Shambo coming down hard on her during the jury vote, Natalie said, "She and I are great friends on the island. We truly were. I was probably the most shocked about her. Definitely took me off guard. [But] we've talked about it, she apologized. No biggie."
Russell took the turn, answering the question whether he did something wrong. To this he said, "I...
"I'm so kind of in shock and definitely has not sunk in yet," Natalie said when asked whether she was surprised of being voted the winner on the Sunday, December 20 finale. "... I was so excited when I heard my name." Regarding her reaction to Shambo coming down hard on her during the jury vote, Natalie said, "She and I are great friends on the island. We truly were. I was probably the most shocked about her. Definitely took me off guard. [But] we've talked about it, she apologized. No biggie."
Russell took the turn, answering the question whether he did something wrong. To this he said, "I...
- 12/22/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Sunday evening marked the three hour, season finale for CBS' 19th season of their popular reality series "Survivor". As usual, there were two regular episodes and the live reunion show where the winner was announced. I wasn't particularly happy with the results. Though he lied and cheated his way to the final two, Russell played a great game. Unfortunately, the jury wasn't pleased with his strategy thus Natalie Whie ended up taking home the $1 million check. Of course, she'll only get about half of that as the government with take the rest to put the country even more in debt. Nevermind that. We're not discussing politics. I guess congratulations are in order for Natalie, but I still think Russell deserved to win. I imagine he'll return for "Survivor: All Stars".
Read more...
Read more...
- 12/22/2009
- by Jared Owen
- Reel Empire
Okay, now that the show is officially over I’m going to take off my hosting and producing hat and just give you my personal reaction to what went down last night. I think Russell was the victim of a jury of bitter people. I am not taking anything away from Natalie, she clearly did a great job of reading the group dynamic of the jury and as a result she deserves the money. Oftentimes on Survivor, the vote does come down to a choice where a determining factor is “how nice someone is” but that’s usually when all...
- 12/22/2009
- by Jeff Probst
- EW.com - PopWatch
If you ever doubt Survivor is a game of social skills as much as strength, remember Natalie White. From the beginning of Survivor: Samoa, the odds seemed stacked against the 26-year-old southern belle and out-of-work pharmaceutical saleswoman. But she made it to the end by forming a key alliance with self-proclaimed "puppet master" Russell, whose manipulative ways got him into the final two, but made him too many enemies on the jury. How well did she play the social game? So well that one of her key supporters turned out to be Erik, a competitor whose elimination she had helped orchestrate. Natalie talked to TVGuide.com about her strategy, surprises in the final vote, and why she'll soon be returning to another warm climate...
Read More >...
Read More >...
- 12/21/2009
- by Kate Stanhope
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Our own Chris Jacobs delivers the best and worst celebrity of the day honors! We always begin with the best, and "Survivor: Samoa" winner Natalie White gets the vote for the best. After 39 days in Samoa, White shocked "Survivor" fans everywhere by taking the title and outwitting and outsmarting suspected winner Russell Hantz! "Nice work Natalie! Enjoy this award and your million dollar 'Survivor' cash prize!" says Chris. As for the worst celebrity of the day, Randy Quaid and his wife Evi get the award for allegedly avoiding the law for close to four months! The two reportedly skipped out on paying their pricey hotel bill in Santa Barbara earlier this year. Now, the couple is behind bars because of it!
[Read full story on The Insider]...
[Read full story on The Insider]...
- 12/21/2009
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
But were they tears of joy or pain? Spoiler Alert! Read no further if you're trying to avoid news as to who won Survivor: Samoa. (Seriously, stop reading if you don't want to know who won.) Okay, everyone all good from here on out? Then awaaaaaaay we go. Survivor: Samoa's shoulda been winner, Russell Hantz, talked as big a game as he played all season long. And he's not about to stop now. The morning after watching the game that he strategically dominated from start to finish be won instead by soft-spoken alliance mate Natalie, Russell was still fuming...
- 12/21/2009
- by Dalton Ross
- EW.com - PopWatch
Natalie White was pretty surprised when she was crowned winner of "Survivor: Samoa." Video below.
Natalie White, the girl Jaison described to us as "started out as the Southern belle and ended up killin' rats," won the grand prize on the 19th season of "Survivor."
She plans to use the money to take her boyfriend on a vacation, tithe 10% to her church and save the majority of the rest.
There were two really interesting points Natalie made about the final vote. First off, she doesn't know who she would've voted for if she hadn't been in the finals. She told Zap2it, "It would've depended on how I went out."
That leads us to think that at Final Five, Russell should've engineered Natalie's ouster via Brett, Mick and Jaison, while he himself voting with her to get Jaison out.
Secondly, Natalie had planned to campaign at Tribal with her...
Natalie White, the girl Jaison described to us as "started out as the Southern belle and ended up killin' rats," won the grand prize on the 19th season of "Survivor."
She plans to use the money to take her boyfriend on a vacation, tithe 10% to her church and save the majority of the rest.
There were two really interesting points Natalie made about the final vote. First off, she doesn't know who she would've voted for if she hadn't been in the finals. She told Zap2it, "It would've depended on how I went out."
That leads us to think that at Final Five, Russell should've engineered Natalie's ouster via Brett, Mick and Jaison, while he himself voting with her to get Jaison out.
Secondly, Natalie had planned to campaign at Tribal with her...
- 12/21/2009
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Survivor's Natalie White talked on CBS Early Show & received the $million. This morning, "Survivor: Samoa" 19 winner, Natalie White visited the CBS "Early Show" with runner up, Russell Hantz to give a brief interview. Natalie received her giant $1 million dollar check and rubbed it in Russell's face. Natalie said she was completely shocked,and that it hasn't sunk in yet, that she won it. Then,they brought her the huge $1 million dollar check. Russell really looked pissed. Russell continued on to say, that he doesn't think Natalie deserves the million dollars,and the world apparently didn't think she deserved it since she didn't even get the top 3 spot for fan favorite.
- 12/21/2009
- by Andre@ontheflix
- OnTheFlix
"Survivor: Samoa" contestant Brett Clouser was one teetering figurine away from winning a million dollars, but once he was on the jury, the decision about who should win was an easy one for him. Video below.
When we interviewed Brett Clouser at the "Survivor" finale, we assumed he voted for Natalie. What surprised us was his assertion that his mind wasn't made up until that final Tribal Council:
I voted for Natalie. Going into that Tribal Council, I had no idea who I was going to vote for, but based off of the argument that she was able to create and the way she communicated her strategies and the way she actually was able to connect with me as a human being made it a pretty easy decision for myself.
Interesting. We figured Brett was one of the shoo-in votes for Natalie because they'd gotten to be such good friends.
When we interviewed Brett Clouser at the "Survivor" finale, we assumed he voted for Natalie. What surprised us was his assertion that his mind wasn't made up until that final Tribal Council:
I voted for Natalie. Going into that Tribal Council, I had no idea who I was going to vote for, but based off of the argument that she was able to create and the way she communicated her strategies and the way she actually was able to connect with me as a human being made it a pretty easy decision for myself.
Interesting. We figured Brett was one of the shoo-in votes for Natalie because they'd gotten to be such good friends.
- 12/21/2009
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
What seemed to be the best season of Survivor turned into the most controversial when the winner of Survivor Samoa was announced as Natalie and not, Russell, who was a beast all season. Russell did win the $100,000 prize by getting the most home votes for player of the season, which was well deserved. Russell talks about the loss in the post finale interview below:
The season of Survivor may be over but the ebay auction is just getting started here: Survivor Samoa Ebay Auction...
The season of Survivor may be over but the ebay auction is just getting started here: Survivor Samoa Ebay Auction...
- 12/21/2009
- by noreply@blogger.com (realitytv)
Going into last night's Survivor Reunion show I wasn't certain how the fans were going to react. Would they boo Russell out of the building like a wrestling villain? Would they hail him as the conquering hero come home from war? Would they get behind someone else - Natalie, Brett or Jaison?
In reality CBS Studio City felt like a storm brewing, with warm and cold fronts of fan reactions meeting in the middle. Half the crowd erupted when Brett won the first immunity, and the other half responded in turn when Russell won the last. The split decision was fitting, since no one since Richard Hatch has generated such heated and contradictory emotions. ...
In reality CBS Studio City felt like a storm brewing, with warm and cold fronts of fan reactions meeting in the middle. Half the crowd erupted when Brett won the first immunity, and the other half responded in turn when Russell won the last. The split decision was fitting, since no one since Richard Hatch has generated such heated and contradictory emotions. ...
- 12/21/2009
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Last night Natalie White won Survivor: Samoa by a 7 to 2 vote. I may be one of the few people who can honestly say they were rooting for her from Day One. For two months in 2007 we both lived in the same small town of Van Buren, Arkansas. My fiance was from Van Buren, and we were visiting her family over the holidays after a 2,000 mile post-graduation road trip.
If Natalie and I ever passed at Wal-Mart or the Calico County soul food restaurant, I certainly didn't notice. But I know the effect the Whirlpool Factory layoffs had on the whole town, and the way the town's single Broadway looked anachronistic, not because the people there were livingin the past but because they didn't have the money to refurbish it every 30 years.
If Natalie and I ever passed at Wal-Mart or the Calico County soul food restaurant, I certainly didn't notice. But I know the effect the Whirlpool Factory layoffs had on the whole town, and the way the town's single Broadway looked anachronistic, not because the people there were livingin the past but because they didn't have the money to refurbish it every 30 years.
- 12/21/2009
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
The tribal council has voted, declaring Natalie White the winner of "Survivor: Somoa." The million-dollar prize winner spoke to "The Insider" following the big news. To win the reality competition, Natalie outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted 19 other contestants in the physically and mentally brutal reality show. Now that the competition has ended, she divulged her strategy to "The Insider": "It is a huge, huge social game. You have to get to know the people on your jury. You have to figure out what you think their voting criteria is going to be, so at your final speech, you know how to tailor your message. You know how to address your jury. You have to close. It's just like sales." What is she going to do with her big check? "I want to take [my boyfriend Justin] on a vacation. That's my selfish purchase," she says. She is not going to spend it all right away.
- 12/21/2009
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
Did Natalie deserve the win on Survivor: Samoa? Yes.
For one, her strategy--lying low and hanging on with arguably the best player this season--is a valid one. She's right: the more aggressive female contestants get eliminated early on. She was right about Marisa, who got kicked because she felt Russell was playing the game too hard. Same goes for Betsy. We all did treat her lightly, just as part of the so-called "dumb-ass girl alliance" that he was done with early on in the game.
For one, her strategy--lying low and hanging on with arguably the best player this season--is a valid one. She's right: the more aggressive female contestants get eliminated early on. She was right about Marisa, who got kicked because she felt Russell was playing the game too hard. Same goes for Betsy. We all did treat her lightly, just as part of the so-called "dumb-ass girl alliance" that he was done with early on in the game.
- 12/21/2009
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
"Evil" Russell Hantz was one of the most polarizing contestants in "Survivor" history. Find out if Russell and his fellow Final Five see him as a hero or a villain and vote for yourself in our poll.
We attended the "Survivor: Samoa" finale tonight and after they teased that the 20th season of "Survivor" is going to be Heroes vs Villains, the question on everyone's mind was if Russell would be included. He got asked at every turn on the red carpet.
We happen to think it's highly likely that Russell was asked to participate, so the question on our minds is: Which side is Russell Hantz on?
We asked Natalie, Brett, Mick and Jaison on what side they felt Russel should be cast if he does in fact participate in next season's show. They unanimously said "villain." Mick went so far as to laugh at us for even asking the question,...
We attended the "Survivor: Samoa" finale tonight and after they teased that the 20th season of "Survivor" is going to be Heroes vs Villains, the question on everyone's mind was if Russell would be included. He got asked at every turn on the red carpet.
We happen to think it's highly likely that Russell was asked to participate, so the question on our minds is: Which side is Russell Hantz on?
We asked Natalie, Brett, Mick and Jaison on what side they felt Russel should be cast if he does in fact participate in next season's show. They unanimously said "villain." Mick went so far as to laugh at us for even asking the question,...
- 12/21/2009
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The winner of "Survivor: Samoa" was named Sunday night. After a season that saw two contestants go home for medical reasons and in which the competitors survived extremely difficult conditions, 26-year-old former pharmaceutical saleswoman Natalie White was named the sole survivor and the million dollar winner. The season finale found the final four members of the Foa Foa tribe attempting to block the final surviving Galu tribe member, Brett Clouser, from winning immunity and making it to the final. When he won immunity in the first immunity challenge, the Foa Foas had to send one of their own home, and citing a recent lack of game spirit, they voted off Jaison Robinson. In the final immunity challenge, a nailbiter that involved balancing a figurine on an increasingly lengthy pole, it came down to Russell Hantz and Brett, but in the end, Russell was victorious, and it was the final three...
- 12/21/2009
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
Russell connived his way to the final three, but did anybody ever seriously think he was going to win? When it all came down to Russell, Natalie, and Mick it was clear that Russell wasn't going to get the votes. C'mon, who would seriously surrender the opportunity to bury Russell for the sake of objectivity?
Russell may have been an excellent manipulator, but there is always the other side of the equation: someday, those who you manipulated against will have their say in your fate. Tonight, they all spoke loud and clear.
Russell managed only two votes, despite performing well in all of the challenges. Is anybody surprised by this, though? Regardless of how they perform, it's still going to come down to likability at the end – a facet of the game that Russell invested zero time in building. Oh well, one thing is for sure: Russell has cemented himself...
Russell may have been an excellent manipulator, but there is always the other side of the equation: someday, those who you manipulated against will have their say in your fate. Tonight, they all spoke loud and clear.
Russell managed only two votes, despite performing well in all of the challenges. Is anybody surprised by this, though? Regardless of how they perform, it's still going to come down to likability at the end – a facet of the game that Russell invested zero time in building. Oh well, one thing is for sure: Russell has cemented himself...
- 12/21/2009
- by Jon Lachonis
- TVovermind.com
Natalie White, the 26-year-old whom Russell Hantz took under his wings, has won the Samoa edition of "Survivor". The former pharmaceutical sales rep from Van Buren, Arkansas took the title of sole survivor when she gained 5 out of the 7 votes from the jury panel.
Russell, in the meantime was placed second with two votes while Mick Trimming who got none was crowned the second runner-up. The finale on Sunday, December 20 begun with the elimination of Jaison and Brett in respective order. Brett won his third immunity but in the final immunity competition, Russell beat him.
The final three were down to Mick, Russell and Natalie. Despite Russell's reputation of being a gameplayer, the jury consisting of Dave, Laura, Kelly, Brett, Jaison, Shambo and Erik picked Natalie as the winner except for Shambo. The woman whom Russell voted out last week rooted on Russell to win. Natalie is thus the...
Russell, in the meantime was placed second with two votes while Mick Trimming who got none was crowned the second runner-up. The finale on Sunday, December 20 begun with the elimination of Jaison and Brett in respective order. Brett won his third immunity but in the final immunity competition, Russell beat him.
The final three were down to Mick, Russell and Natalie. Despite Russell's reputation of being a gameplayer, the jury consisting of Dave, Laura, Kelly, Brett, Jaison, Shambo and Erik picked Natalie as the winner except for Shambo. The woman whom Russell voted out last week rooted on Russell to win. Natalie is thus the...
- 12/21/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
After 39 days, 15 vote-offs, 4 hidden immunity idols found, 2 medical evacuations, 1 escaped chicken, and countless acts of bravado and buffoonery, Survivor: Samoa finally has crowned its million dollar winner. Is it raucous Russell, who burned socks, emptied canteens, and collected idols; Natalie, whose smartest move was to never question Russell; Jaison, who took a stand against Ben early in the game and then promptly sat down and let Russell do the rest; Mick, who was elected tribe leader and then led exactly no one; or Brett, who went on an immunity winning spree right when he needed to? Well, find out the who,...
- 12/21/2009
- by Dalton Ross
- EW.com - PopWatch
Natalie White convincingly wins "Survivor: Samoa" season 19. Tonight's 3 hour finale show started off with a brief recap of the entire season. They showed two regular shows. Then, they aired the live reunion show where the winner was announced. In the first regular show, Russell was still wanting to get Brett out. In fact, everyone wanted Brett out. They immediately headed over to their next immunity challenge,which involved putting a puzzle together. Brett won it again to take immunity for a 3rd consecutive time. Russell decided he wanted to keep Natalie and get rid of Jaison,so he pitched the idea to Mick.
- 12/21/2009
- by Andre@ontheflix
- OnTheFlix
Ahh, Survivor reunion shows. As much as they try, sometimes there's nothing you can really glean from it. Then again, it's supposed to be good old fun, a breather after 39 intense days on location. The same happens here, although admittedly Survivor: Samoa was a pretty different season: two medical evacuations, one castaway kicked out of a challenge, and a pretty good storyline--not to mention Russell, who now looks absolutely glum after Natalie ended up winning the whole season, seven votes to two.
Say it with me. "Oh my word, oh my word, oh my word!"...
Say it with me. "Oh my word, oh my word, oh my word!"...
- 12/20/2009
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Shannon "Shambo" Waters was voted out on the penultimate episode of "Survivor: Samoa." Now she wants to bury the hatchet, hug everybody and hopefully get to dance with Ellen DeGeneres.
What were you up to before Survivor?
I've been in restaurant sales for 11 years.
Did you go back to that as soon as the show wrapped?
I was pretty beat up when I got home, so I took a couple more weeks off before I could come back to work. My employer was absolutely, positively generous in letting me do that. I'm back in full swing now.
Let's talk about last night. Were you surprised when you got voted out?
Not in the least. There was no other way that vote could've gone. Foa Foa was strong from day one to day 19 and the merge. Brett won Immunity and even though I was an insider, I could not see them...
What were you up to before Survivor?
I've been in restaurant sales for 11 years.
Did you go back to that as soon as the show wrapped?
I was pretty beat up when I got home, so I took a couple more weeks off before I could come back to work. My employer was absolutely, positively generous in letting me do that. I'm back in full swing now.
Let's talk about last night. Were you surprised when you got voted out?
Not in the least. There was no other way that vote could've gone. Foa Foa was strong from day one to day 19 and the merge. Brett won Immunity and even though I was an insider, I could not see them...
- 12/18/2009
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
God was busy with reality shows this week: After being given all the credit for Russell's Sytycd win, he had to pick sides in Survivor Samoa's reward challenge. But how does one choose between prayer warriors and someone who's praying? Picking sides was the theme of the episode: Choosing teams for the reward challenge may have moved Foa Foa toward fracturing, because Natalie chose the last remaining true Galu, Brett, and then prayed with him...
- 12/18/2009
- by Andy Dehnart
- Reality Blurred
Since its debut a decade back, Survivor has been known for its gross-out moments: eating rats, gory wounds, contests built around eating the most revolting foods imaginable: slug guts, raw octopi embryos, yogurt, but last night's episode reached a new gross-out level even for Survivor: watching teenaged Brett massaging The Shambling One. (She has a longer title, but I seem surrounded by Add-afflicted malcontents who want to rewrite for me.) Brett Two-Spears: "I'm the Last True Galuan." So what is The Shambling One: a False Galuan? A Galuan Manque? (And Brett darling, the proper term is "Galuvian." What do they teach these kids nowadays?) But yes, back at the merge Galu outnumbered Zsa Zsa two-to-one, now the reverse applies, and not one Zsa Zsasian has fallen since the merge, although Natalie isn't always very steady on her feet. Said Russell of Brett,...
- 12/18/2009
- by Tallulah Morehead
- Huffington Post
Hey everybody, let's get right into it… Anatomy Of A Reward Challenge Long before the Survivors participate in a challenge it has already gone through an extensive testing process. It begins with a "test block" where our dreamteamers do a light run-through of the challenge so we can see how it's coming along. When we did the first test block for last night's "Coconut Drop" reward challenge it was rough. We all agreed that it was a brilliant and inventive challenge but it wasn't quite right. So we gave some notes and our art department made some changes and we tested it again.
- 12/18/2009
- by Jeff Probst
- EW.com - PopWatch
Now, the inevitable: Foa Foa going up against Foa Foa. We begin Survivor: Samoa tonight with six castaways: four original yellows, one true-blue purple, and Shambo, who's been floating around for the longest time. With the game reaching its last days, someone's gotta give--but whoever's letting go last is still a variable.
For Russell, the plan is simple: let go of Brett as soon as possible, but he's perfectly aware that he can only do that if he loses the next immunity challenge. Brett, on the other hand, starts connecting with the remaining castaways, and he's found something common with Natalie: their faith. "I'll just work with what I have here," he says, which leads to this heartwarming yet odd moment between the two, when Brett quotes the Bible and she feels all warm and fuzzy. Might be working. She's calling him a "sweetheart".
For Russell, the plan is simple: let go of Brett as soon as possible, but he's perfectly aware that he can only do that if he loses the next immunity challenge. Brett, on the other hand, starts connecting with the remaining castaways, and he's found something common with Natalie: their faith. "I'll just work with what I have here," he says, which leads to this heartwarming yet odd moment between the two, when Brett quotes the Bible and she feels all warm and fuzzy. Might be working. She's calling him a "sweetheart".
- 12/17/2009
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Monica Padilla was the 14th person to leave "Survivor: Samoa." Find out why she thinks Russell won't win the million dollars if he makes the finals.
What were you doing before you went on "Survivor?"
I was in the middle of -- actually I just graduated law school when I left. I was planning on taking the bar this summer in July but then I got on the show.
Are you taking the February bar? Are you going to practice law?
I am going to practice law. I think I'm going to wait until July instead, kind of give myself some time to wind down from the whole "Survivor" show process.
When we spoke with Dave Ball on Friday, he said his ouster was not a surprise at all. In fact, he knew about it beforehand. Did you know you were leaving? Were you surprised?
No, I definitely was not surprised.
What were you doing before you went on "Survivor?"
I was in the middle of -- actually I just graduated law school when I left. I was planning on taking the bar this summer in July but then I got on the show.
Are you taking the February bar? Are you going to practice law?
I am going to practice law. I think I'm going to wait until July instead, kind of give myself some time to wind down from the whole "Survivor" show process.
When we spoke with Dave Ball on Friday, he said his ouster was not a surprise at all. In fact, he knew about it beforehand. Did you know you were leaving? Were you surprised?
No, I definitely was not surprised.
- 12/14/2009
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
“Be stern in the council chamber, so that you may control the situation” --Sun Tzu, The Art of War Did Russell just invent a new use for the idol? The idol’s always carried an implied threat -- will he or won’t he play it? -- but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player whip it out in Tribal Council and say, “Watch out.” In an episode where Galu both loses its majority and seems to regain its mojo, Russell’s aggressive gameplay scares his alliance straight and eliminates both Dave and Monica. Congratulations, Russell, you win yet another Fishy Award.
- 12/11/2009
- by StyleWatch
- People.com - TV Watch
Man, I gotta say… another awesome episode. Yeah I know I’m biased, but come on, that was a great show! And now there is absolutely no debate. Foa Foa has done it. They have come back from an eight to four deficit and now are in charge of the game. Think of the odds Vegas would have given you on that not happening. Well, Vegas wouldn’t actually give you any odds, since they know the show has already been taped and they know that I would have emptied my bank account to take that bet and would now be retired living in Palau.
- 12/11/2009
- by Jeff Probst
- EW.com - PopWatch
Another Galu member bit the dust this week on Survivor: Samoa. After Santa Monica, Calif.-based mechanical engineer John Fincher, 26, earned a one-way ticket to Ponderosa, he spoke with People about trying to outsmart Russell, whom he calls "the best player ever," eating pie, gaining weight at home and his costar 'Danger' Dave Ball's alter ego. --Carrie Bell Jeff kept asking if the person evicted would be shocked. Were you? I wouldn't use "shocked." I was certainly a little surprised. You start to think you have a problem when it's supposed to be Dave, but you haven't seen Dave running around going crazy.
- 12/5/2009
- by StyleWatch
- People.com - TV Watch
By Mark Stone
It’s night 27 at camp, and the first word out of Shambo’s mouth is "Medusa" (referring to Laura). John explains to the camera why he switched his vote to Laura last episode. Monica is calling John the Judas of Galu and hopes he will go home.
Day 28 dawns and there’s tree mail. It’s time for the Survivor food auction and each member of the tribe has received money to buy whatever Jeff has to offer.
First item is the Pb&J sandwich, and Natalie bids $200 right away. Next item goes to Shambo for $240 -- and she gets the booby prize of sea noodle...
It’s night 27 at camp, and the first word out of Shambo’s mouth is "Medusa" (referring to Laura). John explains to the camera why he switched his vote to Laura last episode. Monica is calling John the Judas of Galu and hopes he will go home.
Day 28 dawns and there’s tree mail. It’s time for the Survivor food auction and each member of the tribe has received money to buy whatever Jeff has to offer.
First item is the Pb&J sandwich, and Natalie bids $200 right away. Next item goes to Shambo for $240 -- and she gets the booby prize of sea noodle...
- 12/4/2009
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
"[The wise general] must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances and thus keep them in total ignorance." --Sun Tzu, the Art of War Russell Hantz is a lot like the Saints -- comes from Louisiana, unstoppable on the playing field. Now that he's got a majority in Aiga, his only decision is which Galu to sack first. No surprise that he decides on John; the rocket scientist knows too much, and traitors are not to be trusted. But what earns Russell his umpteenth Fishy is the way he builds consensus -- by insinuation and manipulation. Survivor...
- 12/4/2009
- by StyleWatch
- People.com - TV Watch
Following Laura's elimination at the last Tribal Council the contestants are making their way back to camp. "Medusa has been dethroned," giggles Shambo. John is concerned about the elimination vote itself - if the vote is tied after a second round of voting the contestants must choose rocks and the one who pick the differently coloured rock will go home. "I'm not going home because of ridiculous rocks," he says. Monica feels that people should be showing more loyalty to their original tribes and refers to John as a 'Judas' saying he needs to go home. Russell wakes everyone up with tree mail envelopes containing $$500 each. "Money means food," grins Shambo. The team makes its way to the challenge area to meet Jeff who welcomes them to the Survivor auction. No-one is allowed to share their money or food. Natalie jumps straight in bidding (more)...
- 12/4/2009
- by By Philippa Warr
- Digital Spy
Once again history repeats itself. It always does. Especially on Survivor. Anybody remember back on Survivor: All-Stars when Boston Rob pleaded with Lex to save his soon-to-be wife, Amber, promising his loyalty in return? We all remember how that turned out… Lex was the next person voted out. Sound familiar? John made a huge move last week when he aligned with Russell and Foa Foa and switched his vote forcing Laura out of the game. It was a big move that I fully appreciated. He risked alienating Laura and other Galu members to put himself in a better position in the game.
- 12/4/2009
- by Jeff Probst
- EW.com - PopWatch
No question -- Survivor: Samoa is the Russell Hantz story. He burns socks! Makes idols appear from thin air! Ain’t finished playing just yet! And he is one of the meanest, most aggressive, best strategists in the history of Survivor. But there are eight other people still left in Samoa. Before this week's episode, I want to take a look at some non-Russell strategy and size up the puppetmaster’s competition. Natalie: Survivor is a social game -- and Natalie might be Samoa’s best social gamer. Her strategy from day 1 has been to let Russell get...
- 12/2/2009
- by StyleWatch
- People.com - TV Watch
Ah, the formerly-dreaded Survivor recap episode. We used to mock it even more than gratuitous Palm Pre product placement. But then something unusual happened during the Tocantins season. The recap episode became less of a recap and more of a collection of deleted scenes and storylines. And some of those deleted scenes and storylines were actually pretty decent. So it was with moderate hope as opposed to unwavering boredom that I approached the Survivor: Samoa Thanksgiving recap episode. And that moderate hope was rewarded…with moderate entertainment! In case you were too busy stuffing your face with, um, stuffing, click...
- 11/27/2009
- by Dalton Ross
- EW.com - PopWatch
You can't say she didn't try. Survivor: Samoa's Laura Morett saved herself from the chopping block multiple times by winning the past two immunity necklaces. Thanks to strong alliances and a tough competitive spirit, she seemed poised to go far in the game. This week, however, the elimination vote tied for the first time — five for Laura and five for Natalie — and made the rare Survivor move of going to the rocks to determine who would go home a very distinct possibility. On the second round of votes, Russell again proved himself one of the most aggressive players this season by convincing former Galu tribe member John to vote for Laura and break the tie. Following a vote that even left host Jeff Probst stunned, TVGuide.com talked with Morett, 39, about why John flipped, her bad blood with Shambo and the alliance you didn't...
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- 11/20/2009
- by Kate Stanhope
- TVGuide - Breaking News
At the end of last night's Survivor Samoa episode, jury member Erik excitedly whispered, "Man, this is good shit." He was thrilled that Galu was getting its comeuppance, but he could have also been talking about the whole episode. There was a lot of great stuff, like a tie vote, Natalie dangling by her legs during the reward challenge, and Russell finding a third hidden immunity idol (though this time with a video clue, at...
- 11/20/2009
- by Andy Dehnart
- Reality Blurred
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