Survivor Nicaragua--Old v. Young

Yes often times they do that so it makes it seems some one else has a chance when they don't.

Rob is smart - not always so with the social stuff - but he is clever; it is also clever enough to realize his butt is on the line. He always plays the challenges smart rather than just brute strength and that helped their team win - he knew Phillip would be in trouble so he stayed behind and threw phillip's butt to get him through the challenge.

I'm not liking that there's only one challenge. More interesting when there are two.

I think the merge will put an end to Redemption Island. The voted out player goes to the jury.

I'm impressed with how clever Rob is, but I do think he'll be at risk after the merge.

How much longer can anyone stand Philip? Have to admit that he's added a new dimension to the game. Can you survive the game; can you survive Philip?

Looking forward to next week.

I don't like the one challenge either.

And honestly it just seems more like a camp out than Survivor. They have dishes and all kinds of stuff.

I can't believe those girls fawning over Rob. I don't think he's clever, I think he's experienced. The other team made a mistake getting rid of Russell and I think they're going to pay for it after the merge.

They need to do another version of Heroes & Villains, but with Coach the Dragonslayer and Philip the Gorilla Lion on the same tribe. Maybe call it Heroes vs The Insane. Wasn't there also a crazy woman on one of the seasons?

I don't buy this experienced vs unexperienced - anyone can gain experience by watching the damn show and see what works and doesn't. That is how come Russell got so far in the previous two - the reason that he didn't in this current one is the same reason. He didn't watch and learn and see that he couldn't possibly keep the same game and progress as far.

It depends on the type of duel they have. So far, they have been very equal opportunity type, and not being very physical. So, either person could win.

It would suck for Matt to lose now, and having won so many duels.

I agree about the RI thing. To be honest, I was expecting a bit more from this new addtion to the show. I think more than one person should have had an opportunity to get back into the game.

That would be hilarious! I loved Coach's stories (he had a million) and I see the comparison! I think Philip is comedy gold, pink underwear and all, and he either deserves an academy award or a padded room. Can't wait to see how Zapatera reacts to him.

I rewatched that challenge (best one yet!)and caught Philip when he slapped Grant on the back and said "Way to help out"! Hmmm. I think Grant made at least half of those shots!

There is a preview clip that shows what the duel is. It is an endurance challenge where the contestants must stand with each on a small piece of wood attached to an upright. Matt looks more comfortable than Sarita.

The winner of the duel returns to the game.

After the merge next week Redemption Island starts again. I would guess that losers of the duels go to the jury.

The merge tonight. Should be interesting.

Will Matt win the duel?

No surprise Matt won the Redemption Island challenge. Big surprise Rob snuffed him out again. The only thing worse than standing on that little wooden block with a cut on his foot had to be listening to Philip spout Japanese warrior advice . I really felt sorry for everyone.

So I guess Matt was the one Steve vote. Dave was right when he said it was a genius move. It got rid of the idol and a swing player. If Rob doesn't win he at least deserves some type of consultation prize for keeping things interesting.

Did anyone notice the "?" after "Former Federal Agent" when they talked to Phillip last night? We cracked up.

Poor Matt. I felt terrible for him when he decided to trust Rob.

I learned that Jeff Probst tweets along with Survivor. It's fun to see what he has to say along with the show, He answers questions and stuff as the show progresses.

He was having a lot of fun with that challenge last night on Twitter. "Hold your balls!" and "it's like his balls are glued to his disk!"!

Well, after last night's show, I would assume that Matt's "friend", Andrea, flipped on him during the tribal council.

Matt played it badly, I thought. He really should have gone with the opposing tribe and voted with them against Grant.

Now that I've seen the RI feature in practise, I would have to say overall, I'm hoping that this is just a one-off experiment and that they'll go back to the old format next time.

What don't I like?

1 - RI takes away too much time away from the main game. Either that, or they'll have to go with a 90 minute format.

2 - They took away the 2nd challenge from the main game.

3 - We no longer are showed who voted how at the end of the show. I know sometimes you can figure it out, but not always. I also miss the individual comments.

4 - Far to much hype on the RI thing. It ended up (for me) to be a real let-down. Now, Matt is back on RI anyways, because he's a swing vote. What's the point?


So, now we're told that the RI thing will continue after the merge. Will it make any difference?

Probst has already said that they'll be sticking with RI in future seasons. I was slow to warm to it, but after last night, especially, I'm a fan!! Would love to see Rob and Matt go head-to-head in a duel.

Do you like the RI addition as it is, or do you think they need to tweak it a bit?

As in this thread earlier, we discussed what would have when a person who won RI duels goes back in the game, we now see. There's every chance that they get voted back onto RI. So, I'm wondering, is there any point? Should changes be made?

To everybody: What changes, if any, would you make to the RI feature?

I see your point. I wouldn't have liked it if Russell had beaten Matt in their duel, but then again, someone else might have defeated Russell so he'd have gone home anyway. Not to sound unkind, but RI was worth it just to see the bad man cry.

(Oh, and I don't believe for one minute that Russell has played his last Survivor).

Matt is back at RI because of his own doing, IMO. Post-merge, it's a numbers game and Omatepe couldn't risk him flipping and taking Andrea with him. Didn't Matt himself admit he's not very good at the game of Survivor? Mentally, I mean.

I wondered if Rob and Russell got paid some money to come back. I know that when they have the all stars type, they all get some money. I believe depending on how long they last.

yes - but Rob may have been right - he was talking about voting Steve off and then flip. As much as I like Matt he is a loose cannon and more subject to switch.

Andrea was upset he got so buddy buddy with that chick that left him the Bible - she didn't feel as close to him and has gotten closer to the others in her tribe - at least that is my take.