Here's my question about people who quit on Survivor to "go home to their family":
Don't these people know that they don't actually get to leave the game and just get on a plane? Even if you don't make it to the jury, eliminated contesants can't simply return home, as that would easily tip-off the fact that they didn't go far in the game. Instead, the first several weeks worth of eliminated contestants usually go on some sort of trip.
This question is relevant, of course, because GC became just the latest Survivor quitter. I can't imagine how horrible it must be out there, but still -- you must have known what you were getting into. Does anyone really try out for a show like this, and suspend their life for 6 weeks to live in the jungle, without doing a bit of research? And to make it 15 days into the game and then quit is just annoying -- either quit in the first few days, or suck it up and make it until you're voted off.
Truth is -- coming into the game you only have about 15% chance of making it to the Final 3 anyways!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Here's My Question About People Who Quit On Survivor...
Friday, September 26, 2008
When Did SURVIVOR Become the Jeff Probst Show?
There were a lot of people surprised that the first-ever Best Reality Show Host prize at this year's Emmy Awards went to Survivor host Jeff Probst, but anyone who saw last night's season premiere of Survivor Gabon knows the kind of impact he's had on the show.
When the show debuted in 2000, Probst impartially oversaw the proceedings, explained the rules at challenges, and asked a few questions at tribal council. Over the years, his questions have become more and more probing, and he's let slip his feelings about some of the contestants and their behavior on the show.
Flash forward to 2008, and Jeff Probst is helping a tribe elect a leader, and giving them props for coming closer in a competition than they had in the one before ("Much better than the last challenge guys, you were right there.")
I don't believe it's a coincidence that Probst has been inserting himself further into the game -- he is now an executive producer on the show, and is part of the casting process. But is it appropriate for him to insert himself quite that much? He knows more about the game than anyone else -- if he uses his knowledge to help one tribe (ie helping them choose a leader), is it unfair to the other tribe? Or is this just part of the game?
Sound off below.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Idol, Dancing, Runway and Their Hosts Pick Up Emmy Nods
Reality TV was all over the Emmy Award nominations, with the big guns picking up most of the nominations.
American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Amazing Race, Project Runway and Top Chef were nominated for the big award -- Best Reality Competition series. The hosts from three of those shows were also recognized in the new "Best Host" category -- Ryan Seacrest, Tom Bergeron and Heidi Klum. They are joined by Survivor's Jeff Probst and Deal or No Deal's Howie Mandel.
Idol picked up five nominations in all, including Picture Editing, Sound Mixing and Technical Direction. Runway also grabbed five, while Dancing with the Stars got eight nods (mostly in technical categories). So You Think You Can Dance also picked up four nominations, including three in the choreography category -- read article here.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Conspiracy Theory: Did Jeff Probst Engineer Jonny Fairplay's Exit on Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites?
Let me be honest -- I am no fan of Jonny Fairplay. I have no problem when Survivor contestants lie and deceive, but I have no respect for the way Fairplay plays the game, and his appearances on other reality shows have shown him to be a real-deal headcase. Yeah, I'm just not into him.
But there's something fishy about the way he became the first tribemate eliminated on Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites. Within the span of what seemed like hours he went from being in a position of power (the swing vote between the two alliances of four), to the pawn in the plan of Parvati, of all people. There may have been some self-sabotage in there, and the feeling that he couldn't live up to his infamous name. Maybe he really did miss his now-wife and mother of his child Michelle (the lesbian from America's Next Top Model). And perhaps he had already convinced everyone to vote for him by the time they got to tribal council and it just was not shown on tv.
But then there's Probst.
It's been well documented that Jeff Probst and Fairplay don't get along, and that he objected to Fairplay's casting on the show. In fact, from the first moment the favorties were assembled, Probst shot a zinger at Fairplay ("I like to know that you have aspirations to get out of your current place in life") that was a personal assault, masked as playful jibe.
But at tribal council, it appeared to be his mission to call Fairplay out. 90% of the questions Probst asked (that were shown on tv) were to or about Fairplay, as he tried to uncover whether Fairplay was interested in quitting the game. In fact, he essentially challenged him to quit the game, forcing himself to defend his ability to be a good father. Consider the following (kinda hysterical!) exchange:
Fairplay: "All I think about is my little baby Piper okay. I mean, am I being a crappy father by being here?"
Probst: "But...you're not a father yet."
Fairplay: "Yeah, I'm this close."
Probst followed that up with "So you wanna go home?" and every subsequent question he asked was about Fairplay -- whether he was making an excuse and wanted to go home, or if his tribemates thought it was a scheme, peppered with comments like "Fairplay has a reputation of pulling scams and lying," which seemed to be subliminal suggestions to vote him out. And, of course, he asked Fairplay straight out "So it's a quit?"
Perhaps I'm just being a conspiracy theorist -- there is obviously a lot of footage that is not televised, and what happened in tribal council may have had no effect on the end result.
But still...I'm watching you Probst.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Exclusive: Survivor's Jonny Fairplay Propsoses to Top Model's Michelle!
Here's an Idol Thoughts exclusive for ya, straight from the mouth (or e-mail) of Idol Thoughts reader Thomas...
At a public fundraiser in Danville, Virginia on New Year's Eve, Survivor's Jon Dalton (aka the notorious Jonny Fairplay) proposed marriage to a very pregnant Michelle, who is best known as the sexually confused contestant from America's Next Top Model. She accepted his proposal.
According to Thomas, Jonny was clean shaven and introduced himself as "Jonny Fairplay", but gave a nod toward tradition by actually getting down on one knee as he took the micrphone from the band to make it public.
Quite the couple, no?
Click for more Survivor
Click for more America's Next Top Model
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Poll: What Was Your Favorite Reality Show of the Year?
You know I love lists here at Idol Thoughts, and I'm in the process of making my year-end 'Ten Best' lists, so before I gave my two cents, I thought I'd see what you all had to say!
First up -- which reality show did you enjoy the most this year? If I didn't include your favorite as a poll choice, leave a comment and let me know!
Survivor's Todd Gives a Masterful Jury Performance
Perhaps Survivor's Todd should think about leaving his flight attendant days behind and become an attorney, because he rocked the final tribal council in last night's finale. Wow.
Coming into the Final 4, it seemed like Amanda was a shoo-in for victory -- she had played the game well and hadn't ruffled nearly as many feathers as Todd, so I was sure she'd get a Danni or Vecepia-like win. Winning the final two challenges should have secured her the easy $1 million dollar. But, following the tribal council in which Denise was voted out, something happened to Amanda -- she became apologetic, overly-earnest, and weak.
And then Todd stepped in for the kill.
There have been some good arguments made over the years on Survivor, but I'm not sure anyone has every handled the jury's questions with such mastery. His answer to John Robert was pure genius -- he knew what John and his big ego needed to hear, and he gave it to him in such a beautifully articulated response that the big man was actually rendered speechless. Amazing.
I'll also give some credit to Courtney, who presented her "can you believe I'm still her, and I've been totally myself the whole time" argument with such aplomb that I had a moment where I though she might actually win! The fact that she squeezed past Amanda for 2nd place is very impressive.
As for the rest of the episode, there was plenty of drama to go around, with both the final reward and immunity challenges pushing the contestants to their limits. And props to Probst -- year-in, year-out, he manages to ask the questions and make the statements that make the contestants squirm, and I love him for it.
Do you think Todd should have won Survivor: China, or should Amanda, Denise or Courtney been named the winner? Take the Idol Thoughts poll here and let me know! (Results will be revealed tomorrow morning).
Click for more Survivor, including news on Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites: I'm Freaking Out!
Survivor just announced that this February, super-fans of the show will go head-to-head with all-stars from the show's past, in an incarnation called Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites. I'm freaking out!
This is so much better than an all all-star version, as the former castaways will have to band together to fight off the superfans. It's gonna be awesome.
Stay tuned for a full recap of tonight's finale...
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Big Brother Will Return in February -- And This Summer!
Get ready for Big Brother in the wintertime!
According to a press release from CBS, the longrunning reality show will return to CBS on Tuesday February 12 for it's ninth season. The show will air Tuesdays at 9PM, Wednesdays at 8PM and Sundays at 8PM.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'd much rather the strike be settled, but if it's going to drag on, thank you to CBS for giving us something to look forward to!
Though this is the first time Big Brother will air during the traditional TV season, the show will also be back this summer. It's all Big Brother, all the time!
We may not have Grey's and House and 24 to watch, but we'll certainly keep busy tuning into Big Brother, another edition of Survivor, Dance Wars: Carrie Ann vs. Bruno, Top Model, Project Runway, Celebrity Apprentice, American Gladiators, and, of course, American Idol.
Viva reality TV!
Friday, November 02, 2007
I Love Survivor's James...And Hate Survivor's Jaimie!
Hands down the best moment of last night's Survivor was when gentle giant James laughed, hysterically, over the fact that idiot Jaimie thought she had discovered an Immunity Idol which was, in fact, not an Idol at all. The complete, unadulterated joy he expressed? I loved it.
No, I take it back. The best moment was when Jaimie pulled out what she thought was the Immunity Idol -- only to find out it was just a blank piece of wood. Reality TV doesn't get much better than that.
See, James has quickly become my favorite contestant this season, with Frosti and Todd a close second and third. James' attitude, work ethic, and general spirit make him an easy character to root for.
Jaimie, on the other hand, is annoying, strategically inept, and possesses a generally unpleasant and snooty demeanor. So, seeing her embarrass herself on national TV, touting her found Immunity Idol, was a true joy to watch. Tod's quote -- "She's on the small bike in the back" is just genius. And I love that Jaimie thinks she's just "playing dumb," and that it's her "niceness" that did her in. Oh Jaimie, oh Jaimie, you are exactly as dumb as you look!
On a related note, what does Eric see in this girl? I guess maybe being a virgin into your 20's can effect your judgement!
Thank goodness Jaimie didn't win Immunity (and how cute was Frosti when he did his little dance after taking home the victory?) Now she's gone, and we can get on with the game!
Monday, September 10, 2007
A Reality Baby: Survivor's Johnny Fairplay Knocks Up Top Model Contestant Michelle
Wait -- doesn't she like girls?
TMZ.com is reporting that Survivor bad boy Johnny Fairplay has impregnated America's Next Top Model contestant Michelle Deighton. Nothin' like a reality tv baby!
On her season of Top Model, Michelle came out as bisexual and also developed some sort of skin-eating rash, while Fairplay is notorious for faking the death of his grandmother.
Apparently, Deighton is 17 weeks pregnant, and the two have been dating for two years. Who knew?
Their kid is gonna have such fun videos of their parents to watch!
Click for This Week's Top 10 Posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
CBS Announces Fall Premiere Dates
CBS has announced the premiere dates for their fall shows -- get psyched, because two months from today you could be sitting down to watch the new series Kid Nation!
Here they are...
Wednesday, Sept. 19
8PM Kid Nation
Thursday, Sept. 20
8PM Survivor: China
Sunday, Sept. 23
7PM 60 Minutes
9PM Cold Case
10PM Shark
Monday, Sept. 24
8PM How I Met Your Mother
8:30PM The Big Bang Theory
9PM Two and a Half Men
9:30PM Rules of Engagement
10PM CSI: Miami
Tuesday, Sept. 25
8PM NCIS
9PM The Unit
10PM Cane
Wednesday, Sept. 26
9PM Criminal Minds
10PM CSI: NY
Thursday, Sept. 27
9PM CSI
10PM Without a Trace
Friday, Sept. 28
8PM Ghost Whisperer
9PM Moonlight
10PM Numbers
Saturday, Sept. 29
8-11PM Assorted repeats
Thursday, Oct. 18
10PM Viva Laughlin preview
Sunday, Oct. 21
8PM Viva Laughlin (official premiere)
Click for more Television News/Commentary, including the premiere dates for NBC and Fox
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Rumor Mill: Will Survivor Go All Star Again?
According to Marc Berman over at Mediaweek, there is a rumor circulating that next spring's edition of Survivor will be an all-star edition. The show's first all-star edition, featuring the likes of Richard Hatch, Susan Hawk, Ethan Zohn, and Jenna Morasca, took place in 2004 . Of course, this was the version of the series that was won by Amber Brkich and led to the reality television ubiquity of "Romber" (Brkich and Rob Mariano).
Here's my question -- would the new all-star version only include contestants that have appeared on the show since the last all-star version? Because here's the thing -- I can't remember any. Sure, if I wracked my brain I could come up with names like Tom Weston and Yul, and I know Fiji's participants Earl, Yao Man, and Dreamz. But, really, there haven't been the kind of characters in recent seasons that are as memorable as the ones who populated the show's first several seasons. I mean, who can forget Colby? Or Rupert? Or Kathy? If I, a loyal viewer of the show since the beginning, can't immediately summons the names of contestant's from the past few seasons, I can't imagine the casual viewer will find another all-star edition very interesting. Does CBS expect this latest version to be a hit?
Or maybe it will be open to all-stars from all seasons, allowing for some repeat participants. In other words, bring back Ethan!!
Stay tuned for more info on the all-star version as it comes in...
Click to read more Television News/Commentary
Monday, May 14, 2007
Earl Wins Survivor Fiji
Earl Cole has, very deservingly, won Survivor Fiji.
In a controversy-laden finale, which found Dreamz reneging on the deal he made with Yao Man to give Yao his immunity necklace in exchange for the truck that Yao won at an earlier challenge, the most level headed, smartest player ended up taking home the big prize in a unanimous vote. I couldn't be happier.
No matter how many season finales of Survivor I have watched over the years (and there's a whole lot of them), I always get excited when the final Tribal Council rolls around. Invariably one or two contestants totally embarrass themselves by revealing how petty they are, while a couple other contestants generally prove themselves to be more mature than I may have originally given them credit for. Alex and Lisi definitely fall into the former category, as both made total asses out of themselves. Alex -- we get it, you're a lawyer. You're also lame.
Stacey, meanwhile, asked a very valid question that gave Earl an opportunity to remind the jury that the prize should not be awarded based on need, but based on merit. Apparently, the jury members all listened.
Yao, too, was a very good sport, considering he probably should have won the top prize. He was constantly surprising and entertaining, winning tons of challenges, and strategizing like a madman. To be honest, I can't say I blame Dreamz for his decision -- to pass up a chance at $1 million dollars just because he gave his word is totally contrary to the way the game should be played, and Yao has to have known that he took a big chance in making the deal in the first place.
I didn't like, however, that Dreamz refused to admit that he had originally taken the deal thinking he was going to honor it -- anyone who watched the show over the past few weeks could clearly see that was his original intent, and he later changed his mind when he realized what he had agreed to. It was, however, pretty dang amusing to watch Jeff Probst try to draw that out of him!
All in all, a pretty entertaining season, and a deserving winner. See ya next year in China, Survivor!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Major Game-Changing Big Brother Spoiler
BIG BROTHER SPOILER: The Second Set of Nominated Couples Are...
BIG BROTHER SPOILER: The First Evicted Couple and the Second HOH Couple Are...
First Impressions of the Houseguests: Sheila is SO Not My Type
Myspace Photos Reveal Two Big Brother Houseguests Know Each Other From Home
Survivor Conspiracy Theory: Did Jeff Probst Engineer Jonny Fairplay's Exit?
Big Brother 9's Houseguest Revealed: Bios and Photos
SPOILER: Big Brother 9's "Soulmate" Twist
Video of Janelle Introducing the Big Brother 9 Houseguests
Big Brother Spoilers: To Look or Not to Look
Record High 16 Houseguest for Big Brother 9
Big Brother Spoiler: Details About the House
The 'Nice Guys' Finish First on a Satisfying End to The Amazing Race
What Impact Will The 'Donato Effect' Have on Big Brother 9?
Big Brother: After Dark Will Return to Showtime February 12
Shocking or Not-So-Shocking: Non-Elimination Spares TK and Rachel on The Amazing Race
POLL: Which Team Do You Want to Win the Million Dollars on The Amazing Race?
Will Mellow TK and Rachel Take the Prize on The Amazing Race?
CBS' Scheduling of The Amazing Race Stinks!
SPOILER: The Returning All-Stars on Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites Will Be...
Who Will Return for Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites?
Survivor's Todd Gives a Masterful Jury Performance for the Win
Poll: Did Todd Deserve to Win Survivor: China?
Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites: I'm Freaking Out!
The Winner of Survivor Is...
Who Will And Should Win Survivor?
Four Women and a Gay Mormon: Who Will Come in Fifth Place on Survivor?
The Amazing Race Renewed for 13th Season
Contrasts in Teamwork on The Amazing Race, As Azaria and Hendekia Are Eliminated
Survivor's Denise Takes Center Stage
Amazing Race's Ron and Christina -- Love 'Em or Hate 'Em?
Go Goths! I've Found My Amazing Race Faves
I Love Survivor's James, and Hate Survivor's Jaimie
Ridiculously Early Predictions for Survivor: China's Final Four
Big Brother's Amber Responds to Anti-Semitic Comments
It's Gotta Be Said: There's No Keeping Big Brother's Dick in a Box
Final Voting Predictions: Who Will the Big Brother Jury Vote For?
Burning Questions About Tonight's Big Brother Finale
The Idol Thoughts Endorsement for Big Brother Winner Goes To...
What's the Deal With CBS' Love Affair With the Donatos?
Daniele Proves Once Again to Be the Master Manipulator
Who Played the Best Game? Ranking the Final 3 and the Jury
Is Big Brother's Dick the Most Hateful Reality Contestant of All Time?
I Need a Cigarette! The Winner of the First Part of the Final HOH Competition Is...
Jameka is Shown the Door and Daniele is Out of the First Part of HOH Competition
Help Me, Am I Really Rooting for Zach?
Will Dick and Daniele Have a Relationship Outside the House?
I'm Not Mad at Big Brother's Jameka For Praying -- I'm Mad at CBS For Showing Us
Big Brother's Zach: Tedious -- Tragic -- Triumphant?
The POV Winner Clarifies Who is Going Home
Who Will the Big Brother Jury Vote For?
Now That We Know the New HOH, Three Burning Questions for Big Brother
A HUGE Missed Opportunity and the Two Evicted Nominees Are...
Four Possible Scenarios for Tonight's Double Eviction
Will Jameka Make a Deal with the Devil?
Who Doesn't Love Big Brother's Janelle?
Is Daniele the Best Player in the House?
My Love for Eric and Jessica Reaches New Heights
Do the Veto Results Mean That Jess and Eric are Doomed this Week?
Janelle is Returning to Big Brother!
The Evicted Big Brother Contestant Is...
Things Aren't Exactly As They Seem in the Big Brother House
Big Brother's Jen Was Vanna White's Nanny!
Eric and Jessica Kiss -- What Does This Mean For Their Game?
Has Big Brother's Daniele Been Dumped?
Jess Wins More of My Love -- And HOH!!
Is Jen a Spoiled Princess, or Was She Pushed to the Edge?
More Fallout From the Jen and Dick Fight -- A Penalty Nomination!
Big Brother Uncensored -- What a Joke!
Will the Backdoor Strike Again on Big Brother?
Is America's Player Going to Win Big Brother?
Is Big Brother's Dustin Going Home Tonight?
How I've Come to Love Big Brother's Jessica
Burning Questions About Big Brother
CBS Releases a Statement About Amber's Anti-Semitic Comments
The Nick Era Has Come to an End on Big Brother
Big Brother's Nick Reveals a New Hair-Don't
Big Brother's Dick for Father of the Year?
There's No Keeping Big Brother's Dick in a Box
Big Brother's Jen is Evil!
Is Big Brother's Jen Smarter Than She Looks?
Carol Gets the Boot and (Gasp!) Jen Wins HOH on Big Brother 8
Big Brother's Nick Reveals He Has a List of Top 5 Guys To Sleep With
Big Brother's Nick Plays, Amber Prays, and Daniele Wins the Veto
What's Up With Big Brother's Nick?
Big Brother Episode 2: Crying Over a Photo
Big Brother Episode 1: Back in the House
Big Brother 8 Returns Tonight
Earl Cole Wins Survivor Fiji
Danielle and Eric Win The Amazing Race: All Stars
Friday, March 30, 2007
Rocky Gets KO'ed: Survivor 3/29
If you read my thoughts on last week's episode of Survivor, then you know I am not sorry to have seen Rocky get shown the door on tonight's episode. He had become pretty unbearable over the past few weeks, and he didn't even perform particularly well at the challenges, so it will not be much of a loss for the Ravu tribe, or for my viewing experience.
It was good to see Ravu win their first ever challenge, though, since it was getting pretty redundant watching Moto win everything. Even Jeff Probst admits that this season is seriously lacking in drama due to the haves vs. have nots scenario. Because they've never been to tribal council I still feel like I know nothing about original Moto members Boo, Stacy, and Cassandra.
But I did feel like I got to know other players much better in this episode -- an episode I think was actually the most enjoyable of the season so far. Lisi adds a much different element to the Ravu dynamic, and Edgar and Alex both seem like very reasonable, likeable guys. I'm still not sold on Dreamz or Mookie, but perhaps with Rocky gone I will see them in a different light.
I love the Yau Man/Earl partnership, and it's adorable how Yau Man has a little man-crush on Earl (and, apparently, his newly found Immunity Idol, which I was afraid he might start french kissing). They are an odd pair (Yau Man adorably called Earl a "big strong black man"), perhaps the oddest since Richard Hatch and Rudy back in Season 1, so it'll be interesting to see how their relationship, and their shared use of the Idol, plays out. Earl seems like a really good guy -- he's funny, he's level-headed, and he seems intelligent. He's my pick to take the whole thing.
Hands down the best moment of the show, however, was Michelle falling off of the platform during the immunity challenge. Comic genius. In fact, I am laughing as I write this. Of course, had she been seriously injured it wouldn't have been nearly as funny, but it happened so suddenly, and she let out the funniest laugh after it happened, and no one addressed it -- comic genius, I say.
Oh, and Rocky is on the jury? Meaning there are going to be 12 jurors this year? Should be quite a finale...
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Idol Thoughts on Survivor 3/21
Speaking of Rocky, up until last night I thought I liked the guy. He was sort of like a poor man's Rob Mariano -- not quite as funny, quick, or manipulative as Boston Rob, but entertaining nonetheless. But last night he lost me, with his derogatory equation of effeminacy with weakness, his repeated use of "little girl" as an insult, and his schoolyard bully taunting of Anthony. I will not be sorry to see him go.
It was interesting to see them mix the tribes up, but in doing so I have lost a sense of who I am supposed to root for! I always pull for the underdog, so I was clearly cheering for the exhausted, undernourished Ravu tribe, but now that the Ravu members are split between the two teams I feel a bit lost. Since Moto has not been to tribal council even once, I feel like I don't really know the members of that team, although Alex seems like a good guy, and Stacy seems like a hard worker, if nothing else. When Lisi was the last player chosen for a team and got sent to Exile Island I had to take a moment and remind myself who she was!My favorites, though, are still former Ravu's Michelle, Earl, and Yau Min.
Next week's episode should be interesting, with Lisi returning to an all-male team. Will Rocky be sent packin? Here's hoping!
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