Survivor 19. Who will win?

[Taltarzac]

Any thoughts on who will win Survivor: Samoa?

This one has been fun because of the antics of Russell Hantz, the totem finding survivor who also plays other contestants off against one another but recently has his gameface unmasked.

[Bettiboop]

That Russell is a hoot. I loved it the other night when he blindsided them by pulling out the immunity idol for the second time...though I was worried he was running his mouth too much and spoiling his plan.

They will be gunnin' for him now!:a20: If he makes it to the end he deserves to win, IMO.

I think the dynamics of the game is about to change big time!

[Julie]

Russell is definitely playing the best game, though I don't like him at all.

I voted for John simply because I'm secretly in love with him. :0000000000luvmyhors shh, don't tell my husband. :D

[Barefoot]

I think Russell will get votes for being a great gamer, even though he is impossible to like! And Mick will get votes becaus he is so darn cute.

[swrinfla]

I have to go with my gut on this one.

I was scared to death that Russell H. would win; he is just about the least likable player ever. But, he's for sure got a huge target on his back after his attitude the other night.

Now, he'll have to win immunity by working for it - unless he finds the idol, again. I don't think they should have put it back in play!

SWR
:beer3:

[Taltarzac]

I personally cannot see how he can win after his tactics were revealed to the various surviving cast members. Nor is he all that adept at winning individual challenges.

[GMONEY]

Russell makes this season very entertaining and great to watch. Every since this show has started me and my wife crack up at the end in the Final TC when everyone cries how could you have lied to me, I thought we were tight and becoming great friends and all that garbage. This is a game. Outwit is the key to this game. Russell is on the money here. Heck I thought Johnny Fairplay was the best at it till watching Russell. If he makes it to the end the Final TC will be a blast to watch.

I hope Russell finds the 3rd Idol on this weeks episode.

[Julie]

Russell makes this season very entertaining and great to watch. Every since this show has started me and my wife crack up at the end in the Final TC when everyone cries how could you have lied to me, I thought we were tight and becoming great friends and all that garbage. This is a game. Outwit is the key to this game. Russell is on the money here. Heck I thought Johnny Fairplay was the best at it till watching Russell. If he makes it to the end the Final TC will be a blast to watch.

I hope Russell finds the 3rd Idol on this weeks episode.

Yes, those people who cry at TC thinking all the others' were their best friends makes me laugh.

Even though I find Russell difficult to stomach, I also am rooting for him to find the 3rd idol. An evil part inside of me loves those blindsides. :evil6:

[Yoda]

I am sure that Con-Air is better than this.

Yoda

[GMONEY]

there is a thread for Con Air.. Have at it.

Yes Julie, the evil comes to the top with a great blind side... Last week was one of the best blind sides yet.... I hope he finds that idol, that would be so funny.

[Taltarzac]

I really thought Dave Ball would win this but I did not take into accound the moods of Shambo.

Also upset that the eye candy for male straights -- Monica-- also had to hit the showers.

The latest Entertainment Weekly gives Natalie White the best odds to win this season of Survivor.

[ssmith]

statement...can't remember who said it was...
"it's like a boy who asks to play with a snake and the snake promises not to bite him. Then one day the snake bites him. The boy says why did you do that. The snakes says ""I'm a snake that's what I do""." Great way to describe Russell. Russell deserves to win if everyone is too gullible to sit back and let him drive.

IMHO

[Freeda]

I think that cool, calm, quietly conniving, and calculating Jaicon will 'outplay, utwit, outlast'. Fair or not, I think that now that Russell's wealth has been 'outed' the jury would never give him the $1 million; and I think that Mick (the anesthesiologist) would have the same fate.

[ceejay]

I don't understand why Russell would reveal his income...I think that was a very stupid move...all the more reason for them to resent him and vote him out of there.
He has played a very cunning and snaky game...he is the one I hate to love and I think he will (deservedly so, for the game he has played) go all the way!

PS Does anyone think that he was intentionally lead to the immunity idols? I find it amazing that the camera was always there in front of him when he discovered them. I guess it could've been edited...I am very naive when it comes to things like this~

[Taltarzac]

I don't understand why Russell would reveal his income...I think that was a very stupid move...all the more reason for them to resent him and vote him out of there.
He has played a very cunning and snaky game...he is the one I hate to love and I think he will (deservedly so, for the game he has played) go all the way!

PS Does anyone think that he was intentionally lead to the immunity idols? I find it amazing that the camera was always there in front of him when he discovered them. I guess it could've been edited...I am very naive when it comes to things like this~

I kind of agree with you about Russell's finding of all of the recent idols. The producers seem to have sold us a bill of goods in the evil snake like moves of Russell. It does seemed staged for ratings.

[Russ_Boston]

PS Does anyone think that he was intentionally lead to the immunity idols? I find it amazing that the camera was always there in front of him when he discovered them. I guess it could've been edited...I am very naive when it comes to things like this~

I would think that they have numerous cameras in play. I've watched every season and nothing seems to slip their eye.

[Freeda]

I think that Russell's revealing of his wealth was what will ultimately be a fatal strategic error;. In letting that out he showed a weakness that I think others will rightly see as justifying it costing him the game. When he told that on the show, I was astounded that he didn't realize the negative impact that would have on his chances to win. His lack of self-control, resulting in his inability to contain that information, and, therefore, his bragging about it, is his 'Achilles' heel that will, and should, bring him down.

(Remember, he bragged not just about his money, but stated other arrogant things to the others, alluding to his money, like 'I don't even need to be here'. As I have heard judges say when I practiced in Kentucky, 'that dog won't hunt').

I cannot see either Russell's teammates, ultimately, not voting him off because I think they will have to decide, among themselves, ultimately that a multimillionaire among them needs to be out of the running, because of the lack of need for the money (remember, the game is not about what is 'fair'; it is about 'outwitting' and 'outplaying' in order to, ultimately, win $1 million); but even if they don't vote him off at tribal council, and he ends up in the final two, I cannot see a jury giving $1 million to a man, no matter how well he has otherwise played the game, who has admitted (foolishly) that he owns an oil company and that he made $1.7 million last year. I think that the jury will believe that the money should go to someone where there is more of a need; since there are others who have also played the game very well. (Like my favorite, Jaicon).

Heck, for all we know others on there could also be wealthy, but they, wisely, aren't revealing it if they are.

[Taltarzac]

I would think that they have numerous cameras in play. I've watched every season and nothing seems to slip their eye.

I have not watched all the episodes of each and every season of Survivor but finding the hidden immunity idols never seemed so easy in other seasons. They usually needed a clue to find one. It just seems that whoever hides these hidden immunity idols this season is not trying too hard to make sure that the clues come into play. Unless, that is, Russell takes hours and hours looking for these idols while the others just loaf around on the beach and plot strategy.

[Freeda]

. . . and I think that when the immunity idols have run out (if not before), either the jury, or, more likely, one of the players still in the running -and I think it will be Jaicon - will lead a charge to slip around Russell, and put his lights (his torch) out, sooner or later, just like a greased ninja.

[Julie]

. . . and I think that when the immunity idols have run out (if not before), either the jury, or, more likely, one of the players still in the running -and I think it will be Jaicon - will lead a charge to slip around Russell, and put his lights (his torch) out, sooner or later, just like a greased ninja.

One can only hope. :evil6: I was actually disappointed, though not surprised, that they didn't call Russel's bluff with his whole pulling out the idol and wearing it around his neck.

[Freeda]

Bye to Shambo. Sunday night finale! Don't miss it! It will be exciting to watch to see how it ends! I'm still betting on my favorite, Jaicon. Sayonara, Russell!

[Barefoot]

I'm hoping for Mick, but I don't think he is devious enough.

[Julie]

Did any of you watch Shambo's Ponderosa videos? Those other girls should be ashamed of themselves the way they are acting. Even if they're not best buddies, they could at least have been more welcoming.

Also from listening to the Ponderosa conversations, it sounds as if Brett will take home the million $$ if he keeps winning individual immunities.

[Pturner]

Maybe Russell bragged about wealth to give the last immunity winner more reason to pick him for final two. Whoever gets to pick his/her final-two mate needs to pick the person the jury is least likely to vote for. If Russell's final two strategy works, he'll try to convince the jury he outplayed, outwitted, etc. and deserves to win the game.

Don't know if it will work. It's just the only reason I could think of.

[GatorFan]

And he does deserve to win. One of the best players ever.

[ceejay]

And he does deserve to win. One of the best players ever.

:agree:

[Pturner]

I really thought Dave Ball would win this but I did not take into accound the moods of Shambo.

Also upset that the eye candy for male straights -- Monica-- also had to hit the showers.

The latest Entertainment Weekly gives Natalie White the best odds to win this season of Survivor.


Looks Like Entertainment Weekly backed the right horse. I wouldn't have guessed it.

[Freeda]

Well, it was a great season, lots fun to watch. I sure thought Jaicon would be in there, but I think that Russell felt, correctly, that Jaicon had been too personable and well liked to risk coming up against in front of the jury. When it came down to the final 3, and Jaicon brought it out that all 3 of them were well off financially, then I thought that Russell would surely win, as good a player as he was; but apparently his tactics burned too many bridges with the jurors, from what they said.

I never expected Natalie to win the $1 million, even though I thought she was a great participant.

Russell's amazing strength was that he kept the others so controlled that they failed to rally and vote him off early on, as they should have, as strong a threat as he was to all of them. At least, by winning the viewers' vote, he still got recognition for his skill, plus won the $100,000.

What an amazing show! I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Julie]

I loved watching Russell be so peeved that he didn't get the title of being the sole survivor. :icon_twisted: And then when he tried to buy the title from Natalie. :1rotfl: I think she ought to take the money and let him have whatever it is he thinks he'll gain by having a title that he had to buy, not earn through votes.

Some people may believe Natalie was undeserving of winning the million dollars citing that she rode Russell's coat tails the entire way. I think she played a smart game and proved a person doesn't have to be a ruthless snake to win.

How immature of him to burn the socks again, what a poor sport.

[Ooper]

IMHO, there only could have been 2 possible winners after Brett won that 4th challenge. If Brett won the 5th, he would hve won the title, if he dropped the statue, Natalie was the only choice as Russell's personality and cockyness destroyeed him in the end. I believe Russell was the one who deserved to win, he out played and out witted everybody. But he needed to be more humble!

[Bettiboop]

My 2 cents: I think Russell deserved to win (hands down) based upon game play. I couldn't stand him in the beginning but I quickly grew to love to hate him! I've watched every season, and I think he played the best game ever...IMHO. He caused his own demise, though, by getting a tad too cocky at the end.

Natalie got the most votes -- but I have a feeling those votes were more like a vote against Russell than they were votes for her.

It was a fantastic season...and the next one looks like it will also be good!

That's my story and I am sticking to it! LOL

[Taltarzac]

My 2 cents: I think Russell deserved to win (hands down) based upon game play. I couldn't stand him in the beginning but I quickly grew to love to hate him! I've watched every season, and I think he played the best game ever...IMHO. He caused his own demise, though, by getting a tad too cocky at the end.

Natalie got the most votes -- but I have a feeling those votes were more like a vote against Russell than they were votes for her.

It was a fantastic season...and the next one looks like it will also be good!

That's my story and I am sticking to it! LOL

...against Russell than for her.

It looks like the upcoming Survivor season is also set in Samoa. I just hope whoever was hiding the immunity idols does a better job in the upcoming season. I am hoping that we will not see Russell again though in the upcoming Heroes vs. Villains season.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivor:_Heroes_vs._Villains

[Pturner]

Yes, her votes were anti-Russell, but that was her strategy. Get behind the best player all the way, lay low, be a total non-threat, get taken to the finals by the best player/snake, let revenge against the snake take its course.

Although he was by far the best, Russell wasn't the first best player/snake to outwit and outplay everyone only be outlasted by his well-worn coattail.

Heroes and Villains should be interesing.

[Doreen]

My husband and I both started clapping when Natalie won. She did so well staying under the radar-Russell didn't see it coming. He sure is a sore looser. Saw him on Good Morning American and he was pretty nasty to Natalie.

Can't wait for the next one.

[grayesun]

that's an IMHO of course; haven't seen every season, but have seen many and he played the shrewdest game ever...agree with comments that votes weren't for Natalie but against Russell. Most of the votes against Russell were purely out of bitterness, and embarassment for having been so badly outplayed & out-strategized; particularly Erik (what a total weenie!). As Russell so aptly stated; the quarterback should get the trophy for winning the game - not the cheerleader. America voted and Russell was clearly the best player. Result was a Sham...or maybe a Shambo! A great season, best since Rupert was on the show :clap2:!

[Pturner]

Re: As Russell so aptly stated; the quarterback should get the trophy for winning the game - not the cheerleader.

Well yes, if you're playing football. Being Sole Survivor comes down to one final and deciding factor. Always has. It's not being the quarterback, being the most manipulative, being the most strategic or being the fan favorite. It's winning the jury vote. So, IMHO, players need two separate and equally important strategies. One for getting into the final three (it used to be two), and one for winning the jury vote. On the second and deciding factor, Natalie had the better strategy. Sorry Russell, it ain't football. chilout IMHO.

[zummy]

Russell's ego did him in, not Natalie's play or commentary!

[Julie]

Russell's ego did him in, not Natalie's play or commentary!

:agree: Russell had the strategic moves to get him into the finale. What he lacked was compassion and tact. Since it is the jury who votes for the winner, a softer more gentle approach during the final tribal council would have probably garnered Russell more votes in his direction.

He tried to say he acted the way he did during the game because that was his way of surviving... Really??? What is his sorry excuse for throwing the socks into the firepit last night? He's just another whining sniviling malcontent. I was happy to see Natalie get the votes for the million $$.

[grayesun]

Russell's ego did him in, not Natalie's play or commentary!

Totally agree; their play? (Mick & Natalie), final comments & bland non-strategies were irrelevant in the game or outcome, they served and continued to exist in the game only at Russell's pleasure...like lint in his pocket; they could have been interchanged with any other player in the final 3 and Russell still would have lost because the jury was offended by his manipulations, scheming success, arrogant attitude, connection to the hated Shambo & bold moves in totally dominating the game. Russell's big mouth/ego and belief that the jury could be stand-up objective enough to vote without malice/hurt feeelings was his undoing. Had I played in this game, would have hated Russell but there is no way anyone but he would have gotten my final vote - it's a back-stabbing truth-twisting cut-throat game; always has been. Let's hope for a half-dozen Russells next season, and a couple of Fairplays to boot - that's what makes for a unpredictably entertaining show not a tribe of hiding under a rock Micks & Natalies...IMHO. :thumbup:

[Russ_Boston]

let's hope for a half-dozen russells next season, and a couple of fairplays to boot - that's what makes for a unpredictably entertaining show not a tribe of hiding under a rock micks & natalies...imho. :thumbup:

amen!

PS > Boston Rob is back for the next episode. Should be interesting.

[ceejay]

My 2 cents: I think Russell deserved to win (hands down) based upon game play. I couldn't stand him in the beginning but I quickly grew to love to hate him! I've watched every season, and I think he played the best game ever...IMHO. He caused his own demise, though, by getting a tad too cocky at the end.

Natalie got the most votes -- but I have a feeling those votes were more like a vote against Russell than they were votes for her.

It was a fantastic season...and the next one looks like it will also be good!

That's my story and I am sticking to it! LOL

On any other show, I would HATE Russell...but he definitely deserved to win. He out-witted (is that a word?) and outplayed all of them, but it was his cockiness toward the end that did him in...he should have just kept his mouth shut! :ohdear: I wish that America did have a chance to vote...Russell would have (and should have) taken it hands-down!:(

[Julie]

On any other show, I would HATE Russell...but he definitely deserved to win. He out-witted (is that a word?) and outplayed all of them, but it was his cockiness toward the end that did him in...he should have just kept his mouth shut! :ohdear: I wish that America did have a chance to vote...Russell would have (and should have) taken it hands-down!:(

Yes, he did outwit most of the other tribe members. Though, I think one could say that Natalie outwitted Russell in an important aspect of the game and that was the social part. While he was busy acting pompous and arrogant, Natalie was taking the time to get to know their tribemates.

Obviously spending time showing compassion to others is a relevant strategy of the game and that's why the jury gave Natalie their votes.

[Hawkwind]

I did not watch the series but did see part of the season final when they took the vote. After the winner was announced the look on Russell's face reminded me of Charles Manson. This guy was mad that he did not win. After listening to a few of his comments I could see that he was very arrogant and that in itself may have cost him the win.

[grayesun]

amen!

PS > Boston Rob is back for the next episode. Should be interesting.

Note the thick MA accent, I'm trying to lose as quickly as possible.

Would like to see them bring Rupert again back also...one of my favorite eccentricly colorful survivor characters...and really would like to see Russell back playing against some of the better strategists of the past also.