[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

Originally Posted by 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

...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/Survivo...s_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 !

[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. IMHO.

[zummy]

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

Originally Posted by zummy

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

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]

Originally Posted by zummy

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.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by grayesun

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.

amen!

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

[ceejay]

Originally Posted by 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

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! I wish that America did have a chance to vote...Russell would have (and should have) taken it hands-down!

Originally Posted by ceejay

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! 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]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

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.