AND THE WINNER IS JEFF TAYLOR!!!
THE FINAL SIX
Tonight we saw three Immunity Challenges and three Tribal Councils.
In the first Immunity Challenge we saw the players running through a maze to collect bags of puzzle pieces and then complete the puzzle. Culpepper shot out the gate and never looked back, again winning another immunity.
At Tribal everyone was so afraid of being voted out, they pulled out all the stops! Tai played his Immunity Idol and gave his extra one to Aubry. Sarah played her Secret Advantage and Troyzan play his Immunity Idol. Brad had immunity, so this left poor Cirie without a lifeline. I can’t say I was happy to see her eliminated without having one single vote. I wonder, if this hadn’t been the final show, would they have sent everyone back to camp without anyone being eliminated? This would have only been fair, after all, no one wrote Cirie’s name down on the parchment paper! I am really having a hard time processing this and to be honest, it left me a little dumbfounded.
In the second Immunity Challenge they had to balance a ball through an obstacle course using a number of paddles. This had to be repeated three times. Everyone, but Culpepper, keep dropping their balls and no one else seemed able to accomplish this task. After Brad maneuvered his second ball through the obstacle course, everyone stopped trying and they all just sat back and watched Culpepper win another Immunity Challenges.
I wasn’t very sure what would happen at Tribal, as this season, nothing has been written in stone. Culpepper wanted Aubry out, but she wasn’t going out without a fight and she tried her best to make Troyzan the target, but her efforts failed and she was sent to jury.
In the third Immunity Challenge the players had to gather a ring of keys and climb up a scaffolding where they had to figure out which key would unlock three bags of puzzle pieces, then, one at a time, they had to return the bags to a table near a numbered lock box. Once they had all their puzzle pieces, they had to build a tower, but the last piece (or top) of the tower was locked to the box, so they had to figure out the combination of the lock box to retrieve it. In the end, Culpepper won again!!
I had to laugh seeing Culpepper walking around like a peacock back at camp. I have no idea where his brain went, but obviously, it went out to lunch. At Tribal, the obvious choice was to vote out Sarah and keep Tai. Culpepper had alienated himself with Tai and he had to know Tai would never vote for him to win, so why send him to jury? It couldn’t have happen to a better guy, for the minute he voted Tai out, Culpepper lost the game! The funny thing is, I bet his wife is still screaming at their TV set! 😆
All in all, it was an excellent season of Survivor, one of the best I have seen in a long, long time. I am so glad you all stopped by here over these last 8 weeks to share your thoughts about Survivor, as I loved reading all your comments.
Condolences go out to Trudy, Star, Aggie, Keri and me and a hearty congratulations goes out to the winner of our Survivor pool JT. (JT, the check is in the mail!! 😆 )
THE TORCH ON SURVIVOR GAME CHANGERS IS OUT!
IRWIN'S PLACE 
Thanks Betty for doing this in the first place, you were great all season, great write up once again
DITTO!!!! Could have not put it better, Aggie.
🙂
Thanks Ted.
Thanks Aggie. I wasn’t happy with this last page. I couldn’t seem to get my thoughts together.
Congrats To Mi Amigo JT, I’m sure he had no idea he would win but it was cool to see, even though I had tai I never thought he would win but hoped he at least was one of the final 3, too bad because he would have gotten 50,000 right
Thanks! I had no idea until they voted out Tai…. then it seemed pretty obvious. I figured she would get about 7 or 8 votes.
🙂
I was happy for JT too. He is always there to help you on your blog and did the same for me here. Congratulations JT! You deserved the win!
I thought it was a great show, I actually really liked how they had the discussion with the Jury, I thought that was very entertaining for sure. As far as Culpepper he was one of those guys who always comes across as a Bully and his social game was not great, I like How Michaela asked him about her, he didn’t know much because he didn’t care about her. He also really did come across as a Bully to Tai, the way he talked to him. You can’t just win in this game with competitions, you have to have a good social game also and Sarah was more liked. It made me laugh that Debbie would vote for Brad she couldn’t stand him, I didn’t like the way she talked to Sarah, I wanted to slap her.
Yep…. he actually had a shot at winning until he started talking down to everyone again. He had put that junk aside for a few weeks… but couldn’t control himself down the stretch. It cost him big.
right, I thought all final 3 were deserving, I felt kind of sorry for Troy, I thought they wee hard on him and not real fair
He should have listened to his wife’s advice.
Yep, Culpepper once again turned into a bully and I hated the way he treated Tai. I was pretty upset with this, but then the voice of reason began to talk…Ken! He pointed out that Culpepper was a professional athlete and his mind set was only on the win! This made sense to me, especially after watching the hockey playoff games where both teams are ruthlessly pounding each other into the boards or high sticking a player in the face. Then at the end of the series, they all stand in line and shake hands and pat each other on the back! It’s over and the players become civil again. During the game, there is no room for niceties, the object is to win. Had Culpepper listened to his wife and played a better social game, he would have won, but we all know a leopard can’t change his spots!
I didn’t like Michaela’s comments to Culpepper. They were all about me, me, me. Her attitude hadn’t changed a bit and I thought she sounded like a sore loser.
I didn’t care for that either. Because I bet there were plenty of people that Michaela didn’t know shit about either. She’s not exactly the “warm & fuzzy” , get-to know-you type either… so for her to factor that in her vote seemed hypocritical to me.
She always wants to cause drama and continued to do so at the finale! 😆 I used to like her, but now I see her as a very angry person all the time!
I never did like her. I admired her competition skills… but her social game sucks.
If a guy is good at comps but always an ass at social… and angry all the time… then we hate him. So I don’t see her different just because she’s a woman.
Good point about Michaela JT!
Awesome recap Betty! Thank you for making a blog for Survivor! It has been a great season imo. I was laughing when all the idols were played. That cracked me up. Unfair for C though to go without a single vote. Brad was to cocky, which in the end last him the game. Troyzan didn’t have a chance really. He didn’t do anything. But get along with everyone. Congratulations JT!
She actually had 4 votes, Keri, Jeff just didn’t make them write them down. But I agree, It sucked that she was evicted even though she was not one of the original targets… but that’s the game. Rules are rules.
Hope all’s well in Texas and the Bug is cool.
Thanks KJ
Ted… Cirie would have actually had 5 votes if they had gone through the motions of re-voting (Troy, Brad, Aubrey, Sarah, & Tai)
It was pointless to revote when Cirie was the only choice
Ted…. you are Mr Survivor expert…. what would they have done with Cirie’s vote if they had re-voted??
Yep a revote would have been pointless. It should have been a double elimination next tribal instead of sending Cirie home. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it! Bleh Not happy about how they do that as I’ve said it a couple times now. Sorry.
Thanks Keri. I liked Troyzan, but unfortunately he had nothing to show to the jury about his game play.
I am very happy that Sarah won. Of al of them, she really deserved it the most. She was playing the game hard and it showed by the amount of tv time she got. Some of those players were not doing anything like she was. Brad won a lot of challenges and they weren’t all athletic, but he was no strategist… few of them really were… and he lost by not keeping Tai. I was glad to see that little weasel not get in final three. I liked Troyzan and of all those people I think he would be one of the most interesting to meet.
The only negative about Sarah winning is that somewhere in Minnesota a round yellow head got a lot bigger. Probably no room on this page when he clicks ‘like’.
It was a great show, what a tribal. Betty, per the rules when people can’t be voted for then the only people to vote for is the ones left. Since only Cirie was left, Jeff could have had them all go to the booth and cast a vote, for her of course, but there was no need. That kind of sucks for sure for Cirie, but I don’t think she deserved to win.
It’s always fun to see everyone dressed up on the reunion show. Cirie’s haircut was cool and Michaela looked lovely, I was surprised at her style choice. I thought Brad looked better on the show. Troy and Tai looked nice.
Well got to run, so busy now, I’ll be back. I got done with a job and fixed some dinner and turned on the TV at 8:30 having forgot it was Survivor night and was pleasantly surprised to see it recording! Made my night.
Thanks again for a great season, Betty. You will be busy once BB starts!
Oh, one thing… where is the picture of the winner???
Ha, Ted it kills you because you never won
Thanks Ted. I see your point with the outcome had they voted again. They could only vote for Cirie, so there was no point in a re-vote. I felt so sorry for her. I guess I didn’t think things through.
No BB blog here. Lisa Marie does a great job.
I don’t blame you Betty. Doing BB is just too much work with 3 shows per week plus feeds an After dark giving us new info all the time.
Nope……. aint nobody got time for that!! (except Lisa… and I don’t even know how she finds the time)
GREAT recap Betty. Thanks for all your hard work here all season.
It was a very entertaining season IMO. That has absolute zero to do with winning the pool. I would have enjoyed it just as much if I was first out (like last time LOL)
So many crazy tribals and blindsides. The 2 with all the whispering… and Cirie trying to use Sarah’s advantage. And Tai using 2 idols on other people (Sierra & Aubrey).
Then that crazy one where 5 of 6 people were safe!!
I do have a QUESTION though… as to how something else would have worked had it happened (Anyone feel free to answer)
Sarah was thinking about voting with Tai against Troy at final 4. It would have been way too risky IMO… and good for her she didn’t.
What would have happened if she did? They talked about how it would be a 2-2 tie…. and then Tai & Troy would have to build fire.
I know that’s how it has worked before…. but I also know there was a “no tie” rule put in place for this season…. remember that?? It never came into play though
Did they get rid of that rule at some point and I missed it??? If so… when??
Because if they went by that…. then a tie between Tai & Troy would have made them both safe…. and Brad had immunity…. so Sarah would have been the only one left to draw rocks.
Maybe that rule was only in effect until final 6 or whatever… and I just didn’t hear that part????? IDK
JT, I don’t think the tie thing counted in this case because the rule is to make fire. It would be interesting to find out if your scenario about Sarah being the one left would apply but I’m pretty sure fire rules over tie. smh too funny
Thanks for answer. I was sorta disappointed that their new rule never came into play… but I suppose some of the votes went the way they did to avoid that.
I’d have to watch again or look it up… but must have been something in there about that rule only being in effect until a certain number were left
Thanks JT and congratulations again! I don’t know about the no-tie rule. I, for one, didn’t like it to begin with and I hope they scratch it next season.
LOL… I was sorta hoping to see it come into play at some point… for the drama and a crazy tribal. But I guess it is pretty unfair… and we did have our share of crazy tribals without it.
Great job Betty! You’ve done a wonderful job for us and looking forward to your comments for the next Survivor!! I didn’t get the post this time but JT put it up for me on Aggieland. Thanks JT.
Betty, I agree about how Cirie was eliminated. I just can’t wrap my head around going out with no vote. I said on Aggieland, maybe they could all have gone back to camp and next tribal would be double elimination. They could have worked it out somehow and that would have been really exciting. Cirie looked great and she’s a class act all the way. Loved how Michaela looked and that Jeff gave her some props and said how he liked her. I liked her too.
I was thrilled for Sarah and was rooting for her most of the way. What a strategist she was and smart too. I wonder if she really went undercover as a druggie/drug dealer or prostitute. I wouldn’t want to do that for sure. Anyway she played a great game. Never did like Brad and I was thrilled he lost. Did you notice how he pouted during the finale and I didn’t care for his new look. Kind of a caricature of himself and that stash was awful on him. I was surprised, pleasantly, that he only got three votes. I wish they’d show us who voted for whom. Tai had time to tell the jury what a bully and a jerk that Brad truly is. Ted’s description of Tai as a weasel is perfect. Couldn’t stand him from day one.
I was shocked Ozzie was so adamant about Brad being the best player during tribal. He’s only looking at it from a competitive physical standpoint but Brad couldn’t supply food and neither of them had a good social game. Wining comps isn’t all that and the votes proved that. It looked like he might have voted for Sarah in the end. As for Debbie, I didn’t see Jeff ask her one question during the finale. Did I miss it? Can’t stand her attitude, it’s always about her and her greatness. She and Brad could be King and Queen of hell as far as I’m concerned. Brad got so big for his britches and took out Tai. I have to say though as a fan it would have been fun to see them make fire but Sarah voted Tai out too. I guess it would have been Troyzan and Tai making fire if she had voted Troyzan. I just thought it would be fun to watch, I don’t think the outcome would have been different though.
Zeke too is a class act and the show handled the transgender thing very well I thought. Will anyone buy what’s his names book about “living with shame”. Not me but sounds like he’s come through with one hell of a life lesson. The problem with that is that life lesson he should have known since he was seven. You don’t throw your friends under the bus – period!
The next show Hustlers, Healers and what? I forgot. Anyway they’ll be in Fiji and I’m expecting another great season.
and heroes
I agree with pretty much everything…. LOL @ Brad’s look…. that porn-stash looked awful
I was also sorta hoping for them to build fire…. as if there wasn’t enough crazy things this season. LOL … But I also wonder when the “no Tie” rule went away for this season. If they said… I didn’t catch that.
Thanks Trudy. Ozzy liked Culpepper because they think alike. Both of them won a lot of challenges, but lacked the social part of the game and we all know, you can’t win Survivor by just winning challenges. I was happy Sarah won too!
Thanks for your write up Betty♥ & thanks for all the comments my friends L8R
Thanks Bobo.
I nominate Miss Betty to do this next season if she’s willing, cheers to you Betty
Wait and see… she will do it for Big Brother. And of course Survivor in the Fall.
It’s nice if she’s willing to do BB, last season wasn’t bad but I don’t expect much from BB anymore
I loved BB the first season but it really became more fun when the blog started and we were up to all hours just trying to get to 100 posts. Remember?? Now that was fun. BB has lost it’s luster for me and not only because the blog is not fun anymore but I’ll watch it and see how it goes. They’ve lost what the show was supposed to be about IMHO. Lately, it’s more about getting the Hatfields & McCoys and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas in one house.
I agree Trudy. There hasn’t been a good season of BB in years!
No BB. I will leave this to Lisa Marie.
You should just do an AggieLand edition.
Ted, how many places do you want to have for BB anyway? I can barely keep up with the two we have for Survivor and of course Aggieland. Lisa does a great job for BB so let’s just leave it there unless you want to have your own “unbiased” blog which I’ll like but I don’t have time to comment on fifteen different places. Geez
I don’t really care and don’t watch BB anymore. I just thought Betty might enjoy doing it, now that she has done the Survivor blog.
Thanks Aggie. I will probably do it again next fall, but maybe Ted could take over the spring season, as for me, it really interfered with the hockey playoffs.
For god’s sake, Betty! Tape those games and watch them the next day, they all look the same anyway. I have it on good authority you just watch for the fights anyway so you could just fast forward. Of course I would do it, but I could never duplicate your recaps, although Mine would be unbiased.