Survivor: San Juan Del Sur: Episode 10

Thanksgiving Edition Twist

For the past nine weeks I have been ranking the remaining Survivors based on how much I personally like them. While there has been some shake-up in the middle of the pack, my favorite player since week one has been Jon. He still is, and that is not going to change. This week I have decided to mix things up a bit and rank the remaining eight castaways in order of their likelihood to win the game. Fear not, I will return to my normal countdown next week. 

* On a side note, since Wes has been eliminated, he has no chance of winning, and therefore, I will not be writing about him. However, he moved way up in the ranking this week simply by casually asking Jeff Probst if he remembers being naked on Two and a Half Men. In twenty-nine seasons it was the most behind the scenes footage we have ever seen of "casual Jeff Probst", and I am now dying to see more of Jeff and the castaways side bar conversations during endurance immunity challenges. If the editors did not include this glorious footage this week, we also would have never known Wes won the Louisiana nugget eating challenge, and that would have been a travesty. Good on you, Wesley.

Likelihood of winning San Juan Del Sur (least to most)

8. Alec

"If Jesus can do it, I can do it" professes Alec, just moments before he steps down because his feet hurt too much.

At this point, Jesus himself has a better chance of winning this game than Alec does. After this week's vote, he has completely alienated himself from everyone left in the game besides Reed and Keith. The look of utter confusion on Alec's face at every tribal council is an indication that this kid doesn't have a clue about what is happening. The ONLY way he will survive next week's double episode is if Jon, Jaclyn, Natalie, Baylor, and Missy know how clueless he is, and see Reed and Keith as a bigger threat (which they should). Right now, Alec's odds are set at 1:100,000,000. Sooooooo, I suppose I am saying there is a chance. 

7. Reed

The greatest immunity necklace presentation of all time?

Reed has earned a tremendous amount of respect from me the past two weeks. The guy knows he is screwed, and refuses to accept his fate as 2nd, 3rd, 4th.... jury member. He has turned out to be even more strategic than Josh, and a monster in the challenges. And just look at how pointed his toes are! I am no gymnastics critic, but I am pretty sure that is just about as perfect of a split as one can do. 

As far as winning this game is concerned; if he somehow makes it to the final three, he will likely win. Reed, however, will need to pirouette and chasse' (sha-SAY) his way to immunity challenge victory for the remainder of the season, or he will be ball-changing all the way to losers' lodge after the first tribal council in which he is not immune from the vote. 

6. Baylor

Dear God, please let the jury get confused at the final tribal council and think they are voting one of us off rather than voting for a winner.

Baylor was my pick to win from week one, and while I am still holding out hope that she will win, I am beginning to fear that there may not be a chance. I can not think of a scenario in which she can win. If Alec goes on an immunity streak, and it is a final two, and he takes her to the finals, she may have a slight chance at winning. Otherwise, she will likely be third place, and get one less vote than her mother, who will probably get second place. 

5.  Missy

Somebody has spotted a handsome camera man!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is no doubt about it. I would gamble my condo on the fact that Missy will make it to the final three, and likely with her daughter. And likely, neither will receive a vote. 

Despite the fact that Missy has played a FLAWLESS game, I do not think she will have garnered enough respect from the jury to win their vote. IF there is a final two rather than a final three this year, and IF she is in the final two with her daughter, she will win. But that is about the only way I see Missy taking home the million dollars. Hopefully she can find a nice husband at the wrap party because she has been a single mother of two and three-time divorcee for way too long. You know what they say, the fourth time's the charm.

4. Jaclyn

This is like, the easiest game ever!

While Jaclyn has been in the driver's seat for many tribal councils this season, her chance of winning is slim. If she is in the finals, she will likely be there with Jon. If she is in the finals with Jon, she will not receive one vote. Should the tribe be able to blindside Jon in the coming weeks, and Jaclyn gets taken to the finals, there is a small possibility that she could manage to squeeze out enough votes to win the game (that is only if Baylor, Missy, and Jon are on the jury.) It is going to be a very inclined up hill battle for Jaclyn to win this game, so she should really have all her eggs in Jon's basket at this point. And no, that is not a dig at her inability to have the sexiest children alive.

3. Keith

 Ohhhhhhhhhhh, I get it. Maybe I shouldn't have told Reed and Alec, and Wesley to "stick to the plan" in front of the rest of the tribe. Roger that.

While the possibility of Keith being voted off next week is huge, the alliance of five will only be able to get rid of two of the three guys next week. One of them will make the final six. If that is Keith, he has been shockingly good at the individual immunity challenges the past few weeks, he could easily win final six immunity and find himself sitting in the final five. If he gets to the final five, he stands a great chance at joining one of the couples and making the final three. If he is in the final three, he will win. 

Those are a lot of "IF's", especially since he used his hidden idol, but Keith can not be counted out until he is spitting out his torch. 

2. Jon

I AM NOT SURE WHY EVERYONE THINKS I ATE TOO MUCH CANDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is very strange placing Jon at number two, because he has been #1 all season, but this is a special Thanksgiving list of who will likely win, not my favorites. Jon will be back to number one next week. Trust.

Jon has made some enemies on the jury in Josh and Jeremy. I don't think Wes or Keith have much love for Jon either. And Reed will still be bitter about Jon voting Josh off, and likely voting Reed off too. That is the entire jury (and potentially next two jury members). 

On the plus side:

* If Jon makes it to the final six, he can likely dominate the final immunity challenges, unless, of course, it involves standing on a one inch piece of wood and Probst offers Jon a Snickers Bar and Gummy Bears. If, however, Jon fails to win immunity after the final six, he will be voted off and the girls will dominate the end game.

* Jon has made big moves, and the jury should recognize that. If he is in the finals with anyone in his alliance (with the exception of Natalie) he will win. Hands down. He will easily beat Jaclyn, Missy, or Baylor, but getting there may be the difficult part for Jon. Regardless, I am very thankful that he is still in the game, and the possibility for him winning is still very much alive. He is certainly making his father proud, and that is worth way more than a million dollars. 

1. Natalie

Finally, something that Natalie is not good at: spitting. Natalie sucks at spitting. 

As far as I am concerned, this game is Natalie's to lose. If I was a betting man, which I am, I would bet a lot of money on Natalie winning Survivor: San Juan Del Sur. She has played a perfect game, and would be well deserving of the grand prize. I will even go one step further: I am predicting at some point in the future Natalie will be brought back for an All-Stars edition, and she will win that too. Who knew that Nadiya was the reason the twinnies sucked so much at "The Amazing Race"? Natalie should have ditched the dead weight a long time ago. 

This is how I see the rest of the season panning out:

8th place - Reed (unless he wins immunity again)

7th place - Alec

6th place - a shocking Keith immunity win, and Jon gets the boot :(

5th place - Keith

4th place - Jaclyn

Final three - Baylor, Missy, Natalie

Jaclyn votes for Baylor to win.

Jon and Keith vote for Missy to win.

Everyone else votes for Natalie to win.

One Anderson twinnie is the first one voted out. The other wins. And Jeff Probst mentions that 8 times at the finale. 

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur: Episode 9

Typically when Survivor teases a tribal council blindside during their Sunday promos, the blindside ends up being somewhat predictable to the at home viewer, and only considered a blindside to the unfortunate castaway that got the wool pulled over their eyes. This week, however, Survivor: San Juan Del Sur delivered a blindside that not only shocked the five castaways that were not in on the plan, but the people watching from their couches. There was something refreshingly different with this week's pre-tribal council editing, which afforded the option of a viewer blindside. And I was as giddy as Jeff Probst when it started raining at the mud reward challenge to finally be totally surprised as a viewer. The only problem I have is that if the commercial for the week didn't TELL US there was going to be a tribal council #blindside, I may have been even more blindsided than I was.

Before this week, the season has been fairly predictable, but this could be the kick start it needs going into its final three episodes and the December 17th finale.

The countdown....

10. Alec

The lowest point in Alec's Survivor journey, and quite possibly, life.

Alec has not voted with the majority at tribal council since John Rocker was voted off in episode 3, and I am struggling to understand what his strategy could possibly be. Every time I see him on the screen I think of a walker on "The Walking Dead" just waiting to be put out of his misery. Handily losing to Keith in this week's reward challenge (see above) just put the nail in the coffin for Alec, as I am convinced he is no longer even trying.  

Despite what the previews for next week may suggest, Alec's time on Survivor is coming to an end, and I, and probably the rest of America, couldn't care any less. 

9. Jeremy

Jeremy, making the best out of his time on Exile Island

Just when I was actually starting to tolerate the guy, Jeremy gets the boot. As I have said before, I am sure Jeremy is a great guy in real life, but all season long I have had a terribly difficult time accepting his moodiness and negativity. The past two weeks, however, I saw the positive things that Jeremy has to offer. Even though his motives may have been in question, I admire him giving Jaclyn his reward, and I respect the fact that he is protective of his wife. "If someone takes care of my wife, that's all that matters to me. I got your back", Jeremy confessed at tribal council moments before he was backstabbed by the people to whom he was referring. 

Regarding Exile Island, Jeremy admitted to Probst that the crabs were "shaky and scary", and while I am still trying to understand what that means exactly, it was refreshing to hear Jeremy admit his weaknesses. Ultimately, I am happy he is gone because it opens the door that much more for a Jon win, but I am glad we got to see a better side of him on his way out. 

8. Wes

The look of mud-balanceboard-jousting defeat.

Watching Wes and Reed slap each other during the reward challenge was the highlight of the episode for me. First, Reed slaps Wes upside the head, sending chunks of dirt and Wes' dignity flying into the pit of mud. Then Wes slaps Reed's arm, sending mud into Reed's eye, where he tries to pull his best Baylor impression and feign injury before pouncing on his victim (only in this case, the victim isn't his mother).

Later on in the episode we see the first sign of gameplay from Wes since week three. After realizing that Jon and Jaclyn are no longer free agents, Wes and his father admit defeat, and all but give their Survivor concession speech to the tribe. Their only request was for Missy and Natalie to inform them if they were going to be voted off, because they didn't want to be "#blindsided". This act of kindness would inform the father-son duo who was the intended target, thus allowing them to use the hidden immunity idol that Keith kept so poorly hidden.

Regardless, it shouldn't be long now before Wes and his buddy Alec are pounding San Juan Del Surian beers and allowing their bodily functions to be released judgement free in the jury house.

7. Reed

Reed, from forgettable jury member #2 to potential winner in a matter of 44 minutes. 

It has been over two months, and 9 episodes, but we finally got to see what Reed has to offer. As I said last week, Reed has been nearly invisible all season for one of two reasons. I will quote myself from two weeks ago.... 

"There must be some reason why he has been so invisible for the first half of the season; either he is going to be voted off next (or real soon) and we never really needed to get to know him, OR, he is going to make it to the very end and we will have plenty more time to get to know him." - Ryanscountdowns 11/6/14

I think this week gave us our answer, as Reed has suddenly found himself in the best seat of the house. Going to the final 5 with two couples (Jon/Jaclyn, and Missy/Baylor) is how he could win this game. The only question left is how many times we will see him wink, blow kisses, or mouth "I love you" to juror #1. If this tribal was any indication, my guess would be over twenty. 

6. Baylor

Baylor, thanking God that she got to face off against her mother, twice.

Somebody is having the best week ever! Not only did Baylor assist her mother in jumping off the balance board into the mud not just once, but twice, but she also won individual immunity, ALL BY HERSELF!

This, all is in addition to being allowed to drink soda on a yatch while watching her four tribemates get drunk. AND she was an essential part in voting off the biggest player in the game. This was Baylor's week, and after eight weeks of receiving more votes than Mitt Romney received in the 2012 Presidential Election,  it was well deserved.

My week one prediction to win is now in the final nine, and well on her way to making me the greatest (Survivor winner) predictor of all time. 

5. Missy

"My daughter is going to love me soooo much after I throw this challenge for her TWICE"

"If we rock the boat too much, one of us is going to fall out", said Missy, moments before she rocked the boat at an epic tribal council. Missy has been playing the game hard since day 1, and this week voted off her first friend she made in the game. Clearly her and Baylor are in very tight with Jon and Jaclyn, which will get them to the final five. If, however, she is smart, her true alliance will be with her daughter and Reed, thus guaranteeing a spot in the final four.

And if her ability to make men marry her is any indication to her persuasive powers, she could probably sway the jury to give her (or Baylor) the million dollars if, and more than likely when, she makes the final 3. 

4. Jaclyn

Just a day at the beach for Jaclyn.

On the negative side, Jaclyn may have had one of the most pathetic performances of reward challenge history when she slammed into Natalie, trying to knock her off the balance board, and hit her like a brick, crashing into the mud and losing her point for her team. 

See below........

Step 1 - Pounce on Natalie

Step 2 - Immediately fall into the mud

Step 3 - Regret your decision

On the plus side, Jaclyn calling out Wes and Keith at tribal council this week was amazing. Knowing that she had the votes on her side, Jaclyn held nothing back and let Wes and Keith know exactly how she felt; including her opinion on where the hidden immunity idol was being "hidden".

I love Jaclyn, and would be more than satisfied if she wins, but if I had my choice Jon would beat her 9-0 in a historic final two showdown. 

3. Natalie

I would rather be anyone else in the world besides Missy right now.

Despite the fact that Natalie intimidates the hell out of me, I am thinking more and more that I would love to have Natalie as a friend. I can imagine me being drunk at a bar, and Natalie protecting me when I get into "drunk-at-a-bar-trouble". 

Natalie may be in some MAJOR trouble based on the last tribal council and the elimination of her best friend and ally, but if anyone is not going to just lay down and be voted off silently, its Natalie. If there is one thing I have learned from twenty years of watching reality TV, its NEVER underestimate a Sri-Lankan twinnie.

2. Keith

"They went through my stuff. Why did they go through my stuff? I have watched so much Survivor, and I would never go through people's stuff."

Keith continue to impress me, and while I do not think there is a shot in hell at him winning anymore, I still would love to see Keith win this game. Because of Keith, I am going to start saying "roger that" on a regular basis. 

His victory over Alec was seemingly astonishing, but looking back, Keith has done quite well in challenges, and has held his own for being the oldest guy there. 

One of the most memorable parts of this week's episode was when Baylor accused Keith of ignoring the remaining ladies. Keith's response was simply, "I talk to your mom all of the time". If Baylor had a nickel for every time she heard that phrase, she would not need to be starving herself and living on an island for thirty-nine days, as she would already be a millionaire. 

1. Jon

Jon, considering leaving Jaclyn for Natalie because she is letting him eat her food. 

Sorry to be so predictable, but Jon is once again, for the ninth week in a row, my favorite castaway. The previews make it appear as though Jon may be in trouble next week, but if Jon can escape next week with Jaclyn still by his side, I think there is a great chance at him winning the game. 

As if he has not proved himself to be a challenge beast enough, this week he knocked powerhouse Jeremy off the balance beam TWO TIMES without ever touching the mud. 

Jon is not only a challenge king, but the most strategic player in the game, and seems to have Jaclyn, Missy, Baylor, and potentially Reed wrapped around his finger. Jon is potentially an all time top 10 Survivor for me, and if he keeps on this path, he is well on his way to being my favorite to ever play the game. 

If he wins the game, I will buy anyone in a mile radius of me a shot of their choice; one at a time. And I will do a shot with each and every one of them. 

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 9: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 8: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: BAYLOR

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 9: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 8: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: JON

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 10: WES
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 9: WES
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: REED
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: REED

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: DALE

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: WES

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: DREW

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: JACLYN

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: JACLYN

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 10: ALEC
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISPDE 9: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: ROCKER

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: ROCKER

Survivor: San Juan Del Sue, Episode 8

Merge episode part 2 finally delivered the edge of your seat tribal council that we deserve. Despite the pre-tribal council editing, and barring anything exceptionally crazy, Wes, Alec and Reed will be the next eliminated in predictable tribal councils. The only thing I hated about this week is that Jeremy is now back in the position of power, and will likely make it to the end with Natalie, and a seat filler, likely Missy, and take home the million dollar prize. I really hope that I am wrong, but it is not looking like we are going to see Jeremy's torch snuffed anytime soon. With that being said, it will come as no surprise that number 11 this week goes to........

11. Jeremy

Jeremy, after winning individual immunity. Does this guy ever stop smiling????


As much as I rag on Jeremy for being a miserable prick, I have to admit that he did earn a few points last night. He showed some compassion for the ladies when the men were being, you know, men. I think he even may have had an actual, legitimate smile at his reward taco feast. But, he was probably just smiling because Wes was in pain, and vomiting. I am pretty sure his facial twitching as he was on the verge of winning immunity, was another attempt at a smile, but at this point when Jeremy does not have a puss on his face, it is just odd, and I can't help but be reminded of this....

Unfortunately, it looks as though Grinch Jeremy will be grimacing his way to the final tribal council. 

10. Alec

If anything says "I wasn't expecting that", it's this face from Alec.

I have finally come to accept the fact that there is absolutely nothing likable about Alec. His pre-tribal council remark, "I feel as comfortable as I possibly could right now", referring to how confident he was that Jon and Jaclyn would vote with his alliance, was Survivor foreshadowing at its best. If he doesn't show us some redeeming qualities soon, even his father (you remember the guy that likes Alec wayyyyy more than his other son, Drew), is going to start thinking his son sucks. Drew sucked, but at least he was a struggling European male model.

9. Wes

How Wes and I look after a visit to a Mexican restaurant. 

I had both sympathy and empathy this week for Wesley. This may sound like I am being stereotypical, which I suppose I am, but I don't think Wes was trying to be disrespectful to the ladies around camp, unlike Alec. I am sure he was just being Louisiana, son-of-Keith, Wes.  

I empathized with Wes because every single time I go to a Mexican restaurant I get sick. Granted he got sick because he ate many, many, double tacos and had a few drinks, and I get sick because I eat a few bites of my taco and have many, many margaritas, but those are just details. 

8. Reed

Maybe if I stand like this long enough they will think I am a flamingo. They can't vote me out if they think I'm a flamingo, right?

Reed used the word "homeostasis" this week. That one word contains almost as many syllables as Reed has spoken in eight full episodes. I would love to get Jeff Probst's take on Reed. It seems the only time Reed speaks is when he is requesting something from Probst (asking for flint, asking to return the flint, asking for rice, asking for a rebuttal at tribal council, etc.) Is this guy needy or what? 

It FINALLY looks as though Reed is going to do something big next week in order to revenge his boyfriend's departure...and when he does, I think most of America will be in a state of homeostasis wondering who the hell that is on their screens. 

7. Missy

Has someone finally found husband number 4???????????

If you are wondering what Missy and Alec are doing in the picture above, the answer is moaning. But they are not moaning at the sight of the meat Probst has to offer them, as castaways typically do. This time they are moaning at the thought of enjoying ice cold margaritas on the reward trip. Missy's fantasy was short lived however, as she was not picked to be part of either team, and thus not invited to participate in the reward challenge, and forced to sit alone on a bench while the rest of her tribe battled it out. 

"Well, this F#&*^%#G sucks." - Ryan, imagining what Missy is thinking. 

After Keith told Missy that they were all voting for her daughter (!), Missy made sure that the king and queen of the beach were on their side, and more than likely offered Jon whatever he wanted to ensure her daughter's safety. In the meantime, however, Missy ensured the viewers that "Baylor knows I love her, and that is all that matters." I am fairly confident that is not "all that matters" to Baylor, and she would certainly beg to differ from her mother. 

6. Baylor

"And what are you going to do about this, mother?" (what Baylor's face says, when Missy informs her that she is being targeted by just about everyone.)

I am not sure what I have done wrong in my life to have Baylor in the office pool, but I apologize for it. It wouldn't be an episode of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur if Baylor didn't almost get voted off. After 8 episodes, Baylor has a whopping fourteen votes against her. And I am sure that if there was a tribal council last week, she would have had a few more tacked on. I do not dislike her personally, but it is difficult for her to be a favorite of mine because she seems so disliked by so many castaways. There has got to be something painstakingly terrible about her that I am missing.

Anyway, I predicted her to win eight weeks ago, and every week since, and now that she is in the majority alliance on the merged tribe, that doesn't look like it will be changing anytime soon. 

5. Josh

How Josh looks when he is being voted off of Survivor 

(Also, how I look when Baylor is almost voted off each week.)

While I am sad to see Josh go, I think it was his time, as his story line has been played out for a few weeks now, as his power has been diminishing rapidly. He was the king of Capoya for four weeks, then battled (with Jeremy) for the throne at Hunahpu for two weeks. Finally, when the merge happened, he lost all his power, as the only power in the game belonged to Jon (and Jaclyn if you want to get technical).

I'm sure Josh will have a very well prepared speech at the final tribal council, as he is now the first member of the jury. And hopefully, his vote for Baylor will be the vote that beats Jeremy, crowning her the winner of San Juan Del Sur.

(That is if Jon is already eliminated, of course.)

4. Natalie

Natalie, listening intently, as Missy tells her daughter that everyone hates her.

Since the John Rocker fiasco, Natalie has been on her best behavior. Natalie will make the final five, that is all but determined. However, her lack of screen time has been a major concern the past four weeks. Has Natalie realized that she should start being on her best behavior, or should she be concerned that the producers are saving all of her crazy outbursts for the blooper reel at the finale?  Hopefully, Natalie will continue to fly under the radar and convince her tribemates that she is not just 50% of the most intimidating Sri-Lankan twinnies of all time.  

3. Jaclyn

Jaclyn, moments away from starving to death.

Why is Jaclyn not at number two, you ask? The answer is simple; it is because she said "whatever I want, Jon will do". While she is probably right, I don't like it when anybody claims that their partner will do whatever they say. Now that the merge has sprouted, Jaclyn will likely be a key factor in the next few weeks, and hopefully take a bullet for Jon, should he not win immunity when it is his time to leave depart.

2. Keith

"How much...the hell longer...do we have to deal with this crap?" - Ryan imagining what Keith must be saying to himself.

My top four favorite things about Keith this week:

4. Keith spitting at the tribal council (after the girls clearly shared their frustration about the boys disturbing bodily functions).

3. "We are not at the Hilton, I haven't heard Wesley fart in a while."

2. Missy: "Who are we voting for, Keith?"

Keith: "Baylor, your daughter. Thats ok, right?"

1. "Wes is a good kid, he ain't been in jail yet."

(!!!!!!!!)

1. Jon

Jon's relief at finding the hidden immunity idol.

Me, when Jon found the idol. 

Not only did my boy find the hidden immunity idol this week, he also delivered the quote of the week:

"Think of me while you're tasting it!" he yelled back to the winning tribe. 

Bottom line, I love this guy and can't wait for him to take his $1,000,000, and what I am imagining, way more importantly, the title of Sole Survivor,  home to his Pops. 

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 8: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: BAYLOR

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 8: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: JON

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 9: WES
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: REED
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: REED

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: DALE

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: WES

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: DREW

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: JACLYN

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: JACLYN

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISPDE 9: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: ROCKER

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: ROCKER

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, Episode 7

                   The merge episode is typically my favorite episode of every season of Survivor. This, however, was a complete let down thanks to yet another Survivor quitter. The only beacon of hope is that it looks like we are being set up for an epic showdown next week between good and evil. (Josh and Jeremy)

Probst Quote of the Week:

"Now you must balance BOTH of your balls."

Onto the countdown...

12. Jeremy

Jeremy, uncharacteristically upset about something. 

I have seen every episode of Survivor since it premiered in 2000, and can remember just about every castaways' name that has ever played the game. Of all the 500 plus people, I don't remember any of them being as miserable and angry as Jeremy. I get it, I would be pissed too if Julie beat me in an individual Immunity Challenge, but this guy probably gets angry when someone leaves footprints in the sand. 

I am sure he is a decent dude in real life, but based on how his personality is being edited on the show, he is quickly becoming one my least favorite castaways ever. Next week it is likely that either him or Josh/Reed will be voted off, and it will all come down to King Jon and Queen Jaclyn's vote. I never thought in a million years that I would feel the need to utter these words, but #TeamBroadway all the way.  

11. Julie 

Trail Mix, the new Beef Jerky

It's been a while since we have had a food stealing/hoarding incident on Survivor, and EVERY time it has spelled disaster for the culprit. Back in season 2, Kel was bounced for allegedly smuggling beef jerky on day 6. In season 3, Diane was voted out first for stealing a can of beans with Clarence. Season 6 Janet was berated (and eliminated) in episode 2 for being accused of having a granola bar that she apparently smuggled in somehow (and I NEVER need to know where she was hiding it.) And now, thanks to Julie, we have #trailmixgate. Message to future Survivors: DONT F WITH OTHERS PEOPLE'S FOOD.

I really, really, really, wish that we were able to see the footage of what happened when Julie stormed off and went into the woods. Did she run all the way to Probst's camp and pull him out of his luxury tent? Did she have an epic meltdown to the cameramen or producers, demanding Probst come have an official "Let me get this straight; you're quitting the game." chat? Either way, I am pissed we didn't get to see it, and feel as though we, as loyal viewers, deserve to see more of the behind the scenes footage of the shamed quitters making their final decisions to pull themselves from the game. 

I am still not exactly sure what pushed Julie over the edge? Was it the fact that her tribe mates ate her stolen trail mix? Was it because Alec made a comment about where the trail mix went? Was it because people made fun of her boobs? Could she really not stand being away from her wonderful, amazing boyfriend JOHN ROCKER??? Or was it because she was appalled that Missy told her she considered her a loved one? The Survivor world may never know...... until the reunion of course. 

"Jeff, they stole my trail mix that I stole, and they made fun of my boobs. And Missy said she loved me. I quit."

10. Alec 

"I wish I had some trail mix to go with this broth."

Now that the merge is upon us, I am hoping to see some personality from Alec. I feel like he would be fun to have as a fraternity brother, but he is awfully boring to watch, and is bringing nothing to the table. I think most people are so "whatever" about Alec that if episode 8 started and he wasn't on the show anymore, I doubt anyone would even wonder or care where he disappeared to. 

9. Wes

All poor Wes wanted for his birthday was for his father to know it was his birthday. 

Wes actually spoke a few times this episode. We heard him talking about how delicious the merge feast was. Josh then informed us, and Keith, that it was Wesley's birthday. Big episode as far as Wes standards are concerned. 

The first individual Immunity Challenge came down to a showdown between father and son, and unlike Baylor, Wes was actually happy for his old man when he beat him. My feelings towards Wes are much like my feelings towards Alec: I think he would be a lot of fun to hang out with at a bar, but if he doesn't make some big moves soon, he will be forever forgotten about by 11:15pm on finale night. 

8. Reed

"Oh My God!" YAYYYYYYY, the camera man finally wants to talk to me!

When I think of Reed, I think of the picture below.

 He is simply, just there. The season is now more than half over, and we know next to zilch about Reed. There is absolutely nothing to dislike about him, but there is also nothing to love. There must be some reason why he has been so invisible for the first half of the season; either he is going to be voted off next (or real soon) and we never really needed to get to know him, OR, he is going to make it to the very end and we will have plenty more time to get to know him. Next week will be the deciding factor for Reed, as I expect him to be gone within the next two weeks, or continue to sail to the final three. As of right now though, there is a better chance of Julie being allowed to "un-quit" the game and win the entire thing, than Reed winning this game. 

7. Missy

 "I'm sorry I was such a lousy mother, Baylor, but I'm playing a great game of Survivor. That makes up for it, right?"

It is quite possible that Mommy Missy is the reason that Julie ended up quitting the game. Missy may have convinced Julie that the only reason she wanted her to stay, was to advance her, Baylor, Natalie, and Jeremy in the game. If Missy did not make Julie feel like she was being used, there is a small possibility that Julie would have stayed for at least one more day, and one of the big players (Josh, or Jeremy) would have been booted this week. 

Missy also pretty much convinced her daughter to be heartless, and not have any emotional regard for lying, and backstabbing her friends and former allies ("it's a game, suck it up, Baylor."). Mommy Dearest or Best Mom Ever? You decide. Either way, after next week, Baylor and Missy could be considered the greatest blood vs. water duo to ever play the game. 

6. Baylor

Sorry Josh, my mom told me I couldn't play with you anymore.

Anytime Baylor does not get votes against her at Tribal Council is a good week for me, as I predicted her to win from episode 1. I understand that there was no TC this week, but I wouldn't have been surprised if someone blurted out "can we have Baylor quit, instead" as Probst was sharing Julie's news with the group. 

As I mentioned with Missy, this next week will determine if Baylor is one of the first jury members, or the winner of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur.

5. Natalie

If this look doesn't make you want to share your trail mix (that you were planning on eating all by yourself) with your tribe, I don't know what will. 

Natalie has been relatively quiet lately, but she is never Reed-invisible. Each week we see an, albeit brief, clip of Natalie scheming with someone. This girl is playing the game, and harder than anyone. I feel as though we are being set up to believe that she could be in danger of being voted off soon, but I am still very confident that Natalie will be terrifying me with her angry glares until the very end of this game. 

4. Jaclyn

Jaclyn, being perfect Jaclyn

The only reason Jaclyn is not ranked in the top two is because I feel as though she is starting to let Jon do all the work again. She is one half of (potentially) the most perfect power couple the game has ever seen, but I wish we could see a little more gameplay out of Jaclyn. From the looks of next week's preview I think I will be getting my wish. I just hope, however, that her and Jon can agree upon getting rid of Jeremy over Josh. But come to think of it, Jaclyn could vote out every single family member and friend that I have and I would still think she is flawless. 

3. Josh

"If the couples don't vote with me next week I am going to be so fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffflllipping mad."

All season long it has been a battle of Team Jeremy vs. Team Josh and next week, one of them is going down. On the off chance that one of them wins immunity one of their right hand men could be gone, but for the most part, either Jeremy's or Josh's days are numbered. While I think Jon and Jaclyn would be morons to side with Josh, I really, really hope they do (at the very least just to get rid of Jeremy, then they can go back to Missy and Baylor).

Regardless of whether or not Josh survives much longer, he is an all-star worthy player, and if he does get screwed by the numbers soon, I hope we get to see him play again. 

2. Keith

First individual immunity goes tooooooooo.................Keith?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??

Keith wins the first individual immunity and the poor guy doesn't even get to wear the necklace to tribal council. I guess that is what he gets for forgetting his son's birthday.
I am loving Keith more and more and would love to see him go deep into the game. If team Josh is on the wrong side of the numbers this week though, I fear that Keith may need to jump ship and leave Ol' Wesley fending for himself. If Josh or Reed go home, Wes' game is all but over, and Keith MAY be able to work his way back into the Baylor/Missy/Jon/Jaclyn alliance that he is so against at the moment. Regardless, he has been fun to watch and I am not ready for him to leave our screens anytime soon.



1. Jon

Jon, the coolest guy I (don't) know.


Spoiler Alert:
Jon has been my favorite since week one, and will be my favorite until he gets voted off or wins the season. My favorite Jon moment this week was when he made fun of Wes for losing to Keith in the Immunity Challenge. ("You Blew it, you can't even beat your old man. hahahahahah")

He plays the game with his heart (like Jeremy), but is having a hell of a good time doing it (unlike Jeremy).

He is always positive (unless someone is stealing trail mix), always funny, and always a gentleman (even when he is pissed off at Julie, he still refrains from calling her a nasty word). "What a Selfish. Little. ughhhhhh" exclaims Jon as he shares his feelings with his tribe. It was just two weeks ago that Dale, twenty years his elder, was calling Missy a "bossy bitch."
Jon is an all time Survivor stud, and for me, a Jon win would be the most rewarding Survivor victory in twenty-nine seasons.

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: BAYLOR

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: JON

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: REED
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: REED

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: DALE

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: WES

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: DREW

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: JACLYN

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: JACLYN

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: ROCKER

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: ROCKER