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