n

n

Monday, January 31, 2011

SURVIVOR DEBATE: IS BOSTON ROB OVERRATED???




As we all know by now, this upcoming season of Survivor Redemption Island will once again bring back old stalwarts Russell Hantz and Rob Mariano for a total smackdown battle with 16 other people thrown in. For Hantz this will be his third try in four seasons while Mariano will be playing for a record fourth time. I thought it was a good opportunity to look back at both of their careers on Survivor and decide where they rank all time. Today lets start with Boston Rob who has certainly been quite possibly THE most interesting and most talked about player in history.

Really when lookng at Rob Mariano's career on Survivor, you can state without debate that everything the man has in his life was as a result of this show. He met his beautiful wife Amber during All Stars, married her and enjoyed her million dollar winnings which surely helped with the down payment on their house. They than multiplied by having two daughters as well. Clearly this show has changed their lives like no other. Now for the actual game play.

Looking at Rob's performance on Survivor, if one were to study his three previous failures at the million bucks, there is some thought that he was overrated as a player. For all his bravado and tough talk, Rob's wife beat him to the title and he has had some poor performances along the way. Lets rehash.

In Marquesas, Rob was a big talker in his debut season and really didnt do very well as he was voted out as the first jury member. He made an impression though and so it was not a shock when he was selected for All Stars. In my opinion, this is where the man did his best work, albeit in a very harsh and at times unethical manner. Being able to balance a burgeoning love affair while lasting longer than every other of the previous best player's in the game's history to that point was a major score in his reputation as a big time player. And really you can make the strong argument that Rob should have won the million dollars which I have said all along. He made all the big moves and really saved Amber's behind with his deceit of Lex. Without Rob they dont have the million bucks in their bank account. Rob absolutely was the biggest villain coming out of that reason though and I have to admit I hated his guts. The whole Lex thing was the biggest dick move I ever saw on the show to that point and it was great how the jury tore him apart.

So it was with great pleasure when I saw Rob included in the Heroes VS. Villains cast as I couldnt wait to see him voted out and get what he deserved from All Stars. Well a funny thing happened along the way....I started to like the guy. And really Rob went though the biggest and easily the most unprecedented Survivor transformation in history as he went from being arguably the show's biggest villain to a hero due to his battle with the new ultimate villain Russell Hantz. Rob even played a nice game as he made friends with Sandra, Courtney, and Tyson and did everything he could to protect them. He came up with a brilliant plan to ensure either Russell or Parvati went home but we all know now that Tyson screwed it up and than Jerri later on failed to go along with the second try at it. So after challenging Hantz heads up, Rob lost and was sent home right before the jury. A much quicker end to his game than many would have expected.

So now ultimately Rob has two lackluster showings in three tries on Survivor with one fantastic outing in the highest stakes game ever in All Stars. So how do we rate his career? Is it off the mark saying he was overrated? Was he too much talk and not enough action? Does he need to win to finally cement his spot in Survivor lore?

In my opinion, Rob Mariano is one of the best players to play the game. If Tyson doesnt screw up the plan in H V V, its likely he goes a long way and maybe even wins. It was a ridiculously fluky result and so he deserves a mulligan there. Ultimately if he can oust Hantz in Redemption Island, than even more so Rob places himself at the very top of the list of all time players. In my view Sandra is the best ever due to the fact she is the only person to win twice followed by Richard Hatch and than Parvati. Hantz and Mariano are right behind that group due to their bagel in wins and how they do this season will determine who gets the nod.

It should be a great season to watch and at the very least we get to see Rob in action one last time....or maybe he comes back again. Stranger things have happened. Fatre all he found a wife on this show.

Let me know what you all think about this.

SURVIVOR NEWS: JAIL RECOMMENDED FOR RICHARD HATCH

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors in Rhode Island are recommending a jail sentence for "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch for violating the terms of his supervised release.

Hatch served more than three years in prison for failing to pay taxes on the $1 million prize he won on the debut season of the CBS reality TV show.

A judge this month said Hatch violated the terms of his release by failing to file amended tax returns for the years 2000 and 2001.

Prosecutors said in court papers Monday that Hatch should return to jail. He faces a maximum of two years behind bars, or the remainder of his supervised-release term.

Hatch has said he didn't refile his taxes because he has an appeal pending with the U.S. Tax Court. His lawyer has a chance to submit her own recommendation.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND NEWS: QUITTERS NO LONGER ALLOWED ON JURY

I dont know if I talked about this before and if I have no I am not going senile yet. I dont think it affects you at 30 years old (although losing some hair does). Apparently the quitting spree that took place last season in Nicaragua has led Probst and Burnett to bar anyone who voluntarily leaves the game from performing jury duty. There was a ton of backlash from the fact NaOnka and Purple/Useless Kelly were able to be involved in deciding who wins the million dollars last season but that will now be dealt with this season if it occurs. I wonder if I can get my jury duty thrown out by telling the judge I quit Survivor. Worth a shot.

SURVIVOR NEWS: FABIO DOING GAY HORROR MOVIES (UGH!)

Survivor newest and no doubt most bizarre million dollar winner, Jud "Fabio" Birza has had a very interested time since getting back to shore. Just last week Birza was arrested and thrown in the slammer for illegally skateboarding down a LA street while high as a kite on drugs and now its been revealed that he also got his first acting gig which took place......in a homoerotic horror film. The movie is called Nightmare Mansion and its directed by David DeCoteau who specializes in slasher movies with just all men who walk around for most of it in their underwear. Anyway...ummmm.....yeah thats pretty much all I want to say about that. There really is nothing else to say nor do I want to think about it anymore. So yeah we got a lot of now here in New York yesterday!!!!!!!

SURVIVOR CASTING CALL COMING TO KENTUCKY

Received this press release for those who are interested:

FLORENCE, Ky. -- The search for the next "Survivor" comes to northern Kentucky.

Turfway Park is holding an open casting call for the CBS hit show. The Florence, Ky. racetrack is expecting thousands of "Survivor" wannabes to show up for Friday's audition. Participants will have one minute on camera to convince producers that they'd make a great contestant.

The audition runs from 4-9 p.m., but Turfway officials recommend showing up early. They're expecting complete chaos as contestants are encouraged to bring props and be very creative.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND NEWS: PROBST CLAIMS SEASON WILL BE TOP FIVE

Survivor host Jeff Probsy has been using his Twitter account to further hype the upcoming Redemption Island season and also has been arguing back criticism of the decision to bring back both Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz for this season. As far as the latter backlash is conerned, Probst answered back by saying "If you’ve had too much of Russell, I dare say you’re not really a Survivor fan." Probst also went on to say that this season will be one of the "top five" in Survivor history and also talked about the upcoming competition from American Idol which shifted to Wed/Thu this season. "We are up against American Idol. We need major fan support. I promise you if you invest in this season you will love it.”

So there you go. Nervous about Survivor? Bothered by the criticism of Rob and Russell coming back? Who knows. Either way Probst is beyond pumped about this season and so I will take his word on how good it will be. We shall see.

Monday, January 24, 2011

SURVIVOR NEWS: JEFF PROBST IN HUNT FOR VACANT REGIS PHILBIN SEAT ON LIVE

Talk show king Regis Philbin announced his retirement last week from Live With Regis and Kelly pending sometime later this year and already talk is heating up about who could possibly be taking over for the legend. One of the names that have surfaced is Survivor host Jeff Probst who has been a fill in host on numerous occasions for the absent Philbin. Probst has spoken often over the last few years about eventually snuffing out his own torch as Survivor host and he supposedly had glowing reviews for his small batch of work on Live. Some other names that were mentioned were How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris, Ripa's husband Mark Consuelos, and Howie Mandel from Deal or No Deal. No official word about this has been released from Probst so right now everything is just speculation.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

SURVIVOR NEWS: NICARAGUA WINNER "FABIO" JUD BIRZA ARRESTED

Joining the ranks with Richard Hatch as former Survivor winners who have been arrested, Nicaragua winnner Jud "Fabio" Birza was detained by Santa Monica California police after he was stopped for skateboarding down the street (which is illegal there) and tha showing signs of being under the influence. Birza was booked and jailed and in the process, it was learned he also was booked for a prior DUI warrant along with a probation violation. He is being held on 37,000 bail.

My View: We all knew Fabio was a little dull in the brains department but this is just ridiculously stupid. Winning a million bucks and gaining some fame obviously wasnt enough to make him use his head and act like a responsible adult. Say hi to Hatch in the slammer Jud. Be sure not to drop the soap.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Survivor: Redemption Island - Rob & Russell

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND NEWS: RUSSELL HANTZ AND ROB MARIANO FINALLY REVEALED TO BE ON CAST

The world's worst secret has finally been confirmed as both Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz have been revealed as the last two contestants for the upcoming Survivor Redemption Island season. Both guys will start on opposite tribes and possibly be immune to the merge. This marks the third such appearance by Hantz and the Survivor record fourth for Mariano.

My View: This preview video is great as both guys are totally talking junk and you can see how much they despise each other. Also the video shows the clip of the Rob calling out Russell at the reunion show for Heroes VS Villains which was one of the best moments in Survivor history in my book. Love this trash talk. Be that as it may, word is (SPOILER ALERT.....LOOK AWAY IF YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW) is that Rob outlasts Russell in the game but that the Evil One comes back later on through Redemption Island. I only hope he doesnt come back and beat Rob at Redemption Island because that would be cheesy and leave nothing settled between the two. We shall see. As someone close to me said, this seasons will either further reinvigorate Survivor or be the beginning of the end. Stay tuned.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Survivor: Redemption Island - Meet the Cast

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND CAST REVEALED.....MINUS ROB AND RUSSELL



Well the cast for Survivor Redemption Island has officially been released with the exception of Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz who are expected to be named shortly or even shown during the first episode. The other 16 contestants consisted of 9 women and 7 men so surely even they have to figure something is up due to the uneven distribution of sexes on the tribes. As far as the cast and all of the rumors about who made up the tribes, the first thing is that poker pro Johnny Chan is NOT in the game like many believed. Also Steve Wright is the former NFL player that is in the cast and its not a big name since I never heard of him and I am a huge fan of the game. The rest of the names were all correctly reported on here and elsewhere.

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND NEWS: ROB AND RUSSELL TO BE ANNOUNCED AS COMPETITORS LATER IN WEEK

Well its almost official now. CBS released a press release today stating that "two former castaways" will get another chance to compete on the upcoming Survivor Redemption Island season which debuts in February. The worst kept secret on TV is the fact that Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz will be the two names revealed but at least it will be official now.

SURVIVOR NEWS: RICHARD HATCH VIOLATED SUPERVISED RELEASE

Here we go again as original Survivor winner Richard Hatch is in trouble with the law again. Hatch was ruled to have violated his supervised release from jail on tax evasion charges but wasn't immediately sent to jail. Judge William Smith said Monday that Hatch failed to refile his 2000 and 2001 tax returns which he was required to do of which he owes 1.7 million with taxes and interest. Arguments will be heard on both sides before a sentence is handed down.

My View: Just plain stupid is what Hatch is as he was given a second chance to get his life in order and it looks like he blew it again. I am sure Mark Burnett is proud of the fact their original winner is a tax cheat and likely going back to jail and this almost surely ends all talk of Hatch ever coming back on the show. Thats a shame as it would have been interesting to see how he would have done against the Russell Hantz' of the world. We wont know what would have happend now.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

SURVIVOR OPEN CASTING CALL: CLEVELAND

Think you have what it takes to outwit, outplay, and outlast?

Here's your chance for fame! The CBS hit reality TV show SURVIVOR wants you!

CLICK HERE TO PRINT AN APPLICATION

When: Thursday, January 27th, 1-7pm. No registration is required - first come, first serve. The first 200 applicants are guaranteed a taping session.

Where: Westfield Southpark Mall (specific store location TBA) in Strongsville

Who: Legal residents of the United States, at least 18 years of age

What: Please bring a completed application to the call, which can be downloaded HERE. You will then have 3 minutes in front of our camera to prove why you're perfect for the show! Come prepared to let your personality shine. We are not allowed to ask you any questions or interview you while you're on camera. You need to bring a 2"x2" photo and proof of passport (photocopy of the passport, or photocopy of the application for passport), along with your completed application. You do not need to bring a video - an open casting call is an alternative to creating your own video. We mail all of your information in, along with your taped segment.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND CAST PRETTY MUCH IDENTIFIED

All right so after a lot of false leads and innuendo, things are starting to get into focus as far as the look and identify of the tribes for Redemption Island. This is what we have now with a big help from True Dork Times.

Tribe 1
Rob Mariano-We All Know Him!!!!!
Andre Boehlke-21, college student
Ashley Underwood-25, pageant queen, school nurse
Francesca Hogi-38, attorney
Grant Mattos-28, ex-NFL player, yoga instructor
Matt Elrod-21, college student
Natalie Tenerelli-19, dancer
Philip Sheppard-52, actor, former army
Kristina-40's, mom, former actress

Tribe 2
Russell Hantz-The Asshole!
David Murphy-30, attorney
Krista Klumpp-25, sales
Mike Chisel-31, realtor, ex-Marine
Ralph Kiser-45, farmer, hunting guide
Sarita White-30's, producer
Stephaninie Valencia-25, model, actress
Steve????-40's-50's, former NFL player
Julie-40's-50's-Asian

Wow lots to digets here. First off there are a few names we need more info on such as Steve and Julie. Also we have 18 players and not 20 this season which is interesting.

We have Rob and Russell who we can safely say were out there but no Johnny Chan who was the last remaining quasi-celebrity who was possibly in the game.

I wonder if there will be a challenge between David Murphy and Francesca Hogi where they do a mock trial and whoever gave the more convincing case wins immunity David Mufor their group.

Once again a great deal of the cast looks like they stepped out of modeling school which further cements the trend of Survivor producers using the casting calls to bring people in based on appearance and not their game skills. You know how I feel about this.

Also that dude David Murphy looks really mean. I bet you he joins up with Russell in an ultimate Evil Allaince. You just know someone is going to be kissing his ass big time here.

So there you have it. Nothing earth shattering here. Looking forward to seeing Ashley Underwood who clearly is the hottest chick in this cast. Should be good.