Tag: survivor

Survivor Dream Cast

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So you guys know I love me some Survivor.  I don’t know if any of you are fans but I couldn’t sleep so I decided to work on my editing skills and put together this little video of my Survivor Dream Cast.   These are not necessarily the best players, just the people I like.

Do you watch the show?  There are a lot of old seasons on hulu plus and amazon on demand so go back and watch them.  It is fascinating and a lot of fun.  It’s the kind of TV you want to talk about, so if you are a fan let me know.

 

1. Cirie
2. Tyson
3. Boston Rob
4. Rob Cesternino
5. Cochran
6. Parvati
7. Sophie
8. Stephen F
9. Kim Spradlin
10. Richard Hatch
11. Todd H
12. Ethan
13. Ozzy
14. Coach
15. Jerri
16. Corinne
17. Aras
18. Rupert
19. Tony
20. Sandra

 

Survivor Blood vs Water

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Survivor-Blood-Vs-Water-logo

Let’s lighten things up a bit and dive into some delicious reality TV.  My roommate asked me the other day “Do you like any shows with a plot?”    There are a few comedies that I enjoy (How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory etc) but the only drama I like is Downton Abbey.  Everything else is reality TV of some kind.  Probably my 2 favorite are The Amazing Race and Survivor.  Despite both being on for 10+ years, they manage to capture my interest and entertain.

This season is the 27th season of Survivor and it is one of its best, which is interesting because when they first announced it my eyes did a serious roll.  It sounded like another gimmick- blood vs water.  The twist this season is 10 returning players, 10 family members/relationships but it has done a great thing for the game.  Jeff Probst has talked a lot about the twist adding layers but it really has.  In the past the tribes formed alliances and then when the merge happened those alliances stayed strong, with the stronger team picking off the weaker team one by one (think last season with the bros).

However, this season that line is a lot fuzzier because now at the merge you have family members coming together, which gives the potential for old alliances to be dropped.  You also have the redemption island situation where castmembers compete to get back on the show.  I’m not a fan of redemption island but it has been a chance for people to switch with their loved one’s, so some people like Rachel have been voted off not because they were strong but because they hoped that their loved one would switch, which did not happen in the case of Tyson/Rachel (who are 2 of the many survivors from Utah!)

This is what makes survivor interesting.  The strategy.  You have to constantly be thinking ‘what is in the best interest of my tribemates?  What will they want the most?  Tonight was a great example with Monica losing her husband out of the game and finding out Kat was considering voting her off.  She immediately got to work and changed the vote from Vitas to Kat.  She’s gone.

It is also key to lead at the right time in Survivor.  Boston Rob learned this lesson on his master class on Survivor Redemption Island.  He was a friend while still being the leader, making the big moves.  Cochran actually did that quite well.  This is why the winners of Survivor come in 2 packages- you have the likable leader (Boston Rob, Cochran, Parvati) and the likable peacemaker (Sophie, Fabio, Todd Herzog).  You also can’t lead to soon or too late.  You can’t work too hard or be too lazy.  You have to help on the challenges but not be too threatening.

It’s really interesting.  I’ve been impressed with Aris and Vitas (sp?).  I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them wins.  Especially Vitas going over to the all girl tribe and how he ingratiated himself so quickly.  Made him seem sympathetic and kind.  It’s also got to be tempting to keep a man on the tribe to help with physical chores, caring wood etc.  I wonder how long they will keep the new tribes.

Anyway…you can tell I don’t get to talk Survivor chop shop with anyone.  I do enjoy listening to Rob Cesternino’s podcasts on Survivor.  He is funny and the analysis very entertaining.

It’s really a very entertaining show.  Do any of you watch?  Are you fans?  What do you think of the blood vs water spin?  Do you think you could vote out your loved one to appease your alliance?  I don’t know.  Depends on the loved one (just kidding).  I guess most of them have probably had conversations before hand about what they would do, but it would be tough.

Oh!  The other weird thing about this season is everyone is burning the hidden immunity idol clues.  It was first the Culpeppers that did it twice and now Vitas did it today which was baffling.  I don’t know why they don’t just find it as a tribe or an alliance and use it collectively?  Usually the idol clues aren’t that important to finding idols (Parvati and Russell were the kings of idol finding and it defintely helped Parvati to win).   It just shows what a weird season this is.

So that’s all I have to say for the moment.  Let me know what you think of the season and the show.

 

 

Fall 2013 TV Review

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Network-logos

Anyone who knows me knows I love television and yet I don’t think that has gotten quite the treatment on the blog that it deserves.  I have written a lot about books and movies but not as much about TV.

The funny thing about me and TV is that neither of my parents watch it at all.  There is not one show that my parents watch on a regular basis or have ever devotedly watched.  Even the siblings I grew up with (Megan and Ben) are not huge TV people.  Aside from the Simpsons there wasn’t anything we were big fans of (and yes I have like 12 seasons of the Simpsons on DVD.  Not sure why that surprises people but it does).

Why do you think that is?  Why would I be such a fan of TV from an early age when I had almost no exposure?  I suppose part of it is my friends watched a lot of TV so I picked up some of it from them.  I also have a bit of a lazy streak in me and I’ve always liked TV as a way to unwind.  A movie is more of an investment where television is 30 minutes to 1 hour (less with the magic of DVR).

TV is also a longer commitment so you get to know the characters better and I’ve always been a lover of layered characters.  Even silly shows like Boy Meets World provided relatable personalities that grew up with me (literally when I started high school Corey and Topanga did, college, etc).

Anyway, so I’ve watched a lot of the premiere’s and new shows for the Fall 2013 line up and here are my initial thoughts

New Shows (this seems to be the year of the return of the sitcom where last year was the ‘we want to be Mad Men dramas):

Mom- Anna Feris,  Allison Janney are a mother daughter team of misfits.  Kind of a recycle of Reba with a bit more bite.  I thought the pilot was promising but the second episode not as much.  We’ll see.  Good casting.  Love Janney in just about anything.  Has lead in of How I Met Your Mother so that could help it.  B

The Crazy One’s- Robin Williams, Sarah Michele Gellar- father, daughter ad executives (that seems to be the big fall back career for Hollywood when they need a blah job for its characters).  Didn’t think it was funny and Gellar looks old and haggard.  Whoever does her makeup isn’t doing her any favors.  Robin Williams does the same schtick he has done since Mrs.  Doubtfire.  D

Dads- So bad.  Corny.  Nothing was funny.  Sons and their competitive annoying Dads (seems to also be a theme this year child and obnoxious parents).  F

Super Fun Night- Rebel Wilson stars as a buisnesswoman who has just gotten a big promotion, but parties with her girlfriends to keep her motivated at work.  It is a cliched premise but I laughed a lot.  It hasn’t gotten great reviews so probably won’t last long but I thought it was really funny.  Dialogue is sharp.  The banter between the girlfriends was natural.  Watch it America A+

Back in the Game- James Caan is a former baseball player who’s daughter comes back to live with him and ends up coaching the little league baseball team of her son with her Dad’s help.  Basically the same kind of banter that was in King of Queens or Everybody Loves Raymond.  A real dud.  It makes the crucial mistake of taking itself seriously.  F

Devious Maids- Kind of entertaining for a soap opera.  Good performances although some latina cliches (how many times can they say hot salsa or hot mama in one show?) Still, if you are in for some drama and can’t watch telenovelas without english subtitles check it out B-

Returning Shows-

Middle- Still my favorite show on TV.  I think the writing is funny.  I love the child actors.  I love that it is about Indiana and they get the details right.  I love that the couple aren’t constantly bickering.  I love that there isn’t always a moral at the end of every episode (had enough of that with Modern Family).  I just love it!  A+

Modern Family- Speaking of the before mentioned show its back and returning to its boring, cliched ways.  I’m so sick of the women on this show.  They are all such types.  Now Cam and Mitch are getting married which could be funny but everyone I know is over this show.  It isn’t modern and worse it isn’t funny D

Simpsons- The premiere episode was a spoof on Homeland and as I’ve never seen Homeland I didn’t really get it.  It still looks great and the even on a sub-par episode the nostalgia alone is enough to get some votes.  25 years I’ve been watching that show . 25 years!  B-

Drop Dead Diva- (This was actually a summer season but I didn’t mention on the blog and it is a great show! I love the leads.  I love the return of old Jane (Although they got rid of her way too fast). They need to bring Fred back . New angels have all been bad.  Was totally on team Owen until he was a petty jerk all season.  Go Grayson! The cases are so stupid but they are really just angles to get to the juicy developments with the characters.  A

How I Met Your Mother- I was very skeptical of a 9th season for this show but it was renewed and I’m glad.  The first couple of episodes have been really funny and sweet.  I’m glad we get a whole season getting to know the mother and seeing how she meshes with Ted (although they haven’t met just yet).  All the characters are returning to their original warmth and the plot has become simpler I think this entire season is focused on Barney and Robins wedding.  We will see how it ends.  A-

Big Bang Theory- In premiere episodes Leonard comes back from sea and hides from Sheldon to spend time with Penny.  Very funny.  Rajesh can now talk to girls so that should be funny and I’m going to make 2 predictions- Sheldon has long island iced teas and things progress with Amy and Bernadette gets pregnant.  I think both of those would be really funny.  Still, really funny start to season. A

Downton Abbey- And yes, I am watching the UK stream online and it is great!  Matthew is gone, Mary is reeling, O’brien is also gone but a new hire has a previous connection to Mr. Branson now Lord Branson husband to the late Sybill.  Edith is coverting with a married publisher.  Lady Violette is keeping everyone honest and change is happening all around them.  Fashion is noticeably different this season..  Love the addition of Lady Shackleton.  She’s going to give Lady Violette a run for her money.  B+

Mindy Project- Anytime Morgan is on screen I laugh and luckily he is on screen a lot.  The cameo with James Franco was funny.  Wish he could have been fulltime cast because it was good.  Bummed Casey is getting the heave-ho so fast after Haiti but it had to happen.  Clearly the producers want Danny and Mindy to get together but they will probably drag that out over 8 seasons.  Still I laughed a lot at the first 2 episodes.  A-

Reality Shows-

This is my favorite category this season

Survivor 27: Blood vs Water- I was very skeptical when I heard about the latest twist.  10 returning players and their family members are battling it out for a million dollars.  I think its a little lame when they’ve had now 2 all star seasons in a row (well basically 2 fans vs favorites in a row).  However, the family angle has proven to be better than I expected.  What makes it interesting is that there is a new layer at tribal council.  For instance, when the team voted out Rachel it wasn’t because of her strategy or her skill/lack of skill in challenges- it was because they wanted Tyson, her boyfriend, out of the other tribe.

What I don’t like about the new season is the return of redemption island.  Didn’t Boston Rob’s epic season basically prove that was a dumb idea?  It doesn’t work.  The person who makes it back on redemption island will get voted off every time.  Think about who would want to face a scrappy redemption island winner at the final tribal?  Plus, it is anti-climactic to have people not really be leaving the game after tribal council.

My pick to win it all- I’m going with Tyson.  He doesn’t have the burden of family early on, can be more strategic, he’s great at challenges and is likable guy that a jury will want to vote for.

Could you guys believe the whole Colton fiasco tongiht?  What a wimp!  I mean did he think survivor would be so different this go around?  What on earth?   He kind of pulled a Brandon Hantz and knew he was on the outs and quit.  That is so lame and Probst said that he faked the appendectomy on One World.  I guess the producers brought him back to create drama but please.  Quitters are so lame.

Still, very entertaining season so far.  A

The Voice- Christina and Ceelo return and I’ve lost interest for some reason.  The contestants just aren’t doing it for me and I would rather watch HIMYM and Dancing with the stars on Monday, so I’m done with this show.  Plus, I can’t remember a single name from last season.  Clearly they didn’t make an impact.  D

Amazing Race- new season started this Sunday and it is looking interesting.  There honestly isn’t a team that I’m really pulling for.  At first I thought the Afghans were going to do well but they’ve made some pretty dumbheaded mistakes.  I couldn’t believe how many people didn’t read the clues all the way in Chili.  Come on!

Boy girl teams usually have the best chance so I think Tim and Marie or Nichole and Travis could do very well.  I love seeing the different cultures, challenges and characters.  Still the show I would most like to be on.  I think my brother and I would be a fun match up because we are so different.  A+

Dancing with the stars- this season is pretty entertaining. Diverse stars from Bill Nye to snookie. Lots of high scores early on. Leaves little room for improvement. Only Monday episodes this season which is very smart A

Project Runway- An interesting and quite volatile cast (how many meltdowns can one cast have!).  So far I haven’t been blown away by anyone but I think Braden will probably win.  There hasn’t been a great season since Christian Siriano won.  C

I guess those are the biggies.  The Foodnetwork I give a C.  The old shows like Chopped are still good but new shows like Cutthroat Kitchen have been lame.  They are clearly running out of ideas.  Nothing on Bravo has interested me for many years and I do not like much on premium cable.  I am told the season finale of Dexter was a big disappointment but never watched the show.  I did watch some of the season of Mad Men that just finished and it was depressing.  Don Draper is just a despicable human being and so is everyone else on that show.  I admit I’m curious to see how it ends but not that curious.

I also have tried to watch Breaking Bad 3 times and each time I get to episode 3 and start to squirm.  Too violent and cynical for my tastes.  So you all enjoy it and I’ll stick to my lighter fare.

What shows do you like this year?  What about returning shows?  I am disappointed Bunheads doesn’t appear to have been renewed.  I liked that show.   Oh well.  That’s Hollywood for ya!

Please share in the comments section what you think of reality tv, comedy or anything else.  Also please share if there is something I missed which you enjoyed.    I would love your feedback.

Thanks!   (anyone seen Orange is the new Black?  What do you think? I’m leary to try netflix again after what they did to my arrested development.  Egads.)

fall preview

Fall TV Review

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As I’ve mentioned before on my blog I love me some television and because I was sick last week I viewed even more TV than usual. Luckily it was premiere week and all my favorite shows started their seasons with a couple new shows thrown in the mix.  I thought it would be fun to review these shows and give you an idea of what is worth checking out this season.

Sunday-

Amazing Race 19- 19 seasons and still my favorite reality competition show.  Entertaining cast, great first challenge in Taiwan and I couldn’t believe the girls that lost their passport about an hour into the race!  A few new touches like the hazard penalty and a double elimination round next week keep the race exciting.  If I could be on any show it would be the Amazing Race.  A+

Extreme Makeover Home Edition- There is no show that lays on the inspirational cheese more than this one but I still enjoy it.  Its kind of like the TV equivalent of a cup of hot cocoa.  Sweet and comforting. I’m embarrassed to admit how many times it makes me cry in spite of my best efforts! This season started with a bang, bringing the First Lady in as a guest to help a home for female veterans.  How can you not like that? B+

Pan Am- New show trying to ride the 60’s wave of Mad Men.  Looks very promising with a slick, attractive cast.  You could really see the budget spent on the pilot.  Cinematography, sets, fashion were all top-notch.  Not as edgy as Mad Men but I actually think that’s a good thing.  I love Mad Men’s style but it has become too R rated for my taste with almost every character being a philanderer or cheat (plus a few of the plot strings have become ridiculous). A-

Monday-

Dancing with the Stars- new season has stretched the meaning of ‘star’ to the point where some of the pro dancers are more famous than the stars.  For instance, does dating George Clooney really make you a star?  That said, still immensely entertaining.  I especially enjoy watching it with my DVR so I can fast forward all the fluffy montages and rehearsal scenes.  I just like to watch the dancing! B

How I Met Your Mother- this show has been weak for the last 3 seasons, especially last season. The once funny Barney gags are tired and the entire cast (and writers) seem bored.  Hope they can revitalize it but I think this season it might be time to finally meet the mother and end the show.  C

The Sing Off- Despite it being the 3rd season had never seen the show but the draw of Sara Bareilles as a judge and a team from my alumni BYU called Vocal Point was too much to resist.  I enjoyed this acapella competition; although, I think all 3 judges are far too nice. They need a Simon Cowell to be a little tough on the teams! A

Two and a Half Men- Never seen the appeal of this show but I had to watch out of curiosity.  If anything I think Ashton Kutcher was better than Charlie Sheen.  Still, not that funny.  C

Two Broke Girls- Terrible, cliched comedy.  I thought every laugh was tired and predictable.  F

Tuesday-

Glee- I was into this show for about 6 months.  It had a strong pilot and you know I loved the music at the beginning.  Unfortunately the plot lines got ridiculous really fast and the kids stopped behaving like high school students and more like 30 year olds. Plus, I think they are dipping really deep to find new songs and to work those songs into a coherent plot (they didn’t have a song in this weeks episode until about 20 minutes into the show so they are becoming more sparse in their song offerings) .  Nothing new this season has excited me but it is nice to see Idina Menzel as a full time cast member.  Almost makes me tempted to watch. C-

New Girl- Only new show I watched on Tuesday (aside from results night of Dancing with the Stars).  This is a strange little show that I can’t say I recommend but I also think it has potential. Zoey Deschanel plays a girl who is dumped by her boyfriend and moves in as a roommate with a group of guys. The pilot had good moments but its tone was also all over the place.  I couldn’t decide whether it was a slapstick comedy or a drama.  Second episode also mixed.  Still, I see some potential (Btw the producers were so smart to get this show out on itunes for free download weeks ago.  I don’t know why more shows don’t do that.  It creates such buzz). C+

Wednesday-

Survivor: South Pacific- Another guilty pleasure of mine.  Repeating the gimmick from last season the producers have brought back 2 veterans; although, I don’t think either Coach or Ozzy will be able to put on the Survivor school that Boston Rob displayed last season.  They also have Russel Hantz’s nephew to see if villainy runs in the family.  Could do without the Redemption Island gimmick but no favorites so far.  A

The Middle- The funniest show on television that people don’t seem to be watching.  Glad ABC hasn’t given up on it.  Hilarious opening episode on the perils of camping with a family.  Watch this show!!  The kid actors are also the best in television. A+

Modern Family- I hate to say it but I think this show peaked in its first season.  Last season I felt was basically a repeat of the same gags from season 1.  The premiere for season 3 didn’t make me laugh.  I didn’t think the Lilly jokes were funny and the kids on the show are not very good.  Especially Manny is so wooden.  I feel like you can see him thinking of his lines before he says them. C

Up All Night- This is the show I am most excited to tell people about.  I don’t know when I’ve laughed harder at a pilot.  Hopefully the rest of the show will live up to it but the first 2 episodes were hilarious.  It is about a couple who give up their partying ways when they have a baby- a situation that could be ripe with cliches but it all works.  There is a scene where they are changing the baby’s diaper which made me laugh my head off.  The pilot is a free download on itunes right now so check it out!  I want this show to last!  A+

X Factor- American Idol all over again and I’m done with that show why would I tune into this? Nice to see Simon and Paula back together but really I agree with David Spade who said ‘all the good singers have been found’.  They really seem to be digging deep for this show.  D

Thursday-

Project Runway- The new season technically started a month or so ago but I thought I’d mention it.  This season may be the jumping the shark moment for the show.  Last week’s episode where they had to make outfits for a band was terrible.  It looked like a tacky 70’s party.  Maybe all the good designers have been found. I don’t think they’ve  had a really strong season since Christian Seriano won. D

Big Bang Theory-   Another show that peaked in its first season.  The last season was low on laughs and too focused on sexual humor.  I think they need to get back to the ensemble gags that used to work so well.  Its become too Sheldon based. C+

I didn’t watch any premieres Friday or Saturday so that’s it.  I know its a ridiculous amount of television for one human being to watch but I was sick!  If I could only recommend 3 shows it would be Up All Night, the Middle and the Amazing Race.

My Reality TV Addiction

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So I’ve been doing a lot of posts lately.  What can I say?  I’ve had a great week and am getting back to myself!  Thank goodness.  I have even been back on the victoza for a week and been having a good response!  No nausea. Hurray! Cross fingers it will continue.

That said- I would like to confess an addiction.  I love reality tv. Now when I say reality tv I am not referring to the Jersey Shore, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Jon and Kate Plus 8 style of shows (never gotten into those).

What I like are the reality competition shows.  I say this fully admitting the shows are stilted and cast for character types but I still find them entertaining.  They are kind of addicting.  Once you start watching you want to know who is going to win.  I’m just a sucker!

Here are some that I like and I will try to explain why:

Survivor- Today was the end of the 22nd season of Survivor.  I have not watched every season but have followed the last 5 or 6 seasons. I guess this is what you would call a guilty pleasure.  I’m not even going to defend it on any level.  It does prey on the worst in human nature and the editing is manipulative; however, I just find it entertaining.

I like guessing who is going to win.  Who has the best strategy? Who is going to win the social game?  Who will the jury pick? Will they play the idol? Sometimes I have no idea who will win (Survivor: All Stars- who picked Sandra?) and other times I know from practically day one (this season Rob was the clear winner.  Everyone else seemed like a total pawn, amateurs).

Like I said.  I’m not going to defend it.  I just enjoy it.

Project Runway- Another show which completely casts for characters not talent, but it is still amazing what the designers do.  The challenges are insane.

I know its ridiculous, but I just find it addicting watching talented people make outfits out of grocery store objects, items from a car, dresses out of paper or outfits made of flowers.  Who thinks of these things?

In addition, unlike America’s Next Top Model (a show I never got into.  Tyra is so annoying) it actually creates successful designers (has there been one truly top model out of ANTM?).  I think Christian Siriano is the most successful winner but he was also a part of the best, most competitive season.

My favorite challenge of Project Runway was season 2. The entire dress had to be flowers/plants!

Amazing Race-  My last favorite is the Amazing Race.  This is the show I want to be on some day.  I think it would be so much fun to travel around the world doing crazy challenges.

When I get in super good shape I want to sign up and my dream is to go with my Dad.  He would be a great partner.  He is so good at maps, orienteering, puzzle solving and anything athletic.  Plus, I think it would be an awesome bonding experience.I don’t think a father-daughter team has ever won.  Who knows?

Something I like about the Amazing Race is that you do not have to be mean to win the game.  While there is some strategy involved, it seems like usually a really nice team wins the game.  Because it doesn’t involve voting the strategy is not quite as fierce. In the end its about who crosses the finish line first.

This season was a great All Star season and Keisha and Jen won.  I kind of wanted the Cowboy’s to win but the girls seemed very nice too. It was a great win particularly when you think about the fact they lost last time because Jen had to go to the bathroom before checking in!

The one thing I wonder about is how in the heck do they come up with these challenges?  I would like to see a behind the scenes episode of The Amazing Race.  It would be interesting to know how they decide where to go and what the road block and detours are.  The two most memorable to me are the watermelon catapult from the previous season and the needle in the haystack in Poland.  Crazy!

One last thing about the Race.  Do not go on the Amazing Race if you are scared of heights or water.  Every season there are challenges for both without fail and every season there is someone moaning and groaning.  Although, I can’t really talk because I’m sure my fear of animals would be seriously put to the test. Bring it on!

Anyway, that’s my confession…what’s your secret tv guilty pleasure? Come on.  We all have one!