Survivor 50 B&B Ep 10 Recap w/ Jaime Lynn Ruiz

[00:00:00] We all love Survivor and in my first ever book, The Tribe and I have spoken, I'll tell you how this little show evolved from that juggernaut first season on the beaches of Borneo all the way into its landmark 50th season. I'm like a storyteller, that's what I do. What role did the greatest players, the unforgettable moments, and Jeff Probst himself have in shaping what Survivor has become today? And what contribution did we play in building this worldwide tribe of Survivor fans? Love you, bae!

[00:00:28] For you future players, I've also included my Ultimate Survivor Playbook to help you win the million dollars, unlike me. It's fun, you know what dude, it's fun. This hardcover edition is filled with beautiful Survivor illustrations in every chapter and is an amazing addition for every Survivor collector. I'm a meat collector. Pre-orders are everything for a book launch, so to say thank you to everyone who pre-orders, you'll receive an exclusive digital bonus chapter

[00:00:56] called The Ultimate Rites of Passage. My personal tribute to all the players who have ever competed on the show, all 751. This is huge. I needed this. Pre-order wherever books are sold, in hardcover and as an audiobook at robhasabook.com. That's robhasabook.com. Nicely done, Rob.

[00:01:22] I need this. I need this. I need this. It's fun.

[00:01:55] I took three podcasters, put them in front of three microphones and told them to talk about a two hour episode of Survivor 50. And by the end of this video, someone's going home with the million. What's up, everybody? Your boy, Mike Bloom here with the R.H.A.P. P&B coming to you. Not so live, but talk about a live tribal council in this episode of Survivor 50. I will drop the act right now because it's very clearly fitting a square peg into a round hole.

[00:02:22] Oh, my goodness. We got a lot of pegs and holes to talk about here because there is a lot to get into over the course of this episode. A million dollars got added to the prize fund and a lot of chaos got thrown into the mixture in what some are calling one of the best episodes in recent memory. And I'm here to break it all down as I highlighted so courteously with two lovely ladies. First, of course, I love the co-host Liana Boraas. Liana, how are you?

[00:02:49] I'm just happy you didn't go with the comfort or chaos trope that we had from the auction. So I'm happy to be only in comfort. But this episode was a bit chaotic. I mean, comfort and chaos would have been like, hey, Liana, you're my fantastic co-host. Also eat this pig brain. Yeah, I'm full. Thanks. Hey, listen, no, we just boot and rally. That's what Sari does. She comes back refreshed and smiling, much like our guest always does.

[00:03:17] I am so excited to welcome her in. She's more of a welcome presence even than Mr. Beast with a briefcase. It is from Survivor 44, the great Jamie Lynn Ruiz. Hey, oh my gosh, I'm so happy to be here. I am loving this season. The episode, two hours, insane. We have so much to chat about. I'm loving it.

[00:03:39] All right. Well, let's expand upon those thoughts first and foremost, because, yeah, I think there has been a lot of, I would say, across the Internet, perhaps mixed emotions for Survivor 50 up to this point. We'll certainly talk about, I think, a lot of acclaim behind this episode in particular. But talk to me more about your thoughts from the first nine weeks, let alone week 10. Yes. Oh, my gosh. We have so much to catch up on. So I, for the last nine weeks, I've, it is Wednesday is my day. I've, I look forward to it.

[00:04:07] And it's like when Monday hits, it's like, yes, it's almost Survivor Wednesday. Because as you guys know, I've, I've watched Survivor my entire life. So I'm a teenager watching it. And this is like when the episodes come out brand new. And I have, I really feel like it hits different for fans that have watched from the beginning versus like the pandemic binge watchers.

[00:04:30] It's just, there's so much more lore and nostalgia and just that feeling of just, oh, it's like in my bones, this show. And so it's, I love it. And the last, you know, every week, I don't like any spoilers. I don't know anything. I watch, you know, Brent, my best friend and I watch, you know, the, the day. And so I watch West Coast time. So we're not even on our phones because I don't want to see any tweets.

[00:04:59] I don't want to see any spoilers. Anywho, every week I am screaming at the TV and so excited by it. And I know that there has been a lot of discourse or just, you know, with the celebrity stuff, the celebrity, you know, with the, the country singer. There's not, and it is, it's very gimmicky.

[00:05:21] It does feel gimmicky, but I'm trying to see beyond that and really kind of lock into the players and being there and this opportunity that they have to be there. It's just such a great, it's a great, I love a returning season because we're getting this up leveled, you know, almost like the players that come back. You're, you have so much that you're kind of managing.

[00:05:46] You are managing like who you are and then who you think that everyone thinks that you are, who production thinks you are. And so you're kind of just all, you're, you're a different elevated version of this caricature of yourself. And I like watching that because it's kind of fun to see what people think that people want to see, you know, so it's, it's, it's interesting.

[00:06:14] And then what makes the cut? What doesn't make the cut? I'm loving it. This last episode was probably, it was the best episode of the season so far because it was less gimmicky. I love the way I love the twist because I was kind of nervous. And I also think it's been interesting to see who they're bringing in. I'm, I fall under the group of people that would have rather seen, you know, survivor legends come in versus the celebrity. So, but, but I'm rolling with it.

[00:06:43] It's like, you know, this is, again, I'm trying to laser focus in on what matters are the players that are there and the ones that they got invited back. And now they're, it is so hard to play this game. It is so hard. And I, I feel like people kind of, it's easy to be on your couch, like screaming at the TV, like I am, but really like episode one, I'm sitting there bawling. Yes. Yeah.

[00:07:07] I was seeing, you know, Sari out there again, knowing like the, the, just the torture that you put your mind and body through, even from not eating. I mean, it's, it is, it's so torturous. And so it kind of, you know, you're, you, you start your healing journey when you, when you leave the island. Cause it's just, there's so much happening and it's, it's a very cool human experience, but it is.

[00:07:38] There's so many aspects of the experience that I wish were more emphasized because you appreciate it. It's like, I'm bawling because I know how hard it is. Like you're sleeping on the sand. I mean, they have hammocks this season, which that's a whole nother conversation. We never had hammocks. Don't tell that to those old school players. It's like, that must be nice.

[00:07:59] We were digging shoulder and hip holes into the sand so that we could find a comfy way to position our bag and then put our buffs over. Or it was, so now I see the hammocks. I'm like, they're actually sleeping, but they, they need to be able to, so that they can, you know, play better.

[00:08:19] And also let the, you know, having more food, it's all kind of bringing it together to this almost like peak new era. They've been able to kind of use every season as like a test to this point. Like, okay, what, like, you know, we can't not feed them as much as the early forties. We really didn't have food.

[00:08:43] And then now, you know, having more rewards and, you know, you have to have a brain cell to be able to play and, you know, be strategic. So it's just been fun. And I love, you know, my heart lean towards the old school players because just seeing them, it's just so nostalgic. Like I remember where I was, you know, seeing Sari and Ozzy. I'm a day one Ozzy fan. Like I feel like I've grown up with these players.

[00:09:10] So it's, it's just so heartwarming. I love it. I'm loving it. I really, I really, really am. Good. I think that's such an important way to view not only this season, but Survivor in general, which are what the part, what are the parts that you do like?

[00:09:25] What are the parts that you do appreciate and really latching on, as you said, to those moments and really, you know, taking that to heart, even though, you know, certainly Jeff hyping up Mr. Beast when really Devins was the one who created all the chaos that tribal might be happening, but still appreciating that chaos. Right. Because that's the fun part. I don't know about you, Liana. Don't say that. Yeah. Well, I got a whole new hall full of a WWMBD. Well, when Mr. Beast do merchandise, right. And just sell to the nearest buyer. Can't wait. Can't wait.

[00:09:54] But, but no, I think that's an absolutely fabulous point. And I think that there's so much to appreciate about this season, but I did want to go back, Jamie, to something that you mentioned about, you know, the players having to contend with so many different things. And this is true for any returning player season, but it does feel so much more prevalent for 50, maybe because there are people who have played so many times, you know, people like coach, people like Colby, people like Ozzy of balancing the who they are, who they are now.

[00:10:21] Now the perception of who they were, the perception of who they are now. Right. And there's just like so many factors in, in play. So yeah. Having that extra rice actually is very valuable because you got a lot going on out there. Now they got a whole smorgasbord literally of stuff for them to down as well. So now it's going to get, make them swollen their heads even more just when the game is hopefully as Aubrey has prognosticated a number of times, hopefully starting to heat up. Just heating up. Yes, it is.

[00:10:48] And it's, I think in, um, with, with that same thought, it's almost, there's a direct correlation with the expansion of the internet, you know, and the expansion of the fan base and the expansion of access to information. It was, yes, there were millions and millions of, you know, I'm tuning in to CBS on Wednesday night viewers back then.

[00:11:13] You know, it was like, it was almost like this community, like you're all watching or like taping it on your VHS. Like I always say, but now it's like, you're all, you're watching it, but you're watching it with just this huge web of people and opinions and, you know, strategy thought processes. And so it's, it's definitely added a depth to the game, but which can be also, I mean, that's why you are dealing with so much.

[00:11:42] It's like just that, that expansion. It's just like, it's, and it, it, there's no way to go back because, you know, it's like, we all have computers in our pockets with our phones and it's cool because you get to share, you know, before it's like, you were just fighting with your brothers and sisters and mom and dad in the living room of like who you thought was going to win. And now it's like, you can fight online about who's going to win or what movie loved or not. Everyone's your brother or sisters now. Yeah, exactly. It's all fight. Yeah.

[00:12:10] I mean, I, I, expansion is, I think a really apt word to put the overall motif of season 50, both from a cast perspective, but also I think just like generally encompassing the franchise, right? I'm like, okay, old school players. Now, you know what it's like to play in more of a twisty new era, new era players. Now, you know what it's like to interact with some of the people who paved the way to where you are today.

[00:12:34] And I think that has really been one of the best service parts of this season is the ability to be able to, to, and again, I think maybe that it ends up with moments likely on a set of like, well, we've expanded so much. We're bringing in people who love this show and are now, you know, fostering these new ideas that may or may not work.

[00:12:55] But I think even looking upon a moment as small as Sari reading her loved one's letter, think about the fact that we have watched this woman for two decades for probably what, like 10 seasons of reality TV combined at this point, five different shows or something. I don't think we've ever heard her say really anything about her father. She said a couple things about her mother, but unless I missed something on the Big Brother 25 live feeds, which would be wild, right? If she said something and Jared's like, oh yeah, what's going on with grandpa? I mean, your dad. Yeah.

[00:13:24] But that was such a beautiful moment. And it's something that again, even all these years later, all these episodes we've seen Sari play, we're still finding out new facets of her. And so I think it is also allowed. This is going to be a very odd term as expanded as this season is for us. I think the players have allowed the experience to expand themselves. And I'm not just talking about the exorbitant amounts of food they gorged on this episode. It is. It's true.

[00:13:53] And it's and, you know, we think we know the players so well, but learning this new information about Sari and how heart wrenching it is. And I mean, the tears and knowing that it's and it's also a different experience for them going out there because the length of time, you know, they're only out there for 26 days, which ends up, you know, the whole experience over a month without seeing your family. But it is. Yes, I think it expands.

[00:14:23] It adds such a depth to it by having, you know, having these people who have dedicated their lives to playing this game. And it is a very hard thing to do to really commit to that, you know, because there are people that have entered their survivor universe played and then they kind of just, you know, make their way in life and leave. And, you know, they could be a very impactful player and we never hear from them again.

[00:14:50] And but but for people to keep going and to keep, you know, again, putting like the physical and like your own personal mind body through this and then also the aftermath. I mean, it's just really cool. And then also, obviously, the support of their friends, her her family, you know, seeing. So hearing that it just yes, I love that added layer and knowing that we have known her for 20 years and we're still getting to know these players. It's like it's it's so much fun and it's so pure.

[00:15:19] And I love that the old school players are playing a new era game, which is very, very, very different. And I not to be like so diplomatic, but I love them both for their own reasons. You know, if you were there, like I hate you, arrow.

[00:15:36] Right. But I can honestly say after watching this season, it's like, OK, I actually love that they are kind of having to play a quicker game and they're having to you know, you don't have the three days between tribal to build bonds and relationships. Now, then you can also say, though, that that would, you know, disrupt the relationship building, which is a huge part of Survivor that you can't really catch on camera.

[00:16:03] Like you don't really see those bonds like the true like whenever something doesn't make sense to me, I'm like, OK, they have like they actually connected on another level that we didn't even get to see that combo. You know, so it's like I always kind of. So anyway, that's another reason I'm loving 50 is the new era. Like you said, playing with the old school players, like what what's their mindset?

[00:16:24] How are they you know, what are these conversations sound like for them versus then the old school having to quickly like think quickly and know that like you're going to tribal literally tonight or tomorrow and again and again. Yeah, so it's been fun to see that. Well, I was going to ask, speaking of that, and you mentioned is it a day one Aussie fan? How are you feeling about Oscar and Oscar the jungle man? I love Aussie so much. A day one Aussie fan.

[00:16:53] Love, love, love seeing him on my screen again. I am like as long as it's not Aussie. OK, well, Aussie and Sari, the Sari's Sari's Sari's of Oz or Sari's of Oz. So it's just so much better. Come on. The Rizzer of Oz Dream Alliance. That's one of my top my favorite alliances. Literally. And I wanted to say that. Is it my favorite alliance of all time? Oh, my God.

[00:17:17] I feel like it is because I I just I love it's like the perfect combination of everything about the game that I love. And because I love Rizzo Rizzo. Oh, my gosh. He adds so much to this game. And I so back to Aussie, though, I love seeing him play. I love seeing his growth, you know, after not seeing him for what, like 10 years or over.

[00:17:43] It's been amazing to see that not it's not only talked about, but it's actually acted on like he is behaving and moving differently. In an obvious way. And I think that comes with also just like age in general. But then also, you know, looking back on the game for as many years as he's been away from it. And then also still being a part of the community. You know, he's watching every season. He's participating online.

[00:18:10] So knowing that you then have the ability to evolve your game by playing 50 and just seeing him. I mean, he is just the original jungle boy. I mean, he's a jungle boy, but jungle man. Like, I don't know. Can I call him Oscar? No, it's Aussie. Now, Jamie, what about the hair? Is the hair the one detractor for you? I wanted to be like Aussie. Can you need to we needed to chat before you went?

[00:18:40] So that we but honestly, though, I like I love Aussie and all of his shapes, forms, styles, hairstyle. You know what? I'm not I can't complain. I did see people were saying that he they were comparing him to Shambo. Yeah. Yeah. That and it was like people had this side by side image. Please. So I had to kind of like wipe that out of my mind. But it's that jungle glow is coming up. We're getting towards the end.

[00:19:08] And it's like everybody has that little jungle glow up. And and he's just his game has evolved. He's positioned really well in the game. And I really feel I mean, he's going to be I know that he will sit at final tribal like I in my heart feel it. He deserves it. He's been playing an amazing game socially. And to the point where he's kind of picked out, you know, I'm sure from his favorite winners and also his link up with Sari on day one.

[00:19:38] I was screaming at the TV. It's like, yes, that's what you needed to do. Yeah. And the way that she has protected him and also the way that he is kind of really moving similarly to Sari because, you know, I'm a diehard Sari fan. And I feel like it's like if either one of them take it, I'm going to be happy. You know, I just I really feel like he's kind of adapted his play in a way where it's similar to hers in a in having those connections.

[00:20:04] You know, I don't know if it was last episode of the I think was last episode where Sari's like, I'm working with this person, this person. I have an understanding with this person. So it's like if you. You know, and so for him to be able to have that, especially this last tribal, I think he was chatting with Jonathan and Jonathan wanted to make sure that, you know, they were still connected. It's just it's giving Sari like it's giving that relationship management. And I love it. So we'll see.

[00:20:34] Mm hmm. I mean, it's yeah, I'm excited for him. Obviously, now having the target kind of swing towards him certainly makes me a little bit nervous, but he's protected by Sari who will save any of her allies. And remember, he still has an idol, which yes, everyone seemingly is forgetting about him and Rizzo.

[00:20:54] So, well, it's what it always is, is that like they'll mention it first and it's always like the first thing at the you know, it's the first thing on the agenda at the Monday morning meeting. And they're like, we'll circle back to that. And they never do, because by the end of it, everyone's still caught up in everything. And yes, his name is sort of bandied about in this massive scramble that was happening before tribal council. But yeah, by the end of it, everyone's just sort of like, that's fine. We'll just let him go.

[00:21:22] Which it's like, and the only answer to that would be relationships. Like he's had, he's had enough relationship connections, like built solid enough to where he's able to kind of just slide through like that, because it is true. It's like how he has an idol that also the idols this season have been tricky, because even when I'm watching, I forget that they can't play it for other people. Right. So I, oh, did I have the other day? Was it this episode or the last?

[00:21:51] I think it was this episode. I'm watching it. The moment they wanted to turn it on Sari, I was like, get the paper bag. I'm going to hyperventilate if she goes home. I said, this is not happening. It was. And then I was screaming like, OK, Ozzy can play the idol. But then I was reminded he can't play the idol for her. So it's that's a little bit confusing. And I feel like Eilish. Yeah, the Billy. Yeah, the Billy Eilish idol. I don't I I'm it's really hard to remember that.

[00:22:19] But which would also then make Ozzy an even bigger target if he maybe maybe the good is that they don't remember it either. And he can bluff it and be like, I'm going to play it on Sari. Here you go, Sari. Hold on to it. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. It's it's it has been amazing. And then Rizzo has the other one. Rizzo. Yeah, Rizzo has the other one. And they float his name out a little bit. Right. Where Sari's name is flared out briefly. And then they're like, no, not Sari Rizzo.

[00:22:46] But I think he is for many reasons, I would imagine. I think the lesser threat of the two. Trev is certainly not in every immunity challenge saying Rizzo one win away from tying the all time record. Yeah. He has added so much to 50 with.

[00:23:07] His understanding of the game has been the most obvious out of a ton of new era players than I mean, than anyone we've seen in a very long time. He is so smart with this game and the way that he is able to like manipulate with his charm and do it in like his Rizzo way. I that's why that alliance. That is like the key. Those three are my favorite.

[00:23:33] And I've I've really thoroughly enjoyed even, you know, knowing going back to the beginning when people didn't know who Rizzo was. When I think Colby was like, who is this kid? I can't be like, we're not playing. I'm not playing with this kid. But then he he wins them over and he wins them over because he's just got that spirit to him. Just that like quirkiness that like friendly. Just I love watching his big grin on my screen.

[00:23:58] I mean, just like when Mr. Beast comes out, he is nonstop smiling and it's like but then it's it's it can be deceiving because it's like, no, he understands the game so well. Also, like he he's just he's so present. I think that's what it is in these moments. And then really kind of having all this knowledge, using it when he needs to connecting with like two key players.

[00:24:23] If I'm on the island, I'm going to Surrey and I'm going to Ozzy, you know, so it's I've just really loved the way that he's teed up his game so far. And and his his active participation, which it's like last vote when he he kind of he was the one that came back and said no about Christian. He's like, why when we already have a vote towards Christian, why would we not do that?

[00:24:47] You know, so having him not just ride coattails, but really, truly he's participating and adding so much value to that alliance. And I love I just love his his sense of humor, his quirkiness. He's just he's a he's great TV. I love watching him. I mean, it's it's interesting that you use the words active participation because I do think, Leon, and part of this is due to the fact that Rizzo is apparently not doing very well physically.

[00:25:11] But it is very fun to watch the Loki storyline of him being either quote unquote lazy or like having so many things done for him, including in the auction when Aubrey brings him along and eats the grubs so he could get cookies. Luigi wins by doing absolutely nothing energy. Yes. I don't know what it is. That's exactly it. But it was still charming in a way.

[00:25:34] It was like he was so honest about it and just stepped back and I mean, yes, it was somehow he wiggles his way through those moments like that. Just like that. Yeah, just like that. Well, but I think also like, again, you know, with him being such a seemingly magnetic personality when he's but now he's kind of gotten past that initial. Oh, this is an unknown. This is a threat. Who knows what Rizzo is going to do?

[00:25:59] I think the combination of his charisma with his lack of energy slash his illness from having played two seasons back to back. I think it kind of makes him really endearing and legitimately throughout the entire auction. I was like, someone feed Rizzo. We need to make sure that Rizzo eats something. Yes, he does. He has that like little brother energy where you just end up wanting to take care of him.

[00:26:24] Yes, he's just so pure and he's also so pure in a way this far into the game, having never watched his season back because he was back to back. So it's like he's really coming with that authentic gameplay where as everyone else, you kind of start to become a version of yourself, you know, like a version of your own caricature that you saw that people may or may not have liked on TV. You kind of want to manipulate that.

[00:26:52] So it becomes very meta in that way. But he hasn't had a chance to dilute his pure self in that way, which is why I always love. I love a returning season, but I love the pure like day one newbie reality TV people. It's just like they have no idea what's coming at them. And they're so pure. They were cast for a reason. And it's fun to watch because, you know, it'll it's yes. And then once they watch themselves back, it's an experience.

[00:27:21] And so Rizzo hasn't had that yet. So we're getting pure Rizzo and it's it's great. All right. Well, we talk about Rizzo having little brother, brother energy. Let's talk about Rizzo's little brother's favorite in the form of Mr. Beast. Liana, you have been lying in wait. Your camera obscures the shrine you have in the corner. To Jimmy Donaldson. Yeah, this is something we've been talking about for a long time.

[00:27:50] I have been desperately lying in wait for your reaction to what we ended up seeing when he showed up black T-shirt, dead eyes and all on our screen. How did it lead up to reality here? OK, look, I'll preface this by saying I watched a couple. I didn't watch Beast Games, too, but I did watch a couple of reviews of Beast Games, too. Heard it was not so great. Basically, the best part of it was when they went on played Survivor, basically, when the Survivor team did it.

[00:28:20] But you know what? I actually didn't hate Jimmy being there. I thought maybe as just I had such low expectations going into this. I thought it would be way worse. Now, that's just him being there. Let's talk about the actual twist. OK, I think the reason why the reaction to this has been I don't necessarily want to say positive, per se, but hasn't been more. I think I could say positive.

[00:28:48] I certainly seen people being like, this is an amazing twist. I think it's because Devin's volunteered. Right. And I don't mean to be results oriented about this, but I think we kind of have to be when we're talking about how this twist plays out, because in the hypothetical universe where it's a basically a rock draw and someone goes home because of that. But I don't know how we would be feeling about that. You know what I mean?

[00:29:15] So we kind of almost got the best case scenario with how this twist could have turned out. Someone who was on the bottom, who was going to go home, let's just say, was going to go home, you know, flips the coin, doubles the prize money, gets an idol, makes tribal council super exciting. Right. Like it was literally every single thing fell into place in probably the best possible way for this twist. Agreed. It had it gone any other way.

[00:29:44] We they would never hear the end of it. It would be I mean, it would have blown up the Internet had it gone rock draw and then a fan favorite story. Ozzy. Someone goes home. I would be. I honestly. But but in theory, could that have been a better investment? If Rick Devins loses that coin toss, I think Mr. Beast immediately brings him on to make five million dollars on his next video.

[00:30:11] You know, you lose it's losing the battle to win the war. Right. But true. And I feel like he kind of maybe had that in the back of his mind. And obviously it was he was bottom of the he was going to go home. Yeah. And if yes, I could totally see that being a thought process where it's like, you know what? What do I have to lose at this point? It was it was easy to have him do that.

[00:30:34] And either way, though, it's you know, we did get the very, very best case scenario, which was really fun to watch. And and it was completely like it being heads or tails and the way that he justified it by it being better than his shot in the dark. It, you know, 50 50. It was it really everything that needed to happen happened. And it was fun to watch. So but that's that's Mr. Beast style.

[00:31:02] It's like this all or nothing where it's like these really big. I mean, you just came up with a much better name for the choice than Mr. B super beware advantage. Like if you just that's right. Yeah. All or nothing twist. Yes. Way better. Way better. Here's here's the thing. These these twists are, of course, of mixed quantities. The one constant between them is I am pleading. Please do not go with the first name that's thrown out in the boardroom. OK, you know what? Actually, in the hands of the fans, let the fans name the twist.

[00:31:31] Don't don't announce the name. Just say what it involves. Let people coin the terms. There's an illustrious community, as Jamie says, of brothers and sisters out there who are more than happy to come up with some sort of witty chintzy nickname. And then you go with that. You don't need to necessarily say Mr. Beast super beware advantage. Yes. Agreed. It's yes. We need some polishing in that area. Yeah. It's also not like a beware advantage literally just says beware.

[00:32:00] And then you don't know what it is until you open it. He knew like Rick Devins knew. I mean, I guess it was the beware advantage with the fact that with the comfort and chaos thing, like, was that the beware? I guess the fact that it said beware on it, it was like, oh, do you want to do anything about this later on? Right. But also they didn't. It's OK. Yeah. Anyway, whatever. It didn't make any kind of sense. The one tweak I would have made to the twist is that instead of it being a rock, like if you couldn't if someone didn't volunteer instead of it being a rock draw, it should have been

[00:32:29] a vote that the tribe should have voted for then who was going to flip the coin. One, because it's actually super interesting, because do you vote for Rick Devins? Yes. Still knowing that he's going to. And that's what. Oh, Joe, which we're going to have to talk about Joe. But Joe, basically, you know, what is Joe doing that moment? Like he wants Devins to go home. He doesn't want him to get the extra idol. So do you vote for for Devins or do you vote for somebody else who you're kind of like maybe more on the fence with maybe an Aubrey who is kind of the secondary target that like,

[00:32:57] OK, fine, if she stays and gets an idol, whatever. But, you know, so anyway, I think that that would have been the better one tweak. But all in like with otherwise, I thought it was fine. So I have so many thoughts about this, much like the many wrinkles that were involved. And another reason why Devins does is because it's not just a better chance than a shot in the dark, but it also comes with an idol as well that he can utilize. And guess what? This is an idol. Believe it or not, you can use on somebody else.

[00:33:26] This is a special idol for season 50 that Billie Eilish did not put her name behind. It is that dangerous in the game of Survivor. But there is still this purist in me. We talked about this with the similarly misnamed double duos twist of like there is still a facet in me as a Survivor fan that is always going to be like. I don't like special rounds. I don't like a like, hey, we're doing something a little different tonight.

[00:33:56] There is something that's very strange about that in a format that has been so straightforward and from my opinion, working for the better part of a quarter century. And speaking of quarter, I do think that the idea of someone going out on a coin flip as just a statement in Survivor is so tough. We have seen instances before where like theoretically people have gone out to coin flips before. I think of a woman named Janet Carbon in her Island of the Idols who because Detective

[00:34:24] Dean flipped a coin, got an idol nullifier. She gets voted out of the game. And it also incorporates this idea that yes, luck is something that is a fundamental facet of being successful in the game of Survivor, but like really lampshades it and underlines it. So it as a principle is something I'm still kind of chewing over like Ceri's charcuterie platter in terms of like, does this feel like Survivor for me?

[00:34:48] But what I can say is that there also are twists over the years that while does not necessarily feel fair or perhaps in conjunction with like what Survivor is as a concept makes objectively good TV. Survivor Pearl Island is my favorite season of Survivor. The outcast twist is fundamentally unfair, but it made incredible television and impacted the season. And I think that is the case here.

[00:35:18] And maybe Devons would have gone. Maybe he wouldn't have this coin was involved in the first place, but it created spectacle. And I think that is something we have not seen at Tribal Council in a long time. In stands the, you know, Colby riding off into the sunset one last time. Tribal Councils, we've made jokes many a time, Leon, on this podcast about how modern day Tribal Councils just feel like kind of, you know, chat GPT metaphors and vagaries to make

[00:35:46] sure that nobody plays their shot in the dark. But this, granted, came at the end of what was a very fun evening in general of Rick just blowing up Jonathan and Stephanie's spots. But you do have this big sight of this guy, one of the biggest daredevils in Survivor history, deciding to jump over the 15,000 motorcycles that was flipping this coin that could have eliminated him in this game. And it created this big moment where everyone with maybe a couple of exceptions are exalting

[00:36:14] in glee for the guy that again, it's like when Caleb played a shot in the dark that like, yeah, just wanted to get rid of this guy. And they're like, I could kiss you, man. You just doubled the prize fund. It was such a fun moment. It kind of had everybody kind of dropping the guise of a game for a second and being like, oh my God, this is really weird and cool. And I think the fact that ultimately, I don't know, I still don't know if it would have been

[00:36:43] the sole determining outcome in this. I still don't know based on what we saw, if Stephanie was not already DOA going to this tribal council, if not when Rick kind of, you know, hangs her out to dry from a manner of speaking. And so as well, it doesn't necessarily screw up the game in any major way. I guess Rick does have an idol, but I want that considering that, as you mentioned, Jamie, the idols have been doing low key bupkis this entire season. No players have been doing the heavy lifting instead of the idols here.

[00:37:11] And so I, I did enjoy the product that it resulted in whether or not, you know, the actual twist itself could work on another season. It worked perfectly with the right people in the right situation right here, right now. And to go back to your earlier point, Liana of, okay, what if nobody did it and there would be a rock draw? There was not going to be a rock draw. There is, they were offering way too much.

[00:37:40] I mean, think about this though. This is Stephanie herself told me that she was almost going to flip the coin. It's this idea. It's this idea that because A, there's so much on the table and B, it's this almost get out of jail free card for anyone who feels on the bottom. I think they apportioned this out where they knew it was worth flipping for. They knew, okay, we're offering enough that we know there's going to be at least one person who feels there on the bottom to step up and do this.

[00:38:10] Now, granted, maybe they didn't think that Rick would immediately shoot his head up. He'd maybe give like 30 seconds of thought. But I honestly do believe when they were conceptualizing this twist, they threw the rock draw thing in as like, okay, maybe it would happen. But I do think they legitimately believe between the cast that they brought in, as well as what they were offering in exchange for the person who did succeed in the coin flip. They knew someone was taking that.

[00:38:35] Well, and I think a rock draw potentially incentivizes people to like push someone to do it if you don't want to be part of the rock draw as well. So I do think that, you know, there's, um, yeah, maybe not in the fine print, but I think maybe some subtext of how the twist comes across that might lead to one result versus the other.

[00:38:57] Uh, but yeah, I mean, look, I think for season 50, you want to go, go big or go home kind of energy. This worked perfectly because the risk was worth the reward. And this was my huge gripe with last week where the risk was not worth the reward for what Christian had to deal with. Whereas here, this is where it's a better balance. And so it feels more satisfying. And even from the players, Mike, like to hear you say that even Stephanie was considered,

[00:39:27] you know, multiple people. I think Rizzo also was like, I don't have left the coin. And three was like, absolutely not. Uh, so, so I think the fact that there was that allure to it, then that means that's a good twist because it means that that's something that people like really want and are interested in doing, which can help make for better TV. Yeah. I think it's, um, I am on that same side of like the survivor purist in me. It's, it was, everything happened exactly how it needed to.

[00:39:56] Had it not, it would have been bad news. Yeah. And, and also, and I say this because it's, I know that Jeff just wants to, you know, be humble. He mentioned something like his little, this little show, but it's like that. I also want Jeff and production and everyone to know you are survivor. You don't need any. I am glad that Jimmy responded with that immediately. Like, what, what the hell are you talking about? Yeah.

[00:40:26] Because it's, we don't need the gimmicks. Like I, I love all of the, I love pure survivor, social survivor where it's like, like how, and I think this is one of the first times where we get to see the scramble before tribal, which is such a huge part of the game that is left out of literally every episode of new era, old era.

[00:40:53] Like that's how it really is all the time. Like that's, that is a standard tribal, like pre-tribal. You are every single person's name is said. And like they mentioned, it changes every 45 seconds. You, you are doing a confessional, you come back and the whole game is, is changed. So it is that pre-tribal is, they captured it so well. And, but that's what I love.

[00:41:21] Like that's when I say purist, like that social piece of it, where you are able to move these chess pieces and, and have that agency in the game, which I think this twist, it kind of could have, and did take that away. And like Liana, when you said having the vote, that is a way to, to add, that is how you add their vote back to it so that it does matter in a creative way. And, you know, being creative and having it, it was definitely a Mr. Beast episode without

[00:41:49] having him have to do confessionals, which I appreciated because that would have been, you know, I think the internet would have exploded at that. And so he kind of tread, you know, had to tread. He, I think he chose to tread lightly because he has respect for the game, but also, yes, it was just, it, it was fun. It was a big, you know, and now we have an idol in play, which is great. The right person did it and made it even more fun and has that connection with his kids.

[00:42:18] But did we need it? We didn't need it for this big season. Yeah. It's already a big season, but I think it was fun. I was actually surprised at the beginning of the season that it wasn't going to be for 2 million in the first place. And now I'm, I'm even more excited. The pot is $2 million. I mean, that is, I'm so happy about that because out of everything, it needed to be that. And it makes sense because that's Mr. Beast's, you know, that's his thing. It kind of reminds me though, I think of one of the criticisms that's been levied against

[00:42:46] him, which is like the inspiration porn of like, okay, maybe you didn't need to go through this whole rigmarole with the coin flipping to add a million dollars. You could have just given them a million dollars. Right. Well, and that would have been a fun, um, a fun celebrity contribution. Cameo, which speaking of, I wonder if Sia is going to do anything this year or if she's totally not. I mean that she was like her own celebrity. Like she was the celebrity sidekick of survivor for years.

[00:43:13] I think they need a tribal council with all the celebrities so they could tell Sia how much she paved the way for them and how they grew up watching her when, uh, give money away when they were three years old. Yes, exactly. Yes, exactly. And she, she, she, she is the original celebrity survivor supporter. Well, that would be, I think, Rosie O'Donnell, you know, I don't even know of Sia made Panda Gilligan's Island parody about the cast of survivor of survivor 44 anytime soon.

[00:43:43] Maybe that's, that's in the works, but yeah, I think, I think that's a really good way to put it in and needs to, needs to bear reminding that as much as might be oddly stated by the host himself, I really do not think Mr. Beast or his wonderful metal briefcase had anything to do with what was going on. We certainly did not hear any narration along the lines of like, well, we don't know what's going to happen. So we better keep our options open.

[00:44:11] And Liana, as far as I'm concerned, the narrative was okay, Stephanie and Jonathan and Aubrey are going to try to get Ozzy out. And then that blows up right in there. And so now they're trying to pivot and now the votes on to Stephanie. I have heard Naria thing about like, but we better make sure we say seven different people's names in case a special twist is involved in that briefcase. Yeah, that was what was so funny. I mean, yes, some people did bring it up, you know, but we don't know what's going to happen with Mr. Beast.

[00:44:39] But then the second piece of that was, but we should still have a plan, right? Like, in fact, almost it felt more imperative to have a plan going into this in case there is some chaos, like something you can fall back on, right? Of like, no, no, guys, don't worry. Like, we agree. This is our primary. This is our secondary. I mean, really the chaos and Jamie brought it up to like, I'm so happy that they showcased so much chaos going on before tribal that coupled with Devin's just blowing up Stephanie

[00:45:09] and Jonathan's spot. That whole piece, like I love that part of the episode so much. It was just an absolute joy to try to watch people navigate. And you know what, what we rarely see on there's so much subterfuge, right? On survivor. Were you lying to each other's faces? And then you're kind of like, yeah, I know they're lying, but like, whatever. We're going to play together. There was a lot of, you know, Stephanie went up to Sari being like, hey, I heard you're saying my name. Ozzy going up to Jonathan. Hey, I heard you're saying my name.

[00:45:37] Devin's going like, yeah, they said your names. Again, just everything was out in the open. And I don't know why, but that was just an absolute pleasure to watch. Well, you know what it was? This was a survivor house meeting. This was Devin's being like, let's clear the air, everybody. Here's what I heard. Then everyone's, you know, chirping at one another. Everyone's going to their different corners, trying to recall things. And it led to, again, I don't know how live this tribal council was. I don't know if I necessarily agree with Jeff.

[00:46:05] That is the best live tribal council in survivor history. But it led to some fantastic moments. Like everyone's huddled around in the corner and they talk about, okay, let's vote for Stephanie. I think it's Emily says like, well, she has an extra vote. She has a steal a vote and Tiffany just goes, well, she can't steal all of our votes. Or, you know, I think when Jonathan leans over and is like, all right, what are we doing? And Emily's like, I'm voting Aubrey. And then she walks away and Jonathan's like, that's bullshit. Like, I can't believe anything you say. There was just a lot of these little fun, quirky moments.

[00:46:34] Again, this cast, I really think is a lot of fun. And they work surprisingly well together, as you were mentioning before, Jamie. And I think this episode is a perfect example of that, where they didn't necessarily need all the bells and whistles here. You kind of just got to give them the cardboard box and they can create a rocket ship out of it. Yes, exactly. The players really stood out. And I think if you watch Survivor for that, they did run that tribal council. It was, I think the Mr. Beast, it was looming, but it wasn't that.

[00:47:04] That's not what caused the chaos. And for everybody to finally get to see the intensity of like a pre-tribal scramble, it was, it's so fun because how can you keep track? And then having it be the live tribal where you have the scramble, but instead of running across the jungle, you just have to run across, you know, to the other side of tribal to have the conversation. And I did love all of the, everything that they kept in there.

[00:47:31] And then I think at the end, Jonathan was trying to clear it up with Ozzy. He's like, you know, I wouldn't say that. There were so many side conversations happening. And then Emily praising Rick Devons for doing it. It was, I love the way that they put it together for such a fun tribal. It had to be, you know, and then also having Rick Devons stand up. I loved that. That felt like old school Survivor. Like, let me just throw the grenade. I'm going to blow it up. Just like he mentioned earlier in the episode.

[00:48:01] And he did in a way that that is how Survivor is played, where you have this information. And if you can say it first, then everybody is, you, there's something in your brain that just makes you believe that person more. So now everybody has an uphill battle against what he was saying. Even though you might have a trust or a bond because he said at first that he might have, you know, throw, you know, if it's Ozzy and Jonathan, whatever it was. Like he volunteered the information.

[00:48:30] So yeah, I think you trusted him. Like someone to reveal it. Yes. And he was very assertive in every, he said, and I'm telling the truth and I'm telling the truth. And so because he was loud and confident with it, I feel like that will, and we'll see in the next episode if it carries enough weight to kind of make him step back, even though he's a target now that he has an idol. I just loved the way that that played out and he was brave enough to, he had to do it because he was obviously at the bottom.

[00:48:59] So it was, he, what he, that is an example of not playing scared. He came to play and he, he made it interesting. Yeah. I think that Liana Rick is such an intriguing player in that he does seem to operate sort of under the mentality that he actually espouses in the last episode, which that he treats every day of survivor, like Drew Barrymore characters in 51st dates that he wakes up. The day starts a new sun rises. It's a new opportunity to just sort of rebuild.

[00:49:29] Forget what happened last night. Let's see what we can work on today. And so he very much operates, especially this season from the mentality of like, whatever is going to keep me safe tonight, I am going to do. Oh, there's that fake idol that I planted. My name's being floated out. I don't know how many people are voted for me, but I guess best, you know, better grab it now, even though everyone then tells him afterwards, like you didn't need to do that. We weren't voting for you here. It may have been the case again.

[00:49:54] I don't know if it would have been necessarily a slam dunk vote against him, but still he's like, if there's one iota of there being any sort of danger against me, let me take the risk right now and reap the consequences later. Well, and I think part of what Devin's has talked about, not only in previous episodes, but especially in this episode when he gets his letter from family where he talks about joy, right? Like having fun while playing survivor and cultivating that joy and like going out there and yeah, doing something.

[00:50:23] It was a confessional he had in this episode where he was like, I want to have fun. And if I make a smart, fun decision, great. If I make a bad, fun decision, great, because I'm having fun. And I just thought that that confessional was just so wonderful. And to have somebody play like that is just really entertaining. Especially I think what makes it even more enjoyable is having Joe as his nemesis.

[00:50:50] Joe's reaction to Devin's flipping that coin and getting the idol was amazing. Amazing. Hello, darkness, my old friend. Like, oh, it's wonderful. This continues to be one of my low-key favorite storylines of this season. And again, it doesn't need to be a main one. It's actually a lot like this little bit apples and oranges, but like Jamie, like your fake idol storyline was like, it's one of these like recurring themes that exist that you don't necessarily dote on as like the main A plot,

[00:51:20] but there's like always something. It's like a background gag. Yeah. But now every time Rick does something, they cut to Joe. And I'm sure it's out of context, but they make us believe like Joe feels like he has heard the worst news in his life. Every time Rick just comes around and says something. What it reminds me of is this is going to be so niche, but there is a story that Jim Carrey tells when he was in the movie Batman Forever with Tommy Lee Jones, where Jim Carrey was the Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones was Two-Face.

[00:51:49] Jim Carrey told a story where apparently one day he like tried to, you know, be buddy-buddy with Tommy Lee Jones and Tommy Lee Jones angrily rebuffed him and looked him in the face and said, I do not sanction your buffoonery. And I feel like that's the dynamic between the two of them that Joe does not sanction Rick's buffoonery whatsoever. Yes, yes, that is. That's a great example. And I saw last night there, somebody screenshot the moment that Rick hits.

[00:52:17] Everybody stands up pure joy. And Joe is sitting there just with the smug look, just angry. It was like the timing. Well, that person was me. So good news. Oh no, was it? It's so good. I was so good. Now, I know I will be fair there. This was like, he does end up standing up eventually. So this is taking a little out of context, but I just did not.

[00:52:41] I could not help but capture the image of everyone exalting in joy and Joe's parade getting right now. Basically providing the implication here that this man would have rather seen Rick Devins leave the game than possibly earn two million dollars. Yep. Yep. Yes. Oh my gosh. That was that. That made me giggle. It was so. And then I wanted to go back and rewatch it because it's funny. The perfect screenshot.

[00:53:09] But like the combination of this plus when Rick Devins reveals that his idol is was actually a fake. And everybody's like, oh my God, like that's so nuts, Devin. That's so cool that you did that. And Joe again. Yeah. Yes. Yes. And it's interesting. I, I am interested in that thought process of the loyalty and the honesty and having to.

[00:53:38] I mean, that's his core game. So he's a great person to take the whole way, you know, because he's going to be as long as you can. As much as you can. Be loyal and honest to him. Take him to the end because he's going to give you a lot of information. But then are people giving him. It's just. Yeah, it's. I struggle with that. I mean, I will be so forward to say.

[00:54:08] I think Joe's a joke here. I think which is wild because for much of 48, we were saying everyone on the island was saying, oh, Joe's the odds on favor to win if he makes it to the final three. And it didn't end up happening.

[00:54:22] But I really do feel like especially hearing stories like Stephanie has said in her exit press about how like Joe apparently was even more apoplectic towards Stephanie for not sharing her steal a vote than he did for Brooke Devins for doing anything in his existence. Where Stephanie apparently said he was furious about the fact that he did not tell her about the steal a vote, which she only did because like Surrey told her not to basically to the point where apparently obviously Joe and Jonathan vote against her.

[00:54:51] It's unanimous. But Joe only told Stephanie that she was going when Jeff was bringing the urn with the votes like Joe is low key queen. Yeah, I'm kind of here for it. Yes. Yeah, I've I've seen this a few different places, but basically this idea of Joe rediscovering the concept of lying like every time somebody lies to him and is just simply aghast.

[00:55:20] The fact that somebody would do that. He is fascinating to watch. I mean, he's slowly losing his mind here. Jamie's talking about smelling ketchup on the floor. He is. And I watch and every time it cuts to his face, I'm like, is Joe OK? Yeah, he just seems so like genuinely upset at every single lie or twist or deceit.

[00:55:45] Anything that anyone does, that's not of the purest honesty, which is which does make great TV. So he's there because how can you play Survivor a game of lying with someone who's just dead set on not ever lying, like on being like so truthful and then holding it against you? If you lie, you're playing a game of lies. But then so it's just it's really fun to watch. And I think that that makes it it's almost like you have to.

[00:56:15] And I know that Christian and I think Christian and Devin's talked about it at the very beginning of the season. Yeah, where it was going to be really hard to navigate this entire season with somebody that is not because then what are you really contributing to the game outside of just getting mad when you find out when you figure out a lie? You know, so it's it's been really fun to watch and to have it's every every scene with him in it. I have a giggle because it's like you are playing Survivor.

[00:56:43] And I don't know if there's ever been, you know, that true honesty. And I will say even from my season out, it is when you get to be truthful, like you're lying. And then when you get to be honest, it feels so good to be because it's so the opposite. You know, you're playing this real life game. And to me, it's like I fall under the category of like Survivor is a game.

[00:57:09] OK, so you are playing this game to win and you need to do whatever at all costs. It's like game night with your family. Nothing personal. Like, let's let's play, you know, balls to the wall. Let's give it our all. And so for me, it's like I have that already in my mind where I wouldn't take anything personal. It doesn't tell me anything about who you are as a human. You know, it doesn't tell me anything like you. OK, you lied to me in a game of deceit. Like, OK, cool. Like you did a really good like you were great at that.

[00:57:36] So it's it's interesting to see these different mindsets, I guess is what I'm saying. It's seeing that his mindset is so rooted in that honesty. It's very different. And it's like you have to just know that with every convo you have with him. You know, you're not playing the same game of like I'm playing all you're playing his game. Then when you have a conversation with him, which is so interesting, which again makes it more difficult to work with.

[00:58:04] And then he becomes less less likely to be taken to the end. If you're like, can I play this many days with this guy? Not only that, this idea that if he feels like you have spurned him to the extent of not telling him about the advantage you have, he will not only vote for you, he will blindside you in his own way by being like, yeah, I did it. Tell me about the boat steal next time. Right. Exactly. And I'm curious and I would like them to share more of like all the information that he does have.

[00:58:34] So are the players choosing to give him everything? He's on a need to Joe basis. The what? He's on a need to Joe basis. Yeah, yeah, exactly that. What is Sari giving him? You know, because and what is she? And then also, you know, they say like, hey, it's a lie. Or is it like if you withheld withhold information, that's not really a lie. Like you're just you weren't in that conversation. It's easy to say like, oh, no, you weren't there. I thought you were there.

[00:59:02] You know, so how are people manipulating their own game for his perception? It's just such a next level layer of a game that you have to play with him. Well, and that's the thing when you have. So, you know, basically in what we what seems to happen in every season of Survivor is that group kind of establishes its own like norms and mores of how they're going to play. And 48 was very much this kind of like loyalty energy. Right.

[00:59:28] Where even Kyle and Camilla, who were doing some more cutthroat moves, really had to do it under the radar. Right. Nothing could be so over explicit. And I think to watch Joe stick out very much like a sore thumb, because I think some of the like the other loyalty people still have an element. John literally was like, yeah, I lied about this thing. Yeah, exactly. So to watch everyone else play around him is very interesting because he does stick out. And I think Rizzo is one who pointed out in a previous episode. We really got to tell Joe.

[00:59:59] It's going to be pissed if we don't tell him. And so to see people kind of changing their strategy to understand how they can work with slash around this person. And what was actually very interesting was that Joe is the one who spilled the beans about Stephanie and Jonathan to Ceres. So anyway, it's just so fascinating. I mean, but that also is an advantage of investing in that relationship is that if he feels like the candor is a two way street, then that allows him to share with you any information that he gets.

[01:00:25] But what it what it really reminds me of is if you are a kid who grows up in like a militaristic household, you know, very strict rules and regulations from your parents. And then you like have a sleepover at your friend's house who like doesn't give a fuck. And you're like, this isn't like we should we have to go to bed at nine. There's not we're not allowed to have sweets after seven o'clock. We can't watch any channels that are not basic cable. What are we doing? This pandemonium like there's just such a weird law.

[01:00:54] Like you said, Liana, like Survivor 48 was its own society. There was a social contract that was made. It's a brand new social contract for 50. But what's so interesting, as you mentioned, Jamie, is that you would think the arc would be reversed, that the first time out this person, a person would be more rich than they were thinking. And this time they're like, all right, I have to open my horizons and realize that I have to play this way. Like Jonathan, like Jonathan. It almost seems like Joe has more so reinforced.

[01:01:22] He's put steel doors in front of this bunker he's built for himself. Yeah, I got the wedgie from Kyle Camilla. It's in his own Joe way, because, you know, coach does it in coach's way, his integrity, honesty type way, where we know that is not necessarily the case. That's like I'm going to say that I'm honest. But then also, like, these are my rules that I play by. And this is why it's OK.

[01:01:47] Whereas Joe, it's like it's very cut and dry and very simple with, you know, what is acceptable or not. It's like having and having him be so like so rigid in his dedication to being honest. It's like that like that growth of, you know, this is like the season where he can look back. And because, like you said, Liana, it's not with a society that is agreed on that.

[01:02:16] It's going to be him looking back on 50 and seeing like, oh, wow, these people navigated in this way. And and what can I do to see? And I don't even think that there would be that I was going to say a character growth where he would grow into like now I'm back for 55 and I need to really tell some lies this season. And this is always going to be one season behind in his growth.

[01:02:42] Like where you can that's going to be his villain era where he enters the villain era and he can come back and start playing. And he learned from 50 that, hey, if I want to win this game, I got to play. If I'm going to play with the big boys, I got to lie. And it's so anyway, I just I don't. But I but then it's like I'm like, why am I wanting somebody to lie? No, I mean, it is low key. One of the funniest parts of season 50 is just watching him. And I feel bad because sometimes doesn't seem unhappy.

[01:03:10] But maybe it's because, again, he misses the smell of ketchup on the floor. I can't talk about that moment for a second because it's like, you know what? That was the ultimate comfort in chaos was like, OK, you get loved ones letters. But the chaos was the reminder of Jeff Probst awkwardly describing family love to people where it's like almost like going to a timeshare where it's like, I'll get the free meal. But I have to listen to this guy be like, so what is mac and cheese remind you of right now?

[01:03:39] Oh, God. Oh, no. Yes. And I don't doubt that, you know, when Aubrey ate the mac and cheese, that's that feeling like that olfactory, you know, the sense it's like, oh, my gosh, here we go. This reminds me of home. And, you know, it's easy to latch on to that. I mean, that was just she kind of she she laid it out so easily for Jeff to to make that a very thick roux. Yes. Yes. So so.

[01:04:06] And but with the wait, what did Joe say about the the ketchup? Oh, he's like he's he'd smell the ketchup, his daughter dripping ketchup on the floor. Yes. It's like it was almost moments like that nowadays. Nowadays, it's such a big difference between like sassy Jeff in the past where now it's kind of that that is new era.

[01:04:32] That is like and again, like we have to just kind of accept like this is this is what we're being fed. And OK, it is this family era. It's like they're making it for seven year olds to 97 year olds. And that's OK. So that was the moment I'm I I. I know that Jeff was so excited to eat it up. No pun intended. Well, I did overall really enjoy the auction. I feel like there wasn't that weird twist. We're going to end it in time. You're going to lose your vote.

[01:05:00] I'm happy that we kind of got that out of the way, you know, for all the comfort or chaos, which, by the way, the fact that when Jeff had originally explained it and everybody again just looked at him like, I don't know what you mean. And Jeff had to explain it's good or it's bad people. OK, yeah. Yeah. Again, which goes to show a name is everything. And also comfort and discomfort is right there. Yeah. And is it not a dead language, folks? Yes. And like you said earlier, Liana, about or just like the structure of it, even with the Mr.

[01:05:30] Beast coming in, it was I like we're sitting here and having to pause it because we're and rewind like, wait, what is it? What is this? So now we're going to tribal. I mean, just the the way that it was, if we are making the show for seven year olds, it was very hard to follow. And so it was it needed to be, I mean, even more black and white, like organized. And with the auction, I will say, I don't do we know?

[01:05:57] Did anyone any of the players say that something that they bought wasn't shown? Because I'm sure that was the case. Like, I think people had because people had said like, oh, Joe, such stick in the mud, didn't spend money at the auction. But I think he posted on Instagram that he had like bought a steak or something. So I was wondering. We saw a good amount of the items. But I imagine there was a lot of them. I think they they had them fed. And I guess in a series case, like well groomed as well by the end of it. Yes.

[01:06:24] OK, that was my question, because I know that, you know, it's always a condensed version of it. But I in my mind had thought, well, if I'm not buying the auction food, if those that didn't buy because I don't think did Tiff buy something? I'm sure. Yeah. In my mind, I always have this conversation of is is the food really a reward if you're not eating? You know, you are going to have really bad diarrhea. And so you're committing to the diarrhea if you're buying that food at this point in the game.

[01:06:51] So if you're OK with that and you are OK with having the worst night after this great meal, then go for it. But so in my mind, I'm like, oh, I wonder if Joe and Tiff, if that's part of their strategy, because they don't want to be throwing up and having diarrhea later. So is this it was this the ultimate litmus test to almost prevent who would flip the coin?

[01:07:12] If you are taking the risk on your digestive tract, you could certainly risk your own game by flipping a coin and worrying about the consequences later. Right. Exactly. Because it is hard. It's so tempting and it's so delicious. And you're talking about food nonstop when you're there. But it's is it worth the aftermath? I don't think so.

[01:07:36] Well, that was when when Emily got that big milkshake, that was the first thing I said was, oh, no. And then she goes, oh, no. It's about to look the same consistency that it went in. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's brutal. Yeah. But but I also loved the more non food items. So then, Jamie, if you're to your point, if you're not going to go in on that, then do what Sari did, which I low key love.

[01:08:06] That what we saw Sari be able to buy was basically akin to her like stopping at Whole Foods and Bed Bath and Beyond on the way home from work. Like, well, I'll get a blanket. I'll re up on my mouthwash. I'll grab like a PB&J snack for the road. Yes, I loved. I love that. And it gets chilly at night. And if you're not sleeping, that blanket is really valuable. I did have a question on the where they they were allowed to share money to only for. Oh, yeah.

[01:08:36] They were allowed to share money, but they couldn't share items unless Jeff made it. So if there was like a lot of if there was a big ticket item that people were going back and forth on, they could have pulled money. I don't know if they necessarily did. At least we didn't see it. Yeah, because I was wondering. I was trying to do the math on what she spent because I'm like, oh, she's buying everything because at the end they all had to pay $20. So I didn't know if someone gave her $20 or what the math was. I'll loan you $20. You owe me later. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. But it was really it was fun.

[01:09:05] I love I love the auction. And I do love the I love the chaos ones like with the grub. That is it's so fun. Well, you ate the worm famously. So you would have been down for it. It brings me back to and to old school. It just it's very reminiscent of that old school vibe where it's like you're out there. What are you going to eat? Can you do it? And Aubrey just she was amazing the way that she just dominated those grubs. Well, and that's the thing, too, that.

[01:09:33] Oh, my God, I didn't even realize how badly I missed it because we're first when Jeff said chaos. I was like, what shenanigans? What shenanigans? And I was like, great. Jonathan eating that nasty sea slug while everybody chants total package, total package. Such a fun, good moment. Like that's a way to introduce chaos or discomfort, I suppose, in a way that like is entertaining and enjoyable and doesn't make me just mad and frustrated at the game.

[01:10:01] So I was very, very happy that that happened. But also then he Ralph's like what? Ten feet away from where they're eating. He got it down. Jeff said he was good to go. All right. Yeah. But I also loved as well that essentially they combined like, all right, comfort is an auction. Discomfort is a gross food eating contest. It's like, OK, I guess we can bring both these old school elements back at once, I suppose, do a new mashup of the two. Exactly.

[01:10:28] And better than the alternative of randomly losing votes or, you know, exactly. A scarier chaos. That's the thing. I compare this to Jeff competing in the challenge last week where it's like it's low stakes. You know, let the players create their own stakes, not the stakes that Joe was digging into off camera. And so then you create these more playful opportunities to let the cast banter with one another because

[01:10:54] then they know when it is low stakes, when there are no game implications, then they can have fun with one another. And we saw that last week and we saw that this week as well. I think that's when the cast chemistry works best. And again, I'll say it before. It happened for like a hot second when Rick won that coin toss where like everyone kind of let down any. Yes. They had towards each other or him in that moment. And they're except for with a couple of Joe. And they're like, they're like, oh, my God, this is amazing. Yeah. And those are really cool for me because, again, it speaks to that's that celebrational

[01:11:24] aspect and allows these people to be there to do what we want them to do, which is to interact with one another and make a TV together. Yeah, 100 percent. All right. Well, let's move into someone we actually haven't spoken about quite a bit, but someone who got flipped out, I suppose, Rick flipped and she was out in the form of Stephanie La Grossa Hendrick. SLK was SOL at the end of this episode.

[01:11:52] So, Jamie, as someone who has talked about being an avowed old school survivor lover here, what were your thoughts on Stephanie? Because perhaps if we're talking about the Aussie mold of someone who came in and was looking to very much modify their usual style and has successfully done so so far, Stephanie might be at the other end. Yes, I agree. I think Stephanie was at the other end of the Aussie evolution.

[01:12:17] Um, I think that it it was interesting to see the you know, because she came in and she had her alliance just kind of has crumbled the last four or five weeks. I mean, it's wild, right? That like the first episode, her main alliance was her Colby, Hugh, Genevieve and Kyle. None of them made the jury. And it's and it's it's kind of a pattern for her, you know, to have this, you know, where she's this sole member standing.

[01:12:47] And for her to come in, though, and not I think it takes a lot, a lot of self work, constant self work to really be able to look back on your seasons and then evolve in a like consciously aware way where you are going to work with different people. And really, you know, I think she's very reliant on she's a great challenge.

[01:13:15] We saw her win the extra reward, but I don't think the the social piece of it, I feel like it fell flat again for her, especially with how easy she is to read. You know, Sari, like she walked up to Sari and I think two for two, Sari was like, well, she's lying to me. And for that to to not have a poker face in Survivor after you've played so many times,

[01:13:39] it's it is that that's something that I think, you know, if she plays again, she can practice. But I think she was very dependent on her crew that just kind of crumbled. And and I you know, it's it's interesting her relationship with Ozzy. That's where I get that idea of Ozzy really playing a lot like Sari, where it's like he he made himself good with everyone, you know, with Jonathan with so that he was getting that information.

[01:14:09] But also she felt so connected. And I think that's why she stood up and, you know, because it was Rick and Emily that did say that they wanted to get Ozzy. And then she kind of just like fell into that trap. And she she falls into the she falls into the traps where it's then it's like, you know, because she's arguing against somebody that brought the information first. And when you're arguing against that, like you can't win because everybody has that idea now that, oh, you really big time betrayed me.

[01:14:37] And, you know, I know she's she was looking during tribal, you know, begging people to see that that's not the case. But because she didn't go to them first, I think that was a big misstep for her. And and then it just it just gives, you know, it gave Rick all the power to manipulate that situation in a way where he understood that her social game and his social game, what it

[01:15:03] would do to it and how he I think Rick is really good at that, like knowing getting the information there quickly. And I think that's part of Emily's game also that a lot of people, they can't really understand. They're like, oh, I would never work with Emily. She's just she gives all the information. But the reason her game works is that she gives the information first. It doesn't matter like what it is and it doesn't matter who she's betraying, but she's just giving all this information. And so it's like it's almost like she's like spraying and praying, but it's working because

[01:15:32] it's it then they have that in their mind. Well, Emily told me that first. And so when you're so even though it might not be ever come to fruition where it works against her, it's just it's just really interesting to see like how people's brains will always just remember that first, you know, touch point. Spraying and praying was also the nickname for the secret scene of Emily's aftermath having the chocolate shake. Oh, I need to read that as well.

[01:15:59] Poor Sari to like to see her puke and rally. It's a fun effect. But also at the same time, like kind of feels weird again. We learned so much about Sari in this episode. We really did. And I do like the the the camaraderie and that joy that they wanted to bring to 50. Like, I feel like the last two episodes we saw Jeff genuinely laugh, like laughing. His little muttly laughing. Yeah.

[01:16:26] So that's been fun to see that just they're really, really focusing on bringing the joy and and bringing that other part of the game like we do. We know a lot about Sari and it's like it's been fun to see it. I like it. Yeah. Well, I think one one thing about the Emily, I love the difference between Emily and Stephanie, I think, too, is Stephanie, as we know from this episode of what Sari has pointed out, is that she has a bad poker face, which certainly doesn't help.

[01:16:53] And I'm not saying that Emily has a better poker face. But as someone who's played social strategy games with Emily, like she is so believable because I think she believes what she's saying. Like, for example, George Costanza. Yeah, exactly. Like the when the when, you know, she finds out that, oh, my God, Aubrey has an idol and then she flips on Christian for a hot second. She like genuinely seems I mean, she comes across as so genuine. Right. And I think that Angelina was responding to that. You know, there was a lot of just like, oh, yeah, OK.

[01:17:23] And I think that that certainly helps Emily's case that she doesn't seem so two faced because at least when she's in her flipping mode, she's very, very believable. She's not lying to you. She just is telling you the truth that she's believing in that moment. Correct. Exactly. Exactly. Yes. And then that can be endearing when you then perceive that as maybe a mistake that this person made, then it's like, oh, and then they come up and apologize.

[01:17:50] And it takes a lot for somebody to apologize, like automatically. Then they're like naming a fault in their game, but also trying to win your trust back. And then you have to look at them and say, like, was that genuine or is it is it like manipulative? Is it calculated? And then and playing and then you're like, I'm playing survivor. Is it like what is it? And so for her, the apologies had to have that feeling of, you know, her being very genuine.

[01:18:15] But then also she has on her side that then she has shared information and she can use it and kind of play with whoever she wants to at the moment. But I think a lot of it, yes, can be rooted in fear. But that's just how she plays. It's like we're getting the amplified version of her because I think I saw someone say that this isn't how she played, but I feel like this is how she played before where she was always giving information. It didn't even matter. She wasn't it was like throwing grenades. It is really interesting that I didn't realize sort of like when I'm after the trolley

[01:18:44] vote, Jonathan's like, this is my first time ever being blindsided. Emily said this is the first time she's ever been left out of a vote. And it's like, yeah, I mean, she was I mean, if you if you count. No, because I don't even count like Caleb playing his shot in the dark because she basically tipped him off to do so. Like she was involved in all the votes that she went to until, you know, Julie ends up playing her idol and taking her out in the process, which is it's pretty wild. I also don't think I realized how good of a pair her and Rick would be until this episode,

[01:19:13] because I think we saw them through Christian. And so when he was gone, I think we were sort of like, how are the two of them going to operate? Right. But I do really think they're two sides of the same coin, for lack of a better term, in that both of them shoot first and ask questions later, where I think Emily is someone who's similar to Rick is going to be like, OK, there's something going on. Well, I guess I better do this then. And oh, maybe that's not the case. All right. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. But just to be on the safe side, I should probably tell someone immediately.

[01:19:42] One, Devon's is so pro chaos. He's like, yeah, that's fine. I can play with this. I love chaos. Give me more chaos. And Emily just feels sometimes like just chaos personified. All right. Well, Leona, let's get back to our own preseason predictions on Stephanie. Obviously, this was a long awaited return from a Stephanie LaGrosa Kendrick. How much did you think her time in Scotland would have an effect on her time in Fiji in particular?

[01:20:11] What did you think she would perform out there in her fourth time out? So I did have Stephanie making the finale. Oh, I said that Stephanie comes into the game fired up and immediately builds connections with Q and Colby as part of a keep the tribe strong effort in the pre-merge. Once the merge hits, Stephanie expands her relationships, locking in the loyal to the soil alliance,

[01:20:37] aka LTTS, with her previous ally, Colby, as well as Joe and Jonathan. While others underestimate LTTS for lacking flash and being a bit of a nothing burger strategically, Stephanie ensures they stay unified, allowing them to quietly gain power as bigger threats take each other out. However, recognizing the danger of the men teaming up in the late game, Stephanie flips with Chrissy and Sari, earning her a spot in the final four fire making challenge. Wow.

[01:21:06] Against her new ally, Chrissy. Stephanie smokes Chrissy in fire making, pun intended, putting, going to final tribal council. At final tribal, the stigma of LTTS lacking strategic acumen becomes a central theme. Stephanie does nothing to help her case, continuing to argue that loyalty and winning fire should be enough to win survivor.

[01:21:33] This falls on deaf ears and she receives one vote at final tribal council from Jonathan. Her ally was LTTS, obviously. Jonathan, Joe, and Colby. Loyal to the soil. Thank you very much. Patent pending. And the enemy is the jury. The jury? Yeah. For the second time in her survivor career. Okay. Interesting.

[01:22:00] Well, I had perhaps, for lack of better terms, Stephanie in a more dislocated position in this game. I heard her going pre-jury, actually. So I wrote, upon starting the game, Stephanie will immediately link up with Colby in a scene with eerie parallels to heroes versus villains. She'll remark how she doesn't know most of the people they're playing with. But that will be the last thing we hear from Stephanie for quite some time.

[01:22:24] Due to her being locked in with Colby and Vatu's dominance in the challenges, Steph is the most purpled person in the first few episodes, as we predominantly see her absolutely beast challenge skills. The swap leads to a pop in airtime for Stephanie, but not for a good reason. She's the only person left from her original Vatu on her new tribe, leaving her in quite the precarious position. Steph will volunteer to go on a journey where she and another person have to arduously carry coconuts from one side of the beach to the other.

[01:22:51] Through the struggle, though, she comments about the tenacity she showcased through insult and injury on Survivor, and will be treated to a montage that has us contracting a briefcase of Stephanie Fever, not Stephanie Fever, from 2005. When Steph comes back from the journey, she attempts to lie that she did not receive a half-idol from her nut-carrying soldier. But her poker face works about as well as Gigi's did as a restaurant, and she's immediately targeted due to suspicion of her having an advantage.

[01:23:19] Stephanie gets the opportunity to reconnect with Sari, happy they could keep up the key king from Scotland, but the attempted half-idol lie worries Sari about how much of a liability she could be down the line. And so, for the second time, she goes into the voting booth turret and pens a deadly fate. Her ally was Colby, and her enemy was Sari and the invention of lying. I, um... That's funny. I'm excited about this half-idol twist that you wrote into your season.

[01:23:49] Is this like a co-wrong situation where you have to have both halves of the idol in order to play it? Is it weird for me to say that, like, half-idols are one of my favorite advantages in Survivor history? I think they're very fun. Because I think, again, it relies on social relationships with other people, right? That's exactly it. The best twists, in my opinion, are the ones that encourage choice and, I guess, collusion or cooperation or competition. Do some more C words there.

[01:24:17] Of, like, being able to utilize it in conjunction with the people around you. And that's why I love how half-idols... And, yes, sometimes you get a stalemate situation where, like, neither party will budge and then you've basically got a dead idol. But it's not like you don't have situations where there are dead idols right now. And so the idea of, like, if she found a half and somebody... Like, if her and this other person completed the journey and they were each given a half-idol...

[01:24:38] I think that's such a fun idea because then it's like, okay, here's either a locked-in alliance or it's like, how am I going to trick this half-idol away from this person and then blindside them without getting too much blood on my hands? Yes, that is really fun. And I think that, like, this season with the Billie Eilish idol, it's almost like they wanted it to be more interactive like that.

[01:25:00] But there's not enough time in the game for there to be a moment where, like, back when Genevieve was still there, she could try to get Ozzy and Rizzo out. You know, it would have been really fun. And I think if the cards would have fallen differently, it would have been more interactive. All right. Well, Jamie, the ball is in your court here. Who are you tossing a coin into when it came to...

[01:25:29] Whose hat are you throwing the coin into when it comes to our predictions about Stephanie? Who was more on the money of how she would do ultimately in the game? I think that Mike was more on with her... With how she would do. Because I think the gap for Stephanie was social. And I think Liana was confident that she would have grown and really witnessed her lack of social.

[01:25:57] But had she taken that storyline, it would have been a beautiful arc for her to be able to say, like, yes, this is how I have grown and adapted and maximized my relationships. Because it really does take solid relationships to get to the end of this game. And that was, you know, sadly lacking. Missing a little bit. No, I get that.

[01:26:26] Okay, well, congratulations, Mike, I suppose. You can take the point here. But are you prepared for the game that we have today? So actually, that's what I would love for you to lose. I think it would be more fun if the two of you played together. So this is a game that we have played before on the B&B.

[01:26:51] We played this last season, courtesy of Derek, who put this together. Fan of the show and fan of the show Only Connect. We are playing Survivor Only Connect. So the way that this game works is you will be presented with clues. And you have to guess what category all the clues fall into. So you start with one clue and you get more and more clues as it goes along.

[01:27:20] But the more clues you get, the less points you will get. Yeah. So we have to figure out, Jamie, like a category that they would all fall under together. Exactly. What do these things or people have in common? And of course, it's all Survivor related. Oh, no. Oh, my gosh. This is kind of like that game. Oh, what is it called? Where you have to think of one word. Anyhow, sorry. Go ahead. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[01:27:49] Like, oh, scatter. No, it's like categories. What am I thinking? Combine all the words for like. Oh, it's like password. Yeah. Yes. Password. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Well, this is based. Yeah. Only Connect is a is a UK show. So and so this is what what Derek has modeled it after. So shout out, Derek. Thank you again for putting this together. Very excited. So let's get things started. So here is your first category.

[01:28:17] So the first clue that you have is the first boot from this season. Of course, Jenna Lewis. All right. So yeah. So this is for lack of a better term, Jamie is shot in the dark. We can go with any sort of category we want to because we have no idea who else is in the bucket with her. Exactly. Um, what do we think? What are some categories that Jenna belongs to that we could just throw out? Um, I mean, we could say first boot. OK, let's do it. Yeah. First boots across survivor history. OK.

[01:28:48] You're muted, Liana, our intrepid host. That is incorrect. Oh, I wasn't worth a pause. Clue. Savannah, Louie. Oh. Oh, were these people who were voted out pre-merge? On survivor 50. Or. Yeah. I mean, I guess pre-merger. Yeah. Or just voted out in general.

[01:29:16] Would you like to lock in one of those two answers? Oh, no. It's one of those two. What do we go with, Jamie? Do we go with the more specific one or the more general one? Let's do more specific because I feel like general is too easy. All right. So people who were voted out pre-merge on survivor 50. OK. Technically, no. But I might give it to you anyway. OK. Was it people who were voted out on survivor 50?

[01:29:45] I was the general one. I think they were all pre-merge. But it was players voted out of 50. I'm going to give it to you. I'm going to give it to you. You guys get three points for the first question. OK, cool. OK. So the next clue is Sari Fields. Hmm. Oh, boy. What do you think, Jamie? Oh, let's see. Maybe. How many times is Sari played?

[01:30:15] Is this her fourth? This is her fifth American season, sixth season overall of Survivor. Are there any other survivor 50 players that played five times? Ozzy, this is his fifth time. Fifth time? But there's not four. So maybe players that have played four or three or more times? Sure. Players who have played three or more times. That's a good guess. But unfortunately, that is incorrect. Your next clue is Christian Kubicki.

[01:30:47] People who were on the Selah tribe, the orange tribe. Is that your guess? What do you think, Jamie? Yeah, let's guess that. Great guess. But no, I'm sorry. That is incorrect. Your next clue is Colby Donaldson. Is this Survivor 50 cast members whose names begin with C?

[01:31:15] I mean, I feel like we have to guess it because we don't know that. It is the most obvious thing, but we have nothing to lose at this point. Yeah, let's do it. Except for two points. What would one be? Is there another C? The Chrissy coach? Oh, yeah. Okay. There's a lot of C's happening. Let's do it. Well, you seed the answer. Because yes. Wait. Wait. What was that supposed to be a pun of? Was that like seized the answer? Was that you saw the answer? You saw the answer.

[01:31:45] You seeded the answer. Yes, that is correct. So now we know they could be really obvious. So that's great. Yes, we know we could be. We could be really. We're overthinking this a little bit. Survivor 50 contestants with C names. That is correct. Okay, let's go in to our next question. So your first clue is, of course, our very own wonderful Canadian Genevieve.

[01:32:15] Oh, we could say new era players. Okay. New era players who are on season 50. Okay. That is incorrect. Oh, your next clue. Christian Kubicki. Oh, could these be the, the Billie Eilish boomerang idol people? Like, could they'll, could it be like Genevieve, Christian, Genevieve again, like people who have idols or.

[01:32:44] Yes. Yeah. How about that? People who, people who found idols on survivor 50. Okay. People who found idols on survivor 50 is incorrect. Your next clue is JT. Oh, yes. Who sent. who gave idols to somebody else. Gave idols to someone else. That is correct. Okay. Your other clue would have been Genevieve again. And yes,

[01:33:14] the correct answer was has given an idol to someone on another try. Okay. JT's little stinker. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Okay. Your next question. The first clue is Mike White. Mike White. I know these first ones are, oh, it's just such a shot in the dark. A, uh, super beware advantage, if you will. Um, what about final, uh, final tribal? Final tribal,

[01:33:43] or maybe like celebrities who have been on season 50. Like, like, why, why it was like Mike White, Zach Brown, Mr. Beast, like celebrities who have been on survivor. Yes. Let's do that. Okay. Great guess, but I'm sorry. That is incorrect. Your next clue is Dale Wentworth. Dale. Sky 69. Dale. Hmm. Dale.

[01:34:13] Dale. Dale. What do Mike White and Dale Wentworth have in common? Um, incredibly alabaster white skin. Yes. Pale is just the answer. Oh, man. How old was Dale when he played Sam on this, or maybe it's like players above a certain age. Oh, yeah. Let's guess that. Yeah. Let's go with players. Mike was in it. Mike is, was 54 when he played. Let's do players above 50. Yeah.

[01:34:42] Players who have played a Debbie fitting players who have played above the age of 50. You know what? Not going to lie. Do love that. Uh, but no, I'm sorry. That is correct. Monica. Monica. Okay. Is your next clue. Okay. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Okay. Um, I feel like Monica, Padilla went out in like, I think she went out in like a three, two, one.

[01:35:13] In Cambodia. And I think Mike obviously went out in a three, two, one. Okay. There it is. Maybe. I don't know. I don't remember Dale going out. But maybe they like split the votes against him just in case he had an idol. Like if the final one's Courtney Merritt, then we probably know. Cause she's the biggest example. So I guess it, I guess. Yeah. Let's do that. Okay. You're going to go ahead and lock in players who are voted out in a three, two, one. Okay. Well, let's see before I reveal the answer.

[01:35:41] If the second clue or the last clue, any more of a hit. Yes. Answer is yes. Players voted out in a three, two, one. Vote split. Thank you. Monica Padilla. That's the most memorable thing about you in survival Cambodia. Yes. Perfect. All right. You guys are crushing this. Let's go to your next question. And your first clue is three fields. Okay. All right. What's another category we could assign to three here, Jamie. Well,

[01:36:10] the last one was the C's. So this one is the F's. Yeah. Maybe this one, we start with returning players, three or more seasons. Sure. Let's do that. Okay. Solid guess. I'm sorry. That is incorrect. Your next clue. Harvard E shallow black widow. Black. We'll say, yeah, the black widow brigade, black widow brigade. I'm sorry. That is incorrect. Boston Rob. Oh,

[01:36:40] are these survivor players who have been on trade? Oh yeah. That's what it is. It'll be Stephanie. Okay. So that is the answer that you're locking in. I think so. Yeah. Yeah. Well, you are correct. Okay. Because Rob Sestrone, you know, have been on the traders. Love it. Okay. Don't tell Jeff. Yeah, I know your last. Oh,

[01:37:12] okay. Your first clue for your last question is Sandra Diaz. Twine. Okay. Okay. So this is the last question, Jamie. So I'm trying to head game this a little bit. I feel like it's not going to be obvious. I feel like they, they saved the hardest one for last. Maybe something about the locations she played at. Yeah.

[01:37:39] Like played in three different locations or something like that. So played in multiple locations. What do you think? Yeah. I mean, yes. I think it's a good guess, but unfortunately not. John Cochran is your next clue. Okay. So this can't be winners. I'm, I'm discounting the idea that they would finish on that note of these are all

[01:38:09] survivor winners. There's gotta be some other wrinkle here. Is it something with, let's see. John Cochran. Cochran. The last time we saw him, he wasn't actually playing. He was like on a boat. Remember trying to dispense advice to Debbie. That's right. And Sandra came back also. So maybe players that have returned to give advice.

[01:38:40] Yeah. Something like something. They're like, they're like NPCs, right? They're non-players. Yes. Like showed up as a cameo. And he, yeah, I like that. I like that. Okay. We are going with drive by cameos as non-players. Okay. Drive by cameos as non-players. I could be a stickler, but you know what? I'll accept that as an answer. You're so generous. Your next clues were Zach Brown and Tata the Bushman, AKA appeared on a season of Survivor,

[01:39:10] but not as a player. Dream blunt rotation. Yes. Yes. I love it. I would love to see Tata the Bushman dancing to the latest Zach Brown song. I am worried. I'll back on it. Oh my gosh. Well, congratulations. You guys nailed this. This was absolutely so much fun. Thank you again, Derek, for putting this together. That was fun. Yes. This has been such a fun game and I'm glad that you both enjoyed it. But before we go,

[01:39:39] cause I have Zach Brown on the brain. I'd be remiss not to ask you all to perhaps participate in my own little game. Something that I posted to social media yesterday at the time we're recording this, because we have seen now, I guess all four instances of these celebrity influence, twists, advantages, moments, whatever you want to call it. I don't know if any more is coming, at least none that has been advertised to us. So how would you rank them? We have the Billy Alice boomerang idol. We have Zach Brown spearfishing reward slash concert. We have Jimmy Fallon,

[01:40:08] one in the urn from last episode. And then we have Mr. Beast, super beware advantage. You could rank it on whatever criteria you want to, but Liana, what are you thinking? This is tough. This is really tough. Oh, and I'm trying, I'm trying to look at the twist as it is the way, uh, like the way you're looking at it from outcome or potential. Exactly. Outcome versus, uh, what it is as a concept. Okay.

[01:40:38] My, my gut, like just the initial gut ranking. I'm not going to overthink. This is in last place, Jimmy Fallon. Okay. Fourth, Jimmy Fallon, third Zach Brown. We didn't need all those confessionals. Then the Billy Eilish boomerang idol. And am I really putting the Mr. Beast twist as the best celebrity twist this season? And there was no moldy lunch laser anywhere. I can't believe it. That's just what my gut is telling me.

[01:41:08] That was the ultimate comfort in chaos. It's like, you've won feastables. Oh no. Yep. Terrible, terrible chocolate. Um, yeah, that's, I'll have to think about it a little bit more, but that's my initial gut reaction. What do you think, Jamie? I think the, so Zach Brown, was that just the reward? And that was the twist. I forget. but it was that you, they got taken to the sanctuary where good things happened. We saw him swim and all that. Yeah.

[01:41:37] That's going to be last for me. Okay. Um, the Jimmy Fallon is third. Okay. Second is Billy Eilish. And the top, uh, top one is Mr. Beast. Okay. Interesting. Yeah. For me, my criteria is that I look at it as like, how much did it like actively affect my enjoyment of the game and of the show?

[01:42:06] So I think last place would be Jimmy Fallon for me as well. I just feel like there was, even when we know what the full extent of the reward was, the idea of him, Christian having to reveal that he didn't have a vote and that he was voting for himself. I won't beat a dead horse here. I thought stymied any sort of creativity that could have existed from any part of it. I think I might put, I guess I'll put Billy Eilish third.

[01:42:35] I think I'll put it third. I might put Mr. Beast third or Billy Eilish third. Billy Eilish for me, like I think the concept is there, but I think being forced to give it away and also the idea of it can't be played on anybody else, I think has actively hampered any gameplay around. So I'm going to put Billy Eilish there because I think it has, actively intruded in some variable gameplay around the idols this season. Second place will be Mr. Beast, just because like, again, it led to, you know,

[01:43:04] very fun outcome, whether or not it was a game changer will be something that's discussed. I'm sure, I think it's a game changer. I think it's a game changer. I think it's a game changer. And again, still the concept for me of someone getting eliminated by a coin flip still doesn't vibe with my French vanilla fantasy, but I cannot deny that it was entertaining. I think again, the stuff that was offered and the fact that it was especially explained to them as well, that it wasn't, I need a volunteer. And then they tell them afterwards. I do appreciate that. If we have to bring the twist in.

[01:43:34] So like Zach Brown wins on the defense that he didn't really do anything wrong. You know, too much time performing a couple songs for people who have a very nice afternoon. Does it suck that we had a disproportionate amount of airtime dedicated to him? Absolutely. But it wasn't like there was a mechanic that was thrown into the game that felt like it kind of derailed. And I didn't feel like necessarily it was an opportunity to be like, well,

[01:44:02] I guess maybe Zach Brown was maybe more the biggest, uh, the biggest example of like, wow, isn't Zach Brown great. That's my other favorite thing about this all as well is that we saw this with Jimmy too. Like he just seems like very chill and happy to be there. And maybe that's also who he is as a person, right? I think certainly more in the comments, loving about him is he's not this big show, man as much as he, he builds up to be as this kind of online character, but like him and Zach Brown,

[01:44:28] both of the people who have made on Island visits just kind of seem like regular guys. And that's one that's like, I cannot believe I'm standing in the face of God. You have, you have blessed us with your presence. Petals fall behind you with every football you take on our golden shores. My life has been made all the much better for even taking in your carbon dioxide right now. These guys are like, well, this is a, yeah,

[01:44:58] this is a great time. I got to get back to what I've got going on in the States, but happy to breeze by for a weekend. I think, I think Mr. Beast is, I mean, I don't know, like, obviously this is me super imposing my own feelings, but the fact that Mr. Beast kept like relying on the prayer hands, I was like, he's uncomfortable. He's like, yeah, thank you. Well, yeah, because I think a lot of people have said, and I've watched the beast games episode and like, there's actually a very fun moment where, you know, they do a tribal council and like Jimmy calls them in and Jeff's like, yeah, you know, you don't need to like yell. You can be like,

[01:45:28] command them through like the silence. And Jimmy's like, oh, that's actually really handy. So like, you could tell he's still trying to kind of find his legs in that TV presenter role. and then yeah, was also kind of odd in that. I think he felt like he was intruding on something the entire time he was. It's like the last thing he said is he receded into the night. It was like, I hope I didn't ruin anything guys. I'm so sorry. Yeah. Well, and also like they put him in such an awkward space, like right in the middle.

[01:45:58] It was so uncomfortable. Like if I were him, I would feel so uncomfortable just sitting there. Oh yeah. Yeah. His chair. Yeah. He did a good job though. And I, I always wonder if we did see the whole interaction, you know, how much more did he contribute to it? And was there, cause I think there was a rumor where it was like, oh, they're going to have to reedit this episode to make sure that it's not giving him confessionals. But I, I,

[01:46:26] I think that it was awkward, but I do love though, that, you know, these, the people that they brought on for all of the twists, they are all, you know, it's interesting when you hear a celebrity is a fan of the show, you know? So it's, I, it was fun to see how, how much he's grown up watching it. And, you know, same with Jimmy Fallon and Zach Brown. So hearing their stories and their relationship with the show was, was fun.

[01:46:54] I do wonder how many people they brought on, you know, like if there's Mr. Beast super fans, like, does he have the fandom that's like, oh my gosh, we have to catch him on survivor. That's a good question. Let me check the ratings. I don't know if the, the full facts and figures have come out, but might be interesting to see if they got the bump at all. Okay. So survivor. YouTubers, you know, like, isn't he on YouTube mainly? they should have, they should have dual streamed it to the Mr. Beast YouTube.

[01:47:25] Or maybe do you think Jeff's going to be on like a Mr. Beast video, like saying, come watch me on survivor or something. Oh, right. Yeah. Maybe a question. It's part of the contract. I did mention this. I was like, man, I would have loved to have seen the contract between survivor and beast industries, I guess. Like how that worked. Like, did Jimmy act like, did, did Mr. Beast industries actually give them a million dollars? Or like,

[01:47:54] I have to imagine that's the case. Yeah. That is, that is mere. Like literally the equivalent of a million dollars to Mr. Beast is that one coin that was flipped. Like, he's like, Oh yeah. No, I mean, like I got that in my pockets right now. I just turn it out and, and let you have it. Like I have to imagine that ends up being the case. And also for those who don't know, I'm pretty sure the beast games crossover was filmed around this same time. And it's actually an interesting sort of back to back watch as well.

[01:48:21] Cause then you sort of see like Jimmy hosting with Jeff taking the backseat versus Jeff hosting with Jimmy taking literally the side seat to it. Like it's an, it's an interesting dichotomy there. A nice, a double feature creature feature. Perhaps I'm trying to look right now. I don't know actually if, really anything move the needle that much with Mr. B showing up. But I think, Jamie, you bring up a good point in that, like, it actually does. Because while I think again,

[01:48:49] the spectacle of bringing these people on and especially dedicating so much verbal airtime to them was unnecessary. It is nice that these guys felt honored being there. And that they were like, this is a show that means a lot to me. And so like, I kind of feel like a fish out of water for lack of a better term from a Zach Brown perspective right here, right now. If anything was made about like, yes, I am here. Everyone, please bow down upon me.

[01:49:18] That was more so done by the show and not about them themselves. Yeah. Yeah, I agree. And I, I do, I do. And maybe it was part strategy. You know, if there are Mr. Beast fans, his fans are a lot younger, you know, maybe like getting people interested, a young fan base into survivor. However, though, I am looking forward to in the future seasons, in the fifties, there be getting back to the purest survivor where it's like, all we need is the social, like,

[01:49:47] just show me more conversations and put the pieces together rather than, you know, having, I mean, it's fun. It's a celebratory season for 50, but I'm, I'm looking forward to having zero like twists. I guess I'm like, yeah. I mean, that's the thing, you know, we still have more stuff to come, but it does feel like this episode is a fantastically refreshing indicator that like, this cast can deliver in the right circumstances.

[01:50:13] And maybe this also means that obviously having someone like Rick there, not to say that like Stephanie was a major straw stirring the drink, but like, clearly this is a piece taken away from someone like Jonathan, someone like Joe, what does this mean for them? So it does make me excited about what is to come. Not only because we're barreling towards the end here and there's only a few episodes left, but like, it's a very firm reminder that these people can bring a fantastically good television.

[01:50:40] And when you throw in something that provided an entertaining outcome on top of that, whether or not you feel like it needed to exist in the episode, it does create some top tier television. All right. Well, Jamie, you created some top tier podcast content with all of your fantastic. Fantastic. Thank you so much for coming on and telling us everything you have to think about when it comes to survivor 50, your joy, as I said before, to, you know,

[01:51:07] bring you into this very podcast is so infectious and this time is no different. So it makes me so happy. So I hope, you know, you are sitting there every Wednesday night, beaming a mile wide, ready to see whatever mayhem is about to befall us. And all the times that Joe is going to be a poly prissy pants about something that Rick Evans does. Yes, exactly. I look forward to the rest of the season and me screaming at the TV. Well, well, people want to see all the great stuff you are doing out there,

[01:51:37] including perhaps some content of you. You know, I know when you talked about before balling at the survivor opening, I remember seeing that on your Instagram. So you want to check out all that great stuff. Some survivor reactions included. How can people follow you on social media? Yes, I am on Instagram. And TikTok. And it's just my name, Jamie Lynn Ruiz. And I, I love, oh my gosh, my, my Wednesday episodes, the reactions have been so fun because it's, it starts a little conversation in the captions. Anyway, you find me there.

[01:52:06] And then also my nonprofit that I wanted to chat about. That's a perfect segment. Yeah. And to highlight, of course our guests highlighting a charity or cause. So you have a nonprofit, Jamie? Yes. Well, it's, um, I actually work with, and for the foundry soul, which I think the last time I was on here, I talked about it. And it is, yeah. Um, so it is a, a yoga nonprofit where we raise money through the foundry is a, uh,

[01:52:36] yoga community, um, studio here in Arizona. And there's one in California. Anyway, um, we raise money for students to go to teacher training for yoga teacher training, but then also to serve underserved communities. So we do, um, memberships, followerships, and, um, you know, we help, uh, we work with other nonprofits in the community,

[01:53:00] and it's a really great way to give yoga to communities that may not have access to it. And that's the goal is to give more yoga meditation to, um, to help heal these communities. Oh, that's such a beautiful noble cause. Yeah. Sometimes it just takes something like that to help clear the mind, to give you a, a brand new perspective on things. Sometimes it takes a full plate of charcuterie and a chocolate milkshake. Other times it's just, you know, a nice sun salutation to greet the day. Exactly. All right. Well,

[01:53:30] of course, check out all the stuff that Liana and hi go have going on. I talked about my interview with Stephanie. That is up over at parade. I got Australian survivor stuff. Liana's got the pal going on, but regardless what's coming up next for both of us is episode 11 of survivor 50. We'll see where we go from here is Rick Devins continuing to, uh, you know, churn through rock bottom here, but he does have an idol and he's not afraid to use it folks. Uh, and that's also fun.

[01:53:57] The pure irony that this man started the episode with everyone believing he had an idol from tribal council and it was fake. And now he did get an idol from tribal council. that right there. Oh my gosh. Exactly. Absolutely. Absolute poetry, but I hope you enjoy the various stanzas that we brought to this podcast. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear from you all in the comments as well, how you would rank the four celebrity moments, twists, advantages from your own personal criteria.

[01:54:26] And no matter what famous faces will grace your screens next week, Leon and I will be here talking about what goes down in episode 11. Special thanks to the entire team behind the scenes at RHAP for putting this podcast out for your eyes and ears. And will from America for his fantastic song. That's a song that brings me right back to home, like ketchup hitting the ground. Uh, thank you all again so much, Jamie, such a wonderful time. Thank you for coming on,

[01:54:56] submitting yourself to all the shenanigans that ensue across talking through the shenanigans that happened in this episode. Leon, I'll be back next week, covering episode 11 of survivor 50. Until then, everybody, we'll check you out at your next day.