Thank goodness for the magic of tivo. I was out Sunday night -- who knew that when I bought tickets to see Les Miz they would schedule the finale for Survivor: Guatemala the same night.

This brings me to my only problem with tonight's episode. When the football game ran long, who at CBS decided to show 60 Minutes in its entirety? Because I also recorded the reunion show, I at least saw the whole episode. But if you didn't, you missed tribal council. And more than that, why would they delay the start of the season finale of one of their most popular series? It's a decision that simply did not make sense.

Anyways, the episode itself was really good. The first immunity challenge was insane. They really did want to make this the hardest season of Survivor ever. It must have been hell for the survivors, but it made for great television. But even better was when they got home from the challenge. Apparently it wasn't enough for Steph to ask if they could eat the chicken during the ritual; once the Mayan were gone, she finally was able to eat the offering. I already liked Rafe, but I was so impressed with his ability to turn down a meal to stick to his principles. And because you know how I feel about karma, I wasn't so surprised by the super storm. And it was all complete when you saw the reaction on the face of Jeff & the jury when they found out. You know that in the back of his head he was thinking "so we manage to have an actual Mayan ritual performed for you all and you at the offering????". Hee hee! I heard Rafe say Monday that they had all made a pact not to mention it at tribal council; that's why they all reacted the way they did when Lydia brought it up. And I wasn't so sad to see Lydia go.

It was at this point that I think Danni won the game. Rafe would have taken Danni. And Steph would have taken Danni. And even though they didn't think so, Danni would have beaten either one of them. So the final immunity challenge really was just a matter of who would sit next to Danni. It was a very different final challenge for Survivor. Usually the final challenge just comes down to will. This one was strength as well. It was interesting how they all figured out how to wedge themselves in against the pole. I wondered if the challenge designers had anticipated that, and whether they had set the rule about not touching the pole with their hands in advance, or once they were all wedged.

Anyways, I still can't believe that Rafe "released" Danni from their promise. He played such a great game, and he threw it away at the end when Steph cried. Boo hoo. She didn't win. I can't believe he was swayed by that. So Danni made the decision to take Steph to the final -- a million dollar choice. I truly think she would have still won against Rafe, but with Steph she pretty much guaranteed herself the million.

The final tribal council was FANTASTIC. I was glad that people like Judd were still angry -- it makes for GREAT television! :) It did almost seem that at some point Steph gave up. She wasn't giving good answers to their questions -- she still was acting like she deserved it just because she was Steph. Danni knew she had the numbers, yet she still answered every question honestly.

So it was no suprise when Danni won. (although she did look SO different -- I knew she had lost a lot of weight, but I hadn't realized just how much) And you know what she is planning on doing with the money? She's taking her dad to the Super Bowl. You go girl. Until "Exile Island"...

This season of Survivor has been the season of Tribal Council exits. After the best Tribal Councils in recent memory, we have been treated to more "less-than-graceful" exits than ever before. I love it love it love it!

Right away I thought I knew what was going to happen tonight in the reward challenge. I had seen in the previews that someone would have to make the choice whether to keep the car (and "the curse") or to give up the car so that the other four would win one. And based on the clip with Steph talking about how she has never had a car before, I was convinced that she would win the challenge AND that she would keep the car. So I was happily surprised when Cindy won. I was also shocked when she kept the car. Now, I've had a big dinner, so I'm thinking on a full stomach. But I know that if you don't give them the cars, and you don't win immunity, you're the next to go home. Giving away the cars buys you at least one more day out there. It also means that you, at the very least, win the 4th place prize instead of the 5th. I'm not sure what the difference is, but it has to be enough to buy a car. And if you do make it to the final four, there are three people one the jury who you gave a car to -- that seems like 3 automatic votes to me.

Speaking of votes on the jury, I have no idea what Steph is thinking. She understands that she clearly doesn't have Judd or Jamie's votes. She probably doesn't have Bobby Jon's either. And she knows that voting out Cindy will be another vote against her. So why would she put another vote against her on the jury? I just don't get it.

The immunity challenge was good, but I was so hoping to catch a contestant running towards the finish line without enough rope, full speed, only to be pulled back. Steph slowed down, so, not quite as funny. Still funny to watch though.

Tribal council wasn't much of a shock. I was hoping that Steph would give immunity to Cindy, but clearly she had already decided to go against her word again instead. The curse of the car lives on. I loved Cindy's final words as she left..."I'll think of you whenever I look at the stars through the sun roof of my new car." Hee hee!

Finale is Sunday. I think tonight's vote enures Danni a place in the final two. And Cindy was right -- Danni will beat any of them at the end.

What a great episode of Survivor. Another challenge that shows off alliances with half the tribe getting a huge reward. A puzzle immunity challenge that we just know Judd can't win. And an actual surprise at tribal council. Wow.

Ok, so I've said over and over that I love the challenges that show off alliances & a pecking order. And I usually love the "Survivor auction" reward challenge anyways. (there's something so sad, yet so riveting, about watching people pay $100 for a piece of pizza) But the twist of bidding on a night with a loved one was huge. I was shocked to see Cindy just hand her money over to Judd -- you could tell that she did that purely out of kindness. Because for all his tough exterior, you could tell that he really wanted to see his wife. And Rafe and Danni kept teaming up as well -- I hadn't realized that they were so close. And of course, Lydia continued to be Steph's puppet and handed her money over. I really wish we had seen more of the auction -- there was definitely more than what we saw. Anyways, that was quite a choice that Judd had to make. Chosing Cindy to come along for the family reward was a no-brainer -- it was half of her money anyways. But I was surprised that he chose Steph. He would have been much better served to pass her up and let someone else have a chance at a reward. (of course, hindsight is 20-20...he's probably thinking the same thing right now too)

A quick side note -- did anyone else notice how Judd's wife seemed to get more and more uncomfortable with Steph? The more she talked about how close she and Judd were, the more his wife appeared to squirm. Interesting. And did Steph say that she had been dating her boyfriend for seven years? Seven years? What's up with that?

Anyways, the immunity challenge was a mental one -- a twist on the puzzle that they played with their loved ones in Marquesas (they may have played it another time as well). It's all strategy -- and Steph clearly knew how to play the game. That's why it was great when Danni switched with her. Steph's reactions are ridiculous -- like she deserves each reward and immunity. How dare someone switch with her! How dare they not give her a reward! Steph -- you are simply going to have to get over yourself. The only silver lining in that is that if she actually makes it to the final two, there is no way they would give her the million. Thank goodness.

Now, Steph talked about how Judd had given her two big rewards. So how do you thank someone who has done that for you? Well, apparently by voting them off. And Judd didn't take the news so well...how many times did he use the word "scumbags" exactly? Wow. Have you people not learned anything from watching previous seasons? Judd now gets to decide which of you wins a million dollars -- and he will make at least one of you pay for your actions. I can't wait to watch him on "Survivor Live" tomorrow -- I'm guessing he has a few things to say. :)

Only two more episodes left...

Nothing says Thanksgiving like Survivor. And what an episode it was! Cindy & Rafe get a massage! Gary & Lydia make an alliance! Lydia loses her mind!

Did anyone else notice how the entire time that Steph was yelling about not always winning the food challenges, her mouth was full. She never stopped putting nuts or corn or whatever that was in her mouth. Now, I love some good irony. But that was just ridiculous. I can't believe no one said anything about it. And Lydia -- do you really think that you're derserving of being where you are? Of course you're being used for your vote. So many times you could make a power move, but you never did -- you are just along for the ride. And while I was hoping tonight would be your last night, you might just be around until the final 3 or 4...it's all about the numbers.

I love Rafe. He has won nearly every immunity challenge, yet no one seems to consider him a threat (which is really astounding to me). And he's so nice and likeable. I loved when he talked about being a gay Mormon, and how he never saw any gay men who were athletic. You rock Rafe -- I'm glad you can be a role model for others, and show others that being gay and being athletic are not mutually exclusive.

This is the first season I can remember where tribal council has been so fiesty. When Judd sat there and said he had never lied, you just knew that Gary was waiting to bring up the whole "it's hidden on the ground" thing. And did you see the reaction of Bobby Jon and Jamie on the jury. The jury is usually so stoic. If nothing else, the final tribal council will be amazing.

Can't wait for next week...

If there was an Emmy handed out for best expression at Tribal Council, Judd & Gary would be walking away with the statues tonight. This is exactly why Survivor is my favorite show.

Tonight's challenges were the center of the show. While the reward challenge wasn't all that exciting to watch, the reward was fantastic. I can't remember a Survivor reward that was like this before. They've had getaway rewards, they've had family video rewards, they've had rewards where they can take a friend or two. But never all at once. And even more important was that half of the tribe got to enjoy the reward. Regardless of how the teams randomly broke down, sharing that reward was going to shake up the game. See, I told you that Mark Burnett was a genius. :)

The immunity challenge was great too. I'm feeling really smart because I thought Rafe would win (but you already knew that right?), but I loved watching Judd trying to figure it out. "You giving up Judd?""No Jeff, I'm just trying to figure it out." Wow. And with Lydia's size, I would have thought she would at least get to the second round. Which brings up an interesting point -- why is Lydia still there? I like her -- she seems really nice, really geniune, someone who I would like to be friends with. But that doesn't mean she should win Survivor. And even if they just drag her along a little longer, remember that some of the challenges are always mental. If she wins immunity at the right time (like she easily could in a "Fallen Commrades" challenge), she could sneak right into the finals. And don't think she deserves it. Sorry Lydia.

Jamie Jamie Jamie. When Rafe finally said to you "if you ask me one more time, I will vote for you," maybe it's time to shut up. The original alliance still has the number advantage, and they've eliminated their loose cannon. And he proved that he was the right choice when he was elminated. Although the expressions on Judd & Gary's faces were priceless. Yes, I rewound so I could see them again. Wow. Can't wait till next week...

If you're a fan of final immunity challenges on Survivor, you probably loved the challenge on tonight's episode of The Biggest Loser. For those of you who are new to Survivor (really? where have you been??), the final immunity challenge is always some sort of endurance challenge. It can last for hours, and is just a sheer test of will. So tonight's challenge was very similar. Contestants had to hang on to a pole suspended over a pool. There was a small ledge to put your feet, but that was it. It was a test of will -- who wanted it more. I like challenges like this -- it shows what the contestants are really made of. And it was no surprise that Andrea won. Regardless of what anyone says about her, she has such spirit. And if she watched last season, she had to figure that she might get to see her husband at the hotel.

What I didn't understand was the temptation. Yes, I understood how it worked. But why didn't they tell the contestants that there wasn't actually immunity up for grabs? And if they thought there was immunity, why on earth wouldn't they take the chance?

Before the weigh in, I told my husband that Andrea should choose Jeff to give the pounds to, and even though you don't know for sure that I did this (really, I did), I was right. He was bound to have a low week sooner or later, and she knew that as soon as he was below the yellow line, he would be gone -- he was too big of a threat. And that's exactly what happened. But did you see the "after" shots? He's lost 130 pounds! That's another person! And he looks totally different. I can't wait for the finale to see what he looks like. And if they do a second prize for the player overall with the highest percentage lost, he's sure to win. What an inspiration.

Have I said lately that I LOVE SURVIVOR? Tonight's episode was the best in weeks.

First were the challenges. Did anyone but me think that Gary should have done much better than he did during the reward challenge? I never saw him play in the NFL, but if he were my quarterback, I would want him to be a bit more accurate. (Favre he's not) That was Gary's challenge, and he didn't even place in the top 3. Then there was Jamie giving up his spot to make up for his behavior. I know that this totally looked like a strategic move -- making sure that no one in his alliance swings against him. But I just don't think Jamie is that smart. I really think that he's just a "good old boy" who realized he needed to right a wrong. Either way, it was a smart move (and remember, he did have a huge meal a day or two ago during the immunity challenge he sat out of). I also loved the aspect that Judd got to choose two people to join him for drinks and desserts. Whenever they have to make choices like that, it always impacts the game. I'm sure Judd's alliance questioned why he chose Bobby Jon instead of Jamie, and where his real alliances lie.

The immunity challenge was also excellent, especially if you remember back to the second week when Rafe couldn't get up the rope ladder. All of a sudden, Rafe is in the final leg of the challenge. And when he fell off, I'll admit it -- I was kind of hoping Jamie would fall too so I could see Rafe get a chance to scale the rope ladder (ok, that was mean -- especially because Rafe seems like he's really a nice guy). But Jamie winning immunity was huge. I really think that he would have been going home tonight without it, especially after he told his team that Gary was going to vote for him (and what was that all about??).

So, all of a sudden, at Tribal Council, Gary pulls out the second immunity idol. I kind of figured he would, especially since he noticed that Judd was looking up, rather than at the ground. Good for him to shake things up. If he's been holding back on the challenges, now's the time to step it up. Because he is definitely next to go -- he is such a physical threat. My favorite to win right now? RAFE. Really. He is so sweet, and he's playing smart. If he can win a couple of immunity challenges towards the end, he's there.

I wish I didn't have to wait a whole week for another episode...

It's Thursday night...the greatest night ever for a reality tv addict...also known as "why Mark Burnett is a reality genius" night. And thanks to the magic that is tivo, I can watch them again and again. Sigh...

First, you have to understand that while I love reality tv, Survivor is my favorite. Not just my favorite reality show; my favorite of any show. So it's no surprise that I am sure happy it's Thursday. And since I heard through the grapevine that they were going to have to choose immunity over food tonight, I was more excited than usual.

The episode started with what really had to be the lamest merge ever. I'm sure that it seemed like a good idea to surprise the survivors with the merge. In fact, as I'm typing this, it seems like a really good idea...the kind that should make for good television. But it wasn't all they thought it would be. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that they woke up Nakum...I know how I am when someone wakes me up in the middle of the night (I was that person who needed to be woken up by my roomates in college if the fire alarm went off...I am that sound of a sleeper). But the more interesting thing was the talk by Bobby Jon on the way to Nakum...I knew he didn't like Jamie, but what about Steph? I thought they were friends. That was strange. (and then later he begs her to keep him around for the jury) I was also glad to see that the four of them were going to stick together strong.

Now, it's smart in the game of Survivor to stick together. But it is not smart to flaunt that "stickyness" to others. First, the old Yaxha goes off to fish together, allowing the others to plot against them. Did none of you watch any of the other seasons of the show? Really? Because you all should really know better.

The other stupid flaunting of "stickyness" (is that even a word?) was Jamie. Jamie Jamie Jamie. What on earth were you thinking? Remember in Marqueses when John's group of four pretty much laid out the pecking order? John went home next!!! Please tell me that you are not one of those players who didn't watch the other seasons. I am shocked that you lived to see another tribal council. Of course, that was a great immunity/reward challenge...nothing quite like choosing food over immunity. In the back of their heads, they have got to be thinking that they might be eating million dollar chicken wings.

Which leads me to my next question. Most reality shows have a clause in their contracts that the contestants sign about physical violence. Physical violence against another contestant generally gets you booted. On some shows, even threatening physical violence will get you out. So, I am wondering if Survivor has this type of clause. Because between Bobby Jon and Jaime, you know that something is bound to happen. I think that Jeff Probst is just hoping it doesn't happen when he is around (did you know that he is dating Julie from Vanuatu? really!). The look on his face at tribal council made me so thankful for tivo...i watched it over and over and over...

The other twist tonight I'm still not sure if I like the idea of the extra immunity idol. I wonder if Mark Burnett had already thought up this twist at the beginning of the show, or if he added it later (if you can't tell, Mark Burnett might be the person I would most like to have dinner with...I would just love to sit and talk Survivor with him). I wonder this about a lot of the twists, and I've never really gotten a good answer. It definitely plays with their minds, which adds a whole other dimension to the game.

I'm sad to see Brandon go...he really is a good guy. And they really could have voted Jamie off and still had the numbers advantage. I would pay good money to see the uncut version of tribal council (Mark Burnett...if you want to make more money, sell a subsrciption on the web, or show it on pay-per-view). I know that they edit it down to show us the best scenes, but I think with this group, watching the entire council straight through (they usually last upwards of an hour) would be excellent.

I can't believe I have to wait another week for a new episode...