Well, last night was the big night, the season finale. As I thought, the commercials deliberately misled viewers into thinking that Cirie would win the fire-making tiebreaker challenge against Danielle. As an observer of the show and its promos since its inception, I know the editors tend to do that sort of thing. So I wasn't surprised when the Final Three turned out to be Danielle, Aras, and Terry. I was a bit surprised at who won the final Immunity Challenge, but that's getting a wee bit ahead of things right now.
I want to focus just a little on Cirie at this time. Here's a city born and bred woman, coming up from Jersey City, New Jersey. She didn't know woods, critters, fishing, camping, or anything else of the outdoor life going into the show. She knew her couch, TV, and stuff of the city. I'm sure if someone asked her how to catch the PATH train into lower Manhattan, she'd answer with ease. But ask her to make a fire with flint, catch a fish, or make a camp? No way! It was amazing to watch her grow through the season. Apparently, her couch-sitting ways made for decent people-skills and strategical planning. She vastly improved her outdoors skills while she was the true manipulator of people on the show. Her buddy Aras wasn't the leader — Cirie had him wrapped around her finger. Hats off to Cirie and I'm glad she won the Yukon SUV voted on by show fans. She added a lot to this season.
Back to the finale show... I was leery of Danielle turning on Terry once again — with good reason. Once the three returned to camp, Terry brought out the shrunken-head Immunity Idol from Exile Island so that Danielle and Aras could check it out. Right then and there, it was evident that her alliance was still with Aras, not Terry. She made a few comments about the macho thing between Aras and Terry, but seemed to think Terry was gloating.
Instead of the expected Immunity Challenge, the three had an opportunity to play for Reward — a power meal, cot, and pillow that might help the winner be in better shape for the final Immunity Challenge. It entailed finding pegs in bags on spinning wheels and then using the pegs to climb a three-story wall. It was only seconds between Terry and Aras at the end, with a Terry win and Danielle way out of the running. But will it work? Will Terry come back refreshed and ready? Will Aras' determination push him into high gear for the win? Oh... and what about Danielle? She hasn't won anything all season.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Shane voted for Danielle, not Courtney.
"In the reunion show, through a show of hands...only Bruce and Courtney would have voted for her."
Bruce and Cirie said they would have voted for Danielle not Courtney.
"We had Cirie who possibly backstabbed others more than anyone else yet came away with them all liking her. "
I'm so tired of hurt feeling and claims of backstabbing. Boo Hoo! That's the game. Courtney cries about it yet she flipped on the group and was going to make a move on Aras.
Only two people go to the end. If your alliance doesn't work out, that's your fault. Who did Cirie backstab? Shane? He was talking about taking Courtney to the end, so where did that leave Aras and Cirie.
2 - Jackie
El Bicho - Those are fixed, thanks. I guess three hours of Survivor messed with my mind.
I personally thought Cirie was a good player. But, she conspired to have folks in her alliance whose presence she didn't want in the end...out. Behind their backs, lying to them and such. She got Courtney out, as well as Shane and blindsided them both. Actually, that's the way to play the game. Whuke Shane talked the talk, it was Cirie who had results.
3 - El Bicho
Folks in her alliance? She was told she was going home by Shane after the short haired blonde woman went home, but they went on a winning streak. She was on the outside of the foursome until they self destructed and Shane asked to take his swear on his kid's life back. Did you ever hear anyone say that they wanted to bring Cirie to the final two because I didn't.
Shane and Courtney both lied and conspired as well. It has to happen when your alliance is bigger than two. Courtney wanted to go to the end with Terry and Shane wanted Courtney. Did Courtney tell Aras she was going to vote him out? Did Shane tell Danielle?
4 - Jackie
Why would anyone want to bring her into the final two? She would have won. I'm not sure exactly what your argument is as my point is that Cirie's scheming came to fruition - Shane's and Courtney's didn't. It wouldn't have helped Terry to give Danielle the idol in the long run, I don't think. She burnt him before; I think she would ally with Aras anyway. Terry was a strong player in the challenges, but a not-so-good schemer. Cirie was a good schemer with good people skills, but didn't have the athletic ability to rule the challenges. Now, if you had a player the mix of Terry and Cirie, that would be a sure bet for the win.
5 - Joan Hunt
Congrats! This article has been placed on Advance.net
6 - Joan Hunt
I was really surprised that Danielle won that final challenge and even more surprised that she chose Aras. Oh well, they never ask us viewers what we think so we're stuck with a series of really odd choices.
Courtney? Space cadet and highly annoying. Shane? Crazy but entertaining. Cirie? Familiar and likeable. I wish Bruce had lasted longer. Terry, too. But...grumble grumble grumble.
7 - rob
We in Africa are nine months behind when it comes to Survivor, so I cheated and took the short cut to see who got the loot, Survivor should be much more difficult,send them out to Africa once more and let the African sun burn a hole in their head, not living on a tropical island whre everything is so very easy, maybe the outback Australia is good also
8 - Maggie
SURVIVOR IS NOT EASY! The contestants have been whining about how horrible it is for seasons! Think about it; NO toilet paper, NO bathroom, NO bed, NO change of clothes, NO decent food, NO clean water, LOTS of bugs, NO sex, sleeping with sweaty strangers...it is NOT easy! Anyway, I'm African, too. Live in Zimbabwe to be more specific so our TV shows are WAY behind. The finale was only last week for us and I'm sure all the AMericans here have all gone to other blogs to talk about the next season (which we won't get for another year or so) I wanted Terry to win so bad but Aras was okay (he was like a mini-Terry, anyone else notice how similar they were in dress? I laughed everytime I saw them together!). Let me tell you, I think the next Survivor should be in ZIm, we may not be third-world but we've got our own set of problems. I'd take that island over this economical wasteland any day! This was by far my best season! Peace and love to all! Magz
;-)