(S20E03) How's that for a look of determination on Colby? Last week we saw the 'Survivor' heroes down two challenges. We also have seen some non-heroic behavior in their camp while Boston Rob has been quite heroic in the villains' camp. This season, although it's definitely grabbing my attention, has gone beyond the realm of heroes and villains. It's more like a bunch of power-players, wheeler dealers, schemers, lunatics, and a few decent folks gone a tad off their rockers thrown into the mix. It's All-Stars on energy drinks. It's brutal. But it's entertaining. That's all I need.

Up to old tricks
Some things about the game are quite predictable. Although Coach is doing a bit more and isn't as wussy as his past season, he's still unduly full of himself. He's still full of stories of past glories, real or imagined. He still thinks he's the only honorable one in his camp. Sure, that's why he was classified a "villain." It's because he's such an honorable dude. Get a clue, Ben Wade.

Then there's Russell. There are Internet rumors that Parvati may have been aware of his methods of operation, yet the rest of the cast missed his season as they were filming this one. So, it's interesting that those two are flirting and thick as thieves. Oh wait -- he IS a thief. Much like he burned socks and set chickens free in his season, he buried the machete and Boston Rob's cap this week. But these two are two of the most strategic players to ever play the game. Perhaps Parvati's social skills will overcome Russell's lack thereof and they'll go to the end.

And I don't like anybody very much
This is where the line betwixt villain and heroes goes all blurry. In both camps, people are just short of hating on each other. I know I'm jaded. But I want to be all idealistic and cheer on those heroes. Then I see JT trying to scheme to pit Candice and Cirie against each other. Now, he's not anywhere near the class of a schemer that Cirie is. He also outed his alliance with James, conflicting with his alliance with Tom. Tom's no dummy. He's remembering that. James is just freaky this season. He's still the best mens' underwear model never on a box, but he's way too intense.

It's even worse with the villains. Russell idolized Rob, now wants him out. But the big news is the Parvati/Jerri all-but-catfight hissing throughout the episode. Jerri realizes the potential of Parvati teaming up with her old buddies after the merge, as do Randy and Coach, too. Parvati is a huge threat if she gets anywhere near the end. However, she's strong and determined in challenges. For me, Randy is an unlikeable, expendable bully buffoon.

Mudbath anyone?
Sigh, it was another combined immunity and reward challenge. I'm hoping, as the numbers go down, that they do them separate sometime soon. They're retreading old challenges that some players have done before, but they have enough material for two challenges an episode. Once again, it was physical ... and this time, totally physical. On a platform over mud battling with padded bags, the goal was to knock the other player into the mud. It's a good thing stick-thin already Courtney sat out the challenge -- a strong wind would knock her off the platform!

It's not surprising that Coach cheated, then got bent out of shape after his tribal yell or whatever that was. The pairings seemed fairly well matched. But those heroes stomped the villains, winning every round to victory. Dare I try to be idealistic again? Dare I want to root for the good guys? Um. No. Well, maybe some of them.

Beloved Boston Rob got a vote!
I was thinking, before they aired the voting reveal, that Russell might have voted for Rob to stir things up. But it was Randy. He's right -- he didn't fit in with the tribe. Parvati is definitely a bigger threat for the win than Randy could ever be. But it's their first tribal council. It's not time to take out a power player. It's time to take out a weak link. Randy, the tribe has spoken unanimously except for your vote. You're expendable, go away. They made the right choice.



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