Redemption Island: Episode 8

Loved this episode - it had everything a good storyline needs: romance, betrayal, crafty players, comedic relief, the ever-so-enjoyable blindside, and the underdog victory. In my ranking of reality shows I watched last week, this one definitely ranks #1, although it's closely followed by a dramatic America's Next Top Model episode. Third place goes to Top Shot, then Top Chef's reunion show (based almost solely on the "Marcel is an @$$hole" song), and finally Amazing Race.

Before going any further, I want to explain how I scored the episode. This was one of the weirder moments, because there was an "idol misplay" at tribal council, but this was more of a group decision than any we've seen before. In the end we decided to deduct 5 points from Rooster, since he was the man who literally handed the idol in. Yes, it was for Mike, but technically he didn't play it, so we're not going to penalize him.

...and now, back to analysis!

Obviously there's a lot that happened during this last episode, but the real heart of the episode comes down to Matt and the dumb decisions he made. I said in my last post that I thought he was in a great position to make moves and thrive in the game. I guess I should have added "provided he's not a total idiot." What it really comes down to is that Matt was so focused on whether or not he would forgive his team that he forgot that there's the whole game of Survivor going on at the same time. I think it's wonderful that he was able to forgive his tribe, but that doesn't excuse the idiocy that followed.

I hate that he used religion as an excuse to be lazy. He believed that God meant for him to return from Redemption Island. But did he think that God was going to protect him once he got back and that he wouldn't have to do anything? It's not like in the everyday world if you believe in God you just get to sit back & relax while the atheists bring you food & shelter. As a Bible reader he should remember Matthew 25:14-30 and recognize that he was being the lazy servant. Or, as Ben more eloquently put it: "we'd be f**ked if Noah had that same attitude." He also seemed to think that Boston Rob was a priest, otherwise I can't understand why he would confess all his sins to him.


The Standings
 
Team Saggy Bottom Panties: Me - 66 pts
1. Phillip (20 pts)
2. Ashley (20 pts)
3. Natalie (26 pts)

Team Cockydoodlebug: Doug/Bri - 58 pts
1. Grant (20 pts)
2. Rooster (18 pts)
3. Andrea (20 pts)

Team #Winning!: Moon - 56 pts
1. Boston Rob (30 pts)
2. David (13 pts)
[3. Krista (13 pts)]

Team Fabioesque: Dachui - 39 pts
1. Mike (15 pts)
2. Matt (9 pts)
[3. Stephanie (15)]

Team Evil Crushell: Courtney - 36 pts
[1. Evil Russell (10 pts)]
[2. Sarita (11 pts)]
3. Julie (15 pts)

Team Haterz Gonna Hate: Bag - 25 pts
[1. Francesca (0 pts)]
[2. Kristina (10 pts)]
3. Steve (15 pts)


Power Rankings

1. Team Cockydoodlebug - Doug & Bri get to keep their top spot... for now. They're in danger being dethroned though, depending on what happens next week. This last episode probably hurt this team more than any other. They lost the idol, Rooster can now be identified as a threat, Andrea got thrown under the bus, Grant was almost voted out of the game. Not a great run of luck here. Still, it's a crafty team and I think they can get their momentum back, but it'll take some work.

2. Team #Winning! - Boston Rob continues to be a master craftsman, but it's not that hard when your competition is so weak. It's like watching a pro hockey player duke it out against the 8 year-olds who play during intermissions. It may come down to a Dave/Rob showdown, Brainy v. Crafty. If so, I will enjoy watching this team on team violence.

3. Saggy Bottom Panties - Suddenly there's a dark horse joining this "2-pony race"!! If anyone saw that coming you are a wiser man/woman than me, I can tell you that. I didn't think my players would win ANY immunity challenges, so nabbing the first one was a wonderful treat! And considering that I still have all 3 players in, if they all make the jury I could actually be a threat in this game.

4. Team Fabioesque - Well... what can I say? Matt's stuck back earning is 1-point a week rent. Except that next week he probably won't even earn that since it's just him on the Island. Sad sad sad. I like that Mike's trying to make plays, and I think he'll do well in future challenges, but they need more production from their ghost if they're going to have a chance.

5. Evil Crushell -  Courtney's down to the lone Julie, but at least she's flying under the radar for now. It's going to take a lot though to get Courtney back in this game. She needs Julie to find & succefully play an idol and win the whole show (if not more) to have a chance in the Pool. Keep your fingers crossed for Grant switching sides!

6. Team Haterz Gonna Hate - Bag's team still sucks. Sorry Bag.