claims $1 million, plus the fans' bonus
Strategy is awesome.
I probably obsess over strategic play more than I should.
And then there are the crazy characters.
Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS
Crazy characters can make otherwise yawn-worthy stretches of a season entertaining in their own bizarre, delusional way.
And theres almost nothing better than watching someone get whacked in the face during a challenge.
Their pain is our gain.
I love all that stuff.
Honestly, is there anything better than that?
It started when Stephen told Debbie that he would have brought Erinn instead of J.T.
to the final two.
It continued later when Stephen said that I voted for every single one of you.
I never took the weasel way out, clearly differentiating between himself and J.T.
And it only got better.
Stephen then proceeded to tell Taj how J.T.
had talked about taking her out early and he had been the one to keep her around.
Oh, it was now officially on, leading to delicious exchanges like these:
J.T.
:Is this the same guy I brought with me?
Stephen:Oh, come on now.
You have been slandering me all night…. Our friendship means more to me than winning does.
J.T:But you would have taken Erinn….
I just feel like a fool now.
The questions from most of the jury were extremely tame by finale standards.
There were no huge fireworks.
And it was clearly obvious who was going to win.
But watching a friendship potentially crumble on national television was riveting.
No, unfortunately it did not crumble, as we saw at the reunion show.
even said he was merely playing up his disappointment for the jury, but I dont completely buy it.
(Seriously, check out the clip below from the Vanuatu finale.
I also couldnt help but wonder how Eddie George felt about J.T.
crawling on top of his woman in one of the tunnels.
Thats a man I wouldnt want to take any chances with.
Did it make any sense whatsoever?
But it was still funny as hell.
About halfway through the season, producers realized how to handle Coach: mock him to high hell.
And I loved every second of it.
Like most people, I dug Taj.
Wish she had played stronger and realized she needed to get something cooking to topple the J.T.
Just another competitor content to go far but not far enough.
But man, did she look good on the jury (and at the reunion).
She cleaned up nice.
Wow, have I written at all about her all season?
Shell most likely be forgotten by…oh, the time you finish reading this column.
She worked hard to stay around, but not too hard.
She simply stated her case and it got her past Taj, and almost all past Stephen as well.
Good job, Erinn.
Not great, but good.
Ah, the Fallen Comrades montage.
For any of you that happened to miss that glorious rant, check out the interview yourself.
I also found it curious hearing Stephen and J.T.
talk about how Coach changed the game by never telling a lie.
Say what?!?
Dude, all he does is lie!
And how many of these quotes are even accurate?
(Hes already been known to misattribute Biblical passages.)
My last comment about the Fallen Comrades segment?
Who the hell is Jerry?
Was he even on the show?
NEXT PAGE: More finale observations: The final immunity challenge, Coach, Sierra, did J.T.
do the right thing?
Im a purist when it comes to the final immunity challenge.
I like endurance tests since they essentially boil down to one thing: How much do you want it?
That said, I did enjoy the catching balls with one hand tied behind your back contest.
It was much like the game itself lose focus or concentration for a split second and youre done.
For a season that was very disappointing challenge-wise, it ended strong enough.
did the right thing bringing Stephen to the finals, and I mean from a strategic standpoint.
Stephens whole argument about how he deserved votes because he was lamer than J.T.
and still made it all the way was pretty pathetic.
The winner was telegraphed from the moment Tyson was voted out.
Stephen told Debbie he would have probably brought Erinn instead of J.T.
OF COURSE HE SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT ERINN!!!
But you dont say that.
Again, not like it mattered.
Same question: Honor and integrity, and being a warrior.
First off, not a question.
Secondly, the fact that he worked honor, integrity, and warrior in there is downright genius.
Does anyone know what the hell Sierra was talking about when she said she lost respect for J.T.
for bringing Stephen to the finals?
Uhhh, didnt he, like, make it farther in the game than you?
I just never got Sierra.
The difference this time, however, is that he finally seemed in on the joke.
Yes, Im still bummed that Probst simply walked with the votes from Brazil to New York City.
How hard is it to put the dude on a jet ski or hang glider.
NEXT PAGE: Daltons final finale observations: Costume change?
; that lie detector test; Probsts lady friend questions; whats up in Samoa?
And I think Coach honestly believes the wildly entertaining crap he spews.
Much like I dont quite get her response of Actually, I slay the dragon.
So, what, you cut off his penis during sex?
Is that what youre saying, Miss Lady Friend?
Because that is some kinky Indian Viking Samurai punch in stuff youre talking about right there.
It must be passed down verbally.
Of course, J.T.
was going to win the 100 grand from fans.
You know, I think something like that actually almost happened to Coach once…
Okay, were nearing the end, folks.
Also, check back later Monday or early Tuesday for Survivor Talk interviews with the entire final four.
Is Taj still pissed at J.T.
And whom would Stephen really have taken to the final two?
Well ask all of that and more.
Time for me to go pass out.
Thanks for joining me for another wild, rollercoaster ride.
Together, we slayed so many freakin dragons I lost count somewhere along the way.
TV WATCH WARRIOR ALLIANCE 4EVA!!!
Now go get postin on the message boards.
Do you believe that was a real lie detector test?
And what the hells with Tysons reunion moustache?
See ya in September!
