Survivor: China, Episode 7 As I See It – Comic Relief

Sometimes a reality show provides some comic relief from the tedium of work and everyday life and the latest episode of Survivor did just that for me. The clue to this episode should have been the previews where Jaime was saying “I’m not as dumb as I look.” Guess what, Jaime.

I think I laughed harder than James when Jaime presented Jeff with the “supposed” immunity idol. I laughed when Jeff went through the process of explaining the Survivor rules regarding such idol(s). And I almost lost it when Jeff threw the blank tile into the fire.

How appropriate was that? Jaime was so self-assured and so confident that she had the idol, that not only did she intend to use it, but also she told others that she had it. All I can say is that the reality TV gods got the last laugh. After she and Phei-Gee concocted the scheme of throwing a challenge without informing any tribe mates, I think Jaime got what she deserved.

Now, in retrospect, she did tell RNO’s Editor David Bloomberg in her post-Survivor interview that she knew all along that it was fake. Sure, Jaime, and we all believe that. It’s easy to say that once all the reality sites are making fun of you. Whether she knew it was fake and was trying to psych out Jean-Robert into thinking he was doomed will be a mystery I won’t try to solve. All I know is that she is gone and I thought it was the penultimate Karma.

I have one issue that has been on my mind for several episodes now. Does anyone but me notice that when Phei-Gee is doing her little camera confessional thing that her hair is gorgeous? Not just this last episode, but in previous ones? Did she swipe some of the shampoo from the other tribe, or is she just one of the lucky ones that have beautiful hair?

I wish we had seen more of the cultural performance in China; what we did get a glimpse of was very dramatic and interesting. I wonder if the “pretzel girl” from this season’s The Bachelor took lessons from some of the women contortionists.

I think the women of this season’s Survivor missed a real opportunity this last week. Remember Jeff coming into the newly-merged camp holding a bag? No one, not one person, ran up and hugged him. What are they thinking? I would have been on it like a shot, I’ll tell you. To have an opportunity to hug Jeff Probst and not take advantage of it is just another clue that this crew knows not what to do. And Miss “I’m not as dumb as I look” asking Jeff if he had pizza or cookies with him was just plain ignorant. Yeah, Jaime, he’s the Domino’s guy; hope you have money for a tip.

James just tickled me; his laughter and his camera talks about Jaime having what she thought was the idol were hysterical. I love to hear a man laugh and James just made my night. He is pretty vociferous when he knows that someone has goofed big time, just as he makes no bones about being displeased. When Peih-Gee said that she couldn’t figure out whether he was a con, or just what he seems to be, I think she’ll find out soon. James knew she was cozying up to him for her own purposes. He may dig graves, but he’s not going to dig his own on this show.

Now to the downside of this episode. I was feeling almost sympathy for Courtney. Well, not any more. Her little tantrum with Todd made me realize that she is just a whiner. Perhaps someone should give her some cheese to go with that whine. Maybe some food would improve her disposition. She carried on like a four year old who didn’t get her own way regarding the vote against Jean-Robert. I think we’ve all gotten the idea that she doesn’t like him. But, this is Survivor and sometimes you will be stuck with people you don’t like. And to say that she dislikes everyone, only some more than others, and that Todd and Amanda are mistaking that for friendship made me realize what a little snip she really is.

Jean-Robert is obviously annoying other people, as James testified to at tribal council. But did we see James throwing a tantrum to try to get rid of him? No. James is telling it like it is, with Jean-Robert listening and then it’s done. James is also of the opinion that Courtney is hateful and I wonder how long the tribe will put up with the animosity between Jean-Robert and Courtney. She should be careful; that skinny little body is not doing too well at challenges. On the other hand Jean-Robert doesn’t look like he’s lost a pound yet and is doing well at challenges.

I loved it when Amanda was voicing that Jaime was the silent leader. Was that the pot calling the kettle black or what? Todd may think he’s running things, but I’ve noticed that when Amanda speaks, he listens. I have to give Todd a lot of credit for keeping a straight face. That probably comes from his being a flight attendant. You know how they are – they look right at you and agree with you and bring you your drink and maybe a snack and you don’t know what they are thinking. From what my former-flight-attendant-daughter told me, sometimes you don’t want to know what they are thinking. Todd managed to keep a straight face during Jaime’s confidential speech about having the idol and his talk with Jean-Robert. Jean-Robert threatening to lobby against Todd come jury time didn’t seem to bother Todd much. Todd just gave him the flight attendant assurance that, yes, he’s going to the final three with him and Amanda and walked away. Todd has a cool head; I hope it stays that way.

Jaime said in her final words that perhaps she was just “too nice” to be on Survivor. Somebody please tell her that some “too nice” people have actually won Survivor! Please!!

Peace!

Eileen is an intake operator for a legal referral service in Cincinnati, Ohio by day and spends her free time with the little ones that call her the “Queen of the Grandmas” and their parents and practicing Yoga which she thought was going to be the “lazy woman’s exercise”. She got fooled. She welcomes comments and constructive criticism at ohiograndma2003@hotmail.com.

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