Solving the Mystery of Erin's Departure, and Other Questions

Of all the tribal councils so far in Survivor: Thailand, Erin's farewell may be the most shocking. I was hoping her appearance on the Early Show would clear up some of the mystery, but it didn't quite turn out that way. Unlike many bootees, who seem shocked when gone, and then later claim they knew it was coming, she at least admitted the vote caught her totally by surprise. She explains that fellow Texans Jake and Penny told her they were voting against Ken, and so she did as well. She also stated that she'd have a few words with them once the show was done, and that they had to live with the fact that they lied to her.

But assuming they both made the jury, wouldn't she have already had a chance to speak her mind to them? Of course, there are millions of reasons she can't say, "I talked to them once they ended up on the jury. Mainly, the millions she's on the hook for if she spills the beans (or in this case, noodles).

During the interview, when asked why she was ousted she said it all boiled down to strategy, although she declined to elaborate. When asked if she was a threat, she said she was, because she worked hard, didn't make waves, and got along with everyone. Well, almost everyone. She did show a more abrasive side, revealing that the highlight of her 24-day stay was voting off Shii Ann, whom she said she had only kept around for strategy.

She also claimed that she feels no ill will toward those who voted her out, and says she's still friends with Ken. But otherwise, she did little to shed light on her ouster.

But that's not the only question that remains, or springs up, regarding the show's remaining eight.

Let's start with Jan. When she buried the baby bat and the chicken feet in her "Pet Cemetery," how many people thought of the Stephen King movie of the same name? And along with the creatures, did she bury a portion of her sanity? Or, as she said, is she just sensitive? Apparently, her actions have some of the others wondering about her mental state. Of course, Clay has been wondering about it all along.

Now it should be pointed out that many wondered what she was thinking when she chose her tribemates, but who could've guessed they'd send the younger SJs to four straight tribal councils? Not Robb. Remember his "C'mon Bro" when Jeff Probst asked if they were stronger than the CGs?" Doesn't seem like such a strange question NOW, does it?

Finally, who could've ever guessed that she'd be the only remaining woman left without a vote to her name? Of course, luck has definitely played a part. If her tribe has lost just one of the previous four immunity challenges, she'd be out of the game, and hence, dining on food she didn't have to cook, prepare, or bury.

What about Clay? Is he just a grumpy old castaway, or does he simply speak the truth? It was interesting hearing him say that he was 46, and Penny's attempts at schmoozing were not going to work with him. Yeah, Clay. You had better say that, especially with your wife watching.

Now, on to Ted: How priceless was it to see him be all nice to Penny, and then turn away and roll his eyes? He said she seemed fake and insincere. Not only that, but little does Penny known that Ted has already had ONE bad experience with a woman on the island being nice to him.

As far as Helen goes, why on earth was the swimming instructor sitting out a challenge that involves holding your breath underwater? If the Chuay Gahn tribe had lost, this might have qualified as a "Hall of Shame" moment. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they decided that she would sit this one out before they even knew what the challenge was.

Oh, one more thing, Helen. Why all the recipe talk all of a sudden? All that batter-stirring talk is driving Jake and Brian stir crazy. Whatever else you do, don't start singing, "If I knew you were coming I'd've baked a cake (and gone on ad nasuem about the recipe)." Honestly, sometimes, all your food talk brings back memories of Jerri and Amber screaming out loud about chocolate.

Next, it's time to look at everyone's favorite film star, Brian. Is he really as sexist as he sounds? Honestly, probably not. The guess here is that he's simply playing to the cameras, and his wife knows he's not really like that, and probably even laughs when she hears his comments on the show.