Survivor: Thailand – Do You Hear What I Hear?

We've certainly been treated to our share of musical performances during Survivor: Thailand. We've heard Ted croon about cheeseburgers and mashed potatoes, and more recently, we heard Helen give a beautiful rendition of "Are You Lonesome Tonight." Before that we heard her singing "The Sleigh Ride Song," or whatever it's called. But in week 10, there were plenty of things uttered that gave viewers reason to look at each other and sing, "Do you hear what I hear?"

First of all, let's start with Ted. His comment that he was still trying to piece together the reason why he received votes couldn't help but make you wonder where he'd been. Oh, that's right – he was off in the canoe BY HIMSELF, leaving the rest of the players to plot against him. Also, Ted, your strength is obvious. Do you think they can't tell what a threat you are? Ted, stick to your tribe, and stick AROUND them as well. Remember, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. In your case, one friend may be more of an enemy (i.e., Clay).

Then there was Clay's comment that when Ted got votes, he didn't like it at all. Thank you, Clay, for that amazing grasp of the obvious. After all, you weren't crazy about getting a vote from Jan now were you? I can just imagine the ranting and raving we would've heard if your torch had been snuffed out. So far, the diminutive one has been smart enough to keep his thoughts on everyone to the camera. When he asked why SHOULDN'T Ted trust him, he just seemed so full of himself. Uh, Clay, you turned against him, whether or not he believes it.

On to Brian. I still think he's in the best position to win the game, but some of his comments had me doing a double-take. He said that Jake was insecure about his position in the game and is trying various tricks to stick around, which was surprising for someone his age. HELLO? Brian, look around. Most of your Chewy Gum teammates are around you. Jake is one of the last of the vanishing Stuck Jaw breed. Of COURSE he's insecure and OF COURSE he’s going to do what he can to stick around. And at his age, he's smart enough to see where he stands, and what he needs to do.

Now, on to Jake. The one remaining SJ male has been heard playing Ted and Helen, among others. One question remains, however: Is he sealing his own doom? Doubtful. Jake knows he's in trouble, and by all his talking with Helen, Ted, and whoever else will listen, he's just trying to stay. At this point, he has nothing to lose. And that begs the question: Why didn't he tell Ted that it was Clay who pointed votes in Ted's direction? Maybe he thought Ted wouldn't believe him, but again, what did he have to lose?

There is one other thing the Texan said, however, that left me scratching my head. In confessional, he said regarding his talks with Helen, "a million dollars as opposed to nothing is a pretty good reason to run out on somebody." Jake, this isn't The Weakest Link. Even last place John gets something – though admittedly not much. And that prize gets bigger as the days pass.

On to Ted's comment that whoever doesn't watch and observe and gather all the info they can is making a critical mistake. Does that explain why you've been taking long canoe trips by yourself? Or why you were the only one NOT in the water when Clay and Brian got back?

But Ted wasn't the only one who didn't seem to follow his or her own advice. When Clay commented that Jake should "shut his damn mouth," how many viewers wanted to tell him to do the same? Clay, it's easy to say that when you're in the majority. But I'll bet you'd be doing the exact thing, only more, if you were in Jake's position.

Will Clay soon wish he had heard Shii Ann's comments about plotting and scheming too much? (Or read David’s article that spawned the comment?) He told the camera that he's told every single person he sees them in the final four. Uh, if the others put two and two together, Clay, they'll realize that you've lied to at least TWO of them. Granted, the Big Ten actually consists of 11 teams. But in Survivor, the final four actually consists of just four. And that may not add up to a million dollars for the restaurateur.

Now, for Penny. When she snuffed Jake's torch, how many were asking, "Do you see what I see?" Was she playing smartly? She THOUGHT she was. But by distancing herself from her only remaining ally, she may have made the Chewy Gums distrust her even more.

And as always, Clay has something to say. Can he EVER cast a vote for someone without talking bad about them? And can he quit discussing rear ends? First, on the reward journey, he refers to the elephant having a "nice ass." Then, he says Jake's mouth overloaded his butt. Well Clay, how's this: Stop being such a horse's rear! Your comments remind me of Lex voting for Frank, and saying, "It'll be a pleasure to see you gone," and instead it was Brandon who took the walk of shame. How do you think your teammates will respond when they find out you didn't vote with them after all?

And then of course, there was Penny's comment that players hope that people are being honest with them and they can trust what is said. How many viewers would love to hear her explain that comment to Erin on the "other side." Last week, she said Ted wasn't fitting in with the newly-combined tribe as well as he may have thought. Apparently, she didn't either.

Plenty of comments in week 10 gave us all things to ponder, and two weeks to do it. Will next week's special episode clear anything up? Or will Mark Burnett once again leave us totally underwhelmed?

Ken can be reached with any comments, criticisms, or money orders at YourNextOfKen@aol.com.

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