Survivor: The Amazon – The Game is On, But What Was Deena On? Plus a Special Fan Letter

Deena, the district attorney, thought she had an airtight case in tribal council. But to her surprise, she was found guilty of overplotting by a 6-2 margin, and therefore sentenced to jury duty. But like any episode, the latest installment of Bedlam in Brazil raised as many questions as it answered.

First of all, did Deena's cocky utterances remind anyone of Roger a few weeks back? He confidently told the camera everything was falling into place, and that it seemed too easy. Well, it was. Conversely, Deena thought everything was going according to plan, and it was. Problem was, it wasn't exactly HER plan. Just as he didn't feel the need to try harder in the immunity challenge, Deena didn't even attempt to eat the last bug that would've saved her.

Assuming she watched at home, did she catch the irony of her saying Alex's big mistake at the immunity challenge was not winning immunity? And that her butt had to be on the line for her to eat something that grotesque? It was, she just didn't know it.

When she went up against Matt in the finals of the immunity challenge, did anyone else think to themselves, "whether or not these two realize it, they may be playing for their very tribal lives." We know Deena didn't realize it, but did Matt? Apparently not, because he stated at tribal council that despite winning, he didn't feel like he was in danger if he'd lost. Of course, he wasn't confident enough to bestow immunity on anyone else.

Speaking of Matt, did he really tell Rob he was planning to intentionally do bad so as not to look like a threat, or is that just something Rob made up for the camera? If he DID say that, he certainly had Rob fooled, because from the very first spear chucked, Matthew seemed to nail his targets with ease, confounding Rob. But whether or not he said this, was is a good idea for him to do so well in the reward challenge, even though he didn't win? I'd have to say no, because he already looks like a threat, with or without his machete. But to his credit, he ended up winning immunity later, buying himself three more days. And given then unpredictability of this season, who knows what can happen in that 72-hour span?

Is Rob starting to overplot himself? At first, I though he was keeping his disparaging remarks about people to the cameras. However, seeing him play Matthew and then laugh about it to the others was rather painful. Playing the game is one thing, but belittling someone to the others the way Rob did has brought his immaturity to the forefront. He may very well win, but the possibility of seeing that happen is becoming less pleasant with each passing day.

Having said that however, did anyone else laugh as much as I did when he said Heidi’s knee was now the size of one of her breasts? Like or hate him, when Rob is in front of the cameras, he is one of the more quotable players in the game.

Now for a few comments about Jenna. When she started whining about how Deena stabbed her and everyone else in the back, did anyone else want to say, "Get over it, Jenna"? It's called playing the game. Jenna acted like no one in Survivor history had ever backstabbed. And this was coming from someone who helped oust former ally Shawna. When she commented that she was completely disappointed in Deena and couldn't ever forgive that, should we all have offered to cry her a river?

Jenna is one of those people who thinks the game revolves around her, and most likely believes anything that doesn't advance her cause in the quest for the million is an attack against her. When she said, "Screw me, so screw you," during tribal council, she came across as bitter and childish, which, for Jenna, is par for the course. But she did play smartly, pretending to go along with everything Deena said before voting her out.

What got bigger laughs this week: Rob saying Heidi's knee was the size of one of her breast, or Heidi saying she brought intelligence to the tribe? However, is Heidi actually smarter than some of us give her credit for? As much as I don't like her, her telling Jenna about the plot to oust Alex was a smart move on her part and has most likely garnered her a spot in the final four.

Was anyone else proud of the way Christy handled herself during the immunity challenge? She reminded me a lot of Boston Rob trying to snarf down the disgusting fish in Marquesas. I have a special place in my heart for the Robs and Christys of the world, mainly because I am one of them and have a very sensitive palate. However, Christy toughed it out and got the grasshopper down, even though it clearly grossed her out. Later, she tried as hard as she could to get down the beetles, but it just didn't work out for her. She probably won't make the final four as things now stand, but she certainly deserves to.

I'd like to close by passing on an email I received shortly after episode nine ended. I think the comments speak for themselves.

Dear Mr. Kellam,

I would like to comment on the going-on in "Survivor: Bedlam in Brazil," or whatever you call it. I will go down the list players one by one.

Deena is very much in control of the game, and tighter with Jenna than size 12 jeans on Anna Nicole Smith. I'd be surprised if she doesn't win it all. So far, Deena has flown under the radar, and will not be getting votes any time soon.

Alex is also in a good position to win the game. No one sees him as a threat, despite his winning the reward challenge. He has not received any votes this whole game, and I see no reason why what would change now.

Heidi is physically in better shape than she has ever been. The only injury she has suffered during her South American excursion is airsickness on the plane trip to Brazil. Her physical capability is matched only by her intelligence and maturity. She's so bright I'm surprised MENSA isn't beating a path to her door.

As for Matt, he is mentally at the top of his game. He is 10 times as sharp as the machete he keeps sharpening. He really didn't need immunity, because everyone likes and trusts him, and gets a warm feeling just from being around him.

Jenna's beauty is matched only by her humility. All the viewers love her, and she is an overwhelming choice to be "America's Sweetheart." Of course, she has no idea how beautiful she is. She has not rubbed anyone the wrong way since arriving in the jungle, and she has the maturity level of someone twice her age. She has also shown that she has compassion, reaching out to Christy from day one.

Rob, despite being one of the younger players, has the warmth and wisdom of someone much older. He is like Gabe from Marquesas; he's not really here to play the game, but to build a society among 16 strangers. He has befriended Matt out of the goodness of his heart, and has even talked Matt up to the others in the tribe. If it were not for Rob, Matt really would've needed that immunity win.

Butch is also in a key position to win the game. Everyone wants him in their alliance. It's his game to win; the others are just bystanders. Furthermore, he has suffered absolutely so physical injuries since arriving in Brazil. He's so respected, even the piranhas won't hurt him.

Finally, there's Christy. She has shown herself to be a master schemer and strategizer from day one, and is calling all the shots even if the others don't realize it. She is assured a final four spot, because she knows where everyone's head is, knows which button to push at the right time. Her vote for Alex was brilliant, because she obviously told Deena about it in advance, thus securing the district attorney's vote in final tribal council.

Thank for you reading this briefing. The next time you hear from me, I will be updating you on the status of Dave, Roger, Daniel, Ryan, Shawna, Janet, JoAnna, Jeanna, Greg, Bobby, Peter, Marcia, Jan, and Cindy.

Sincerely,

Iham Abig Fuul, Minister of Information for Iraq.

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

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