SOPHIE! The New Dragon Slayer!

Gah!  Sophie!!! 

OK, so I'll start with the fact that I called it wrong.  I'll admit it.  Well, who knew that the lone girl would be the one to beat Ozzy in a challenge.  Had Ozzy won that challenge, and he had a sizable lead, he would have won for sure.  But, Sophie kicked some serious butt both physically (and it was a tough looking challenge!) and in the puzzle portion.  Seriously, has anyone beaten Ozzy at a challenge?  And what made it sweeter - for Sophie anyway - was the fact that in the Tribal Council before, Ozzy had called her a spoiled brat and made her cry.  Now, Sophie doesn't seem the type to cry easily, but it's that kind of game, right?  It must take a toll on you eventually.  You have no one really to talk to that you can trust, and anyone can just say anything about you.  It would suck.  I think I'd cry too. 

Right... so I'm ahead of myself a little, but I'm not giving you the play by play.  Suffice it to say that Cowboy got the boot (and boy, was he pissed!  More on that in a bit.) then Ozzy, then it was down to Albert, Sophie and Coach. 

I think it was a toss-up for Coach and Sophie whether to keep Albert or Rick.  I think at the end of the day, Rick is more likable so they got rid of him.  I'm not really sure why they didn't tell him that in the final tribal council because he was MAD.  I mean, for a guy who was mute for the entire season, it was great to see him have a little personality.  I loved watching him give Coach the cut-eye. 

It always blows my mind, though, how the jury just comes off for the most part as sore losers.  Right?  I mean, have you watched the show?  How do you not know that you just look like a sore loser when you go up there and just insult the final 3 or lecture them on "morals" or whatever it may be?  My absolute favourite was Edna last night - she gets up there and lectures the JURY - telling them that hey, you got beaten fair & square.  "We signed up for this.  It's a game where you get duped, and we all got duped."  Love Edna!  She's totally right.... and if you read this blog, you know where I stand on the whole "playing with integrity" nonsense....

.... Which is why I so loved watching Coach play the game this season.  For one, he has changed how he's behaving and how he's approaching others, which we've discussed before.  But the other thing is that he's still trying to play the game "with honour and integrity".... And, it's why he made it to the finals but also why he lost, ultimately.  He got to the finals by keeping his alliance loyal and by staying loyal to them.  But, by going on and on about it all the time - the loyalty, the honour, the integrity.... and then also tying it to religion.... he painted himself into a corner.  Up until the final 5, he played an almost perfect game.  But at 5, you've got to start cutting your team - which is why I predicted a while back that he wouldn't win.  The Ozzy tribe doesn't "get" him and the people on his own tribe will feel betrayed.  There's not really a way to play and be entirely 'honest' about it.  You'll get yourself voted off.  That's the "Outwitting" part of the game - it's not real life, it's OK to deceive people in order to get yourself further in the game.  But, because of the social nature of the game, it's ridiculously hard to do that and still have their vote at the end.  That's the beauty of the show - it's what Boston Rob did well and what Russell did not (and clearly still doesn't) understand.  And it was really great to watch Coach struggle with it.  He truly meant well, but he recognized that he couldn't be honest to everybody all the time... and his own mouthing off about honesty & integrity came back to bite him in the ass.

Now, the thing is, Coach also did himself no favours in the final tribal council.  Sophie had the better pitch and was more consistent in her message. 

Sophie's message:  I won a lot of challenges. I played very strategically.  I didn't like voting some of you out, but I did what I had to do to get where I am.  I realize and take to heart what Ozzy said & I think I'm difficult to get to know, and sorry if that came off as being aloof or pretentious.  It's made me think hard about how I come across to people and I'm going to try to change that.

Coach's message:  I played with honour and integrity as much as I could.  (Then after getting slammed by the jury....) Yeah, I'm pretty much a terrible person and did not have a very strategic game at all.

Whaaaaaat?  Coach totally should have stuck to the first message, right?  Had he said, look, I played with as much honour as I could knowing that I'd have to vote against people I didn't want to vote against.  I did the best I could to be as honest as possible and never meant anything personally, but it's impossible to be completely honest in this game.  I had hard decisions to make and I made them.  The strategy to get here was all mine (or at least should say that he came up with the strategy WITH Sophie).  

And, when it looked like Coach was gaining  a little ground at one point, Sophie threw him under the bus in a way that didn't really look like she was a jerk.  When the hidden immunity idol came up (someone asked Coach why he never played it), she just said, "Oh, and FYI, we found the idol and didn't tell anyone.  It wasn't until Brandon was gung ho to find it did we pretend to find it and share it with the tribe.)  Baby's face DROPPED.  Heh heh.  Well played, Sophie!! 

Albert.... well, there's always a third, right?  No one was voting for Albert, it was clear.  He's way too smarmy.  I think it was Jim who asked him why he thought he deserved to win over the other two and then said "And if you start by paying them a compliment, you lose my vote."  Well, he started by paying JIM a compliment.... "I really liked how you played the game..."  Ugh.... Sophie called it - he's a used car salesman.

Sophie won it.  I was glad.  As much as part of me wanted Coach to win it, I thought her game was as good if not better.  I liked that she managed it you know, in her first time playing vs. her third.... and I liked that she is the new dragon slayer.... the only one who could compete against Ozzy. 

As for the Reunion show.... I wanted to punch Ozzy in the face.  OK, that's a bit drastic, but ummmmm.... shut UP.  Dude was allowed to go on and on and on about how he found God in nature and how you have to learn to get up after you fall down, and kids, you can do whatever you want in life... and blah, blah, blah. I mean really, we get it.  He'd have kept going too, if my ex-boyfriend Jeff hadn't intervened.  And then we don't get to hear at all from some of the former Survivors.  Remember when they would get around to everyone?  That was fun - even if they only got a one-liner, it's still a bit of respect to acknowledge them.  I mean, I'm glad that Semhar didn't start in with a poem, as I'm sure she had one lined up.... but Papa Bear?  He'd have had something to say.  And was Mikayla even there?  I didn't see her. 

I liked that Christine and Stacey are new BFFs and "call each other every day."  That's pretty cool.  And I love that Whitney and Keith said that yes, they're still dating even though as Jeff put it, Whitney was "in another relationship" when the show started. Uh, yeah, she was married!  (And uh, Whitney started off her jury questioning by telling the three finalists that they were... what was it?  Dishonest?  Disloyal?  Something like that.  Right, cheater.)  I liked that Jim was still a jerk to Cochran, if only to show the world that yes, even off the island, Jim is a bully and a total jerk.  Cochran was, of course, charming.

And then there was Baby Hantz.  Can we all agree that we felt bad for Baby.  For all the loco... and really, really awful game-play, you've got to admit that Baby meant well.  He struggled to play Survivor because he struggles in life between what's good and what's not, what's right and what's wrong.  He was clearly playing his own game and I think probably came out the better person for it, if not the richer.  But when Jeff asked how it was when he got home & he said that his family wasn't proud of him and that no one even came to support him.... it was sad, non?  His wife and kids (Kids? Plural?) love him, so that's good, but the rest of his family... not so much.  Which explains a lot, right?  I mean, we've seen the line of bullies he comes from.  It explains why he probably was looking for other forms of approval in gangs.... And you could see watching the show that what the kid desperately wants is some real friends.  Then, Jeff interviews Russell, who I'm sure is contractually obligated to be there - and is clearly not there to support his nephew.  He goes on about how great HE was at Survivor (uh, do we have to remind him again about how he hasn't won ever?) and how his nephew did NOTHING right.  Yep,  he said nothing nice at all about Baby.  Russell is a Class-A turd.  Baby Hantz is a bit loco, and yeah he's not a great Survivor player, but I really want to give him a hug. Then my ex-boyfriend Jeff said, "We should have another season with Russell on one team and Brandon on another."  For the love of puppies and candy, NO!  Enough Hantzes.  Move on, Jeff.  Move on.

Bringing us to next season, where the idea is that there will be two tribes who have to live together on one island.  Fun, right?  It doesn't sound at this point that there will be any returning cast members (thankfully!) though I'm sure that could change.  I do like that they're changing it up again a little.

So, let me know what you think...about Sophie, Coach, Ozzy, the Hantzes, this blog, the next season, fighting in hockey...whatever.  I'd love to hear from you.  Many thanks to all of you who read regularly.  It is always a highlight of my week.

No One Puts Baby in a Corner. Except, well... Baby.

I'm "live blogging" right now, 'cause I missed the show last night (Prince concert!) and am watching on my lunch break!  Gah!

Oh my goodness, Albert trying to blindside Sophie.  What a jerk!  I mean he's probably right... of course you don't want to sit next to her at the end. But... jerk!  So Albert tries to go to the end with Coach and Rick.  Albert certainly thinks a lot of himself, non? 

OK, so the duel. Ozzy vs. Edna....Fun!  Puzzle.... good for Edna.  Edna getting help from the whole tribe.  She almost had it but nope.  The Oz man wins again.  See?  Hate to say I told ya so, but uh, I told ya so. Whenever the clever editors make it look like something's gonna happen, it generally doesn't.  Same with the vote at the end.  Ask yourself who is it edited to look like will be voted off?  It'll be the other person.

Albert:  "Ozzy has so many more resources than we do."  (Uh... or you could get off your lazy ass and go fishing.) 

Sophie:  We have to send Brandon to redemption (aka Ozzy's Pleasure Dome!  Ha!  Good one, Soph!). 

So is it team Albert or team Sophie?  I thought they were tight.  Huh.  Now they're opposites.  Coach:  I think it's because Sophie's smarter than Albert & he knows it.  See?  Coach is a smarty pants.  And Coach is in charge... so I'm guessing right now, it won't be Sophie, it'll be Baby Hantz.

Coach mentioning that Baby's Dad came down & gave Baby a "shot of the Hantz"... Hee hee.  Then, explaining it to us, Coach says, "First, it's rude to interrupt someone's conversation."  Ha!  Yes, now it's all about manners. You can tell that Coach is talking himself into justifying (like he has to!) voting off Loco.   "Don't be like Russell," says Coach to Baby, "You're being a bully."  Uh, because he said he feels weird about not knowing all the conversations. This one time, I'm with Baby. That was uncalled for. But then, Baby:  "Please give me a hug, man."  Aaaand it's all good.  Or is it?  Coach:   "The apple never falls far from the tree... I know what I need to do." (All Godfather like) Then, out of nowhere... Baby shows up..."Cheer up, God's got everything under control."  Baby seems to sneak up on people like that.  He must have soft feet. 

Immunity challenge... plus pizza reward.  Brandon in the lead?  Rick in the lead?  What the?  OK, well, Rick not doing so well on the puzzle.  Baby Hantz wins!! Dang it. Yeah, point to the sky.... (Aside... I hate this trend. They do it in football, baseball... the Grammys... now when you win on Survivor you need to point to the sky? Ugh.)   Oh. Now what?  Why does he choose Cowboy to eat pizza?  What the?  Not Coach?  Really?  Coach, I'm pissed, but I believe in divine intervention and I'm at peace with that.  I love Coach.  Really. Coach is playing a GREAT game.  It's too bad the jury isn't seeing the mastery.

Oh my god.  The pizza was just delivered via jet ski.  Hilarious.  Almost as good as when Jeff took the jet ski to New York (or was it LA?) to deliver the final votes for the finale that time.... Ah, memories....

Now Coach & Sophie want to vote out Albert. Albert is a weasel and would deserve it.

Baby:  "You've got a lot of people who don't know how to tell the truth."  Ummm... that's because you don't HAVE to tell the truth all the time on Survivor, dummy.   Oh, and the finger pointing begins. And the Cowboy speaks!!  Cowboy tells Baby that Albert promised him final two.  Delightful.  And yes, Albert, you have thrown everyone under the bus.  Sophie:  "It's so gratifying.  It's like he's in the toilet bowl and we all get to flush it.  He keeps trying to scramble back up, but hopefully Jeff will give it the final flush."  Hee.  But hey, Brandon is CRAZEEEE-LOCO and doesn't have a clue what to do... he can be completely swayed on a minute-by-minute basis.  Baby is going to give Albert the immunity necklace!!!  WHAT?  It's Loco and not exactly brilliant.  And of course he tells Coach.  What?  OK, now Coach prays for guidance.  He's voting for Brandon. Yep... I knew it as soon as he said 'My soul has never grieved as it does in this moment."  And ummmm, really?  That's a stretch... or else Coach has lived a fairly sheltered existence.

Brandon... first thing out of his mouth at Tribal - Jeff aghast... "I want to give my immunity necklace up."  Gives it to Albert.  Jeff: "Baby, you seem like you have the weight of the entire planet on your shoulders."  Ah, he was in the gang scene.  Explains a lot.  Baby tells about how he would have "taken a bullet" for anyone in his gang, but when it came down to it, they all left him out to dry.  Ah ha.  So basically, God is the only thing Baby trusts.... and the dude really.... REALLY... is impressionable.  And then proves again how impressionable by saying re: Coach and Albert that "They are my best friends."  And at least the jury can see that Albert is full of it.  Jeff (clever Jeff) offers up that maybe Albert should give Baby back the necklace.... And, no.  Albert's no dummy.  Weasel, yes.  Dummy, no.  GAH! 

Rick, as he's voting for Baby - "Dumb move."  It's all up to Coach!!  I think it'll be Baby... Baby.... Baby.....Hantz.....

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand..... it's................. Baby.   Says Coach to Baby:  "It's God's will - go win redemption." Right.  Wow.  And now the jury's seen Albert's craziness.... but, they've also seen Coach turn his back on Baby.  And whoever wins out of Baby or Ozzy will re-enter the game!  Fun.  And really, the whole "Redemption" thing means a lot to Baby, so he could pull it out and beat Ozzy (though, I don't think he will.) It's a good story, though, right?  Jesus freak vs. Jesus of the Jungle himself.  You can't write this stuff.

Don't forget the finale is on Sunday! 

I'm still predicting Ozzy.  I want Coach to win, and I think he'll be smarter than Ozzy in the questioning if it comes down to the two of them.  Thing is, I don't think the majority of the jury 'gets' Coach.  We'll see.  Could someone like Sophie get in there as the third and give them a run for it?  Possible.  She's smart, well-spoken, and well-liked.  She hasn't played before.  Crazier things have happened.  Never forget Natalie.

On: The Family's Families, Editing, and Way Too Much Information About Jeff

Final Five!  Uh... well, six actually.  It's Ozzy vs. the rest of the Coach tribe:  Coach, Sophie, Albert, Cowboy and Baby Hantz!  Also, technically, Edna is still in the game right?  She's gone to Redemption Island, and by the look of next week's episode, gives Oz a run for his money in the challenge. How fun would it be if Edna was the one to knock out Ozzy???  OK, getting ahead of myself.....

It was the family episode.  Aaaaaah, the family episode is always one of my faves. Do you love it?  I've said it before, it's one of the best shows because it really makes our "characters" into real people.  Oh yeah, he's not just a cowboy, he's got a wife! (I loved that he squeezed her butt... cute!) Coach has a brother who has shorter hair but looks alarmingly similar. Baby Hantz's dad looks uh, 30...and a little bit like a Baldwin brother.... They all have people who love them because of who they REALLY are... not just these characters they've become on TV.  And I'm not going to dig at them for crying.... Hell, I'd probably be the Dawn who cries on the first day.  It's hard to be away from family, especially if you're not used to it... and it's hard to watch other people get all emotional and not get a little choked up yourself. Then again, I got a little teary during the movie preview for War Horse the other day too, so maybe it's just me. 

Speaking of emotion - Ozzy beat Cochran in the duel (finally back to two people only! Yay!), but BARELY.  Cochran did an awesome job of catching up and it was fun to see everyone on Team Coach rooting for him. Alas, he didn't quite make it.  He was pretty emotional to be sent packing, but you could tell it was also a proud moment to have been so close to beating Oz and to have even made it as far as he did.  Even my boyfriend Jeff told him that he was 'reborn' out here and became a different person, and like Dawn, I think it's corny but true in this case.  Best for me was when Cochran said how much he loves Survivor and how he was thrilled to hear Jeff say things like 'Come on in, guys'.  "I was one of the guys!!" says Cochran.  Cute right? 

Right.  So then Ozzy got to choose 3 Survivors to spend time at his camp with their family member.  He chose Albert, Coach and Baby Hantz.  Product placement ensued!  (As an aside, and I may have mentioned this last season... but I read an interview with Jeff where he was asked about all the annoying product placement and he basically agreed that it's annoying, but said it's a way for the show to make more money and therefore have money to do cooler things with.  Also, the sponsors dig it because we sort of have to see their products rather than fast-forward through their commercials.  Right?  I get it.  I still hate it, but I get it.) Anyway, the best things to mention here are 1) that Coach made a pact with Ozzy for final two that seems legit and 2) that Baby's weirdly young dad (Russell's brother) is a bit of a jerk.  First off, I liked him for trying to get Baby to stop being an idiot and start playing the game properly.  To no avail.  Baby is convinced that the million dollars is not the point.... he is there to show people something about how you can be crazy, not care about a million dollars, but uh, praise the lord and have integrity or something.  But then, Baby's daddy tried to bully Coach into promising that he was taking Baby to the end.  Gah!  Not a really good idea given Coach's former relationship with his brother.  To his credit, Coach didn't promise anything.... but it might be true anyway.... Hell, I'd take Loco with me to the end.  He'd be the perfect person to have next to you!!

By the way, I'm loving Coach more and more.  I know I've already said this... but I totally love the way he's playing.  It's just enough crazy (or potential crazy) to keep us interested, but it's also a guy who's learned a lot from his past experience.  Recently I read where Coach said, "I learned something valuable the last time I played. You can't expect people to meet you where you are, you have to meet them where they are."  What? Coach?  Really?  Yep...  he's odd, but he's not dumb.  And oh yeah, he won immunity... not that he needed it. 

Which brings us to Edna and editing.  It's my feeling that if the Survivor editors make it LOOK like something's going to happen, it won't.  Which is why I don't really think Edna's going to beat Ozzy next week, and I didn't actually think the tribe would keep Edna over Baby.  For one, they want someone who'll get voted out for good and Edna had (at least we think) a better chance of losing to Ozzy. The best reason, however, is that the final five is solid.  There's no way any one of them is going against the others.  And remember how Coach & Baby shook hands "as men of God"????? Well, corny as it may seem to some, that actually means A LOT to both Coach and Baby.  Coach even said it when he made the Ozzy pact last night.... "When I promise something 'as a Christian man' it really means something."  It's a bit of a crazy, Christian-mixed-with-Samurai-Warrior thing he's got going, but he hasn't wavered from it.  Thing is, the jury won't get it.... and I think it's Ozzy's game to lose.  In Coach's mind, he hasn't betrayed people like Cochran or Edna... but in their minds?  Not so sure.  And the former Ozzy tribe people just think he's a wingnut.

Edna scrambled hard and darn it, she's totally right that she 'deserves it' more than Baby Hantz.  It's got to be super frustrating to know that you're #6 only because you didn't chat on the beach with the other five people one night early on and that Loco kid did.  But, that's how it goes.  She did her best to persuade the tribe that she was better to keep than Baby and she even tried to persuade Coach to give her the immunity idol.  These are things that would have worked in the past with other groups, but not with this one.  I hope she does give Ozzy a run for his money!!

So that's about it.  A few bits of information to share... if you don't already know:

1)  I just read that Whitney is married to some dude named Donny! She kept it secret from not only Survivor, but from friends and family as well (????)  Apparently, Mrs. Donny and Keith are still an item and poor Donny is on the outs.  Moral of the story:  Don't get married & then spend your honeymoon snuggling with a (different) hunky guy in the South Pacific.  In related news, Cochran gets to tell Whitney that she disgusts him!! 

2) Sadly, my boyfriend Jeff has gotten married.... to someone else!  What what?  Well, OK, I'm married too and don't plan on pulling a Whitney any time soon... but sigh.... sad the romance is over.  I'm sure it's because Jeff knew he was no match for my man, who's perfectly awesome.  (Cue mushy Survivor "family episode" music).  I did look up the new wife and she's lovely.  Her actress resume is umm, less than impressive though.  Her latest listing is for Sinbad: The Battle of the Dark Knights.  Not exactly an Oscar contender. Her ex-husband was on NYPD Blue though.  Too much?

3) It's almost over!  Mark your calendars &/or set your PVRs next week!  There should be one more regular episode on Wednesday, then the finale on Sunday!  So exciting!

The Family Owes No One

OK, well let's start with how I love that Cochran and I used the same Manson reference to refer to the "Family" that Coach has created.... I think he knew that he wasn't getting in that easily.  That's the thing about families... it's pretty hard to be the new guy.  So let's discuss the "Family."

So brilliant on Coach's part, right?  Call it a family, become the head of said family, talk a LOT about loyalty, honour, respect and follow it up with actions.  Coach, so far, hasn't betrayed anyone in his original alliance.  If there's one thing you should always remember about Coach is that no matter how much the clever Survivor editors make it look like he might flip... he won't.  That's his schtick.  He wants to win the game "with integrity"... which, don't get me started... but it's still at least a game strategy, right?  I do love a player with some game strategy! 

Here's the thing though... How do the other players think they're going to beat Coach?  I suppose they all just count on winning immunity to the end... but then what?  If it's say, Albert vs. Coach in the final.... ummm... how does Albert figure he'd get more jury votes?  I suppose you count on the fact that Coach will betray or back stab someone along the way, but he won't.  See above.  Coach has an order, and he's following it to a T.  Sadly for Cochran & Edna, they found out that they were on the bottom of the order.  Cochran did his best to stay (we'll talk about this in a bit) but Edna was pissed.  Edna all this time has figured she's tight with the group... that "they're all equal."  Edna also believes in the tooth fairy.  She must, because, ummmm... girlfriend, it's Survivor.  No one is equal.  Can't blame her, though, and by the looks of next week's show, it seems that the order may get shaken up a bit. 

So back to Coach...  If I'm Edna & Cochran, I'd think I'd put Coach forward as a potential vote rather than Rick.  Rick should already know he's not top-3 material.  Though, we've finally heard a few sentences from him.... like when he said to Edna that he calls Albert "Prince Albert" because he's so lazy.... hee hee.  Edna & Cochran tried to use the Prince comment to turn Albert against Rick... and I think it did tick him off a bit... but not enough.  But why not vote off Coach?  He's a strong leader who's holding all the cards at the moment.  And,  he has the immunity idol.  No one is willing to go against the head of the family, but in keeping him in that position, they're also kind of handing it to him. 

I do find it interesting that the strategy - at least for Coach - is not to take the weakest players with you to the end.... You'd think taking Cochran and/or Edna would be a good idea.  But again, Coach is sticking to his original five for now.  (Remember, it was five plus Edna?)  Still, if I'm Coach, taking any of Brandon, Albert or Rick is probably guaranteed money anyway.  Only Sophie, to me, is a threat because she wins challenges and she's got some legit strategy going on.  The other ones... not so much.

Cochran tried to stay.  He's a smart, smart little weasel.  He told them it's his birthday coming up - which it was totally not.  It did get him a shower & massage - as a reward, given up by Albert.  Not entirely sure why Albert gave it to Cochran and not to his closest pal, Sophie.... except maybe he's just trying to be nice?  I kind of do think Albert is chomping at the bit to shake the game up & maybe wanted to show that he's in favour of Cochran over the cowboy... but my feeling is that Sophie wears the pants in this branch of the Family.  So in addition to the birthday thing, Cochran also tried to guilt the tribe into keeping him by saying they owed him.  Well, no one really likes to be told they owe someone something, right?  He's like that friend who can't just buy you a beer and be done with it, but has to REMIND you every time... "Remember when I bought you that beer two months ago?  You OWE ME!"  Ugh... Cochran's social (and likely beer drinking) skills let him down on this one. At the end of the day, even if some wanted to keep him around, the Family stuck together and that's the only reason he got the vote.  It's too bad he had to use the word "humiliating" about seven times during Tribal Council.... that in itself I think just reminded everyone that yeah, they might feel a bit bad, but he is annoying, so it's ok. 

Aaaaaaaaaaand Baby Hantz had yet another breakdown at Tribal Council where he did his usual 1) crying and 2) laying everything on the table.  "I'm just going to say I'm voting for Cochran this time and Edna next time.  There you have it."  My BF Jeff's eyes just about popped out of his head.  Is this a liability, he asks the tribe.  Not if you're on Baby's side, says Coach.  Too true.  Baby, like Coach, will not waver in his loyalty.  Baby's an easy vote, he'll do what you say, and everyone knows he's Loco.  Read: PERFECT person to have with you at the end.  Hell, he would probably just give Coach the money.  Something again last night about just trying to be good.... I don't know.  Dude has troubles.  I don't even think Manson has this many inner struggles....

Oh yeah, then there's Ozzy, who handily defeated Whitney & Dawn at a dish stacking challenge.  (Did you feel kinda sad/proud of Dawn?  I did... She's one of the few who I actually believe when she says the experience will change her... Whitney... meh.  I'm happy for her that the canoodling with Keith can start up again and I hope they make beautiful, snobby babies together.)  Ozzy will make it to the end.  He just will.  I completely love his game though I don't love Ozzy himself. The stoner Tarzan thing is getting a bit old and yeah, yeah, we know you can fish.  Good for you.... I love how determined he is to win.... and I totally hope it's Coach & Oz in the final.  Both have played well... both can play the loyal warrior card... I love that it could actually be a tight race based on tribe lines.  Both have been brilliant players in their own way.  I give the edge to Coach in that he's HAD to play more strategically whereas Ozzy's physically winning his way to the end.  And ummmm... why is Coach looking better to me these days?  The starving actually suits him I think....or maybe I dig a man in black knee socks...?   I would go to his tai chi class.  Just sayin'.