SURVIVOR: It’s Time To Switch Teams, James

Am I the only one that thought last night’s SURVIVOR was kind of a snoozefest? Does Boston Rob need to pass out every week in order to make the show exciting?

Since I only have time for a quick write-up, I guess I’m glad that not too much happened.

Let’s start with the biggest villain playing the game this season – Roid Rage James. What the what?  Has he always had such a temper? James showed off his asshattery ways last week after the challenge and later in Tribal Council, and he didn’t let up at all last night. If I was playing this season, I might actually be a little afraid of James.  The guy can’t seem to interact with another human being without being wildly aggressive.  How about when Courtney asked him about what Cirie had heard about her?  He got super defensive right away and threw a hand full of attitude back at her. James, you must chill.

I was already hating on James, but the point of no return came during last night’s challenge.  With the Heroes ahead 7-0 in a game to 8, James was was picked to go head-to-head with Randy, the competition’s oldest contestant, in a game of one to one combat. Randy really didn’t stand a chance against James, and with one push he was down in the mud. But it wasn’t enough for James to win, he actually took to foam mats they were fighting with and threw it down, right into Randy’s face.  Classy, James, classy.

Clearly James is a cancer to the group, but do they get rid of him?  With arms the size of small children he’s obviously going to be an asset in future challenges, but will his physical contributions outweigh the divide he could cause in the tribe? I suppose he’s a safety net for everyone. If I’m on the island I want to keep James because as long as the target can be pointed at him, it can be steered away from me. But at the same time, I have to wonder how long this guy can last given how fragile he is only seven days into the game. And please don’t mistake his bravado as anything but that. James is acting out because he is weak and he feels threatened.

As for the Villains, they still don’t have their shit together after 7 days on the island. I kind of love how they have no problem openly talking about it. They don’t seem to want to do anything about bettering their situation, but atleast they don’t seem to be bitching about 24/7 either.

Tonight they lost their first immunity challenge. Color me shocked that not one of the Villains could take down a Hero. Going into the competition, I would have given the edge to Team Boston Rob (sorry, is that not the official name of the tribe?).

Not having watched last season, I was kind of wondering what all the hoopla was about Russel. After what I saw last night I think I’m starting to understand.  Mad respect to the guy for hiding the machete in order to create a division within the tribe and disturb the power shift.  I thought it was a smart move. I’m not sure how effective it will be but I like the way his mind was working.  But Russel, I wouldn’t go near Rob’s Red Sox hat.  I’m watching you.

At Tribal Council it was a unanimous decision that Randy’s torch needed to be snuffed.  The guy really didn’t show me much of anything this season so I didn’t care either way.  I’m glad they didn’t send Parvati home.  She’s dangerous, no doubt, but I think they could use her physicality in the competition for at least a few more challenges before the out her.  If they don’t find a way to get rid of her before the tribes merge, I think many of the Villains will live to regret it. That girl is a snake.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Care to share your thoughts on last night’s SURVIVOR? Any game strategy you want to share?