After the double whammy of losing James and the brilliant blindside on Alexis from Amanda last week, can Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites hold any more surprises for me? Nah, probably not, I’m just not that lucky. Still, I’m guessing like a mother about who’s going home this week, so I’d better tune in anyway!

It’s Fans vs. Favorites again! Cirie muses over the genius of Amanda’s move at tribal, and is quietly happy that Amanda knows that, even though she did not vote with her, she is still on Amanda’s side. At the same time, Erik is angry about Amanda’s harsh words for him at tribal, and plots with Natalie to get out to Exile Island to search for an immunity idol.

It’s not all hair up there, but it’s not much more than that. Cirie, Parvati and Amanda are a team again, and Amanda starts making overtures of an alliance with Erik, trying to get him to send Parvati to Exile if he wins the reward challenge. With the women spinning him in different directions, Erik doesn’t know which way is up. Now boy, get me a mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone, and don't be cheap with the sprinkles.

At the reward challenge, the survivors are quizzed on classic moments from past seasons of Survivor. The first with four correct answers will be rewarded with a trip to a luxury spa for a good pampering. Superfan Erik takes the lead and does not surrender it, winning the challenge. Well, he might have won the reward, but he loses the battle by falling into Amanda’s trap. Parvati is sent to look for the immunity idol and Amanda goes along with Erik on the reward.

Our little boy’s all grows up! As disappointed as I am in the malleability of Erik’s alliances, I’m happy to see that someone shut Natalie’s pointy face up. Cirie delights in taking shots at her, constantly reminding Natalie of her tenuous position within the tribe. It seems to me that Erik does whatever he has been told to do most recently. Such a well behaved boy, his mother must be proud. While at the spa, he has a moment of epiphany. “It’s time to stop being an ice cream boy and start being an ice cream man,” he says. Maybe he’s hearing me type about my shaky confidence in his manhood.

In the meanwhile, Parvati is languishing at Exile Island, debating whether or not she should even look for the immunity idol. It doesn't look like she gets around to it.

When Erik and Amanda get back to camp, Natalie gives her best cold shoulder to Erik. Then, Natalie overhears Erik’s conversation with Cirie as he makes an attempt to start playing this game. Erik’s idea is to get Cirie and Parvati on his side, and vote off Amanda or Natalie. As you might imagine, Natalie, already not happy with Erik, is ready to kill.

If you can’t join ‘em, beat ‘em. Natalie is quick to tell Amanda and Cirie that she overheard Erik’s plot, and they share a good laugh over his attempts at deception. Erik sees the women talking and realizes that he’s made a mistake in giving all the women different stories about who he’s interested in allying himself with. “I’ve made so many mistakes in this game,” he admits to Amanda. I think it’s time to put this one out of his misery. He’s in over his head and it’s tough watching a guy drown.

At the immunity challenge, players must use coordinates to find puzzle pieces. Erik might suck at the social game, but he sure does kick ass in challenges. After taking another early lead, he cruises into a final four opportunity with yet another immunity win. The women are playing a pretty good game, but they might want to think about beating him at a challenge at some point. This kid could definitely play his way into a final two.

I...I...I have nothing to say. Back at camp, Cirie comes up with the idea to have Natalie try and talk Erik into giving up his immunity idol. You know, this kid is dumb enough to buy it. Natalie gives it a go, telling Erik that she and Cirie would vote for Amanda if he gives her his necklace. Erik talks to Cirie and she reinforces Natalie’s story by saying that Erik giving Natalie his necklace would be the sign of trust needed in order to get her vote. Erik, sniffing in a wrong direction, thinks Parvati has the immunity idol and is going to give it to Amanda, and wants to vote Parvati off instead. The women agree to lie about casting their votes in whichever direction Erik wants to send them.

The ladies and the lad head to tribal, and Jeff makes sure that Erik’s feeble attempts at playing the strategic game are called out. Parvati and Amanda play their parts to the hilt, picking a fight with Erik. Cirie, for her part, underscores what Erik is already thinking – that he needs to redeem himself. And for the first time in Survivor history, individual immunity is surrendered as Erik makes Natalie safe from the vote. The jury is quick to spot that fact that Erik is being played, and sure enough Erik is voted off post haste. Goodbye Leif Garrett. That’s correct James - ladies and gentlemen, we have a new dumbest survivor ever. And, for the first time in Survivor history, we have an all-female final four.

Honestly, Erik was so stupid tonight, I can’t even call it a blindside. Homeslice should have seen that coming a mile away. As far as I’m concerned, these women didn’t vote that boy off, they put the dog who wouldn’t stop running out into traffic to sleep. It’s a pretty safe bet that, barring immunity, Natalie will be gone first on Sunday, but after that, you’ve got the three best social players in the game going head to head.  That’s the fight I’m dying to see!

Comments

This was not the first time individual immunity was given up. I don't remember the names or the season. That brunette girl who won her season (and left the all-star season b/c she was worried about her mother) made such a loyal friend (that blond girl) that she was given the individual immunity during tribal council. That blond girl ended up getting voted out.

JP | May 8, 2008 9:29:37 PM | #

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I can't remember a better season of Survivor.

I'll say it again, they HAVE to do another Fans vs. Favorites.

I love James' reaction that he is no longer the dumbest survivor.

Erik may be dumb, but at least he gave the ladies credit. He didn't pout.

Chris from NY | May 8, 2008 9:31:35 PM | #

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Yes, best season yet. I am so pulling for Cirie to win this year. She has come up with every major plan, and if you can get someone to give up immunity so you can vote them out, you deserve to win. JP, I think you are thinking about Jenna and Heidi from Survivor: Amazon.

Aaron | May 8, 2008 9:42:07 PM | #

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Erik is a too nice of a person and native to be playing survivor. Survivor is not about being strong or fit, but it's much more about the social game which Cirie is good at.

Some people just aren't the type to lie, backstab, manipulate etc even if there was money involved.

There was really one great blindside this season it was Ozzy. Jason and Erik was flat out stupid and native.

Steven | May 8, 2008 10:08:46 PM | #

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Yes, Erik was incredibly dumb, but the ladies' plan and acting performances were brilliant. They really did come up with the perfect story to get Erik to give up the necklace.

I love it.

Dan | May 8, 2008 10:21:33 PM | #

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I simply can NOT believe Eric was SO stupid as to give up immunity! This has to be the dumbest move in the history of the program! OK, so we did not see all of the dialogue because of the editing, but still, to BELIEVE this and give up immunity?

xyzzy | May 8, 2008 11:02:30 PM | #

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I feel sorry for Erik. He'll never get over this one, for the rest of his life! No one will let him.

Nice kid. Naive, sweet, totally got played.

Go, Cirie! She's running the show, and slyly, at that.

Lisa | May 8, 2008 11:18:47 PM | #

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Women have been doing this to men since the beginning of time (Remember Adam & Eve?).
Erik, Erik, Erik!!! (Don't ever get married.) Forget about the million dollars. Give all 4 women an Emmy for their performances. Give Erik the Fickle Finger of Fate Award (remember Laugh In?).

Not a Dufus Like Erik | May 9, 2008 12:42:46 AM | #

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I agree with u, I think that Natalie is first bait, then the three remain women get mad at the final tribal. Then leading to a possible catfight which would be good since my CBS affilate, WFMY 2 could not air this due to severe weather, u know tornadoes, if u been in them, and I think that Ozzy, Jason, STUPID ERIK and James the four men will say u stabbed us in the back just like that Bon Jovi song, but u played a smart and crazy game unlike last time with Aras, the winner of Panama, the very first EXILE ISLAND, but in the end u overcome fear and was able to play wickedly clever, u I think will win Survivor 16! GOOD LUCK CIRIE FIELDS, THE NURSE FROM CONNECTCICUT!

DMC Rebellion | May 9, 2008 3:52:29 AM | #

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Ok let's say a couple things in Erik's defense.

1. People don't think as well when they are not sleeping and eating normally, which you have to assume at this point is the case.

2. He's a 21 year old kid surrounded by several highly attractive women with no other men around.

3. He's just an icecream boy.

Now having said that, it was an incredibly stupid move. It made no sense. What jury is going to respect a player for giving away his immunity...even if it worked?

I also think he underestimated his chances to win. All of the men could have conceivably voted for him over a woman. If Nathalie or Amanda got voted out he might have picked up a female vote too. His odds might not have been great, but this move wasn't going to help things. Win every challenge and declare that surrounded by women he did what he had to do and won everything, and you have a legitimate argument at least.

There are some other fairly amazing things happening this season. Cirie's ability to remain tight with Amanda even after attempting to vote her out is pretty unusual. The idea that none of the women would try and genuinely work with Erik is also incredible. Amanda, Parvarti, and Erik seemed like a natural alliance after the last vote... I think it speaks to a weakness in their game that they didn't attempt to bring him in.

Finally, what was the point of saving Nathalie anyway? How does that benefit Parvarti or Amanda?

I think the last male to respectfully exit this game not from injury was probably Mikey or something. What a crazy season.

Dave | May 9, 2008 3:57:46 AM | #

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Yep, dumbest move EVER on Survivor. Unbelievable. But with only one episode left, I'd like to see the producers do a "Second Act" or "Second Chance" season. Let's see some of the first one or two players booted off the island given another chance. Lots of times they were too annoying, too bossy, too much a leader, too old, too manipulative, or just too nice...just like a regular season. I want to see that female logger again! Give 'em another chance.

Phil | May 9, 2008 5:24:51 AM | #

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Hey you guys! It's not cool to make fun of someone who's mentally handicapped.

Brian of the North | May 9, 2008 5:30:24 AM | #

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I also think Erik was sitting pretty with the jury and didn't need to make any "redemption gesture." I think he could beat anyone in the final jury other than maybe Amanda just on the basis of being a nice, inoffensive kid. That's why they needed to get him out.

Saving sourpuss Natalie benefits both Parvati and Amanda because I don't think she can get a single jury vote other than Alexis.

ferretrick | May 9, 2008 5:31:20 AM | #

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This season is incredible in the stupidity of the male contestants. James really didn't prove much to his smart gameplay in that he stuck to his alliance even after they proved they were turning on the males in the group. If he hadn't been evacuated he would have been next. The smart move would have been to somehow ally with Jason and Erik before Jason was blindsided. Jason and Erik are the most gullible survivors ever given that Natalie really isn't that good of an actress and she got both of them to bite hook, line, and sinker. I mean honestly Erik, that was the weakest reasoning behind voting Amanda off that anybody could think of. If I'm telling you that you need jury sympathy, it probably means you're going to get voted out without immunity. In the grand scheme of things, Cirie definitely deserves to win. She narrowed the competition down brilliantly to exactly the group she needed to a.) make the final 3 and b.) win the whole thing. Amanda probably has the most votes, but it would be tough for Cirie to get her out (although with this season, who knows).

Kevin | May 9, 2008 5:32:46 AM | #

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I'm with Phil. I'd love to see a see with all the first eliminated players (most of whom are not memorable) playing it out. Who would ever want to be remembered for being voted off first two times?!

tupperkenn | May 9, 2008 5:52:37 AM | #

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Totally speechless after last night's show. Erik is the dumbest player. Ever.

Don't want to see Parvati or Cirie to win. Never have liked them. Amanda would be okay.

Tim | May 9, 2008 6:02:46 AM | #

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Cirie and Amanda now need to try to take each other out - if either one takes Parvati and Natalie to the final three they'll win hands down because those two can't get the votes. Cirie is playing a brilliant game - I hope she takes it all.

Julie | May 9, 2008 6:24:29 AM | #

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I agree with everyone that Erik was really, really stupid! Unfortunately he will always be an ice cream scoop boy. Dumb, dumb move. He could have won it!

Ben | May 9, 2008 6:57:04 AM | #

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Seriously? How dumb can a survivor be? He knew the girls were in cahoots with eachother and targeting the guys so why on Earth would he give the immunity idol to Natalie? If I was on that island I would have laughed in both her and Cirie's faces...DUMBEST MOVE IN SURVIVOR HISTORY!!!

Paul | May 9, 2008 7:00:49 AM | #

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like i said last time men are gullible and erik proved my point it is the survivor of the gullibles this year lol

debbie | May 9, 2008 7:08:19 AM | #

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Too bad. Erik got really played on this episode. He had a great chance of going to final 3. All the women ganged up on him.

Still, his immunity idol hand-off was one of the stupidest moves ever. Right up there with James' double-whammy. And Ozzy's cocky attitude (and immunity idol) and ultimate demise.

I'm hoping Cirie plays it well and goes all the way. She's been the master mind of most of the smart moves. Natalie is useless and Amanda is just plain nasty. I can't believe she's still there.

Go CIRIE!

JVice | May 9, 2008 7:11:10 AM | #

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Eric's biggest mistake is that he has been starstruck all season.

From following Ozzy like a puppy to saying to his brother "Look, it's Jeff Probst!", he just never got that he is on Survivor just like his idols, except they have been on before.

The sad part is that he is such a fan, yet when did he ever see other contestants "redeeming themselves" on Survivor? You "redeem" yourself when you give your speech to the jury, before that you do what you can to win.

I feel a little sorry for Eric, but at the same time the girls played him perfectly. They knew exactly how to push his buttons.

Best case scenario for Sunday is Natalie to win the next immunity so we can see Amanda, Parvati and Cirie fight it out as to who will go home. It would be especially interesting as I am guessing they are have a final 3 this year again instead of a final 2.

Bren | May 9, 2008 7:11:20 AM | #

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WOMEN ARE EVIL!! Leave the poor lonely stupid dude alone.

The World | May 9, 2008 7:28:06 AM | #

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Attractive women left on survivor!??

When did Natalie and Cirie become atrractive!?

Even Parvati is really not that hot.

The only good looking women there is Amanda.

Steven | May 9, 2008 7:31:41 AM | #

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Attractive women left on survivor!??

When did Natalie and Cirie become attractive!?

Even Parvati is really not that hot.

The only good looking women there is Amanda.

Steven | May 9, 2008 7:31:49 AM | #

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Bow to the women of Survivor!!! I just want to see Amanda and Parvati battle for the final prize!! :>))

TE | May 9, 2008 7:32:41 AM | #

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Oh.. you are wrong there Steven. Amanda and Parvati are both VERY pretty. And while I don't think Natalie is very pretty she has a smoking hot body.

TE | May 9, 2008 7:41:11 AM | #

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Cirie has not let me down all season, she's been a superb player, and she pulled off the biggest swindle in Survivor history last night. Brilliantly played!

Poor Erik, he seems like a nice kid, but he definitely needs to learn a thing or two about Survivor, for all that he's probably the biggest fan to ever play the game. He may have made the stupidest move in Survivor history, but that move was also orchestrated by several of the most brilliant players in Survivor history (Cirie and Parvati, I'm lookin' at you).

I hope Natalie goes next, she's not nearly the mastermind she thinks she is, and it's time for her to go.

Siansonea | May 9, 2008 8:06:54 AM | #

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When is there going to be an eating challenge???

Gretchen | May 9, 2008 8:18:42 AM | #

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he was thinking with his wrong head.

friday | May 9, 2008 9:00:19 AM | #

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I can't see how Amanda can lose if she makes F3. James, Ozzy, Jason all have gripes with Parvati, and will probably lump Cirie in with Parv. Alexis will probably not vote Amanda, but Eliza likely will, and Erik might. Erik will probably bot vote Natalie or Cirie, since they were most complicit with his ouster. Unlike her last effort on Survivor, she'll know to take credit for the blindsides she worked on (Alexis), and conveniently blam Parvati for Ozzy's.

Word Money G | May 9, 2008 9:19:42 AM | #

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I was actually rooting for Erik when it came down to only 1 man left. He really fought, but made all the wrong moves. Even he himself was aware. Sadness overwhelmed my heart when i saw him giving that immunity. I wouldnt say he was stupid. He was just plain naive. C'mon, remember when Natalie asked for the immunity, he said he wouldnt even consider that? The underdog who was really fighting to stay in the game, and embracing every moment of it is now gone. Tat is just fucked up.

Btw, STFU Brian of the north. You are not in a position to comment like that.

Bo | May 9, 2008 9:24:41 AM | #

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While what Erik did was stupid, you have to give the boy credit for handling it like a man.

Andrea | May 9, 2008 9:29:57 AM | #

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Yes, Erik absolutely handled it like a man. Check him and the gang out at the Ponderosa
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor16/video/ponderosa.php?cid=652656854&pid=TNON_uqvoWtv7B6mFURgGQfKyXpgiazr&play=true&cc=13

Bo, watch your potty mouth please.

Gretchen | May 9, 2008 9:36:32 AM | #

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Everyone back at Whoville must've been so happy that Natalie ended up with immunity!

It'sMe! | May 9, 2008 10:16:22 AM | #

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If Cirie doesn't win this season, it will be a crime. I cannot forgive her for ousting Yau-Man, but I certainly do respect the greatest social player in the history of the game. She could not have pulled it off without able lieutenants like Amanda and Parvati, both playing a beautiful social game as well, but, really, last night is another shining example of Cirie hatching a plan, giving everyone their roles to play and then sitting back and reaping the benefit. I'm certainly glad she didn't decide to go into organize crime! What a don she would make.

romana118 | May 9, 2008 10:32:29 AM | #

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dam
Amanda will likely be in the final 3, in back to back seasons.

If she ends up in the final 3 and looses again.

But I'll give her cred, with a little luck this time and her hanging with todd and courtney last time.

But I think she has a good chance to win this time

pery | May 9, 2008 12:06:08 PM | #

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Survivor "Rules" Question:

After winning the reward challange, could (potentially) Erik have turned down the reward, assigning it to two other people, and ask to send himself to exile island?

Would that be allowed?

DL | May 9, 2008 12:51:29 PM | #

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I don't have the rulebook with me, but the answer is obviously no.

Dave | May 9, 2008 1:57:39 PM | #

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I'm not so sure the answer would be no. Yau Man was allowed to give his car to Dreamz, so why couldn't Erik give his reward to someone else?

A-Rob | May 9, 2008 2:13:54 PM | #

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Erik makes Beetlejuice look like Einstein.

John | May 9, 2008 6:13:02 PM | #

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i wonder if at the reunion show jeff will call erik on his name of the tribe "dabu" and the meaning behind it...lol...

Kelley | May 9, 2008 9:20:31 PM | #

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When Yau Man gave his car to Deamz, Jeff P. explained/announced that giving up the prize was an option. The choice had to be made right away. Don't think a castaway can set those terms and I wonder if the show makes up the rules as they go? Anyway, good for you DL to think of that concept! And, I wonder how Dreamz is these days? Haven't thought of him in a while... I also like the idea of a reunion of FIRSTS. Yet, the prison guard gal that was the very first might not be able to handle it!

Gretchen | May 10, 2008 5:09:28 AM | #

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According to the finale preview, there are 3 Tribal Councils...indicating it will be a Final 2 at the end.

Does anyone else count 8 jury members then? Aren't they risking a tie?

Justin | May 10, 2008 8:19:07 AM | #

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Man I hope it's a final two instead of three. They definitely need to go back to having a final two - much more drama. If Cirie and Amanda are really smart, they'll try to get rid of each other because there's no way Natalie or Parvati could win against either of them. I hate that Erik was so stuck on "being redeemed". It would have been really fun to have him make the final after all he went through to stay in the competition.

walt | May 10, 2008 10:46:44 PM | #

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My TV guide listing has the following statement for tonight's last episode:

"The last immunity challenge and tribal council are held. Later, the finalists are questioned by the jury members, who vote for the winner. Jeff Probst"

Sounds like one TC to me. We'll see!

Go Cirie!!!

Gretchen | May 11, 2008 6:26:00 AM | #

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