The Tribe Has Spoken

• The Monologue:
• No jokes. Call this a stern talking-to instead. First of all, it's disappointing that the world was much more abuzz about some kid in a balloon than they are about a soldier shooting up an army base. Second, the fact that the shooter is a Muslim and has an Arabic name means that some people feel they have the right to outwardly prejudice. Amazing how a quick search of Twitter shows people knocking Muslims or saying that this shooting was the obvious by-product of Obama's election. Disappointing.
• Survivor Analysis:
• So what the hell happened on tonight's Survivor? Once Laura won immunity, there were four obvious targets for the vote: Jaison, Monica, Russell, and Erik. Russell scrambled and talked to everyone, as did Erik, so the targets moved squarely to the both of them. Both laid themselves bare, both were too outspoken and too overconfident. Russell's fortune came in his idiotic move of showing too many people the idol. Idiotic, unless he knew he was going to play it all along. Once everyone knew he had it, they couldn't vote for him. It's not worth getting the idol out there because any one vote in any unexpected direction could swing things. Erik's problem was then that nobody knew that he had his. If they can't go to Russell, Erik had to be the choice. If they knew that he had the Galu one, then Jaison or Monica would be going home. Erik was way too overconfident, never really thought about playing his idol, and paid the price.
• So did Russell show everyone the idol because he meant to play it at Tribal all along anyway? It's hard to believe that's the case. Immunity is just way too important. He's overplayed his hand too many times. Everyone knows that he's scrambling. With the idol gone, the target will be on his back from here until the next time that he doesn't win individual immunity. Yes, with the numbers the way they were, Russell needed to do something dramatic. The problem is that it's not like Erik going made it even close to even yet. Russell is on his way out soon.
• It's hard to say that any one player is the "best Survivor ever" because there are so many different styles of playing the game. The best physical player ever was Tom. The best strategic player ever was Richard (I'm tempted to go Yul, but I know I'd just be taking Richard for granted for how he revolutionized the game). It's quite possible that JT was the best all-around player ever, but even he needed Stephen to help him get to the end. Maybe Russell is the best underhanded player yet, but he's in trouble pretty early. He might not make the jury. Fairplay and Rob C. both made it to the final three.
• I've said it before and I'll say it again: How freaking good is this season?!?!?!?
• Random Music Video:
• From the album American IV: The Man Comes Around, released seven years ago today, here's Johnny Cash with what has become one of the classic covers. Pure haunting brilliance.