The mighty Kyle has fallen! The challenge was a nail-biter, and it was inevitable that they would seize this opportunity to vote out the competition beast. As Teeney said, "It would be a little dumb to do anything else."  I'm a huge Kyle fan, as I think the world needs more people like him. He has a great story; his exit demonstrated class and great character. He came across as an authentic human being who appreciates his life and is still striving to be better. I wish I could be that good!  Let's make sure we all give 120 percent to our families. (Full disclosure, I picked him to win in my fantasy pool, but that hasn't affected my opinion.) Takeaways The rain arrived!  I think the constant rain would be the biggest challenge for a contestant, and it definitely impacted the morale of this group. Rain is supposed to accompany a hot drink while watching Survivor on your sofa.   Ugh! I can't believe I'm saying this, but Andy (Not Austin) has actually put to...

This is the part of the season where I become conflicted. I loved seeing Gabe get blindsided, yet I am disappointed that the strong get picked off, potentially leaving us with a weak final three (e.g., Season 43, Gabler). That's why one of the biggest challenges in the game is to play to the middle. Early on, weak players are liabilities and often go home; late in the game, strong players are threats and often go home. Play to the middle, where you are involved and contributing but not leading the way. Takeaways Teeny was really impacted by Sol's departure, saying, "Everything I do from now on will be to avenge you."  New bucket list item: have someone avenge me!  Genevieve continues to pull out some great statements:  “The tallest blade of grass gets cut, and I grew a lot yesterday.”  I thought for sure someone would blow up Andy's (Not Austin's) attempt to have a final two with everyone on the island, but it never happened. I can't believe I'm saying...

This season has some strong players!  Humbled and teary, Sam is swinging big to flip the game, and he certainly caused chaos. Genevieve is strategically planting seeds and quietly building a resume. Teeny is using her social game to stay connected to everyone and contribute to the conversations. Gabe has built a strong alliance that insulates him. And despite feeling like she is on an island, Rachel has put herself in a position to impact the game. This could be an amazing final four, and I am eager to see how it plays out. Takeaways Andy (Not Austin) is impacting the game, and yet only as a pawn for other players. If his latest hookup with Rachel works out, I'm calling them Anchel. Survivor just won't let up on opportunities to shift the game. With the last two pairs losing their votes, every element of the game seems to be a potential game-changer. Jeff is not Mr. Sympathy! I loved it when Andy and Sam ripped their bag, and Jeff said, "Yep, that's on you." I kin...

Another blindside, another angry exit. I have never seen such a quick change in disposition as I saw in Sam and Sierra when their names were read.  These blindsides are the result of an incredibly fluid tribe. There isn't a single alliance controlling the game, which makes this a great season. Takeaways It's the return of the auction!!! (If you could see me, I am ecstatically jumping up and down on my sofa. In the mad dash for cash, Andy just got in his own way (again). "I'm so bad at this." Yes, champ, you are.  In all fairness, I competed with my brother in a beer scavenger hunt once, and we passed the finish sign at least five times before seeing it. The adrenaline clouded our vision (and maybe the beer didn't help). I try to watch vicariously and imagine how the players are feeling in the moment. When I saw the chips, salsa, and that beer, my head exploded.  Kyle ended his vegetarian/vegan streak of six years for some wings. Good choice, Kyle.  Not only di...