After giving itself a nice long mud bath, Survivor: Heroes vs Villains claimed its third victim Thursday night, and the choice was far from a surprising one. 50-year-old Randy Bailey claimed before the game that he was in it to win it, but truthfully, he never stood a chance. He was neither strong enough to help in challenges, nor social enough to get into the good graces of his younger tribemates who talked all episode long about needing to get rid of Parvati, yet deemed Randy more expendable instead. Randy called into EW.com this morning to talk all about his big challenge feud with James, why he threw his buff in the fire, and, of course, his awkward reunion at the sequester house with (former?) enemy Sugar.
When it comes to Survivor, the only thing better than a blindside is blind hatred, and that’s exactly what was served up at tonight’s Tribal Council. And the only thing better than blind hatred at a Tribal Council is when that blind hatred extends even after Tribal Council is over! It was truly a delicious scene to take in, as another contestant was sent home. But do not read after the jump unless you already saw who that contestant was.
(Okay, all good? Because names are about to be dropped. Good.) Stephenie LaGrossa (of Palau and Guatemala) was the season’s second casualty, after engaging in a heated exchange with James that also manged to ensnare Colby and Tom, who rushed to her defense after James berated her for approximately the 1,267th time. Was Stephenie guilty of not following directions at the challenge? Yes. Did James go overboard with his ceaseless bitching and moaning about her? Absolutely. The pissed-off piéce de résistance occurred when Steph, after having her torch snuffed, turned to James and said, “Some advice. Next time y’all lose a challenge, a little less cursing off your tribe might help.” To which James eloquently replied, “Keep your mouth shut.” No matter whose side you’re on, you have to love fireworks like that. Oh, and this just in: Boston Rob survived his jungle collapse. Not only did he survive, but he led his team from behind (again!) to victory in the immunity challenge. How impressive was Rob’s resurrection? And are you on Team James or Team Stephenie?
The premiere of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains unleashed some big characters and big challenges. Let us take a minute to pause for the cause and honor the season’s first ousted contestant.