The Ultimate Sole Survivor
There has been much talk on the internet today about who should really have won the title of Sole Survivor on Survivor Samoa and for once I am in total agreement with the masses that Russell is the only one who deserved that crown.
I am the type of person who is all about game play. I don’t want anyone riding my coattails and for sure I don’t want to ride theirs. This year that is all to be found on reality tv. It is a shame that what was once considered the mack daddy of all reality shows has fallen into the same path of destruction as all the others.
You can argue and say riding coattails is a strategy but is it really? I don’t think so. There is no competitive spirit involved in dragging behind another stronger player. I would personally be embarrassed if I won a game in that fashion but then again, I love to compete and I want to win because I did well and not because someone else took pity on me and that is what the jury members did in the case of Natalie. You all know it as well as I do.
There is no one on that panel who honestly in their hearts believed Nat to be the better player. They just couldn’t stand the fact that Russell beat them and did it so well and none of them ever saw it coming. It was an amazing thing to watch all season.
I’m going to remind all of you that at the beginning of the season we all picked the person we thought would do the best and the least and I said Laura would be among the first to go and I was wrong. She actually controlled the feelings and thoughts of the women for Galu except Sham.
My person to win was Russell based sole on the fact that he owned an oil company and I work in that industry and I never turned back on him. I did think it was crappy to burn Jaison’s socks and wreak havoc on his own tribe but you know what? He had a purpose and a strategy and he never waivered from it. He was a phenomenal player and it was an absolute pleasure to watch him from week to week because let’s face it, without him, the season would have sucked.
What do you think? Is Russell the ultimate sole survivor?
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December 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 am[...] The Ultimate Sole Survivor [...]
December 21st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
He played the best game hands down and clearly the title is what mattered the most not the cash. Integrity and morals didnt matter to russ but it did to the jury. I would have been atleast his 3rd vote if i were on the jury. But im always in the minority.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Ash thanks again for all your hard work and dedication. I appreciate you and matt giving me a soft place to land at the end of the day. Sweet dreams
December 21st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Hey Ashley, great great blog. I think Russell played an ahole on TV but after watching a totally different Natalie last night, she might be a real life one.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:25 am
He played a great game in many respects. He was the best ever at some parts of the game but if he were on the next twenty seasons playing the same game he would never win. Call him the sole runner up. I think it is a farce that everybody sitting on their couch says that they would have voted for him if they were on the jury. Survivor started as a social experiment and the early games were dominated by providers that gained the respect of their tribe. It is still a social game with the fellow members of the society ultimately choosing the person left that they respect the most to win. Russell did not gain their respect and in fact did the opposite to most of them.
To the remarks that the fans should vote for the winner; they picked Shambo in the top three and she is the worst player to ever play the game, using your same criteria for saying that Russell deserved to win. She was last in every competition, lost a chicken and the snorkel and was not even trusted to know who was the target each week. Daisy the chicken had more game than Shambo. The only reason she made it so far is that she was totally worthless as a competitor, not liked by the other tribemates and not seen as a threat. The end result proves that Russell was indeed not the sole survivor and was disliked by the members of his society,the jury.
We only saw what production decided to show us which was mostly Russell being an arrogant, cocky ass. The people that didn’t vote for him know him better than we do. Natalie voted these same people out but played a smarter game by letting Russel’s arrogance ruin his chances with the jury, and then swooped in for the kill. Russell was the second rat done in by sweet Natalie.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:49 am
Riding on coattails is a strategy, but not in and of itself. Know why? Because, in the end, the coattails get yanked away. Natalie survived, which is outlast, she had allies, which includes outplays even if she took the passive role, and most she outwitted Russell, since she didn’t end up with a jury that hates her.
That said, I still wish Brett won. :-/ Or Eric. Really, there were a bunch of other players I wanted to succeed, who failed. Nevertheless, Natalie made her way through, and won.
And you think Russell stuck true to his strategy? His strategy was to sabotage his tribe and then dominate their emotions. Then, his tribe started losing challenge after challenge. All of a sudden, he starts singing a different tune, about trust. Bull. He survived because no one was willing to vote out him. After all, he wouldn’t get votes from the jury, as we saw.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:03 am
the Blue Guru WOW that seriously is the BEST critique of Russell that i think could ever be made, WHAT STRATEGY? TRUST WHO? sorry Russell fans, i know you are hurting over this LOSS, but actually Russell kept saying THE GAME IS NOT OVER YET, but in REALITY Russells game was OVER right from the start because he had NO STRATEGY to get jury votes, and the only player who DID have a strategy for getting jury votes was Brett, and EVERYONE AGREES that if Brett was in the final 3, Brett wins…
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:08 am
everyone ON THE SHOW agrees Brett would have won, of course not die hard fans of Russell, BUT NO FANS ARE ON THIS JURY
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 am
LETS EXAMINE Russell’s DELUSION
that he could win the jury vote:
LUara cannot spell her own name,
she could not vote for RESSULLH.
Brett bought Russell’s crap that
Brett should be in the final 3.
Monica is not technically a BLOND,
she was really respected by RussH.
Kelly would forgive DUMB ASS BLOND
because she is really a brunette.
Finding three idols is WAY MORE of
a game play than 3 immunity wins.
Natalie would actually give up her
million dollars because Russ said.
Jaison would think Russell is just
playing a game, not destroying H2O.
Danger Dave Ball would bow kowtow
and worship Russell as Sole winner.
John could sway the people above
to respect Russ’ male chauvinism.
Shambo would convince all of these
puppets to vote for a puppetmaster.
There should be no jury against any
player as charismatic as Russell is.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:54 am
The point is the jury didn’t vote for Natalie, they voted against Russell. Seriously, no one on that jury was rewarding Natalie’s superior game play. They were expressing their anger at having been outwitted and outplayed by a little hulk of a man who managed to manipulate everyone to his own ends. Whether or not you think Russell’s strategy was immoral should have nothing to do with the outcome of the game. The winner should be the person who gives 100% dedication and passion to developing a strategy which influences others in every aspect of the game; manipulation, alliances and most especially, the way they vote. The winner should be the most dynamic player.
My respect for Natalie plummeted after watching her in the final. She was completely without grace. If she had been humble and admitted honestly to Russell that she knew he deserved to win, I would feel better about the whole thing. I think that is what Russell meant when he said he wanted the title of Sole Survivor, not the money.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:37 am
Natalie was truly tactless in the finals. She states, getting rid of Erik was her best move, AND IT WASN’T! Hiding behind Russell was her ONLY MOVE! Which is what Mick did as well. She seemed extremely shocked that she even won! That alone says that she knew Russell should win. It would’ve been better on her part to just fess up to being a lesser player that just “happened” to win. It truly was a jury voting against someone rather than for someone. I guarantee the first words that came out of those jurors mouths when the got thrown off the show were, “I can’t believe i’m here, and Russell isn’t.” Oh I’m sorry, YOU GOTS PLAYED! HARDCORE PLAYED! Did he hurt their feelings? Sure. Does he care? Nope? Why? IT’S A FREAKIN’ GAME! There are no team winners. Only one person takes the title. That is the BEST gameplayer. Or in this case, THE BEST ASS KISSER! When did logical thinking go out the door. I know when. The day they cast this season with abunch of emotional adolescents, who refuse to grow the F up and own up to their terrible game play. They destroyed themselves, he just moved the process along. At most, Russell referred to the blondes as the “Dumb Blonde Alliance”. Big Whoop, people have said a lot worse about other players in this game. He really was never negative to anyone outright. He never came out and said things directly to peoples faces. For the most part he kept almost all his comments for his private interviews. Yeah he stabbed people in the back, but that’s standard for Survivor. I can’t see any other transgressions that would warrant such hatred. He plainly stated his goal at the beginning of the show. They could of dealt with him but they didn’t. Don’t fault a guy for your own short-cummings. Jealousy is bad color for anyone to wear.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
sorry folks i shutdown my last web presence at FaceBook, i will NOT be watching Survivor nor any other shows enough to comment, i will be 71 years old this week
i MUST stop this internet distraction and get back to aerobic weight loss NOW…i really do not expect to post here again ever, nor even look in cuz it is too tempting to start my usual crap here 
toodoolooo, merry whatever holiday you celebrate, and DONT FIGHT with each other over trivia
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
AC (#8).. VERY WELL WRITTEN! I completely agree with your assessment.. This is a social game, it’s not like the Amazing Race where you need to be first.
Russell should never have told about his being a millionaire and kept with the poor farmer or whatever other BS he was slinging… Then he shouldn’t have talked smack to Mick and Natalie.. and Finally — he should never have talked soooo much smack to the jury!!!
Why would they want to reward him — who is he… EFF HIM! Smug Son of a B***h!!
Sorry.. but this whole thing makes me crazy!! This is a social game and he was a DOUCHE!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Ashley. Loved your last blog. YOu tell it like it is. I am beginning to hate reality shows, and the way they end up. Honestly, the best player NEVER wins. I was very moved by Russell in the reunion. He didn’t care about the money, he just wanted the title, and he deserved it. Their closing comments were ironic – Mick owes over $300,000 in student loans, well Boo, Hoo. He will make that in six months as a doctor. Natalie quit her job, and lost her car and insurance – well, boo, hoo, hoo. These people who risk their lives on becoming a reality star make me SICK. Russell, ya, he’s mean, and ornery, but he’s a player. And whoever compared him to Richard Hatch needs to see a shrink. Richard Hatch was a dildo from beginning to end. Russell was the winner, and everybody knows it, i.e., if they have half a brain in their head. Hey, hope everybody has a very Happy Hannukah (sic, probably) and a Very Merry Christmas. Let’s remember what the season is really about instead of what we get. I am a little bitter, cause I don’t think that Barney got me anything for Christmas, unless he hid a bone for me somewhere.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Scotty “k” 12. Lighten up bro,
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Heee Heee Thanks Summer
))
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:10 am
Is this where you sign up for an id????
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 am
Jeff # 4 well said dude WELL SAID and yes we didnt see all what the people seen being around Russell the A$$HOLE he may have played the game well but the Jury knee him better then what we have seen so there HAHAHAH DONT Hate the player hate the jury.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 am
Scotty “K” 12.
As Russell said himself, he had people doing whatever he wanted. Sounds to me like he played a real good social game or they wouldn’t have followed him they way they did. He got John to switch his vote (and john voted for him), he got Shambo to trust him (and she voted for him), and he had all foa foa do whatever he wanted. Both Eric and the blonde girl (???) have said they made a mistake or voting for nat.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Summer Barnie is giving you his love girl thats all you need right and Marry Christmass every one and Ashely i hope you get your laptop cause you,ve been a good girl this year and today we are going to by chelle a cumputer a Dell yeppie cant wait untill feb to go trhough this Shit again i just love talking to my peeps on here love ya all!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
Scotty K # 12 yaaaaaaaaaaa you rock dude LOL!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
June, I got a new laptop yesterday. I love windows 7 so it is all good.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
@ Skotie68 (#18).. I hear you — but they don’t get the benefit of watching the tv with the horrible remarks he made about women and people in general.. Bottom line is, he was smug and their vote for Natalie was an eff-you to him!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Hey Ashley… Tell me about Windows 7 — how is it better than Vista? Any bugs so far?
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
Hey my peeps we all have our favorites and it was a wonderful game just like Big Bro i wanted Russ to win but the dummy won so liten up and just thank the survivor and big bro people on here that we all could be apart of this wonderful blog yes Ashely you did a wonderfull job for us to know what you and all the fans out there is like and we all ROCK MAN HAHAHAHA!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Ashely you go girl and dont forget to email me to let me know when the next survivor is on cause i might forget HAHAHA!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
wELL I DONT KNOW ANY THING ABOUT WINDOW 7 OR 8 OR 9
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
mAN MY CUPUTER IS FREEKING OUT
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
Scotty K, I didn’t have vista so I don’t know the difference. My old laptop I bought in 2005 so it was a dino. Windows 7, imo, is more like a mac. I don’t know about any bugs yet cause I just got it.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Window 7 was my idea.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
mAN MY CUPUTER IS FREEKING OUT but any ways i am glad i know how to turn it on hahaha! What the hell this computer is being dumb ok ,
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Skotie 68, then you are the richest person on the site.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:40 am
This just in
“Survivor” host Jeff Probst blogs at Popwatch that he believes Russell, who lost to Natalie on the show’s finale Sunday night, “was the victim of a jury of bitter people.”
He added that he isn’t taking anything away from winner Natalie, who “clearly did a great job of reading the group dynamic of the jury and as a result she deserves the money.” But Russell, he said, clearly dominated the season and “to not give him the money and the title is a bit silly.”
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Ashely what does it mean when your computer keeps freezing?????
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:44 am
June, that is what mine kept doing before it crashed.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:47 am
Man thats why may husband is getting one today oh ok thanks Ashely and my chelle said yes mom Ashely is right well i am a dumbass hahaha!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:47 am
June.
Could be many things.
1- Virus
2- Low Memory or disk space.
What do you mean by freezing. Does it freeze when opening Webpages? Or does it freeze at times when not even browsing the internet. (i.e. bootup or non internet browsing.
Click on my name and download ‘Stinger’ from McAfee. Free.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
OK i am going to get ready now so THANKS ASHELY and every one of my peeps on here and you too Skotie68 love your company also have a wonderfull day.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Scotie it freezes right when i am righting it stops dam it and your over my head LOL!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Skotie68
I have MaCafee.
and yes It Freeses up wile on the internet. I think it’s because I usually have more then one tap running, and because I’ve had this computer for 5 years now. I think it’s because of memory.
Adn it keeps crashing… it’s done it 3 times this week so I’ve been having to have to go to Hp Recovery or XP what ever it is.
And it’s because I need to do my updates but I always cut it off.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Well for the first time I was hoping that a guy like russell would win. but he did come out a winner in the end. $100.000 is not hard to take. lol
none of the jury should feel good at how they voted. they were all pissed off because they got played. but is it not the way the game is suppose to play? the one player who I thought should have been cut loose earlier was Jaison. this guy did nothing but complain from day one. sure it was raining alot and they were all miserible to say the least but that big baby did not make it any easier on anyone there. plus he was always sleeping, laying around doing nothing. it was al envy in my eyes with the jury. I would like to see Russell on “the Amazing race and see how he would do on there. He was the whole show this season on Survivor.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
June 19. Well, I was hoping that Barney would get me what I had wanted – a new car. I would have even let him sit on my lap when I drove it. Didn’t want a Mercedes (Had one, and it was a piece of crap; didn’t want a Lincoln (had one, but it was too big: ) Just something nice, like a Chevy or Honda. But, I don’t think that I am gonna get it. June, if your computer keeps freezing, it might be getting ready to crash. Get a Click Free and save all of your stuff before it does. Ya, Russell saved this season. If not for him, I would have turned it off. Hey Cooper, you are right. Natalie was a real jerk at the finals. So smug, so irritating, such a jerk. She needs to use the money to go to charm school. Hate coat hanger oners.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Good morning, ye merry people.
My girlfriend and I are off tomorrow morning to fly to her parents’ home in Alberta. It’s only a two hour flight but I hope we’re not delayed or cancellled because of the predicted snowstorm. I’m taking my laptop with me so I’ll still be able to check-in once in a while with you here.
Ashley, blackgirl, June, Jeanne, Summer, Nanny, mama d, Jeff, Scotty, AC, Lav, Cat, Skotie68 and everyone else who reads this site, have a wonderful Christmas. Wishing you love, joy and a little of that magical childhood spirit. Keep safe! (I apologise if I left anyone out by name).
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Pat- Jaison may have had a little more game if his socks hadn’t got burned on Day 1 by that nasty little troll.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
The finale show of Sing-off was a lot better than the other three previous episodes. Nick Lache was still bad and he sang…bad but the music was much better overall. The judges on the show were too nice to the groups. They needed a Simon Cowell type to tell some of the performers to never sing again. The show has potential if they can step up the talent and have a more professional production staff.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Natalie should open her own charm school. She used her charm to win a million bucks and once Russell wasn’t needed any more “she just threw him in the trash”
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Jeff, you just made such a good point about Natalie being a biotch and not a good person just like I said yesterday.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
45. Jeff, you are so wrong. If she opened up a charm school, it would go broke after a week.
On the lighter side – I know some of you guys like to hear of the antics of Barney, so here goes – Today is his 2nd birthday, and I have a feeling that I am in for a very rough year. It started at 6:00 a.m. when he woke me up by dropping his rubber ball on my face. I turned over, and he jumped up and started barking until I got up. So– I am already tired and ready to go to bed. He got into the kitchen garbage four times, crawled up into a chair, and grabbed a small Christmas Package, opened it up, and tore it to pieces. He attacked the broom while I was sweeping the kitchen floor; then barked and attacked the vacuum cleaner. When I went to dust the furniture, he kept stealing the dust cloth. Then he grabbed the throw off from the couch, and I had to chase him around the house for ten minutes to get it back. Does anybody want to take this little devil for a couple days? The “terrible twos” haven’t started off too good, and I don’t know if I am going to be able to keep up with him. So — today, he is being called Barney the Bad.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Summer lol I’m trying to picture all that in my head.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
#42 Cooper – When do you pop the question to your girl? Have you asked her dad for her hand yet? We all know she’ll say yes – how could she turn down a gentleman like you! Keep us posted and have safe travels and a wonderful holiday!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
#47 Summer – Oh, he just knows is only three days till Santa – he’s like all kids – they get very hyper around the holidays! And, no, sorry, as much as I love dogs, we already have two, so guess you’ll have to keep Mr. Barney.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Ashley – this post of yours was an especially thoughtful post. Thank you for sharing.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
#41 Summer, yep. Russell may have created a brilliant assholish personality to play the game, but Natalie appears to be a total douche for real. Charmed, I am not.
#49, Jeanne. I’m going to ask her parents when I am there over the Christmas holidays. I’ll have to find a window of opportunity somehow. I keep thinking of the movie Son-in-law! I pop the question to Britt on New Year’s Eve. I’m taking her out for dinner and plan on asking her right at midnight.
#46 Ashley, most excellent response!
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Natalie is a douche! Seriously, all she did was put out her lower lip and cry about her quitting her and losing her insurance to be on Survivor. BOO-HOO! And whats even worse is those emotionally inept Ass-hat jurors went along with it. You know Russell got swindled when even some of the jurors are saying they’ve really made a mistake by voting for Nat. Out of their own mouths, they are basically admitting to still being bad players.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Bottom lines is exactly what Russell said at the final Tribal counsel. “If they outwitted me, out played me, or out lasted me then vote for them” The jury obviously didn’t vote based off those core value of survivor. They look bad.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Just realized if you have a DVR you can pause the season 20 promo at one section and see every single face of the people on the show. They scroll thru all their faces really fast but you can pause and see them all
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Very interesting, they did not show Russell.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Skotie68, they may not have realized at the time of the picture that Russell would be on the show. He is definitely on the show.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
On a completely different topic, I’m really looking forward to The Bachelor which airs January 4 and American Idol which starts January 12, I think.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Ashley
There will never be another Adam.
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:15 am
I wanted to let the world know that RussellH has been diagnosed with severe jury vote envy, therefore upon our psychiatrists evaluation of RussellH we found that RussellH in the ancient Nordic Rune Script is spelled NatalieW and we have awarded the Sole Survivor title to the reality fantasy man formerly known as RussellH however upon hearing this RussellHs original die hard fans commited hari kari as advised by Coach Wade since the fans realized that they had actaully been calling RussellH all those bad names that they THOUGHT they were calling NatalieW, burial at sea and a prayer ceremony for RussellHs fans will be held at the shore of the former Foa Foa camp by the Reverend Chicken Lady who flew away from Shambo
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 am
we want to assure you that RussellH now known as NatalieW is well and recovering so click my name to see how well he looks now
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:43 am
Good Morning everyone, I can’t believe that it’s over already. It has been a great season of Survivor thanks to “the runner up”. He made it worthwhile watching. Anyhoo I am over the outcome and have moved on to better things. CHRISTMAS. Have a great one you’ll.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
skotie68, I agree that Adam was the best contestant to ever be on AI. Hopefully there will be some good talent this year. I’m looking for another Daughtry.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
Ashley, I’ve never seen The Bachelor. I’ll give it a go. I can’t wait for AI! I was and am a huge Adam fan, and have been since day one!
We’re off today to a large northern metropolis city in Alberta (Edmonton). I still have to finish packing. To quote one of the greats of literature, “Merry Christmas! God bless us one and all.”
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Cooper, Matt has a website for AI at americanidolnet.com so check it out when the season starts.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:05 am
Ashley, regarding Barney, remember this took place over an entire day. But– he really kept me busy. Today he has seemed to calm down a little, but we will see when I vacuum the living room and dining room. Take care everybody and will catch you later.
December 25th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I definitely DO NOT believe that Russel is the Ultimate Sole Survivor. He was a horses patoot!!!
January 4th, 2010 at 3:18 am
I was suprised to see Russell on the verge of tears and fuming when he lost. If he had kept one promise, not backstabbed every ally and not made every jury member look and feel like a fool for trusting him he would have won, but in the end he was a little girl begging to buy the title. Russ was pathetic.