By Guest Correspondent ChoHey, it’s Cho and I’m finally back with more SURVIVOR recaps! Is it me, or has it been FOREVER since the last season? Maybe it only feels that way because I had a horrible summer. Ask me about it in the comment section, but I digress. Thankfully, we should have both Sandra & Rob to keep us entertained all throughout this current season we wait for the legendary season 40. Hopefully my auntie will purple pen her thoughts, but without further ado, let’s get to my cast assessment of Survivor: Island of the Idols!
LAIRO TRIBE
Front row Dean Kowalski, Karishma Patel, Elizabeth Beisel, Chelsea Walker, Elaine Stott
Back row: Missy Byrd, Ronnie Bardah, Tom Laidlaw, Aaron Meredith, Vince Moua
Ronnie Bardah
Age: 35 Current residence: Henderson, Nevada Occupation: Pro Poker Player
Apparently, he grew up in the hood and has a pretty great success story from his spoils in the poker competition world. He’s definitely going to fit the alpha male archetype in some capacity. Let’s just hope he’s not an absolute jerk considering most poker players who appear on the show are. Can’t wait to see Rob deal with this one.
Elizabeth Beisel
Age: 26 Current residence: Saunderstown, Rhode Island Occupation: Olympic Medalist
She’s definitely going to have a positive mindset and be a team player. With her Olympic background, I see her doing well in the challenges which will keep her safe in the early rounds. And due to her general agreeableness, I can see her blending into the background when things pop off. We also love girls with big hair! Who doesn’t like big hair?
Missy Byrd
Age: 24 Current residence: Tacoma, Washington Occupation: Air Force Veteran
I’m always concerned for my fellow young black folk as they don’t typically do well in the game for one reason or another. Missy seems to be physically fit, so hopefully the physical game won’t be a reason why she’s targeted early. She’s a big Beyonce fan, so I already like her. If she’s able to take on her ability to immerse herself like she does when traveling, I see her doing well. Why do I feel like I know this name? Like I have seen it in my inbox?
Dean Kowalski
Age: 28 Current residence: New York City Occupation: Tech Sales
I almost got into technical sales many years ago for Oracle. My partner, Eric, also worked in technical sales for 20 years until most recently. Big money in those industries. Dean seems like he’s going to take charge but in a nice way. I hope he’s able to remain carefree and as jovial as he seems in his bio. The game has a way of breaking people down. I see him getting taken advantage of or being disposed of as a super threat. He’s hot! Eric is rich.
Tom Laidlaw
Age: 60 Current residence: Greenwich, Connecticut Occupation: Former NHL Player
Am I the only one that view NHL players as having a penchant for violence during their sport? I feel like watching hockey is no different from watching World Star fights or a dinner scene from Jersey. Due to his age and former occupation, I just don’t see him doing that well due to potential personality conflicts that he’s liable to get into. Cho hates old people.
Aaron Meredith
Age: 36 Current residence: Warwick, Rhode Island Occupation: Gym Owner
I find it interesting that he has Meredith as a last name. He described himself as attractive, so right there tells me he’ll be an asshole. Giggles. He’s going to be really aggressive in every aspect of the game, and it’ll be his downfall. At least he’ll be nice to look at though? And maybe he’ll pick up more clients for his gym after his appearance. Maybe that’s the entire point! He doesn’t fit my stereotype of what people from Rhode Island look like.
Vince Moua
Age: 27 Current residence: Palo Alto, California Occupation: Admissions Counselor
There’s A LOT to unpack here. Do I think he’ll last long? No. Do I think they are going to milk him for all that he’s worth from an entertainment point of view? Absolutely! Apparently, his grandmother’s Shaman Master told him that he’s going to become the next shaman in the family. Expect him to give a heartfelt confessional about how his father’s experience being a refugee from Laos. It’s pretty heart wrenching. He has a plan for everything, but will he be able to handle the physical game? Oh I want to keep this one.
Karishma Patel
Age: 37 Current residence: Houston Occupation: Personal Injury Lawyer
After my summer experience, I really don’t have good things to say about lawyers. Someone remind me what Personal Injury Lawyers do exactly. Are they the ones who have those commercials asking if you breathed in asbestos 3 decades ago and try to convince you that you might have a claim? If so, I’ll take a pass on Karishma. Ambulance chasers are annoying people. I am more interested in Cho’s horrible summer than any of these people.
Elaine Stott
Age: 41 Current residence: Rockholds, Kentucky Occupation: Factory Worker
CBS really does go out of their way to fit in as many stereotypes as possible. I think she’s naturally going to be an underdog and someone we root for. She describes herself as rough and raw on the outside but soft like a marshmallow on the inside. I love marshmallows! Let’s hope she’s able to overcome the obvious odds against her already. She is my favorite. I am team fat girl letting it all hang out from Kentucky. She is my spirit animal. She will go first.
Chelsea Walker
Age: 26
Current residence: Los Angeles Occupation: Digital Content Creator
I can get down with this girl. She has a sense of humor, self-awareness and doesn’t take herself super seriously. She’s been playing to the show for over 5 years now, so she’s definitely a super fan. I think she’s going to do well at the alliance-making portion of the game which will take her deep. I am going to start telling people I am a “digital content creator.” It sounds better than online sex worker.
VOKAI TRIBE
Front row: Jack Nichting, Molly Byman, Lauren Beck, Kellee Kim, Janet Carbin
Back row: Noura Salman, Dan Spilo, Jamal Shipman, Jason Linden, Tommy Sheehan
Lauren Beck
Age: 28 Current residence: Glendale, California Occupation: Nanny
Only the hardcore Big Brother fans will get this, but whenever I see a contestant with the occupation of “nanny”, I think of Jen from Big Brother 8 who I thought was beyond iconic!! I wasn’t a fan of Evel Dick or his bratty daughter, Daniele. I was also a fan of “The Friendship” in season 6 which that tells you everything you need to know about my taste in Big Brother alliances, but I digress! Lauren’s hobbies include eating hot cheetos while watching true-crime TV shows, so she’s an instant relatable favorite of mine already! I could see her being a bubbly friendlier version of Sandra. I bet she’ll be excited when she sees her! I need to reevaluate my relationship with Cho. This day sucks enough without being reminded of THE FUCKING FRIENDSHIP.
Molly Byman
Age: 27 Current residence: Durham, North Carolina Occupation: Law Student
She’s been watching since season 2 with Elisabeth Hasselback whom I absolutely adored on and off Survivor. The View has never been the same without her tbh. I think she’s going to have trouble really staying in tune with the strategic cutthroat side of the game. She’s such an adventurous & kind spirit, and I see her getting manipulated easily if she doesn’t work to keep her guard up. I hate Molly.
Janet Carbin
Age: 59 Current residence: Palm Bay, Florida Occupation: Chief Lifeguard
Seems like we’ll have an older female contestant that is competent in the physical portion of the game which is always refreshing to see. She admits to being aggressive and sometimes having a harsh personality. Not good qualities to have when you’re already older which is an easy, albeit unfair, way of getting targeted early on in the game. I think she’ll be an early boot. Cho hates old ladies.
Kellee Kim
Age: 29 Current residence: Philadelphia Occupation: MBA Student
I really didn’t get much from her bio outside of the fact that she plays Settlers of Catan which means she’s going to be cutthroat as heck while having a high tolerance for stressful situations. Please tell me your most dramatic Settlers story in the comment section below. I have one that involved my friends and I getting KICKED out of a coffee shop because we were arguing about the rules and disrupting business. I’m pretty sure I won. Weirdo.
Jason Linden
Age: 32 Current residence: New York City Occupation: Personal Injury Lawyer
Now wait a minute, two Personal Injury Lawyers in one cast?! You can do better, CBS. Despite my earlier gripes about the occupation, I do get the sense that Jason will have a great pulse on the game. He won’t be targeted as an alpha male yet he’ll be able to contribute in challenges. He’ll also know how to navigate the social waters. Bet he goes deep in the game! We don’t need any more lawyers and law students. We are full.
Jack Nichting
Age: 23 Current residence: Harrisonburg, Virginia Occupation: Graduate Student
I pity anyone going through grad school in this economy. Homeboy needs the coins from this show! He seems like a total sweetheart that I’m sure the viewers will fall in love with. His smile is infectious, and I think it’ll have that same effect on his fellow Survivors. I think he does well if he can get through the early portion of the game. Frontrunner, production favorite.
Noura Salman
Age: 36 Current residence: North Potomac, Maryland Occupation: Entrepreneur
Usually, I have a man crush on 1 or several of the Survivors every season, but let me tell y’all right now: I’M CRUSHING ON NOURA all season long. She has a smoking body! She says she’s the nerd, the jock and the model with a brain. Total package for sure, though I am always skeptical of people who simply list their occupation as an entrepreneur. Maybe she’ll explain on the show. Season 39 winner.
Tommy Sheehan Age: 26 Current residence: Long Beach, New York Occupation: 4th Grade Teacher
Okay, I spoke too soon. I’m in heat simply looking at Tommy and knowing that he teaches 4th grade students. AND, he’s a red hair, which I know is super controversial for some insane reason. He seems to have a huge heart and is really in touch with his emotions which will serve him well when playing the game. He won’t have any trouble with the physical game. The only concern is if he becomes too threatening, I can see people trying to get rid of him earlier rather than later. Cho loves really, really, really white people. Dude will go home due to sun poisoning.
Jamal Shipman
Age: 33 Current residence: Providence, Rhode Island Occupation: Admissions Counselor K-12
He’s an Ivy League grad, so he’ll definitely bring a certain level of intellect to the game. Hopefully he has the social skills to back it up. I didn’t get much else from his bio outside of his passion for education. So both people who live in Rhode Island are on the show? This would have been a good time to take over the state.
Dan Spilo
Age: 48 Current residence: Los Angeles Occupation: Talent Manager
I need a talent manager so maybe I’ll slide into his DMs sometime this season! He’s going to be a sweetheart, but I don’t think he has the physical chops to cut it in the game unless he gets into a rock solid alliance at the start. He also relates to weirdo Survivor Cochran, which isn’t shade to Cochran. I actually loved him in his appearances on the show. The issue is that there simply aren’t many Cochrans who succeed in the game of Survivor. Cho is cancelled! HE CALLED COCHRAN A WEIRDO!
THE MENTORS
Sandra Diaz-Twine
Age: 45 Previous seasons of Survivor: Pearl Islands (winner), Heroes vs. Villains (winner), Game Changers
Okay, so if anything keeps this season interesting, it’s going to be the fact that one of the most iconic Survivors is back! She’s sure to deliver in the confessional room with her quick-witted quips and sassy humor. Her and Boston Rob are actually besties in real life, so it’ll be fun to see them compete with each other on the show. I’m calling it though, one of Sandra’s mentees will win. It’s the only thing that the universe will allow. She didn’t win the game two times by mistake, and I think she’ll pass on some very wise advice. The queen stays queen! Heavy sigh.
“Boston” Rob Mariano
Age: 43 Previous seasons of Survivor: Marquesas, All-Stars, Heroes vs. Villains, Redemption Island (winner)
Talk about a dominant player in Survivor history. Rob has definitely made his mark and deserves all the accolades that he has received. I mean, only a top notch Survivor player would take someone to the F2, lose to that person only to propose to them at the finale anyway! I’m not sure how the mentor twist will take form, but if they are surviving with their mentees, Rob will be able to help them with shelter! SWOOON. I try really hard to hate yankees. So don’t tell anyone I kind of have a thing for Massholes. I’d lose my DAR membership.
I am cranky I have not watched any of the videos, my purple pen comments are my bitchy thoughts based on Cho’s observations. Hopefully, they were at least a little humorous. Where are the hot guys? And why does the short ambulance chaser from NYC sort of undo me? He seems like a rich yankee jerk. And Lord I love me some lawyers. He makes me thinks impure thoughts. You just know he has Napoleon complex. And I make horrible decisions with men.
Well that’s it for my assessment! Tell me in the comment section what you think. Are you happy with Sandra and Rob returning? How entertaining will it be to see two contestants weekly who essentially aren’t even playing the game in a traditional sense? How will that impact the others? If you like what I do here on the site, be sure to support me in my other ventures elsewhere on the internet!
Now I want to hear about Cho’s horrible summer.
I am in bitch mode because THERE IS ROADKILL ON MY STREET RIGHT AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY AND I AM TERRIFIED TO LEAVE. I spent all morning trying to get someone to come fix it. also Banjo has some sort of skin problem. Plus I was sick this week with something like food poisoning. I haven’t been able to go buy dogfood. So I made Banjo dinner with salmon, brown rice and red beans. Today HIS tummy is all rumbly rumbly. I’m wondering if the fish is bad. I have a whole freezer full of it! Sigh.
Feel free to tell your own whiney stories in comments. but please avoid things like dead people and sexual assault and such. Just the usually daily bitching. 🙂
So my summer: As you all know, I operate and run a restaurant full time. It’s really successful and is a mainstay in our community. Recently, the lease was up to be renegotiated. My landlord attempted to raise my rent by 89% over the next 4 years. We offered them a 21% increase to begin with… Btw, I’m a long term tenant. They had access to how much money we were making and verbatim said: “[insert rl name], you have enough money to play around with,” when I protested the increases and gave reasons why it wasn’t fair.
Cue lots of fighting, hiring of lawyers, mediators, accusations/slander, threats onto my business and the high possibility of closing down the restaurant entirely if they didn’t reasonably negotiate. I had gray hair at the age of 29 and sent pictures of such to my dad. He wasn’t impressed. Looking for other spaces to rent while operating was extremely difficult. My landlord’s attorney attempted to slip in a clause that would allow them to modify or change any or all terms of the lease whenever they saw fit without notifying us. They attempted to put a “morality clause” in the lease. Really PSYCHO shit that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what I went through. Eventually, the PUBLIC got involved and defended my honor and what we bring to the community. This, despite me having never made any public announcements to defend myself. They didn’t have any other possible tenants so they finally settled on slightly above what I had originally offered…
TLDR: I almost became willfully unemployed this summer, because my greedy landlord tried to increase my rent by 89% over the next 4 years.
The bright spot in my day was I have experienced Doritos Salsa Verde for the first time. BEST THING EVER.
Sorry Cho for highjacking your comments.
I feel like I’ve never had a dorito that I didn’t like! I don’t believe I’ve had that flavor though. Must try!
Taco is my fave but I love them ALL! Not joking, many crave ice cream or cookies…give me a bag of doritos, please and thank you!
Glad to see you back Cho, you’re always a shiny penny amongst us old driven over, green, left on the ground.. as if every penny doesn’t count as currency…pennies! You are really just so shiny!
The love, respect and support of your community is very telling. It’s horrible hearing about what you went through, you’re out on the otherside now, stronger and wiser for it, trust me, life really can be very hard but I suspect this was an experience that was pivotal in your continuing success. Congratulations!
Xxoo,
Kipper
Thank you for your immensely kind words of encouragement and reassurance! I was just recruited for an esports organization, and I was able to negotiate a neat contract precisely because of the hell I was put through over the summer. So yeah, some good came out of the experience for sure! I’m mostly an optimistic and positive person. And I move on quickly when it comes to my goals. It’s behind me now.
Looking forward to chatting with you more often this Survivor season! <3
Kipper- I agree with with you! Cho’s comments are pennies from Heaven!
Just beautiful, Cho. TT the purple pen lived up to Cho’s dreams and gave me quite a few giggles. I haven’t started a Survivor season with the DVR set in a while. I am soooo excited about this one. I love a love story, and Rob and Ambuh (he is the epitome of a charming Masshole) are a true love story.
The purple pen was honestly the best part of this assessment. I’ll be sure to bring the SPICE in the first recap!
Rob & Ambuh are THE iconic Survivor couple. They have a litter of children and are so happy, rich and in love. They went on to win the Amazing Race a few times, no?
I don’t think Rob and Ambuh ever won TAR, but they made it to finals at least once. Rob was the first contestant to purposely take a penalty to skip a challenge. They couldn’t eat all the Brazilian (maybe Argentinian) BBQ meat and convinced other teams to take the 3 hour penalty after them. Thus, they wouldn’t/didn’t get eliminated. Dude knows how to play a game. He is a true chess master.
Don’t sell yourself too short; you gave the mighty purple pen some amazing source material. I look forward to much more from you in the ensuing weeks.
Ok I think you might be right about that! Wow I forgot that he did that. That’s kind of epic tbh that he manipulated others to do it on the fly like that.
Cho- Welcome back! Sorry to hear you had a tough summer. I hope things are looking up. I’m looking forward to your Survivor recaps this season. I really like Boston Rob. I think he is overall a charming guy with a bit of a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I think it was his second time on Survivor when he made sure the members of his alliance were never alone with other castmasts they were against. It was smart because it kept them from turning the tables on him and they always reported back to him. He had a great balance of physical and social dominance. Sandra was so good at getting into the others minds and could flip votes at tribal council with just a few comments. Fingers crossed we get some eye candy this season!
TT- I hope you and Banjo feel better soon!
Kerry omg how I’ve MISSED YOU! Thank you so much for tuning in to the recap. My summer was pretty much a clown fiesta, but I am so looking forward to the future. My game plan will be changing dramatically. I’m actually looking to become an “DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR” full time. LOL
I definitely think that both Sandra and Rob bring epic game styles but in really different ways. You’re correct in your assertion that Rob kept his allies under a tight grip socially. Really dominant guy. Sandra played more of a passively opportunistic game. as much as an oxymoron as this is, Sandra was able to be dependable to everyone in the games she played, because she was so flexible in her loyalty. She’s the definition of how to play as a free-agent.
There’s a few pieces of candy I’m looking at, but nothing too crazy yet…
OMG! I have just kept my curtain closed because of the maggot filled carcass. THEY CAME AND GOT IT! IT’S GONE! THANK THE BABY JESUS!
What was the animal that was dead?! Hopefully not a deer!
I’m here to start the hashtag #chohatesoldpeople and to say that you DO love a good Masshole TT! I haven’t watched since the Amber/Rob days but I love me a Cho recap and a TT purple pen so keep them coming! Can we get a Cho’s awful summer recap with some purple pen??? 🙂
Shut your damn trap. People are going to start believing I actually like yankees.
It will be our secret 😂😂
Jesus. The next thing you know people will start thinking I call Canookians, Canookians as a term of endearment. Le sigh.
LOL omg #ChoHatesOldPeople let’s make it trend. I think they definitely add people from older seasons to retain viewership. You should definitely watch a few episodes. I used to love Rob & Ambuh. They did a doozy on the original All Stars season.
I described my awful summer under the first comment! SIGH!
Hi Cho
I’m going to try and watch Survivor. I usually don’t which is weird because I’m a BB fan. I will be looking forward to your recaps. I’m glad your summer problem was straightened out. What nerve your landlord has!!
Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate you willing to give this season a chance. I’m not sure how the format will be and how the mentors will truly fit into it all, but I’m excited to find out.
And yeah, my landlord is garbage.
Cho, You’re a doll !!
I watched a bit, but will watch the rest tomorrow. I want to watch b’c it might be fun, plus, like I said you’re an angel face doll !!
Thank you so much for the compliments! I look forward to engaging with you in the future. I thin Survivor is such a classic show!
I am not normally a stalker. BUT I SHALL HUNT DOWN CHO AND FORCE HIM TO FEED ME when I am footloose and fancy free again.
And I shall not be paying. He’s my most favored nephew after all.
No hunting down necessary. I’ll come to you!! <3
Nephew, I need your help. I am in existentialist crisis or something. This is one of the most important nights of television of the entire year. It’s all Big Brother finale night and Survivor premiere night. It’s the harbinger of fall. I love this night.
BUT CBS HAS FUCKED IT ALL UP.
THEY ARE AIRING THE BEGINNING OF SURVIVOR BEFORE THE FINALE OF BIG BROTHER!
This is wrong.THIS IS NOT HOW THE UNIVERSE WORKS.
I is old. us old folks do not like change!
Also, there is a new dead possum on my street. It’s not at the end of my driveway. It’s half a block away. God is punishing me with dead possums. Or maybe He just hates possums.
I need to read your BB recaps to get a gist of how this finale shook down! I was unfortunately a bit distracted recently where I wasn’t reading like I usually do.
Possums are ugly creatures, so I don’t mind god punishing them!!
And don’t remind me about change. I’m STILL really perturbed about Survivor airing on Wednesdays until Thursdays. I never quite recovered tbh.
I hear you Cho, i’m still bitter over the Wednesday change too! Something else i’m hanging onto is a channel change in my area that took place probably 30+ years ago. Channel 3 was always NBC in the Philly market, 10 was CBS. Life was good. Then they SWITCHED numbers! WTF? Who does that? To this day I still have to say “tenBC” and “threeBS” in my head to keep them straight. As soon as it starts coming naturally I just know they will switch them back and at that point I’ll just have to move.
Love your recap and TTs purple pen! Both people have left Rhode Island… 😂
I totally relate to that! That’s just how things go. You start getting used to something then they switch up on you! Thank you for commenting. I hope to chat with you again as the season progresses!
Tommy Sheenan is my friend’s sons 4th grade teacher! The whole class is super excited. I’m wondering how weird it’s going to be to teach your class after you do something particularly devious on the show the night before!
OMG this is exciting and give us someone to root for!
Janet, can you please be our spy via your friend’s son?! LOL I’d love to know how his class is reacting to the show.
I’m so excited for Survivor and BB21 finale tonight. However they are on opposite of MTV’s The Challenge. The Challenge is full of a variety of eye candy. Turbo- won The Challenge last season, he won Survivor Turkey and is a man of a few words and 100% muscle.
Theo is from England, placed 2nd last season on The Challenge, was on Love Island -UK, was a member of the National UK track team and is super tall and sexy. Joss-is from England, was on Ex on the Beach U.K., has done 3 seasons of The Challenge with one final. Finally CT- American, 17 seasons of the Challenge making it to 5 finals with 2 wins. He is probably the most intimidating male player ever. The women are all incredibly fit. Some are super muscular and some have beautiful curves. The show may be hard to get into if you don’t know the history of the players throughout the seasons. Some definitely play the social/political game while others dominate physically. I guess the Challenge is Survivor + Big Brother.
Kerry, I too love The Challenge for numerous reasons the bodies are just scrumptious! I am praying Johnny Bananas is sent packing for good! Talk about an asshole.
Wait, he’s still doing the challenges?! He’s literally 40, right?!
I watched these challenges when they first came out. Before they were branded under one title that is. I remember the times of people like Veronica and Johnny Bananas. I wonder what they’re doing these days!
They have really changed up the casting this year and I like it! The cast is older and more accomplished and has almost no pageant bikini babes and frat boy assholes. I don’t think we’ll see the ‘pretty people’ ganging together against the rest. One note: Elizabeth Beisel’s 3 Olympic medals are in swimming, including one Gold. I hope there are water challenges this year.
that’s an interesting note that I didn’t really notice, but you’re totally right! Let’s hope this casting choice really shakes things up and we get a diverse but interesting cast this season!
Hi Cho!
Sorry you had a crappy summer but glad it all worked out. And yeah – Survivor is back!! Last season was not my favorite but I loved David vs Goliath season.
I’m rooting for Elizabeth Beisel. I’m a big swimming fan and follow her in Instagram. She is adorable and so talented. Hope she makes it far. Tonight’s episode was fun. Looking forward to your recap 😊.
Hang in there TT- we love ya!
Hey MaryBeary! I believe you’ve commented before? I think I recognize your name. Thank you for stopping by again, and I hope you take the time to become a part of the commenting community here on the site! <3
I LOVED David & Goliath. I liked Angelina a lot despite her being a major villain. I just thought they had a great cast. Very dynamic with decent story telling. everyone kind of had redemption in some way shape or form. I'm really happy with how tonight's episode turned out and hope you will comment on the blog post for tomorrow! 🙂
Can anyone honestly say those busts of Sandra and Rob look anything like them? I’ve watched since episode one, never missed a show, love them both but I don’t think I would have had a clue!
I agree. I think it’s such poor craftsmanship. It adds to the ridiculousness of it all!
Cho and PopCultureKelly are so sweet in their comments. It kinda balances out my comments that are usually more like “shut up you idiot.” Right? 🙂
We gotta bring B A L A N C E to your community! <3 I'm only mean and shady when I'm streaming video games! haha
Cho- Yes, Johnny Bananas is still doing the challenges. Yes he is a big asshole but his antics and pot stirring are so entertaining and every season people fall for it. I would love to see Jackson on The Challenge. He would probably do well in the comps but he would lose his shit with the mental games the vets play. Also i don’t think production would jump in to accommodate his spoiled entitled ass.
Shut up that’s BANANAS! Pun intended! lol I don’t think I know Jackson. I’m pretty sure some of those players would LOVE to go on a prime time reality TV show like Survivor.