Static Zombie

In theory, I agree with you on the rules issue. Every player of games knows that you just can't change the rules in the middle. (Of course, Survivor did it last year when they brought back players who had been booted...yucko!)

In practice, however, I found Trump's decision to fire *both* nitwits extremely satisfying. After Maria's gross insubordination -- and Wes's stunning non-response -- my head told me Wes had to go. But my heart was definitely pulling for the tar 'n' feathering of Maria. Trump may be playing fast and loose with the rules, but if ever there was a good time to break them, this was it.

I also agree that Survivor has been *less* than compelling ever since the guys let themselves get woefully out-numbered. Rory's dance-along-the-edge in the women's camp was fun to watch, but when he was the first one to go after the merge you knew the handwriting was written on the mirror in lipstick.

On the other hand, I thought *both* challenges last night were pretty cool. The reward race was hugely fun to watch, though I felt pretty sorry for both "sacrificial lambs."

And the immunity challenge was tense as well. I love the who-can-outlast-who challenges that are usually reserved for final four episodes. Conversely, challenges with quizzes or puzzle-solving make me want to gag. Don't get me wrong, I like quizzes and puzzles, but they don't work for me thematically on Survivor.

It will be interesting to see how long Chris can survive. If he can luck into some strength and/or speed immunity challenges he may stand a chance. If the challenges are of the SAT variety, we may be in for an all-girl finale, which wouldn't necessarily be a *bad* thing.

Thought: It does concern me that Tivo has data on how many times I pause and slow-play the moments Amy walks by in a bikini. This may preclude my ever running for public office.