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James “J.T.” Thomas wins one last reward.

The epic battle of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” concluded Sunday, crowning Sandra Diaz-Twine the $1 million winner. Diaz-Twine, who beat Parvati Shallow and Russell Hantz in the final three, previously won her season in the Pearl Islands.

But let us not forget James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., the cattle rancher from Samson, who finished in 10th place. As part of the jury, he cast one of six votes for Diaz-Twine; the other three votes went to Shallow.

Besides participating in the live reunion show on Sunday, the fans rewarded Thomas for his game play. Sort of.

Video: Jeff Probst crowns the dumbest move
in “Survivor” history.

Host Jeff Probst revealed the winner of an online poll for “Dumbest Move in ‘Survivor’ History,” which included game-ending moves by fellow Heroes James Clement and Colby Donaldson and Villain Tyson Apostol. Thomas won the trophy for his decision to hand over a hidden immunity idol to the opposing tribe, later used to oust him from the game.

Video: Thomas shares his thoughts on the final three.

Did the jury pick the right winner? And does J.T. deserve the award for dumbest move ever?

Previous: Episode 10 – Double dealing

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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I’m not sick, but I’m not well: J.T. clings to a challenge.

For weeks, the battle between Heroes and Villains has taken out five from each tribe. Tonight, the battle came home to the Heroes.

Would the Heroes be ready to take on their foes as one merged tribe? Are the Villains unstoppable with two hidden immunity idols just itching to be played?

It’s time for the big showdown on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Last time, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. handed over the Heroes’ immunity idol to Russell Hantz of the Villains. Oops. To quote Dark Helmet, “Now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.”

Find out, after the jump …

Seed of distraction: Russell, right, reels in J.T. with a fish tale.

Just targeted: From the start, Russell is gunning for J.T. He rallies his Villain allies Parvati Shallow, Danielle DiLorenzo and Jerri Manthey. Out of the loop? Sandra Diaz-Twine, who knows nothing of the idols on her own team.

Both teams anticipate the merge, but only the Villains have a real game plan.

The Villains receive a key and instructions to pack up and move to the Heroes’ camp. Parvati confides that while Russell may be the king, she’s the queen who’s actually the power behind the throne. Merge in 3 … 2 …

The Heroes welcome the Villains, but are put off by Parvati’s continued presence in the game. J.T. and Rupert Boneham confer with Russell, who says both idols were played at Tribal Council.

And J.T. says, “He’s a good old country boy. I trust him explicitly.”

No, don’t go in there!

Pearl pals: Sandra gives Rupert the scoop.

Jarring talk: Sandra, with nothing to lose, warns Rupert that no idols were played. In fact, the only thing being played are the Heroes. She spells out how Russell is running the show, with Parvati by his side.

Rupert tries to warn his allies J.T., Amanda Kimmel and Candice Woodcock, but J.T. isn’t buying it.

“There’s a reason I’ve been doing Rupert’s strategical play for him thus far,” J.T. confides with a laugh. “Do you believe what Sandra told you, or do you believe the obvious truth?”

The killer is in the house with you! Run!!!

Seems like old times: Parvati, left, and Amanda keep in touch.

Meanwhile, Parvati and Amanda, former allies from “Fans vs. Favorites,” trade notes. (Parvati vows in confession to take out Heroes one at a time.) Parvati is feeling the giant target on her, and confides to Amanda that she has an idol.

Wow. That’s clue No. 2 for the former Heroes.

Pole positions: Hanging on for immunity.

Immunity challenge: The 10 contestants fight for individual immunity by staying perched, wrapped around a pole, for as long as possible.

Candice, Parvati and J.T. have each played this challenge before unsuccessfully.

Oh, and the merged tribe name? Yin Yang.

Within the first minute, Sandra and Colby Donaldson are out. Then Russell, Rupert, Amanda and J.T. fail.

That leaves four women — Candice for the former Heroes, Parvati, Danielle and Jerri for the former Villains — in the competition. Jerri drops after 90 minutes.

Candice, who isn’t tired and seems comfortable, steps down voluntarily. Even host Jeff Probst questions her move before she quits. She hands immunity over to the Villains with the possibility of a 5-5 vote at tribal council.

Sigh.

Parvati and Danielle confer, and since Parvati has her idol, she steps down.

Danielle wins individual immunity.

Rupert notes that Parvati had no reason to drop out, unless she has an idol in her possession. That would be clue No. 3 for the Heroes.

Judging trust: The Heroes plan to vote all for either Sandra or Jerri, but they plan to test Russell’s allegiance by asking him to vote for Parvati.

Sandra figures she’s a target, but really wants Russell gone. “I’m stuck with him.”

Amanda tells Parvati to play the idol for protection, but Parvati sees right through Amanda’s ruse.

It doesn’t really matter, as Russell marches up and hands Parvati his idol. Looks like Parvati may not be a favorite among the Heroes, but she just landed the only critical vote she needed.

All hail the queen.

Whatever J.T. has, it’s contagious: Russell gives Parvati his idol.

Voted out: At Tribal Council, the players make it clear that it’s one tribe in name only. Russell says this one vote will determine if the Heroes or Villains make it to the end.

And with that, they vote.

The revealed votes show a battle between J.T. and Jerri. One of them is going home.

When Jeff calls for any idols to be played, Parvati makes her move. As Russell did several episodes before, she gives an idol to Sandra to protect her.

And then, to everyone’s surprise, especially Russell’s, she hands a second one to Jerri.

Twin perks: Parvati gives an idol to Sandra, above,
and a second one to Jerri.

In one grand gesture, Parvati unites the Villains, stuns the Heroes and solidifies her grip on the finals.

Sandra and Jerri play their idols.

It’s one of the craziest moves in “Survivor” history as Jeff calls it.

He reveals the five votes for Jerri, all null. And then …

J.T., the cattle rancher from Samson and Mobile and winner of “Survivor: Tocantins,” is voted out 5-0, becoming the third member of the jury.

11th out: Yin Yang dumps J.T, 5-0

Cowboy down: ‘I feel like a total idiot right now.
It’s pretty terrible to be voted out by your own idol.’

Video: J.T.’s final words

Video: J.T., the day after

• • •

We’ll have an interview with J.T. on Wade on Birmingham soon.

• • •

How did Parvati pull it off? Are the Heroes about to be picked off one by one?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 9 – Million dollar bye-bye
Next: Sandra takes control and targets Russell.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Five plus five equals frenzy!

Somehow, the teams are both even with five members each on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” The perfect time for a merge.

Or is it? (dramatic cue)

Two of the Villains located on hidden immunity idol at camp. A third Villain had one handed to him at a challenge. By J.T. Who is not a Villain.

So far, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile has been in the driver’s seat, leading his tribe, playing off the two major factions with a deciding vote. But after sneaking off to find the hidden immunity idol, then getting caught, he convinced the Heroes to hand it over to the Villains to turn an enemy into an ally.

Oops. We’ll know soon enough whether five Heroes can match up to five Villains holding two aces.

Plus, a bonus video …

Video: Jerri Manthey can’t believe J.T. gave up the idol.

Episode 9 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• (Mobile) Press-Register
• Host Jeff Probst: “J.T. and the Heroes just made a huge mistake.  A monumental mistake.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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From the desk of J.T.:
‘Destroy this right when you finish reading!’

Oh, hell no!

They did not just do that. They. Did. Not. Just. Do. That.

The Heroes aren’t losing to the Villains; they’re losing to their own worst instincts. And leading the way is Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr.

Whether it’s “Survivor” history or “Survivor” infamy remains to be seen, but the Heroes embarked on a daring and likely foolhardy plan tonight.

Who found an idol? Who kept in their (under)pants? And who might have just handed over $1 million? Find out, after the jump …

Feets of strength: Contestants stand tall for reward;
Parvati squares off against J.T.

Reward challenge: The steaks are high. Get it? No, wait, we haven’t told you the prize yet.

Opposing team members are paired off to stand barefoot on small wooden holds. Eventually, they move to the smallest holds. First team to drop three players loses.

J.T.’s dominance in this challenge during his previous season put him in the final four.

The winning tribe wins a steak dinner from a certain Australian-themed chain.

The five Hero-Villain matchups are …

• Candice Woodcock vs. Danielle DiLorenzo;
• Amanda Kimmel vs. Courtney Yates;
• J.T. vs. Parvati Shallow;
• Colby Donaldson vs. Jerri Manthey, a rematch from two previous seasons;
• Rupert Boneham vs. Sandra Diaz-Twine, a rematch from Pearl Islands.

Host Jeff Probst notes that Day 22 also marks Amanda’s 100th day playing “Survivor.” Wow.

Those three little words: J.T., left, gives
quiet encouragement to Russell.

While competing, J.T. quietly mouths a “Hang in there” to the benched Russell Hantz for reassurance. The Heroes are more convinced than ever after “Coach” Ben Wade’s exit that a women’s alliance controls the Villains and will oust Russell next. Oy.

Boom, boom, boom. Colby drops, then Rupert, then Amanda. The Villains win reward in a sweep, ending the Heroes’ win streak.

Where’s the beef? The Villains enjoy a steak dinner prize.

Risk management: At the steak dinner, the Villains are laughing heartily at the Heroes’ notion of a women’s alliance. Parvati finds a small scroll in her napkin and quickly stashes it in her underwear. She’s had lots of practice. Boom! Roasted!

Parvati excuses herself to head to the ladies’ room, as does Danielle. Parvati shows her the clue to a hidden immunity idol, confiding that having Danielle in her back pocket and out of Russell’s clutches could help her end game. (I made at least three ass jokes in that last sentence.)

Back at the Heroes’ camp, J.T. reveals his brilliant idea to the tribe: Secretly slip the idol to the “endangered” Russell to have him blindside Parvati. While the tribe signs off on the plan, Amanda confides the obvious: Russell could be in with the women.

Oh, and it could be the stupidest plan ever. What happened to J.T.’s original idea, to use the idol as a group post-merge against the Villains?

J.T. writes instructions to Russell, and Rupert remarks, “This is ‘Survivor’ history.” Just remember, history is written by the victors.

Queens for a day: Parvati, left, and Danielle
find the hidden immunity idol.

The next morning, Parvati and Danielle slip off to find the idol, hoping to avoid Russell’s radar. And like that, Parvati digs it up. Wonder if she’ll hand it off to Russell if he’s even in jeopardy at Tribal Council …

Incoming tide: J.T. races along the course.

Immunity challenge: Tribes race to bring five puzzle bags to shore along a rope obstacle course. First team to assemble the puzzle wins immunity.

The Heroes jump to an early and insurmountable lead. When Colby and Russell are left alone on the floating platforms as the anchor legs, Colby tells Russell to get the secret package from J.T. and to vote out Parvati, who Russell claims is running the tribe. Ha!

Hug it out: J.T. slips Russell the idol after the challenge.

The Heroes win immunity, and amidst the congratulatory handshakes, J.T. slips Russell the package containing the idol and note. No-o-o-o-o-o-o!!!

(We can’t recap the rest of the episode, with our fist firmly lodged in the plasma screen.)

It’s good to be a gangster: Russell gloats
over his hand-delivered idol.

Video: ‘J.T. just handed me a million dollars.’

Russell confides, somewhat incredulously, “I don’t even have to find idols. People are actually giving me idols. You don’t hand the enemy the idol.”

Video: J.T. explains the idol handover strategy.

By the numbers: The tribes are about to be even at five members each. The Villains control two idols.

Russell shows Parvati the note and the idol, and later Jerri and Danielle. After they laugh and laugh and laugh, he reels off the most important number of all: “I think J.T. just handed me $1 million.”

Voted out: Not much to tell, except that it was either Sandra or Courtney.

By a unanimous vote, Courtney, the waitress from Boston, joins Coach on the jury. (Jerri picked up the stray vote.)

Jeff points out that with Parvati safe, Day 25 will be her 100th day playing “Survivor.” Again, wow.

Tenth out: The Villains drop Courtney, 5-1.

Video: Courtney’s final words

Video: Courtney, the day after

Let’s hear it: Did the Heroes just set themselves up for ultimate defeat?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 8 – How to train your dragonslayer
Next: Rupert on the merge: “This is where the game gets crazy.” [Episode 10 — Double dealing]

Also:

• Mexican investigators awaiting forensic test results before arresting former “Survivor” producer as suspect in wife’s murder
• Eighth-place Vanuatu contestant speaks at Samford. No, really.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Are the Heroes about to make the boldest move,
or simply the dumbest?

The Heroes are on a roll with four consecutive wins on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” They may just make it to the merge on even footing with the Villains. In fact, it would take something really stupid on their part to throw away that momentum.

Enter J.T.

It appears Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. has a plan. A big plan. Because the Heroes see Russell Hantz alone on a tribe of female Villains, they suspect a women’s alliance is about to send him packing. Maybe the Heroes could flip the game by handing Russell their hidden immunity idol.

Newly risen Darth Vader says, “No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!”

Will J.T. convince his teammates? And will it be the best, or worst, move in “Survivor” history?

Episode 8 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• The Birmingham News
• Host Jeff Probst: “J.T. has some major recovering to do because he flat out got busted and it didn’t go over well with the rest of the tribe that he went looking for the idol without telling anybody.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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The Heroes are on a roll. They get a little food, win a little immunity, and suddenly, they think they’re kings, damn ass hell kings.

After all, the Villains lost only one member. Who led them. And kept them unified. And helped them dominate at challenges.

On “Survivor,” a little momentum can go a long way.

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. wonders if having a secret immunity idol might not be a bad thing. And the Villains, well, “Coach” Ben Wade is upset. Sandra Diaz-Twine is pissed. Jerri Manthey is disgruntled. Russell Hantz is … wishy-washy?!

Who packed up camp? Who went on an idol hunt? And who outfoxed Russell? Find out, after the jump …

Measure of safety: J.T. finds the hidden immunity idol.

J.T. goes fishin’ … sorta: After J.T. suggesting the tribe search for the hidden immunity idol as a group for unity’s sake, he hunts for the idol on his own. And finds it.

Of course, before he can hide it, his fellow Hero Amanda Kimmel discovers his secret. And then, Candice Woodcock does, too. At this point, J.T. reveals it to his other two teammates.

Candice tells Amanda that they should be wary of J.T. Candice confides, “J.T.’s the slimiest guy out here. He’s running the tribe. He’s got a little best friend interest with everybody.”

Is the idol cursed?

Video: Colby: ‘I still don’t trust J.T.’

There are no small rolls: J.T. bowls in the reward challenge.

Reward challenge: The Heroes note that the Villains have ousted “Boston Rob” Mariano and come to one erroneous conclusion: A women’s alliance is in control.

The Villains are screwing up fine on their own, having brought most of their camp with them to the challenge, assuming (or hoping) for a tribal merge.

Nope.

Host Jeff Probst says no combo, only combat.

One player from each tribe bowls a frame, and the winner of each frame wins a point. First team to 2 points wins a feast.

After some confusion, Coach says the Villains will sit out Sandra and Courtney Yates, their two weakest players.

The Heroes win 2-1 in the laziest challenge ever. Next week: high card wins!

Slices of heaven: The Heroes celebrate a reward challenge win.

A new game: The Villains are bickering, and without real leadership, look like they’re falling apart. Sandra senses an opportunity.

Fearing that she and Courtney are next to go, she correctly surmises that if she can get Russell to turn on Coach the dragonslayer, he’ll be next to go.

You always gotta keep an eye on the quiet ones.

Hat Squad! Courtney, left, and Sandra weave a tale for Russell.

Meanwhile, Russell tells his ally Parvati Shallow that the Heroes will come running to him after the merge, since he appears to be at the mercy of the phantom girls’ alliance.

You also gotta keep an eye on the loud ones.

Dirty duo: Russell, left, and Sandra slog
through the obstacle course.

Immunity challenge: Teams race in heats either in joined pairs or singles across a muddy obstacle course to retrieve flags. First team with two flags wins immunity.

The Heroes’ pair of Amanda and Candice stomps the Villains’ Sandra and Russell. But in the second heat, Coach squeaks by Rupert Boneham of the Heroes, tying it at 1.

The final heat pits J.T. and Colby Donaldson against Parvati and Courtney, and again, not even close.

The Heroes win immunity and their fourth challenge in a row.

Mud and guts: The Heroes win immunity.

Video: J.T. talks about the immunity challenge.

Voted out: Coach announces, “The dragonslayer’s coming into his own … It’s time for me to shine.”

And yet, despite wanting to vote out Russell, he decides to aim for the much weaker Courtney.

Russell and his other ally Danielle DiLorenzo argue about the vote, with Danielle insisting that losing a stronger player like Coach is bad for the team.

Russell storms off, but later wavers on who to keep.

At Tribal Council, Jeff calls out Courtney as a weaker player compared to the recently booted Tyson Apostol and Boston Rob. Courtney says, “I’m a determined little bitch.”

And despite giving 110 percent, it’s Coach Wade, the soccer coach from Susanville, Calif., who’s kicked out by a 4-3 vote. He becomes the first jury member.

After the exits of Coach and Tyson, J.T. remains the sole player from the “Tocantins” season.

Ninth out: The Villains oust Coach 4-3.

Video: Coach’s final words

Video: Coach, the day after

Can the Heroes even it out before the merge? Have the Villains set themselves up to be picked off?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 7 – Small soldiers
Next: J.T. wants to give the idol to … Russell. Worst move in “Survivor” history? [Episode 9 — Million dollar bye-bye]

Also:

• Jeff puts “Heroes vs. Villains” as third favorite season, while Nos. 1 and 2 are …
• Former “Survivor” producer arrested; wife found strangled

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
The Villains are out for blood. Each other’s.

Looks like the Heroes have the big M on their side. That would be momentum.

But with 12 contestants left, the Villains might have a big M on their side, too. Merge.

We’ll know tonight on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. looks to be sitting pretty, since his tribe has a couple of victories to keep their morale up. Plus, the Villains seem to be in a tizzy after last week’s ouster of leader “Boston Rob” Mariano.

Can the Heroes continue their winning ways? Has Russell Hantz of the Villains made himself the leader, or simply the next target?

Episode 7 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• (Mobile) Press-Register
• Host Jeff Probst: “Russell vs. Boston Rob will go down as one of the greatest battles of all time. I want them back. Now.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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What fools these Survivors be.

The April Fools’ Day edition of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” has little in the way of pranks, misdirection or jokes. Instead, we see our Hero underdogs fight to stay alive, and our Villains sharpen their knives.

James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile looks to bond these last five Heroes together, or face oblivion. Meanwhile, the Villains continue their infighting between alpha males Russell Hantz and “Boston Rob” Mariano.

Who got his groove back? Which power couple struggled with each other? And which fool fooled another fool? Find out, after the jump …

R&R: Russell and Boston Rob are ready to rumble.

Won’t be fooled again: Boston Rob is stunned, blindsided without going home. Russell outfoxed him at Tribal Council, sending home Boston Rob’s ally.

Nor can he believe that Russell’s alliance of three can be so cocky as Boston Rob has his own alliance of five. They’re tight, right? Right??

Running the rapids: J.T. outdistances Boston Rob.

Reward challenge: Colby Donaldson of the Heroes has been on the bubble, given his mediocre performance at challenges and dwindling allies. Can he finally step up?

Tribes compete three-on-three at full-contact ocean basketball. (We first saw this challenge during the second episode of J.T.’s season.) First tribe to 3 points wins a lunch feast at a picturesque waterfall.

It’s no contest, as Colby sums up: “We dropped the hammer on the Villains.” The Heroes blank the Villains 3-0, with Colby netting two points.

Included among the dishes is a clue to a new hidden immunity idol. J.T. suggests they find it together when they return to camp, and use it as a group weapon against the Villains.

Wow. Real strategy 16 days in. The five Heroes may yet become the united fist of doom.

Video: The Heroes look anyway.
And J.T.’s true colors are revealed.

Immunity challenge: Teams race across an obstacle course to retrieve bags. Once they have all six bags, they solve a puzzle with the pieces inside.

Video: The immunity challenge.

The Villains jump to an early lead, until Candice Woodcock of the Heroes surges past Courtney Yates of the Villains. J.T. and Amanda Kimmel have a slight head start over Boston Rob and Sandra Diaz-Twine in starting the puzzles.

It’s in the bag: J.T. and Amanda solve the Heroes’ puzzle.

But despite their numerous failures at past puzzles, the Heroes pull it together to win immunity. For the first time in four episodes, they skip Tribal Council.

Yeah, that happened: Courtney styles Sandra’s hair.

These foolish games: Russell tells Boston Rob he wants to take out the weakest member, either Courtney or Sandra, and he does so to their face. But it turns out to be a ploy, as once again he guns for Boston Rob.

And vice versa.

On one side, it’s Russell, Parvati Shallow and Danielle DiLorenzo. On the other side, it’s Boston Rob, Courtney and Sandra.

Whichever way the wind blows:
Coach and Jerri struggle over the vote.

And apparently in the middle, “Coach” Ben Wade and Jerri Manthey, who till now had been Team Boston Rob.

Jerri decides to help Russell, but Coach can’t decide between his loyalties to Russell or Boston Rob. Jerri confides that Coach is naive and can’t win by trying to be the good guy.

Uh oh, the dragonslayer is becoming the dragonslayee. Or well, you get the drift.

Voted out: At Tribal Council, Coach pleads with Boston Rob and Russell to unite to save the tribe. Nothing doing.

Coach cops out, casting the lone vote for Courtney. And it ends up costing one of his allies dearly.

In the end, Boston Rob, the former construction foreman and serial reality star, got the boot, four votes to three for Russell. Boston Rob and Jerri share a quick hug, but when Coach comes over to snuggle, Rob dismisses him with “You’re a little man.”

Eighth out: The Villains drop Boston Rob 4-3-1.

Video: Boston Rob’s final words

Are the Heroes on the winning path? Has Russell earned his ticket all the way to the finals? Is Coach the ultimate fool?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 6 – Big men off campus
Next: The Villains implode. Coach: “Pray for the merge.” [Episode 8 — How to train your dragonslayer]

Also:

• Should season 4 champ and Troy University grad Vecepia Towery Robinson have been invited to play?

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Will Colby ever be a Hero?
Is the Boston Rob-Russell catfight headed for a smooch?

The good news? The Villains sent someone home last week. The bad news? The Heroes did, too.

James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile is on a tribe of five. Will that be enough to make a stand against the dominant Villain tribe on “Survivor”?

And has Russell Hantz run out of tricks after his bold idol blindside last week? Can “Boston Rob” Mariano finally oust his rival?

Plus, bonus videos.

Video: The Villains cast their votes last week.

Video: The Heroes cast their votes last week.

Video: J.T. discusses the opportunity
to observe the Villains during Tribal Council.

Episode 6 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Birmingham News
• Host Jeff Probst: “It was one of the craziest things I’d ever seen: James trying to out run J.T. with a splint on his leg.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Colby reveals J.T.’s confession to him.

It’s a “Survivor” spring clearance! Everyone must go!

Or that’s how it seems: Just as one Tribal Council is over on Night 14, the tribes meet up for a double elimination the next night.

James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile seems to be stuck on a dead-end tribe, but can he stick around long enough for the merge?

Who learns banana etiquette? Who’s up for a blindside? Find out, after the jump …

Knot again: J.T. tackles a familiar obstacle.

It all happens on Day 15: Heck, they might as well put this episode in real time. We see the tribes at the Immunity Challenge, then daylong scheming, then back-to-back Tribal Councils.

Why don’t they just film the whole season in a weekend?

Immunity Challenge: The Villains are shocked to see the Heroes march up with James Clement, bad knee and all, while Tom Westman was voted out the night before.

Contestants race through an obstacle course clipped to a rope. We saw this challenge in J.T.’s season, with Tyson Apostol (of the Villains) eventually winning immunity.

Host Jeff Probst announces that two individual immunities will be awarded, but both tribes will vote off a member at Tribal Council. Twist!

The six Heroes race, and although James makes a good go of it, Candice Woodcock wins immunity.

The nine Villains take their turn, with “Boston Rob” Mariano winning their heat.

In a final challenge, Candice and Boston Rob race for their tribes in a three-level super course. Boston Rob wins, earning the Villains a special Tribal Council deal: dinner (hot dogs) and a show (watching the Heroes’ council debate).

On the ropes: Boston Rob and Candice tangle
on the super obstacle course.

The scheme scene: Among the Heroes, the choice is between James and Colby Donaldson, who appears resigned to go home based on the alliance’s previous votes. James and J.T. hold a foot race along the beach, and J.T. handily beats him running backwards.

The amazing race: J.T. races James along the shore.

In addition, James’ ally Amanda Kimmel cautions him that he’s vulnerable, especially because he out-eats his teammates. She even suggests he offer others a banana when he goes to get one (or four) for himself.

James is taken aback.

At the Villains’ camp, Parvati Shallow is worried that she’ll be targeted next. Boston Rob wants to flush out Russell Hantz’s suspected (and actual) hidden immunity idol. He says to cast three votes for Parvati and three for her ally Russell, then send Parvati home if a tie occurs.

Russell tells Tyson that Russell plans to vote Parvati to win favor with the alliance, and Tyson figures it’s a done deal: He can switch his vote to Parvati, skip the tie and send her packing.

Boston Rob and Russell caution each other again to watch out. Hmm …

Voted out: The Villains are up first. Sandra Diaz-Twine says that Russell has the hidden immunity idol. Tyson says it wouldn’t be helpful in a tribe this large.

Jeff announces it’s time for the hidden immunity idol. Russell stands and almost hands it over, but instead gives it to Parvati with dramatic flourish, who then plays it.

Parvati plays the hidden immunity idol.

Parvati receives four votes, but none of them count.

And while Russell picks up two votes, it’s Tyson, the cyclist from Lindon, Utah, who goes home with three votes. Russell’s blindside plan worked! As Tyson admits afterward, “I was the victim of my own stupidity.”

Sixth out: The Villains evict Tyson 3-2.

Even Parvati can’t believe it worked.

Video: Tyson’s final words

The remaining Villains move over to the jury box to feast on hot dogs and tears, as the rain starts. The Heroes discuss how James really wants to stay, as does Colby, who meekly admits his performance hasn’t been up to par. Ya think?

The Heroes finally think more than a half step ahead, cutting loose James, the gravedigger from Lafayette, La.

Seventh out: The Heroes cast off James 5-1.

Video: James’ final words

Has Boston Rob lost his mojo? Can the five Heroes move forward as one?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 5 – Knee-to-know basis
Next: Boston Rob fears Russell the “wild card.” Episode airs Thursday, April 1. (Episode 7 — Small soldiers)

Also:

• Jonny Fairplay mocks the Heroes and Villains

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Two-for-one special on a Wednesday “Survivor”!

After almost 2 weeks, “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” has returned with a vengeance. One hour, two eliminations. Who’s going home?

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. seems to be calling the shots without fear that either side of the Heroes tribe will turn on him. But could his ally James Clement and his bum knee be headed for disaster?

The Villains, led by “Boston Rob” Mariano, appear to be gunning for Russell Hantz. Will he need to play the immunity idol to save his hide?

Plus, a bonus video.

Video: Jeff Probst answers fans’ questions.

Episode 5 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: Heroes’ vote? “Let’s call this one THE DUMBEST DECISION YET.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 tonight on CBS 42, but usually airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Immunity challenge

To be a “Survivor” champ takes heart, guts, brains and nerve. But does it take knees?

One contestant goes down during the reward challenge. Meanwhile, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. finds himself in the doghouse among the Heroes, but not for long.

Who found an idol? Who had the pivotal vote? And who turned down free chocolate? Find out, after the jump …

In his grasp: Russell finds the hidden immunity idol.

Wasted days and wasted nights: The Heroes return from Tribal Council on Night 11, meaning that only 2 days have passed since the previous one (usually it’s 3 days).

J.T. explains to the tribe that he voted against his (bigger) alliance for the good of the team. On Day 12, Amanda Kimmel — who lost her ally thanks to J.T.’s switch-up — says he’s made too many alliances.

Over at the Villains camp, “Coach” Ben Wade is leading the tribe in tai chi, or as he calls it, “Spa-Peggy and Meatballs.” No, he actually calls it “Dragonslayer-chi.”

Everyone participates in the beach warmup, except for Russell Hantz, who finds the hidden immunity idol. This time, it took him 2 days, instead of the 10 minutes it usually took last season (Russell found three in Samoa and played two).

We’re on Sugar Busters, dammit!

Reward challenge: Teams battle to retrieve and shoot balls into hoops. First team to score 2 baskets wins a trip to a watering hole, complete with chocolate feast.

Before starting the challenge, host Jeff Probst hands plates of free samples to the tribes. The Villains take a nibble, while the Heroes stoically pass it back untouched. Jeff is baffled; Colby Donaldson tells him the team is focused on the challenge, so get it started already.

Weak in the knee: James takes one in the leg.

In the first round, James Clement is knocked down and can’t stand because of his knee. A doctor looks at the fallen Hero, who ends up benched the remainder of the challenge. The Heroes continue with five players to the Villains’ six.

It’s tied at 1, when Rupert Boneham of the Heroes slams Jerri Manthey of the Villains head first into a post, sending her to the ground. He insists it was an accident, even as she gets up and snarls at him.

J.T. mixes it up with “Boston Rob” Mariano and Coach, body-slamming the latter during the match.

But in the end, Jerri nails the winning throw. The Villains win their third challenge in a row.

Chocolate returns: The Villains celebrate with a swim and a sweet feast. Jerri describes it as “chocolate euphoria and sickness.”

Allies Parvati Shallow and Russell stay by the picnic to chat. Russell reveals to her that he found the idol, and they decide need a third pliable ally. Enter Coach.

Russell tells Coach about the idol, who actually bows down. Russell is eating it up: “He kneels down to me! As the king … I knight the dragonslayer.”

Camelot. It is a silly place.

Dorks of the round table: Coach kneels before Russell.

Back at the Heroes camp, Amanda is crying over James’ possible early departure over his injury, describing him as a big brother.

He hobbles into camp with a splint, but unable to do much. James insists he feels no pain, but needs to rest. Candice Woodcock says if the Heroes lose again, James is the obvious next choice.

Hmm …

No piece, no justice: Amanda and J.T. hunt while blindfolded.

Immunity challenge: One caller from each tribe directs blindfolded pairs to retrieve 10 puzzle pieces. The teams then remove blindfolds and assemble the puzzle.

James and Jerri work as callers. Jerri gets the Villains to an early lead, but James helps the Heroes find the last piece quickly, giving them a jump on the puzzle.

And yet …

The Heroes once again stumble on the puzzle. The Villains surge ahead and win immunity.

Video: J.T. explains his voting strategy.

Voted out: At the Heroes camp, the tribe is split down the middle again, with J.T. courted by both sides. Tom Westman, who dodged a bullet last week by playing his immunity idol, wants to vote out James. Rupert wants Tom gone.

Colby complains that J.T. is being “wishy washy,” and echoes Amanda’s observation that J.T.’s multiple deals will come back to haunt him.

But, as many times before, J.T. is in the driver’s seat.

At Tribal Council, James says he’s fine physically, though Jeff claims his niece could beat him in a foot race. Tom says it’s nonsense that James is able to participate fully.

In the end, even J.T.’s vote doesn’t matter much, as Tom is voted out 5-2. The former firefighter from Long Island and previous champion loses this battle of the alpha males.

Fifth out: The Heroes evict Tom 5-2.

Video: Tom’s final words

Video: Tom, the day after

Has J.T. finally picked the right side? Are the Heroes doomed no matter what?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 4 – Splitsville
Next: Russell vs. Boston Rob, round 12. Episode airs Wednesday, March 24, because of NCAA tournament coverage. [Episode 6 — Big men off campus]

Also:

• Before takeoff on a USAirways flight to visit her parents in Huntsville, Jerri is escorted from the plane. Her lengthy letter of complaint on Facebook: “I was embarrassed and humiliated.”

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Russell steps up his game; James goes lame?

The stats after four episodes: one hidden immunity idol found, one played, one still missing and one blindside.

But it looks like the Heroes are back to their losing ways on “Survivor.”

Can James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile explain his flip-flop allegiance from last week? Is his teammate James Clement going down after a challenge injury? What won’t Villain Russell Hantz do to stay on top?

A program note: Because of NCAA men’s basketball tournament coverage, the next episode will air Wednesday, March 24.

Plus, a bonus scene from last week’s episode.

Video: J.T. before last week’s Tribal Council.

Episode 4 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “The Villains are more in control of their game. They just have it more together than the Heroes.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Mixed blessings abound. For example, having the immunity idol can give a player power, but it can also make him a target. And being the swing vote can let a player choose her destiny, but it will almost certainly turn allies into enemies.

For one tribe, it was a bounty of mixed blessings on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Meanwhile, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. figures out his own strategy of who to trust and who to keep in check.

Who cried whiny tears? Who went hunting for a hidden immunity idol? And who played whom? Find out, after the jump  …

Sensitive sensei: Coach cries after Tribal Council,
but pulls it together the next day.

Quitters never win, or whine: Following their first trip to Tribal Council, “Coach” Ben Wade breaks down over being called out by teammate Sandra Diaz-Twine. He wants to quit and go home.

No, really.

Even the usually ultra-snarky Tyson Apostol gives him a hug, along with pointers: Don’t wear a feather to Tribal Council. Don’t tell long, boring stories. Don’t do tai chi in front of everyone.

Translation: Don’t be so douche-y.

Video: The Passion of the Coach.

The next day, even “Boston Rob” Mariano has to reassure Coach that he’s not on the outs.

Renewed and refreshed, Coach says, “I’m one of a kind, last of the Mohicans, King Arthur, legend. Confucius says the greatest glory a man can have is not in never falling but in rising again in every time he falls.”

Yeah, I got nothing here.

Slick toss: Jerri Manthey celebrates
a point for the Villains.

Reward Challenge: A Hero and a Villain careen across a giant Slip ’n Slide to each retrieve a ball, then shoot it into a hoop. First one to complete the heat receives a point, and first team to 4 points wins reward.

From a prize catalog, the Heroes picked fishing gear and kitchen gear, while the Villains picked a tarp and tools.

After six rounds, it’s tied at 3. Tyson and Colby Donaldson of the Heroes face off in the last round. And Tyson squeaks out a victory for the Villains.

Looks like the team will finally have a decent shelter.

Wake-up call: J.T. reads the scroll that was hidden in the
coffee jar. Amanda Kimmel, far left, Cirie
and James Clement listen up.

Finding redemption: At the Villains camp on Day 9, the tribe unpacks its new tools. Russell Hantz, who turned up three hidden immunity idols in the previous season, unsheathes the knife and drops a scroll from the scabbard in front of everyone.

It’s the first clue to a hidden immunity idol. Sandra says whoever has it will be an immediate target. Boston Rob says they’ll find it together later and toss it in the ocean.

Russell fumes silently.

As they’re working on the shelter, Russell pretends to go for a walk. And yet, his fellow Villains already know he’s looking. Rob says Russell is a “like a hobbit on crack” and has sealed his own fate.

At the Heroes camp on Day 10, the tribe finds a similar clue in their coffee jar. Tom Westman says he and his ally Colby are on the outs and need the idol. Fortunately, as the tribe scrambles to find it, Tom locates it first. He tries to tuck it away in secret, but soon the whole tribe knows about it.

Real smooth.

Ball bearings: Tom, inside the sphere, shouts out
directions to a blindfolded J.T. and Amanda.

Immunity Challenge: One person from each tribe — Tom for the Heroes, Boston Rob for the Villains — calls the shots from inside a giant ball. Two blindfolded teammates roll the ball to a puzzle table. Once there, the caller guides four more teammates holding corners of the table, rolling a ball through a maze.

First tribe to complete the tasks wins immunity. Host Jeff Probst points out that this challenge was the first that went unfinished, when a player went out for medical reasons before a tribe won.

It’s neck and neck most of the way, but the Villains take another narrow victory.

Video: J.T.: “I’ve got to make a big decision.”

Voted out: Cirie Fields wants to continue wiping out the macho alliance of Colby and Tom. J.T. mentioned in a previous episode that he knows Cirie can be a devious player and doesn’t trust her.

Cirie has aligned with five other tribesmates, planning to flush out the idol between Tom and Colby and eliminate the other player. J.T. could help Tom by voting with them or stick with the big majority.

Like many times on his previous season, J.T. has the pivotal vote.

At Tribal Council, Jeff takes the Heroes to task again and again for playing an individual/alliance game, rather than keeping the team strong, at least until the merge.

He even says Rupert Boneham has given the “most honest and illuminating answer” so far, when Rupert says he chooses to keep his word over keeping the tribe strong.

Jeff is stunned.

Tom plays his immunity idol.

Tom plays the immunity idol. The three votes against him are null.

Two votes go to Colby, but three votes (from Colby, Tom and J.T.) end the game for scheming Cirie, the mom from Jersey City, N.J.

Blindsided!

Fourth out: the Heroes drop Cirie 3-2.

Video: Cirie’s final words.

Video: Cirie, the day after.

Has J.T. sacrificed himself to keep the Heroes strong? Has Russell lost his edge?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 3 – What’s the matter with misfits?
Next: Russell continues his idol hunt, irking Boston Rob. (Episode 5 – Knee-to-know basis)

Also:

• (Mobile) Press-Register recap
• How Jeff Probst keeps it interesting: “I stopped talking as much at Tribal Council. I really invoke the interview technique of uncomfortable silence. … I will look you dead in the eyes until you talk, and nine times out of 10, they do talk, and usually, that is when they say something they later regret.”

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
The immunity idol scramble is on.

Who needs challenge skills or people skills when you can have an immunity idol? Or two?

The hunt begins for the coveted idols in tonight’s episode of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” Will Russell Hantz of the Villains tribe snag one from thin air? Will our Hero from Mobile, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., uncover one before his teammates do?

And why on Earth is “Coach” Ben Wade bawling? The dragonslayer needs to slay the dragon of insecurity.

Plus, a bonus scene from last week’s episode.

Video: The Heroes celebrate
their first Immunity Challenge win.

Episode 3 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “The villains made the right move. Randy was the best person to vote out.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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When a country boy lies, he’s “tellin’ a story.” When a city gal does it, she’s innocently flirting.

But on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” everybody lies.

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of the Heroes tribe may be facing the truth sooner than he expects if his lies catch up to him. But another former champ, Parvati Shallow of the Villains tribe, may be flirting her way to an early exit.

Which team manhandled the other one? Who’s sleeping with whom? And who burned their buff? Find out, after the jump  …

J.T. = Just Teasin’.
Cirie = oh, hell, no.

Talk us through it: This episode, heavy on chat, light on action. Like last week, it featured one combined Reward/Immunity Challenge. And before and after, lots of camp life. Oy.

The Heroes pull it together at camp, grabbing a few wild chickens along the way. We saw minor drama as J.T. apologized to Tom Westman for voting out his ally. And J.T. planted a seed of doubt with Cirie Fields, telling her that her own ally Candice Woodcock didn’t trust her anymore.

“I can tell a story when I need to,” J.T. confesses. When Cirie tells Candice, Candice confronts other Heroes one by one to find out who’s lying about her.

Score one for the cattle rancher.

The superfiends: Parvati and Russell grin their evil grins.

They all have eyes for Parvati: The rest was basically the Parvati hour. How she flirts. How several Villains don’t trust her. How she has Russell Hantz in the palm of her hand. How she has three potential Heroes allies if they all make it to the merge.

“Boston Rob” Mariano reveals a tip: You can figure out alliances based on who sleeps near each other every night. For instance, Russell and Parvati, or “Coach” Ben Wade and Jerri Manthey.

Rob and Coach warn Russell that he’s being played by Parvati. Jerri likens her to a “virus.” Randy Bailey says she’s the real threat with her flirtatious ways.

Jerri confesses, “I just want to punch her in the face.”

Parvati confesses, “Jerri’s annoying … a bitter old cougar.”

Pretty kitty has claws!

Blade runner: Russell hid the machete to cause drama at the Villains camp. It caused no drama.

Video: Two combatants enter, one Hero leaves.

Immunity/reward challenge: One Hero and one Villain battle with pillows (pillow fight!) to knock each other off a raised platform and into the mud. First team to 8 knockouts wins immunity, plus individual luxury items and coffee, sugar and rice.

Again, no drama. Heroes blank the Villains in eight straight rounds, total domination.

J.T. is safe.

Voted out: The Villains visit Tribal Council for their first time. Aside from Sandra Diaz-Twine and Coach bickering, most of the talk focuses on Parvati. Parvati! Parvati! Parvati!

As they laugh off how bad their camp is, Parvati says matter-of-factly, “We’re a tribe of misfits. We’re villains.”

And while Boston Rob picks up a vote, it’s Randy, the crusty videographer from Eagle Rock, Mo., who is unanimously banished. Before host Jeff Probst snuffs his torch, Randy drops his tribal buff into the fire.

Third out: the Villains vote out Randy 9-1.

Video: Randy’s final words

Video: Randy, the day after

Can J.T. keep his allies and enemies in line? Are the Villains in trouble keeping Parvati?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 2 – Terminal crybabyitis
Next: Heroes scramble for the hidden immunity idol; Coach tears it up (as in crying, not ripping). (Episode 4 — Splitsville)

Video: Is everyone having a meltdown this season?

Also:

• Birmingham News recap

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
James has winner written all over him.

The Heroes have turned on each other. Is J.T.’s tribe finished before it’s barely begun?

Tune in tonight for “Survivor” as the Heroes regroup after sending a strong player packing. James Thomas Jr. of Mobile is facing tougher choices earlier in the game with two Tribal Councils in a row.

Plus, his teammate James Clement, the gravedigger from Louisiana, lashed out at his tribe last week. The preview, included above, shows him getting fired up. Or is that freaked out?

And for fun, a bonus video below.

Video: Tribute to J.T.? Check.
Lynyrd Skynyrd? Check.

Episode 2 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “Voting out great players in the second week is idiotic. It almost always works against you.”
• (Mobile) Press-Register

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: J.T. explains the construction of the Heroes’ shelter.

With the Villains, it seems no one wants to lead. With the Heroes, it seems everyone does.

That includes Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., who leads the Heroes through another challenge on the second episode of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” Do they have an unfair advantage over the Villains, suffering from a physical setback?

Who fell down? Who blew up? Find out, after the jump …

Jungle fever: Boston Rob receives medical help.

Hero Rob vs. Villain Rob: Rob Mariano, or Boston Rob, has had it up to here with his Villains tribe, after spending a rainy night in a leaky shelter.

He rallies the bums to tear down and rebuild the shelter, though it seems to be going nowhere. When he storms off into the jungle, he’s on the verge of collapse from fatigue, dehydration and sickness.

And then, collapse.

When teammate Jerri Manthey sees him fall, she checks to see that he’s barely conscious. He asks for help, and she’s off. She returns with the doctor and host Jeff Probst.

Video: A moment of weakness for Boston Rob.

The doc gives Boston Rob an “all clear” after checking him over. He has a “moment of clarity,” determined to be the villain that he is, not the good guy which was making him sick. He good-naturedly calls it a touch of the flu and “crybabyitis.”

The hate runs strong in this one.

Challenging crates: The competition is on.

Immunity/reward challenge: It’s all on the line in this combo challenge, as teams race to roll giant crates back to the starting point, then arrange them as stairs with the tribe name on the side. First team to the top wins immunity, plus the serial killer special: tarp, nails and rope.

This recycled challenge comes from J.T.’s season in Samoa, and yes, his tribe won it.

To avoid repeated puzzle disaster (the Heroes lost immunity on the puzzle portion after an early lead last week), the Heroes wisely designate J.T. to be the caller on the puzzle.

Block heads: J.T. leads the Heroes … to defeat.

Once again, the Heroes jump to an early substantial lead. And once again, it falls apart as the pieces don’t come together. Instead, no one listens to J.T. Meanwhile, Boston Rob leads the Villains to repeat victory and immunity.

Ruffled feathers: Russell catches a wild chicken.

Clucky bastard: At the Villains’ camp, Day 5, Russell Hantz is not pleased with Boston Rob’s continued hold on the tribe. He declares himself “King Russell from Samoa” and to match up with Rob (who brings in a hefty clam for dinner), catches and kills a wild chicken.

He gives them the bird. Literally.

Falling fast: The knives are out at the Heroes’ camp, and it’s still just Day 5.

Tom Westman, Stephenie LaGrossa and Colby Donaldson are together, as are Cirie Fields, Amanda Kimmel and Candice Woodcock.

Rupert Boneham and James Clement have been gunning for Steph, and James has been extra loud about it. Steph meanwhile can’t believe it’s not Amanda on the chopping block.

J.T. isn’t quite sure which way to go, having made secret alliances on both sides. Candice feels like she’s stuck at the bottom of either team she votes with.

The Heroes have a big, sloppy mess on their hands after last week’s unanimous ouster of Jessica “Sugar” Kiper.

Flame war: The Heroes bicker at Tribal Council.
James, far left, and Stephenie, far right, argue,
with Candice and J.T. caught in the middle.

Voted out: Tribal Council is a disaster, as the warring factions within the Heroes turn on each other. J.T. says he should’ve been louder during the challenge and takes responsibility. However, James attacks Steph, who fights back. Her allies Colby and Tom jump into the verbal fray.

In the end, sides are chosen. Stephenie, the three-time player from Philadelphia, goes home in a 6-3 vote against Amanda.

J.T. is safe. But even as Steph’s torch is snuffed, the bickering continues.

Second out: the Heroes vote out Stephenie 6-3.

Video: Stephenie’s final words

Video: Stephenie, the day after

Did J.T. side with the right faction? Can the Heroes pull it together?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 1 – Sweet and sour
Next: James spirals out of control. (Episode 3 – What’s the matter with misfits?)

Also:

• (Mobile) Press-Register recap: “‘Survivor’ Heroes keep on squabbling, losing”

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Boston Rob is unconscious. Wicked unconscious.

White hats vs. black hats on a tropical island. Nope, not the last season of “Lost” but the 20th (and counting) season of “Survivor.”

While the Heroes, including Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., faced Tribal Council last week, they chose Jessica “Sugar” Kiper to oust first. Whew.

But it looks like Sugar has some sour grapes (see what we did there?): She claims she and J.T. had a pre-game alliance, and not just a platonic one. According to her Twitter page:

So, I was never attracted to Colby, and J.T. slept with me pregame and told me we’d stick together. That edit really confused my friends & fam.

J.T. denied any showmance, citing his girlfriend, but has he denied any pre-showmance? Hmm …

Meanwhile, it appears that “Boston Rob” Mariano passes out in the jungle. Medical emergency? Misdirection? Boston Cooler? We’ll know soon enough.

Video: Mobile’s WKRG-TV interviews J.T.

Episode 1 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “The Heroes are stronger but their egos get in the way. The Villains work together better.”
• Birmingham News

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Video: J.T. feels like the underdog
against these more notorious players.

The 10 biggest heroes. The 10 sneakiest villains. Place them together in Samoa and let the sparks fly.

Samson native James Thomas Jr. may have been the hero of his season in Brazil, but can he outwit, outplay and outlast the best of the best on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”?

The 2-hour premiere revealed old and new alliances, plus a showmance or two. Who was injured after only 15 minutes? Who made fire from nothing? And who ended up in tears? Find out, after the jump …

Video: The first 5 minutes of the premiere.

Return, revenge, redemption: J.T. lands on the Samoan beach along with his new tribesmates via chopper. His original championship season, “Survivor: Tocantins,” premiered one year ago tomorrow.

J.T. confesses, “I can’t wait to kick some ass out here.”

First impressions: J.T. in the new opening credits.

Reward challenge: Host Jeff Probst immediately starts them on the first competition, for flint. Competing pairs dig for a bag in the sand, then race back to their mat while keeping their opponents at bay any way they can.

The Heroes win in the end, but not without serious setbacks. Stephenie LaGrossa dislocates her shoulder, which the medic pops back in (ow!). And Rupert Boneham, he of the tie-dye shirt and pirate’s beard, broke his toe.

Oh, and Jessica “Sugar” Kiper scores a key point for the Heroes. Topless.

Video: Sugar scores. And so do we.

To the injured players’ credit, they march on.

Sharks and jets: Naturally, we’re going to see some alliances. A lot of alliances.

At the Villains camp, Russell Hantz, the bad boy and runner-up of the most recent “Survivor: Samoa” season, pulls aside Danielle DiLorenzo (a fellow runner-up) for a quickie alliance. Then he corners Parvati Shallow, winner of “Fans vs. Favorites,” for a separate alliance.

Pairing off: J.T., right, aligns with James early in the game.

At the Heroes camp, J.T. pulls aside James Clement (playing for his third time) for a macho alliance. Later, Tom Westman, winner of “Surivor: Palau,” asks J.T. to align with him, figuring he needs another champion to be in the Final 2 to have a shot at a repeat victory.

J.T. confesses, “To win this game of ‘Survivor,’ you have to have a dark side somewhere. You have to be willing to sacrifice some of your integrity to make it far in this game. … I’m here to do what I have to do to win this game.”

Perhaps the most interesting of the 426 alliances formed in the first 3 days? Ben Wade, a k a “Coach,” a k a the “Dragon Slayer,” and Jerri Manthey, a k a the “Black Widow.” Except it’s not just a strategic alliance, but also a … romantic one.

Sigh. I mean, ew!

Fire fight: Rob Mariano, the notorious “Boston Rob,” manages to build a fire for the Villains without flint. Impressive. Even more impressive are the sparks he makes with his teammates, especially Coach.

Russell vows that he’s “still the king,” and a rivalry is born.

Immunity challenge: Tribes must race in building a boat, retrieving a lit torch via boat, solve a puzzle, build a ladder and race to the top.

While the Heroes take an early lead, they stumble over the puzzle. The Villains, with Boston Rob and Sandra Diaz-Twine (winner of “Survivor: Pearl Islands”) making short work of the puzzle, speed past to claim victory and immunity.

Voted out: The Heroes had floated several names. Sugar. Amanda Kimmel, who finished second and third in two seasons. And Cirie Fields, who finished third and fourth in two seasons.

But alas, Sugar, the pinup model and actress, is out by a unanimous vote of 9-1. Her crying after the immunity challenge and her needy, noisy flirtation with Colby Donaldson. J.T. is safe.

First out: the Heroes vote out Sugar 9-1.

Video: Sugar’s final words

What did you think? Was 2 hours too long for the opener? Will J.T. be able to go all the way?

[Videos and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on on CBS 42.

Previous: Full cast announced for 20th all-star season.
Next: Boston Rob passes out in the jungle. (Episode 2: Terminal crybabyitis)

Also:

• WKRG-TV interviews J.T.: “My day-to-day life really hasn’t changed since I won. I do the same thing day in and day out, fooling with cattle.”
• Birmingham News interview: “I do have a girlfriend. I started dating her right as we started ‘Tocantins.’ ”
• Entertainment Weekly interview: “I cannot wait to get Cirie out of here. Cirie is a big player-eliminator, and I don’t want her eliminating me.”
• Zap2it predicts how far J.T. will go.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.