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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.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Host Jeff Probst sizes up the heroes
and villains in this season of “Survivor.”

J.T. is back!

In tonight’s 2-hour premiere, James Thomas, Jr. returns to a game he conquered just 1 year ago. Can the cattle rancher from Mobile succeed again in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”?

He faces much stronger competition this time, as the 19 other contestants are also returning players (some for their third time! some as previous champions!). What J.T. accomplished in “Survivor: Tocantins” will prove much harder to repeat.

Video: J.T. shares his favorite “Survivor” moment.

Video: J.T. on Wednesday’s “Late Show”:
“Top Ten Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Survivor.’ ”

Video: “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” preview.

Also:

• Novelty may be gone, but familiarity might help this season.
• Looking back on 10 years of “Survivor.”

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

• • •

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

Video: James ‘J.T.’ Thomas prepares
for ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

After more than a month in Brazil, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. earned $1.1 million as the winner of “Survivor: Tocantins — The Brazilian Highlands” in 2009. He’s back for more. The cattle rancher from Samson returns to battle in Samoa in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” premiering Feb. 11 on CBS 42.

The reality show pits contestants against each other in distant locales for $1 million. Thomas, who will compete on the Heroes tribe, not only won the grand prize but picked up an extra $100,000 fan favorite award during May’s season finale.

This isn’t the first season with returning competitors. A previous “All-Stars” season had 18 returning players, while a “Fans vs. Favorites” edition had 10 returning players. Rumors had accurately predicted the cast list weeks before host Jeff Probst revealed it on Wednesday night during the People’s Choice Awards.

Joining Thomas, 25, on the Heroes tribe are:

• Rupert Boneham, “Pearl Islands” and “All-Stars”;
• James Clement, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Colby Donaldson, “Australia” and “All-Stars”;
• Cirie Fields, “Panama” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Amanda Kimmel, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Jessica “Sugar” Kiper, “Gabon”;
• Stephenie LaGrossa, “Palau” and “Guatemala”;
• Tom Westman, “Palau”;
• and Candice Woodcock, “Cook Islands.”

The Villains tribe has:

• Tyson Apostol, “Tocantins”;
• Randy Bailey, “Gabon”;
• Sandra Diaz-Twine, “Pearl Islands”;
• Danielle DiLorenzo, “Panama”;
• Russell Hantz, “Samoa”;
• Jerri Manthey, “Australia” and “All-Stars”;
• Rob Mariano, “Marquesas” and “All-Stars”;
• Parvati Shallow, “Cook Islands” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Benjamin “Coach” Wade, “Tocantins”;
• and Courtney Yates, “China.”

Thomas’ bio on the show’s Web site shares a little more insight on why he’s back …

• Residence: Mobile
• Personal claim to fame: “Being the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree.”
• Inspiration in life: “My family.”
• Favorite past moment: “Winning the final immunity challenge.”
• Previous Survivor he respects most: “Myself. I am my own hero, because of what I accomplished and how it brought my family together.”
• Previous Survivor he respects least: “Jonny Fairplay” (Jon Dalton) (“Pearl Islands,” “Fans vs. Favorites”)
• Why did he come back? : “It’s the ultimate challenge, I couldn’t pass it up.”

Video: Jeff Probst gives a sneak peek at “Heroes vs. Villains.”

• • •

Look for recaps and features from “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” on Wade on Birmingham.

Video: Samson native James “J.T.” Thomas Jr.
wins “Survivor: Tocantins.”

May 6 | A look at two scourges hitting Alabama hard: lost jobs and swine flu. U.S. Steel began a temporary shutdown of its 2,000-worker Fairfield plant that has lasted till now. And swine flu has spread statewide.

May 17 | How does scoring a 39-day trip to Brazil and $1.1 million in cash sound? Cattle rancher James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Samson did it in the 18th season of “Survivor.” More below in “Survivor” at a glance.

May 21 | I finally gained proof that I have a face made for radio, as I talk blogging on WBHM (90.3 FM). It was one of many broadcast interviews I did in 2009.

“Survivor” at a glance | May 7: Family visits; is Debbie done for? … May 8: Debbie talks about her experiences after finishing sixth … May 14: J.T. makes a play for the final four … May 17: The crazy 3-hour finale live blog … May 18: How J.T. became a millionaire in 39 days.

See all of our May coverage.

• • •

Haiku flashback

streetlights (May 28)

The little town street
fills with ghosts of laughter. A
shimmer lights our way.

• • •

365 days of Birmingham’s best and worst: Wade on 2009

Video: Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham segment on the city’s future in 50 years, produced by Mike Cunliffe and Wade on Birmingham contributor Jennifer West

April 11 | A tremendous milestone for this site: post No. 2000. Another 2,000 posts, and that free breakfast at Denny’s is mine!

April 20 | The way Birmingham works takes a step forward with the opening of Shift Workspace downtown. Our sneak peek showed professionals what to expect from the new coworking space, including room for classes from the Birmingham Blogging Academy.

April 22 | Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival hires Chloe Collins as its new executive director, and we told you first. Plus, we had the exclusive interview with Collins on her plans to pull the film festival out of debt.

April 27 | We glimpsed into our crystal ball to see the city 50 years from now, with a little help from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Given the challenges this year, looking forward seemed to be the only hope left. (The video above has a shout out to this site at 0:53.)

April 29 | Swine flu arrived in Alabama, as two cases were reported in the Huntsville area. In 2009, 37 people in the state have died from H1N1.

“Survivor” at a glance | April 2: Debbie chows down for a reward, while J.T. casts a deciding vote … April 9: J.T. and Debbie make it to the merge, only to face a surprising elimination … April 16: Debbie and J.T. share a reward, and J.T. casts another pivotal ballot … April 23: More rewards for J.T. and Debbie, and yet again, J.T. decides another’s fate … April 30: Debbie has a showdown with Sierra.

See all of our April coverage.

• • •

Haiku flashback

concrete savanna (April 20)

From on high, urban
structures kneel to the crushing
sky, brick versus steel.

• • •

365 days of Birmingham’s best and worst: Wade on 2009

Video: “Chains of Love,” Los Lobos. The band will play
an acoustic concert on Jan. 22
at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

March 3 | Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival moves forward with plans to hire a new executive director, as featured in this Wade on Birmingham exclusive. The leader of the state’s largest film festival will need organizational and fund-raising skills, but not necessarily deep cinematic knowledge.

March 11 | The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center was still months away from the end of its 2008-09 season when we broke the news on the lineup for the 2009-10 season, including Los Lobos (see video above), Savion Glover and the Peking Acrobats coming in early 2010.

March 15 | The way the ball bounces: A sad post-season for Alabama college basketball squads, as Alabama State didn’t even make it past Morehead State in the men’s play-in game, while No. 2 seed Auburn won its first-round game, only to lose to Rutgers next in the women’s tournament.

March 23 | Wade on Birmingham branches out into another company and blog, the Birmingham Blogging Academy. Businesses interested in all forms of social media have a new resource here in town.

March 29 | City Stages announces its headliners, the all-too-familiar mix of oldies but oldies, including the Doobie Brothers, Styx, 38 Special and REO Speedwagon. Birmingham yawns.

“Survivor” at a glance | March 5: Debbie and J.T. go toe to toe in shouldering the most weight, and J.T. survives Tribal Council … March 12: J.T. breaks a tooth in a losing battle, Debbie schemes with Coach … March 25: clip show! with more scenes from Debbie and J.T.

See all of our March coverage.

• • •

Haiku flashback

grandma said (March 15)

Kind words go further
than angry ones. Mind that you
keep plenty in stock.

• • •

365 days of Birmingham’s best and worst: Wade on 2009

Video: Excerpt from “In Broad Daylight/Fight Club,”
featuring Birmingham homicide detectives in “The First 48″

Feb. 4 | Wade on Birmingham goes microblogging via Twitter with @WadeOnTweets, changing the way news tips come into this site and breaking news and other features are announced. And in less than a year, close to 1,600 followers are keeping up with the latest headlines in real time.

Feb. 5 | Crime pays, sort of, as Birmingham’s finest appear in new episodes of reality docudrama, “The First 48.” The A&E show followed homicide detectives as they pursued leads and suspects in one of America’s deadliest cities. Check it out in the video above.

Feb. 11 | Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival starts anew, beginning with the firing of executive director Catherine Pfitzer. If it happened at Sidewalk, Wade on Birmingham brought it to you first throughout 2009.

Feb. 17 | Birmingham begins the slow march into digital television, starting with Alabama Public Television, CW21 and My 68. The remaining local stations would follow suit some 4 months later.

Feb. 26 | Jason Mraz becomes the first performer announced for May’s Schaeffer Crawfish Boil, a Wade on Birmingham exclusive. It would become a year of success for the boil, but disastrous for other longtime Birmingham music festivals.

“Survivor” at a glance | Feb. 12: J.T. and Debbie start out in opposing tribes, and J.T. survives first Tribal Council … Feb. 19: J.T. forms a game-changing alliance with Stephen; Debbie survives her first Tribal Council  … Feb. 26: J.T. keeps his tribe full with fresh fish; Debbie survives another Tribal Council.

See all of our February coverage.

• • •

Haiku flashback

in a field of dirt (Feb. 11)

Out there, somewhere, is
a vegetable garden just
before it pokes up.

• • •

365 days of Birmingham’s best and worst: Wade on 2009

Video: 2009 Sugar Bowl recap: Utah vs. Alabama

Jan. 2 | Alabama ends season in the Sugar Bowl losing to Utah. It was coach Nick Saban’s first bowl trip with the Tide, and also the first, and last, time Alabama would lose this year. Relive the magic of the entire game in compact video form, or just watch the highlights above.

Jan. 15 | First exclusive of the year: Two Alabamians were see compete in “Survivor: Tocantins – the Brazilian Highlands.” (Check out our first looks at J.T. and Debbie!) The only reality show we recapped this year, save for the Birmingham elections from August through …

Jan. 22 | A little self-promotion never hurts: My first interview in 2009 with the Birmingham Business Journal. The article focuses on making the most of an involuntary career change.

Jan. 30 | The saga of a country farmer from Holly Pond who became governor but then fell from grace came to an end. Guy Hunt, dead at 75. It seems as though politics and corruption would be a recurring theme this year.

See all of our January coverage.

• • •

Haiku flashback

neck-row-philia (Jan. 20)

Snazzy scarf becomes
wrapped up in knotty neck, a
tangled, tussled heap.

• • •

365 days of Birmingham’s best and worst: Wade on 2009

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On the surface, J.T. appears to be a simple cattle rancher from south Alabama, but in “reality,” he’s a savvy competitor who earned respect among players he bested.

Samson native James Thomas Jr. spent 39 days competing on “Survivor: Tocatins – The Brazilian Highlands,” the CBS reality show. Sunday night, he not only won the $1 million prize by earning all seven jury votes, but also picked up an extra $100,000 prize just for being a fan favorite.

He was one of two Alabamians competing this season: Auburn middle school principal Debra Beebe finished in sixth place. (Alabama on ‘Survivor’: The Debra Beebe interview)

As such an obvious threat — physically dominant, socially smooth, skilled in survival — how did he outlast 15 other contestants? And what does he plan to do with all that money?

In a conference call earlier today, Thomas, along with runner-up Stephen Fishbach of New York, discussed their winning alliance and unlikely friendship.

Video: James Thomas Jr. on ‘The Early Show’

On Thomas’ sudden popularity: Thomas had no idea that he’d be so popular among the jurors, or that fans would pick him to win the $100,000 bonus prize.

On the final Tribal Council: Fishbach says while he fielded the tough questions, Thomas had easier ones and that Fishbach was “definitely brutalized by that jury.”  Fishbach said he knew going into the that crucial Tribal Council that he was going to lose to Thomas, the “bad cop” to Thomas’ “good cop.”

In fact, Fishbach found out later that Thomas was hugging competitors before they were voted out that night at Tribal Councils.

On the future of Thomas’ ranching: He said he’s not planning to spend any of his winnings on the cattle, but that it should make it easier to attract business rather than have to seek it out. He added that he’ll hopefully have extra hands around the farm.

One man, one vote: Thomas casts the last vote to oust.

On coming into the merge outnumbered: The three former Jalapao members, Thomas, Fishbach and Taj Johnson-George, didn’t have a plan to stay alive, according to Thomas and Fishbach. They separately approached former Timbira members, specifically making overtures to Ben “Coach” Wade, looking to see who could come up with the best plan.

The Thomas-Fishbach duo said they knew they reached a turning point when they successfully blindsided Tyson Apostol. Fishbach said they had anticipated more anger from Apostol’s teammates and even revenge; instead, they wrote it off and let the duo continue to pull the strings.

Battle tested: J.T. competes in an Immunity Challenge
in the season finale.

On their unlikely friendship: Thomas said, “No one would expect the New York guy and the Alabama country boy to hit it off,” adding they bonded after the hike to camp on Day 1, fishing, teaching each others skills.

Fishbach said that their similar approaches of working hard to benefit the tribe made them allies from Day 2 or 3.

On the tooth saga: (Thomas broke a tooth during a challenge, and when host Jeff Probst offered it to him, he threw it away.) “I felt bad I didn’t lose it in some big collision; the ball hit me in the face. It didn’t hurt at all, but I come off looking really tough.”

(Probst gave the tooth to Thomas’ mother, Marie Castillo, during the live broadcast.) “She’s definitely going to put it on eBay!” he joked.

The road to the final three: From left, Stephen Fishbach,
Erinn Lobdell and Thomas take time to stop and snuff the torches.

On being cast for ‘Survivor’: Thomas said, “It was the first time I’ve ever filled out an application. My mom conned me into it. It was a long process.”

Meanwhile, it was simple as being on Facebook for Fishbach. “I uploaded a picture to Facebook of me looking goofy, and the casting director saw my picture and they were looking for a goofy city boy.”

On the hardest part of being on the show: Thomas said that it was starving to death, and having to turn on people like Johnson-George toward the end, especially since she was their ally and “had a much better chance of beating us.”

On winning food and losing weight: (Thomas took part in many reward feasts, as part of a winning team in challenges.) Thomas said, “I lost 16 pounds.”

But he added that even with all of the bonus meals, he regretted missing out on the reward that Timbira won in Episode 7: burgers and beers.

On starting a business together: (Thomas mentioned on the live broadcast that he’d like to invest some of his prize money in a business with Fishbach.) Fishbach said that the two of them have already worked well together and that they each bring different skills, plus Thomas now has plenty of “seed money.”

Thomas joked he’d have to keep a closer eye on his prize money and his business partner.

Photos: CBS

Also:

• Alabama on ‘Survivor’: The Debra Beebe interview
• Alabama on ‘Survivor’: Finale live blog
• Birmingham News: “Alabama cattle rancher James ‘JT’ Thomas Jr. wins ‘Survivor’”
• Mobile Press-Register: “Mobile’s J.T. is ‘Survivor’ winner!”
• San Jose Mercury News: “‘Survivor: Tocantins’: Likable J.T. captures the crown”

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

James Thomas Jr., better known as J.T., won “Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands” earlier tonight during a live broadcast. Thomas (pictured above right) beat Stephen Fishbach (above left) of New York with a unanimous 7-0 vote among the jury of players.

In addition to winning the reality competition, the 24-year-old cattle rancher from Samson, Ala., also won an additional $100,000 in the fan favorite vote, earning a total $1.1 million for his 39 days in Brazil.

(Alabama on ‘Survivor’: Finale live blog)

Thomas and Fishbach formed an alliance early in the game, and Thomas said during the live show that he planned on using the money to go into business with Fishbach.

Meanwhile, Auburn middle school principal Debra Beebe finished in sixth place. She was part of the jury that picked Thomas as the winner.

Our interview with James ‘J.T.’ Thomas Jr.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Welcome to the Wade on Birmingham
‘Survivor: Tocantins’ finale Live Blog!

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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• Or if you want to e-mail us, send it to wade [AT] wadeonbirmingham.com.
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Our full live blog with special co-host Jen Barnett, after the jump …

6:46	jenbarnett: Live-blogging survivor finale with @WadeOnTweets at http://is.gd/ANr3

7:00	wadeontweets: STARTING NOW!! RT @jenbarnett: Live-blogging #survivor finale with @WadeOnTweets at http://is.gd/ANr3

A tangled web: J.T. competes in
the spider-themed immunity challenge.

13th out: Taj

March of the Forzans: J.T., Stephen and Erinn remember
the other players, plus Debbie’s torch.

7:58	wadeontweets: Hour 2 of survivor finale live blog on Wade on Birmingham RIGHT NOW w/ @jenbarnett: http://is.gd/ANr3 #survivor

Round and round: J.T. competes in the final Immunity Challenge.

14th out: Erinn

One last sunrise: J.T., left, and Stephen celebrate
the last day with a special breakfast.

Before: The final two of Stephen, left, and J.T.

Before: From left, jurors Brendan, Tyson,
Sierra, Debbie, Coach, Taj and Erinn.

8:55	wadeontweets: About to name winner … survivor finale live blog on Wade on Birmingham RIGHT NOW w/ @jenbarnett: http://is.gd/ANr3 #survivor

After: The final two of Stephen, left, and J.T.

After: From left, jurors Brendan, Tyson,
Sierra, Debbie, Coach, Taj and Erinn.

VIDEO: Jeff reveals the winner

It’s official: Host Jeff Probst displays the winning vote for J.T.

Hug it out: Stephen congratulates J.T. on winning ‘Survivor.’

Victory lap: J.T. heads to his family in the audience.

Hail, hail: The reunited cast of ‘Survivor: Tocantins.’

Tears of joy: J.T. talks about winning ‘Survivor: Tocantins.’

9:13

Dental damage: Jeff shows off
his souvenir, J.T.’s broken tooth.

Mother’s day: Jeff gives J.T.’s mom,
Marie Castillo, the missing tooth.

9:21	wadeontweets: And the winner of survivor: Tocantins is … http://is.gd/ANr3 #survivor

Back for more: Debbie takes a turn during the reunion special.

Pick of the litter: J.T. wins another $100,000 as the fan favorite.

Previous: Episode 13 – The last of the Timbirans

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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More than a month in the wilds of Brazil, our fearless five players — Coach, J.T., Taj, Stephen and Erinn — are so very close to the end. “Survivor: Tocantins” still has a few surprises 33 days in:

• Jalapao, once outnumbered, has outlasted Timbira since the merge.
• Coach is still here?!
• Taj and Stephen managed to dump their cross-tribal alliance and stay relatively clean.
• J.T. and Stephen have run the show, and no one seems to mind.

So what’s left? Well, after the ouster of Auburn’s Debra Beebe during the previous episode, it’s up to James Thomas Jr. of Mobile to push through to the Final Four.

Can Coach survive on his own? Will Erinn talk her way out of the Final Four? Will the Hidden Immunity Idol ever make an appearance at Tribal Council? Find out, after the jump …

Despite all their rage, they are still just …:
The amazing race; J.T. swings and connects.

Reward Challenge: This season, the producers should simply call it the “Excuse to Let J.T. Pig Out Challenge.”

Something along the lines of contestants compete with J.T. by running (or hopping, with feet shackled together) through a giant maze shaped like the word “SURVIVOR.” The eventual losers and J.T. then race to lash together a long pole to hook a rope with a sandbag. Then, they watch as J.T. swings the sandbag to knock down three targets to raise a flag.

The J.T. wins an overnight luxury trip to the governor’s mansion, plus picks a non-J.T. to visit Exile Island.

Coach keeps it close, but continues to lose out on rewards. J.T. wins reward, along with a companion of his choice. He selects his BFF Stephen.

Love is a battlefield: Coach says, ‘Hit me with your best shot.’
Erinn, left, and Taj seem ready to deliver the knockout punch.

The worrier alliance: Coach, who has seemingly spent the past month talking up his dragon slayer street cred and near-death exploits around the world, is scared of Exile Island. Or as we like to call it, Exile Pile of Sand.

After J.T. selects Coach to go (only he and J.T. haven’t made the fateful trip), he declares he’ll take the “monastic approach”: no food, no fire, just spiritual mumbo-jumbo. Erinn calls him out immediately, calling it the “martyr approach.”

Is that any way to talk about our lord and savior? Coach is dying for our sins!!

He does mention his many ailments, including a ruptured disc, another one about to slip and his (unseen-to-date) asthma attacks. But he seems to brush aside Erinn’s snark with, “Hit me with your best shot, Pat Benatar.”

Thanks, Goldmember. (“And that’s the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it. KC and the Sunshine Band.”)

Coach, renegade angel: The warrior tours Exile Island.

At Exile, he takes a large branch to use as a cane, and he enjoys his spiritual retreat, narrating his adventure in the third person. George is getting upset!

Sausagefest 2K9: Stephen, left, and J.T. celebrate in style.

Couple’s getaway: J.T. and Stephen fly in their private plane to the governor’s mansion, a romantic spot with great view, high-class amenities, the perfect lovers’ vacation destination.

Once there, they shower (separately) but not before being shocked by their own reflections in the mirror.

For the big meal, they enjoy a churrasco, an endless parade of grilled meats on skewers. Stephen observes, “We’re having a meat festival!”

Really, we can’t top that.

Two feet away: Taj stands tall in the Immunity Challenge.

Immunity Challenge: Coach comes back, a little worse for wear, though Taj doesn’t seem to buy it. He says Exile was “frickin’ awesome” as a test for himself, which we’re sure he aced.

Anyway …

Contestants stand between two walls, bare feet on small footholds. At the 15- and 30-minute mark, they step down to smaller footholds. Last one still up wins immunity.

At 30 minutes, Erinn falls, followed quickly by Stephen and Taj. Once again, it comes down to Coach and J.T.

J.T. asks host Jeff Probst if he has any food, like a bribe. Unbelievable! He just went on his umpteenth reward feast and he still wants more. Jeff politely demurs.

At 50 minutes, Coach’s back spasms, and he steps down. J.T. wins immunity, and Alabama is going to the Final Four.

Back to nature: Coach lies down after a back spasm,
then hobbles back to camp with J.T.’s help.

Coach lies down on the ground in pain, as the others gather around to help him up. With J.T.’s help, he limps back to the Forza camp.

Who mourns for Timbira? It’s clear that Taj, J.T. and Stephen are in control, and that Erinn or Coach will be next out. Taj and Erinn aren’t buying Coach’s sudden weakness.

Coach, on the other hand, says he’ll be the last of the Timbirans, the last of the Mohicans. Either way, Jalapao has turned the tables.

A matter of principal: Debbie joins the jury.

Voted out: Debbie’s back, and looking mighty fine. Unfortunately, she’s part of the silent jury for this episode.

Tribal Council brings out the best Coach to date, as he explains the wacky differences between men and women and ends with a poem. Really.

With friend and foe,
we march to the battle plain.
Some to seek success,
others to seek fame.

We play with honor,
for the love of this game.
And with armor or without
we will toil in vain.
So that someday, someone, somewhere
will remember our name.

(abcb defege, by the way)

Everyone’s a critic: From left, Brendan, Tyson, Sierra and
Debbie endure Coach’s rhyming scheme.

Before the vote, Jeff reminds the players that it’s the last opportunity to play the Hidden Immunity Idol. But Taj apparently doesn’t need it.

Coach and Erinn tie at 2 votes each. It’s going to be a squeaker …

12th out: Coach.

And like that, the dragon slayer is slain: Coach loses 3-2, becoming the fifth member of the jury.

Sunday: season finale live blog

Video: Coach’s final words

Video: Coach the day after

Your Final Four.

Meet your Final Four …

• J.T. the “Cowboy”: “I’m an all-around competitor in this game. It was made for me.”
• Stephen the “City Boy”: “My story is a David-and-Goliath story.”
• Taj the “Mom” (wow, weak): “If I have to smile to your face and stab you in the back, that’s the name of the game, I’m gonna do it.”
• Erinn the “Wild Card”: “I came out here because I want to go home with a million bucks.”

Three Tribal Councils, two hours, one Survivor.

Has J.T. played a perfect game? Can he beat Taj, Stephen or Erinn in the end?

[Video and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42, but concludes its season at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Previous: Episode 12 – Debbie does desperation
Next: The big Sunday two-hour finale, plus one-hour live reunion. Join us here for the live blog with special guest Jen Barnett! (Episode 14 – Finale live blog)

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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VIDEO: You Ask They Tell: Debbie

And like that, she’s gone. We’re still not quite over Debra Beebe‘s departure from “Survivor: Tocantins.”

(Recap to follow tonight’s show.)

The Auburn middle school principal finished in sixth place during last week’s episode. Tonight, she’ll join the jury to help crown the winner.

Still in the running is our other Alabama player, James Thomas Jr., the cattle rancher from Samson. He and four other contestants will battle it out for a spot in the Final Four.

Speaking of which, the season concludes Sunday with the three-hour extravaganza. And because we are stupid crazy thorough, we’re planning on a special live blog here on Wade on Birmingham starting at 7 p.m. CDT. That’s right …

Sunday: season finale live blog*

*assuming J.T. isn’t booted tonight.

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us,
• And one from Jeff.

And more about Debbie:

• Our interview: Alabama on ‘Survivor’: The Debra Beebe interview
• Birmingham News: “I sure as heck was out there for a million dollars. I wasn’t out there for my integrity.”
• Auburn Villager: “I’d like to get the Fan Favorite Best Player Award. That would be the ultimate win.”
• Opelika-Auburn News: “I know I’ll be a better leader as a principal for having had this experience.”
• Entertainment Tonight: “For two days, everybody on the tribe was talking about voting Coach out, and I had finally come around to that idea that we needed to do that.“
• TV Guide: “I lost probably about 15 pounds and I usually weigh around a hundred.”
  

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus videos, after the jump …

VIDEO: Castaway Commentary: Debbie

VIDEO: Debbie at the Ponderosa, part 1

VIDEO: Debbie at the Ponderosa, part 2

VIDEO: Debbie at the Ponderosa, part 3

VIDEO: Debbie at the Ponderosa, part 4

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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Debra “Debbie” Beebe had wanted to be on “Survivor” since applying for the second season in 2000. Instead, she wound up in Brazil in the 18th season of “Survivor: Tocatins – The Brazilian Highlands.”

Her tribe had the advantage going into the merge. She aligned with power players since Day 3. So where did it go wrong for Beebe, the middle school principal from Auburn?

(Alabama’s other player, James Thomas Jr. of Mobile, remains in the game.)

She played a strong social game, despite the lack of camera time, and she started to emerge as a physical threat. But in Thursday’s episode, she had to settle for sixth place.

In a conference call earlier today, Beebe discussed the high points, the low points, her allies and what’s next.

Straight and narrow: Debbie competes in an Immunity Challenge.

Toughest part of being on “Survivor”: “Living, sleeping, constantly being in wet clothes: soggy socks, wet pants, wet everything — it’s freezing.” That, and the bug bites.

Where Timbira failed post-merge: “We’re going to go down as the stupidest tribe ever on ‘Survivor.’ As soon as the merge occurred, (Stephen and J.T.) started to get Brendan and Tyson to distrust each other. … We started picking our own people off. It was completely nuts.”

Her original game plan: “Be myself. I’m upbeat and goofy. To not be bossy, just listen.”

Beebe aligned with two players since Day 3, Tyson and Coach.

On Tyson: “I had a hard time when Tyson was voted out. He kept me laughing. I took some grief about his little antics and his loincloth, but he was hilarious.” Her husband, Bret, wasn’t a big fan after seeing the pair pal around.

On Coach: “I didn’t know all that stuff (about ‘dragon slayer’) was going on. … He’s a character. He believes he’s playing this game with integrity 100 percent. And he believes he’s not lying.”

River reconnaissance: Debbie talks strategy with Taj, J.T. and Stephen.

Her proudest moments on the show: Winning individual immunity and meeting the Brazilian children during a reward feast.

On plans for the future: Beebe plans on sticking with her job, middle school principal at J.F. Drake Middle School, though she mentioned that if something else comes up, she’d be open to it.

Photos: CBS

Video: Secret scene – Debbie

Video: Debbie at the Ponderosa

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

Also:

• The James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. interview

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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It’s a mad scramble with only six players left on “Survivor.” But with J.T. and Stephen firmly in control, is it really anybody’s game? Or theirs to lose?

Plus, special guest star Eddie George! (ooh, ahh)

Can James Thomas Jr. of Samson trust Stephen? Can Debra Beebe of Auburn trust anybody?

Who buys big at the auction? And who’s being sold down the river? Find out, after the jump …

Three large: You can’t have a season without the “Survivor” Auction, a chance for host Jeff Probst to fulfill his dream of selling ordinary food at ridiculous prices.

Bids and bites: Clockwise from top left, Stephen,
J.T., Coach and Debbie go for broke at the auction.

Each player receives $500 and bids in $20 increments, with no sharing of prizes or cash.

1. French fries: bought for $120 by Debbie
2. Chicken parmesan, garlic bread, red wine: bought for $320 by Coach
3. Mystery item: bought for $160 by J.T. (nachos, guacamole and salsa)
4. Mystery item: bought for $100 by Stephen (chicken hearts)
5. A phone with a video from a loved one: bought for $20 by Taj

Yes, $20. Jeff said everyone could share money for this round. J.T. and Debbie immediately hand over their cash to Taj, who’s already crying. It’s clear that Taj will get that phone.

Exiled in paradise: Taj’s surprise guest on
Exile Island? Her husband Eddie George.

Dial S for sappy: And then she really bawls when Taj’s husband, former NFL player Eddie George, pops up on the tiny screen.

Later, she starts tweeting on her new phone …

@TajSurvivor: Hanging with my Forza pals at camp. Need bug spray bad. LOL

@TajSurvivor: Yo, JT, come scheme with me at the river. Bring Stephen.

@TajSurvivor: Heading to Tribal but can’t find my torch!

Turns out the phone isn’t the end of the prize, as Eddie says he’ll “see her back at camp.”

Yep, family time.

But (twist!) Jeff says she has a choice: See Eddie at camp, or go to Exile with Eddie so the other contestants can see their loved ones at camp. Hmm, really?

And it feels so good: Above, J.T. hangs with his sister Adrianna,
while Debbie cries after reuniting with her husband Bret.

Naturally, she picks the honeymoon at Exile, while Debbie sees her husband Bret, Erinn her father, J.T. his little sister Adrianna, Stephen his brother and Coach his … assistant coach?!

Um, touching. Really.

He’s got your back: Coach gets a back crack
from his crackerjack assistant coach.

They start to wrestle, immediately declare it non-gay, saying the assistant was helping crack Coach’s back.

It’s all hugs and bonding during the family members’ short visit.

Divided they stand: Above, J.T. gets his symbols straight.
Below, Stephen and J.T. pursue the secret formula.

Immunity Challenge: Contestants race under a beam via a hand-dug hole in the sand, across a balance beam, under a rope obstacle to the far end. There, they must memorize 10 math symbols, then race back to the starting line to write down the symbols in order to solve an equation.

J.T. easily outraces everyone, complete two laps while most are still on their first. But he struggles with the symbols. Stephen can’t seem to cross the balance beam without falling off again and again.

But in the end, it takes Stephen just one trip to memorize and solve, beating J.T. by … a fraction. (Ha! Math joke!)

Stephen wins his first immunity, then explains in excruciating detail how he did it.

Jeff calls it “one of the biggest come-from-behind victories ever.”

Looks like Stephen and his ally J.T. are sitting pretty again.

An alliance too far? Debbie talks up Final Three
with Stephen and J.T.

Going going gone: One by one, the tribe members scheme and/or plead their case to the almighty Stephen and J.T.

Taj talks with them in the river.

Coach comes by to make sure the Warrior Alliance is still intact. He still wants the foursome (him, Debbie, Stephen and J.T.) to dump Taj.

But Debbie, Debbie is ready to wheel and deal. She promises that if they take her to Final Three, and if she wins the Immunity Necklace, she would hand it over and settle for third place.

But Stephen has major doubts about her, unsure of whether to trust her, but sure she’s playing the game smartly.

Doesn’t look good for our Alabama middle school principal …

Voted out: It seemed to be a battle between allies Coach and Debbie, as Debbie threw Coach under the bus in a promise of Final Three with J.T. and Stephen.

But no one fell for it. Well, maybe Coach.

11th out: Debbie.

Debbie loses 4-1-1 (stray votes for Taj and Coach), becoming the 11th to be voted out and fourth member of the jury.

After being voted out, Debbie is still all smiles for the confessional, saying she understands it’s just a game and that she’s “anxious to sit on jury and see what goes down.”

Video: Debbie’s final words

Video: Debbie the day after

[updates to follow]

Did Debbie stick with Coach too long? How did he outlast her?

[Video and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 11 – Girl fight
Next: Coach fights hard to stay in; Erinn finds herself on the outs with her alliance. (Episode 13 – The last of the Timbirans)

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

VIDEO: Teaser for tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

What kind of auction will they have? An extreme auction! Because you can’t spell “auction” without “action.”

Is James Thomas Jr. of Mobile headed to the final two with Stephen? Has Debra Beebe of Auburn run out of hiding places?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us,
• And one from Jeff.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus videos, after the jump …

VIDEO: Host Jeff Probst teases tonight’s episode

VIDEO: Sierra at the Ponderosa, part 1

VIDEO: Sierra at the Ponderosa, part 2

VIDEO: Sierra at the Ponderosa, part 3

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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“Our happy little family is not such a little happy family anymore.”

That’s how Debbie describes the Forza tribe during Tribal Council. The soap opera of “Survivor” just heaped on the drama tonight, with crying, scheming and fighting galore.

Is James Thomas Jr. of Mobile eating his way to victory? Can Debra Beebe of Auburn stomach the drama?

Who’s lying, who’s crying, and which two women are at war? Find out, after the jump …

Battled blondes: Debbie, left, and Sierra square off.

The tyranny of the minority: Jalapao came to the merge at a 6-4 disadvantage. The remaining — Taj, J.T. and Stephen — are still outnumbered by the Timbirans 4-3.

Who’s controlling the game and Forza? The Jalapaos. Wild.

And who’s really in charge? J.T. and Stephen.

And who does Coach keep checking in with? J.T.

Survey says: Above, Stephen and Taj play who’s who.
Sierra the statue gets smashed.

Reward Challenge: Pecking order challenge! In which we learn who is hated, and who is most hated. And possibly who will win it all.

Contestants fill out survey questions about each other in private, then guess the most popular answers. Each right answer earns a chop on another player’s rope. Three chops releases the hammer tied to the rope, smashing the idol of the then-eliminated player. Last one standing wins a home-cooked meal and a trip to a spring.

So what were the questions and the group’s answers?

1. Who has not lived up to their potential?	Coach
2. Who would squander the $1 million prize the quickest?	Sierra
3. Who would not survive on their own?	Debbie
4. Who would you trust with your life?	J.T.
5. Who is most likely to stab you in the back?	Sierra
6. Who would you like to least see win this game?	Sierra

And who was eliminated when?

1st out	Sierra
2nd	Coach
3rd	Debbie
4th	Erinn
5th	J.T.
6th	Taj
Winner	Stephen

Stephen wins! (Is this a glimpse of who’ll be voted out in order?) He picks Erinn to go to Exile Island, reminding viewers that he’s sending an ally to protect any Hidden Immunity Idol clues.

He can pick two companions to share the feast, so he chooses … Taj and J.T. (his other allies).

The omnivore’s dilemma: And now, J.T., Taj and Stephen eating …

Eating for three: Stephen, Taj and J.T. enjoy their reward.

For those keeping score, J.T. has been binging in the previous three episodes: He had pizza during the last immunity challenge, ate similar feasts at the last two reward challenges, plus gorged himself at the tribal merge.

Survival, really?

Get the ball rolling: From top, J.T., Debbie
and Coach keep their mazes moving.

Immunity Challenge: Players retrieve three useless bags on the ground with a grappling hook attached to a rope. The first three compete to see who can move a ball through a tilting table maze with holes.

Coach, J.T. and Debbie advance to the next round. Coach and J.T. are neck and neck, until J.T. flubs it.

Giving 110 percent: Coach wins his first individual immunity.

Coach wins, proclaiming “Dragon slayer!”

Oy.

Dramarama: It’s clear from the previous episode that Sierra is doomed. Her ally Tyson was blindsided. Her Timbiran tribesmates hate her. Her Jalapao tribemates mistrust her. She was first out in the Reward Challenge. And Coach and Debbie end up bickering with her more than convincing her to band together as Timbirans to knock out the Jalapaos.

Oh, and let’s not forget her Forzan-inspired high school yearbook superlatives: Most Likely to Squander the $1 Million Prize, Most Likely to Stab You in the Back, Least Wanted to Win.

Once Coach snagged the Immunity Necklace, it became a Debbie vs. Sierra showdown.

Stephen and J.T., the power couple, have several conversations, figuring Sierra is more annoying, but Debbie is more cunning.

Meanwhile, Sierra takes the scorched earth route, calling out Coach as a liar and schemer. The rest of the tribe watches in either horror or amusement.

Debbie leaves, crying: “This drama crap has to stop. I’m too old for this. .., I cannot believe I’m in a verbal combat with a 23 year old.”

Voted out: At Tribal Council, everyone gets a chance to speak.

J.T. says, “I’m scared to go fishing,” because he doesn’t want to give anyone else a chance to scheme while he’s away. And J.T. loves fishing!

Sierra calls out Coach, which sets him off on a lon-n-n-ng rebuttal, including a Bible quote and telling her she’s “23 going on 5.” Taj calls the whole mess an entertaining “soap opera.”

Then, host Jeff Probst asks Debbie a fatal question, if being so popular and winning the previous Immunity Challenge will make her a target. Umm, no?

Besides a stray vote for Stephen(?!) (from Erinn), it’s Debbie and Sierra.

10th out: Sierra.

And Sierra is booted, 4-2-1.

Video: Sierra’s final words

Video: Sierra, the day after

Are Debbie and Coach headed for oblivion? Are J.T. and Stephen unstoppable?

[Video and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 10 – I just threw up on my feet
Next: Debbie turns on Coach. (Episode 12 – Debbie does desperation)

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

VIDEO: Teaser for tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

Tyson is gone! Coach is scrambling! Debbie is scrambling!

Is James Thomas Jr. of Samson running the show? Is Debra Beebe of Auburn suddenly in danger of being voted out?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us,
• And one from Jeff.

Plus, host Jeff Probst handicaps our Alabama contestants:

• On Debbie: “She’s very likable … She would be a dangerous person to let go all the way to the end.”
• On J.T.: “J.T. has a tougher job ahead of him because he’s such a physical threat. If everybody wakes up soon, they’re going to get rid of J.T., because he could win his way to the end.”

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus videos, after the jump …

VIDEO: Tyson at the Ponderosa, part 2

VIDEO: Tyson at the Ponderosa, part 3

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

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What a waste of an idol. We should’ve been clearer about the meaning behind Brendan’s departure in the previous episode of “Survivor.”

It was yet another blindside. It was the loss of his Hidden Immunity Idol, meaning, one or two are still in play.

And it was the tolling bell of doom for his buddy Sierra, caught on the wrong side of the vote.

Is Debra Beebe of Auburn ready to charge forward? Is James Thomas Jr. of Samson getting enough to eat?

Is ex-Timbira in control, or another cross-tribal alliance? Find out, after the jump …

Worst Creed video ever: Coach welcomes the dawn.

Stuck in Coach class: OK, producers, we get it. You love Coach. You want to marry him and have horrid little long-hair deluded babies.

Once again, the episode opens with Coach at one with the water, the morning, the universe, the camera time. “The dragon slayer has vanquished the dragon once and for all. … Victory is mine,” philosophizes Coach on his tangle with Brendan.

Later, at Tribal Council, host Jeff Probst calls him on it. And yet, Coach prevails in his grand speechifying.

Sigh. I think Jeff was serious about a Coach TV series, but I didn’t realize he meant this show.

Goes all the way to the bone: Tyson vs. Sierra.

Outwit, outplay, outcast: Sierra’s stumble has the rest of the Forza tribe feeling cocky. She’s next to go, and it seems no one’s shy about telling her. Especially that Tyson.

“I don’t think you were the mastermind,” he tells her. “I don’t think you were smart enough.”

Ouch.

Then Tyson finishes with: “You’re the next to go.” (foreshadowing)

J.T. figures he and Stephen are in a good position, having helped oust Brendan. The ex-Jalapao three (including Taj) have made it this far, and don’t seem to be targets.

Reward Challenge: The eight contestants split into two teams, racing each other to collect large hole-y puzzle boards for a specific set-up. Once aligned, seven vowels are revealed, part of a 14-character scrambled sentence to solve.

The red team has Debbie, Erinn, J.T. and Tyson. The black team has Coach, Sierra, Stephen and Taj. You know where this is going.

Better red than dread: J.T., Erinn, Debbie and Tyson win reward.

Red crushes black, and J.T. insists on sending his buddy Stephen for a return trip to Exile Island. Why? To keep Sierra from receiving a clue to the Hidden Immunity Idol.

Oh, and Jeff taunts Coach about losing out on reward again. So that’s slightly awesome.

Give them a sense of pride: Debbie chats with a native boy.

Unsafety dance: Ah, classic “Survivor.” Feast then party with the natives. First, our fave hobby: pictures of contestants stuffing their faces …

Clockwise from upper left: Debbie, Tyson, Erinn and J.T. chow down.

Debbie has a nice moment with the local kids, realizing how much she misses her own kids, as well as the 908 students at J.F. Drake Middle School.

And then, reckless dancing on suddenly full stomachs. Uh oh.

You start out leaping, you end up
retching: Erinn pays the post-feast price.

Erinn can’t take all the excitement: “Gross, I just threw up on my feet.”

Meanwhile, at Exile, Stephen discovers that despite Brendan’s idol mishandling, no additional idol has been released. Meaning Taj has the only Hidden Immunity Idol.

that’swhatshesaid

And back at the Forza camp, Sierra bawls while arguing with her ex-Timbiran BFFs Coach, Debbie and Erinn. Later, Coach is kinda torn, seeing as Sierra doesn’t just want to give up.

Slide or slice: Taj pushes for immunity (above).
J.T., Stephen and Coach gorge on pizza.

Immunity Challenge: It’s tabletop shuffleboard, with three rounds. Closest puck to the X wins immunity.

However, any player wishing to drop out can gorge himself on pizza for the duration of the contest.

Oh, and the rain is making everyone shiver in the miserable cold.

Coach, J.T. and Stephen take the pizza. Wait, didn’t J.T. just stuff himself at the feast? What could possibly go wrong?

Sierra comes close, but Debbie wins individual immunity on the final shot. Impressive.

She’s into feather: Debbie wins immunity.

Worrier alliance: The Warrior Alliance (good God) of Coach, Tyson, J.T., Erinn and Debbie is set to boot Sierra.

Until …

Stephen tells Taj and Erinn that it may be their only chance to take out Tyson, who won immunity the last two times. J.T. isn’t so sure, since he promised Coach and can’t stand Sierra.

You’ve heard me say it before: J.T. is in the power position. Debbie feels secure the alliance will stick to the plan.

Voted out: At Tribal Council, Tyson beats up on Sierra just a little more, secure in the knowledge that he’s safe. Coach says he wants “to walk the path of the noble warrior,” and that he can triumph against any foe in head-to-head competition.

Hmm …

In the end, the Warrior Alliance crumbles, as Sierra is saved.

Above: Tyson is ninth out. Sierra is shocked, while Brendan gloats.

Tyson is voted out 5-3 in yet another blindside. Sierra looks shocked, as do Tyson’s alliance partners Debbie and Coach. Brendan, sitting in the jury area, smiles broadly.

Video: Tyson’s final words

Looks like the outnumbered ex-Jalapaos have upended the ex-Timbirans’ game plan.

Bullet? Dodged! Outcast Sierra outlasts Tyson.

Video: Tyson at the Ponderosa

How did Debbie go from triumphant to tragic so quickly? Can J.T., Taj and Stephen keep it together? Has Sierra been underestimated all this time?

[Video and photos to be added.]

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

Previous: Episode 9 – Be the wizard
Next: Debbie and Coach are suddenly sitting ducks. (Episode 11 – Girl fight)

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

VIDEO: Jeff Probst introduces tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

With Brendan gone, looks like Sierra’s in big trouble. And Tyson’s there to crush her dreams. Host Jeff Probst promises a life-changing experience for the player stranded on Exile Island.

Is James Thomas Jr. of Mobile finally in the safe zone? Is Debra Beebe of Auburn a lock for final four with eight players left?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us,
• And one from Jeff.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus videos, after the jump …

VIDEO: Brendan at the Ponderosa, part 2

VIDEO: Brendan, the day after

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.