Well, I'm not west coast, but I was one of those who had to record it and watch later because of Mother's Day activities (though lemme tell ya, I sure would have preferred staying home to watch Survivor over going to the Inlaws
)
Anyway, my thoughts...
First, I find it very, very interesting at the reactions on this thread. All season, most people have agreed that this was the best season at least since Australia, if not ever. But now that someone (generic) you don't like, it's suddenly the worst season? Interesting switch.
I personally still enjoyed it. No, I don't think Jenna deserved it (neither did whoever won last season -- and that tells you how little I liked last season when I can't even remember who won), but I do think she probably grew more out there as a person -- especially in the end -- than anyone else. Not that that makes her deserving of a million bucks, but at least it's something. And the fact that she was willing to admit on national TV that yes, she was and is a spoiled-brat only child takes a lot of gumption and self-awareness. Both pros. Again, not making her deserving of a million bucks, but still. And, I do have to admit that her mother's condition makes me a little more generous towards her -- how much you want to bet that at least some of Jenna's winnings go to help her mom? She's obviously, very obviously a Mama's Girl (and Daddy's Girl) and I bet she's going to give back to her mom. I guess I can relate to some degree to her, being a spoiled only child myself (hopefully not a brat, but some would disagree
) who is also close to her parents, and whose mom is also sick (thankfully not with cancer and not as badly as Jenna's mom, but she's still sick). So perhaps that's why Jenna doesn't annoy me as much as she does some of y'all.
Anyway -- as to my thoughts of the episode itself...
I was very surprised that this season they didn't have anything about knowing your other survivors. The closest was that group game about "which remaining survivor was the most... (hated, likely to use sex appeal, etc)".
I was very surprised that the last two immunity challenges were both physical, though the first of these last two was a combination of physical and mental I suppose. Certainly not as mental as I expected it to be.
I was not at all surprised that Butch was voted off first.
I also wasn't too surprised that Rob went next.
What did absolutely floor me was that Matt only got ONE vote.
I did think Jenna cleaned up rather nicely for the final immunity challenge -- I wouldn't be surprised if they saved (or were given) a little of that shampoo won at the beginning to be used at the very end. Only way I can figure that Jenna looked so good at the final TC. And I can see the model in her at the reunion show.
I guess I'm the only one who goes for the "rugged" look -- every guy this season I thought looked better before shaving than they did at the reunion after shaving. *shrug*
Though I really did have to laugh at Rob's comment -- he now has a girlfriend, but she doesn't trust a word he says? LOL!!
I really wonder how much they bribe the members of the jury to influence their votes? There is no way, no way at all that I can see that total coincidence makes the Survivor season winners follow the pattern of M-F-M-F-M-F Statistics just does *not* work that way. It has to be influenced somehow. And to get Christy to vote for Jenna......? I think it's rigged. I can buy it being real up to a point, but from that point (perhaps at the final two) I think it's rigged.
I did think it strange they didn't talk to Matt much at all during the reunion.
And, I *loved* Jeff's approach to the Reunion. (I personally suspect that he didn't really have the votes in the urn while on the water -- too much risk. I think it was a dummy-urn)
I'm looking forward to next season. I enjoy the show as much for the challenges and location as the people, so I know I'll be giving it a shot at very least.
Until then, I'll miss my Survivor friends!
) and right after that Jeff sticks his face in the camera and says "how did this happen ?" ... we'll find out after the break ....I am very disappointed in the outcome 
