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Sophie Clarke won six of the Survivor South Pacific jury members’ votes and thus the $1 million prize, beating Benjamin “Coach” Wade and Albert Destrade, with Ozzy Lusth taking the $100,000 fan favorite prize in the largest margin in the show’s history. Despite her clear victory, however, Sophie was screwed over: by the editing and by host Jeff Probst. Also last night, next season’s awesome twist and name, Survivor One World, were confirmed. Sophie played a strong, strategic game, aligning with the right people and also playing slightly under the radar, though the typically bitter jury viewed that as her being standoffish rather than Rick. Though she did not appear to be responsible for any major strategic moves—she certainly didn’t Cochran, whose name I’m making into a verb for a game-changing move—she was usually in conversations with Coach, who the editing seemed to credit all season for having the game in his control. Besides the fact that she won individual immunity three times,...

Well, it’s official: On Survivor South Pacific, Brandon Hantz is now in Kelly Bensimon territory , starting with his creepy stare through smoke while sitting at camp and ending with his breakdown and tears at Tribal Council. (“I just want to be somebody that God’s proud of.” “It affected my family big time when this whole thing went down with Russell.”) How the game and the stressful conditions affect people is often a source of fascination and even entertainment, but this has now crossed the line to where it almost seems like they need to medically evacuate him from the game. People who have seemed more stable have had horrific responses to the stress . What was most interesting to me about Brandon’s breakdown was Coach’s sudden appearance in the third act to lecture Brandon about his impulsive behavior. It was a Coach—Ben? although I hesitate to use his real name after seeing the preview in which he seems to freak out about people using his real name—that we haven’t ever seen before...

Among the 16 new cast members who will be on Survivor South Pacific with returning players Ben “Coach” Wade and Ozzy Lusth is someone with a very familiar last name: Brandon Hantz, three-time loser Russell Hantz’s nephew. Brandon, who’s 20 and married and works at his uncle’s company (Hantz Tankering Service), was identified as a cast member early this morning on Survivor Skills by DanieuBleau , who correctly identified this season’s location well before there was any concrete evidence. (There was a teaser posted a week ago.) The accurate information about the taping location followed by cast member information suggests a source such as a crew member, so while I hope this is a Kimbo Slice-like rumor , it may not be. Others report that Brandon had a casting video posted on his YouTube profile , but that, along with his Facebook profile, has apparently been deleted. His YouTube profile says, “hi my names Brandon im 18 i have a lovely wife and son that im very proud of its a long story...

« The Bachelor: Jason and Molly Renew Their Vows | Home | Skating With The Stars: Injury Plagues Week Three » December 6, 2010 04:00:17 by Lori Wilson One of the Skating With the Stars front runners Brandon Smith was rushed to the hospital during rehearsals today. What will it mean for the Disney star? Will he perform in tonight’s competition? Keep on reading for more. “Sonny with a Chance” star Brandon Smith was apparently sick when he came to the Skating With the Stars set today for rehearsals. TMZ reports that a 911 call was made from the CBS lot, where the ABC reality show is taped, around 11:43 am when Brandon started having difficulty breathing. He was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. Thus far, Brandon Smith has been a strong presence on the ice, moving around with confidence and skill. Last week, Brandon and his partner, professional figure skater Keauna McLaughlin, skated a strong tango that impressed the judges. Johnny Weir called it ferocious and sexy, while Dick Butt...