Episode Report Card Sara M: B | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Russell Dies
By Sara M | Season 19 | Episode 6 | Aired on 10.22.2009
Back from break, the non-blindfolded people watch as the medical team (the triumphant return of Dr. Ramona!) and various crew members step in. The blindfolded people have to be wondering what the hell is going on. Dave Ball interviews that he saw Russell stumbling around during the challenge but thought it was because he was blindfolded, not because he was on the verge of passing out. Yeah, that really was the perfect storm for Russell's health crisis. Rain for five days + thinking he needs to do tons of unnecessary work as the tribe leader + not drinking any water + very physical challenge + blindfolded so no one can see his face and his near-passed out staggering around looks like a consequence of the fact that he can't see = this. On the ground, Russell is conscious but out of it, claiming that he's fine and ready to compete in this challenge. Probst tries to explain to him that he passed out, then tells the rest of the players they can remove their blindfolds. Dr. Ramona says Russell's blood pressure is really low. That's what she said about Jeffrey Tambor. I'm starting to wonder if her blood pressure cuff is just broken. Honestly, it's hard to take her seriously when she can't even wear sunglasses correctly. She says Russell's blood pressure is even lower than Jeffrey Tambor's, and his was freaking low. Russell says he was just "a little winded" from pushing the sphere but he's fine now. Yes, clearly, Russell. You're awesome. He gets an oxygen mask, and Dr. Ramona says Russell can't stand up without passing out again. Probst ends the challenge right there, saying there is no winner and thus no reward and both tribes are still going to Tribal Council and voting someone out tonight. And then he sends both tribes away, like, Galu can't stay behind to see if their tribemate lives or dies? Because he's looking pretty bad right there. They don't even get to give him proper good-byes, not like he'd know what they were saying anyway. Probst tells Galu on their way out that if Russell is well enough to continue the game they'll see him at Tribal. But the only person who really thinks Russell has a chance to get back in the game is probably Russell himself, and that's only in between periods of unconsciousness, so ... "feel better, Russell," Jaison says on Foa Foa's way out. Galu says they'll see him when he returns, but you can tell they're all pretty sure they won't be seeing him again until the Reunion.
At Camp Galu, people are pretty certain that Russell isn't coming back. There isn't much more to say, but not for lack of trying on Monica's part! "Think Russell's okay?" Monica asks. John pauses for a moment, probably thinking about how stupid Monica is to even ask that question. Then he says "no." "Think he'll be coming back?" Monica asks. "No," John says. He interviews that Russell gave their tribe everything he had and ultimately his body failed him. "It's so unfortunate," he says. But it also means everyone else is one step closer to one million dollars! Come on -- you know they're thinking it. And it's raining again. Dave Ball goes running for the shelter, only to be struck by lightning! No, not really. But I'm not sure why the editors insist on putting those lightning flashing visual effects into every shot. Laura says they don't know what to do without their leader around to tell them. But, she adds, this is a game, and someone has to be voted out tonight.