'Survivor': Russell may be one of the best players in the game's history

Well, I think he's done it: a stout Texas oilman has proved that he's one of the best players ever to grace the game of "Survivor."

Sure, he talks a big game -- but this week, Russell showed he's got more than just a big mouth when he tracked down a second hidden immunity idol. Which he wasn't even sure existed! Which he had no clue for!

I wasn't shocked that Russell was crafty enough to assume the producers had planted another hidden immunity idol somewhere within the Aiga camp. But I was surprised he was able to track it down. I mean, how does he keep finding these things? Yes, as he himself said, oftentimes the idols are near or inside greater objects. But rolling himself across an entire bridge to spot the secret prize under some boards above a murky body of water? The guy must have excellent eyesight.

By the way -- is anyone surprised that no one has tried to copy the smart move made by "Survivor" winner Bob during the season in Gabon? The schoolteacher made not one but two of his own false idols and tricked his team into believing they were real. How difficult can it be for the Samoa cast to find a piece of rope and a shell and call it an idol?

Anyway -- it was so great to watch Russell find that second idol.

"I'm shaking," he said, clasping the hidden treasure in his hand. "This might be worth 1 million dollars."

His friends had some pretty good reactions as well: Shambo lopped a big wet one on Russell's cheek, while Jaison grinned, "I'm really beginning to love him."

But I could tell from the instant that Shambo and Russell decided to vote off Laura that things wouldn't go as smoothy as they hoped. They never do in "Survivor," right? As Sham smiled with excitement, she said nothing could ruin the newfound plan -- unless Laura won immunity again. 

Lo and behold, there's Laura, popping puzzle pieces perfectly into place one after the other during the immunity challenge. Ugh! Cannot. Stand. Laura. My reaction to her walking away from the challenge with the necklace around her neck pretty much mirrored Shambo's:

"I'm so sad," Sham whined during her confessional, squeezing her eyes shut and throwing her head backwards. "I'm pissed!" 

My hatred for Laura ceased temporarily, at least, as I watched her convince her tribe mates that there was no way Russell could have tracked down the hidden immunity idol without a clue. Surprisingly, Monica -- who, I'll admit, has never struck me as the brightest bulb -- was the one urging her tribe to vote for Natalie in case Russell played an idol. Luckily, she wasn't persuasive enough to convince everyone to jump on the Natalie bandwagon.

Speaking of Natalie -- how surprising was it that the sweet Southern belle was the one to stone a rat to its death for some quick protein? It's still kind of baffling to me that these contestants are at the point of hunger where they'll literally eat anything, but I thought it was hilarious to see the bikini-clad blonde carry the rodent back to camp by its tail sheltered in a coconut.

As for next week, I want to say that I'm not worried about Russell -- but I am. Did you watch the preview for the upcoming episode? Laura was following his every move like a hawk to make sure he doesn't secure yet another idol. Let's just hope she starts to get on the remainder of Galu's nerves -- and that Russell has a few more tricks up his sleeve.

So, did this week episode's prove that Russell is the ultimate "Survivor" player? Can he outwit the irritating Laura? And can you imagine ever being hungry enough to eat an island rat? Share your thoughts in the comments.

-- Amy Kaufman (follow me on Twitter @AmyKinLA)

Photos: (Top) Russell Hantz contemplates how he can find the second hidden immunity idol. (Bottom) Laura Morett and Monica Padilla ponder who to vote out at tribal council.

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Comments

[LoveToHateToLove Russell]

Truly a novel experience watching Survivor this week...

Since the beginning of this season we've watched in horrid fascination as Russell pulled back the face of the game and talked about his other players as nothing other than unwitting marionettes under his ultimate manipulation.

So, we hated him... and watched with schadenfreude hoping for someone else to see him for what he was... and no one did on Foa Foa.

Then the two tribes merged... and everything changed.

Russell comes on too strong and everyone on Galu sees him coming from a mile away... and Russell's machinations seemingly have nowhere to go but to their natural conclusion.

And I'm ok with that.

But then he goes and finds a 2nd immunity idol and we get a chance to watch the Foa Foa 4 survive another day. Outstanding. Truly a case of wanting to hate but loving every minute of the wool he pulled over smug Laura and overconfident Galu.

[Sarra]

In my opinion, Russell is now solidified as one of the best players ever in the game of Survivor. At first, I thought he was just a big bully, but as the season has progressed I have grown to like him more and more. I can't stand Laura and her arrogant attitude either. She's got to go. Next week, when Shambo flips on her tribe (which is going to surprise them for sure), the numbers will be even five to five so it's anyone's game now. A lot is going to come down to that hidden idol and the individual immunity challenge. As for me, I'm now rooting for Russell to win it all!

[Rob]

I would argue the best players in the shows history are ones such as Natalie. The people that quietly find a way to the end yet are still playing the game.

Russel could potentially be the best if he is able to make it to the end. In Survivor it is rare for such an aggresive and manipulative players to make it far. People are complaining the HII's are easy to find, but, they have been in obvious places for a few seasons now. Russel is the first to discover them without a clue.

[M. Cruz]

Russell is by far at the top of the list if not then the number #1 player in the history of the show. He also came within an arm's length of eliminating Laura earlier before the puzzle match and might not have had to use his idol at all if he did so. I got a man crush on the survivor villian. Many may not even consider him a villian at all anymore. This guy is amazing.

[Marisa]

At first I didn't like Russell at all. I thought he was really mean, but after this episode I really like him! He's so smart and I was so shocked when he found the idol and played it! The faces on the Galu tribe were priceless! I think the Foa 4 should have voted out Monica though. She seems closer to Laura then Kelly did.

[jordan king]

same here same here, i really dislike or should i say hate laura.I want russesl to find that other imutity idol soo bad! and will someone please beat laura in a challange already! i mean seriously take her down and then vote her out! She is trying to take conrol of this game and you all are letting her! team up and take her out! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[caitlin]

i totally agree with this article. Russell was amazing last night and I truly cannot stand Laura

[Birdette]

We are expatriate in Abu Dhabi and watch Survivor through itunes about 14 hours after its aired at home....and I absolutely loved this episode. I think Russell is one of the BEST players ever....I must admit at the beginning of the season I absolutely hated him, but now I WANT HIM TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to see Laura out and then all the losers from Galu and I want to see Shamboo and Russell come up to the final 2, but then again...if the jury members vote with their heart they will vote Shamboo but if they vote with their BRAINS they'll vote Russell, the only one who deserves the million dollar...that's if he actually needs it, is he really a millionaire?

Anyways can't wait till next week....and I hope Survivor producers are planning another ALL STAR SURVIVOR with Russell in it:)

[David]

WOW......I mean....WOW!.......seriously, are you kidding me.....Russell is my hero, I knew all along I liked him, even though I knew I wasn't supposed to. I lovged is arrogance....or should I say confidence...the two often get confused. But I do agree.......come on....beat Laura already!....she won't go away. The biggest decision in the game was the Galou tribe getting cocky with their numbers......they didn't take out Foa Foa when it was gauranteed to take them out, and now....for all intensive purposes.......its 5 to 5

[David]

WOW......I mean....WOW!.......seriously, are you kidding me.....Russell is my hero, I knew all along I liked him, even though I knew I wasn't supposed to. I loved his arrogance....or should I say confidence...the two often get confused. But I do agree.......come on....beat Laura already!....she won't go away. The biggest decision in the game was the Galou tribe getting cocky with their numbers......they didn't take out Foa Foa when it was gauranteed to take them out, and now....for all intensive purposes.......its 5 to 5...LOVE IT!!!!

[skippy]

I wasn't sold on Russell at the beginning of the game - he struck me as kind of arrogant and obnoxious. But he's grown on me now, I love watching him play and I'm rooting for him to win (or at least make it to the final three.) What a crafty dude!

Laura irritates me to no end. Including her snotty little comment last night ("he just stirred up hell.") What did she expect him to do, allow himself to be voted out?

I also agree with Rob's comments. Usually the winners are the players who just sort of fly under the radar.

[Paulie]

Like many others, I could not stand Russell and his arrogance early in the season. But...I can not deny that he is one of the best (if not the very best) player in the show's history. The best part about him is that he first TELLS the cameras what he is gonna' do...and then goes out and executes it.

[Hating loving Russell!]

You never know what order the solo confidential segments are recorded in, or how heavily Russell's evil doing is weighted by the editors trying to keep us fans interested. Shambo's still my underdog favorite and I'm hoping that her remark about trusting Russell implicitly was recorded sometime prior to Russell finding the 2nd hidden idol. I'm also hoping she's as smart as I think she is and that even "complete" trust is tempered by savvy. But after watching Russell use his cunning successfully once again, I must admit to a grudging admiration for him. And like everyone else, I HATE LAURA and the rest of the Bucolic Barbies! So I'm still rooting for Shambo and Russell is my 2nd choice.

[Deejay]

Agreed with most of you guys after this last episode Russell is for sure top player of Survivor ever. The guy is smart and tough and of course very entertaining to watch. Yesterday episode was prolly one of the most exciting survivor episodes I've ever watched. Go Russell!

[Groa]

How about Laura going on about becoming a minister last episode? She's detestable. I didn't like Russell at first but if it's down to him or Laura, Russell all the way.

[bajashark]

Oddly I find myself lately rooting for Russell and against all of the Galu tribe...especially Laura...I think she is mad with power...I'm hopeing Russell finds yet another immunity idol and beats Laura in a more physical competition so the Galu can worry,panic, split and demoralize and at the end be defeated...Go Russell!

[Larry]

I didn't like Russell at first but I am rooting for him to win now. I do believe that he is the best player in Survivor history. Nobody has controlled Survivor the way he has. Even if he goes home next week I will still believe that he is the best player. The best player doesn't always win.

[Gandalf47]

Russell has played the best Survivor game ever, strategy-wise and utilizing his entrepreneurial skills like being determined to find the HIO's. It just makes sense - they are there every year, so why not sniff them out BEFORE anyone gets any clues? He is very clever and a good manipulator. Unfortunately, he has not performed well in the challenges, and he will need to step it up a bit. If he is going to win, unless he finds ALL of the HIO's, he will need to win an immunity challenge or two. If he can find a way to the end, Russell is the best Survivor ever! I hated him until he put his money where his mouth is - twice!

I hated that Laura won immunity again. She has to go.

[Andrea]

Russell makes watching Survivor worth it!

[Rach]

At first I hated Russell, but now I am def. rooting for him! I have to admit Survivor was getting boring... But Russell put it back on my TIVO schedule.