We’ve almost made it, team. While our brave survivalists, Darrin, Steven, Stacey, Alyssa, and part of Jake are only 3/4 of the way through their 40-day South African survival experience, we know that tonight is the Naked and Afraid XL season finale. So either we’re 1) gonna have a heck of a lot of montages, 2) they’re gonna cut out a lot of the lying around, or 3) they don’t make it the full 40 days. I’m hoping for combo of Option 1 and 2; we have a whole lotta story to wade through before extraction.
Last week was insane. Three (and a half) survivalists were medevac’d from the bush. At the end of last week’s episode, Jake was in survival purgatory in a field hospital, and his fate was unclear. This is a reminder to all of us: do not eat dirty fruit from the Woolly Caper Bush. Wash it!
It’s hard to believe that Darrin and Steven wanted to pummel each other a few episodes ago, but in reality, those events were only a few days ago. When problems switch from mental to physical, how quickly those minor squabbles are forgotten!
Day 30
After a rough night, Steven, Alyssa, Darrin and Stacey still don’t know the fate of Jake, Phaedra and Kim. Jake limps into camp and reveals that his stomach feels like a baseball bat has hit it. He reveals that Phaedra was taken to the hospital and they tell Jake about Kim’s similar and equally dramatic exit.
Steven continues his tireless casting for fish while Darrin and Stacey hunt. Stacey is using Steven’s slingshot and spies a tiny bird waaaaay up in a tree. But like when David faced Goliath, the hand of God guided her stone to its mark. Stacey is tearfully overjoyed. It’s a small meal, but it’s a big deal. Aren’t you so glad that Stacey, who was severely burned during her Naked and Afraid outing in Croatia returned for Naked and Afraid XL? I am! She’s an incredible woman.
But as it happens so often on N&A XL, every small victory seems followed by a tremendous hardship. And following in that theme, it rains that night and no one sleeps.
Day 31
And in the morning, fate delivers another crushing blow. Jake looks horrible. His eyes are nearly swollen shut and have turned yellow — an indication of jaundice. Jake doesn’t want to leave Naked and Afraid XL, but the medical staff insists. His fight is no longer against the elements, Jake’s now fighting for his life. We don’t want our fearless leader to suffer irreparable liver damage, but we hate to see him leave. His partners are devastated to see him go. He’s been the glue keeping this wacky family together.
Steven puts it best. “There are so many factors out here that can kill you. The ones with teeth are threats, and the ones you can’t see are threats.”
Day 32
So we’re down to four survivalists. And eight days left. And Steven’s animosity towards Darrin continues. But Darrin knows that a big kill can ease the tension, so he tries to hunt.
Alyssa and Steven hunt too, but they come across a Cape Buffalo, one of Africa’s “Big 5” animals. The beast is massive, and drool-y, and dangerous, and awesome.
I would love to see an animal as incredible as that from the safety of a photo safari’s Jeep. But if I were on foot, I would make the same decision as Aylssa & Steven, and decide, “it’s boma time!!”
Day 33
Steven and Alyssa chase a Monitor lizard around a mud hole. Darrin doesn’t even run, saying he doesn’t want to waste his energy on a fruitless hunt. His selfish, self-serving attitude further alienates himself from the group.
That night, it sounds like a herd of animals are stampeding outside of their shelter. How are these people able to catch a minute of sleep? The roars would haunt my dreams for years!
Day 34
At daybreak, the survivalists head down to the mud hole to discover which critters were making all of the noise the night before. (And perhaps find a few scraps from someone else’s meal!) They see the tracks of water buffalo and lions. The day is spent fortifying the shelter.
Day 35
Stacey and Alyssa set snares along the game trails.
Day 36
Alyssa and Stacey lie in the blinds and keep watch on the snares. And Stacey wonders if the lions are watching the snares too. I think they are; and if an animal gets caught up, The lions aren’t going to pass up an easy meal.
Steven checks to see if a nearby warthog den is inhabited, and decides that somebody is home. He comes back with elephant dung to smokes it out. Steven is crazy. Absolutely insane. Instead of tossing the flaming poop into the hole, Mr. No-pants-Crazy-Pants climbs inside the hole — into the stinking, smelling, and pitch black abyss — and places the poop near his prey. I would be afraid that I’d be impaled by the tusk of a charging beast!
When Steven hears grunts, he makes a hasty retreat from the pig den. He then cleverly sets the casting net over the hole’s entrance to ensnare the animal. But as soon as Steven leaves, the piggy pokes its head out of the den and slips under the net, going “Wee Wee Wee” all the way somewhere else.
Day 39
“The lions are crazy close!” Steven tells the cameras. Once the animals leave and dawn breaks, he checks his snare. He sees that his prey has slipped through the trap and while he’s disappointed, he’s not dejected.
“I have no hero left in me,” says Darrin who seems satisfied with preserving the little energy he has left for the next day’s extraction hike.
Steven heads to the watering hole once again; his unwillingness to give up is inspiring. He casting the net and he’s also turned his atlatls into fishing poles. And Steven’s unwillingness to give up is rewarded — fish strike his lines! And as soon as he sees the poles bend, he runs those fish right onto the shore. Soon he has at least three giant catfish on his stringer. “I’m Steven Lee Hall Jr.; kind of a big deal. Thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” he says as he bows to an imaginary crowd. Even days away from starving, Steven is still upbeat and entertaining.
And he gets to return to camp like a conquering hero. It must have been such a relief for the other survivalists to see Steven stride into view with meat. And with not just a bite, but a meal.
Darrin even takes a moment to thank Steven and apologize for their scuffle. Steven is proud that he can support his teammates. Up until now, he hasn’t felt like he was himself and wasn’t tapping into his potential. “I hate not being me; I’m a pretty freaking awesome dude,” he says.
The successful hunt raises the group’s XLR from 3.9 to 5.8 out of 10.0. Meh, no one cares about XLRs anymore; I’m telling you as a public service. An even better public service message is a reminder to wear sunscreen, use a seat belt, and always put babies to sleep on their backs.
That night, the lions are the closest they’ve ever been to the camp; they’re literally on the other side of the boma!! Thank goodness this is the last night!!
Day 40
Day 40 dawns and the survivalists look like children on Christmas morning. And the end of this experience has come not a moment too soon. If they had to stay in South Africa for another night, I have little doubt that the lions would finally push into their shelter.
Their extraction hike covers four miles of lion-infested territory. They’ll be walking along the river before heading into the foothills of the mountains. The hike is intercut with footage of a lion shot at a wildlife park, but it’s still exciting because I want the final four to get the heck out of Africa!
They get the coolest extraction ride ever — a private plane — they’re leaving Africa in style!
At the conclusion of this season of Naked and Afraid XL, I was glad that the personal dynamics of the group didn’t get in the way of the survival experience like they did in Season 1 of Naked and Afraid XL. Season 1’s nastiness became hard to watch. The four people who lasted all 40 days are incredible survivalists and share an unwillingness to give up. I admire how each of them never seemed complacent to sit and expect for someone else to do the surviving for them. They were all active participants in the process. And I could say the same for several of the others who were affected by “The Sickness”; I am confident that Jake, Ryan, Phaedra and Kim could have all made it the full 40 days.
And even the series seems proud of the quartet; they raise their final XLR from 5.8 to 8.3 out of 10.0.
But that number has no importance, the numbers I’ve been dying to see are the ones that show how much bodyweight our brave survivors left out on the African savanna.
Alyssa Ballestero lost 33 pounds
Stacey Lee Osorio lost 39 pounds
Darrin Reay lost 40 pounds
Steven Lee Hall Jr. lost 48 pounds
Naked and Afraid XL didn’t tease a reunion special, which is a shame. Last season, I liked finding out how the participants fared after they returned home and saw their experience on TV. It was an opportunity for some of the drama to come to a resolution. This season, I’m sure we’re all wondering about the people who were evacuated for medical reasons.
C’mon Discovery, make this happen! I would even host it for you. I work cheap, I’m friendly and much better at conducting interviews than writing recaps.
More Naked and Afraid XL
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 7 “The Sickness”
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 6 “Deadly Consequences”
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 5 “Rock Bottom”
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 4 “Too Many Chiefs”
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 3 “Human Prey”
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 2 “Man on Fire”
Recap: Naked and Afraid XL Episode 1 “Lions at the Gate”
Naked and Afraid XL Season 2 preview
Interview With Jake Nodar
Jake Nodar’s 4 butt-kicking survival tips
Did anyone notice Alyssa wearing Kim’s buckskin bikini after she peeled it off? It looked better on Kim. She wore it for about 29 days. I wonder if Alyssa washed the stinky thing before she put it on?
Jesus, everything looks better on Kim according to you….get over it.
Why would Alyssa even WANT to wear another woman’s dirty underwear after it had been worn for 29 days; geez, gross, yuk :(. Also, why wasn’t Kim wearing it when she went to the hospital; who took it off of her body? After my house fire, friends gave me tons of clothing including a bag of used stained underpants (they instantly went in the trash) .
I’m going to get to watch the “sick” episode tomorrow and will look even closer than before to see where Darrin was while Kim was screaming and writhing in pain. It was dark and I think I saw him lying on the ground. Why wasn’t he holding and comforting Kim til the medics came; thought they were a couple.
Thanks for missing me Al. You’re a sweetheart. 🙂
I was responding to Rwb but wanted to throw in a “thanks for missing me” to Al; really appreciate all of your kindness, all of you. It’s been 3 months since the fire and my contractor ain’t doin’ shit, says he’s still working with the architect. He wants to put a plastic roof on the house instead of comp shingles cause he says the pitch is too shallow; bullfuckingshit!!! NO PLASTIC ROOF!!!. My roof was just done 3 years ago and the Bldg Dept approved the shingles so why wouldn’t they now? It’s strange that this contractor showed up with the Insurance rep a day after the fire being highly recommended by the insurance guy. They’re all getting their cut.
One of you, I think it was J.C., said not to let them treat me like a “dumb bitch” and I’m not. I’m on top of this, just wish I could see “something” positive happening.
Laura, Deb and I lived in Florida and had a nearly flat pitched room the first hurricane that came by ripped our new shingles off like they were toilet paper. I don’t know what the alternatives are nowadays but my advice on a shallow pitch is not shingles. Hope you’re doing well otherwise.
Laurajane. Just saying hello. You didn’t say what is the pitch angle. The California Building Codes have recommendations/requirements for minimum pitch and roof type combinations. If your contractor is Licensed he will have a copy of these and can show and discuss it with you. Your previous shingle replacement may have been “grandfathered” (it was acceptable to a previous Code) but not allowed for new construction. Geeze, they have to get a Building Permit (???) and all this should be in the plans submitted with the Permit Application. The Cal. Codes require inspections at critical points by the Certified Building Inspector of your City (SC?).
If they won’t talk to you or show you plans and give reasons, call the Cal. Dept. Of Consumer Affairs (Buildings and Codes Section) and calmly explain your predicament. If the contractor and insurance prick won’t talk to you, tell them you will call Consumer Affairs. That will get their attention (unless they are really stupid), because Consumer Affairs loves to issue fines and revoke Licenses of incompetents. Be calm and you will make a bigger impression than if you appear rattled. BTW, I am a Professional Engineer and never ever treated my customers in the demeaning fashion you are being treated. Consumer Affairs keeps a record of complaints. The Architect must have a License and he/she maybe willing to talk to you directly. Good Luck.
Wow Jerry you’re really well informed. Laura, we do still miss you…drop me a line…ken
Laurajane. FYI. The normal procedure is for the Architect or Professional Engineer to sign and place their Stamp on the plans (that they meet all applicable Codes and Standards) submitted for a Permit.
Laurajane. I was not the one who told you not to let them treat you like a “a dumb bitch.” I would not do so because such poor advice merely increases your anger and frustration. I would have told you something like I told you in my previous 2 posts. Stay calm and poised as best you can and let them know you expect to be treated with respect. Love J.C.
Laurajane. Jerry Atwell and J. C. Atwell are the same
LJ-It’s probably too late in the game, but you should have been given a list of contractors to pick from yourself. Have you consulted yet with a lawyer to see if you are being railroaded & cheated? You have a legal right to be in charge of every step & decision in this process even though they all would rather you just go away for 8 months while they take their time..AL
Al, I wasn’t given a list of contractors. Mr. Perfect Contractor showed up with my insurance agent. I don’t know if he’s great or not; gave me a folder with testimonials from previous homeowners. I know shingles will be fine on the roof. They were there for 3 years during heavy storms and winds and were ok.
The roofer who put them on was licensed, worked with Bldg. and I was there the day the inspector came to pass it. If Bldg approved it 3 years ago, why not now? It’s really not that shallow.
How do I know if I’m being railroaded & cheated (yet)?
LJ- I am posting here, but to your question below.. I think you need a lawyer! That doesn’t sound right, unless the laws in Virginia are different than in California (& I doubt it considering that we are the most backward state in the country, & yours is one of the most liberal!)We are so lucky to have tapped in to an area of expertise that JC has, also..
I was given a list of 4 contractors allowed by insurance company, & researched/chose the best (they were all underemployed professional bluegrass musicians, much to my “delight” since they were here for 8 effing months before I could move back in..
Kim stripped her own bikini off in one the most sensuous scenes ever shot on N&A. Aside from being stinky, it probably had vomit splashed on it as well…
It took 13 months for a guy in my office to return to his home after it caught fire and had to be rebuilt. I don’t know if this is typical or not, but you might be in for a long haul.
Kinkiness.
KELLIE- boy did you just luck out as a journalist- Ryan Lochte on DANCING WITH THE STARS! If you haven’t been following the news, or checking out the Summer Olympics, he has been making headlines in all the wrong ways (check it out if you are unaware- CNN & MSNBC have been all over his “fake robbery/drunken bathroom destruction” in Rio for weeks!). He has lost all his precious endorsements,probably had his swimming career ended/sanctioned by ROC, and Brazil wants him back to face multiple charges! (and he left his teamates behind to deal with his issues- 1 of them had to pay 15K to get his passport back. I still think he got off too easy..
Al- I know! He’s such a turd. I hope Ryan’s voted out immediately! I wonder if ABC is setting him up to be the next Bachelor?
I don’t watch “reality” TV except for survivalist shows. It would be funny if he fell down (or was tripped?) though..
J.C. he didn’t get off he slipped away. Things like this have a way of catching up to you.
Phuckin’ Phaedra. Seems like she’s been sick 90% of the time she’s been on N&A (including India with Hakim). Why do it?
So, what color/style hair will she have Wednesday night on the Reunion Show???
If you can’t drool over them then Phuck em? That’s your philosophy? Wow, sick. Phaedra is a great gal, no need to simply disrespect her because she hasn’t been taken care of by our “chosen” hunters.
I don’t dislike Phaedra; she’s alright. I was just pointing out that she seems to be sick all the time, so why do it? BTW, I thought the blond/punk ‘do she had in India was more attractive. It was more exciting and edgy. She lost points with me when she went back to her natural(?) look.
Because it’s all about looks? Unfortunately for Phaedra she didn’t enter the competition with any excess body weight at all which is why she went downhill so fast.
Ken – I don’t know what to say about Phaedra the survivalist. Because she’s sick all the time, you never get a feeling for what she can do.
OK, Rwb you’ve got me there. Poor gal was sick all the time….
One thing I am still wondering about is, what the HECK kind of disease was it that took out so many of the survivalists? It was painful to watch. I just hope they all fully recover.
Btw: I know it was called “gastritis”, I’m just wondering what specifically was the cause. Virus? Bacteria? Poisonous compound? Did anyone analyze the contaminated fruit?
MG. It is a bacteria similar to the one which causes ulcers but much more virulent and acute.
Mikey, try googling “gastritis”, you might actually learn something.
Kenny, I am fully aware of what gastritis is. I have HAD gastritis. Since gastritis has MULTIPLE causes, I was asking about the SPECIFIC cause of the inflammation that struck these specific individuals.
And since you are ready with suggestions, I suggest you try not to be offensive to people you’ve never interacted with.
You’ve had gastritis, you know what it is and what caused it yet you still had to ask? You know we’re not physicians here nor are we a part of the medical team. The other thing is it’s medical which means not open for discussion since medical information is private.
Sorry but I tend to be offensive to people that only come on at the end of a series then ask stupid questions. If you’re so familiar with gastritis then you know what causes it but out of the many different causes you want to know what specifically caused it and you want us to believe it’s just a common ordinary question? By the way the specific cause, in case you missed it already, was the fruit was contaminated by the saliva of bats or the urine of monkeys…not enough for you?
I wasn’t aware that asking a question carried with it ANY “expectation”, and I really don’t care whether you think my question was a “common ordinary” question or not, let alone a “stupid” question. And I was curious about what exactly was in the saliva/urine. Was it a specific virus or bacterium? Was it especially virulent (considering how severe the effects seemed to be)? Testing the contaminated fruit might have answered that question. Maybe that question is too much for you to handle. Again, I don’t care.
I will be interested to see if my question will be answered in the follow-up show.
OK, too much for me to handle. Maybe because it’s just a bit irrelevant once it’s known that it’s an especially virulent bacteria. Knowing more than that is just unnecessary. However Kellie chimed in for you, further letting you know that the information just isn’t available as yet.
Mike, I apologize for being such an arrogant prick. You asked a simple respectuf question and I should have answered the same. I’m actually embarrassed by my response….so sorry..ken
Mike- I’m interested in finding out if the show’s medics were able to figure out the specific cause of the tummy bug too. We know the source was contaminated fruit, but is the show using “Gastritis” as another word for e. coli? Some of the strains of e. coli can lead to lasting liver and kidney damage. What is everyone’s long-term prognosis? Why did Jake seem to have it the worst? Hopefully tonight’s reunion will provide answers.
This is all too weird- kinda like Twilite Zonish even. Who in the hell wants to dissect this shit if they are violently ill/possibly dying? It’s obvious that most of you never leave your living room couch except to go to the refrigerator during commercials!
I hope Pheadra and Stacy read this
I would never wish to be on a survival with you and you can add Darrin as well
PJ. See my two posts on your comment which was the first on this board
J.C., I noticed you were a bit late to the party today. Were you still playing with your blowgun? They are pretty hard to put down once you recognize how amazing they are. I got mine the other day after getting my curare from Amazon. I scared a family of potatoes out of hiding and hit the big male with the first dart. He was paralyzed immediately and froze in his tracks. By the time he toppled over I had hit both the female and their offspring. I removed their hides and diced them up together (not wanting to separate the family unit) then stir fried them in butter until they were golden brown, yummo!
You crack me up, man! JC is 3 hours behind us. I have learned to be patient in that regard. Where is Laura Jane, though..?
Good afternoon Al and your rascally buddies J.C., Rwb, and Ken. I haven’t seen the finale yet but I will be able to watch 3 shows tomorrow (Wednesday) evening starting with the finale, then the reunion, then anxiously await the new adventures of Dumb & Dumber.
I have been reading all of your comments and keeping up and feel I don’t even need to watch it cause you guys are so great at dissecting the show. I love the relationship between you four. Too bad you all couldn’t get together for a nice cold beer. 🙂
The new adventures of the dufus duo are a scam, as usual. This is the same episode of last week only billed as a new season. What else can we expect?
Al, J.C. better step it up then. Just wake up 3 hours earlier, piece of cake.
Similar to glass blowing, you need to remember not to inhale?
No, glass blowing is a slow, even blow. Blow guns are a burst though no inhaling is a must.
KenO. I had to make a 9 hour round trip to Southeaster Az. to pick up my stepdaughter. I started at 5AM. BTW, I love coined words; especially when they are amusing, act as noun, verb and adjective to produce a complete and and accurate mind image.
Jesus J.C., excuses, excuses.
LOL!! That is hilarious.
What about Clarence?
Phaedra continued to diss Ryan, I was surprised at Steve but he was clearly a STUD” and showed Darrin and the rest he was such, getting them the food needed before extraction
Where are they now? This was an awesome show but I’d love to see them as a group interview after the fact. i cried when Jake had to leave. Steven was awesome! Love him!
Pstrick, are you saying that Ryan didn’t deserve his dissin? From where I sit he sure did, lot’s of talk not much doins.
Thanks Kellie!
Hmm. No leadership at all only “good guy” politicking. Good leaders produce results whether they are liked or not. No initiative by any of them. Well, Steven did chase after game several times that he no chance to catch. Darrin is selfish because he does’t chase game he knows he can’t catch? Duh. Sounds smart to me but it wasn’t good politics? BS? Fish hooks are in someone’s bag until the day before extraction? WTF? I never saw a fish hook or fishing lure catch anything except when it is in the water! Dummies. Stacey did well with the sling shot, why wasn’t it shared earlier? They never inventoried their equipment to see who might use what.Failed leadership for sure. Ryan was a mental basket case and was spaced out during the entire show. Phaedra did some foraging but seemed ill or “out of it” somehow during the entire show until she was forced to tap out. Kim did nothing but pose for the camera and go along to get along. Alyssa seemed to be in the “cat bird seat” approving or disapproving of everyone but not contributing. Alyssa did come up with a good plan to trap game but insufficient attention to details assured failure. Of course Steven running after the nyala buck did not help except to show off his ego. Steven did not add fletching to his atlatl dart so it kept flying sideways. Duh! He had the superior weapon but his ego kept focusing on the under powered and as it proved useless bow. Darrin did not take a shot because the only way to kill larger game with it was with a broadside lung shot at very close range to get penetration. And on and on! TV drama stars, Yes; Survivalists. No.
Excellent and spot on recap J.C.
Steven’s atlatl made a better fishing rod. LOL!
Rwb. Now that’s funny! Along with Steven’s quote ” I’m a kind of big deal” but I can’t add 2 and 2 and understand that an atlatl is a BALANCED SYSTEM OF DART AND THROWING STICK.
Steve, obviously, doesn’t know what a “dart” is.
Anybody else here missing Gene Wilder already? What a sweet & funny man. God help us, one of him is more important than a thousand assholes.
I miss George Carlin more, what a brain. He’s the guy that gave us the term “Smog” and I remember that episode of “the hippy dippy weatherman” well.
I do too, and never knew that he gave us the word smog (which is all too appropriate in this day & age)! I remember the hippy dippy weatherman, of course. He was a great comedian, with a conscience to back it. When I go, I hope that I feel glad to leave this hellhole for a less polluted environment..
I laughed so hard in the theater when we watched “Young Frankenstein” I almost ruptured by stomach….what a funny guy.
Al K. I miss all the great Jewish comics we once had. They knew how to turn a phrase and imply meanings without actually saying them. No, I am not Jewish.
Mel Brooks is still alive. And Jerry Seinfeld..
Mel was on Jimmy Fallon the other night and blew the audience away with an anecdote about his childhood. What a funny guy.
And how about Louis CK & Lewis Black?
And Billy Crystal/Whoopi Goldberg/Rob Reiner..others? Comedy was a way for Jews to support their families in New York- (Borsch Belt Circuit in mid 20th century)
Kellie/others: aren’t we all glad to not have to wait until next Sunday to tie this all up & move on? Can you review Dual Survival for us? (do you get a bonus for exceeding 200 comments per episode? I hope so, because we are getting so close..)
Al haven’t you read Kellie’s take on “Dual Survivor” which she watched with her husband? Don’t you bother to read her posts ;-)…..(tongue firmly in cheek). The Dual Goobers aren’t worth reviewing by any of us, what a couple of twits.
Sorry, I must have missed that post (which explains why she didn’t respond to me). Where can I find them? I am just looking for us to stay connected until next N&A season, and suspect that we will be watching it whether we like it or not (as LJ so observantly stated)! Can’t we have some fun for a change, knowing in advance that our purpose is to ridicule them as much as possible..
P.S.- I fully admit that sometimes I don’t read her posts at all, and skip straight to the comment section. She may have just equated me to you & JC as an “eagle-eye”, but it has been pointed out by you & others, to my great embarrassment,that I have numerous blind spots (not paying attention/letting my mind wander elsewhere… REALITY CHECK TIME?
KenO. Goobers is a good word description.
LOL, I wish I got a bonus per comment. I’m looking forward to having a few Sunday nights off, now that football is starting.
Since you’re a Dual Survival fan, have you ever watched Jeff Zausch’s post-Naked and Afraid XL shower? It’s hilarious. I’ve always wondered what goes through the N&A participant’s minds once they get back to their hotel room after their experience. Worth a watch. https://youtu.be/QhUyWH26xXQ
Thank you bunches for that “inside” tip. I will watch it. (if there are more competent & humanistic survivalists than Matt Graham & Cody Lundin, I wish to know about them. LOL
There was this English guy on a show called “Marooned” where he was dropped off naked with absolutely zip. No clothes, no tools, no weapons and he made it just fine.
Thanx Ken. I just googled it, & here is what I found:
MAROONED WITH ED STAFFORD (a retired British Army officer) just wrapped up it’s 3rd season on 8/15. It started in 2013, but skipped 2014. Typically, the season is divided into 2 parts- one airing in May & the other in August. It airs on Discovery in England, but was renamed NAKED CASTAWAY for Discovery America. No reruns are scheduled yet, but hopefully will in the near future. That was very helpful info, Ken! Thanx again..
I really like the Naked Castaway! Thanks for reminding me of the name! It’s a great series and Ed knows his stuff!!
I watched it. Kind of humorous, but is that what represents compelling online video- watching some doofus take a shower?? And as a nutritionist, could you find a worse diet to break a 40 day fast? I bet that he threw his guts out later, & suffered massive abdominal discomfort. What a dweeb! (but thanx for the diversion- keep em coming?)
Thanks Al, I too watched the video of our fan favorite dunce, the Mad Mormon, 1/2 of the Doofus duo. He is apparently as addicted to junk food as he is to stupidity.
I thought it was a fun diversion for a few minutes. And even after the Season 1 folks were extracted, they were still in an under-developed country. I would have stuck to pre-packaged foods until my intestines were feeling better too, but I would have been heavy on bland foods like applesauce and bread to get my stomach used to digesting food again!
And that would have been very smart of you. Start with liquids, & build your body up to accepting solid food. Natural unprocessed food.. Fruit is best- vegies next- work your way up the food chain slowly..
Bread is not a good idea- it soaks up moisture in your intestines. And then there is the yeast factor..
If they do not have a show about what happened to the contestants that were evacuated due to illness or a reunuion show with these contestants , I will never watch another Naked & Afraid show again!- it is not fair to the viewers who watched the entire 40 days and not know how all of the people are doing now
I’m glad the little yellow bird got away. I also believe the producer was throwing the catfish on the sand. The liver problems were real & could have been avoided but I guess the ratings mean more to them.
The first XL had a better ending, most of them made it, the army speedboats swooping across the water. It just ended on a more upbeat note.
You have an intriqueing perspective,especially since you only comment occasionally! Tell us more, oh wise one..?
If they do not have a show about what happened to the contestants that were evacuated due to illness or a reunuion show with these contestants , I will never watch another Naked & Afraid show again!- it is not fair to the viewers who watched the entire 40 days and not know how all of the people are doing now
t\They have a history of fallen heroes that they would rather not like us to know about. Prayers for Ky Furneax..
Ky Furneax was great and she still has medical problems.
I absolutely loved Jake. He was a very diplomatic leader. He seemed to have a calming effect on the team. They all loved him. I felt so bad at the end when he had to leave I actually cried when he walked away.. What happened to him and the others when the show ended. I hope they are all well.
He was level headed, but diplomatic and a Leader? I don’t think so. This group suffered from zero leadership from the beginning. They may have “looked up to him” but it was because he was tall not because he was any kind of a true leader. Still I wish them all well.
I came away after this series not feeling very good about it. When people start having liver problems for heaven’s sake….is this really what Discovery wants to cheer about? When they took out the first guy (Ryan?) they couldn’t come back and warn the group about the fruit…even if it was only a possibility? I would enjoy watching a show with the group going out into a dangerous area but not having to starve themselves to death. Give them a point system. The more they dip into the emergency supply the lower the points. I was not comfortable watching Jake get that sick…to to point of jaundice. That is too much. Celebrating people going into heat stroke, jaundice from poison fruit…seriously?
Hi BevinTN! Last week, JC Atwell listed a bunch of weapons/equipment that the contestants wanted to bring to the show, but were denied. Any one of these items may have been the difference in obtaining a kill, and making the show more like a hunting adventure. Instead, they were denied, and the theme became one more about human suffering. I think they were all victimized.
Right on, man!
Rwb. Yep and willing victims.
Bevin, I wasn’t comfortable watching any of them get sick. There was no reason to. They should have been practicing good survival techniques and they didn’t, it’s why they got sick. They should have been getting food all along and they didn’t, no team work, no leadership. It was a sad grade ‘B’ movie we were all watching, waiting for it to get better and it never did.
Do you place the reason for the group’s failure squarely on their shoulders?
Well, yes. They never bothered to get together as a group, have a meeting and choose a leader. Then again they never had a leader to choose. They had four prima donna’s, Jake, Steven, Ryan and Darrin to choose from and the allowed Jake to just take over but he never led them in any way. He did have a rather calm demeanor but no leadership skills while Ryan had no leadership skills and a know-it-all attitude that he didn’t use well. Steven never really did anything until day 39 while Darrin’s skills just never made it. All in all extremely frustrating and disappointing failure of them all. Alyssa was outstanding but never given a real chance until she was allowed to outline a hunt for them, it almost worked except for the overall doofusness of the group.
KenO. Doofusness is a good description, even if it isn’t a real word.
J.C., it is now. Sometimes coining a new word is the only way to convey the truth.
Donald Trump is inventing “new” words on a daily basis- here is my favorite: BIGLY (pronounced like piggly wiggly..). He sometimes says he is saying BIG LEAGUE very quickly, when feeling defensive!
Your right on, as usual, KenO.
BTW, I read somewhere last week that Kim spent 5 days in the hospital before sleeping the entire 16 hour flight back to New York.
Also, I’ve never seen a more sickly pair of eyes than the ones Jake had. He looked gravely ill. I hope they both will be OK.
I’m thinking Jake w have permenant liver damage,..& the fool wanted to STAY yet!
I can’t feel sorry for idiots, that have intelligence, but throw it away for fame.
He wanted to stay because he’s the biggest prima donna of all of them. Darrin and Steve have nothing on Jake who, when you think about it has not done much really except hulk around and look pretty for the camera.
KenO. Roger!
I get disgusted, when the contestants that have kids, whine, & cry about how much they miss them.
Why? Because they are needlessly risking harming or killing themselves., to where these ‘precious’ kids will be affected, for the rest of their lives,..& all for a stupid tv show
Yeah, I don’t get it either. They have their priorities all screwed-up. It was great, though, seeing Angel come to the realization.
But, he was a big rarity, & lets not forget, that it took him, all of thee months of being chosen for the challenge, PLUS, & even still, days INTO the challenge, before he realized the value his daughter had!
Even contestants on the food shows say they are doing it “for their kids”. It’s like when people have kids they can’t think of anything else, they can’t talk about anything else and they’re ruined for any kind of social interaction that doesn’t revolve around their kids.
Kellie – Are you going to review the Reunion Show for us?
Is there a reunion show?!? I didn’t see one advertised, but if they do one, heck yeah I’ll write about it!! I’m dying to see how everyone is feeling after the experience.
Kellie- are you ignoring my posts? For the 3rd time, it’s on Wednesday night!!!
Yeah Al, it’s all about you….geesh it’s not like she doesn’t have a lot on her plate. OK, it’s on Wednesday night, it will probably be as big a disappointment as this seasons series.
Initially, I wasn’t even going to watch the final show, figuring I already knew the ending, which I did, but in the end I guess my curiosity got the best of me.
Congratulations to the finishers for making it out alive. (Why would anybody do this?) So, by request, introducing the RwbXLR! Woo-Hoo!!!
Alyssa – Had the most impressive finish. My, how this girl has grown since her Yucatan challenge! She grew stronger as the XL grew longer. Taking more initiative, she had the best performance of all the women. I liked it when she told Darrin during the lizard hunt, “You’ve gotta pick it up!” She doesn’t take a back seat to anyone.
Stacey – I’m sure we’ll analyze and dissect the authenticity of the bird shot ad nauseum, but for the time being, I’m going to suspend all doubts because I was just so happy to see her smile for a change. She doesn’t smile a lot anyway, and she took a beating from the group during the turtle soup incident, then lost her best friend, Tawny. In the end, she proved to be stronger than I thought she was.
Darrin – What a Prima Donna! Steven said it best, “Actions speak louder than words, and this guy is a dictionary.”
Steven – He’s kind of a Big Deal, you know. Bagging 4 fish on Day 39 like they were jumping out of the river, was a little,…er… fishy? How he maintained such a high level of energy so late in the game is beyond me, too. Somehow he had the stuff. I still think he reminds me of Leonardo DiCaprio.
That’s about it. If I’m a survivalist, I’m really disappointed with this show. It was an epic fail compared to last year’s. But I’m not, I’m just a guy who watches TV, and it was entertaining. In the end, XL2 showed us once again that the hardest thing in the world to predict is human nature; that’s why I don’t bet football anymore.
F— the numbers, they don’t mean anything anyway.
I liked your post, & the Steven comment was particularly witty. The only thing that I seriously disagree with you on is your assessment of Darrin. I will chalk that up to your not being a survivalist-he did have a hard time, but for my money he was the best of the 12 & the one I would most want to spend time with out in the woods.
Al K – I just got tired of his pontificating about his great skills, especially when he didn’t bag anything. I’m pretty sure he finished the challenge with some arrows left in his quiver. Why? Late in the game, take some long shots, especially if you haven’t bagged anything yet. What good are extra arrows on the plane ride home?
Actually my comment by Alyssa was meant to be more pro-Alyssa, than anti-Darrin.
J.C. commented on Darrin’s bow not being heavy enough to bring down any game. I agree, it looked to be about a 30# pull and a 50# bow would be adequate. 30# for small game of which there were none.
Didn’t he bag a lizard with it when he & Kim were alone?
Kellie- the reunion show is on this Wednesday night. I thought that your review was too sanitized, & yet also put forth your personal opinion/prejudices more than a journalist should. Darrin had very good reasons not to run, & it isn’t right of you to sit in your living room & criticize. Steven’s ego is massive, & false: losing 48 pounds on a man that small is massive, & points to his total failure (why did it take until day 39 to get those catfish??). Lastly, I find it very hard to believe that Stacy hit that bird: first off, her hands were shaking/wavering so badly & her shot looked errant from our behind her back view. Second, that was not the same bird that was up in the tree! It was bright yellow..even if it’s underside was gray, it’s head was very bright yellow unlike the one she brought back to camp. DC did this trick once before in a previous 2 man challenge where someone used a box trap. Honestly, that was a major dealbreaker for me & I had trouble focusing on the rest of the show. I mostly just wanted it to end! Do the producers really think that we the viewer are that stupid? It insults my intelligence, & I suspect that they really do think we are idiots as they laugh all the way to the bank. I truly liked all the participants: Stacy especially impressed me, as I had my doubts about her in the beginning. I have always admired Darrin, & he was real enough to admit that he had failed in some ways but had grown inside. I believe him. Jake is a good man. Steven is talented (not as much as he thinks) but I wouldn’t want to be near him at all. Alyssa is great. It was a very brutal & hard place they were in & they were very brave. The network & producers really need to have a reality check about how far they will go in endangering the survivalists in their pursuit of ratings & money. Some of the illnesses contracted there may well adversely affect the health of many of them for the rest of their lives, & they are so young.. Is it really worth it?? What’s next- gladiators & lion fights in the Coliseum for the amusement of the decadent masses?? I feel dirty inside for having watched, & a little ashamed for any ratings boost I may have given them.
Al I’m going to agree with most of what you say. However it is exactly Kellie’s right/obligation as a journalist and a reviewer to sit in her house and criticize as much, more so actually, than it is ours. We criticize every episode, and rightly so. N&A XL’s entire premise is to entertain and to titillate, nothing more. There is no real “survival” here, there is no teamwork, there is no leadership and I’ll agree that the producers need to have a reality check, they are way off base. The whole show is as phony as the XLR ratings they assign. It’s really sad as this could have been an excellent program but has deteriorated into “reality show” quicksand. Pathetic wast of programming. I’m so sick of “Jake” the darling of Discovery Channel. Are all the executive producers gay? I’m not sure why he’s so special, he’s what we would normally call “a Flamer”. The word comes from “flamboyant”. If you google Jake Nodar you’ll find his pages of photographs where he dressesin a silver lame body suit and poses with a miniature horse or sports rainbow colored fake fur leggings for his weird “gay parade” outfit. He’s a living gimmick for DC, nothing more. He’s not that good a survivalist. As far as survivalists go none of the 12 participants this season was much good. Nobody, including Jake, could make the 10 participants work together towards a common goal. The four that made it to extraction were actually the best of the lot even though Darrin, disappointingly, never made a kill for the group even though he had the knowledge and the skill. Steven, the magnificent, caught catfish on day 39? Really? It took him that long? Jake came back in because the producers wanted him back in and he had to look like he was “forced” out. It was unfair to bring him back and it should be a definite rule that if you have to be taken to the base camp due to illness you are officially OUT. Very sad and very disappointing season for XL. XL ratings should be assigned by the viewers since the EP’s don’t seem to be able to do it with any sort of knowledge.
KenO – You really seem hung up on Jake’s sexuality. For anyone who isn’t a raging homophobe, it is clear to see why DC focused on him a lot. He actually has a personality. Most of the other male contestants were too busy trying to prove they were the best to actually be enjoyable to watch. They weren’t funny, interesting, or compelling. Jake was funny and clearly a leader in the group. You’re watching NAKED and Afraid – I fail to see the relevance of how someone dresses outside the show.
Go ahead, google Jake. It’s absolutely weird, maybe that’s his attraction to the executives over at DC. I’m not actually a “homophobe” but I don’t care for any “over the top” personalities who wear their overt sexuality on their sleeve. Jake’s “Oh I’m so shy” (finger against lips” then falling over the side of his canoe was a bit much. He’s got some inner strength and you might be correct in saying that any Gay man who’s made it to age 35 in one piece while being “out” is a “survivor” Jake is by no means any kind of expert survivalist, really all Jake ever got was a couple of fish. That puts him right up there with Steven and his leadership is more attributed to his size than any real leadership skills. Jake wasn’t “funny, interesting or compelling” unless you count being pretty big and pretty gay as compelling.
I am glad that you told us that weird stuff about Jake. I had felt that initially, but admit that by the end I saw a lot of great human qualities in him. I still feel that way, but like that you have provided me with massive substantiation for my initial reaction (I am a firm believer in the power of first impressions). Perhaps anybody who desires to be naked on TV has some serious character flaws buried inside?
By the way, try picking a name instead of merely using a name that obviously attempts to smear another poster, that is, if you want to be taken seriously. It’s clear you’re another gay man who’s focus is on your hero being gay as well, no others need apply as only other gay people count in your universe.
Al, yes he does have some great “human” qualities but then again he’s a “human” so pretty easy to have human qualities, he doesn’t get a pass across the board.
Thanks Ken. I really don’t like to be negative, & was of course worried that there would be backlash from my comments. I think that I used the wrong words for what I was feeling about Kellie’s review: What I really was reacting to was what seemed like a major difference of opinion I have with her about the survivors. She seemed to be impressed by Steven, who I think is completely full of himself (what’s that scene in Casino Royale where Bond’s girlfriend gets in the elevator of a hotel lobby, & tells him to take the other elevator, that there wasn’t room in her’s for his massively inflated ego..). I guess that I felt even more defensive/insulted by her comment that Darrin was being selfish & self-serving. (add RWB comment about liking that Alyssa told Darrin to step it up, which I feel was inappropriate). (we can and maybe should discuss this, you,JC,LJ,me- as it is an important issue to me regarding group dynamics-how much space/respect should we allow our partners, & when is it appropriate to confront each other compared to just expressing frustration?). Also, Kellie totally missed the fake bird, which as I stated was a major dealbreaker for me- I actually rewound and watched it slowly 4 times to be sure before I wrote my post. I appreciate that she provides this forum for us, & can often be insightful & funny- but I also have found that it appears that she is just “phoning it in” so to speak. Perhaps this is the big difference between a blogger & a journalist/reporter.. Also, she is not an independant entity (I researched a little, I must admit). She is an employee of Channelguide Mag, which is a subsidiary of the dreaded TV Guide. We cannot escape the corporate tools of the world!! Overall, there were some good parts to this season (like the way they all liked each other), but it went downhill/crashed & burned at the end. Metal Flowers producers should at least take some screenwritng classes if they intend on inserting their narrative into the mix (are you familiar with the story arc theory?). Have any of these people actually ever been out in the bush (or even gone backpacking/camping away from their cars & luxuries?). I love my creature comforts quite a bit, but I am 60 (& know that you & JC are my elders), & certainly walked the walk for many years in my 20’s & 30’s (I even tried again in my 40’s, until my mortality became an issue)..Let’s see what they all have to say on Wednesday night, OK?
In further defense of Darrin: he was going to shoot that lizard, if Steven & Alyssa hadn’t chased it off with their frenetic running. There is nothing more frustrating than having partners who not only do things in a way you know is wrong, but then insist on you following their lead! (did anybody else hear what he said about how fast they can run/have steven & alyssa started hallucinating to the point that they are superman & wonder woman?) JC- we are waiting here patiently for your observations (after you finish puking out of disgust?)
Hi Al,
My job is many-faceted here at Channel Guide, and I’d be happy to expand on what I do. I write articles for our print publication Channel Guide Magazine and our weekly publication, TV Weekly — a subscription insert in many major Sunday newspapers. These are pretty steeped in the tenants of traditional journalism, but I do get to impart a little bit of my personality, because I really love television. I also conduct a lot of celebrity interviews, which are used to “flesh out” articles and are used for celebrity features both online and in print. I also write weekly “Best Bets” which are syndicated in newspapers around the country. And finally, I recap television shows.
Online, our directive is to create a forum for fans of a particular show; and to be free to use our own personalities and opinions. I have loved Naked and Afraid since I was a stay-at-home mom and when I returned to the work force, I jumped at the chance to connect with other folks who have opinions (positive and negative) about the series.
I recap several reality series, including Dancing with the Stars and several fringe reality series. This is done at night, after my normal work hours, so I try to only recap one show at a time. But in the past, I have recapped up to three series at a time.
I apologize if you though my recap was sanitized; I had just returned from the funeral of my husband’s 90-year-old grandfather and last night, my heart wasn’t in watching TV. He was a terrific man. Fortunately, this great community exists where eagle-eyed folks like yourself can point out the stuff I may have missed and we can chat about it!
I thought the bird Stacey was aiming for looked yellow, but I just figured that maybe she had to shoot at more than one bird in order to get a kill and the show’s editors truncated the hunting experience into something that was a tighter tale. But if the bird was a plant, that wouldn’t be the first time Naked and Afraid has planted a “pity meal.”
I can’t wait to see what everyone has to say on Wednesday’s reunion special!
Thank you so much for answering me, & reinforcing the humanity that I always knew you had. I am so sorry for your loss, & it is important for all of us who love TV to acknowledge that real life trumps all.
P.S.- my Mom loves Dancing With The Stars!!
P.P.S.- I am a little interested in your celebrity interviews. Any that stand out to you? How can I access them? (wish my lame local newspaper carried TV Weekly..)
P.P.S.- what was she using as a projectile in the slingshot, & do we really think that it took the head clean off as depicted?
Hi Al, Tell your mom that I just interviewed Witney Carson for DWTS and she was as adorable as you’d expect! Other DWTS folks that I’ve interviewed in the last 2 1/2 years are:
Erin Andrews, Tony Dovolani, Allison Holker, Derek Hough, Anna Trebunskaya, Bruno Tonioli and contestants Billy Dee Williams, Patti LaBelle. I’ve also interviewed many former contestants about other projects and we always chat about the series. And I’ve met Alfonso Ribiero several times at ABC parties and he’s as friendly in person as he is on TV.
My favorite interview of all time was Gary Sinise about Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. He’s an incredible man and I appreciate his commitment to our nation’s military and first responders, and their families. And he’s a heck of an actor too. https://www.staytunedmag.com/2016/03/15/gary-sinise-interview-criminal-minds-beyond-borders/
And as far as N&A XL goes, I thought that Stacey tore the bird’s head off as soon as she picked it up from the ground. I’ve never decapitated a bird, but I don’t think it would be too hard and I’m guessing she had to act fast because the bird was likely stunned and not killed by the projectile.
OK (@ StacyBird). I will tell my Mom, but have never watched the show personally. I know of Gary’s work, & am a big fan of Patti’s. Any other musicians in the mix? How do you resist being a big fan while conducting a professional interview??
I have multiple bird feeders because they sing to me. If my cats decide to forego their laziness and very occasionally catch one, that’s between them! I wouldn’t do it myself though. Doesn’t it seem a little brutal to rip that head off on TV? (lately on CNN they have been showing closeups of dead children in Aleppo- isn’t that a little too much???)
Hi Kellie,
Personally I had one disagreement with your reviews and it was minor, every one of the others has been easily better than watching the show itself at least this season. Thanks for all your hard work, I’ll miss your reviews more than I miss this show. Naked and Afraid XL as well as Naked and Afraid Lite have become so amateurishly produced and done it’s been hard to watch lately. When we get to the point where we have to worry about nearly every scene being a “set up” and every kill being planted it’s pretty sad. But, that aside, thank you, again, for your attention to detail and your hard work.
My thoughts are simple, firstly off I think the total lack of consideration and understanding of Clarence was a disgrace. Jake stood by and said absolutely nothing to defend Clarence when he was under a vicious verbal attack by Stacy when Clarence’s first efforts were but for the team. Yet, Stacey felt justified in flaunting her “Biology degree” and berating and chastised Clarence simply because he had a different view or opinion. I found this to be rude , condescending and not at all the manner in which a team would operate. No consideration for Clarence and his views.
Then we are confronted with Phaedra who has contributed little other than helping build shelter and search for wood and then lays around waiting for the others to search for food, then when Ryan has encountered more than what he feels is tolerable and decides to leave she starts a dialogue among the rest about how selfish he was when all of the others (including her have supported him). Phaedra never did much other than sleep and she has no right to diss or shit on Ryan. His contribution has been well documented.
Phaedra and Stacy are coattail riders they contribute so little other than the drama dynamic
Secondly and lastly,
I am not defending anyone’s treatment of Clarence. I find it hard to feel sympathy for anyone who appears in an exercise that requires stamina and endurance but shows up 100 pounds overweight. I was happy to see that he didn’t die of a heart attack.
Clarence didn’t do much of anything in his N&A lite episode and didn’t do much of anything in the XL episode either. Blubbering (combination of “blubber” and “lumbering”) about in the bush, aimlessly and painfully. He deserves no sympathy.
(or that’s what you originally meant, but typed a “b” instead of an “m” ?)
Pj. After he tapped out, I kept thinking that Clarence was the fearless and spiritual leader who would have stepped on the necks of the prima donnas Jake, Stephen, Ryan and Darrin and told them to “put up or shut up.” He was absolutely correct when he told Jake and Stacey that they could stay and drink the p– and s— water but he was going elsewhere. He might also have been the one to tell Alyssa, Phaedra, and Stacey to get off their ass kissing “high horses.”
Ken- in the spirit of JCs new word, may I respectfully offer one of my own in reference to your last post..BLUMBERING! Kind of rolls off the tongue, yes?
As explained in another post, the bird she shot was not the bright yellow one but rather a brownish one perched right to the right of it. Slow motion clearly shows that one crumpling up at the impact of the rock and falling.
Wow. I did not notice that, & it makes perfect sense that the female was nearby. Just like a couple of cardinals that live in my front yard, the male is bright colored but the female is more bland (but still has hints of red, just like the bird Stacy shot had hints of yellow). Great call, OGD. I am once again humbled, & tell myself for the thousandth time to resist jumping to conclusions.. Thanx
Poor guy- many birds (like cardinals, & perhaps these yellow ones) are “married” and stay with their mate “til death do them part”. Literally..
OGD- thanks to slo-mo!!! 🙂
People who don’t believe Stacey killed a bird with the slingshot do not understand what they are seeing. If they examine the footage frame by frame as I did they will see that she was not aiming at the bird with the bright yellow breast but rather at a drab-looking bird perched to the right of the yellow one, with its back to her and the camera. You can clearly see it crumple and fall. When she collects it from the brush where it fell you can see that, although it does not have the yellow breast of the other bird it does have yellow trim in its tail feathers and other places. It is probably a female of the same species.
ogd. I don’t record anything but I clearly saw what you described. Maybe those who didn’t see it and pounced on Stacey were having a “refreshing beverage.”
Guilty! But I forgive myself nonetheless- my attention was drawn to the bright yellowness, & it did seem to fall after her shot.. (I really watched it 3 times, so am willing to admit that I may have ADD)-{this is a relatively new medical diagnosis- my grandmother called it “ants in the pants” when she once took me to the opera..} Or maybe I saw what I wanted to see?
Al K. Your Grandmother was right as they usually are! Try looking and listening without thinking of making a clever response. You will do less incorrect lecturing people on what they already know and saw for themselves. Changing premises is a Tactic to “win” debates. Nothing truly friendly about that.