The 19th season of Survivor wrapped on Sunday awarding 26-year-old Natalie White from Van Buren, AR with the $1 million dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor. Calling White a “controversial” winner is an understatement, as many fans had abandoned the Galu ship to root for Evil Russell Hantz – Samoa’s  cunning, ruthless mastermind. Did Natalie deserve the money? Did Russell?

Generally speaking, you have to hand it to ’em – the original 4 Foa Foa members went from an 8-4 merge (numbers were not on their side!) to dominating this game well through to the Final Five.  To call any member of the Foa Foa four undeserving is, well,  just that – undeserving. Natalie’s strategy was a solid one! She witnessed Russell take down strong female players like Marisa and Betsy first hand. She knew if she questioned Russell, she was heading home soon after. What do you do in a situation like that? You align with the mastermind! Let him do the dirty work and make the enemies, while you capitalize on his efforts and avoid being a target. Is it the best strategy in Survivor? No. But with the cards Natalie was dealt, it was her best move.

There is no question that Russell is great for TV. He found 3 hidden immunity idols, playing one to change his fate. He made alliances and promises that he had no intention of keeping. He burned socks, spilled out water, and mentally tormented hiw own tribe! Who does that!? And we thought Coach was the ultimate love-to-hate villain! But Russell’s cockiness got the best of him. He had good strategy but failed to show the jury that he was human. If he had shown just a slice of humility to the jury at the final tribal council, maybe he could’ve snatched that prize after all! His over abundant arrogance was the nail in his coffin. The jury wants to vote for someone who A) played a great game, and B) is a likable person who deserves the money. Natalie fits both descriptions.

Everyone over at EW.com can bitch and complain all they want (cough DALTON ROSS, cough), but the fact of the matter is a jury doesn’t want to hand one million dollars to an asshole – plain and simple. A fitting end to a great season – probably the best since Fans Vs. Favorites, don’t you agree? Congratulations, Natalie! Two thumbs way up!

Where are we heading next? Survivor 20: Heroes Vs. Villains! Evil Russell is rumored to return – I’d like nothing more than to see the big galoot lose. Again! Poor bastard. Season 20 debuts February 11th on CBS. The Littlest Winslow is going to return to the days of Gabon – I’ll be blogging for each episode again!

Stay tuned, kids. Should be a goodie.