"WITH SKIN DRIPPING OFF HIS FINGERS": With those words, reminding us of the awesomeness of Michael Skupin, Wild Boar Killer, Survivor officially came back. Now, I didn't see the prior Penner or Russell Swan seasons -- I can see what y'all like in Penner -- but Skupin? Dude was a hoss, and I'm giddy. (Also heralding its comeback? The return of a Survivor tradition: Probst hectoring female competitors about an alleged lack of effort during a challenge.)
So I guess no one's allowed to admit their true careers anymore on the show, not in this post-Hogeboom universe. Jeff Kent claims to make his money from racing motorcycles (ha!); Blair From Facts Of Life won't volunteer that she indeed roomed with Jo, Tootie, and Natalie; heck, even RC the I-banker (and possible Parvati wannabe) will only admit to being an executive assistant.
In the meantime, we've got many of the things I love in season openers, including scrambling for provisions, furtive alliance-forming and HII-seeking, fire-starting, multiple injuries, and, thank goodness, a blessed idiot who has no idea how to play the game. It's Survivor 25, and I'm ready to have some fun.
I assume by blessed idiot you mean Mr. "I let Russell start the fire"? Because he's going to be fantastic as he's strung along for 8 weeks and then burned by a supposed alliance friend.
ReplyDeleteAlso, how long do we want to keep Jeff Kent around to despise him?
Nope, sorry, it's Zane. "It's too early to be making alliances." Yep, have fun going out in week 3.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of every Survivor season, I tell myself that I'm not watching another one. I've seen everything that could be done, and I'm done. But it keeps pulling me back in. I'm very excited for this season--the 3 returnees, 3 tribes vs. 2 (which could make post-merge Pagonging difficult), and any and all scheming and lying. The best part? A Hantz-free season.
ReplyDelete3 tribes could be fascinating for challenges in that you can shoot for #2 and still be safe.
ReplyDeleteI assume they reshuffle into two tribes once a tribe hits three members, right? Or would they go into a merge with three always-separated tribes at significantly uneven strength?
ReplyDeleteI'd love for them to go into a merge with 3 separate tribes to really screw with alliances, but I'm guessing at some point before then, they'll get two even-numbered tribes. Every time they do something different, they let it unfold for a few weeks but then get back into their comfort zone--men vs. women, asians vs. white guys, fans vs. favorites.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Jen - I think they'll fold it into two tribes eventually.
ReplyDeleteWatched the show with Penner last night, which was fantastic in terms of his (unspoilery) commentary. He said he didn't recognize either Blair/Lisa or Jeff Kent up front.
Adam, how have you not watched the race wars season? The back half really was fantastic in terms of strategy and personality.
ReplyDeleteI didn't. I'll have to find it, I guess.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add that Penner was my camp counselor (theater) in the late 80's at Camp Kingswood in Maine. He is pretty much the same guy now as he was then. Loved him then and now.
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