Since Survivor returned earlier than everything else, it gets its own post. Last night, we saw season 21 kick off and they've decided to do old vs. young this year. That created an interesting dynamic right from the start since the older tribe seems to have a lot more likeable players, but I'm not sure how they will do in the challenges. The young tribe seems to be consisting of mostly dumb, yet cocky contestants. It is tough though to make any real impressions about anyone in just the first episode. The other new addition this year is this Medallion of Power, which gives the tribe that possesses it the opportunity to have an advantage in challenges. I'm not sure if I like this twist. If it's so powerful, then it's going to make the challenge uncompetitive, which doesn't make for compelling tv. And if a tribe opts not to use it, then what's the point of it? I also wasn't crazy how discovering the clue for the Hidden Immunity Idol was a result of blind luck. You should have to earn those.
OK, now for some quick takes on some of the standout castaways:
Jimmy Johnson - I'm sure he'll be a polarizing figure for many fans, but I have to respect that the guy is a true Survivor fan and this was not a case of stunt casting. His social game could take him far, but it appears he may have trouble holding up physically.
Marty and Jimmy T. - Both guys seem like big personalities and neither one appears to want Jimmy Johnson around for very long, which I don't get. They're likely to cause a lot of fireworks in their camp. If they can get over their jealousy of Jimmy and focus on more pressing tribe issues, they could turn out to be assets. Somehow, I don't think that will happen though.
Jane - Good for her for learning how to make fire before the show and then actually succeeding once she got there. She seems to be very plucky and is very sympathetic. I hope she's able to stick around.
Holly - appears to be the best strategist on her tribe. She tried to make an early alliance with Wendy, but eventually recognized her flaws and made the right move come tribal council. If anyone could go far on the older tribe, it's her.
Yve - Don't really know much about her or her gameplay, but I was stunned to see she was on the older tribe. She looks great for someone over 40!
"Fabio" - Seems like he'll be providing the comedic relief for the season. Most will likely keep him around for a while just for entertainment reasons.
Kelly B - You'd love to see her overcome the adversity of being an amputee and do well in this game. However, based on the first episode it seems that none of her tribemates have any intentions of keeping her around for a while. Her best chance will be if there are enough other horrible people on her tribe that they need to be voted out before her.
NaOnka - Speaking of horrible people, she appears to be one. Can Survivor ever cast a young black woman that isn't loud, ignorant, and antagonistic? Not looking forward to her spats with her tribemates.
Shannon - I can't tell whether his insulting remarks will tend to be comical or offensive. Either way, he'll likely stick around for a while given that he'll be a physical asset for his team.
Brenda - Already looked impressive by finding the Medallion of Power in the first episode. She seems to have the right blend sweetness and cutthroat behavior to have her succeed. I'll make her my early favorite to win it all.
Overall, while this season will most likely feel like a let down after the past two Russell-fueled awesome seasons, Survivor has a formula that works year-in and year-out and I would imagine it will be no different this time out. Grade: B+
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