‘Survivor’ brings new twists into the game. Which man or woman will take home the title of Sole Survivor this season?
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I have been watching Survivor since the first season in 2000. For those who know me, this is a surprise. I’m not much of a reality TV fan. But there’s something about Survivor that keeps drawing me back. It it’s just the challenges, although that’s what my son loves about the show. It isn’t just the amazing locations that they drop these 16-20 contestants into for 39 days. It’s the interplay of so many different personalities and that they have to work together towards a goal but also keep in mind that ultimately they are their only ally in the end. These contestants must battle the elements, the challenges, and each other towards their ultimate goal of Sole Survivor and the cash prize of $1,000,000.00.
This season Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Blood Vs. Water promises to be just as challenging as the other seasons, but has already shown the “Blood vs. Water” twist will be even more intense than before. In the first Reward Challenge there was a one-on-one face off between Jeremy and his wife, Val. My husband and I debated through the challenge whether he would win, because you could see the look in his eye… He didn’t want to send his wife to Exile Island on their first challenge. You can tell, even though Val seems quite capable, that Jeremy is a loving and protective husband. Jeremy’s survivor spirit and physical prowess prevailed. He won the challenge, which sent his wife into exile. However, in getting to choose the person who would accompany her (from his own team) we again had to question whether his move in picking Keith was motivated for his team or for his wife. He said that he chose Keith because he knew that Keith was outdoorsy enough to make sure his wife was safe. However, Keith was one of those who weren’t able to make fire on the first day. So was it truly concern for his wife, or a strategic decision to weaken Keith’s game even further.
Each of the last few season’s have brought in a few celebrities, both to boost ratings and to see how the other contestants would deal with people they’ve previously seen on TV and may have preconceived ideas about. This Survivor is no exception. Most notable in the cast is John Rocker, previously of the Atlanta Braves, and his girlfriend Julie McGee. It doesn’t take long before John is recognized by his fellow teammate, Wes, and called out on his celebrity. Wes seems a bit star struck at first. However, by the end of the episode Wes seems to be over his brush with stardom and John wants to eliminate Wes because he knows who he is.
Survivor also brought in Natalie and Nadiya Anderson who were previously on The Amazing Race. These ladies came to play! They are hard charging competitors with a thirst to win. However, most of the rest of the Survivor contestants recognized their drive, as well as the way they played the game on The Amazing Race and instantly saw the girls as a threat. So, when Nadiya’s team, Coyopa, lost the first Immunity Challenge she was in her team’s crosshairs. It didn’t help her chances when she kept referring to Josh, as one of the “girls” and this, some say it sealed her fate, even though Josh voted for Baylor in Tribal Council.
Don’t count Jon Misch and Jaclyn Schultz out of the celebrity contestants who will be in the firing range in upcoming weeks. Jon was a football player with Michigan State University. Jaclyn was Miss Michigan USA 2013. This pair played it safe and quiet on the first episode, but they aren’t just here for window dressing. Both are big Survivor fans and used to winning. They will do everything they can in the upcoming weeks to outwit, outplay, and outlast their competitors.
While it’s too soon to start predicting a winner or to even pick a favorite, this season’s Survivor is sure to be action packed and challenging. If you haven’t seen Survivor before, drop by CBS to check it out. You’ll be glad you did!