Survivor: Cambodia: Second Chance

The first episode of season 31 of Survivor “Cambodia: Second Chance” is in the books.

 

Excellent first episode.

In the past, when contestants first started reappearing on the show I was frustrated as I’m sure many were. I could almost hear chants of “they’ve had their chance, let someone else do it.”

To make it worse, some of these returning players would then “quit”, making it that much more frustrating.

Then after more and more players returned, it got harder to get the new player’s stories since the returning players were already established.

I got used to the returning players, even though I still felt it was “unfair”, especially when some of CBS’ comments were that it was hard to find “qualified” people, which led them to recruiting people. So, here we are with all returning players. But the catch is that viewers voted them in and it appears they all want to be here.

Some of them appear really familiar, others vaguely familiar.

As always, Survivor is always visually stunning. I’m sure some of it is a camera filter, but moreso, they choose gorgeous locations.

I’ve been to places like they show (Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico). The earth is a beautiful place. In years past, friends and I who are fans of the show made first episode picks based on who we thought would make it to the end.

 

1st Episode Picks

Here are my first episode picks:

Final Four: Spencer, Ciera, Jeff, and Kelly Wigglesworth (Cass lost as the tie-breaker with Kelly).

1st Man out: Stephen Fishbach

1st Woman out: Abi-Maria

Medevac’d: Keith

Quitter: None (and I really hope no one does quit).
I chose Spencer and Ciera because I thought they did well in their respective seasons. Ciera really grew up a lot and proved herself in spite of having to worry about her mom.

I didn’t remember Jeff Varner a lot, but thought he’d be in the middle zone – not a huge threat/weakness that would cause him to be a liability.

However, once I saw Jeff and saw his larger midsection, I thought that might be a liability in the challenges.

It was a toss up between Kelly Wigglesworth and Cass. Kelly was an original and has changed so much. My fear was that maybe Cass hadn’t. So, Cass was out and Kelly was in.

I hope no one is medevac’d but figured it might be Keith or Stephen Fishbach.

But, Fishbach is awkward and I figured he’s more likely to be voted out first instead of injured.

Abi-Maria

Abi-Maria comes off as someone whose “growth” will be short-lived, especially in the Survivor environment. I’m sure she grew from her experience, I just think that old ways will present themself sooner than later, and her whole “lost bracelet” thing was indicative of that.

In fact, I found it very counter-productive that she said she wouldn’t say anything public about her bracelet, but then she did just that, to seemingly anyone that would listen. She’s not doing herself any favors over a silly bracelet that has no bearing on the game.

Abi-Maria finds her bracelet in Peih-gees bag. I think it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out, whether it was intentional or not.

If it was intentional, it’s a weak move so early in the game. If it wasn’t intentional, it’s an honest mistake and Abi-Maria is making a huge social error by bringing so much attention to it.

Hidden Idol Twist

I love it. It’s a good way to shake up the game by hiding an Immunity Idol at the Challenge.

I’m also glad that Kelley attempted it AND pulled it off. I’d hate for CBS to put that into the game and not have it work out or have people chicken out to be “safe”.

So far, it’s paying off, especially the editing of finding the hidden idol (yeah!) only to find out it’s not an idol (boo!) but a clue to the exact location during a challenge (huh!).

When Vytas and Abi-Maria became the obvious two choices to be voted out, I was sure it was going to be Abi-Maria and I was glad. I find her “Brazilian dragon” personality to be very grating.

I like Jeff’s comments that “Survivor isn’t a mid-life crisis, it’s a mid-life quest.”

I’m glad he’s my pick even though he doesn’t appear to be in the best shape.

First Person Booted Out

We’ll see how things shake out this season, but so far I like it.

I’m even okay that “smarmy” Vytas was voted out. I don’t agree with his “I’d rather not come back a second time than come back and be voted out first.”

That’s ludicrous! So many people want to be on the show, me included.

My thought would be “it’s better to have played Survivor and lost, than to never have played at all”

 

For other excellent writeups, see Dalton Ross’ articles on Entertainment Weekly and his question-answer session with Jeff Probst.