Survivor megathread

[7,052,770]

The only runner up that still genuinely pisses me off is that Coach lost by only two votes. He was so close to winning a perfect season

He probably shouldn't have led the tribe in prayer to ask God to them find an idol that he had secretly already found. What a hypocrite. Sophie busting him at the FTC for that was gloriously savage.

[VirginiaAaron]

Island of the Idols: Dean Kowalski

Hey...we are pretty much in agreement on all of these! Wanted to give a special shoutout on Season 39...as awful as the season was, I totally agree with you that Dean should have won! I'm still bitter about that.

Nothing against Tommy, I just felt like Dean was a much more well-rounded player.

The season would've had the slightest cherry on top if Janet had made it to the end and won, but we got the ending we got so..

Also, for Game Changers, I've been convinced (based on Cirie's ponderosa video) that she would've won unanimously or 9-1 if she was at the end. Even people like Debbie and Ozzy, that I wouldn't have thought would respect her game, said they would've voted for her

[100% pro-life no matter what]

Some bad news on season 41:

https://insidesurvivor.com/update-on-filming-plans-for-survivor-season-41-44621

The earliest they will start filming is September, which would likely rule out a premiere before November/December (more realistically January to avoid Christmas).

Season 42 won't film until very early 2021, but I could see a late spring/early summer airing as not totally impossible.  Season 43 will film in the early summer of 2021, which should allow for a normal airing schedule in 2021-22 if either season 42 is postponed to fall 2021 or they go ahead and film season 44 next summer as well.

[7,052,770]

Ugh, they should film season 41 (and 42 if necessary) in Alaska or California or wherever to get it airing on schedule.

[Progressive Pessimist]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

[tmthforu94]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

Agreed, I'm dreading it. Probably will be when I fully commit to watching through Survivor Australia. At least we'll likely have Big Brother, I've seen on Reddit that we should hear something from CBS this week about their plans for it.

As for Survivor filming...I always thought it would be neat to do a season based in the U.S. One of the territories probably makes the most sense as it can still have the same look/feel, or Alaska. Just have be careful with filming to prevent spoilers.

[Progressive Pessimist]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

Agreed, I'm dreading it. Probably will be when I fully commit to watching through Survivor Australia. At least we'll likely have Big Brother, I've seen on Reddit that we should hear something from CBS this week about their plans for it.

As for Survivor filming...I always thought it would be neat to do a season based in the U.S. One of the territories probably makes the most sense as it can still have the same look/feel, or Alaska. Just have be careful with filming to prevent spoilers.

I doubt that they'll ever film in a cold environment. Tropical environments are probably easier when it comes to insurance and the players' safety.

[7,052,770]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

Which is why I was hoping we'd get more Survivor, not let. Film 4 seasons, air them twice a week, so each season finishes in 2 months. This would help CBS fill their slots.

But that would have taken some visionary leadership, something Probst just doesn't have.

[Progressive Pessimist]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

Which is why I was hoping we'd get more Survivor, not let. Film 4 seasons, air them twice a week, so each season finishes in 2 months. This would help CBS fill their slots.

But that would have taken some visionary leadership, something Probst just doesn't have.

Is Jeff Probst in charge of that though? I know that he's a producer, but I imagine that there are still those above him who make those calls.

[7,052,770]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

Which is why I was hoping we'd get more Survivor, not let. Film 4 seasons, air them twice a week, so each season finishes in 2 months. This would help CBS fill their slots.

But that would have taken some visionary leadership, something Probst just doesn't have.

Is Jeff Probst in charge of that though? I know that he's a producer, but I imagine that there are still those above him who make those calls.

As I understand it, Jeff has gained more and more total control over the last 10-15 seasons. He's the driver behind all the extra advantages, Edge of Extinction, no swimsuits, only film in Fiji, and all other silliness that's plagued the recent seasons.

A great breath of fresh air would be to fire/retire Jeff and let someone new take over, maybe Adam Klein (S33) or the Australian host.

[morgankingsley]

This autumn is going to be a dead-zone for television in general.

Which is why I was hoping we'd get more Survivor, not let. Film 4 seasons, air them twice a week, so each season finishes in 2 months. This would help CBS fill their slots.

But that would have taken some visionary leadership, something Probst just doesn't have.

Is Jeff Probst in charge of that though? I know that he's a producer, but I imagine that there are still those above him who make those calls.

As I understand it, Jeff has gained more and more total control over the last 10-15 seasons. He's the driver behind all the extra advantages, Edge of Extinction, no swimsuits, only film in Fiji, and all other silliness that's plagued the recent seasons.

A great breath of fresh air would be to fire/retire Jeff and let someone new take over, maybe Adam Klein (S33) or the Australian host.

The only twist in recent seasons I actually kind of like is the fire making one. Now I understand why it was hated the first time so much, because there was no foresight to it, no preparation. But when you think about it, the challenge actually does contribute to the outplay section of outwit, outplay and outlast.

 Not only that, but the main issue with final three was that it was just another elimination, and there was nothing special about it, and that the FIC winner wasn't having that much power in all honesty. With this, the FIC winner does have at least partial real control over who goes to FTC because they do get to for sure decide one person who they want with them, and have at least partial control on the other, while also helping the idea of not having every power house just be eliminated at final four. And therefore actually does have some suspense going into the end. It's not a perfect twist by any means, but it does actually make sense.

The only real down side is that usually who wins it is a lot of the time a walk in to the winner of the season. Like had Devens won the EOE one, there is no doubt he would have won unanimously

[HagridOfTheDeep]

I have heard that Fiji is about to clear the way legislatively for Survivor to return to filming relatively soon. Might have been nothing, but I would expect whatever hope we had to see Survivor filmed somewhere new is a bit of a pipe dream.

[tmthforu94]

Survivor has been pulled from the CBS fall schedule.

https://ew.com/tv/cbs-pulls-survivor-fall-schedule-coronavirus/

[100% pro-life no matter what]

Survivor has been pulled from the CBS fall schedule.

https://ew.com/tv/cbs-pulls-survivor-fall-schedule-coronavirus/

Unfortunately, that became inevitable when they didn't push to film in the US, instead waiting for Fiji to work again.  Hopefully, we can at least get a spring season.

At least sports are back so I'll have something to watch.  I'll probably watch the new Amazing Race that took Survivor's timeslot too.  I've watched TAR off-and-on over the years.

[7,052,770]

Survivor has been pulled from the CBS fall schedule.

https://ew.com/tv/cbs-pulls-survivor-fall-schedule-coronavirus/

Unfortunately, that became inevitable when they didn't push to film in the US, instead waiting for Fiji to work again.  Hopefully, we can at least get a spring season.

At least sports are back so I'll have something to watch.  I'll probably watch the new Amazing Race that took Survivor's timeslot too.  I've watched TAR off-and-on over the years.

You can actually watch Australian Survivor season 3 (or season 1, if you don't count the 2002 and 2006 seasons) from 2016 on YouTube. They've only got the first 15 episodes (of 26) up now, but they're uploading a few each week in order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ATK0BLc8U

You can find the subsequent seasons on sketchier sites, but you might literally get porno popups and the like.

[7,052,770]

Is this the most ridiculous Survivor-related video on the whole Internet?

[Progressive Pessimist]

Is this the most ridiculous Survivor-related video on the whole Internet?

He needs serious professional help. I'm more convinced than ever, especially with the "God. Guns. Trump." sweatshirt and new facial tattoos.

[100% pro-life no matter what]

Is this the most ridiculous Survivor-related video on the whole Internet?

That was...bizarre.  I'm somewhat of a Russell apologist and think Russell actually seems like a decent guy on his Twitter (and also should have at least won Samoa), but Brandon is a different story.  I'm certainly not qualified to diagnose a mental condition, but he still seems off to me.

[morgankingsley]

Is this the most ridiculous Survivor-related video on the whole Internet?

I think what's bizarre is him making it 7 years after caramoan when everybody's moved on

[7,052,770]

The Absolute Best: 1, 20
The Best: 2, 4, 7, 20, 28
Great: 3, 13, 14, 18, 19, 30, 33, 37, 40, AU1, AU2
Good: 6, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 31, 32, AU3, AU4
Decent: 11, 12, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36
Fair: 22, 23, 35, 38, AU₀₂
Poor: 5, 8, 21, 24, 26, 39, AU₀₆

I've updated the Australian numbering system to match what is more common online, both on Reddit and official sources. It is now out of sync with Wikipedia, but I think it makes more sense this way. It's not like they'll be bringing back any 2002 or 2006 contestants to a future season.

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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Although if Rob (2002) hadn't died, you have to wonder if he would have been considered for Australian All Stars

Season 3 (or 5 by Wikipedia) uses the champions vs. contenders format. The Contenders tribe is 10 "normal" people and the Champions include some famous-ish people, such as professional athletes, Olympic gold medalists, reigning Miss Universe, and Russell Hantz. (See below if you want to know how Russell does.)

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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RUSSELL GOES HOME IN EPISODE TWO AFTER NOT PLAYING HIS IDOL, HAHAHA!! Actually, it was too bad because he was good TV and the only one on the tribe playing on his level. Maybe he should have been on the Contenders tribe. It was surprising to see him not playing his idol, considering how in both seasons 19 and 20 he played an idol without needing to one time, just because he thought it was better to play just in case than go home with one.

Overall, I enjoyed the season, but not as much as either of the previous two. The Australian editing format is different from the American one. With so many contestants, they have trouble getting everyone shown in the early episodes, but it all worked out in the end. One contestant in particular was totally purpled with 0 confessionals through 6 episodes, but then had a whole lot after that and was universally agreed to be one of the best and most entertaining players.

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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I was surprised they voted off Damien, a war hero who left his legs behind in Afghanistan, so soon. He was decent in the challenges outside of running. I think in America there would have been a huge backlash to that situation.

Overall, I liked the winner, Shane. She played a subtle game, but at the same time, she appeared to single-handedly turn the tide against Lydia at an immunity challenge, and she quietly manipulated her way to never being on the chopping block.

It was pretty silly that Sharn got blamed for not telling Mat he was on the chopping block, when she tried to save him (before being punked by Benji in an all-time great move). Mat had his own immunity idol that he could've played. If anything, I think Sharn should have lost votes for letting Benji fool her so publicly, but not lost any votes for the Mat incident. Ultimately, I was surprised that someone billed as the top prosecutor in her state and a courtroom wizard could perform so poorly at the final tribal council, but I guess after 7 weeks of not eating, no one's at their best.

My first impression of Season 4 is that it's better than Season 3. I had actually heard of one of the champions, Steven, who won a speed skating gold medal after all of the other contestants crashed. The tribal lines were a little more blurred this time, as the Contenders included someone who spent a decade playing in the AFL and a physics PhD student (same job as someone who was a Champion last time), and the Champions included a popular returning player from Season 2 who fit the mold of a Contender.

Overall, the gameplay was strong this season, the winner was likable and deserving, many great and memorable players. I think the season could have been the best Australian one yet ... but the editing was very weird and bad. One contestant leaves in episode 7 without ever having a confessional. Two others leave even later with only a couple each. Several contestants barely get any confessionals or screentime despite lasting deep into the game.

Also, so, so many blatantly spliced together confessionals. Like, I realize that it happens in the American version too, but it's better hidden and presumably not so often. Contestants just blatantly shown changing locations multiple times during a confessional. Also, some obvious dubbing in confessionals or even conversations with the shift in sound quality very clear. Another thing that probably happens some in America but never so many obvious examples of it.

Additionally, there were several important subplots that I've found on from reddit posts that would have fleshed out the game better, but just weren't shown on TV.

Andy

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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There was a low-key alliance between Casey, Andy, Sam, and Harry in the early days of the Contender beach, and Andy was also working with Shaun and Daisy (along with John and Matt) and trying to keep everyone on the same page. This wasn't shown because they never went back to tribal council after episode 2, but it would have given us some good context going forward. And add a few confessionals from Casey and Sam talking about the alliance and we could've gotten to know who these people were.

Shaun

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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Shaun was joking in his remark about how David must have been really hungry with the popcorn. He knew David had been digging through it for an idol, but the show just made him look like an idiot for no good reason.

Simon

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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Simon was actually playing the game and had tried to organize a blindside against Abbey when he went home, but the Contenders decided not to join him. Instead we get nothing from him, making the episode less interesting/suspenseful. And apparently Simon Black is super famous in Australia, so it's not like he's someone no one would've cared about.

Also, they edited out Simon's jury question at the Final Tribal Council for who knows what reason. I guess to keep him more anonymous.

I think if you gave all the footage of this season to the American editing team, you'd have a great season. Instead, you just get a good one. It's still entertaining. I like a lot of the contestants. But the editing issues are just too much to really get into the season.

I realize that All Stars was filmed while this show was airing and might have divided the attention of the production team, but they should have done a better job planning and executing this. I'll be watching All Stars next. It doesn't seem to be very well-received by Reddit, so I'm a little apprehensive about it.

[morgankingsley]

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

Show

RUSSELL GOES HOME IN EPISODE TWO AFTER NOT PLAYING HIS IDOL, HAHAHA!! Actually, it was too bad because he was good TV and the only one on the tribe playing on his level. Maybe he should have been on the Contenders tribe. It was surprising to see him not playing his idol, considering how in both seasons 19 and 20 he played an idol without needing to one time, just because he thought it was better to play just in case than go home with one.

Russell actually admitted before the season even started airing that he was just playing a character that time, and was just wanting to see how far he would go. He knew he wasn't winning. He just wanted to do it for pubilicity

[7,052,770]

Just wanted to alert everyone that the entirety of Australian Survivor season 1 (or season 3, if you count the 2002/2006 seasons) is on YouTube in high quality and legally. I highly recommend it to any Survivor fan.

Episode 1 is here, and the next episode should just come up as you click through. Fair warning, if you search directly for these videos, you might get some spoilers in the screencaps just by seeing who's in the later episodes. Also, people potentially put spoilers in the comments, so I'd avoid reading those if you want to be surprised.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ATK0BLc8U

[7,052,770]

RIP Cliff

https://twitter.com/UConnMBB/status/1299711145385787392

[100% pro-life no matter what]

RIP Cliff

https://twitter.com/UConnMBB/status/1299711145385787392

RIP Jenn
RIP BB
RIP Caleb
RIP Dan
RIP Rudy
RIP Ashley
RIP Cliff

[Progressive Pessimist]

Sorry if bumping this thread made anyone think that I would be posting news on the next season, I didn't mean to mislead. I am posting here because I actually watched the first season of the show for the first time after finding it available for free on Amazon. I started watching 'Survivor' with Season four: Marquesas, I think, so I had never actually seen the season that started it all and thought I would share my impressions.

Right off the bat one can't help but notice how much cheaper and dated it looks, as well as how it resembled the times (with Rich's sexuality especially. Things have changed a lot!) but that's perfectly fine in the context of when it was shot. Less superficially, what I really took away from it was how it began resembling 'The Real World' on a desert island reality emphasizing show over the competition show we know and (usually) love of today. It was very jarring to see contestants on the show not talk about strategy or the end-goal of the million dollars (plus a Pontiac Aztec-often considered the ugliest car ever made. That was kind of funny.) but instead about each other and life on the island. I actually enjoyed it more than the rushed editing narratives that some contestants would get and savvy viewer can see through from later seasons. Because of that you got to know most of contestants well enough for as long as they lasted. I came away from this season remembering the majority of the contestants pretty well, which is harder to do in later seasons. I'll especially remember Colleen who was just adorable; Sean who was an absolute doofus, especially with his dumb, arbitrary alphabetical order way of voting people out, Rudy (who I remember from appearing again in a future season) and his nonchalant crotchety demeanor, and Sue for her thick 'Midwestern accent that made Frances McDormand's in 'Fargo' look subtle and her giving the most scathingly brutal final Tribal Council speech until Corinne's directed at Sugar in 'Survivor: Gabon.'

The competitive aspects of the game did rear their head eventually, of course. I have to wonder though how long it would have taken for that to become the focus of the players without Richard kick-starting that the first ever 'Survivor' alliance and other concepts that have become part of the shows fabric now. He really opened Pandora's Box, but that's what made him among the more compelling players of the season. Going into the season, while I knew very little about it, I knew that he and Kelly were the final two with him winning it. But watching how the interactions with him went at the point of the merge I really questioned how he was going to end up being the winner until I realized that his shamelessness and lack of pretense about his exclusively self-interested goal contrasted with Kelly's duplicity that she rationalized as being more ethical is what made him win. Rich didn't actually betray anyone because he never made any excuses for putting his goal before peoples' feelings; Kelly meanwhile did by being so wishy-washy with her intentions and tactics. He did deserve to win, but Kelly did too, they really couldn't wrong either way. However, I might be giving the jury too much credit since Greg, the deciding vote, and his kooky-ass ended up voting for Rich because he did in fact guess the closer number between one and ten that he was thinking of. What luck! That could not have made Kelly feel much better about why she lost.

Finally, the simplicity of this season was notable. That was actually refreshing too. From the challenges to the format to the mindset of the players, it makes me want the next season of the show to have the gimmick of 'Survivor: Bare-Bones,' or something, without anything that wasn't involved in the first season. I think that could be a great palette-cleanser for the series after so many mixed opinions towards the various gimmicks and twists that have been introduced over the past two decades.

So with all that said, I enjoyed watching the first season, it makes sense why I eventually got into the series and why the show was so revolutionary in the first place even as it is a bit rudimentary in comparison to future seasons.