Survivor: One World Ep. 1

Survivor: One World, Ep 1, First Immunity Challenge (IC).
(c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2011.

If you want to read a really thorough (and hilarious) recap of last night's Survivor: One World, read Dalton Ross' piece from Entertainment Weekly this morning:

http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/survivor-one-world-premiere/

As a long-time fan of the game, I had always read and loved Dalton's recaps. Then, once I played the game and MET him (he flew to Samoa as part of the pre-game press stuff), I loved him even more. He's a big fan of the game--so his insight is usually pretty spot-on--and, he's a talented writer. So, it's worth your time. (PS: Not a paid endorsement. No sponsors on the blog.)

Okay, my point!

While I am going to "talk" about the game on my blog, my goal really isn't to become a recap writer. I just thought it would be fun to share some of my thoughts:

--as someone who loves the game/show (and Jeff Probst--ha!).

--as someone who has played the game.

--and as someone who wants to focus on what I like about each episode. (Because believe me, the market on criticism is cornered.)

So, about last night ...

1. The new twist--two tribes on one beach--is brilliant. I love it as a fan. I would have LOVED it as a player.

2. Dividing the tribes by gender is brilliant.
Neither of these groups seemed super unified to me. So, I'm not sure how it will play out.

(PS: I think the women on our season would have ROCKED IT. We'd actually compliment one another really well; we really had a great mix of brains, brawn, and life-experience. And, I don't think religion would have played such an overt role in camplife had the tribes been men vs. women. Can you picture Coach leading Ozzy, Jim, and Keith in prayer after winning a challenge?)

3. Jay made starting a fire without flint look easy.
I'm pretty sure he made that fire without flint. If so, that's impressive. It's hard to make fire. Period.

4. Monica and Christina "stealing" embers from the guys' fire reminded me of when Whitney and I stole coconuts.
The game is Outwit, Outplay, Outlast--this is part of the game. And a fun part in my opinion! I'm looking forward to seeing M & C work together ... because I'm pretty sure they are aligned.


(PS: If Kim is part of this alliance, I'm in heaven.)

5. Chelsea catching TWO chickens was PHENOMENAL.
She earned my respect. Chickens run FAST. Like, faster than most humans.

6. Jonas, the sushi chef, is my fave for the guys.
First of all, I think Jim and Albert had the same underwear as Jonas. If I ever played the game again, I'm telling you, I'd wear men's baseball-type choanies. Easy for swimming. Easy for climbing walls. (My tangerine Target briefs we too big and fell down during our first challenge. Too much info? Sorry.)

I'm hoping Jonas aligns with Monica and Christina--and Kim (and maybe Leif or Jay?)

(PS: Jonas is from Utah. And yes, he's Mormon. And no, all Utahns aren't Mormon--just the ones who play Survivor.)

7. That first Immunity Challenge (IC) was brutal.
Who knew jumping onto a cargo net was so dangerous? It was like a trampoline from helen. Holy cow. I felt so sorry Courtney. And Nina! (Did you see her face. Ouch. Remember, no ibuprofen, no topical cream. Healing is fun without those. Ask my missing tooth.)

8. I understand why the guys didn't continue the challenge.
As a player, if I saw an injury like Courtney's, I'd be reluctant to complete that challenge. I'd be thinking, end now--no Tribal and no injury? Uh, sounds good to me. Where do I sign?

But as a fan, I was bummed. I wanted to see that whole challenge. (And, I do think completing the challenge would have been a good gesture/sportsmanship on the guys' part.)

9. I was hoping someone would be voted out vs. leave for medical reasons.
Courtney seemed like a really interesting addition to the women's  tribe, so I wish she wasn't the first one out. But, I'm sure the women of Salani didn't mind much. That was an EASY Tribal Council. Even with the bickering. EASY. PEASY.

(PS: Can you imagine all that work, preparing for the game, to be out with an injury at the first challenge?! Sorry, Courtney.)

I'm looking forward to next week. (Looks like Colton's got the lead in this one.)

Nina and Colton.
(c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2011.