TeeVee: Survivor Redemption Island Preview
It's almost that time again. One of my favorite reality television shows is coming back with a game changing twist and a few surprises along the way. Even though were over a month away from the premiere, CBS has now announced all 18 castaways joining the new season.
Survivor: Redemption Island (Season 22) premieres at 8PM Wednesday, Feb. 16th on CBS.
The biggest twist of the upcoming season is the "Redemption Island" aspect. When a player is voted off, it doesn't mean they're going home. It means they'll go to Redemption Island. A place where they'll have similar shelter and food restrictions as those still in the game, and place where they'll fight to be the player brought back into the game (as of now, CBS hasn't told us when that will be) for their chance at redemption.
The catch is only one voted off player can stay at Redemption Island. So the first person voted off will have to face off in a physical/mental duel with the second person voted off. Whoever wins that, gets to stay to face the 3rd person voted off and so on and so forth. The person still at Redemption Island when the Survivor Producers deem time for the return will get to re-enter the game, for their second shot at the million.
My guess is that person will be able to re-enter the episode of the merge. That way they have a chance to come back before jury slots. Any earlier than that would be a waste in my opinion and any later than that hurts the players that haven't been voted out up to that point (and in my opinion the integrity of the game).
I think Redemption Island sounds like a really great twist. It might give some who plan to float, and vote out the physically/mentally strong early, pause to rethink, because they'll be harder to beat in a one-on-one challenge in a duel setting. And our possible favorites during the season will have that second chance, which could be great television. So overall, I'm excited for the change and I hope it lives up to my expectations.
The second big twist of the season was rumored previously, but confirmed recently. TWO past Survivor contestants will be back to have a little redemption of their own. I'm guessing it will be 2 players that have made it to the finals but haven't won. My dream picks would be Russell Hanz vs. Boston Rob, just because their rivalry really kicked up Survivor All-Stars and they're both big power-move players and would have huge targets straight off the bat. Another person I thought would really want redemption would be Amanda; she's made it to the finale two times, played three, and still hasn't been able to win. I'm not sure who else they'd bring back to be honest...The names haven't been revealed yet (check back later this week!)
UPDATE - Russell Hanz and Boston Rob are indeed the two past Survivors coming back this season. I'm all for it. It'll be Russell's 3rd time playing in 4 seasons. He's made it to the finale both times he's played before, but this crowd knows his schtick. It's Boston Rob's 4th time playing, with his best showing (coming in runner-up to his now wife, Amber) during his 2nd go-round, Survivor All-Stars.
They haven't shown which one will be on which tribe, so I'll start with my thoughts on them first. Probst warns that thinking either one will be voted off first from their tribes would be too hasty, and remember... Redemption Island awaits if they do...
Russell - We've seen him play before. He's pure evil, is the HIIdol whisperer and pulls rabbits out of his hat in terms of strategic game play, but although it's gotten him to the finale twice, it didn't garner any votes in his favor.
PROS - Yes, he's evil BUT he knows what works in the Survivor-game. PLUS he's usually very loyal to his alliance, as long as he doesn't catch wind you're making deals behind his back. PLUS his strategy usually works against him in the end, which is why being his ally is actually a great way to get a million bucks.
CONS - With this group, there's a lot of Russell-haters. Being aligned with him, may put an unneccessary target on your back, especially if the numbers are great against him in the beginning.
My Thoughts - I, for one, am glad to see Russell back. Watching his original season gave me a refreshed love of the series. He had the ability to come into Heroes vs. Villians without anyone knowing his game, which I think was a huge advantage for him. This time it's different. These players know how he's played. He's got an up-hill battle to stick around this time, but if there's one sneaky player that could pull it off somehow it would be... Russell Hanz.
Boston Rob - We've seen him go from Villian to Hero over his seasons. He plays big and he plays proud and he doesn't regret anything he does out there. His best work was during All-Stars, where he did the dirty work, fell in love, and came in runner-up. The other times, he fizzled out before anyone made the jury.
PROS - He plays hard; around camp, in physical and mental challenges (he loves puzzles) as well as stragetically. He can rally the troops for morale and numbers, which would be great to align with early.
CONS - He plays hard; all his pros become cons really quickly in the game of Survivor. If his tribes smart, they'll use him until close to the merge and then cut him loose. (The only problem with that is, Redemption Island)
My Thoughts - If I had to choose between Boston Rob and Russell to align myself with, it would be an easy choice: Russell. Because statistically, Russell can't win and Boston Rob has become likeable enough to win. In terms of straight challenges, it's been shown that Boston Rob is a puzzle-guru, and would be much harder to beat in an individual immunity challenge post-merge compared to Russell. So I think Russell will have a harder time at first, but Boston Rob will have a harder time lasting long-term.
It'll really come down to how the other contestants respond to having these two back and how Redemption Island shifts their mind-sets... I'm even more excited now...
Here are the rest of the contestants. I'm going to give you my thoughts on each one based solely on their photo, CBS interview and an EW.com video interview I've seen of them.
TRIBE OMETEPE
Phillip – Technology Executive (former Army soldier, former special agent); most like Boston Rob; he’s a listener and a good communicator.
My Thoughts - He's my pick for 'One to Watch' this season. He may be a bit cocky, but if he keeps it underwraps (which I think he can based on his background) he'll be a force to be reckoned with. It will be interesting to see who he aligns with and if he can make it work. (Think Marty from last season...) I see him making it pretty far.
Andrea – Calls herself a “social butterfly”; grew up on the farm in Wisconsin. Thinks she’ll play like unique combo of JT (his first season) and Pavarti.
My Thoughts - She seems like a sweet girl that can actually make it out in the elements. If she can make solid alliances, I see her making the merge easily.
Matt – (Fabio 2.0) calls himself “deep” but thinks others will underestimate him because of his surfer dude appearance. He’s a Pre-Med Student from Tennessee.
My Thoughts - Here's to hoping lightning doesn't strike twice because I'm still bitter about last season. (This group was shooting while last season episodes were running on TV) He's literally Fabio 2.0, but maybe a little more intelligent and a little less charming. I hope he fizzles fast.
Francesca – thinks she’ll be the "smartest person out there"; an attorney from Washington DC; thinks she’ll play like a combo of Cirie and Boston Rob.
My Thoughts - She initially rubbed me the wrong way in her interview with EW.com, but then got me to come around when she started listing off nicknames she made for the other contestants. She'll have to make alliances quick, otherwise she'll be in trouble.
Grant – Yoga Instructor (and former NFL wide receiver) from California; think he’ll play most like Ozzy, Sandra and Boston Rob, hated Russell Hanz’s game. Got on the show because his friend is Natalie (from Micronesia).
My Thoughts - He's a physical threat, but also a charmer and if he can play like those he said above, it would be a deadly combination for the end game, we'll see if he has the goods.
Kristina – Law Student from California; doing this for her kids, so she’s really determined. Won’t say who’s she like or hate, but hates when people win for not doing anything. (Thought Russell deserved to win over Natalie)
My Thoughts - she rubbed me the wrong way in the interviews, trying too hard to be the tough one; I think it will surface early, and predict she won't make the merge.
Ashley – Nurse from Maine and former Miss USA contestant; Calls herself “charming”; plans to flirt (nothing further), but she does have a boyfriend.
My Thoughts - she seems too sweet and I predict a lot of tears from her. She needs to make some friends fast and prove herself or she'll be an easy target early.
Natalie – Pro Dancer from California; thinks she’s most like Natalie, Parvati and Russell; is the youngest female to play the game. Wants to align with another younger girl (to avoid jealousy issues).
My Thoughts - she seems to have a plan going in, which I like, but she seems very immature. If she picks Andrea to team up with, and then gets a boy (let's say Grant) they could get the number early.
TRIBE ZAPATERA
Krista – Head Cheerleader at Auburn U; a Pharmaceutical Rep from South Carolina; thinks she’ll play like Natalie, but with an edge.
My Thoughts - seems upbeat and positive, but that is a double edged sword on Survivor. She might find herself on the outs of her tribe (compared to the young girls on the other tribe) so we'll see.
Mike – a former marine from California; thinks he’ll play like Rudy (Season 1). Liked Rupert, hated Russell Hanz; had a pet crab during an on-location interview with EW.com.
My Thoughts - my 'Eye-Candy' this season, seems to be a good guy that can probably weather the elements well; he's definitely on the more eclectic tribe, and needs to really step up so he's not a target (if he bonds with Steve, he might have a chance)
Steve – a former NFL player (Cowboys) from California; thinks he’ll play most like Tom Westman; hated Russell Hanz.
My Thoughts - He has wisdom (with age) and seems to be very physically fit, if he can be a leader without the mutiny, I could see him lasting pretty far.
Stephanie – a “scrappy” waitress from California; says she’ll play like Parvati’s and Russell’s love child.
My Thoughts - She's one of the girls I liked the most in interviews, but that doesn't always translate on Survivor. She seems ready to make some plays, so I hope she can pull some off.
David – Defense Attorney from California; hates dumb people (that don’t know they’re dumb); seems very cocky… never watched Survivor before he was in the casting process. Thought Coach was very annoying.
My Thoughts - I hate Survivor contestants that come in so cocky, especially when their not fans (though he almost redeemed himself by saying he's watched all episode since starting the casting process). I hope he gets hit with the humble stick early.
Ralph – Farmer from Virginia; most like Big Tom and JT because of the southern connection; respected Russell’s game but didn’t like him (or Coach). Says he’ll be the “fire-starter”.
My Thoughts - At first, I thought... no way, but as his interview with EW.com went on, I started to like him more and more. I think people will be drawn to him for alliances, and I'm interested to see how he plays it.
Julie – Firefighter from California; liked Russell the most because he played smart, didn’t like Courtney. Thinks she’ll play most like Ashley (China) (WHO?!); doing this for the money to support her daughters (and hopefully get her house out of foreclosure); hates lazy people.
My Thoughts - she's the heroine with a sob story (think Jane last season...) but as of now, she's not nearly as likeable. If she's as strong as she looks, I could see her making the merge, but not much further than that.
Sarita – a Visual Effects Producer from California; was found by the casting directors while telling stories and drinking margaritas. (Doesn’t know the game well at all, example when asked by EW.com what if she was voted out first she replied, “I think I’ll make it to Tribal Council” but what she meant to say was she thinks she’ll make it to the Jury, because everyone makes it to at least one Tribal Council unless they quit/medical evacuate before it.)
My Thoughts - If I had to guess, I'd say she'll be the 'First to Go'. During the interview she was all over the place, talking about vibes and good nature. I think it will wear quickly on her tribemates, plus she doesn't look physical/mental enough to help in challenges.
Leave any comments you'd like!
Survivor: Redemption Island (Season 22) premieres at 8PM Wednesday, Feb. 16th on CBS.
The biggest twist of the upcoming season is the "Redemption Island" aspect. When a player is voted off, it doesn't mean they're going home. It means they'll go to Redemption Island. A place where they'll have similar shelter and food restrictions as those still in the game, and place where they'll fight to be the player brought back into the game (as of now, CBS hasn't told us when that will be) for their chance at redemption.
The catch is only one voted off player can stay at Redemption Island. So the first person voted off will have to face off in a physical/mental duel with the second person voted off. Whoever wins that, gets to stay to face the 3rd person voted off and so on and so forth. The person still at Redemption Island when the Survivor Producers deem time for the return will get to re-enter the game, for their second shot at the million.
My guess is that person will be able to re-enter the episode of the merge. That way they have a chance to come back before jury slots. Any earlier than that would be a waste in my opinion and any later than that hurts the players that haven't been voted out up to that point (and in my opinion the integrity of the game).
I think Redemption Island sounds like a really great twist. It might give some who plan to float, and vote out the physically/mentally strong early, pause to rethink, because they'll be harder to beat in a one-on-one challenge in a duel setting. And our possible favorites during the season will have that second chance, which could be great television. So overall, I'm excited for the change and I hope it lives up to my expectations.
The second big twist of the season was rumored previously, but confirmed recently. TWO past Survivor contestants will be back to have a little redemption of their own. I'm guessing it will be 2 players that have made it to the finals but haven't won. My dream picks would be Russell Hanz vs. Boston Rob, just because their rivalry really kicked up Survivor All-Stars and they're both big power-move players and would have huge targets straight off the bat. Another person I thought would really want redemption would be Amanda; she's made it to the finale two times, played three, and still hasn't been able to win. I'm not sure who else they'd bring back to be honest...
UPDATE - Russell Hanz and Boston Rob are indeed the two past Survivors coming back this season. I'm all for it. It'll be Russell's 3rd time playing in 4 seasons. He's made it to the finale both times he's played before, but this crowd knows his schtick. It's Boston Rob's 4th time playing, with his best showing (coming in runner-up to his now wife, Amber) during his 2nd go-round, Survivor All-Stars.
They haven't shown which one will be on which tribe, so I'll start with my thoughts on them first. Probst warns that thinking either one will be voted off first from their tribes would be too hasty, and remember... Redemption Island awaits if they do...
Russell - We've seen him play before. He's pure evil, is the HIIdol whisperer and pulls rabbits out of his hat in terms of strategic game play, but although it's gotten him to the finale twice, it didn't garner any votes in his favor.
PROS - Yes, he's evil BUT he knows what works in the Survivor-game. PLUS he's usually very loyal to his alliance, as long as he doesn't catch wind you're making deals behind his back. PLUS his strategy usually works against him in the end, which is why being his ally is actually a great way to get a million bucks.
CONS - With this group, there's a lot of Russell-haters. Being aligned with him, may put an unneccessary target on your back, especially if the numbers are great against him in the beginning.
My Thoughts - I, for one, am glad to see Russell back. Watching his original season gave me a refreshed love of the series. He had the ability to come into Heroes vs. Villians without anyone knowing his game, which I think was a huge advantage for him. This time it's different. These players know how he's played. He's got an up-hill battle to stick around this time, but if there's one sneaky player that could pull it off somehow it would be... Russell Hanz.
Boston Rob - We've seen him go from Villian to Hero over his seasons. He plays big and he plays proud and he doesn't regret anything he does out there. His best work was during All-Stars, where he did the dirty work, fell in love, and came in runner-up. The other times, he fizzled out before anyone made the jury.
PROS - He plays hard; around camp, in physical and mental challenges (he loves puzzles) as well as stragetically. He can rally the troops for morale and numbers, which would be great to align with early.
CONS - He plays hard; all his pros become cons really quickly in the game of Survivor. If his tribes smart, they'll use him until close to the merge and then cut him loose. (The only problem with that is, Redemption Island)
My Thoughts - If I had to choose between Boston Rob and Russell to align myself with, it would be an easy choice: Russell. Because statistically, Russell can't win and Boston Rob has become likeable enough to win. In terms of straight challenges, it's been shown that Boston Rob is a puzzle-guru, and would be much harder to beat in an individual immunity challenge post-merge compared to Russell. So I think Russell will have a harder time at first, but Boston Rob will have a harder time lasting long-term.
It'll really come down to how the other contestants respond to having these two back and how Redemption Island shifts their mind-sets... I'm even more excited now...
Here are the rest of the contestants. I'm going to give you my thoughts on each one based solely on their photo, CBS interview and an EW.com video interview I've seen of them.
TRIBE OMETEPE
Phillip – Technology Executive (former Army soldier, former special agent); most like Boston Rob; he’s a listener and a good communicator.
My Thoughts - He's my pick for 'One to Watch' this season. He may be a bit cocky, but if he keeps it underwraps (which I think he can based on his background) he'll be a force to be reckoned with. It will be interesting to see who he aligns with and if he can make it work. (Think Marty from last season...) I see him making it pretty far.
Andrea – Calls herself a “social butterfly”; grew up on the farm in Wisconsin. Thinks she’ll play like unique combo of JT (his first season) and Pavarti.
My Thoughts - She seems like a sweet girl that can actually make it out in the elements. If she can make solid alliances, I see her making the merge easily.
Matt – (Fabio 2.0) calls himself “deep” but thinks others will underestimate him because of his surfer dude appearance. He’s a Pre-Med Student from Tennessee.
My Thoughts - Here's to hoping lightning doesn't strike twice because I'm still bitter about last season. (This group was shooting while last season episodes were running on TV) He's literally Fabio 2.0, but maybe a little more intelligent and a little less charming. I hope he fizzles fast.
Francesca – thinks she’ll be the "smartest person out there"; an attorney from Washington DC; thinks she’ll play like a combo of Cirie and Boston Rob.
My Thoughts - She initially rubbed me the wrong way in her interview with EW.com, but then got me to come around when she started listing off nicknames she made for the other contestants. She'll have to make alliances quick, otherwise she'll be in trouble.
Grant – Yoga Instructor (and former NFL wide receiver) from California; think he’ll play most like Ozzy, Sandra and Boston Rob, hated Russell Hanz’s game. Got on the show because his friend is Natalie (from Micronesia).
My Thoughts - He's a physical threat, but also a charmer and if he can play like those he said above, it would be a deadly combination for the end game, we'll see if he has the goods.
Kristina – Law Student from California; doing this for her kids, so she’s really determined. Won’t say who’s she like or hate, but hates when people win for not doing anything. (Thought Russell deserved to win over Natalie)
My Thoughts - she rubbed me the wrong way in the interviews, trying too hard to be the tough one; I think it will surface early, and predict she won't make the merge.
Ashley – Nurse from Maine and former Miss USA contestant; Calls herself “charming”; plans to flirt (nothing further), but she does have a boyfriend.
My Thoughts - she seems too sweet and I predict a lot of tears from her. She needs to make some friends fast and prove herself or she'll be an easy target early.
Natalie – Pro Dancer from California; thinks she’s most like Natalie, Parvati and Russell; is the youngest female to play the game. Wants to align with another younger girl (to avoid jealousy issues).
My Thoughts - she seems to have a plan going in, which I like, but she seems very immature. If she picks Andrea to team up with, and then gets a boy (let's say Grant) they could get the number early.
TRIBE ZAPATERA
Krista – Head Cheerleader at Auburn U; a Pharmaceutical Rep from South Carolina; thinks she’ll play like Natalie, but with an edge.
My Thoughts - seems upbeat and positive, but that is a double edged sword on Survivor. She might find herself on the outs of her tribe (compared to the young girls on the other tribe) so we'll see.
Mike – a former marine from California; thinks he’ll play like Rudy (Season 1). Liked Rupert, hated Russell Hanz; had a pet crab during an on-location interview with EW.com.
My Thoughts - my 'Eye-Candy' this season, seems to be a good guy that can probably weather the elements well; he's definitely on the more eclectic tribe, and needs to really step up so he's not a target (if he bonds with Steve, he might have a chance)
Steve – a former NFL player (Cowboys) from California; thinks he’ll play most like Tom Westman; hated Russell Hanz.
My Thoughts - He has wisdom (with age) and seems to be very physically fit, if he can be a leader without the mutiny, I could see him lasting pretty far.
Stephanie – a “scrappy” waitress from California; says she’ll play like Parvati’s and Russell’s love child.
My Thoughts - She's one of the girls I liked the most in interviews, but that doesn't always translate on Survivor. She seems ready to make some plays, so I hope she can pull some off.
David – Defense Attorney from California; hates dumb people (that don’t know they’re dumb); seems very cocky… never watched Survivor before he was in the casting process. Thought Coach was very annoying.
My Thoughts - I hate Survivor contestants that come in so cocky, especially when their not fans (though he almost redeemed himself by saying he's watched all episode since starting the casting process). I hope he gets hit with the humble stick early.
Ralph – Farmer from Virginia; most like Big Tom and JT because of the southern connection; respected Russell’s game but didn’t like him (or Coach). Says he’ll be the “fire-starter”.
My Thoughts - At first, I thought... no way, but as his interview with EW.com went on, I started to like him more and more. I think people will be drawn to him for alliances, and I'm interested to see how he plays it.
Julie – Firefighter from California; liked Russell the most because he played smart, didn’t like Courtney. Thinks she’ll play most like Ashley (China) (WHO?!); doing this for the money to support her daughters (and hopefully get her house out of foreclosure); hates lazy people.
My Thoughts - she's the heroine with a sob story (think Jane last season...) but as of now, she's not nearly as likeable. If she's as strong as she looks, I could see her making the merge, but not much further than that.
Sarita – a Visual Effects Producer from California; was found by the casting directors while telling stories and drinking margaritas. (Doesn’t know the game well at all, example when asked by EW.com what if she was voted out first she replied, “I think I’ll make it to Tribal Council” but what she meant to say was she thinks she’ll make it to the Jury, because everyone makes it to at least one Tribal Council unless they quit/medical evacuate before it.)
My Thoughts - If I had to guess, I'd say she'll be the 'First to Go'. During the interview she was all over the place, talking about vibes and good nature. I think it will wear quickly on her tribemates, plus she doesn't look physical/mental enough to help in challenges.
Leave any comments you'd like!
