Season 22 of Survivor is upon us and other then a few seasons around 7 and 8 I’ve been there since the beginning. For me it’s less about the challenges, locations, and models in bikini’s (ok so it’s a little bit about that), it’s really all about the so called “Mental Game” that is everyone’s nice way to say “how I plan to screw everyone and win” I don’t care if your playing nice, or playing mean, ultimately it’s your goal to screw everyone else and come out on top. Weather that’s out right lying, or just pretending to be nice while everyone else does the conniving.
After all these years on the beach, and trust me the beach seasons are always more fun, survivor is constantly trying to keep things fresh. Some ideas have worked out and stuck like the hidden immunity idol, and some have failed and go away like the old exile island. This season they plan on two different twists. First up is the return of Exile island only they are calling it “redemption island”. If you follow survivor news you have no doubt heard about this already but basically it’s a lot like Exile island only you have to battle others to stay there.
Redemption island works like this as far as we know. The first person voted out of the tribe will go there. They will be alone and waiting for the second person voted out. Those two people will then do some sort of head to head challenge and the winner gets to stay. We don’t know how long this will go on for, but at some point whoever is left standing on redemption island will join the game again for a second shot.
I find this concept really interesting, but I will be curious if it will pan out as a true game changer. The big problem is all the time you spend with your tribe is how you gain influence and votes for the finals. If you’re not there to scramble you will be at a big disadvantage. From this I expect the “redeemed” will return right before the first jury selection. The tough part is they won’t have any allies and the tribe will be made up of people who already voted them out once for one reason or another. I have a feeling whoever comes back will have to fight hard to not go right home again. Who knows though at that point there may be an underdog alliance who just needs that one more person to change the game. There are a lot of scenarios that could play out which would be very interesting.
The second change up is something that has happened before, but not very often. They are bringing two all stars back from retirement to compete again. Arguably these two guys could be the biggest draws survivor ever had. If you haven’t already heard the ones coming back are Boston Rob, and Russell Hantz. We just saw these guys go head to head on the same team during Survivor All stars and I’m hoping survivor 22 sets them up as team captains/mentors for the new players. If it’s Rob’s tribe vs. Russle’s tribe I think we might be in for a real treat.
I have no shame in saying I’m a huge Russel fan. Sure he’s a weasel and terrible human being while playing the game but no one, and I mean absolutely no one, has changed the game as much as this guy. He may be crazy, and her certainly splits peoples opinions, but I think he might bring some interesting flavor to the game. Both of these guys will be seen as huge threats and it will be a challenge to keep themselves in the game for long.
I’m not sure overall how I feel about the returning vets. Part of me wants to see them battle again, but the realist in me sees this as just a ratings grab. Russel’s seasons in particular were some of the best rated Survivor has ever had. They were easily the most exciting. In the past, barring the all star seasons, when vets returned they did not stick around for long. This may be a quick flash in the pan for both vets, but CBS is betting you’ll tune in to find out.
Overall I’m pretty excited for this season of Survivor. The young vs old “twist” of last year panned out exactly as I expected and it was boring. I’m hoping these new changes may truly bring some refreshing competition to the game and keep it interesting for one more year.
What are your thoughts on Season 22? If you could make changes to how the game is played what would they be? I would love to hear your feedback. Hope you enjoy the next season!
posted by Johnny Confidence in
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