Survivor still has loyal viewers after 16 seasons, which may seem surprising since the show hasn’t changed much since it premiered. Take a few interesting characters, strand them in an exotic locale, deprive them of food and comfort, have them compete in physical and mental challenges and then vote each out of the game one by one. They don’t have to change the format, because it works. In fact, the simplicity of the game leaves room for lots of interpersonal drama. This year the tribes were split as Fans versus Favorites, but the lines were redrawn last week.
Jeff Probst promises it’s just one twist of many to come. In an interview with TV Guide, Probst said: “Mark my words. There’s so much crazy stuff to come — the kind that producers pray to the reality gods for.” Their prayers were answered with a showmance between Ozzy and Amanda. Probst hints it’s the real deal, right up there with All-Stars’ Rob and Amber. Parvati and James may not be as lasting, but they are at least as entertaining.
It’s always interesting to see how things play out at Tribal Council. Probst promises several players will be blindsided when the votes are read. I’m sure there will be plenty of new moments to add to my list.
10. Robert Hatch hatches a plan to form an alliance and a strategy is born.
9. Colby takes Tina to the final two, maintaining his word, but losing the million.
8. Tom is the man who can not lose. Bobby Jon is the man who loses his insanity win he can’t win.
7. Stephenie is the last member of her tribe and lives alone until the merge.
6. James was voted out and he had TWO immunity idols.
5. Rob Mariano negotiates with Lex to save Amber Brkich during All Stars
4. Yau Man gives Dreamz a car in exchange for a promise. If Dreamz wins immunity at the final three, he’d give it to Yau Man. Dreams did win immunity, but he didn’t keep his word and Yau Man was voted out.
3. Jonny Fairplay runs a con, claiming his Grandma’s dead.
2. Rupert Boneham steals opposing tribe’s shoes to sell for supplies. It was a perfect start to the season’s pirate theme on the Pearl Islands.
1. Rupert wears a skirt
