Most of the scripted shows are gone for a few more months, but the one thing we know we can count on is Survivor. Survivor returns tonight with the premiere of “Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites.” Survivor: China gave the show a new energy and actually built on the ratings of the previous season so there’s high hopes for the 16th season which will force 10 returning Survivors to take on 10 huge fans of the show.
In the words of the producers:
In a “Survivor” first, 10 ultra-fans of the series will take on 10 former castaways to compete as Fans vs. Favorites. The two tribes will be marooned amid the Rock Islands of Palau, Micronesia. The skills of the former castaways will be put to the test while the tribe of first-time competitors will see if their enthusiasm and passion for the game is enough to distinguish them as worthy competitors. The Favorites have an advantage because they’ve played the game before, but that could also be their biggest disadvantage…the tribe of Fans know how the Favorites have played the game. Although the game play of the Fans is unknown and could prove to be their advantage, the Fans’ lack of experience could be their worst enemy and potential downfall. Who will prevail?
I would hope that we’ll actually see some strategy this season. The fans should definitely give us some strategy since they are, by definition, huge fans of the show. I would assume that means they understand that strategy is a big part of the game. I would expect the same from the favorites (even James) who have now gone through this before and are aware of how important it is to form strategies and alliances early on.
Once again I will be recapping, opining, and generally venting from week to week on game play, strategy, or general activities on the show. I did the same last season with “Survivor: China” and had a fun time writing the articles from week to week (you can still find them on the Survivor: China page).
There’s a lot of interesting information out there that I haven’t yet shared. Over the last few days I’ve learned that Jonny “Fairplay” Dalton once got into a fight with Jeff Probst’s brother and that Tom Westman, one of the few winners of the show to ever totally dominate actually chose not to return for this season.
I’ve learned that CBS might have planned on ending Survivor after this season. It’s not, though, because it was just renewed for at least two more seasons. I also learned that Jeff Probst is quite happy with his job and is glad to be coming back.
I’ve found a lot of cool Survivor stuff too. There’s a transcript of an interview with Jeff Probst on the Early show that gives some juicy information (some spoilers here). His media teleconference interview transcript is also good. I found Jeff Probst’s Entertainment Weekly scouting report of all the contestants.
CBS has also put up some cool stuff on the official Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites website. Jeff Probst takes us on a video tour of the Tribal Council set. There’s all kinds of photos up in the gallery. They’ve also brought back the Survivor Fantasy League if you’re in to that sort of thing.
All of that should keep you busy until the show comes on tonight. Be sure to check it out then come back here and let us know what you thought.
Um…..I’d rather watch The Office.
Phyllis Vs last blog post..1