Survivor 22: Redemption Island

[That70sJoe]

If I were Christina I would go to Rob and offer my immunity idol for the guarantee that Phillip would go before her. Please Phillip annoys the holy he'll outta me, can you say overstrategizing?

Or they can flush out Kristina's idol by getting her to play it, then booting Phillip. Next tribal would be Kristina's exit. Everyone's safe for at least 6 days. The bottom line: Kristina's doomed. Played too hard, too early.

 

[Xenrai]

I really don't think I can put up with Russel for another season. When allstars was done I was so happy that I wouldn't have to think about him for a long long time... or so I thought. I hate you CBS. And no I don't love to hate Russel. I would prefer to forget that Russel ever existed. I haven't watched the premier episode, and hopefully I'll be strong enough to skip this whole season.

 

[Ekim23]

I really don't think I can put up with Russel for another season. When allstars was done I was so happy that I wouldn't have to think about him for a long long time... or so I thought. I hate you CBS. And no I don't love to hate Russel. I would prefer to forget that Russel ever existed. I haven't watched the premier episode, and hopefully I'll be strong enough to skip this whole season.

Yeah hopefully he'll be out soon...

3 seasons with Rusell is WAYYYY TOO MUCH

 

[joesman]

You would have to know that Probst would love ----

His first blog of this Redemption Island crapola--








Episode 1

Welcome to the first official episode blog on JeffProbst.com. I know I promised you a video blog, but here’s the truth. I got home from New York at 1:30 am. I sat down in my living room five minutes after getting home and recorded a nine minute video blog. Was it any good? I have no idea. But as I loaded it to YouTube it.. was… too…long. I’m still learning and evidently there is a size limit.

So… you get the written blog once again. I know a lot of you want this to be a written blog anyway. The truth is doing a video blog is a helluva lot easier for me. So maybe I’ll vary it and on days when I have time I’ll write it and other times I’ll videotape it… just shorter.

For the record it is now 3:30 am. That’s 630 am NY time so I’m now at 24 hours without sleeping. Bear that in mind as you read this blog! But I promised you it would be here when you woke up, so here it is.

SURVIVOR REDEMPTION ISLAND EPISODE ONE BLOG

Feb. 17th, 2011

Well we are one episode in to our 22nd season and I’d say we’re off to a pretty damn good start.

Phillip: I’m a former federal agent. That’s right. Special Agent Shepard.”

Those ten words ushered in a new Survivor superstar. Phillip Shepherd.

I can already hear you guys complaining. Probst, you love Phillip. You have a hard-on for Phillip. (that was one of the quotes I read on Twitter.) I know many of you already hate Phillip. You think Phillip is crazy. Phillip is a loser. Those words fall on deaf ears. It’s as if I don’t have ears. They just bounce off and fall to the ground. I absolutely love Phillip and I’m pretty sure Jimmy Fallon does too!

But more on him later…

THE HELICOPTER OPEN

First off – flying out the back of a helicopter is a rush no matter how many times I get to do it. Here’s how we did it: I was attached by one safety strap that is hidden under my shirt and the strap is attached to one clip which is attached to the floor of the helicopter. That’s it. That’s all that stops me from falling out of the sky and to what I’m pretty certain would be instant death. But our safety guys told me that it was “almost completely safe…” so I said “Okay, strap me in!”

To get that awesome shot just after I say: “Thirty nine days, 18 people.. One Survivor” — two things have to happen at the exact same moment. The helicopter I was on has to bank to the right and the helicopter that is filming us banks to the left. If they both hit it at the right moment you get that epic moment where it looks like the chopper that I’m on is falling off the side of the earth. If the earth were indeed flat. Our chopper crew of Mark Hryma (photographer) and Ken Gray (pilot) are really, really, really good and their communication with my chopper was the reason that shot looked so freakin epic.

It’s an incredibly fun experience that I wish all of you could try just once. It’s a total rush. I wish we could use choppers or planes every time. Adds a lot of drama.

OUR NEWEST TWIST

We had pitched Redemption Island to CBS for a few years but we could never get it past them because the creative wasn’t quite right. Last year we hit upon the magic formula and CBS said yes. They took a HUGE chance letting us change the format of our show. Survivor is a format that has worked all over the world and has allowed us to garner big ratings for over a decade here in the U.S.

Networks don’t mess with things that work. But Leslie Moonves and the guys at CBS take risks. I think this one is going to pay off nicely.

I will go on the record that I think we’ll be doing it again next year. We haven’t even officially been picked up for next year nor talked about creative for next year but I just can’t see going back to the old format. Afer the first tribal council I thought, “I can’t imagine voting someone out and then having them be “gone” from the show. We’d miss out on so much. The “losers bracket” which is what RI is, just opens up so many options.

I realize it’s too early to decide if you like it but I’ll ask you again in episode 5 after you’ve had a bit of time to try it on for size.

HOURS BEFORE THE START

I woke up on day one with a really powerful and positive feeling about the season. No idea where it came from, but I knew it was real. It was still hours before we were going to put them on the chopper and I had an idea.

I took my boombox, yes I still have a boombox, and I gathered the Survivors around me in a circle. They still couldn’t talk because the game hadn’t yet started. I then put on LOSE YOURSELF by Eminem. I blasted it from the speakers. I had the words printed on a sheet of paper. I went from one person to another singing the song.. well talking the song… well actually just basically screaming the song. I wanted them to feel the energy I felt – that we were sitting on the edge of something really special.

LOSE YOURSELF LYRICS

If you had one shot, or one opportunity

To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment

Would you capture it? Or just let it slip?

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment

You own it, you better never let it go go

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

Not sure what they thought about my performance – if they thought I had lost my mind, (which was kinda true) was a lousy singer, (very true) or maybe they just didn’t care one way or the other (quite possible.) But it didn’t matter, I really thought we were onto something and I wanted to share it. In fact, the lyrics of LOSE YOURSELF influenced some of the language I ended up using at Redemption Island duels. See if you pick up on it as the season unfolds.

BOSTON ROB AND RUSSELL

From the moment R and R exited the chopper the energy changed and it stayed that way for the entire 39 days. Having Rob and Russell ignited something in every other contestant. Like them or not, they are stars of Survivor and they bring something special to the season.

Their journey won’t be easy.

Both have huge targets. Huge. For obvious reasons. No need to waste the space we know the drill. We know their backs are up against the wall. So do they.

But give Russell 3 more days on that island and that one girl alliance could become the two girl alliance that he has used so successfully in the past and he’s off and running. Is it even plausible that he could do it a third time?

Give Boston Rob a few days to solidify an alliance and a few more challenges to prove his worth and he too could become unstoppable.

But if either of them lose many challenges in a row they are probably in trouble. Kristina is already onto Rob and the entire Zapatera tribe, save Stephanie, seems to be onto Russell.

Ah but Survivor is an ever changing game.

And even if they are voted out early… they have Redemption Island. They are guaranteed a second chance. Good luck beating Boston Rob at a duel, Francesca.

A FEW OF THE OTHERS

Natalie – our youngest competitor ever at 18. Huge adventure for a girl just out of high school. Think about it. Takes nerve just to show up. I root for Natalie.

Matthew, whose religious faith is going to be severely tested if he lasts very long at all. Survivor is a game where “turn the other cheek” typically doesn’t work very well.

Kristina showed herself to be a very strong contender by finding the idol in first few hours.

Ralph, as Mike said has the best man sweater in Survivor history and will need a full-time interpreter if we are to understand him. Or subtitles. Maybe both.

In addition, we have MANY other great characters that you will come to know. Have no fear if I didn’t mention your favorite or the person from your hometown. They’ll all get their chance to shine. This really is a great season. Great.

CHALLENGES

Our opening challenge is indicative of what to expect this season. Big challenges. Our challenge department had a lot of pent up energy left over from having to do smaller challenges during Survivor: Nicaragua (aka Old vs Young.) This one set the tone that you’ll be earning everything this year.

TRIBAL COUNCIL

That was hands down the best first tribal council ever. It was yet another sign to me that whatever that feeling I had the morning of Day One was legit.

Poor Phillip, he really had trouble with Francesca’s name. I think he mispronounced it a few more times but we just couldn’t include them all because sooner or later we had to get to the vote.

It was funny the first three times. Really funny the next three and I nearly fell off my stump the last three. But as he mentioned, he did have dry mouth for which he was getting treatment, so we have to account for that. What wasn’t included was Phillip telling me at tribal council that he had dyslexia. I don’t think anybody believed him but honestly who knows who is telling the truth in this game. Certainly not me. I never know when someone is bullshitting or being straight up, but after he told me he had dyslexia I couldn’t laugh at the mispronunciation any more. He found my soft spot. If he was lying, it worked on me.

Have I told you how much I love Phillip. It’s his earnest nature. That’s what I responded to from the day I met him in casting. He lives this stuff. He believes it. For real. Just like another great Survivor character… Coach!

THE BEST MOMENT OF THE EPISODE

The moment of the episode had to be Rob demanding that Kristina show him the idol. HUGE MOVE. And it worked. She not only showed it to him she handed it to him. Damn, that is how you do it.

I say it all the time. To get to the end of this game – sooner or later you will have to make a big move. Rob isn’t waiting or wasting any time to make big moves. First tribal, first gigantic, intimidating move. I think Kristina was even considering giving it to him a sign of solidarity. It’s amazing what Rob can pull off. Boston charm.

Downside for Rob.. the target on his back just got a lot larger. Remember that huge red Target store logo from season one? Yes I know some of you were only three when we started… well the target on Rob’s back is that big.

NEXT WEEK TEASE – It’s a great episode. The tease: Phillip goes hunting for crab. You will laugh for sure and you may even shed a patriotic tear. It’s one of the best scenes of the season. Yes, he’s wearing his peach underwear.

OUR LIVE TWITTER EXCHANGE: For those of you who missed it. I was flying home from New York and while on the flight I tweeted live with fans who were watching the show at the same time. It was really kind of amazing. I was watching the show on the airplane at 30,000 feet and tweeting back and forth. It was quite the fun experience. I’ll see what the feedback is over the week and maybe we’ll try to do it again. I stole the idea from Howard Stern who did it recently while watching his movie Private Parts on television.

Later.

 

[strangepoetry]

"I was an F.B.I. agent"

"Who cares?"

"Franquoesca"

"I have a dry throat I'm being treated for."

Philip may already be the best and worst contestant of all time.

I know, right. Phillip had me simultaneously cringing and laughing.

That What If moments were laughable because they were centered around players who wouldn't have been eligible for Redemption Island anyway.

Those What If moments were beyond irritating. I fast forwarded past all of them. They were awful.

However, they did make convince me to go back and watch Micronesia, but only cuz I wanted to see Parvati. She kicks ass.

Up there in the delusional scale was the implication that Russell dragged Parvati to the end. It was more like the other way around.

Well, actually, they both put work in. But Russell did save Parvati in the best. Tribal. Ever. Where he acted like he was gonna use the idol on himself then turned and gave it to Parv--awesomeness! I prolly watched that TC about ten times.

 

[Sgt Pepper]

THE HELICOPTER OPEN

First off – flying out the back of a helicopter is a rush no matter how many times I get to do it. Here’s how we did it: I was attached by one safety strap that is hidden under my shirt and the strap is attached to one clip which is attached to the floor of the helicopter. That’s it. That’s all that stops me from falling out of the sky and to what I’m pretty certain would be instant death. But our safety guys told me that it was “almost completely safe…” so I said “Okay, strap me in!”

Wouldn't it just be easier to stuff a sock in your crotch or buy a new Porsche, Jeff?

 

[pat grimshaw]

…Jeff seemed super annoying tonight …

I reckon he went that way in the 2nd week of season 1.

All that Talk Talk describing what we can see with our own eyes.

 

[Ekim23]

Jeff really seemed off... he's becoming more & more irritating !!!

 

[strangepoetry]

I still wish Cirie would have won, but Parvati totally won me over.

I just love the whole witches' coven alliance. It warms my tiny, cold little heart whenever I see that scene with Parvati and Alexis pretending to stir their brooms in mid-air. <3 :c)

I agree. Cirie was robbed. But I liked the whole black widow brigade, even Amanda with her big giant Bambi-eyes. The stirring the pot thing was hilarious.

I've only seen about five seasons of the show. The two Russell seasons. Saw Micronesia earlier this week, half of Cook Islands during it's original run; and last season where Jud won. Which season was the best? Which should I go back and watch?

Wouldn't it just be easier to stuff a sock in your crotch or buy a new Porsche, Jeff?

If Jeff's nude pics that were floating around a few years ago were real, he definitely DOES NOT need to stuff. Dude is PACKING!

Howard Stern asked Jeff if those photos were real and Jeff wouldn't answer yes or no.

 

[Ekim23]

Borneo, Outback, Marquesas, Pearl Islands, Exile Island, Gabon, and Tocantins would be my favorites of the ones you haven't seen.
.

I second that except for Gabon. Im not really excited bout it, but thats my opinion

 

[strangepoetry]

Borneo, Outback, Marquesas, Pearl Islands, Exile Island, Gabon, and Tocantins would be my favorites of the ones you haven't seen.

Whatever you do, though, definitely get around to watching Pearl Islands and China. They're just incredible.

I second that except for Gabon. Im not really excited bout it, but thats my opinion

But which one first? I'm gonna start one today. You say Pearl Islands and China are incredible, should I start there?

 

[Ekim23]

You know what I was re-watching some seasons too,

China is a Very very good season IMO, when I re-watched tocantins I still liked it (Erinn's story, coach's craziness...)
When I re-watched gabon a lot of people annoyed me, and I was surprised coz Sugar wasnt at the top of the list.


And If I were u strange I would start with borneo and go all the way

 

[That70sJoe]

Marquesas is a standout to me because it was the first time (this was season 4) that the tables go turned....

 

[strangepoetry]

I like the social aspect more than the competition, meaning I like people being evil, manipulative, back-stabbing, scheming, heartless bastards. I like a dizzying psychological mind-fuck festival of depraved human greed...(I'm a good person tho I'm just morbidly fascinated with the betrayal and deceit the players utilize haha...which is why I like Russell, I guess)

 

[slipintothefog]

It depends. If you think you can "appreciate" (I hate to sound like some snobby critic, lol) the whole feel of a show about social dynamics, then start with Borneo and watch all the way through.

I think this is the best answer honestly. The infusion of new Survivor fans always think that the older seasons are "boring" because they're not wall-to-wall strategy talk for every episode like the show is now. For strategy, the first five seasons might as well not exist.

If you watch the show for storylines, characters and social dynamics, then starting from Borneo and watching up to Pearl Islands would be the best way.

My personal favorite season is probably Marquesas because Kathy has one of most awesome storylines of the show's history. Though Amazon and PI are also really good. Those are really the only two seasons IMO where the balance between character development and strategy is perfect. China and Nicaragua are also up there, even though people who like strategy thought Nicaragua was "boring" apparently.

 

[strangepoetry]

It's decided then...I'll start with Borneo...

Thanks all.

 

[pat grimshaw]

…I like people being evil, manipulative, back-stabbing, scheming, heartless bastards. I like a dizzying psychological mind-fuck festival of depraved human greed..

I hope you aren't acting these desires out in the JUB CA&P section

 

[strangepoetry]

I hope you aren't acting these desires out in the JUB CA&P section

Heck no. I would never even peep at the politics section. Idiotic political opinions (meaning, those I disagree with and conservative republicans) are physically and mentally repulsive and futile. I recoil simply thinking about CE&P.

________________________

Meanwhile, I was ready to commence my Survivor Marathon with Borneo...til I realized that was Season ONE. That's the Rich Hatch season. I've seen so many VH-1 countdown show clips from that season, including the Snakes & Rats speech, and Hatch waddling around nekkid, about a million times, so I wasn't feeling sitting thru it.

I skipped to Pearl Islands and just finished the first two episodes (chosen partly cuz I'm curious why SlipintheFog is such a Saundra fan--I deeply despise her undeserved win over Parvati and Russell). I've gotta say, the first two shows are indeed INCREDIBLE. Love the opening with the bag of money to spend in town, stranding them with only the clothes off their backs. Love the guys stripping naked in the first challenge...lol.

 

[slipintothefog]

As a winner, Sandra is pretty underwhelming in terms of flashy strategic moves, so I get why people don't like her as a winner, especially compared to Parvati's bolder gameplay.

As a character, Sandra's fucking hilarious. Unfortunately, her HvV edit sucked in comparison to her Pearl Islands one. They completely sterilized her to try to make her into a safe winner whom people would like, which was kind of a lost cause when Russell was the main star of the then-most recent two seasons and Parvati got the traditional complex, layered runner up edit in which they show how she got to the end, but also why she lost. Literally all Sandra walked away with in HvV was "I hate Russell, P.S. my husband is in Afghanistan and I love Outback Steakhouse!"

If PI were edited like HvV, none of the things that made Sandra amazing would have been shown, like her fight with Fairplay where she shouts "I CAN GET LOUD TOO, WHAT THE FUCK, I CAN GET LOUD TOO!" The Sandra/Fairplay feud is season long and it's just one of the things that makes PI so great. And it's not as one-note and forced as the Russell/Sandra "feud" thankfully.

The great thing about PI is that there are so many big, memorable characters in it. You have Rupert and Fairplay as the textbook Survivor hero and villain, sassy Sandra yelling and screaming at people, Burton and Lill who become memorable due to the season's twist, Osten for becoming the first quitter, Andrew for being the leader of Morgans, etc. Why can't the later seasons make so many of its characters into important players like Amazon and PI did without building the entire fucking season around one main person?

 

[Ekim23]

As a winner, Sandra is pretty underwhelming in terms of flashy strategic moves, so I get why people don't like her as a winner, especially compared to Parvati's bolder gameplay.

As a character, Sandra's fucking hilarious. Unfortunately, her HvV edit sucked in comparison to her Pearl Islands one. They completely sterilized her to try to make her into a safe winner whom people would like, which was kind of a lost cause when Russell was the main star of the then-most recent two seasons and Parvati got the traditional complex, layered runner up edit in which they show how she got to the end, but also why she lost. Literally all Sandra walked away with in HvV was "I hate Russell, P.S. my husband is in Afghanistan and I love Outback Steakhouse!"

If PI were edited like HvV, none of the things that made Sandra amazing would have been shown, like her fight with Fairplay where she shouts "I CAN GET LOUD TOO, WHAT THE FUCK, I CAN GET LOUD TOO!" The Sandra/Fairplay feud is season long and it's just one of the things that makes PI so great. And it's not as one-note and forced as the Russell/Sandra "feud" thankfully.

The great thing about PI is that there are so many big, memorable characters in it. You have Rupert and Fairplay as the textbook Survivor hero and villain, sassy Sandra yelling and screaming at people, Burton and Lill who become memorable due to the season's twist, Osten for becoming the first quitter, Andrew for being the leader of Morgans, etc. Why can't the later seasons make so many of its characters into important players like Amazon and PI did without building the entire fucking season around one main person?

+1 for PI

Sandra might not be the most agressive player but still she perfectly knows how to play this game. She knows it's a social game and she plays it the good way.

In my list there's not so many "good players" but sandra is def one of em