Survivor Instinct

Survivor Instinct
Second Thoughts and Sudden Thoughts About Survivor

In general I liked the start of Survivor and I look forward to another interesting season. Reportedly they really work a lot of the Guatemalan and Mayan culture into the season which I enjoy. I prefer a two hour first episode, I think it gives more time to get to know the new players.

Stephenie & Bobby Jon
Should Stephenie and Bobby Jon have been given a second chance by being allowed to compete again on Survivor Guatemala? I don't think that it's right, they had their chance already. I like them both, especially Miss Stephenie (as Bobby Jon calls her), but it's unfair to the others. Yes, I know the two of them are obvious targets but their experience gives them an edge that the others just don't have. I think this was just a play for higher ratings which may have backfired (see below).

Ratings Down
The TV ratings for the first episode were supposedly the lowest in years. Why? Some people believe it has something to do with Hurricane Katrina. With a real tragedy, viewers don't want to see anyone pretend to be surviving when so many people are trying to survive for real. Also President Bush addressed the nation the same evening as the first episode which may have affected some viewers, although here (Philadelphia) it was on in its normal 8:00 p.m. time slot.

Other possible factors: Starting Early, most shows premier this week but Survivor premiered last week. Stephenie and Bobby Jon, this was a badly kept secret and I wonder if a lot of fans were turned off by this obvious ratings grab. Lack of Diversity, there has been some attention to the fact that there are no people of color on Survivor Guatemala (I guess Lydia, a Puerto Rican, doesn't count). Also it seems the contestants get younger each season and there are too many aspiring actors and models.

Gary's Secret Past
Gary Hogeboom was a quarterback in the NFL and he wishes to keep that a secret from the others. However Jeff Probst said in an interview that Danni recognized him (she is a sports journalist). How this plays out could be interesting. Does she confront him with it? Do the others believe his planned lie? "No, you're mistaken. I'm Gary Hawkens a land developer."

Survivor Live - What Gives?
On Friday the webcast of Survivor Live, the internet talk show, was un-viewable. The video stream was choppy and then just stopped altogether. I watched in previous seasons without this much trouble. And to make matters worse it's still not available on the web site (in previous years you could watch repeats online).