Yet another season of paranoia and blindsides is officially underway which can only mean one thing: Survivor is back! For this 31st installment (Unbelievable, right? 31 seasons over a span of 15 years!) America voted to give 20 former players a second chance at the million dollar prize. Unlike returning contestants we’ve seen in past years, these castaways have only played the game once and came up short thanks to some poor decisions. (I mean, really Jeff Varner? Stepping down during an immunity challenge for peanut butter?!) But now they have another shot to get it right. Essentially, if they fail this time, not only are they letting down themselves, their family and their friends, but also the fans who voted to bring them back. No pressure everyone!
Before we go on further, here’s a quick recap of Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance’s cast:
Bayon Tribe
Kimmi Kappenberg (Season 2)
Andrew Savage (Season 7)
Stephen Fishbach (Season 18)
Monica Padilla (Season 19)
Ciera Eastin (Season 27)
Kass McQuillen (Season 28)
Tasha Fox (Season 28)
Jeremy Collins (Season 29)
Keith Nale (Season 29)
Joe Anglim (Season 30)
Ta Keo Tribe
Kelly Wiglesworth (Season 1)
Jeff Varner (Season 2)
Terry Deitz (Season 12)
Peih-Gee Law (Season 15)
Abi-Maria Gomes (Season 25)
Vytas Baskauskas (Season 27)
Spencer Bledsoe (Season 28)
Woo Hwang (Season 28)
Kelley Wentworth (Season 29)
Shirin Oskooi (Season 30)
Just like they were hurriedly plucked from the audience during last season’s live finale, host Jeff Probst lost no time putting the tribes to work in an “unofficial” challenge. No sooner had they been divided into teams and given their buffs, than they had to gather supplies from a fully-stocked boat and then race to another boat for that much-coveted bag of rice before the other tribe could snatch it. Both teams were pretty evenly matched, but Ta Keo “defeated” Bayon when Woo swam to claim the prize.
Once the tribes reached their respective beaches, everyone got right to work setting up camp. Some fans may think that segment was pretty boring since everyone got along for the most part, but I found it quite impressive. It really shows how serious everyone is taking this opportunity because shelter-building and fire-making are notorious for stirring up drama. But of course with Abi, the ubervillain from her season, it doesn’t look like there’ll be any shortage of that. Although she claims she’s matured and can control her temper, that didn’t stop her from pointing the finger at poor Peih-Gee when Abi’s bag turned up among Peih-Gee’s belongings. Not long afterwards the usual blunt comments and overall negativity began creeping, too. Thus, of the two tribes, I think Ta Keo promises to be the most dysfunctional.
The first immunity challenge was a re-running of the very first challenge ever held on the show, one that Kelly Wiglesworth of that original cast was on the losing side of. Unfortunately, it was déjà vu when she lost the lead Ta Keo had over Bayon in the final moments. Even more brutal is the fact that instead of having the afternoon to go back to camp and prepare for that night’s tribal council, they had to go there immediately after the challenge. Not surprisingly, Abi stirred up plenty of emotions before the vote, but amazingly she didn’t get voted out! Instead, Vytas was blindsided, becoming the first castaway to get his torch snuffed this season. He had definitely rubbed some people the wrong way, but he didn’t seem near as bad as Abi. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how this changes the game next week.
Other highlights included:
-Golden boy Joe continued to charm audiences with just how perfect he is. I mean honestly, is there anything this guy can’t do? Start a fire? Check! Lead Bayon to a come-from-behind immunity win? Check! Make hearts melt with that adorable smile? Check!
-Survivor: Tocantins runner-up Stephen lost no time searching for a hidden immunity idol, but it was Kelley Wentworth who found a clue at camp and then the idol itself (in the equipment for the immunity challenge no less!).
-Peanut butter guy Jeff will definitely be an interesting one to watch. He’s admitted that he’s really out of his element since a lot has changed since Season 2 when he was cast, but he seems absolutely focused on playing the game and is open to partnering with all sorts of people.
-And last, but certainly not least, probably the most epic quote courtesy of Spencer, frustrated that he finds himself on a tribe “with all the crazies under the sun.” We feel your pain, Spencer.
What did you think about tonight’s episode? Any thoughts on what this season will bring?
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