I liked this tribal. Do I think the sneak peaks were a bit overblown for what we actually got? Sure, that's the nature of the beast though. Can't tease up the next episode with hey, you should watch because people might actually switch up their votes live at tribal, not just play up the possibility for the cameras.
I think some people made strategic mistakes and other people capitalized on that. Those kinds of interactions are one of the things I find most interesting about the show though.
I'm not disliking this season / edge of extinction twist / and cast (whether they be returners or newbies) as much as many here seem to. At this point I doubt it will end up in my top 3 favorite seasons or anything, but I'm keeping an open mind and waiting to see how it all works out.
I do like that they're changing things up. It's not interesting to me when players can come in with a pre-set plan for the entire season based on how things have been done in the past. Oh, so you think you can keep strong players around to help your tribe pre-merge, vote them out immediately before or after the merge, and use that as part of your game resume? Fooled you. First that strategy is nothing new, and second that strong player may now have a chance to get back in the game just when it could be the absolute worst thing for you. Oh, so you think you don't need to worry about jury management until the merge? Fooled you. The very first player voted out could conceivably vote on who wins in the end. I don't have the problem with those things many seem to have. It's not like the people on extinction are lounging in comfort. The physical and psychological struggle has to be intense out there! Those still in the game in a more traditional sense are building relationships, looking forward to reward challenges, immunity challenges, letters from home and/or loved ones visits, etc. They're playing the game and with every vote their chances of winning get better. Those on extinction are dealing with the elements, boredom, bitter or just plain miserable to live with players (Reem, anyone?), and with every vote their chances of getting back in the game get worse - at least as long as voted out players continue to choose extinction island and resist raising that flag.
Slightly OT
Did you all see the former Survivor players who will be competing on Amazing Race?
FORMER SURVIVOR CONTESTANTS
• Chris Hammons and Bret Labelle
These friends first met on Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X in 2016, where Chris finished in 11th place and Bret in fifth. This will be their first time competing on The Amazing Race.
• Corinne Kaplan and Eliza Orlins
These Survivor alumni have each done two seasons of island tribal competition between them, but have never appeared on The Amazing Race.
• Rupert and Laura Boneham
Four-time Survivor competitor — and onetime Indiana gubernatorial candidate — Rupert actually went up against his wife Laura in the Blood vs. Water season of that show. This time, the couple will get to work together for a chance, taking on The Amazing Race for the first time.
.
