'Survivor 50' Is For the Fans

Last summer, I broke my ankle and watched 18 seasons of Survivor. I admit this of my own free will.

I have always watched a lot of TV (my parents blocked me from Netflix in high school), but for some reason, reality television never really clicked for me. Housewife or Kardashian drama just stressed me out, and I hadn’t ever watched a show with gamers before. I hadn’t seen more than a season or two of Survivor in my life, but always thought I could really get into it — it was a strategy game with high stakes. 

When I had the time – ankle elevated and horizontal – I decided to give it a try.  I first watched Season 47 and fell in love with the gameplay and, even more so, the characters. They were real people whose goal – for the most part – wasn’t to cause as much drama as humanly possible. They had respect for this game and above all else, wanted to have the honor of winning by “outwitting, outplaying, outlasting.” The strategy wasn’t all about physical strength; while sometimes it rewarded players, it just as often led to them being voted off for being a “physical threat” and therefore less likely to win the game. 

We could debate endlessly whether or not watching that much Survivor in three months was a good use of time, but ultimately, it was very distracting and brought a lot of joy into my life while being stuck in bed all summer. I became fixated on the game — how strategy and social skills work together, why people get voted off, and the intricate methods of playing. I found the jury fascinating as well as the ripple effect it has on gameplay; many people believe that you can’t be too cutthroat if you want to win (like Russell Hantz losing twice at Final Tribal), but there is certain respect for outwitting and betraying people when necessary, especially in the New Era (season 41–present). 

I still am completely fascinated by the game of Survivor; ultimately, it is a social experiment that provides a portrait into the complexities of human behavior and relationships. As a side note, when I started watching, I quickly understood why Mike White loves Survivor so much and can see it in The White Lotus, which also provides a deep look into the depth and oddities of human behavior.

On February 25, the first episode of Survivor 50 aired. It was everything the fans could ask for: a true culmination of 50 seasons of not only an iconic show, but one that changed television forever — and I don’t say that lightly. With returning contestants from Season 1 (Borneo) to the most recent Season 49, it was a full representation of the personalities and relationships that have made the show what it is. We have Cirie (aka the best to have never won), Ozzy (arguably the biggest physical threat in Survivor history), Coach (who unironically calls himself the Dragon Slayer), Christian (maybe the most likeable person to ever play), three New Era winners, and of course Financial Analyst Emily Flippen (<3). This cast was incredibly well put together, merging similar and conflicting characters that will all play the game in their own strategic way and of course, have their own Survivor history and score to settle.

This is my official spoiler warning before I discuss some key moments of this episode.

1. Cirie versus Jenna: Jenna, I get it. You wanted to not get stuck in old school gameplay, but it was not a great idea to go for one of the most masterful, strategic, social minds in Survivor history even before the first immunity challenge. Although I was bummed about Jenna going out first, I think it sets the tone of this game as something that cannot be messed with. Any mistake – even with solid rationale and strategic intentions – can get you out. It’s that hard of a game with a very intelligent cast.

2. Genieveve versus Aubry: people haven’t been talking about this much online, but I was struck by the conversation they had on the beach. I see the similarities between them, and it was so interesting to watch them try to figure out if it is better for their games to work together or swear each other enemies. It is such an interesting pairing because I do think they have the potential to go either way; they are both smart, often subtle players with something to prove this time around. I’m not hopeful of it going this route, but because I like both of them, I hope they decide to work together … at least for a little while. 

3. Ozzy’s redemption: I always found Ozzy to be a difficult player to watch. He was so good at so much of this game, but when it came to deductive reasoning and strategic moves, he had nothing. That’s why I was so shocked when he decided to team up with Cirie. In a good way. If Ozzy is thinking it through, he knows that they both have exact opposite strengths and can compliment each other. As two iconic (and arguably snubbed) Old-Era players, they would both have a chance sitting next to each other at Final Tribal Council. Again, this is giving Ozzy a lot of credit, but I’m hopeful for this strategic side of him we are seeing this season.

4. Kyle: I know he just won, but this was sad. I was so impressed with the game Kyle was playing before being evac’d; somehow, he had built strong bonds based on authentic connection and had evaded the most “he’s a winner and therefore a huge threat” talk out of him, Dee, and Savannah. I was also very excited for his duo with Genieveve — and for her to have a chance to build authentic emotional bonds like she wanted to this time. Huge bummer all around, but glad to hear he is doing well now. Being injured sucks. I would recommend a healthy rewatching of at least 12 Survivor seasons to him.

5. Riz God got to me during Survivor 49, but like Colby, I’m becoming a little charmed. He does indeed seem fun, and I love a good father-figure moment.

This premiere had the best of Survivor: quotable moments, tensions rising to the surface, heartfelt words about the true meaning of this game, and obviously, a Billie Eilish Boomerang Idol. I mean this with the highest compliments: the episode was so good that I’m not even making fun of the Billie Eilish Boomerang Idol. At least, not more than once.

Ultimately, Survivor 50 feels like a love letter to the show. I cannot wait to see what happens. Jeff Probst – consider this as me officially shooting my shot for Survivor 51. I can be in Fiji tomorrow; just say the word.

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