It was an okay first episode. It felt very familiar in the sense that most of the contenders had the same sort of stock Australian Survivor personality I’ve come to expect, beige, which isn’t great and is very ho hum.
Incredibly disapointed there was no intro. When you go for almost two hours and don’t feature at least a third of the cast, an intro really is needed to actually work some names out, especially when their personalities don’t make them shine. It also assumes the viewers have seen the pre season press, which is certainly not the case for most people. If viewers don’t know these people, they aren’t going to form bonds, and not give a crap who gets voted out or stick around to see a winner announced.
The reward challenge was a let down. I expected it to go on longer and for everyone to have a face off, but no just lots of camp building footage and endless exposition packages of why the champions were champions and a contender that focused on his height. Really his height was the only significant trait he could offer? If that’s the case it’s another casting bungle.
The second challenge was great. Involved everyone, wasn’t over too soon and featured a new element in the battering ram and solid, very solid wall. Not surprised though someone injured themselves.
The people for the most part seemed good. The Champions seemed to have the far more dynamic personalites.
For all the stick he received I’m glad Russell was cast. A totally different personality Australian Survivor needed. A guy that talked the talk and actually delivered playing the game, sorry Matt, AK and whoever else was a major disappointment. Though I did laugh at as BS, yeah Russell you certainly made it to the end in Redemption Island and he still hasn’t learned a new strategy. Aligning with the young hot girl. Change your tactics Russ. Well at least he wrangled that oddball in.
The astrophysicist that got the doofus music seemed good.
Miss Australia seemed good too.
Seeing Shane excel in the challenge for an old lady was great to see.
Even the commando seemed okay.
I didn’t need to hear the double amputee’s story twice though
The contenders were a big let down. Apart from Asian Steve, Matt & Anita no personalities emerged. Yet again we’re subjected to a douche bro alliance filled with the pretty people and Jenna.
I really liked Asian Steve, trainwreck waiting to happen. Certainly enjoyed his unique perspective and ham-fisted search for idols. Did not appreciate his comment about Matt not belonging in the tribe during his voting confession. Steve you dodged a bullet, you are about as trusted or respected as Matt. Don’t confuse that with belonging.
Anita’s enthusiasm and quirky personality was appreciated.
I felt sorry for Matt. Though I really wish he was more eloquent at tribal and gathered his thoughts more clearly to make a more concise argument. Sure it would have been futile, but not exposing Anita as the other alternate given to him was a mistake. Saying the ladies weren’t playing just because they didn’t play with him was a mistake too. He should have been far more savvy in pinpointing the core alliance and exposing it rather than just crediting all the douche bros.
Sigh. The douche bros. Seen one, you’ve seen em all. Boring, bland and predictable.
