TV: Survivor

[E.H. Ruddock]

I swear to God in the past ten seasons the players have emotionally become big pussies. They aren’t even out there as long as earlier seasons but there’s always breakdowns. Am i judging too harshly? Suck it up and just lock in and play.

[wease]

I swear to God in the past ten seasons the players have emotionally become big pussies. They aren’t even out there as long as earlier seasons but there’s always breakdowns. Am i judging too harshly? Suck it up and just lock in and play.

You should apply.

[washing machine]

100% would not surprise me to see you on that cast one day, ruddock.

[E.H. Ruddock]

Nah. I’d do amazing race before survivor

[daft twat]

I swear to God in the past ten seasons the players have emotionally become big pussies. They aren’t even out there as long as earlier seasons but there’s always breakdowns. Am i judging too harshly? Suck it up and just lock in and play.

I groaned so hard at the mention of letters from home. My wife said, “If I was on this show, I’d open my letter from you, and it would just say ‘Gaylord.’”

[blueviper]

I swear to God in the past ten seasons the players have emotionally become big pussies. They aren’t even out there as long as earlier seasons but there’s always breakdowns. Am i judging too harshly? Suck it up and just lock in and play.

I groaned so hard at the mention of letters from home. My wife said, “If I was on this show, I’d open my letter from you, and it would just say ‘Gaylord.’”

lol

[E.H. Ruddock]

I swear to God in the past ten seasons the players have emotionally become big pussies. They aren’t even out there as long as earlier seasons but there’s always breakdowns. Am i judging too harshly? Suck it up and just lock in and play.

I groaned so hard at the mention of letters from home. My wife said, “If I was on this show, I’d open my letter from you, and it would just say ‘Gaylord.’”

Similarly, my wife said if i was on there and she saw me crying for any reason about missing home or it being too hard, she’d be pissed

[washing machine]

ngl I'd probably cry on screen at least once. Most likely during letters from loved ones.

[Monkey_Driven]

Come on, you've got to love Rizzo. He's a fanboy living his dream and taking risks, maybe for the lulz.

I think he's a genuine dude, as evidenced by his emotional reaction to the letters from his loved ones.

Love that he gave Steven a "GG" like a true gamer.

I love Rizzo. He's one of the best strategic players in the new era.

I don't read him as being too cocky. He has a goofy confidence in himself and his choices but he appears to be pretty well liked by the other players.

[Monkey_Driven]

I swear to God in the past ten seasons the players have emotionally become big pussies. They aren’t even out there as long as earlier seasons but there’s always breakdowns. Am i judging too harshly? Suck it up and just lock in and play.

I've seen this sentiment in a lot of places, but I think it can be attributed to many factors.

"New Era" vs. Old Era
- The repeated use of Fiji as a filming location has lead to several seasons feeling identical.
- Taking away rice from the contestants has just as much, if not more, of an effect on their physical toll than staying out there 12 more days. It's difficult to really understand that impact when the show has shifted away from the "survival" element of the game.
- They've casted more strategic players who have grown up watching the game. The days of only a handful of contestants understanding the nuances of the game are over. The accelerated timeline, multitude of strategic decisions, and lack of food create an exhausting combination that can often lead to emotional breakdowns.
- Production has really leaned into the personal stories and journeys of the contestants rather than the survival portion. The novelty of someone eating bugs has worn off (other shows do this much better) but human stories are eternal. I think this was the right choice overall, but it can turn away those who liked both aspects. It also attracts a certain contestant who wants to share their story or go on a personal journey.
- There are only so many ways a game can be played. I think the production crew has done an admirable job with introducing new twists and formats, but there have been 49 seasons of largely the same game.

Generational Differences
- Millennials and Gen Z are much more likely to talk about their feelings. This can be pretty off-putting for older viewers. That is often combined with some social issues that make people feel rather uncomfortable. The beauty of 25 years of this show is that many of these social issues have been front and center at times throughout the run (ex. women's rights, LGBTQ, racial issues, class issues, etc.).
- People tend to develop rose-tinted glasses of the "good old days" as they age. I think this has happened to a lot of Survivor fans who have watched for 15+ years. Little things about the contestants start to really annoy you because they resemble an experience or person you've encountered. Or you've seen dozens of examples of that type of contestant.
- The show used to cast a wider variety of ages and backgrounds. Many of those contestants had experienced life in a different way than modern players. Kids are way more scheduled than they used to be, so often these players are facing real adversity for the first time on the show. If anything, it's admirable these players are willing to put themselves out there.
- This generation are more self-aware on how to present themselves in front of a camera. That wasn't the case in earlier seasons.

Other Random Thoughts
- The show reminds me of SNL in a way. People attach themselves to the cast that was in their "era". Anything after is not as good. But in reality, the quality has been relatively consistent.
- I think the year off for COVID didn't do the show's perception any favors. Many of the things I've covered here were starting to show up before the break but the layoff made a clear line between the eras.
- My kids love the show and it's really become a highlight of our week nights.
- Think of how many people at home judge the emotional resilience of a group of strangers where they themselves turn into monsters if they skip a meal. I'm guilty of this just as much as anyone, but I've become more empathetic over time. I don't know Rizzo or the Sophies but I can relate to their experiences of feeling alienated, defeated, euphoric, etc.. It's why the show will always be a fixture in our household.

[washing machine]

Alrighty folks. Wondering which season(s) to binge before 50 now that I have the 49 experience under my belt. My only previous experience was season 2, and honestly I think I like the old school era better based on a small sample size.

Not sure if I want to watch a full old school season though. I also don't want to watch one of the many returning player seasons I don't want anything spoiled.

So... Where the hell do I go from here?

[wease]

Some of those earlier seasons with, like, James or Parvati, or Rob and all the iconic players will prob be the most impactful.

[wease]

Savannah was the correct choice.

Wonder why the didn’t show who from 49 was on 50. Rizzo and Savannah on 50.

[washing machine]

Some of those earlier seasons with, like, James or Parvati, or Rob and all the iconic players will prob be the most impactful.

So I'm actually going with S11, Guatemala, on my brother's recommendation. I think Stephanie will be on S50?

Why Guatemala? It fits my old school criteria, doesn't spoil much if anything for other seasons, and Mayan ruins are cool as hell.

After this season, I hope to get into Coach's origin story season. Or one of those castaways that you recommend.

I hope Lydia at least makes the merge in Guatemala. She's the fish monger.

[wease]

Tom from Season Ten (Stephanie’s season) is probably my favorite. Stephanie was great on that season too.

[scrub12]

Sage is so dumb. My god. Just watched the Steven episode.

[daft twat]

Sage is so dumb. My god. Just watched the Steven episode.

Let’s not forget how gross she is - collects blackheads in jars and farts while you’re eating. Too bad anyone had to win this season, really.

[Monkey_Driven]

I'm pretty fired up for 50.

[coptheriotact]

ive watched maybe 10 seasons of survivor (and all seasons of au survivor)


i watched seasons 28 - 33 this year. and thought there was a streak of great seasons in a row. i think it was cagayan and worlds apart i enjoyed a lot, but i cant remember exactly.

[Monkey_Driven]

Happy Survivor 50 Day! I'm really curious to see what changes this season will have with the fan voting.