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May 20, 2013

Review: 'Surviving Survivor'

by Jackie Schnoop, posted Feb 5th 2010 1:15AM

'Surviving Survivor' - catching up with the castawaysWhetting our appetites for next week's 'Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains' season premiere, this evening's 'Surviving Survivor' was definitely an hour worth watching for any true fan of the show. So often clips shows tend to tread the trodden path, but not so much with this one. The focus wasn't merely on the castaways we'll see in the upcoming season, but a look back at the show's history and a peek at what's happening in the lives of some of our favorite 'Survivors' over the years.

I've watched since the first season, and it brought back memories of the phenomenon that was 'Survivor: Borneo.' Fifty-two million viewers, extreme watercooler chat, and the start of the reality competition genre.

I think what I enjoyed most was the update on Ethan Zohn's (winner 'Survivor: Africa') battle with Hodgkin's Disease. While I've been following his progress through December, it was great to see him looking so much better. Ethan won't be on the upcoming season, but he's always going to be a hero.

Another bit I enjoyed was the rivalry between my two favorite villains ever -- Richard Hatch and "Evil" Russell Hantz. For me, hands down, Richard Hatch is the epitome and Big Daddy of the reality television villain. It was only fitting that they credited him with starting the idea of alliances, a trend which continues into the 20th season. Of course, due to his tax evasion legal issues, he won't be in the new season. It's a shame because he and Evil Russell are a hoot together.

But what I thought was best was the trip down old Memory Lane -- Sue Hawk's snake/rat speech to Richard Hatch and Kelly Wigglesworth, Kimmi Kappenberg and Alicia Calaway's finger-wiggling brouhaha in Australia, the "I'd strip for chocolate" bit with Jenna and Heidi, and the other various clips of seasons gone by. What was your favorite part of the show?

Just a few random observations:
  • Cirie is looking so pretty. It's too bad she's going to get all grungy on the show!
  • Coach is looking a lot pudgier than he did in his season. He was practically skin and bones and now he has a hint of a double chin.
  • Russell still needs a tooth.
  • Colby ages well and continues to have that handsome smile. Hopefully, if he wins the upcoming season, he won't hand it to another person on a silver platter again.

[Watch episodes and clips of Survivor over at SlashControl.]

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JODI

I doubt any on the program or producers will ever read this, but I wish they would. Because, I wish some of these survivors that do would stop wearing their underwear instead of outer clothing. Why can't they wear something more decent. And, that blonde guy with the bikini underpants on...omg! He looked gross. They wouldn't reveal private areas to the viewers during the challenges or run the risk of losing their bras if they dressed more decently. I guess that's my only beef so far. But, it was a good premier episode.

February 12 2010 at 7:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jennasmom

Can't wait for the new season to start. Joyce N., I hope you're right. I'd love to see Russell mop the floor with Coach!

February 10 2010 at 12:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jackie Schnoop

The show was in memory of Jenn Lyon, one of the castaways on Survivor:Palau. She was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after that season aired and recently died.

February 05 2010 at 7:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marie

Can anyone tell me who last night's show was in memory of?

February 05 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

Cirie smiles a lot and is fat.

Parvati smiles a lot and is hot.

A woman that uses her smile as sex appeal is a villain, apparently, and a woman that uses her smile to cover her mind is a hero... go figure.

February 05 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Mike's comment
Marie

Cirie is not fat!!! She is beautiful.

February 05 2010 at 2:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Aleisha

How is Cirie considered a Hero and Parvati a Villain? In Micronesia, they ran the same game....

February 05 2010 at 12:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joyce N.

I loved watching that show last night. Ethan's story made me tear up, hope he continues to do well. Richard Hatch will always be my fave villain, too. I also think it a shame that he couldn't appear on this new season. He and Russell together would have made this ultimately watchable. LOL at Richard's last quip to Russell, "And you didn't win". Priceless!

I have a feeling Russell will mop the floor with Coach.

This show really whet my appetite for the 20th season to start. Can't wait!

February 05 2010 at 12:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Margo

I thought it was an interesting show. I wish Richard and Russell could have played the game together. The other Survivors would have just sat there watching them go at each other. They probably would have let Rich and Russ pick them off one by one and not even notice it was happening.
I loved seeing Cirie again - she is a hoot and I hope she staying in the game for awhile.

Margo

February 05 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dapete

As usual, I agree. Good times running down memory lane.

I gotta say though, while the successful as the first, Richard would have been a footnote on any other season. Russel was able to "win" with all the players in the know as to what it takes.

My votes for all time best player was season 5: "the used car salesman". Brian(?) was the perfect balance of subtle and manipulative.

February 05 2010 at 3:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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