Survivor: Panama cast revealed today...

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Was anyone else disappointed in the final challenge? I mean, Aras vs. Terry was arguably the greatest rivalry in the show's history. You have two guys fighting it out tooth-and-nail for weeks, and practically throwing punches in some challenges. So for the final challenge, which was basically for a million-dollar prize, we get... a balance competition? No endurance, no test of pain threshold, just a "stand on a wobbly board" challenge? What a letdown.

As my wife asked, what was the point of that reward challenge? What advantage did Terry really get from the food and sleep, when it was just going to be a quick balance challenge?

Agreed 100% on both these points. They have been very careful in the past to make it endurance / willpower as the primary traits for winning the final immunity, making it an evenly balanced challenge regardless of who gets there. For this one, balance was not even the primary factor: weight was. Danielle being so much lighter meant her board was riding higher in the water than either of the other 2, and her being slightly out of position had less of an overall affect than it did for either of the other 2. And it meant Terry was actually at a DIS-advantage for having eaten well the day before. You want a balance challenge, go back to the pole standing, but those floating platforms were just too heavily affected by weight.

This challenge was a horrible choice for final immunity. They'd have been better off swapping the reward and final immunity challenges. Have they ever had a final immunity challenge take less than an hour before?

[Toddzilla]

Originally Posted by BrianD

I'm a little surprised people didn't go snooping around Terry's stuff while he was out fishing. Seems like they could have stolen the idol and saved themselves a lot of trouble.

They actually did in one show. It wasn't real clear if they were serious, but some of the survivors were looking through his clothes and in his bag for the idol.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Have they ever had a final immunity challenge take less than an hour before?

The season that the porn star won, the final challenge took only a few minutes. It was the one where they had to hold coins while standing in a painful position. Much quicker, but still a decent will power challenge.

[Kodos]

I thought the final immunity challenge sucked too. It clearly gave Danielle an advantage. I thought it was incredible that Terry managed to get standing at all at the end with the time ticking down. The guy had an incredible will to win, and I'm sorry that he lost.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

The season that the porn star won, the final challenge took only a few minutes. It was the one where they had to hold coins while standing in a painful position. Much quicker, but still a decent will power challenge.

We were talking about that one last night. That was a good challenge. I remember there was an older lady that season that looked like she was dying during that challenge.

[Joe]

eh.. they can't have all of the challenges favor Terry/Aras. good to switch things up. plus it built a little drama for the final 2 vote.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

eh.. they can't have all of the challenges favor Terry/Aras. good to switch things up. plus it built a little drama for the final 2 vote.

But putting aside fairness (which is debatable), just from an entertainment point of view -- You build up the rivalry all season and then have a balance contest for $1 million? It's like having Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in their prime and having them play mini-golf on final 18.

[gkb]

I always DVR these episodes and watch them later with my wife. I happened to flip to it and saw Terry sitting on the jury. I never bothered watching any more of it. Meh.

[Maple Leafs]

Random Survivor discussion (which doesn't seem to warrant it's own thread).

Over the last few years we've seen a pretty consistent pattern for casting: a few shiny young girls, a few shiny young guys, a few older/wiser types, one black man, one black woman, one misc. minority, the lazy guy, the crazy lady, etc. We also usually get the cranky old guy and the obviously gay guy, although this season didn't have either.

But they've also thrown some curves at us over the years by giving us somebody unusual. We've recently had an astronaut and an NFL QB. They brought back ex-contestants. We've also had a seven-footer, a deaf girl, and a guy with one leg. These choices get a buzz going before the show starts and also mix up the dynamic of the game.

If you were casting the next season, and assuming you couldn't get some mega-celebrity, what sort of stunt casting would you do to make the show interesting?

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Random Survivor discussion (which doesn't seem to warrant it's own thread).

Over the last few years we've seen a pretty consistent pattern for casting: a few shiny young girls, a few shiny young guys, a few older/wiser types, one black man, one black woman, one misc. minority, the lazy guy, the crazy lady, etc. We also usually get the cranky old guy and the obviously gay guy, although this season didn't have either.

But they've also thrown some curves at us over the years by giving us somebody unusual. We've recently had an astronaut and an NFL QB. They brought back ex-contestants. We've also had a seven-footer, a deaf girl, and a guy with one leg. These choices get a buzz going before the show starts and also mix up the dynamic of the game.

If you were casting the next season, and assuming you couldn't get some mega-celebrity, what sort of stunt casting would you do to make the show interesting?

Good question.

I think a fairly obvious choice would be a young veteran soldier from the Iraq War. Bonus points if it is a female and/or injured in war.

A former Olympian that does not have a whole lot of fame, but is somewhat recognizeable, would be interesting, as well. Particularly if it is from an individual sport, rather than team, so that they will probably be a little more selfish.

A political figure would be another interesting choice. Either a younger, dynamic mayor-type or an older, more esteemed congressman-type. A mayor would probably be more of a leader, while a congressman would be good at working in groups.

[KevinNU7]

I don't know about the Cast but I would do a show in Alaska during the summer time. I think forcing the contestants to sleep with the sun out would be an interesting dynamic

[Maple Leafs]

My bright ideas:

- A poker pro: You get some really interesting dynamics here. The player would have a very strong concept of game theory, and you could watch them coldy reason through their moves based expected return. It would also be interesting to see if they were any better at reading people then other contestants. And if people knew what they did for a living, would they be trusted? The downside is that you'd have to find a pro poker player who was in decent physical shape, and that person may not exist.

- Similarly, what about some sort of mind-reader Kreskin type? Especially if they were utterly convinced of their "gift", but were terrible at it. Think how much fun it would be to see them blindsided.

- I wasn't a fan of bringing back Steph and Bobby John, since I don't think players should get a second chance. But if you want to go in that direction with a twist, why not Cyrie's husband HB? He seemed extremely likable, and it would be fun to see if he could make it as far as his wife.

[wade moore]

I like some of the ideas so far... Some random brain storms from me...

- A blind person - this may just be far too extreme to work.. in fact, it probably is...
- We've had a single leg amputee, what about an arm amputee/genetically has one arm
- I've often wondered about some sort of previously set pair... i.e. a married couple.. or, get it more interesting, a divorced couple
- Survivor contestants have been on Amazing Race, what if they got another reality "star" to be on Survivor.. I don't watch a lot of the others, but it seems that some of the dating shows and the Apprentice have some relatively well known stars... or even one of the MTV shows



I think my favorite of the above is ML's about HB being on...

[KevinNU7]

I love the HB idea

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by KevinNU7

I love the HB idea

With as much as he hated his one night on the island...I don't see him agreeing to do it.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by BrianD

With as much as he hated his one night on the island...I don't see him agreeing to do it.

How much did Cirie hate her first night?

[Barkeep49]

I like the idea of a divorced couple being out there. As for a reality TV personality, it would likely have to be someone from a CBS show and I would hate to see some person from Big Brother out there.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

I like the idea of a divorced couple being out there. As for a reality TV personality, it would likely have to be someone from a CBS show and I would hate to see some person from Big Brother out there.

Amazing Race? I only watched the one season, but I get the impression there are some good characters from there...

[Toddzilla]

All chicks - porn star chicks - naked porn star chicks.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by wade moore

How much did Cirie hate her first night?

That is true, but I just got a different feeling from him. Cirie was scared of everything, but she seemed willing to pitch in. HB seemed like he didn't want to expend the effort.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

- A poker pro: You get some really interesting dynamics here. The player would have a very strong concept of game theory, and you could watch them coldy reason through their moves based expected return. It would also be interesting to see if they were any better at reading people then other contestants. And if people knew what they did for a living, would they be trusted? The downside is that you'd have to find a pro poker player who was in decent physical shape, and that person may not exist.

I like this one. Daniel Negreau might make it.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

All chicks - porn star chicks - naked porn star chicks.

Not the same, but I did like the season where they started with a male tribe and a female tribe. Initial dynamics are all messed up because there is no flirting options, and post-merge tribe loyalties won't be an issue. Seems like a good way to keep the game interesting.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

eh.. they can't have all of the challenges favor Terry/Aras. good to switch things up. plus it built a little drama for the final 2 vote.

The key is that in the past the final immunity challenge has favored nobody with any specific physical characteristics. It's all been about endurance / willpower, not about weight. I'd've been fine if it had been a straight balance competition, but they did one where your weight played a huge factor, and that's my problem with it.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

The key is that in the past the final immunity challenge has favored nobody with any specific physical characteristics. It's all been about endurance / willpower, not about weight. I'd've been fine if it had been a straight balance competition, but they did one where your weight played a huge factor, and that's my problem with it.

As soon as they started explaining the challenge I was cursing at my TV.

The idea that the final immunity challenge is decided because essentially Terry couldn't get setup is absurd... the final challenge should ALWAYS be about willpower, willpower had nothing to do with this.

[Toddzilla]

If Cirie had made the final 3, she would have had NO CHANCE in that immunity. Balance != Willpower/Resolve. Agreed - a truly horrible choice for a final immunity.

[BrianD]

Do you think the challenges are really mapped out before the start of the series, or are they adapted to add to the drama?

[Kodos]

I think the change them on the fly to some degree. If the guys are killing the girls, up comes a balance challenge. If the girls are winning, a strength challenge comes up.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I think the change them on the fly to some degree. If the guys are killing the girls, up comes a balance challenge. If the girls are winning, a strength challenge comes up.

That sure seems to be the case, though I've never heard anyone admit that is what they do. I'm surprised nobody has complained if that is the plan.

[Toddzilla]

If that were true, then this past season's final challenge would most certainly have been strength-centric, since NOBODY (the viewers, the network, etc.) benefitted from having Danielle in the final 2.

Aras vs Terry = ratings gold.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

If that were true, then this past season's final challenge would most certainly have been strength-centric, since NOBODY (the viewers, the network, etc.) benefitted from having Danielle in the final 2.

Aras did, as would have Terry or Cirie.

[rkmsuf]

I'm still trying to figure out how Aras always had his hair spiked up. What, he bring gel as his luxury item?

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I'm still trying to figure out how Aras always had his hair spiked up. What, he bring gel as his luxury item?

snail goo...

FM

[jbmagic]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I'm still trying to figure out how Aras always had his hair spiked up. What, he bring gel as his luxury item?

Manranch

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by jbmagic

Manranch

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by FrogMan

snail goo...

Someone's been watching too much "Lion King 1-1/2"...

[Joe]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

The key is that in the past the final immunity challenge has favored nobody with any specific physical characteristics. It's all been about endurance / willpower, not about weight. I'd've been fine if it had been a straight balance competition, but they did one where your weight played a huge factor, and that's my problem with it.

but past final immunity challenges favored people with high endurance

[saldana]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

If that were true, then this past season's final challenge would most certainly have been strength-centric, since NOBODY (the viewers, the network, etc.) benefitted from having Danielle in the final 2.

Aras vs Terry = ratings gold.

wonder if thats why they did the to be continued bit on thursday...i dont recall them ever having done that before, but they had to do something to get people watching on sunday

[Joe]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

If that were true, then this past season's final challenge would most certainly have been strength-centric, since NOBODY (the viewers, the network, etc.) benefitted from having Danielle in the final 2.

Aras vs Terry = ratings gold.

The final episode benefitted with some drama. There would have been no question Terry would win if he was in the final 2.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

If that were true, then this past season's final challenge would most certainly have been strength-centric, since NOBODY (the viewers, the network, etc.) benefitted from having Danielle in the final 2.

Aras vs Terry = ratings gold.

Considering the final two would be determined about a half hour before the end of the show, I doubt they'd see much of a spike from a great final two matchup.

[Maple Leafs]

A few more ideas for future cast members:

A Tony Robbins type motivational speaker -- You need to have the Annoying Guy, and who better than some rah-rah motivator? He'd be out after two episodes.

A high-level college coach -- Not a Coach K level superstar, but a successful retired college basketball or football coach. Would be interesting to see if they tried to take charge, and how they dealt with not having any actual authority.

A trust-fund baby -- Some punk college kid who already have millions waiting for them. Would be fun to see them either redeem themselves or (more likely) get beaten down to a pulp.

An animal rights activist -- Not sure you could find one who'd want to play, but they'd be fun to have around. Think Kimmi from season 2, multiplied by a factor of ten.

[Raiders Army]

I'd like to see Jeff Probst do it.

Maybe the guy who cut off his own arm to save himself.

A bum off the street (they'd be used to being dirty and hungry).

[BrianD]

Have we had any former drill seargents on the show? That could be interesting.

I'd also like to see a corporate VP or someone high enough to be a great organizer but probably a long way from doing physical labor.

[saldana]

how about celebrity survivor...get some actors and actresses that are used to having everything done with for them, throw in some athletes that have egos bigger than the soviet union...add gilbert gottfried and carrot top and you have some great tv waiting to happen

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by saldana

how about celebrity survivor...get some actors and actresses that are used to having everything done with for them, throw in some athletes that have egos bigger than the soviet union...add gilbert gottfried and carrot top and you have some great tv waiting to happen

BOOOOOO!!!!

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

but past final immunity challenges favored people with high endurance

It's actually been more about willpower. You don't get to the final 2/3 after 38 days in that kind of environment without decent endurance. We're not talking about a "run until you drop" type of endurance, we're talking about "how long can you sit/stand in an uncomfortable position without moving" endurance. That's far more about mental attitude than some particular physical characteristic like "how much do you weigh vs. the surface area and buoyancy of the platform you are standing on".

[Barkeep49]

I would like to see a Rabbi or Imam, or their Hindu or Buddisht equivilent, play.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by saldana

how about celebrity survivor...get some actors and actresses that are used to having everything done with for them, throw in some athletes that have egos bigger than the soviet union...add gilbert gottfried and carrot top and you have some great tv waiting to happen

thats been done, sort of

http://abc.go.com/primetime/imacelebrity/

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

thats been done, sort of

http://abc.go.com/primetime/imacelebrity/

I love reality TV, but I couldn't last 10 minutes with that show.

[Maple Leafs]

From the Sports Guy:

Q: After watching Bruce just suffer through his blocked colon (on Survivor), I immediately went to the bathroom to make sure I could still poop. I could.
-- Bryan L, Arlington, Mass.

SG: Good to know, Brian. But I'm glad you brought up "Survivor." Wasn't the final immunity challenge the most rigged sporting event since the 1985 Lottery? Gee, who's going to have the best chance to keep their balance in water on a tiny floatation device -- two athletic guys, or a skinny female who weighs 40-50 pounds less than each of them? What was Plan B for the final challenge, seeing how long you could hold a tennis ball with your chest? What an outrage. Poor Terry plays a masterful game and ends up getting hosed on some rigged challenge that was right out of "Paradise Hotel." I can't believe I spent the past three months watching that crap. If you can't trust a reality-TV show, who CAN you trust?