I enjoyed the season opener. I thought it was interesting to see how the survivors reacted to being told the tribal divisions were going to be along cultural lines. I thought each tribe was interesting - not to mention some serious eye candy this year. (Hey, don’t mind me, I’ll just be sitting over here being shallow.) Might as well enjoy now before they all become emaciated and bug bitten.

I thought the challenge was appropriately difficult and was glad all four teams made it competitive there in the end. I always feel bad when one team is waaaaay out of it. I know, I’m a wimp about the tension. And I thought it was smart of them to vote Mr Chicken Stealer to Exile Island. I didn’t like him from the moment he opened his mouth. Just totally rubbed me the wrong way. Despite the fact that he’s a fellow writer and, shallow moment alert, has really interesting eyes. He was so disingenuous about not getting why he was chosen to go, too. He was the obvious choice early on and smart game play.

And speaking of disingenuous, or maybe just downright delusional, how ridiculous was Seku’s goodbye speech during the credits portion of our program? “They all looked up to me and I know I helped launch them as a successful team” or some such. Not “I was too strong a player, etc.” It just made no sense, but I did like that he wished his team well. I also loved that they booted him. He was allllllllll talk and no action. And the look on his partner’s face? Priceless. Like they just couldn’t believe the wimmens pulled that off. Doi. Will be interesting to watch him ingratiate himself into their good graces next week.

I also thought it was interesting how some tribes embraced the cultural bonds and felt it only strengthened their teams, while some felt it put undue pressure on them to represent, and still others felt it meant nothing at all.

Oh, and cuddle puddle? Really? I think I gagged a little on that one.

But it looks to be a good season thus far. It’s a gorgeous setting (I’m actually talking about the islands and the pristine water this time.) I thought tribal council was a bit too Hollywood pirate set, but it was still cool. I don’t have any early Cirie-like favorites like I did last season, but I’m sure that will change. For now, I’ll just be happy that Mr Pro Volleyball player likes to keep his shirt off as often as possible. (Hey, you watch for your reasons, I’ll watch for mine.)

Who do you want to go home next? Any early favorites? Oh yeah, I do like Ozzy (aka Mowgli.) Not sure he has what it takes to win, I just like his spirit. Any teams we’re going to love to hate? I think it Writer Dude (who reminds me of Judd for some reason) gets booted, along with Heavy Metal Guy, that would suit me fine. Oh, and we forgot to talk about Mr Cao Boi (what’s with the spelling anyway?) I know he’s going to grate big time, but that smile is so huge and heartfelt and I thought it was just hilarious that he attacked his teammates face like that…and then the guy admitted it worked. He’s annoying, yes, but also interesting. I hope he sticks around for a little bit, but it would be nice if he cans the racial jokes. If for no other reason than he’s irritating the crap out of his teammates. Buy a clue, Cao Boi.

So…opinions? Comments? Clues? Discuss!

Tags: Writing //