Survivor 46 – Episode 1

I watched early seasons of Survivor, but only got back into it again in season 42, and I’ll be the first to admit, I struggle with reality tv.

Whenever I watch the first episode of a reality series, I ALWAYS think to myself ‘wow, I really HATE reality tv’, but as long as I stick it out through the first few episodes of the season, I always end up invested.

I let myself get so annoyed at the beginning of the season because I am the queen of having STRONG first impressions. On Big Brother, I’m usually totally spot on with my impressions (shoutout Turner from Big Brother, he was my favorite night one and remained so the entire season), but I’m not always right when it comes to Survivor. I don’t think I’m alone in having hated Emily at the beginning of last season and then ending up completely loving her, so I hope that happens again this season.

I just really hate how everyone in their confessionals in the first episode of a series act like such big shots and like they’re going to be the most ruthless, most cutthroat player, etc. etc. etc. It feels so fake to me. These people build themselves up to be these characters that are just not real and I hate the way I feel like everyone has an ego the size of the moon. I’d much rather see someone’s real character than something they’re trying to build up to.

Because of that, Hunter is by far my favorite player after episode one. I felt like he was open and relatable and he seemed like a genuinely nice person. I feel similarly about Q because of how confident he was in standing his ground before Tribal.

I’m excited to see how this season plays out, but I’m definitely kind of nervous for this season because last year’s cast kicked such ass that I don’t know if this season will be able to live up to it. The season prior too. I don’t think anyone will be able to live up to Jake (45), Kaleb (45), Yam Yam (44), Carolyn (44), Carson (44), Frannie (44), or Matt (44).

Here are my first impressions after the first episode:

1. Based solely off the first shot of each tribe, I thought I was going to LOVE the Yanu tribe and they actually ended up being my least favorite. Not even because they were on the bottom, but I just genuinely don’t love the people as a group.
   • I was annoyed by how strong some of the tribe members personalities were (or weren’t)
     • I really didn’t like Kenzie at first – she felt overbearing and overconfident to me and all around just too set in her ways. She grew on me a bit by the end of the episode though.
     • I like Q a lot so far. I respect his game play and he seems like a genuinely good guy.
     • I like Jess, but I want to see more from her. I’m obviously not a castaway so I can’t possibly understand the brain fog she must be feeling, but I just wanted to reach out and shake her and tell her to put herself out there more. Before Tribal, I was terrified she was going to go home, and as an Asian woman myself, I really didn’t want to see her go home, especially not first.
   • Jelinksy
     • I want to be as nice as possible here, but honestly, Jelinksy drove me CRAZY. He was playing way too hard way too fast – and honestly just being plain old dumb about it.
     • He was also a freaking hypocrite – talking about not quitting and always giving 100% effort and I laughed OUT LOUD when Jeff called called him out for quitting and not owning it.
     • The kid was ignorant and just didn’t understand the mechanics of the game – and WHO QUITS A CHALLENGE (not once, but TWICE)?!
     • He also was just delusional? Thinking his actions would lead him to Survivor legend status? And thinking this was a huge blindside? No way, dude.
2. I’m watching Survivor, I don’t want to hear anything about Taylor Swift
   • I’ll get hate for this, but I don’t like Taylor Swift, and quite honestly, I just want to engage in something and not have it turned back on Taylor Swift.
3. I think my favorite tribe is the Nami tribe
   • I like this group as individuals and also as a group – I think their personalities mesh very well and make for good TV.
4. I love that there are some contestants from Massachusetts – I hope they host some watch parties this season!
5. Other people that stuck out to me in the premiere:
   • I liked Maria, especially after seeing her on the journey.
   • I love Tevin’s personality and I really hope to see an alliance between he and Hunter.
   • I really respected Moriah for her vulnerability and putting herself out there so early on.

Looking forward to seeing how things start to shake out on next week’s episode!