By Guest Correspondent ChoHey! it’s Cho, and I am SO SO SO excited that the premiere of Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction is here! I have been religiously watching Survivor since season two. I have missed maybe 5 episodes total. So, I can tell you about the times that it was televised on Thursday’s, but I digress. Survivor is such a huge stress relief for me, and it’s premiering right on time in my life. If you haven’t been acquainted with the cast yet, my auntie Tamara and I go over all the important details here. Now, let’s start the adventure!
The Arrival
We start off with the usual sweeping shots of random survivors as they arrive on the boat. We’re introduced with the big twist of this season of Survivor: Edge of Extinction.a place where they can choose to go home after being voted off or remain on the island for a chance to get back into the game. I feel like this twist is made to ensure that we get as big of a bang from the 4 returning Survivors who could be easy boots.
Speaking of, we are introduced to the 4 returnees and people are already starstruck!! I can’t say I wouldn’t be starstruck too. Kelley Wentworth is the first woman to find two hidden idols and actually use them to flip the game on its head. David Wright was a dominant strategic force on his season despite being underestimated. Joe Anglim has won 16 challenges in his Survivor career. Aubry Bracco has overcome her insecurities in the game to come out on top. I still expect her to have a panic attack here too! Welcome to Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction!
The Manu Tribe
Kelley Wentworth is already concerned about being on the bottom due to being a returnee. So, she’s focused on trying to make genuine relationships. On the other hand, David Wright is trying to get used to people coming to him for advice on fixing the camp up. We learn that Wendy has tourettes. She explains how it can catch people off guard and admits to being awkward to others. We see some of her mild ticks in the form of bird chirps and other noises. She is a cute ball of fun who has already been set up as a likable underdog. So,I want her to succeed in this game.
Reem gives a confessional about how everyone is getting along. Immediate cut to other people complaining about her moving their clothes around camp. Is Bravo editing this show?! Keith lets her know that she’s a typical mom which he appreciates. Reem tells Keith that he’s gonna keep him on his A-game and toughen him up. Reem and Wendy offer to help Keith improve his swimming which is really touching! Rick calls Wendy a whirling dervish. He says Keith is a poor swimmer. He calls Reem a busy-body. So,he is happy that they seem to be grouped up as easy targets.
Kama Tribe
Everyone is happy to have Joe Anglim on their tribe. Aurora says she’s gay and even she’s on team Joe. I hear ya, girl! Right from the jump, Ron Clark found a secret advantage while everyone was scrambling on the boat. He has an amazing pair of pants on! His advantage allows him the option to either steal a reward, get an extra vote or give himself a hidden immunity. The catch is that he has to use this before the 4th tribal council! That limitation forces him to out himself as a strategic threat early in the game. From an entertainment point of view, it’s great. But, from a player’s point of view, this is not good!
Aubry Bracco is absolutely terrified of working with the newbies. She is planning to lay in the grass for awhile. Southern boy Gavin has the most obnoxious pineapple shirt on. He says he plans on buying a 4th stoplight for his hometown. I’m sure they need it. Everyone is excited about the returnees. Except Eric, who is already planning to get rid of Aubry Bracco the first chance he gets!
The First Immunity Challenge
It’s a typical obstacle course with a gigantic slide puzzle at the end. The immunity idol looks really pretty this season. The challenges are where I usually objectify the contestants. And, there’s a lot of Survivors with BODIES-odies-odies! However, I’ll spare you my thoughts this one time. No one on Manu can even get over the balance beam! Then, Kelley Wentworth takes a gash to the head and I literally scream! Finally, Kama easily takes home the first win.
Reem and Wendy announce that Lauren and Kelley Wentworth are a dynamic duo that needs to be split up. So,they decide to ambush Rick. Keith doesn’t like how aggressively they spoke to Rick so in a turn of self-preservation, he throws them under the bus to the other group. This move just spared him for at least two votes. Still, Wardog is upset that Wendy him gave pushback about voting off Reem. Because, he’s an asshole who is throwing a temper tantrum that someone might dare disagree with him. Later, Reem hears her name from Wendy and starts to blow up. Suddenly, she’s waving the machete around and talking a lot of smack. This isn’t how you handle your name being thrown out.
Tribal Council
The setup for this season’s tribal council is really dramatic! It gives me Season 6 Pearl Islands haunted pirate boat! Reem looks like she’s ready to explode. From the beginning, Reem is pissed and lets everyone know that there’s no reason her name should be thrown out there so early. Kelley Wentworth retorts that her name isn’t the only one that’s been thrown out. Reem says what’s happening is age discrimination. Reem is really confrontational. I need the commenter that used to be her “work spouse” explain her behavior to us. Wardog says that her over consideration with moving people’s belongings around is an example of why people are annoyed. Y’all, you can LITERALLY be voted out for anything!
Finally, Wendy sticks up for Reem. She says the same reasons why people are annoyed by her are the same reasons. she likes her. Specifically, her consideration and motherly instinct are calming forces. Reem realizes that the target is solely on her and she’s starting to become sad. I feel bad for her, but I’m already mentally bracing myself for Wendy to be blindsided. Jeff tallies the votes. Reem, Kelley, Wendy, Lauren, Reem, Wendy, Reem, Wendy… with one vote left, Reem is the first to be voted off. As she leaves, she says she hopes it pours down rain on them!!
Edge of Extinction Is Revealed
Finally, It is revealed to Reem that she has a chance to get back into the game by going onto this mysterious boat. This transition scene is brilliant. And, I am absolutely terrified. But, once she gets onto the island, there’s absolutely nothing there. Nothing! We cut to black! THIS is how you end an episode! Finally, we get a confessional from Reem crying mad that she was voted out for being overly considerate towards her tribemates. She hates them and is cold, wet and alone.
I have to admit, this episode started off slow, but tribal council and the the introduction of this new twist really saved it. I much prefer 2-hour premieres, because we’re able to get emotionally connected quicker. However, I think with this new twist, we are going to see a lot of the same characters for an extended amount of time which will definitely be interesting!
Please do comment your opinions on the premiere. And be sure to watch Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction next week! Who’s your favorite? What do you think about Reem’s personality? As always, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms to stay in touch with me throughout the entire week: Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and Twitch!
Ron got the advantage! I hope the third week has a good reward and he steals it for his tribe and at the reward tells them he could have used it to either steal a vote or have immunity but the thought the group reward would be best.
He can’t steal the immunity idol from the winning team if they lose can he?
I hope he uses it for a reward as well. Then that makes him more of a team player early on in the game. If he’s in danger and needs to use it for immunity, that would be one thing but let’s hope he’s not in danger anytime soon!
his immunity works just like a hidden immunity idol, but it’s only for one person.
Thank you Cho. I do wish the episode was two hours. Looking forward to the season, posts, and comments.
(Takes me a minute to get to know the contestants)
Oh I completely understand. And with them not giving a lot of characters ANY attention in the premiere episode, it may take me some time to remember them all too! haha I know you’ll catch up once the merge hits though! hehe
I’d like the two hour premiere also! It seems like you just get into it, since it’s been some time since last seeing it, trying to get to ‘know’ the players, and whoops! it’s over!
Cho! Cho! Here we GO!!
Lame attempt at a cheer.
Trek should know that people do not want someone touching or moving their stuff,especially if they are hiding an idol of advantage.
I thought that cheer was great! It’s great to chat with you again, Lynn! I’m excited for this new season and how the twist pans out. It could either make the entire season or make it a bottom tier. I really think it’s one or the other! haha
And yeah, touching people’s stuff to the point where they constantly forget where it is is a big no no. It just shows a general lack of self awareness.
Trek? Reem!l
I had to rewatch after stalking some Ron Clark videos on the yoube. He’s crazy inspiring. I can’t wait to watch his game unfold. And I loved Reem! That tribal council was hysterical. She snapped at Jeff, for Pete’s sake. I’m glad she has a chance back in the game. She won’t win but I’ll enjoy every minute of her stay.
Also, I have Gavin from Tennessee beat. My town doesn’t have a single stoplight!
I am LIVING for Ron Clark and I want him to make it super far just so that I can watch him longer. I think he’ll be really interesting!
Reem was definitely a character. The good thing about the twist is that we will most likely be able to check in with the ENTIRE cast throughout the season. I mean, I can’t imagine anyone rejecting the opportunity to get back in would they?
On the flip side, with most characters staying in the game and this season being twist heavy, will b characters continue to get the shaft in terms of editing?
I’m so intrigued by this season already and I’m bracing myself for it to either be horrible or really really good!!
Great recap Cho! I miss the 2 hour format too. It’s hard to get a handle on the characters in such a quick episode. Looking forward to watching the twist unfold. I have been watching Survivor since Season 1 when it was on Friday nights–not a great time slot! Thank goodness it caught on!
Yeah definitely think they should have gone with the 2 hour premiere or at least 90 minutes. Overall weak premiere this season, but I am hopeful that it will get really dramatic with this twist!
Thanks for the recap, Cho. I am hoping Ron Clark goes really far this season. I also watched video’s of him and his school. Talk about an educational concept that should be world wide. OMG I love him! I love his students. I love his school! People like Bill Gates would never dream of using music, dance, movement, cadence, etc. as tools for learning a wide variety of subjects. Ron Clark came up with it, followed through, and made it happen. I’m in awe.
Also, did you see his dance moves? Talk about getting his groove on. Alright, Mr. Clark! Get Down!
Yes, thanks for the recap Cho! It’s great seeing the episode in someone else’s point of view- and catching things you miss since it goes by so fast!
Thanks a lot HD! I really enjoy having discussions in the comment section. Those different perspectives are fun to discuss.
I am OBSESSED with Ron Clark right now. He is so fun and more importantly, EFFECTIVE, for his students. I’m already rooting for him hardcore.
Reem is like a more likable Natiele from last season.
ACCURATE! lol
But I also looooved having Natalie on the show, so hopefully Reem sticks around for a while.
I was glad it was only 1 hour. Two is too long for me .
Reem lost me at tribal council. The faces and asides…ugh.
I was and am concerned about Wendy, though. She allied pretty publicly with Reem and that could be dangerous for her game .
I agree what you’re saying about Wendy, her speaking out about her true feelings for Reem, though true she should’ve remembered she’s playing Survivor! and speaking like that does matter… ooops! But I do hope she gets to slide past that ooops… I like her- her personality stood out, positively, among others.
I agree that Wendy is definitely in big trouble, especially because Keith already [smartly] distanced himself from the immediate bottom. I hope her spirit will take her further and that other people blow their games up. I definitely think there are personalities that can make that happen.
And yeah, I get 2 hours being long, but 1 hour isn’t good enough for most people for a PREMIERE. CBS faced a lot of criticism online for it only being 1 hour. Bad call really. I don’t remember most of the characters and that’s even AFTER doing all the research I did. I don’t usually have this problem.
Cho- Great Recap. I hope Joe sticks around till the end. He seems like he just loves the game.
TBH, I feel like the twist was made to ensure that the returnees have an EDGE on their competitors to stick around longer. See what I did there?
I think Joe is so handsome!
I’m so happy that Survivor is back, and the people are interesting, not valid little kids. Sorry for Reem,
She’s probably used to being in control. But really glad it’s back.
I feel bad for how she got on the bottom, but not for how she responded. It’s crazy how people watch the show for years but still end up being bad players.
Looking forward to your comments this season! <3
Great job on the recap Cho! Thank you!
Reem would have annoyed me by taking my clothes off a tree and laying them in sand. However I would have just told her privately not to do my clothes anymore. Now if she continued to grab up my clothes and lay them in sand we would have a very loud problem.
So we have gorgeous Joe on one team and gorgeous guy whose name I don’t know yet.
Joe, yea Joe- thing is he’s had his chances already! there’s SO many other fans out here that’d like to play Survivor… giving these past players season after season to play again, not so fair in my eyes. Anyway, here goes Joe again, he does the Best he can, at everything! and puts himself right out front, giving others reasons to want to vote him out- right or not? They gave him first up in more than one area of the challenge- then again, the Tribe choosing him is on them. Just think Joe needs to hold back somewhat, as hard as it probably is for him since he does know the game and he is GOOD at it! Smiling!
Thank you so much for commenting. I hope you come back for more this week! haha I think it’s gonna get good.
The problem with Reem’s situation is that NO ONE wants to help others in that way. The problem is that everyone simply complained about her annoying behavior (that wasn’t really THAT dramatic let’s be honest) and then let her hang herself. It’s easier to let people hang themselves in this game which made me feel sorry for her, because her intent was from a great place.
I’m delighted that Survivor is back. Looks like some interesting people this season. Whoopie!
It was a box of canned goods you needed to dive for. Joe got it for his tribe. There were a couple of other interesting stuff not included in the episode. It should of been longer. Not to take away from Cho your recap was great but the info Is on another recap by DR.
There were hundreds of things left on the cutting room floor. I was left feeling VERY disappointed by the hour-long premiere. Not nearly enough time. It needs to be 90 minutes MINIMUM.
That being said, the last 10 minutes GOT ME EMOTIONAL and barely saved it all for me. Definitely looking forward to more and hope you stick around for future recaps! <3
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idk why this is so hard to do. Thank you for laying the hammer down when necessary. It’s a shame.
Yaaaay for covering Survivor TT and Cho! And thanks for spoiler free! My DVD didn’t pick up and have barely caught up. (I’m the fam that picks in the opening scene since Season 2.) I had to check you and “Auntie Tamara” details page to even find out my picks name, which I think is Chris? He definitely was not featured in the episode (which I think bodes well for his success). My daughter that looks like the red haired Victoria is always her (and Jeff’s? Lol) man-bun crush Joe, my brunette daughter then picked Victoria and hub is returning Dave.
Why would at least a few of them not see the beauty of taking Reem to the end? I never understand that in recent years.other than no self awareness on the clothes, what a h00t! Girlfriend did not hesitate to play on, I love that. Can’t wait to catch up on the links.
In general, the theory is to keep the tribe as strong as possible for the first few tribals and even better if you can do it through the merge. There for it’s older folks with no strong athletic ability first or someone really annoying.,Yay if it is a really annoying older woman. There will always be a goat to drag to the finale. SOMEONE in the endgame is always kind of hated.
This season is a bit different though because some people are not going to want to wait to long to get rid of the returning players, You don’t want to give them time to worm their way into some sort of alliance. The guys on Joe’s tribe will want him out quickly because, male ego. On Kelley’s tribe, they are going to want her out ASAP because see is too good at the game.
But it was way to early to keep Reem around for a final three goat. She was driving everyone crazy and that makes for a long 39 days.
Yeah it’s going to be REALLY tough for these returning survivors to remain in the game unless they lock down an alliance asap. I’m so worried for Kelley. They are primed to take her out already. I think that’s why the twist is here to ensure that our golden boy Joe remains for as long as possible. he’s pretty to look at.
I wonder how the twist will work though. Will it kind of be like redemption island where they have to compete, or will it be more like Pearl Islands where the voted off players perform as a tribe. Or maybe a mix?! UGH! I’m so intrigued to see how it plays out!
I don’t have any idea what the story is about the island, and I like it that way. But, from what they showed in previews, it looks like they have to survive ALONE. Maybe not. But the sound over said something about the island being harder to survive than anything they have done or something. I could be remembering it all wrong, because my brain is broken. But i feel like they will drop them all off at different points and they may or may not find each other.
ohhh that makes sense. So it’s kind of like everyone is on an island ALONE simply existing. And the people who survive up until a certain point have the option of continuing on. That sounds really intense and tbh, I don’t think I would last very long. It already seems to be taking a toll on Reem. 🙁
Aww yay I’m so excited to have you back this season!! It’s like a reunion with friends here in the comment section! haha I’m so looking forward to the rest of this season.
I think older “weaker-perceived” contestants have to be really careful in the beginning to bring as much value as possible since tribes like to get rid of those weak links earlier in the game. No one is really thinking about taking “goats” to the end during the first quarter of the game.
That being said, Reem was definitely entertaining, and I’m glad she’s sticking around for the next stage in her adventure!
I just read that Ponderosa won’t be done this season. Has anyone else heard that? I love Ponderosa and I’ll be so bummed if this is true.
I used to love it too but I haven’t watched in several seasons. I was never quite sure where it was.
Yeah, they’ve been kind of bad with marketing it. Shame too, because the quality of ponderosa is so amazing!
Ponderosa is HIGH QUALITY content that I’m sad will not be here anymore if it’s true what you heard. They are some of the best pieces of video that highlights a Survivor’s experience. I wonder what the reason is. Low viewership is probably due to the possibility that people may now be able ot find it. I feel like CBS doesn’t market it well.
Hi Cho – Reem’s old work spouse here. Sorry for the late response!
Reem was absolutely being Reem. She takes care of and helps people (teaching dude how to swim, making sure everyone’s stuff was dry). She has a very open and caring personality, but also a strong one. She is not afraid of confrontation and will obviously stand up for herself and for others, but certainly does not seek it out. She enjoys different people and experiences, and wants to learn from them. She’s funny and energetic and always stays busy. She could never be described as shy (or quiet!), and all this seems to have rubbed some people the wrong way. I was shocked when Tamara’s prediction came true and they voted her off first. By no means is this woman weak or “old.” She’s actually quite athletic and youthful. I think that’s why we get along so well – neither of us want to “grow up” and we like being silly and having fun. Did I miss anything??
Thank you for this insight. I totally feel that when watching her, and I’m so sorry she was voted off first. I hope she sticks around the the long haul, because she seems to have a lot of fight in her.
Thanks for the insight, BB! In the first few tribal councils, we almost always lose females and occaisonally some males who lack physical prowess in the challenges typically the older ones (male or female) as the tribe attempts to stay physically strong through the merge. after a couple of women getting their torches snuffed there is usually debate about getting rid of one of the more disliked males in the tribe.
This pattern is followed more often than not.
Thank YOU for the insight, Tamara! I only watched some of the first season, so I know very little. However, I AM pretty sure that YOU would like Reem. She is a very fun and loving person, but she also gives zero sh!ts about what others think of her because she knows who she is … just like you! XOXO
Sound like my kind of girl. I’d also be the first one voted off my tribe. 🙂
I love people like this in real life, because they tend to be the best of friends who are really supportive!