It’s been nine months since the cast announcement truly kicked off the excitement for Survivor 50, but it feels like fans have been waiting for this moment since the finale of Survivor: Winners at War. After years of a new era of gameplay that’s had fans on the fence of the future of the series, we really weren’t sure how this milestone season was going to measure up to the ones that came before it.
But we’re only one—three-hour long—episode in, and it’s already clear that regardless of how many days they’re playing, regardless of what advantages come out, regardless of whether or not our castaways have fire or rice, the players are here to play! They’re already demonstrating that they don’t plan to hold anything back, reminding us that it’s always been the players that truly make Survivor the show we’ve loved for the last 25 years.
And however you felt about the 24 players chosen, the premiere proved that every single one of them is bringing something to the table that is absolutely necessary to celebrate this incredible show.
Because more than just a great cast of players, we’re already getting a great story of gameplay…in the first episode!! We haven’t seen moves like this being made pre-merge in years. It’s both refreshing and exhilarating to watch old rivalries come back out, new twists affect legends, and see strategy take shape so early on.
But while all that entertaining stuff was happening on the surface, what does it hint at for the rest of the season? Because a lot went down in that three-hour premiere that showed us what kind of games our players are utilizing, as well as what we can now expect with the “In the Hands of the Fans” theme.
Strategy will lead gameplay this season
Recent seasons have been highly focused on social gameplay with a few strategists sneaking in—most of which ended up winning because of it—and while the social element of Survivor will always be important, the 50th season is definitely being led by strategist decisions over relationships.
Right off the bat, with Coach Wade and Ozzy Lusth reuniting at the supply journey, they buried the hatchet from their past feuds, only for Coach to dig it up and start swiping less than an hour later in order to earn supplies for his tribe and get that camp life advantage in the game. Honoring the integrity of his rebuilt relationship with Ozzy was not more important to Coach than ensuring he and his tribe had what they needed to perform well in challenges and avoid Tribal Council.
And as angry as Ozzy was, of the two of them, which one ended up at the first Tribal Council fighting for their closest ally’s life in the game?
What can we expect based on fan-voted elements?
While we kind of had an idea of where fans were learning, officially learning that they wanted players to basically earn everything hints that every element is going to crank the game up to 100%. Like how advantages are confirmed to be dynamic—the most extreme option—and that idols are for sure in play. This leads us to believe that any option that makes the game harder was likely chosen.
I expect we’ll see both a tribe switch and a final four fire-making challenge, which will both emphasize the importance of playing a strong strategic game. While good relationships are key, staying on top of strategy through a tribe switch is just as important to stay alive. Same with fire-making. While many jury members now see that as a huge resume builder, you still need a game-changing resume to back it up.
Who has the winner’s edit?
Christian Hubicki
Before the season began, I predicted we’d see a Christian win and after that premiere episode, I feel even more confident in my choice. From building a day 1 alliance with Rick Devens to starting fire and sharing the secret of his son’s birth, it’s clear the editors are building a strong story of vulnerability and resilience for Christian that absolutely feels like a winner’s highlight reel.
Genevieve Mushaluk
There have already been a few instances where Genevieve has called back to the things that didn’t go right her season that seem to be going right this time around. She found a strong day 1 alliance—even though one was medevaced—as well as the first idol of the season. The power is adding up for Genevieve and she’s already a clear main character for the season.
Aubry Bracco
Conversely, we didn’t hear much from Aubry in the first episode except when she established that there would likely come a time where she or Genevieve would have to take the other out. And with the show hyping up Genevieve already running away with the game, it wouldn’t surprise me if they had Aubry jump in down the road as a sleeper agent, powering up her resume to full blast by taking out the big threat.
What the first two exits tell us
The elimination of Jenna Lewis-Doughterty and the unfortunate medical evacuation of Kyle Fraser both reiterate the idea that it’s going to be strategy over social this season. While both Jenna and Kyle have many strengths, if you analyze their previous games, their successes boil down to their ability to build strong social relationships.
So to see two social players go first—especially when Cila had the opportunity to get rid of a huge strategic threat in Cirie Fields over Jenna—solidifies that the strategists of the season don’t want to keep social players around long enough for them to turn their allies’ ears down the line. And while Kyle’s exit was not planned, it doesn’t go unnoticed that his removal—as one of the most recent winners—completely changes the threat level of one of the most strategic players to join this season, Kamilla Karthigesu.
Next Time on Survivor…
Overall, we’re in for a fast-paced, player-centric, strong season that’s surely going to keep fans excited week-to-week. I, personally, can’t wait to see what comes next for our 22 remaining castaways.
Tune in Wednesday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+ for the next big installment of Survivor 50! Because after that premiere, it looks like anything can—and will—happen!