Quicker than you can say, "G'day mate," CBS has returned with another installment of its wildly popular Survivor series, this time set in the treacherous Australian Outback.
The highly anticipated sequel (which aired Sunday) drew an estimated 43.5 million viewers, making it the second highest rated post-Super Bowl program. Interestingly enough, the only thing to top Survivor II's ratings, was a special episode of Friends that aired after the 1996 Super Bowl.
By now, everyone's aware of the scheduled feud between the two shows. CBS will air Survivor II on Thursday nights opposite Friends (in retaliation, NBC is airing "supersized" 40-minute episodes followed by 20 minutes of Saturday Night Live skits).
Now, the question on everyone's lips is: will Survivor II live up to its predecessor? Or will it fall into the abyss of lame sequels?
With only one episode to base opinions on, it's a tough call to make. There are some definite shortcomings to Outback, but there's a lot of promise, too.
From the very opening credits, it's obvious things have changed. This time around, the focus seemed to be on casting younger, more attractive contestants. Or, to be blunt about it, casting young attractive women.
Of the eight female competitors, five of them are real stunners. In comparison, only two of eight males can truly be classified as "eye candy."
Furthermore, the innocence is lost. These people were very aware of the cameras and often play up to them. Another negative aspect -- the constant bitching and complaining.
Yes, your surroundings are not ideal. But, hey -- you saw the first show, what did you expect? Ultimately, though, this is still Survivor. And the staple of the show is exciting challenges, wicked back-stabbing and (the only thing Survivor II lacks) gritty realism. Well, two out of three ain't bad.
The Players
KUCHA
Elisabeth: With her cute grin and waif figure, she seems geared to become Survivor II's Colleen. So far she's laying low, trying to "fly under the radar" as host Jeff Probst might say.
Alicia: If this were survival of the fittest, Alicia would be the winner hands down. An extremely buff personal trainer from New York, Alicia comes across as the strong silent type. Looks to be carefully plotting her strategy from the sidelines.
Jeff: An internet consultant who, following in the footsteps of Ramona, is thus far best known for his inability to hold his lunch.
Michael: The supposed "leader" of the group, he seems skilled at building morale.
Debb: Brute, bossy correctional officer. Started scheming too early and wound up digging her own grave.
Nick: Easily the most attractive male of the lot, this handsome Harvard Law student will strive to prove that intelligence can win out in the end.
Kimmi: An extremely irritating blonde bartender from New York. Think sex-obsessed Jenna, on about 100 milligrams of speed.
Rodger: A gentle, Bible-reading older man who fell during the first challenge. Seems determined to prove that nice guys can finish first.
OGAKOR
Tina: A part-time nurse from Knoxville, Tenn. Seems to be laying low.
Colby: A custom-auto designer who is extremely proud to be from Texas.
Amber: A former sorority girl from Pennsylvania who tries to appear sweet, but is obviously up to no good.
Maralyn: A retired cop, who seems like Rudy's female twin.
Kel: A U.S. Army Intelligence officer from Texas.
Mitchell: A gawky 7-foot-tall songwriter who seems to be just a little smug.
Jerri: A curly haired actress (she played Vincent D'Onofrio's wife in a Showtime movie). Seems to be playing to the cameras big-time.
Keith: A chef who spent most of the first episode clashing with Jerri.
