# Survivor 19 Ep 1 09.17.09 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 16, 2009, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350 "2009-09-16T19:28:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/1 "2009-09-16T19:28:22Z")
The newest edition of Survivor is starting. Here’s a promo: > [@](#): > > In one of the most beautiful Survivor locations yet, 20 castaways will be left to fend for themselves among Samoa’s white sand beaches, lush green valleys and towering waterfalls. Despite the picturesque landscape, the castaways will face exposure to elements and wildlife living in the mysterious rainforests that cover rugged volcanic mountain peaks. For 39 days, they will endeavor to outwit, outplay and outlast one another in order to win the title of Sole Survivor. > > Surrounded by coconut palms in a land steeped in tradition, the Samoans who inhabit this island have a proud history and strong sense of community that has enabled their own survival. From the start of the game, Survivor embraces this Samoan culture by incorporating an ancient tradition of electing an individual leader of the village. Without speaking, both tribes must immediately choose one member of their group to become their sole decision maker, their chief. How important will the role of tribal chief be in determining the fate of each tribe? I predict: that CBS gives most of the face time this season to Russell H, promoting him as the biggest villian ever in Survivor. And this board and others will trash him and wonder why Mark Burnett gives him so much face time. a la Coach ---
**Author:** ![Aithele](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Aithele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aithele)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/2 "2009-09-17T00:24:39Z")
I’m glad you started this thread. I’ve been so busy lately I had no idea it was starting tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/3 "2009-09-17T02:19:34Z")
> [@Aithele](#): > > I’m glad you started this thread. I’ve been so busy lately I had no idea it was starting tomorrow. Glad I could help you. For those of you that are Survivor Fans and do not frequent the Game Room, \*\*Mahaloth \*\*is moderating a Survivor Somoa Pool [See this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=530765). He is looking for players, the more the merrier. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/4 "2009-09-17T03:28:24Z")
> [@CBS](#): > > Without speaking, both tribes must immediately choose one member of their group to become their sole decision maker, their chief. How important will the role of tribal chief be in determining the fate of each tribe? Whoever they pick will be voted out that evening most likely. Silly way to begin. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/5 "2009-09-17T07:24:08Z")
I don’t think Russell is long for this world. If he makes past the first episode I would be shocked if he makes it to the merge. This is the promo monkeys at their most blatant. ---
**Author:** ![rockle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@rockle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rockle)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/6 "2009-09-17T16:32:45Z")
I skipped Survivor last time around, and let me tell you: I missed it desperately. Which either proves that I have no life, or I have no soul, or some combination of both. But in any event, here we go again. Yippee! Are we in HD this time? I can’t tell. ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/7 "2009-09-17T17:06:38Z")
> [@rockle](#): > > Are we in HD this time? I can’t tell. According to [this](http://www.cbs.com/info/schedule/index.php), yes. ---
**Author:** ![rockle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@rockle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rockle)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/8 "2009-09-17T17:24:04Z")
> [@Astroboy14](#): > > According to [this](http://www.cbs.com/info/schedule/index.php), yes. w00t. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2009, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/9 "2009-09-17T19:51:01Z")
Holy crap! There have been 18 seasons of Survivor? I had no idea. I’ve taken a break for a few seasons. I guess this is as good a time as any to get back in the game. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/10 "2009-09-18T00:51:02Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > Holy crap! There have been 18 seasons of Survivor? I had no idea. I’ve taken a break for a few seasons. I guess this is as good a time as any to get back in the game. Two per year, of course. But, yes, it has been 9 years since Survivor came on. Anyway, good episode so far. I think Russell has gone out too strong with his “mess with everyone” plan. People are going to notice if you go out and talk to everyone and make a million alliances. Still though, “dumb ass blonde alliance” is hilarious. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/11 "2009-09-18T01:07:40Z")
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tribe go from zero to asshole to zero again so fast. And personally, I think I would have voted for the one who went myself. I can only take so much of that NPR-Ladies-On-SNL-Hippie-Chick tone of voice for so long before I have to retch. That said, I’m torn between Russell H staying for the eye candy (yeah, yeah…shaddup…tastes differ) and him being blindsided because he falsely thinks he’s secretly in charge. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/12 "2009-09-18T01:08:23Z")
Really too early to make any comments on anyone, other than Russell is absolutely insane. I don’t have an opinion on him yet, but I already hate his little croney (Ben?). ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/13 "2009-09-18T01:14:18Z")
I also wanted to mention that I think the 20-person start was a lousy idea. I don’t feel like we really got to know anyone but Russell H this episode. I have an even sketchier impression of everyone else than I usually do after the first ep. McDreamy, Jaison, the rocket scientist and the other college-age guy (did he even SPEAK in this ep?!) are just…images. The young blondes are interchangeable at this point, the Asian woman only stands out because…well, she’s Asian. Eighties rock-fan lesbian is going to be the female curmudgeon, apparently. The other Russell seems okay, but he’s only less sketchy because he got more confessional time as the leader. It’s going to be at least another five weeks before I have any real clue who most of these people actually are. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/14 "2009-09-18T01:17:41Z")
If there is one thing I wish survivor would do, is let the contestants have appropriate clothing. I rather watch people in normal survival and beach attire than underwear and pixelation. that guy who swam in long pants was at a disadvantage. I bet he thought his boxers would come off. Then again, Russell H would probably burn the swimsuits and the shoes. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/15 "2009-09-18T01:21:33Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > I also wanted to mention that I think the 20-person start was a lousy idea. I don’t feel like we really got to know anyone but Russell H this episode. I have an even sketchier impression of everyone else than I usually do after the first ep. McDreamy, Jaison, the rocket scientist and the other college-age guy (did he even SPEAK in this ep?!) are just…images. The young blondes are interchangeable at this point, the Asian woman only stands out because…well, she’s Asian. Eighties rock-fan lesbian is going to be the female curmudgeon, apparently. The other Russell seems okay, but he’s only less sketchy because he got more confessional time as the leader. > > It’s going to be at least another five weeks before I have any real clue who most of these people actually are. I agree, 20 people is a lot, and I think a 90 minute episode would have helped a little. Plus there were two challenges which is different than most first episodes of survivor. rock-fan lesbian? Do you mean Shambo? or the older lady on Crazy Russell’s tribe (I think her name is Betsy and she is a cop). ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/16 "2009-09-18T01:39:54Z")
> [@notfrommensa](#): > > rock-fan lesbian? Do you mean Shambo? or the older lady on Crazy Russell’s tribe (I think her name is Betsy and she is a cop). Shambo. I’m being facetious though…my gaydar doesn’t work on women, really, unless they’re really obvious. I kind of like Betsy…helped, probably, by her suspicion of Russell H. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/17 "2009-09-18T01:43:23Z")
Russell H is apparently batshit insane. Does he really think that anyone is going to want to do business with his Houston oil company when people see what a weasel he is? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/18 "2009-09-18T01:58:25Z")
Oh, I’m predicting that the Smoking Gun is going to have a field day with that one… ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/19 "2009-09-18T02:06:53Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Shambo. I’m being facetious though…my gaydar doesn’t work on women, really, unless they’re really obvious. > > I kind of like Betsy…helped, probably, by her suspicion of Russell H. Speaking of gaydar, no one pinged my gaydar this season. Of course, about 12 of the players never spoke. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2009, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350/20 "2009-09-18T02:13:47Z")
Upon further review, **JayJay** ’s gaydar is functioning correctly. [Shambo is a lesbian](http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/survivor_samoa/2009_Aug_27_cast_announcement). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-19-ep-1-09-17-09/510350.md?page=2)