Australian Survivor

(First, can I say that my goes out to Rob Dickson's family. The winner of Australian Survivor and his two young sons died before their time in a car accident in South Africa earlier this year).

Auditions were announced for the Australian version of Survivor towards the end of the 2nd American season (Australian Outback). It was during the 2nd American season that Survivor really started to gain popularity in Australia, and this was an attempt to cash in on this popularity.

The attempt failed.

The show followed the same format as the early US versions, 2 tribes, merging into one - but just didn't have the same excitement as the US counterparts. The "castaways" were, for the most part, unexciting. It's reality TV - we want hissy fits, back stabs, memorable moments! The challenges were nothing special.

It only lasted one season for a reason.

Survivor fans in Australia did not begin watching this season with high hopes...it just so happens that we were all thoroughly impressed. After watching this seasons EPIC finale, I believe many of Australian Survivor's faults have been redeemed and justified. Hopefully next season there will not be Tribal Councils where no one is actually voted out and additionally that episode boots aren't made too predictable based on the edit they get and the advertisements in the lead up to the episode airing. I think some different choices in the casting process would have made a big difference, and maybe having more diversity in the cast also. Overall, great season, could be sitting up the US big leagues. :)

This first attempt at Survivor by the Australians is primitive on several levels, from strategy (mostly just "tribal loyalty" stuff) to production values. The pace is very slow and much of the cast (especially the pre-mergers) is forgettable and/or clueless. But there are also some good characters, including one who shines way above all the rest: their complexity is compelling and some outbursts of raw emotion at the final episode take you aback (they would probably never air these in newer seasons). If there has even been a season instantly won by one simple yet lethally effective strategic move, this is it (the F6 alliance and vote). Overall, for a first try, it's not bad and worth a watch, although obviously there was huge room for improvement. 6.5/10.

In ALL seasons of both Survivors my biggest pet peeve with the contestants is Fire. Every single season on both, obtaining that initial fire is ALWAYS a dire situation. And EVERY single time I'm yelling at them through the T. V. to use someone's glasses and add a drop or 2 of water if the glass aren't thick enough. Even if a contestant saw only ONE season and ONE episode, they would have heard the complaints about lack of fire. If I was selected to compete I would at least learn the basics of out door living.... SPECIALLY FIRE making, shelter building, and fishing/small game hunting. (As a kid I was always using some type of concave lens to start a little fire no I'm not a pyromanic, I just enjoyed the the process of starting it using a primitive method like magnification of sun rays).

Out of all the US shows, I think only 2 or 3 contestants immediately used glasses to light a fire. This season is Brawn v/s Brain and both sides are struggling with the lack of fire and trying to get one going by the rubbing of 2 sticks methods. So, there is entire tribe of SUPPOSEDLY intelligent contestants and Wia has glasses so thick, that water wouldn't be needed. And there are a few more individuals wearing prescription glasses all just standing around with a confounded look on their faces. And they are SUPPOSED to be the brain's tribe.

Again, this is such an irritating issue to me because it's such an easy fix. It's really messing with my anxiety issues.

Otherwise, I love this show in both countries. Lot's of twists, drama, and the games they compete in are fast paced rollercoaster rides.

Worth the watch ~ even if tribes always face the first few days without the much needed fire!

Compared to Australian Survivor (2002) and Celebrity Survivor (2006), this 2016 version is SO much better. It has everything the US version has; from the theme to the fast-thinking lovable host. The music is a bit over-dramatic but apart from that, Australian Survivor has everything a good survivor season needs. It's not perfect quite yet, but it's certainly on its way. As a survivor fan, I can definitely see myself watching this season and many seasons to come without hesitation, and i hope others from around the country share the same opinion. Over all, great job, great host, great contestants, great everything. Thankyou for not repeating your previous mistake in the first 2 seasons (if I dare consider them survivor seasons).