Survivor

Survivor starts tonight on CBS.  Season 30-- who would ever think a television show that started in 2000 would last this long!  I was hooked at Season Two.  I did not see Season One and keep thinking I need to buy it on DVD just to see some of the iconic actions and people that participated in the premier showing.  I need to see the final tribal council where one of the contestants apparently made an incredible speech to another person and I want to see why and how Richard Hatch won.

Survivor has changed a little with the times, added twists and emotional pulls to draw in their faithful following.  

When Survivor started, there was a filming and set up crew of 75 people and now has a crew of over 300.  Each country they film in has it's own unique challenges and physical obstacles to overcome.  Many contestants return home with parasites and lasting health concerns.  There have been 16 male winners and 13 female winners--but one of the women has won twice!  

Some seasons kind of run a little mundane but usually picks up midway through the series. But, I am a true fan and will stick it out through the series-- after all, it's quite entertaining and we like to second guess what contestants will do or who will get voted out and why,  

There are quite a few memorable people from Survivor.   I will never forget Johnny Fairplay (aka Jon Dalton) and how he had set it up to have his loved one say his grandmother had died in order to garner a sympathy vote, or Mike's horrible burns that took him out of the competition but my favorite is when John Cochran told host, Jeff Probst that he wanted to be called "Cochran" like all the other "great" Survivor players! Cochran is one of my favorites. 

My brother tried out for Survivor several years ago-- and he flew out to be interviewed but he didn't make it.  He would have been amazing.  He had such a great personality and yet I wonder if people would have figured out how strong he could be and voted him off as soon as they could.  Regardless, it is pretty awesome that he got that far to be interviewed.  

My love for Survivor gave me a great idea for a team event when I worked for my old company.  We divided up peoples from each department and gave them each a torch and they could bring one luxury  item with them to the competition.  The event included some timed events, skill testing and the infamous disgusting food event.  We ended the day with fire building-- which is the way Survivor settles a tie.  I figured it would take at least 5-8 minutes for teams to gather kindling, tinder, and fuel and then light the fire,  What I didn't count on was two of the teams were Eagle Scouts and quite experienced at fire starting!  Regardless, it was fun and the closest I will ever get to Survivor in my lifetime!  I wonder if I should do a Survivor Camp with my kids?