This is the first of the 12 seasons that fringes between my rating scale of being an 8 (meaningful / really good, you should check out) and 7 (average season could get lost in the shuffle). The pre-merge was rather lackluster, and the early part post-merge wasn't anything to write home about. The introduction of Exile Island was a nice flare on the Survivor formula, but the fact the Hidden Immunity Idol never was put into play kills the buzz a quite a bit. Hell, everyone even knew who had it the whole time. After the medical evacuation things heated up in a big way. Cirie is always a fan favorite and Shane was amusing. The rivalry between Aras and Terry was great and made the challenges exciting. It was a two man race in each and every challenge, where Terry tripped up before crossing the finish line, which ultimately cost him the season. Aras was the correct winner of the final two and he played a solid (albeit unspectacular) game, but boy would I have loved for Terry or Cirie to pull it out. The last five or so episodes is some of the best of what Survivor has to offer, unfortunately the journey getting to that point was rather forgettable. This season gets the nod of an 8 because of the end cast was quite likable and it was the first "Exile Island" twist, which should make it one worthy of checking out.
Rating: 8/10
With only a few memorable characters, and the rest pretty despicable, along with barely any tactical gameplay, this did not make for a very entertaining season. Jeff's introduction of Exile Island and the presence of the Hidden Immunity Idol definitely spiced up the game a bit but the action only started towards the very end of the season. All in all, there are definitely some memorable moments but not one of the best.
Such a great season! But I thought Terry will be the winner
Shout by pntjrBlockedParentSpoilers2016-05-25T02:51:01Z
SHANE POWAHS. CASAYA. This was a good season. The pre-merge was alright, and the post merge was a boring pagonging, but after Bruce's medical evacuation it got good. At that point, it was too little too late. Still this had a really great cast.