Survivor Edge of Extinction: Let's Have a Dialogue

Week 2

Reem finds out Edge of Extinction has no defined timeline except her own personal limits, so if at any time she wants to quit she can raise a flag. So she spends her time starving and crying alone on a deserted island, as we all probably would.

Back in the main game, the Kama tribe remains hellbent of getting rid of the returnees despite the tribe getting along well and their skillful moves for Ron's dream dance-number entrance to the next Immunity Challenge. Since Joe is defined as the physically strong one, the target on Aubry grows even bigger, especially after the newbies compare notes and see Aubry has tried to have "a dialogue" with each of them. Good news for Kama is that Manu is much more of a mess and scattered in their plans. Wendy feels like she's next to go and puts all the blame on Kelley, trying to loop in Rick (who is apparently getting the last night treatment "Devens") and David - and David's sort of open to the idea of cut-her-before-she-cuts-me. But in order to blindside Kelley, they need to get a majority and sharing the plan with the wrong person could make it all backfire. Speaking of secrets, Kelley's #1 fan Lauren finds a Hidden Immunity Idol but keeps it super secret and rehides it in the sand to keep it away from nosy folks because unlike men, women don't have junk to hide it. Speaking of junk, CBS censors, you sure it's a good idea to leave men in their wet undies instead of a swimsuit?

The Immunity Challenge this week requires swimming and carry a giant, heavy snake through the water and nailing ring toss. Manu initially falls behind due to Keith's swimming and a lack of strength to lift the snake, but catches up and loses the ring toss battle - also in part due to Keith. Wardog thinks the tribe should target Keith because he's a challenge liability whereas Wendy is a good swimmer and does well, but Kelley would rather vote off the person actually targeting her. Keith is such a nice, loyal guy so Chris wonders if maybe they should blindside Kelley and keep Keith - just like David and Rick/Devens wanted! But then Chris tells the plan to Wardog who is opposed to the whole plan and thinks she's a better shield to keep around if there's a tribe swap.

Tribal Council time! Probst asks if the people who got votes at the first Tribal Council are nervous, and both didn't love the feeling. Kelley defends why she needs to remain in the game, including her strength since this tribe is a clunker. Keith get asks about keeping the tribe strong when his performance was, and I quote Jeff Probst, "a disaster." Keith hopes his loyalty and trust will be more valuable. The tribe is sure this vote will be a blindside, but it's not to Wentworth as teased. Alas, Keith and his bad challenge skills are voted off the tribe and as he gets to the Edge of Extinction sign he can't make up his mind which way to go. Guess we'll find out next week.

[All images credited to CBS]

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Survivor Edge of Extinction: Reem to the Extreme

Week 1

Fourteen new castaways are preparing to be marooned in the middle of the ocean for the 38th season of Survivor, but they're not alone. No, not the camera crew. There are four returnees competing alongside them: Joe Anglim AKA Joey Amazing, Kelley Wentworth, David Wright, and Aubry Bracco. Jeff Probst hammers home to everyone that Survivor is an unpredictable game where you have to push yourself further than you ever imagined and this is all subtle Probst hyperbole to not out the big secret twist of the season. In this season, after being voted out, you can choose to go home or go to the Edge of Extinction for a chance to get back in the game. And with that, the tribes start hustling and grabbing supplies, fruit, etc. before paddling off to their new homes.

Returnees Kelley and David are placed on the Manu tribe with blue buffs and ingratiate themselves fairly well despite being obvious threats. After tribemate Keith nearly drowned in the marooning, Reem and Wendy (who has mild Tourettes) give him some swimming lessons. This trio is viewed as the tribe's weakest members, and more annoying since Reem touched everyone's laundry, so they're easy early targets. Over on Kama beach and sporting yellow buffs, Aubry and Joe try to lay low as the returnees and get the newbies to trust them. It's hard for Joe to fly under the radar though when he's the guru for all things survival related and makes fire without flint. Newbies Eric and Gavin agree that a new player should win this season because returnees have had their chance, and plan to go after Aubry first since Joe is a great shield. Also, the first Secret Advantage of the season is found by school teacher Ron, who snagged it at the marooning. Ron finds the Advantage Menu, an ala carte choice of three different advantages but he must use it by the third Tribal Council.

The first Immunity Challenge is an intense obstacle course, which gives Kelley the first head wound of the season. The giant slide puzzle is the deciding factor and the Kama tribe wins immunity and the Manu tribe will be the first to visit Tribal Council. The Manu divide is obvious, but when Reem suggests breaking up returnee Kelley and newbie Lauren's initial tight bond, it's Keith who fills the majority in on Reem's schemes and that really helps seal the target-deal on her. Oh and because she's deemed weaker than Wendy, likely because she's an older woman - a common Survivor trope. Wardog suggests voting off Wendy instead because regardless of the bigger plan, Wendy insists on voting with Reem. Reem is not a happy camper when she gets wind of being the target and isn't going out without a fight, or a sharp machete.

Tribal Council time! Probst asks about the tribe's initial dynamic and any pairings, but he's quick to transition the conversation into Reem's noticeably bad mood because she's doomed. Kelley says her name and Lauren's were thrown out too, so it doesn't feel good regardless if you're new or returning. Reem says Kelley's name being a target is an honor because she's a legend. Yeah but legends ain't coming to be first boot. This Tribal Council is the Reem show and we're all here for it as she defends herself and actions. Reem knows the age and mom-card are against here, and even though Wendy is her friend she can tell Reem's fate is sealed. Reem's loved ones told her before the show "Don't be the first one to get voted out" and it's a bad omen, as Reem is officially the first one eliminated from the game. BUT ALAS, it's not over for Reem. When she faces the fork-in-the-road (well sign) to choose to end her game or a chance to return, Reem takes the voyage to a dark, isolated existence on the Edge of Extinction.

[All images credited to CBS]

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Survivor Edge of Extinction Pre-Show Winner Prediction

It's cold as heck around the country, but thankfully we'll be transported to the sunny beaches of Fiji yet again for Survivor: Edge of Extinction. The 38th season is a battle of will power and never giving up, as the castaways have the choice after being voted out to either end the adventure or have a chance to return to the game by living on the Edge of Extinction. It's about never giving up and pushing yourself, and that's why I'm confident in my pick.

I've done my usual research of reading player bios, checking out some videos and articles, maybe a podcast here and there - but this season I also followed my heart. Again.

MEL PREDICTS...

Aubry will win Survivor: Edge of Extinction

My beloved BFF Aubry is back on Survivor so there's no question who I'm picking to win. Aubry is a true badass with a strategic and social mind. Jeff Probst himself said Aubry is "one of my favorite Survivors ever." Same Jeff, same.

Now it's your turn! Time for YOU to cast your pre-show winner prediction. Who do you think will be the winner of Survivor: Edge of Extinction? VOTE BELOW - voting closes right when the east coast premiere begins!

[All images credited via EW via CBS]

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