Earlier this week, Entertainment Weekly provided fans with an all-access first look at “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.”
The lengthy article, penned by the publication’s resident “Survivor” expert Dalton Ross, revealed exclusive snapshots of the season’s record-breaking cast in the moments before the milestone began, including extensive interviews with longtime host Jeff Probst, executive producer Matt Van Wagenen, and each and every one of the 24 returning castaways.
Ross, who stayed on location in Fiji throughout the first three days of the game, witnessed everything from the season’s kick-off marooning challenge, the castaways competing in their very first Immunity Challenge, and the installment’s inaugural Tribal Council ceremony, where one returning player became the first to have their torch snuffed by Probst.
The First Immunity Challenge of Season 50 is a ‘Survivor’ Classic
CBSWhile the “Survivor 50” castaways spent the first two days of the competition reacquainting themselves with island life at their respective camps scattered across Fiji’s Mamanunca Islands, the game truly begins as the 24 players – split into three tribes of eight castaways each – gather on the beach for the first Immunity Challenge of the season.
According to Ross, the challenge is a “Survivor” classic: an intense obstacle course followed by a 50-piece puzzle. In the end, the two tribes able to complete the challenge first will secure immunity, sending the third to a date with Jeff at Tribal Council, where they will have to vote out one of their own in the season’s first elimination ceremony.
The windy, rainy weather witnessed in EW’s first-look material has blown off by the time Probst says, “Come on in!”, with Ross reporting a “beautiful sunny morning” as the setting for the players’ premiere Immunity Challenge.
“They walk in, one tribe at a time, finding their proper positions and filling the camera-line gaps between each other,” Ross relayed. “As these reality TV veterans are so well trained to do.”
Jeff Probst Gets Nostalgic Ahead of First Season 50 Challenge
CBSIn typical Probst fashion, the longtime host then launches into a brief dialogue with the gathered players, picking their brains to see how they are feeling after two full days back on “Survivor.”
The host begins his interrogation with “Survivor: The Australian Outback” runner-up Colby Donaldson, one of the few castaways who has ever dared to push back against his authority.
“Colby, out of the gate, I see intensity on your face. Everybody else is smiling and you are in the locker room, ready to go,” Probst observed.
Donaldson, keeping his cards close to his chest, gets straight to the point, telling Jeff, “I’m having fun. We’re good.”
Probst chuckles, immediately brought back to a similar exchange he had with Colby during his appearance on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” as he tells the castaways, “Oh my God! We’re back to 15 years ago. I asked Colby a simple question and the response I get is, ‘We’re good. Carry on, Probst.’”
“Sorry,” Donaldson apologized. “I should smile. I’m having fun. That’s an honest answer.”
“There’s no sorrys,” Probst responds. “This is the banter of 50. When you’ve known each other this long, this is what makes it so fun.”
‘Survivor’ Teases Brand-New Tribal Council Set for Season 50
CBSWhile Ross was contractually forbidden from providing any further information on the season’s first Immunity Challenge, his coverage picked up once again as the undisclosed losing tribe travelled to the “Survivor 50” Tribal Council area for the very first time.
“Hovering over the proceedings are several giant phoenix statues dotted across the imposing temple-themed Tribal Council set,” Ross reported. “But there will be no rebirth in the game via Redemption Island or the Edge of Extinction for whoever’s fire is about to be extinguished.”
Probst begins the ceremony with an off-camera message to the vulnerable castaways, some of whom haven’t played “Survivor” in more than 15 years, to remind them of how the process will work under the show’s “new era” format.
“He thoroughly explains the intricacies of the Shot in the Dark for those who have never played with the New Era twist, demonstrates proper talking volume while voting so others cannot hear you, and shows contestants exactly where to stand if and when it is their turn to be snuffed,” wrote Ross.
Probst Shares Heartfelt Message Before First Season 50 Elimination
CBSBefore the cameras start rolling, Probst delivers one final message to the gathered castaways.
“I’m going to say what I’ve always said, which is, ‘Sad to have anybody voted out,’” Probst began. “I mean it, looking to every one of you in the eyes, Sad to have any of you voted out.”
“This season more than others is very special. I know how much it takes to get here. We all know what sacrifices you all made, and all your loved ones and everything. I also know without these stakes, who [cares]? This is why ‘Survivor’ is interesting, is because it’s life or death all the time. So just know when I’m snuffing your torch, my heart?” Probst said, touching his chest. “But my head? It’s the … game you signed up for, right?”
The castaways nodded, affirming that they understood Probst’s message. Moments later, the first player of “Survivor 50” is voted out of the game as the third night on the island comes to a close.
Ross’ coverage of the season’s first Immunity Challenge and Tribal Council ceremony are, of course, truncated to avoid spoilers.
To find out exactly what happens, fans will need to tune in to CBS on Wednesday, February 25 at 8:00 pm ET to catch the epic, long-awaited three-hour premiere of “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.”
