Jeff Probst announced the cast for Survivor 50 yesterday morning on the CBS Morning Show. I actually watched it live after they teased it a few times, and made me sit through an hour and a half of the show. Glad I never got into the habit of watching TV in the morning. It was a hard watch

But enough of that.

Here is the list of the cast, and a few thoughts

Colby Donaldson: Seasons 2 (The Australian Outback), 8 (All-Stars), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains)
I always liked Colby, and am glad to see him back. (8 /10)

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: Seasons 10 (Palau), 11 (Guatemala), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains)
I am a big fan of Stephanie. She deserves to be back — (9/10)

Cirie Fields: Seasons 12 (Panama-Exile Island), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 34 (Game Changers)
I like Cirie and wish her well, but we have seen enough of her – (4/10)

Ozzy Lusth: Seasons 13 (Cook Islands), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 23 (South Pacific), 34 (Game Changers)
Always fun to watch – One of the few who played a lot but still think is a good addition (7/10)

Benjamin “Coach” Wade: Seasons 18 (Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 23 (South Pacific)
Coach is the man. Can always bring him back – One of my all-time favorites (9/10)

Aubry Bracco: Seasons 32 (Kaôh Rōng – Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty), 34 (Game Changers), 38 (Edge of Extinction)
I like Abury, but don’t think of her when I think of the best of the best (6/10)

Chrissy Hofbeck: Season 35 (Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers)
Glad to see Chrissy back – She got screwed with the firemaking twist and deserves this. Also, she is from my home town, so its always fun to see and root for somebody local — Go Huterdon County NJ (9/10)

Christian Hubicki: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath)
Always related to the way he looks at and analysis the game – Good choice (8/10)

Angelina Keeley: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath)
The only one of the cast that I don’t remember and really have no thoughts on (2/10)

Rick Devens: Season 38 (Edge of Extinction)
I liked Rick. Has a good personality for the game and wish him well (8/10)

Jonathan Young: Season 42
He’s a beast and dominated challenges. It will be great to see how this plays out. Will people use him to help them get far (I know I would) (7/10)

Dee Valladares: Season 45 Winner
I’m not the biggest fan and don’t feel they needed to include past winners who were not also all-time greats (4/10)

Emily Flippen: Season 45
I was a big fan of hers on her season, but it will be interesting how she handles playing a second time (7/10)

Q Burdette: Season 46
He is a character. Similar to Emily, will be interesting to see how he handles playing again (6/10)

Tiffany Ervin: Season 46
Nothing special and unremarkable to me. Also, not sure we need so many new era players, as the style of the game has changed (3/10)

Charlie Davis: Season 46
I think I remember him, but nothing really stands out — Another new ear player (4/10)

Genevieve Mushaluk: Season 47
Kind of like Charlie. I liked here but noting screams all-time great to me (4/10)

Kamilla Karthigesu: Season 48
Too early to even think about. I would not have had anybody back from this session. (3/10)

Kyle Fraser: Season 48 Winner
Too early to even think about. I would not have had anybody back from this session. (3/10)

Joseph Hunter: Season 48
Too early to even think about. I would not have had anybody back from this session. (3/10)

Looking at my rankings, It appears I have a bias against the new era players. While I ranked a lot of them low, there were several factors that went into my thought process;

1. The style of the game has changed a lot in the new era. As I have written numerous times on this blog, a lot of the new era players seemed more interested in having a fun adventure and making friends than winning the game. This makes them kind of boring as they are almost afraid to make any moves that would make other players mad

2. In old-school Survivor, players were much more strategic and cut-throat. They had no problems lying and manipulating other players. They would make moves that helped them move forward, even if it meant alienating them.

3. Ponderosa — When CBS used to show players leaving the game and going to Ponderosa, you got a different view and perspective of the players. Some of my favorite memories of early seasons were watching the Ponderosa Videos and getting an inside view of the players and the game.

4. History — I just seem to have more history with players of older seasons. Similar to why people favor movies or music of their youth over new stuff, I just feel more comfortable and relate better to the older players

I feel it will be really fascinating to see how Season 50 plays out. Will the familiarity of how players played help or hurt their game. Will there be any animosity between the different eras of players? We can also not forget the Fans’ Choice Voting determining things like Idols and Challenges. Lots of players have not played with the same rules and circumstances as others

There is plenty of time before things even get started, and I am sure I will have more thoughts as things come out and fans share their thoughts and opinions. I am already trying to figure out the best way to avoid spoilers as filming starts. I’m hoping the Producers put out a mandate on posting and sharing on social media platforms.

Best of Luck to all the #Survivor50 players

AverageAndy

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