Outwit! Outplay! Outlast! More than 17 million viewers tuned in last Thursday night to watch the premiere episode of "Survivor: Cook Islands." Within the first moments of the program, castaways were put to the test, gathering all that they could from the main ship in only thirty seconds.
As the castaways jumped overboard and prepared to paddle towards the island, they did not have time to think about where they were headed or what their futures would entail, other than twenty strangers, thirty-nine days, a new society, and one survivor.
However, this season, the term "survivor" takes on more meaning that it has in any of the show's past incarnations.
"Survivor" has the potential to become one of the most controversial programs on television this fall, as the show has determined the four teams by the singular quality of race. African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Latinos, and Caucasians will compete for the title of "survivor." With this new division, there is an inevitable implication as to which race is the most "fit."
The initial scenes of the program were dedicated to the thoughts of the show's participants. What did this new "social experiment," as host Jeff Probst called it, mean in terms of competition?
Yul, a member of the Asian American tribe Pukapuka, said skeptically, "I'm a little worried that it might play out to caricatures and stereotypes." There were those castaways who embraced the makeover of "Survivor." Cecilia of the Latino tribe Aitutaki voiced her excitement for the opportunity to represent the Latino community in a positive way.
Like all seasons, once each of the four tribes settled in, it did not take long for certain bonds, love interests, and/or opposition between teammates to form. In the African-American tribe Manihiki, former jazz musician Sekou Bunch took charge as he began to delegate tasks and take frequent breaks. Resentful of his power-trip, the females of the tribe quickly united. New Yorkers Sundra and Rebecca developed a more cohesive relationship that proved to be a deciding factor at Tribal Council at the end of the program.
The first immunity challenge, which consisted of a puzzle-like obstacle course, was a battle of speed and wits. Each of the four tribes had to piece together a boat, paddle to retrieve a fire torch, and quickly solve a compass puzzle back at the beach. The Asian-American castaways from tribe Pukapuka were named the victors, gaining a much desired fire kit and the coveted immunity idol.
The second and third place finishers, the Latino and Caucasian teams, received immunity as well as flint. The African-American team finished last and the dreaded tribal counsel now loomed. One twist to the Immunity Challenge, however, sent Jonathan of the Caucasian tribe Rarotonga to Exile Island for two nights.
"Kharma's a bizzle," replied Nate, referring to the fact that Jonathan had stolen a chicken from the Asian-American team while pillaging the main ship.
As the African-American tribe Manihiki prepared to go to Tribal Council, there was a rush to secure loyalties. The two male members, Sekou and Nate, became allies and planned to vote off Sundra at Council.
Similarly, Sundra and Rebecca formed an alliance and intended to vote off Sekou. The remaining team member, Stephannie, became the swing vote. Not until the final vote was read did audience members across the nation discover that Stephannie had sided with the females. The tribal council had spoken and the Manihiki tribe soon parted with Sekou. Though group dynamics were a large topic at tribal council, race and ethnicity continued to be the focus of discussion.
Though the show had no instances of extreme hostility or bigotry, there were nonetheless instances of voiced stereotyping. Pukapuka's own Cao Boi said that his team would be underestimated and under the radar, for no one would suspect the "little people with slanted eyes."
A member of the African-American team was determined to prove certain stereotypes false, saying, "Black people can swim and paddle. We don't just run track."
