SURVIVOR: Gabon – Episode 2, The Debate Edition

This evening, we witnessed a momentous event in American history. In the midst of a fierce battle for votes on Election Day, a dynamic and unconventional female candidate faced down the challenge of an educated and intellectual male candidate. The stakes could not be higher, and the results were surprising.Of course, I am speaking of Sugar’s quest to succeed where Dan failed in finding the hidden immunity idol on Exile Island!

Was there any question what I was talking about?

Tonight’s installment from the Survivor: Gabon saga brought a competitive edge back to the game. Last week’s premiere was an undeniable blowout by the cagey Kota tribe, and the Fang tribe worked hard to even the score after losing the first two Immunity Challenges. As events unfolded, we were also introduced to the first breakout star of Season 17.

Jessica “Sugar” Kiper has a fascinating pedigree for a reality show contestant. A pin-up model who describes herself on cbs.com as “flirty and fun,” Sugar shares her home in Brooklyn with her dog Major P Pants. Unlike the alpha males who have asserted themselves into positions of leadership on both tribes, Sugar must be considered an early favorite to win Survivor: Gabon.

After her Kota tribe lost tonight’s reward challenge, Sugar was selected by Fang to spend time on Exile Island. In a nod to the “roadblock” feature on The Amazing Race, this season’s isolation destination includes a choice of clue or comfort. Survivors are provided the option to sleep in a small cabin with food and blankets, or receive the first clue to the location of the Immunity Idol.

After Boston attorney Dan’s futile effort in last week’s episode, it was reasonable to expect Sugar to fail miserably in assembling the four clues leading to safety. However, Sugar put the pieces together in a logical manner, and walked away with both the Idol and a huge boost to her power within the game.

Sugar’s discovery would not have been possible without the resurgent Fang tribe. In winning both the reward and immunity challenges this week, Fang overcame low expectations and reinserted some old fashioned drama into the show. It would appear that Gillian’s dismissal from Fang provided a fresh start of sorts for the remaining members. As a result, their cohesion was enhanced, both at camp and in the heat of competition.

Both of the Fang victories made for interesting television, due to the originality of the challenge designs. The reward challenge featured two members of one tribe attempting to literally pry one of their opponents from a wooden pole and drag them to victory. This contest was replete with both physical and psychological drama. This year’s antagonist, Kota’s undemocratically elected leader Ace, sacrificed his team’s smallest female, Paloma, and that betrayal foreshadowed her elimination at Tribal Council. Fang claimed immunity in a complex and fan-friendly showdown featuring an industrial sized slip and slide and a math riddle worthy of your local Academic Games team.

My experience with reality television may be limited, but I do believe that viewers want to have a stake in the outcome. Whether you are texting votes for your favorite American Idol or hoping against hope that your least favorite team on The Amazing Race finishes last, the journey should be consequential. After a season premiere that had me rooting for West African hippos to destroy both camps, I am happy to report that the Survivor crew redeemed themselves tonight with dynamic games and compelling characters.

Now that the game is on, I cannot wait to read your thoughts. Will Sugar become the most popular pin-up girl since the 1950’s? Can you root for someone who is aligned with Ace? Did you enjoy the new challenges? Are there any dark horses that you are keeping an eye on? Most importantly, are you looking forward to the next episode? Why or why not?

My time is up, and I look forward to your rebuttal.

–posted by Erik

How does Erik stay grounded from his luxurious life as a substitute teacher? He keeps it real with ALF DVDs & Fantasy Football. On weekends, the GMMR HOUSE & SURVIVOR guru spends quiet time imploring the TV gods to bring back Sports Night & Ed. Erik resides in South Florida and spends his summers following Dave Matthews Band.