‘Survivor’ survives by never truly changing

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The big plot twist
Beyond the physical challenge, the cast will also have another major surprise to deal with, and that involves the return of “two of the most popular past Survivors,” as CBS commercials have revealed. Although the commercial asks “Who are they?”, the word has been out for quite a while: “Survivor Palau” contestants Stephenie LaGrossa and Bobby Jon Drinkard will join the 16 new faces in Guatemala.

What’s not clear is what exactly Bobby Jon and Steph will be doing there. During their season, both showed a lot of physical strength and stamina. Stephenie in particular won many viewers' hearts with her relentless optimism and continued success.

But they were also both members of the lamest tribe in “Survivor” history, and especially from Bobby Jon, we didn’t see too much strategy or actual game play. Physically he was dominant, but that seemed to be just pure biology. This is a guy who told TV Guide, “I win like a man, I lose like a man; that’s just the way it is. … You know what? I’m a man. You turn me loose in the woods and I’m going to act like a man acts.”

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If producers are allowing two past cast members to try their hand at the game once more, are Bobby Jon and Stephenie really the best two to bring back? Perhaps they’ll serve some other role, such as that of pseudo-Mayan tribal leaders, guiding the tribes but not actually competing. Either way, their presence likely will impact the game.

Are there more twists to come?
Besides their return, other minor cast-related twists may have an effect. Previews have shown that at least two cast members intend to lie to their new friends about who they are. Former NFL quarterback Gary Hogeboom is one of those, as he realizes his fame and lack of financial need will make him a target.

Curiously, CBS has officially announced the names and identities of 16 cast members, not including Stephenie and Bobby Jon.

However, at various times, the network has said there would be 18 and 20 people participating. With the addition of the two “Palau” cast members, 18 makes sense, but 20? Why the discrepancies? Are there other twists that will follow after the first episode?

From reading the 16 castaways’ bios, it's been noted that three cast members have identical twins. Perhaps this is a coincidence, or perhaps some additional players could join the game. Let’s just hope that “Survivor” doesn’t try to borrow from the lame twin twist of fellow CBS show “Big Brother 5,” in which twin siblings secretly changed places every few days.

Whatever happens, the best part about “Survivor” is that it will always be “Survivor.” Outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting have yet to be overshadowed by even the lamest twists.

Andy Dehnart is a writer and teacher who publishes reality blurred, a daily summary of reality TV news.

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