Survivor China: Reality TV Comes Back with a Bang

Survivor China opens with a bang as it slaps the core of American religious belief in the face. In a political climate where "traditional religious beliefs" are under attack by the media and other special groups, CBS opts to open its 16th season with a "traditional" Buddhist ceremony. Some will claim that this is not bringing religion into play but others will argue just as vehemently that it does. Overall it seems just a continuation of giving anything Chinese a free pass into the American way of life. Our children are being put in danger by cheap, poor manufacturing controls, unsanitary food standards and the open buying of politicians and custom officials. And yet I am sure that Survivor China will open to the largest TV audience of the day.

Using Jiang Xi as a backdrop the producers, and pre show hype claim new and different. Using just the first 20 minutes of the show and the opening shots of the tribes camps it looks very similar to the last couple of shows. With all the hype of giving away a million dollars this season, the real question is how much is the Chinese government being paid to allow the filming of the season. Not that it will make any difference to the hard core fans. Just a quick look at the fan sites after the show had the kudos being piled on before the final credits were even finished. The quick reviews being posted so fast appear a little to contrived making it seem that many of these posters may have had serious access to the show before the rest of us.

Watching the tribes in their new homes looks more like a school yard with all the haves and have nots already being divided along the same clique lines as every other show in this genre. The young good looking guy, whether deserving or not becomes the defacto leader. The older, more experienced male being set up for early elimination because he doesn't fit in with the younger crowd. The heavy set male or female and the really pretty and busty female who is able to get away with doing absolutely nothing, these stereotypes have been adequately portrayed in the first episode. The real twist will be seeing how the "kidnapped" scenarios play out and what effect it will have on the final players. The introduction of "The Art of War" was an easy call. The most Americanized version of Chinese writing would have been included if only as a parting gift for the eliminated players.

With all the knocks out of the way, Survivor China looks like it will be an exciting show this season. The players seem mentally tough for the most part and the gamesmanship started early. Perhaps a little too early, as it seems our poker player may be giving away his "skills" at reading people at little too much. His stated purpose was to let him know he considered him a player and perhaps he is setting him up to form an alliance in the future. PG's comments about why she wanted to vote off Chicken seemed a little bit strange. As she tried to assert her hand as a leader she seemed to find a lot of enemies who don't like pushy, serious females.

Public opinion seems to have been already formed as Survivor China opens as a hit to the new fall season. Individual opinion is still out. The verdict is up in the air. The few dissenting voices being heard express a concern that the show is not new and doing the same old thing. Well from this reviewer, Good Luck survivors and Good Luck CBS.