Can Survivor Survive?

Survivor had the worst ratings for a finale in its 24 season history. Survivor: One World's finale ratings were down 30 percent from the previous season, Survivor: South Pacific, with 6 million fewer viewers.

   Jeff Probst stated in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that Survivor: One world was a “bit of a letdown”. “People were locking into these alliances of five and running all the way to the end”. So for Survivor: Philippines producers decided to change things up and try the three-tribe scenario and see what that does.

   This is not new. We've seen the three-tribe scenario before, back in season 8 Survivor All-Stars. During that season an alliance of four controlled the game. Rob Mariano, Amber Brkich, who had their own alliance early in the game, Rupert Boneham and Jenna Lewis formed, which stayed strong until the final four. The 4 person alliance was broken up for a time when the tribes were switched up but after the merge they dominated the rest of the game.

   So does the three-tribe scenario really change the numbers game? The simple answer is No. I'm sure there will be twists and a switched tribe(or 2) But this season, just like every season before it, will come down to whichever alliance is the strongest come the merge and steam roll their way to the finals. Or in old school terms “Pagonging”. Those of you who have been watching since the first season will understand this term. For others I suggest you google it.

   Now, I've said this before(back in 2004), they should do away with the 2 or 3 tribes scenario. They should have all 16 to 18 castaways live in one big tribe from day one. This I believe would stop the 4-5 person alliances from taking over because their will be multiple alliances, double alliances, plotting and scheming for one side to get the upper hand. Survivor: One World came close but they still had them separated into men vs women.

   For me the best part of the show is after the merge. When the survivors have their best chances to make a big move in the game. Rarely does any of them do it because they believe that they are higher in the pecking order of the alliance. They realize it after they have been blindsided and its too late. I do enjoy a good blindside

So can Survivor survive? Well. Jeff Probst promises that “Next season is going to be a return to GREAT Survivor. We are looking forward to it Jeff.