It's great to be back!
Did you know that I'm a former federal agent? Well neither did I, but that phrase stole the show in the premiere episode of Survivor: Redemption Island, uttered by the soon-to-be-legendary Phillip.
Boston Rob and Russell Hantz aren't the only ones returning this week, as this also marks the return of the "Survivor Round-up." I scour the Internet to find you the most fascinating Survivor-related news and info each week so you don't have to. It's your one-stop shop to get all the latest episode recaps, exit interviews, blogs, and other inside Survivor info.
Since this is the first round-up of 2011, let's catch up on a few other items as well. Just click on the links below to check out and get caught up, and then check in next week with TV Geek Army for the next installment!
Richard Hatch exclusive interview. The first-ever winner of Survivor made a lot of holiday headlines by being brought back to court on charges he violated his probation. Here is an exclusive interview I had with Richard Hatch discussing almost everything you can think of: His time on Survivor, his legal battle, his 4 years in prison. He also discusses Survivor and hints at his upcoming appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, as well as his book that he hopes to write once exonerated. Richard was also recently featured in the documentary "Death or Taxes," about the American tax system.
Hatch made the biggest off-season headlines, but now that Redemption Island is off and running, here's what you need to check out from this week. Due to the new Redemption Island twist, there are no exit interviews until after the 3rd episode, when someone is finally booted off the show.
Survivor Examiner Episode 1 recap: "...Says Phillip: 'I'm a former federal agent. And I'm also an expert in analyzing people's behavior.' He is also an expert at creating awkward moments and telling insignificant nuggets of truth as if he works for WikiLeaks."
JeffProbst.com: Jeff Probst no longer blogs for EW.com and PopWatch, and has started his own website. Each week though, he promises either a blog or a vlog. Click this link to read his take on the first episode.
Dalton Ross: He's basically the Survivor-guru, and the most inside of all insiders. He writes constantly about Survivor, and here is a link to his most recent, compelling work, including: His Episode 1 full recap, a Q & A with Jeff Probst on Episode 1, and...is there a "Celebrity Survivor" in the works?
Rob Cesternino Podcasts: Former Survivor All-Star Rob Cesternino has one of the most entertaining Survivor podcasts out there, most recently doing a Redemption Island preview as well as a "Survivor Winner Picks" podcast. Check it out!
FilmSurvivor.com: Yes it's a shameless plug, but I have now started my own blog! As a movie critic and member of the Detroit Film Critics Society, at FilmSurvivor.com I mix my movie reviews with a collection of all of my Survivor-related weekly columns. Did you know that I write weekly previews and recaps for Examiner.com as the Survivor Examiner? I also get exclusive time with voted-out cast members each week. I also write a companion-piece to my recap, an in-depth analysis for TheTVKing.com, and of course this "Survivor Round-up" for TVGeekArmy.com. So as you can see I'm a busy dude! If that's all too much, just go to FilmSurvivor.com for a collection of all my work each week!
So there you have it, after all of the above you should find yourself caught up and ready for Episode 2 airing next Wednesday at 8:00 on CBS. Who will join Francesca on Redemption Island? Will Russell meet his match? Will Phillip tell anyone about his status as a former federal agent? See you next Friday!
About the author
Tom Santilli is a national columnist and movie critic, who also covers Survivor for Examiner.com. His ongoing work can be found at his blog, FilmSurvivor.com. He is a member of the Detroit Film Critic Society, and huge Survivor fan.
Was a very entertaining first episode, and Probst was right in saying that it was one of the more amazing tribal council's that I've seen!
Great to have you back Tom !