Survivor Tocantins Preview

This afternoon, Friday February 6th, the following was written on my facebook wall, courtesy of my friend Jamie -

“HEY!! I thought you said Survivor was starting last night. I was all fired up, wearing my survivor t-shirt and my official Survivor buff from eBay (I wear mine turban style)…and then nothing. Very upsetting.”

Now please keep in mind that Jamie is a fellow Survivor fanatic. Her facebook posting evidences this. Like all Survivor fans, the upcoming season has her giddy with anticipation. This euphoria obviously confused her when she read my January 29th column, “What’s On Tonight?”

Thursday February 12th is the date for the premier of Survivor Tocantins. It marks the 18th season of the award winning reality show. My early research indicates that all the ingredients necessary for another stellar season are definitely there.

Host Jeff Probst takes a brand new cast of 16 hopefuls to Tocantins. Located in the heartland of Brazil, the State of Tocantins, borders the states of Bahia, Maranhão and Piauí, in the North region; it has one of the smallest population rate in the country.


Survivor custom is followed, as the contestants will be broken into two tribes, Jalapao and Timbira. Each tribe will be comprised of four men and four women. The traditional diversity looks to be present as well. Here are the members of the tribe:

Timbira

Ben, a 37-year-old soccer coach who doubles as an orchestra conductor. Maestro?
Brendan, a 30-year-old successful entrepreneur.
Candace, a 31-year-old who lawyer who doubles as a model. Nice combination.
Debra, a 46-year-old Middle School Principal who reportedly doesn’t act her age.
Erinn, a 26-year-old hair stylist from Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Jerry, a 49-year-old U.S. Army Sergeant recently returned from duty in Afghanistan.
Sierra, a 23-year-old model. Perhaps a Sugar wanna-be?
Tyson, a 29-year-old professional cyclist.

Jalapao

Carolina, a 26-year-old bartender. She is the little cutie this season.
J.T., a 24-year-old hard working cattle farmer.
Joe, a 26-year-old real estate salesman who will remind Survivor fans of Colby.
Sandy, a 53-year-old bus driver. A good old country girl from Kentucky.
Spencer, a 19-year-old college student. A fan of Survivor since age 10!
Stephen, a 29-year-old corporate consultant. A cunning strategist.
Sydney, a 24-year-old interior designer who also models. Yes, another one.
Taj, a 37-year-old R&B singer who is he wife of Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George.

There you have your two tribes. Nine of the participants are under the age of 30, with seven 30 or over. By my estimation there are at least a half a dozen guys that qualify as hunks. For the male fans there are no less than 6 babes, one of which is in the MILF category.

With this eclectic group of personalities all that is needed are some innovative challenges and several of producer Mark Burnett’s now infamous twists. And it all starts Thursday. I know Jamie can’t wait and neither can I. Until next time…from Tocantins.