Survivor 48 is fast approaching, although fans are still obsessed with Survivor 47. The most recent season certainly made an impression on browsers. As a result, Survivor 48 has some big shoes to fill. While it will be difficult for the upcoming season to live up to Survivor 47, it is definitely possible. While Survivor 47 was amazing, it wasn’t without its weaknesses. If Survivor 48 can improve upon them, it has the potential to be even better than Survivor 47.
Survivor 48 needs a more well-rounded final four
As good as Survivor 47 was, it became underwhelming toward the end. After Andy Rueda and Genevieve Mushaluk placed sixth and fifth respectively, there was no question that Rachel LaMont would win. Rachel had played a well-rounded game after being an underdog for the first half of the season. After finding two advantages, winning four immunity challenges, and playing an impressive strategic game, Rachel was the clear winner. At the Final Tribal Council, Rachel received seven of the eight jury votes.
The only other contestant in the Final Four who was somewhat of a threat was Sam Phalen. Unlike Rachel, Sam started as a threat but became weaker later in the game. Sam played a good game, especially taking his fire-making win into account. However, in the end, Sam just didn’t have a resume that came close to Rachel’s. On the other hand, neither Sue Smey nor Teeny Chirichillo made any big moves in the game. Their social games and likability are what took them to the final four.
Survivor 48 needs to finish strong, which would mean a competitive final four. It’s not as fun to watch when it’s easy to guess who the winner will be. Survivor should be unpredictable from start to finish. If Survivor 48 has a better final four than Survivor 47, it has a great shot at being the better of the two seasons.
Survivor 48 needs more exciting advantage plays
One of the most exciting things about Survivor is the game’s advantages. The most popular advantage is of course the Immunity Idol, which saves players from potentially being voted out during Tribal Council. The New Era of Survivor has introduced several new advantages, with the most popular being the Shot in the Dark. Every player receives one at the start of the game and can use it during any Tribal Council if they give up their vote. With the Shot in the Dark, the contestants each have a one in six chance at safety.
The advantages make Tribal Councils more exciting, as they often change the vote at the last minute. Survivor 47 featured several advantage plays, which was a step up from Survivor 46. The only exciting idol play of Survivor 47 came from Rachel, who saved herself from getting eliminated during the final six. At the beginning of the season, Gabe Ortis and Rome Cooney played idols, although neither was in danger of being eliminated. Furthermore, Sue played an idol at the final five, which was also uneventful as she didn’t receive any votes. Rachel was also the only contestant who played a Shot in the Dark, although it didn’t hit.
Survivor 48 could end up ranking above Survivor 47 if it ups its advantage plays. It would be nice to see several players make key idol plays and not get rid of them at the end like Sue. Apart from the idols, it would also be cool if a player could successfully play a Shot in the Dark. This twist has only worked twice, with only one player being saved from it so far. Survivor 48 could make a huge mark on the New Era if they can include some key advantage plays.
Survivor 48 needs better challenges
One of my favorite parts of Survivor is the challenges. Each episode features at least one, although sometimes there are reward and immunity challenges. At the start of the season, the players compete in tribes. After making the merge, they typically compete alone.
Survivor 47 fell short when it came to the challenges, as it recycled the majority of them from previous seasons. The newer challenges weren’t terribly exciting and it seemed like every other challenge was a balancing test. Even the rewards this season were underwhelming. Survivor 48 needs to pick up the pace with more creative challenges and better rewards.
Survivor 48 premieres Wednesday, February 26 at 8/7c on CBS.
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