Cook Islands

Ok, not gonna lie, I was not in my dorm or otherwise in front of a TV at 8pm on Thursday night. Well, monitors in a studio, but not a survivor-viewing set. So once my audition for hosting on a local college "The Amazing Race" emulation "The Race" I ran for my dorm. Ok jogged. But I made it in time to only miss the stuff before the first commercial break. So I didn't get to hear Jeff go over everything, but I saw what I needed to see. On to the analysis!

Firstly, I already voiced my concern of the crappy logistics of four small tribes of five. It can only last three weeks tops, and I'm betting they'll mix it up after the next episode, if not during. So there was only one challenge this week (unless I missed one) that provided fire to three winning tribes, the fastest earning a fire kit, and the losing tribe heading to tribal council. (Where they'll also get fire, but lose a tribe mate. Awww.)

So, the challenge for immunity I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of it. I only hope they maintain that level for the entire season. The low down was a physical race to a construction of a boat puzzle with pegs and such. Then physical boat racing to a flame, and returning the boat to the beach. Then taking the slats holding the boat together they head to a puzzle of assembling squares scribed with the four cardinal directions. Once complete the team was finally allowed to use the slats to make a ladder to light up their flame, gaining immunity.

With four teams, the first three teams would earn flint and the first of them would earn a full fire kit and caboodle. The losing team would get Jeff for night. The Hiki tribe lost so as an added element they got to pick a castaway to uh....castaway on castaw-- er exile island. Same ole deal with the hidden immunity idol blah blah. Needless to say the first clue was wanting in details.

The Hiki tribe (black tribe for those remembering the race divide) had been branching into sects already, with two girls buddying up and the two guys wanting to team up against the women. Unfortunately there was a gender imbalance in the tribe, three girls to two guys. The interesting bit was that two of the women are becoming fast friends, leaving the third in a position to either ally with the women or the men. She held the gender line and Sekou was the first castaway voted off survivor. The tribe spoke, and I still don't know anyone's name on the island.

So yeah, seeya after the Amazing Race premiere!