11 returning castaways and 13 new contestants. 2 shocking hospitalisations. Shifty stealing of supplies. Australian Survivor: Heroes vs Villains is back in it’s exhilarating glory.
It’s that time of year where Australian’s breathe a sigh of relief. The kids are back at school and the 2023 ratings period starts with some decent TV. And if you aren’t into weddings or singing, there’s always Survivor.
In Monday night’s premiere episode of Australian Survivor: Hereos vs Villians, we finally get to meet our 24 castaways, a strong mix of high achievers and everyday people in a cut-throat competition to win $500,000.
Australian Survivor 2023 has a mix of returning players including season 6 winner Hayley Leake and fellow season 6 Alumni Flick, as well as Nina from last years Blood vs Water.
On the dark side, Brains vs Brawn standouts Simon and the self proclaimed “King of Bankstown” George are back to claim the ultimate prize. The smiling assassin Shonee Bowtell is making Australian Survivor history being the first contestant to participate in three seasons.
“IT’S THE SECOND coming of king george”
– George Mladenov
Let’s begin.
After 2 years of border closures, the contestants enthusiastically whip out their passports and return to where the first seasons of channel 10’s Australian survivor began; Samoa.
With half of our 24 castaways being returnees, JLP wastes no time in getting the contestants to fighting over survivor staples – food, flint and tools – just like we fought over toilet paper at the start of 2020.
Whilst, the Villian’s quickly try to remind the viewers of the filthy game tactics like wrestling and stealing that made them famous. The Hero’s unofficial team captain Shaun Hampson carries the Heroes team to reward victory. Leaving the Villian’s to return to their barren new campsite and argue exactly where the ‘I’ is in the word teamwork.
Meanwhile in Switzerland the Hero’s campsite, the Heroes castaways are singing “We’re all in this together” but Queen Hayley is bored. She’s seen Survivor All Stars before. Shane Gould might be happy with half a million dollars but Hayley is set on being the first castaway to win Australian Survivor twice. We catch our first glimpse of darkness stirring amongst the golden heroes team knowing there is more to come this season. Fortunately, Hayley does not have to start stirring the pot as Survivor newbie Rogue starts making controversial comments that will not will not be repeated in this recap.
Fast forward to the first immunity challenge, the contestants get backflipped into the mud by a poorly devised cube. This is the first and last time we will ever see this occupational hazard of an obstacle as King George and fellow Champion’s vs contenders, Jackie both get sent to injured and rushed to hospital, falling victim to this poorly designed obstacle.
George and Jackie’s injury flusters the Villian’s team and true to their chaotic ways, the Villian’s scramble to the finish line but it’s too late. Cool, calm and collected, the Heroes sail to victory. All thanks to their 2 former AFL players, Sean and David.
Without George and Jackie, the Villian’s are stumped about who to vote out. For the first time ever, Shonee is flustered and survivor paranoia tries to get the best of her. Meanwhile, first-time villain Michael chaotically fires votes for George. Jordie glares at him and makes a mental note to put Michael on his hit list for future tribals.
Sadly, Michael doesn’t stir the pot enough to cast his name down. At tribal council, JLP updates the Villian’s tribe with medical updates for George and Jackie. George is ok and likely to return to the competition but poor Jackie has fractured her collarbone and has been medically discharged from the competition.
JLP asks the Villian’s with Jackie’s sudden departure if they would like to continue voting out one of their players. It’s an easy decision, isn’t it? Simon believes they would not be Villian’s if they didn’t vote someone out anyway. Liz suggests ripping off the bandaid and send someone packing. Unsure of who to vote out, Anjali says:
“The first pancake always goes in the bin”
– Anjali.
And that dad joke is bad enough for the Villian’s to unanimously decide to send her home.
For a deep dive into strategy and game play, don’t miss the new season of Australian Survivor: Talking Tribal, only on 10 Play and the LiSTNR app.
Nice recap Samantha – you brought me up to speed even though I missed the episode.
Thanks