Meh start to ‘Survivor’ 9

THERE are times when you can’t help but question the prudence of networks.

Two weeks ago, M-net launched season 9 of Survivor South Africa. The drawcard is that it sees a “Return of the Outcasts”.also, it features fan favourites who never got to fulfil their dream to outwit, outplay and outlast.

Now viewers understandably get giddy in such moments. They are here for the drama and the entertainment, knowing the personalities.

Before I share my two cents on this season (so far), I can’t help but wonder why M-net would schedule this four times a week. First, the screening of the previous season on a Thursday night was not the smartest move from a rating point of view. Also, shows like this get more traction in a Sunday slot.

Since the first episode, I’ve caught an episode here and there. What I can say is that the show would do better as a soapie, with all the backstabbing and blindsiding that is going on.

Don’t even get me started on the personality clashes and weird accents.

The bottom line: no one has learned anything from having played the game before. This season feels like it’s doused by drama and pettiness rather than intrigue and strategic play. I’m bored, already!

Survivor SA: Return of the Outcasts airs on M-net at 6pm from Monday to Thursday, weekly.

THE Yontau tribe only made it to the pre-merger phase of the game previously.