- Wed Apr 26, 2017 4:57:13 pm
#746
Episode 01 & Episode 02
Well, this season has certainly gotten off to a hell of a start... Going into the season it was a bit rushed, a bit all over the place in casting, I knew we had some good characters lined up, but it's always a concern when throwing together 100% new players that, they'll all suck. Or that they might not figure out how the game works, or they might be inactive. Even with countless hours spent casting over 60 people, interviewing over 30 people... It's a long draining process and at the end of it, you never know if it's going to pay off.
Thankfully, 6 days in I can say that this season is off to one of the best starts in Stranded history. That's a big deal. It shows HUGE potential. Of course, it's only day 6 and with 24 days left to go, anything can happen, it could be a snoozefest, but right now this cast has paid dividends in our hard work.
The Instant Messaging system has really had a huge impact on the way this game has played out. I think it allows for a lot more scrambling before Councils. I thought the opposite would happen and that it would result in more boring vote outs with people being able to communicate a lot easier. However, it has allowed people to change plans on a dime and get together a vote in a matter of seconds. Whereas before, it was very difficult to get a vote together, it took a lot of messaging and planning. I think also, there's a lack of group messages because you can so freely talk one on one with people. It also means that everyone is very accessible to change a vote. It has really impacted the series for the better and is definitely the biggest evolution thus far.... and I'm loving it.
We can pat ourselves on the back for casting and putting in a new message system and 3 tribe set up and twists, whatever... it ultimately comes down to the players and how THEY play the game. So I have to give 100% credit to them and let's give them some much deserved attention now:
Aomak
Aubry - Aubry is someone that I was most excited about seeing play the game. She has a lot of depth of character about her. I feel like we are just scratching the surface on Aubry. She's very calculated, cool, calm and collected. At the same time, she's been the crux of the vote and alliances in the season. This last vote, for all intents and purposes she was the swing vote. She took the longest time to cast that vote and was the person that Nick approached as the swing vote. That tells me a lot about Aubry. She's not impulsive, she hates to make impulsive decisions. That could really hurt her chances going forward because Stranded is 100% impulse. There's no certainty. I think she's going to struggle with that. At the same time, her calculative mindset will benefit her amongst all the chaos. I very much look forward to seeing what happens with her going forward. I'd love to see her get into the rhythm of the game and I think she will.
Alecia - Alecia has quickly emerged as one of my favorite players. She's feisty, she's a good strategist, she's not afraid to let the other players know exactly how she feels. Anyone willing to flip someone off after they are voted out is someone after my own heart. I also love that she's kind of an underdog in the situation with Nick excluding her from a lot of the challenges, the idol clues, targeting her in his alliance. She's got massive potential in the game to be a powerhouse. I hope to see her make it far and I really hope her personality continues to shine as the game progresses.
Julia - We finally got to see a bit from Julia this past episode (2). Unfortunately it wasn't as much as I know she is capable of, but I'm glad she's finally getting into the mix of things. That may be unfair to say as they just started going to Council, I had just expected so much more from her up until this point. I think that going forward we will start to see more from Julia because I know she can be great. She's certainly not shy of drama from what I have spoken to her about. I hope she can harness that and start playing an involved and amazing game going forward.
Kyle - Kyle was a last minute replacement from someone who originally went inactive. And I am SOOOO happy that I did. My only regret is that he didn't make it further! I think we haven't seen the last from Kyle. He was really feisty, he showed a good understanding of strategy, and most importantly he showed he has a lot of heart for Stranded, which is very important to me. I think given another opportunity, we would see great things from Kyle. Unfortunately this time he got stuck on the wrong end of a he-said-she-said, maybe to no fault of his own. Great player. Sorry to see him go so soon.
Neal - He has an earnest quality about him that I really like. He seems to be out of place in terms of the drama and the backstabbing. I really love that aspect of him. What scares me is that he might get left out in the cold if he doesn't start embracing it. It's only day 6 and the drama is already at a season-long high. I don't know how well he will do if he continues to shy away from it. I think he made a stupid move turning on his alliance so soon just because he didn't like their dramatics. Neal... the game is going to get a LOT more dramatic, you can't just hide from it. You have to learn to deal with it and overcome it, it's part of the test that this game inflicts on people. That said, I love the sweetness that comes along with that. And coincidentally, that makes him a VERY interesting character. I hope he grows over time.
Nick - Nick is emerging as one of our stars this season. He's so arrogant and kind of douchey that I love it. He's handline the tasks like a boss. He's causing all kinds of drama wihtout care for the reprocutions. I absolutely love that he is guaranteed jury. I really hope we see a continuation of asshole Nick. He's so great. I think he really reminds me of Frank in how he's acting. Controlling alliances, fighting with people, etc... and getting to see Frank in the role of "Sheikh" is definitely something I am cosigning. He's great! He's really getting into the role and the fun of the whole thing. He gets it. What I want to see from Nick in the future is more of the same... If this is Nick on day 6, I cannot WAIT to see Nick on day 16.
Tai - Tai is one of the most lovable and amazing characters this season. He's a good strategist, he's lovably boneheaded in the way he publicly wrangled the alliance together. But at the same time, HE DID IT! He saw the opportunity, knew he was on the outs and worked to change it. He skyrocketed in my books for that alone. It really makes me excited to see Tai in the future wheeling and dealing. And I think people won't see it coming either. That's the fun part. He's the perfect Tai. Really rooting for him here and I think he will do great. I expect him in end-game.
Detwah
Andrea - Andrea is one of my favorite players in the game. She's incredibly active, she's smart, she's a good player from what I've seen. The problem Andrea is going to face is that she's threatening and her tribemates already know that. She's probably their first target after Sarita goes. And that's a shame because she's amazing. She'd probably even be a loyal ally. She's definitely someone that likes to take the driver's seat and doesn't like to sit back and watch things happen. But something tells me that after the tribe swap, Andrea might be fucked. Hell, it could give her a second lease on life. I just hope no one is overly threatened by her right off the bat. Maybe the swap will allow her to find people that she really gels with. I just don't see her doing well, but I also can't imagine the game with her gone? Is that weird? Like she just gives off that final 6+ vibe to me, so I really hope she can follow through on that. Rooting for her.
Francesca - This could be entirely because her tribe has not gone to Council yet, but I don't get a lot from Francesca. She was much more impressive when the game has started, which is why I think maybe a couple of days off from winning has made her a bit boring. I still have faith that she will become a great character here, but right now she's just kind of there... I hope she starts embracing the role a bit more because she has two of the most fun tasks coming up that she must complete. Hoping for the best for her going forward. One thing I will say is that I think she is a great strategist because she seems to be controlling the REAL underbelly of the tribe and the move against Andrea.
Krista - Krista has been a big comic relief this season. She's very sweet, she's good in challenges, she's funny. I'm really glad we decided to put Krista in the game and she's the perfect Krista honestly. I also love that Krista has a cut throat side to her and I'm excited to see that come out more and more as the game goes on. This is not her first rodeo as they say so I'm excited to see how she does.
Natalie - Not much to say. New Natalie is a breath of fresh air. Very much looking forward to seeing how she does.
Phillip - Phillip is one of my favorite players in the game. He's just got a great attitude, he's super likable, and I love that he CHOSE to be Phillip. He may end up being boring, but as of right now I'm really liking him. Excited to see what he does when he hooks up with some active people, and, of course, has to go to Council.
Sarita - She's been kind of an enigma. She came into the game super strong and very opinionated. She was instantly targetted by the tribe as being unlikeable for some reason. I actually really like her underdog story and root for her, but if she can't step up the activity, she will go home soon.
Steve - He is another replacement who is thriving this season. I think Steve is actually a force to be reckoned with here. He is doing well on his idol hunt, he has good relationships with all the tribemates. I just see a burst of energy from the people who didn't make it initially, have to prove themselves that I love. I very much look forward with him interacting with bigger characters like Nick and Garrett.
Hadiboh
Garrett - Garrett is perhaps the biggest Stranded characters we have seen in a very long time. The kid is like Papa Bear on steroids. Dare I say it... he reminds me of a young Teresa. He was the same age as Teresa when she was in Mongolia, he's just as insane with strategy/paranoia. The best part about Garrett? He entered the game with his brother Woo. And ever since then he has been overdoing it every step of the way. And I am living for it. He's fucking incredible. Dare I say legendary status without having even made it to episode 04 yet? And he very well could be the next one out if his tribe loses. Let's hope he doesn't because he is a LEGEND I say. Everything about him absolutely cracks me up from his cockamamy schemes to his unnecessary lies, just everything. He is a trainwreck extraordinaire and I cannot write enough about him. My only gripe: he didn't get the title of Sheikh!
Lindsey - Lindsey is a firecracker. I love her spirit. I think she will blow up on someone at some point in the game if she is continued to be pushed. She's no bullshit, she's not afraid to get her hands dirty, and she's actually a really good player thus far. I'm loving her. She's the perfect Lindsey as well, even if she didn't want to be. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her but I think it's bright. If I had to guess, I would say she is early jury. I think we have only had the tip of Lindsey's personality iceberg thus far.
LJ - What I've seen from LJ, I like. He's more mature, more grounded, and his gameplay reflects that. I don't know if we will get to see a great character in LJ, but we will get to see a great player from him. I have no doubts about that. I love that he's kind of wrangling the kids on his tribe. I hope we can push him, later on, to show us a bit more of his personality. If he can have both he will be an all-star. I predict mid-merge for him.
Morgan - She showed a ton of fire in that first Council. It gave me a lot of hope moving forward. Unfortunately she needs to step up her activity a bit, but I have faith that she will do so. She has potential to be great, right now she is just good. Hoping for the best from her. We need to see more of what she was giving us in that first council.
Spencer - Spencer has been a good Sheikh. He's super thought out, he's embracing all the tasks, not shying away from them. He's gotten involved in a lot of different alliances, and as such has been called out for doing so. Unfortunatley for Spencer, it looks like being Sheikh has really hurt his chances with his tribe. The good news is that has never stopped anyone from doing well in the past and he has good potential to go far. I don't think he will go super deep in the game. My prediction is early merge around 10th place. I think eventually people will see him as too big of a threat, because he is. He's a smart kid.
Trish - I was most excited about seeing Trish play the game as I've heard so many great things about her. I've asked her to play multiple times but it never worked out. She actually applied for season 17 and didn't make the cut only to become a legend in Crash Course and other ORGs. I think the best part about Trish is that she's learned to quell the crazy and I'm hoping that means she will make deep merge and only then become the OTT Goddess we know she can become. I'm super excited to see how she does here, hoping she doesn't get swap fucked and can make a legitimate run at this thing because we all know she is great.
Woo - The other half of the brothers. Woo was a much more caluclated, cool, calm and collected version of his brother. Still had twinges of crazy, but was all around a very solid player. I saw Woo going very deep in the game. The fact that he was first out is still shocking. I don't know that Woo did anything wrong necessarily. But he was one of the brothers and Garrett really overplayed their hand. So one of them had to go and the tribe rightly predicted Woo would be the more threatening of the two. I don't think this is the last we've seen of Woo, but super disappointed he was first out.
Well, this season has certainly gotten off to a hell of a start... Going into the season it was a bit rushed, a bit all over the place in casting, I knew we had some good characters lined up, but it's always a concern when throwing together 100% new players that, they'll all suck. Or that they might not figure out how the game works, or they might be inactive. Even with countless hours spent casting over 60 people, interviewing over 30 people... It's a long draining process and at the end of it, you never know if it's going to pay off.
Thankfully, 6 days in I can say that this season is off to one of the best starts in Stranded history. That's a big deal. It shows HUGE potential. Of course, it's only day 6 and with 24 days left to go, anything can happen, it could be a snoozefest, but right now this cast has paid dividends in our hard work.
The Instant Messaging system has really had a huge impact on the way this game has played out. I think it allows for a lot more scrambling before Councils. I thought the opposite would happen and that it would result in more boring vote outs with people being able to communicate a lot easier. However, it has allowed people to change plans on a dime and get together a vote in a matter of seconds. Whereas before, it was very difficult to get a vote together, it took a lot of messaging and planning. I think also, there's a lack of group messages because you can so freely talk one on one with people. It also means that everyone is very accessible to change a vote. It has really impacted the series for the better and is definitely the biggest evolution thus far.... and I'm loving it.
We can pat ourselves on the back for casting and putting in a new message system and 3 tribe set up and twists, whatever... it ultimately comes down to the players and how THEY play the game. So I have to give 100% credit to them and let's give them some much deserved attention now:
Aomak
Aubry - Aubry is someone that I was most excited about seeing play the game. She has a lot of depth of character about her. I feel like we are just scratching the surface on Aubry. She's very calculated, cool, calm and collected. At the same time, she's been the crux of the vote and alliances in the season. This last vote, for all intents and purposes she was the swing vote. She took the longest time to cast that vote and was the person that Nick approached as the swing vote. That tells me a lot about Aubry. She's not impulsive, she hates to make impulsive decisions. That could really hurt her chances going forward because Stranded is 100% impulse. There's no certainty. I think she's going to struggle with that. At the same time, her calculative mindset will benefit her amongst all the chaos. I very much look forward to seeing what happens with her going forward. I'd love to see her get into the rhythm of the game and I think she will.
Alecia - Alecia has quickly emerged as one of my favorite players. She's feisty, she's a good strategist, she's not afraid to let the other players know exactly how she feels. Anyone willing to flip someone off after they are voted out is someone after my own heart. I also love that she's kind of an underdog in the situation with Nick excluding her from a lot of the challenges, the idol clues, targeting her in his alliance. She's got massive potential in the game to be a powerhouse. I hope to see her make it far and I really hope her personality continues to shine as the game progresses.
Julia - We finally got to see a bit from Julia this past episode (2). Unfortunately it wasn't as much as I know she is capable of, but I'm glad she's finally getting into the mix of things. That may be unfair to say as they just started going to Council, I had just expected so much more from her up until this point. I think that going forward we will start to see more from Julia because I know she can be great. She's certainly not shy of drama from what I have spoken to her about. I hope she can harness that and start playing an involved and amazing game going forward.
Kyle - Kyle was a last minute replacement from someone who originally went inactive. And I am SOOOO happy that I did. My only regret is that he didn't make it further! I think we haven't seen the last from Kyle. He was really feisty, he showed a good understanding of strategy, and most importantly he showed he has a lot of heart for Stranded, which is very important to me. I think given another opportunity, we would see great things from Kyle. Unfortunately this time he got stuck on the wrong end of a he-said-she-said, maybe to no fault of his own. Great player. Sorry to see him go so soon.
Neal - He has an earnest quality about him that I really like. He seems to be out of place in terms of the drama and the backstabbing. I really love that aspect of him. What scares me is that he might get left out in the cold if he doesn't start embracing it. It's only day 6 and the drama is already at a season-long high. I don't know how well he will do if he continues to shy away from it. I think he made a stupid move turning on his alliance so soon just because he didn't like their dramatics. Neal... the game is going to get a LOT more dramatic, you can't just hide from it. You have to learn to deal with it and overcome it, it's part of the test that this game inflicts on people. That said, I love the sweetness that comes along with that. And coincidentally, that makes him a VERY interesting character. I hope he grows over time.
Nick - Nick is emerging as one of our stars this season. He's so arrogant and kind of douchey that I love it. He's handline the tasks like a boss. He's causing all kinds of drama wihtout care for the reprocutions. I absolutely love that he is guaranteed jury. I really hope we see a continuation of asshole Nick. He's so great. I think he really reminds me of Frank in how he's acting. Controlling alliances, fighting with people, etc... and getting to see Frank in the role of "Sheikh" is definitely something I am cosigning. He's great! He's really getting into the role and the fun of the whole thing. He gets it. What I want to see from Nick in the future is more of the same... If this is Nick on day 6, I cannot WAIT to see Nick on day 16.
Tai - Tai is one of the most lovable and amazing characters this season. He's a good strategist, he's lovably boneheaded in the way he publicly wrangled the alliance together. But at the same time, HE DID IT! He saw the opportunity, knew he was on the outs and worked to change it. He skyrocketed in my books for that alone. It really makes me excited to see Tai in the future wheeling and dealing. And I think people won't see it coming either. That's the fun part. He's the perfect Tai. Really rooting for him here and I think he will do great. I expect him in end-game.
Detwah
Andrea - Andrea is one of my favorite players in the game. She's incredibly active, she's smart, she's a good player from what I've seen. The problem Andrea is going to face is that she's threatening and her tribemates already know that. She's probably their first target after Sarita goes. And that's a shame because she's amazing. She'd probably even be a loyal ally. She's definitely someone that likes to take the driver's seat and doesn't like to sit back and watch things happen. But something tells me that after the tribe swap, Andrea might be fucked. Hell, it could give her a second lease on life. I just hope no one is overly threatened by her right off the bat. Maybe the swap will allow her to find people that she really gels with. I just don't see her doing well, but I also can't imagine the game with her gone? Is that weird? Like she just gives off that final 6+ vibe to me, so I really hope she can follow through on that. Rooting for her.
Francesca - This could be entirely because her tribe has not gone to Council yet, but I don't get a lot from Francesca. She was much more impressive when the game has started, which is why I think maybe a couple of days off from winning has made her a bit boring. I still have faith that she will become a great character here, but right now she's just kind of there... I hope she starts embracing the role a bit more because she has two of the most fun tasks coming up that she must complete. Hoping for the best for her going forward. One thing I will say is that I think she is a great strategist because she seems to be controlling the REAL underbelly of the tribe and the move against Andrea.
Krista - Krista has been a big comic relief this season. She's very sweet, she's good in challenges, she's funny. I'm really glad we decided to put Krista in the game and she's the perfect Krista honestly. I also love that Krista has a cut throat side to her and I'm excited to see that come out more and more as the game goes on. This is not her first rodeo as they say so I'm excited to see how she does.
Natalie - Not much to say. New Natalie is a breath of fresh air. Very much looking forward to seeing how she does.
Phillip - Phillip is one of my favorite players in the game. He's just got a great attitude, he's super likable, and I love that he CHOSE to be Phillip. He may end up being boring, but as of right now I'm really liking him. Excited to see what he does when he hooks up with some active people, and, of course, has to go to Council.
Sarita - She's been kind of an enigma. She came into the game super strong and very opinionated. She was instantly targetted by the tribe as being unlikeable for some reason. I actually really like her underdog story and root for her, but if she can't step up the activity, she will go home soon.
Steve - He is another replacement who is thriving this season. I think Steve is actually a force to be reckoned with here. He is doing well on his idol hunt, he has good relationships with all the tribemates. I just see a burst of energy from the people who didn't make it initially, have to prove themselves that I love. I very much look forward with him interacting with bigger characters like Nick and Garrett.
Hadiboh
Garrett - Garrett is perhaps the biggest Stranded characters we have seen in a very long time. The kid is like Papa Bear on steroids. Dare I say it... he reminds me of a young Teresa. He was the same age as Teresa when she was in Mongolia, he's just as insane with strategy/paranoia. The best part about Garrett? He entered the game with his brother Woo. And ever since then he has been overdoing it every step of the way. And I am living for it. He's fucking incredible. Dare I say legendary status without having even made it to episode 04 yet? And he very well could be the next one out if his tribe loses. Let's hope he doesn't because he is a LEGEND I say. Everything about him absolutely cracks me up from his cockamamy schemes to his unnecessary lies, just everything. He is a trainwreck extraordinaire and I cannot write enough about him. My only gripe: he didn't get the title of Sheikh!
Lindsey - Lindsey is a firecracker. I love her spirit. I think she will blow up on someone at some point in the game if she is continued to be pushed. She's no bullshit, she's not afraid to get her hands dirty, and she's actually a really good player thus far. I'm loving her. She's the perfect Lindsey as well, even if she didn't want to be. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her but I think it's bright. If I had to guess, I would say she is early jury. I think we have only had the tip of Lindsey's personality iceberg thus far.
LJ - What I've seen from LJ, I like. He's more mature, more grounded, and his gameplay reflects that. I don't know if we will get to see a great character in LJ, but we will get to see a great player from him. I have no doubts about that. I love that he's kind of wrangling the kids on his tribe. I hope we can push him, later on, to show us a bit more of his personality. If he can have both he will be an all-star. I predict mid-merge for him.
Morgan - She showed a ton of fire in that first Council. It gave me a lot of hope moving forward. Unfortunately she needs to step up her activity a bit, but I have faith that she will do so. She has potential to be great, right now she is just good. Hoping for the best from her. We need to see more of what she was giving us in that first council.
Spencer - Spencer has been a good Sheikh. He's super thought out, he's embracing all the tasks, not shying away from them. He's gotten involved in a lot of different alliances, and as such has been called out for doing so. Unfortunatley for Spencer, it looks like being Sheikh has really hurt his chances with his tribe. The good news is that has never stopped anyone from doing well in the past and he has good potential to go far. I don't think he will go super deep in the game. My prediction is early merge around 10th place. I think eventually people will see him as too big of a threat, because he is. He's a smart kid.
Trish - I was most excited about seeing Trish play the game as I've heard so many great things about her. I've asked her to play multiple times but it never worked out. She actually applied for season 17 and didn't make the cut only to become a legend in Crash Course and other ORGs. I think the best part about Trish is that she's learned to quell the crazy and I'm hoping that means she will make deep merge and only then become the OTT Goddess we know she can become. I'm super excited to see how she does here, hoping she doesn't get swap fucked and can make a legitimate run at this thing because we all know she is great.
Woo - The other half of the brothers. Woo was a much more caluclated, cool, calm and collected version of his brother. Still had twinges of crazy, but was all around a very solid player. I saw Woo going very deep in the game. The fact that he was first out is still shocking. I don't know that Woo did anything wrong necessarily. But he was one of the brothers and Garrett really overplayed their hand. So one of them had to go and the tribe rightly predicted Woo would be the more threatening of the two. I don't think this is the last we've seen of Woo, but super disappointed he was first out.
