TV Review: Spectacular Season of CBS’s ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’ Continues With Riveting Episode

CHICAGO – Has there ever been a season of reality TV that got off to such an instantly-entertaining start as “Survivor: Redemption Island”? The new gameplay concept represented by the title has helped reinvigorate the series. The new cast is one of the best ever assembled in terms of making instant impressions on the viewing audience. And then there’s Russell and Boston Rob, two of the most divisive and memorable contestants to ever play the game. It’s not too late to join the tribe.

TV Rating: 4.5/5.0

Tonight’s episode, the fourth of the season entitled “Don’t You Work For Me?,” would be a good place to start. If you still have last week’s episode sitting unwatched in your DVR, now would be the time to bookmark this review and come back later because it’s about to be spoiled. At the end of the third episode, something unprecedented happened — Russell Hantz had his torch snuffed for the first time. The abrasively brilliant contestant had become the most famous reality show runner-up in history, coming in 2nd place in two of the last three seasons. Could he finally put it together with his third chance?

Survivor: Redemption Island
Photo credit: CBS

If Russell is going to survive, it’s going to take all of his best physical and mental gameplay because he now has to survive Redemption Island, the new element to the 22nd edition of “Survivor.” Each week, a contestant goes to solitary existence on Redemption Island instead of going home. The next evictee joins them and the two duel to see who really goes home. Eventually, the final surviving contestant will re-enter the game, although it’s unclear when.

Survivor: Redemption Island Photo credit: CBS

This week’s episode opens with the 2nd contestant voted out, Matt Elrod, battling the legendary Russell. The sweet kid Matt even refers to his duel against Russell as “Fighting to honor my God.” They might as well paint devil horns on Russell. We’re not here to spoil the outcome, of course, but it does not disappoint. The moments after the end of this week’s duel will make any highlight reel of the most memorable “Survivor” moments in history. It’s that good. And in ways you could not possibly predict.

Of course, there’s more than just the duel. Life is still crazy back at camp, especially with Boston Rob running things on his tribe when the certifiably crazy Phillip allows him to do so. Phillip, who claims to be a former Federal agent, is one of the most bizarre contestants in history and he continues to divide his tribe. Meanwhile, Rob continues to look for the immunity idol and basically run his tribe in ways we’ve rarely seen on this show before. He seems to be in total control. Although it can be hard to control a group of people with a cannon as loose as Phillip.

On the other tribe, the team is still dealing with the loss of Russell (don’t worry…that’s not a spoiler…he’s still on Redemption Island even if he wins his episode-opening duel) and the apparent leadership of Ralph. Is he the right man to lead this tribe? And what impact will Russell’s former minions, the two girls left alone by being in his alliance, have on the tribe or will they just be the next two to go?

It usually takes a few episodes for a season of “Survivor” to find its rhythm. Audiences have to get used to the cast members as the contestants have to figure each other out. This year has been unbelievable in that it already has that mid-season rhythm in its first month. Even without Russell and Rob this would be an amazing season. With them, it’s easily one of the best. “Top Chef” and “The Amazing Race” may have won the Emmys, but twenty-two editions in and “Survivor” is still one of the best reality shows on TV. With the strength of this season, it might even be #1.

[11]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [12] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [11]