Survivor: Blood vs. Water Season Premiere Blog Party

Okay .... Survivor fans ready? Tonight is the big season premiere! If you're like me, you've already checked out Jeff's cast assessment and the clip of the first seven minutes of tonight's show on cbs.com.

Hmm. I'm not really keen on returning players on reality competition shows. At least this time, there's a bit more of a twist than your basic fans vs. favorites scenario. The show starts out with the cast spending a night alone on the island (?) with their loved one, alone. But then the returning players are put on one tribe, the loved ones on the other. That's my understanding, anyway.

It's definitely a set-up for drama. Will people shy away from beating their loved ones in challenges? In the end, will a loved one vote against his or her real-life relationship partner? Once the merge goes down, will the blood work together or with original tribemates? There can only be one winner.

Jeff seems quite impressed with Aras and his brother, as well as Big Brother winner Hayden. I'm just personally surprised that Hayden is in a relationship with Crazy Kat! Jeff also says we'll see a different Colton. I reserve judgment on that one although his partner seems pleasant and likable.

As the show airs tonight on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- so refresh to get the latest news! Immediately after the show, the blog party of the season finale of Big Brother 15 will be up. So, at that time, move onto that post those of you following that show!

The esteemed and lovable LifeGuard Laurie has compiled the random drawings for the pool and here they are (if you didn't make the cut-off of 3pm ET yesterday, feel free to pick your own castaway to cheer on!):

ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
BRAD --Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KAT -- Jig, Petals
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

All that said, the party is really in the comments area. Come join us!

They all gather together with Jeff after their night with the loved one bit. Jeff tells them they won't be playing WITH the loved one, but AGAINST said loved one. Most are looking forward to it. Jeff splits them up by new players and returning players.

Yikes! Each tribe has to vote someone out now! Uh-oh ... Laura, Rupert's wife, gets the can. Candice got the can(dice) on the returning players tribe. Oh my. Jeff says they're not out of the game -- Redemption Island is in play this season.

Jeff offered the loved ones to switch with those voted out. Rupert does so and Laura goes to the returning players tribe in his place. He will have to duel for redemption to get back in. John says that he thinks Candace can beat Rupert in the duels. He stays with the new player tribe.

Immunity Challenge time. Racing through water, puzzle pieces, put together a ship's wheel, raise the flag. They're also playing for flint. The old-timers already have a fire thanks to Tyson, but the new players need it! Gervase is dragging his team down. Eep. But during the puzzle, returning players take on the lead.

Galang wins Immunity. That would be the returning players.

The newbies have already got a male alliance of five men together with only four women on the tribe.

Tribal Council time.

Votes:
Katie
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa

Grr. Marissa got the boot mainly because she's female and Gervase gloated over winning.