Survivor China: Episode 1

There's something relaxing about watching Survivor, especially after coming off of Big Brother. Something lovely about not forming opinions about what should be broadcast before it actually is. I went into tonight's premiere with one thing on my mind: Entertain me, Mr. Burnett. Boy did he!

The setting is incredible. When the premiere began, I couldn't help but think of the movie, "The Last Emperor." Stunning, with cinematography to match.

The first experience for the Survivors already had me forming opinions about them - 2 negative, the rest positive. I'll get Courtney out of the way first. The girl did nothing but irk me all night, from the start to the finish. Her behavior in the Temple was reprehensible, and it just got worse once she was in camp.

I wasn't thrilled with Leslie's behavior in the temple either, but at least hers came from a place of personal belief and respect to that belief. My wish for her was that she could open herself to new experiences, rather than fear them, especially since Jeff made a point of telling everyone, likely mostly for her benefit, that this was not a religious ceremony, but one of welcoming.

On the other hand, I became enchanted with Peih Gee and Denise during this opening ceremony. Peih Gee's raw emotion at simply being in the land of her ancestry was a beautiful thing to watch. Denise, the lunch lady, displayed the openness and excitement and appreciation I would wish for everyone.

First impressions...

With just this first episode, I'm already forming favorites. I was really rooting for James' team during the challenge. With the exception of Courtney, I'm just loving Fei Long tribe as a whole and as individuals. They work together extremely well, and they get along - so far - and I'm just diggin' em.

James, Jean Robert, Todd and Aaron all strike me as fierce competitors, and all with different and complimentary strengths: physical, mental and social. I have to wonder if the conversation shown between Jean-Robert and Todd, where they acknowledge each other's mental game, was a subtle foreshadowing of things to come.

Lastly, Leslie's kind words to James when he expressed his concerns to her about his social game won my heart, since I'm already loving James, and got her back on my good side.

On the Zhan Hu side, I loved Frosti. He virtually flew during that competition, and his attitude is terrific. I was also quite taken with the wrestler chick, and since she survived the week, I think her social game and her physical prowess will do her well.

Since I'm posting this before the show airs on the west coast, I wont give away "the tribe has spoken" moment, but please be advised that it is given away in the comment section.

All in all, I thought it was a terrific season opener, and I have very high hopes for Survivor China. Thanks for coming over here. I can't wait to read your thoughts!