S03.E01: Making the Cut: A New Land

[formerlyfreedom]

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In the Season 3 premiere, 10 new participants are introduced, and the extreme location is revealed.

and

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The 10 new adventurers are dropped in the remote wilderness of Patagonia and must acclimate to the new terrain in order to survive.

 

(please note, the system here requires an real number for the season and episode, so the first hour is actually a special, and the second hour is the actual premiere - thanks!)

[ethalfrida]

Yes!!! Thanks.

[Quilt Fairy]

Also be aware that Ep 1 will be aired at the normal time for the series (8CST/9EST) and the 'Making the Cut' special will be aired an hour earlier.  My DVR picked up the special by itself based on the "Alone" title, but systems vary.

[riverheightsnancy]

Even though I tend to root for people from the area I work (Philadelphia, PA), I cannot get with the guy who traps animals for their fur. I find that to be very cruel. However, he has a skill set that will probably serve him well. 

[MostlyContent]

The scenery is stunning, but not that different as far as I could tell.  

I wasn't really surprised by Mr PMA tapping out so early.  At first I thought he was doing well with the tepee and talking about a floor, etc, but when he got soooooo put out by a day of rain, he seemed whiny rather than introspective, if that makes any sense.  He had the perfect tap story all set up with the arrival of not one, not two, but THREE adoptive children.  Hearing that during the first hour made me look askance at him for going in the first place.  

I like the herb lady.  She's quite peppy and she likes to be alone so that's a plus!  

I really thought the accountant (Brett?) might have caught a pig during the first night, and I was worried about him traipsing through the woods at night and was not looking forward to any kill scene, so I was glad when the snare was pig-less.  :)

The guy with the beard has a sweet family.  Did he say they named the daughter 'Sparrow'?   Also, the homemade crib in the yert with the diamond shape webbing looked like a baby-strangling waiting to happen, but then I can be a worry wart so................

Fowler got some good shots of those cat eyes in the dark! 

So glad the show is back!     

[riverheightsnancy]

Gee, I was just coming on here to say that I was liking the guy from outside Philly. People REALLY underestimate the mental aspect.   PMA-Pathetic Mental Attitude

Fowler is a howler (or made me one). He reminds me of Alan and I like him immensely. I am originally from Maine, so I MUST root for him. Wow, he lives in a camper. I have also lived with no running hot water in Maine and an outhouse and minimal stuff. I REALLY want him to win. His baby is so cute. 

I love Campbell's fort! He was so cute! I like Britt. He seems level headed. I do not get why Callie is building a chair first!? I like her, but it brings back Jose and Mike for me and we know how well that turned out. I think Callie will be an early tap, not sure why. 

OMG all this talk of Pumas has me on edge. Run Fowler, run!!!!  (anyone gonna watch The Selection? I think it looks AWESOME!) 

[MostlyContent]

12 minutes ago, riverheightsnancy said:

(anyone gonna watch The Selection? I think it looks AWESOME!) 

I forgot about that!  I'll catch it later because it looks so interesting.  

[raven]

9 minutes ago, riverheightsnancy said:

(anyone gonna watch The Selection? I think it looks AWESOME!)

I am!  Well, I'm recording it.

At least no Day 1 taps.   Just knew the guy adopting 3 kids wouldn't last long.  Maybe the adoption came through earlier than planned?  All I could think was what a stressful situation for his wife, for him to be away like this when the kids arrive.  Cute dogs though.

I like Britt, though, sap that I am, I was happy not to see some poor screaming animal in the trap.  I can only deal with fishing, OK??  I'm going to have to deal with hunting this season aren't I?  I didn't like the guy who uses traps in the intro episode either.

I also thought of Mike when Callie made her chair - she lives alone I think so hopefully no "I miss my significant other and have to go back".

16 minutes ago, riverheightsnancy said:

OMG all this talk of Pumas has me on edge.

And all the bones!  I'm also worried about the wild pigs, they can be nasty.

Good start but I want to see everyone. 

[jvr]

Whoa Cat! Whoa Cat! ....hmmmm that doesn't have the same ring as Whoa Bear! Bear! Cat! Pig! hmmm...no.

This is the first season we got no tap on the first day? I'm so proud of them lol. Season 1 Josh technically made it through the night but tapped that first night and had to wait for a morning rescue if I recall and of course 15 second season 2 Desmond.

I wasn't too far off on who tapped first and the first tap is the hardest to predict, I liked Jim because of his adoption story but I didn't see him as someone who could make it out there long. I based my tap order largely on those who lived remotely and had done solo survival expeditions, this show is about the mental game first and foremost (personality and drive) and survival skills come second. 

I'm still feeling ok about my list, Greg I think looked like he was having a bit of trouble in the preview for next week so he might wreck havoc on my order but I'm still feeling ok.

My pre-air tap order list:

1. Carleigh
2. Jim
3. Britt
4. Megan
5. Dan
6. Greg
7. Fowler
8. Callie
9. Dave
10. Zach

I was also fascinated by The Selection show previews, hadn't heard or seen anything about it before. I don't think I'll watch it live most weeks and may let a bunch of eps pile up so I can marathon it. I used to watch that show Making the Cut that showed real special forces torture porn.

[LittleIggy]

I liked Callie's chair. Looks as if she lucked out on getting "trout beach." I bet the night sky is amazing there. I hope someone builds a really badass shelter.

[SRTouch]

Hard to pick early taps, but in my head I had first tap out as either Britt or Jim. Had Britt as first tap because he seemed to be spooked about the puma, talked about them at home, looked worried during the safety briefing, and again as he scouted that first day. Then when he started walking around in the dark I decided he wasn't nearly as scared as I first thought.

Jim... not at all surprised he tapped early. Seemed way to social a person to last long alone. All that talk of PMA and keeping busy enough to keep from thinking about wife and arrival of the adopted kids made me think he'd leave early. Like someone else just said, I liked his teepee and his bamboo bed... but first day bad weather kept him inside he developed that stare you don't expect to see for weeks.

I had Callie as a questionable one. Then first thing she strips and goes swimming, thought maybe she thought this was N&A. Figured she knew the outdoors with her camping and hiking around the world, and that she would be able to identify edible plants. My question about her was is she another too social person who won't take to being alone - didn't she say something about how she talks with her mother every day. Maybe as a creative soul and song writer we'll get another original song like the first season... what was that kid's name who made the ukulele? We saw a lot of her tonight building a chair and fishing, I hope she also spent time on a shelter off camera. She admitted she isn't the best in bushcraft, and I had reservations about her 10 optional items. I think she was the only one to take the optional tarp, has a down sleeping bag, and may be the first not to take an axe.

Last person we saw tonight was Fowler. Again, I'm mixed about him. Two small children at home and he said something to the effect that he does everything with his wife... OTOH, seemed to be very driven to get the money to help his growing family, lives off grid and is a builder. 

We have yet to see 6 out of the 10, and none of my top choices. A couple of you mentioned Dan, the trapper. For now, he's my top choice as the most skilled outdoorsman and trapper. Also, I see him as very goal oriented, indicated by his masters degree and the fact he competes in endurance competitions and obstacle courses.

Looking forward to seeing how the season developes.

Edited December 9, 2016 by SRTouch
Wording changed

[mythreecents]

Being on Vancouver Island, I really, really enjoyed the last 2 seasons. But then to my surprise, I tuned in tonight and actually liked Patagonia better--so far so good!

Thought Mr. Adopt-a-trio would tap out as soon as he was rain-whiny. 
Ms. Herbalist's bamboo chair was neat, she seems to have a real mindset of making a home, and I'm dying to see someone display real skills like that. 
Mr. Boar Hunter might be difficult to watch but it is a survival show; and I do love bacon so I can't be a hypocrite. 

I'm terrible with putting the names to the faces, so please excuse my nicknames til I get to know them all better. 
 

[Quilt Fairy]

1 hour ago, SRTouch said:

didn't she say something about how she talks with her mother every day

I thought she said she never went longer than 2 weeks w/o talking to her mother.

Pumas and wild boars were a nice change from bears, bears, bears. I guess they're on a inland lake, so no tides to take into account, but also maybe no fortuitous flotsam floating to shore, either.

Edited December 9, 2016 by Quilt Fairy

[SRTouch]

37 minutes ago, Quilt Fairy said:

I thought she said she never went longer than 2 weeks w/o talking to her mother.

Oops, went back and found it. You're right, it was never longer than 2 weeks, not every day.

37 minutes ago, Quilt Fairy said:

Pumas and wild boars were a nice change from bears, bears, bears. I guess they're on a inland lake, so no tides to take into account, but also maybe no fortuitous flotsam floating to shore, either.

Yep, seems to be much more remote, even having to fly in the boats they use on the lake. Certainly is a beautiful area.

[jvr]

10 hours ago, SRTouch said:

Maybe as a creative soul and song writer we'll get another original song like the first season... what was that kid's name who made the ukulele?

Lucas.

9 hours ago, mythreecents said:

Ms. Herbalist's bamboo chair was neat, she seems to have a real mindset of making a home, and I'm dying to see someone display real skills like that.

Me too. Her home life lends itself to crafting things and building that chair was very much in character of who I thought she was lol. I hope she goes very far but I'm concerned the harsher conditions that are in coming will be her undoing. 

 

10 hours ago, SRTouch said:

I hope she also spent time on a shelter off camera. She admitted she isn't the best in bushcraft, and I had reservations about her 10 optional items. I think she was the only one to take the optional tarp, has a down sleeping bag, and may be the first not to take an axe.

We saw a temporary shelter behind her at one point using tarp and since they didn't show her making it it must have been a simple setup. I noted she didn't have an axe in the season 3 bios thread, it is concerning for me but maybe it won't matter.

[cooksdelight]

I was surprised Jim went on this trip at all (given the 5,000 people who applied), after hearing they were going to be adopting three boys. WHO in their right mind leaves home with that in the near future? So, I wasn't surprised he left so quickly, but seems a shame he built such a nice shelter beforehand. 

The editors must be loving Callie's skinnydipping, LOL!! And that chair! Wow, I'm impressed with her. When she pulled out the contents of the first fish's belly to find out what he was eating, my boyfriend (who loves to fish) said "Brilliant!" We both think she's going to be around a long while. 

Fowler is a hoot. He was smart to move uphill. My one worry with him is that he'll start missing those adorable kids and his "looking for woodsy girl" wife. 

Edited December 9, 2016 by cooksdelight

[Ocean Chick]

So far I'm enjoying what we've been given.  My only surprise is that I had tapped Britt to opt out first, but it was Jim who called out.  Yeah, not a good idea to leave for an unknown amount of time when you have 3 adopted kids looming on the horizon.  I, too, loved Callie's chair and the fact that she caught 2 fish right away.  She needs to start foraging plants right away though, before winter really hits, as that's one of her strengths.  I was thinking Britt would leave first, as his face seemed downright frightened when they were talking mountain lions.  And man, if I heard a pig squealing in the dead of night, no way would I be going out looking for it, as I know the pumas could hear it as well and be attracted to the sound.  Britt's son is adorable.  Love Fowler and his family - very cute girls.  Interesting abode too - a camper and a yurt spliced together.  Can't wait to see what Alaskan carpenter girl is up to - I expect good things from her.  And I hope young Zack has what it takes to stay a while.

[SRTouch]

Hmmm, I had another thought about the advantage the off grid folks may have over those with full time electricity. Just seems someone off grid would be less likely to be playing with electronics or watching TV, and more likely to spend some time carving, basket weaving, etc. Guess it sort of depends, as some off grid folks still has electricity, whether solar, wind or hydro. But, the off grid folks would probably be able to adjust to a life based on the amount of sunlight easier than say... well me. For me, shorter days just mean I turn on the lights earlier while I watch the boob tube. My schedule doesn't change much from the longest day in June to the shortest in December. What got me thinking about this is Jim's comment about how dark it is and then the pop up about the average day in Patagonia being about 9 hours while they're there. Heck, when I checked, Pennsylvania, where Jim is from, currently is having around 9 1/2 hours of sunlight. Sort of sounds it wasn't the amount of light, but not knowing how to keep busy without electricity during the long night and rainy day. Instead of just sitting there complaining about what he couldn't do in the rain, he could have been crafting something to make his life easier around camp. Saw the same thing with Larry last season.

[ClareWalks]

I had no clue this show was coming back until I saw it this morning on my DVR! Huzzah! What a lovely surprise :)

Is the drywaller with the crazy accent Greg? Because I think he could win this whole thing as long as he isn't too cocky.

[HurricaneVal]

15 hours ago, raven said:

I like Britt, though, sap that I am, I was happy not to see some poor screaming animal in the trap. 

Oh yes.  Me too.  But it left me (and presumably Britt) wondering just what was screaming, where, and most importantly...why.

 

Hopefully the pumas of Patagonia will be like the bears of BC, in that they sniff around and are curious about this new thing in their territory, but eventually back off once they realize this new thing smells bad and is kind of big.  If these folks can gut out the mysterious rustlings and glowing eyes for a few days, maybe a week, then they should be left alone, for the most part.  So long as they're sensible and don't cook or leave food in camp that is...

 

Investigating what the fish ate, then using exactly that as bait was brilliant.  That is someone who thinks and Callie may go far, provided she can make a decent shelter.  I don't think making the chair was such a frivolous thing, it gives her a place to perch that is up a little higher than the ground where she can see things better, launch herself into action more quickly if needed, and she'll be warmer off of the cold, wet ground or logs.  Not to mention the intangible morale boost of normality it gives.   She also seems to have lucked out with trout beach, that's for sure.  I hope she learned a lesson from Season Two, and has a plan to smoke or make jerky out of the largesse when she gets a big catch.

 

Jim tapping wasn't a surprise.  As soon as I heard about adopting three kids while he was gone, I knew he'd bail.  He probably shouldn't have even participated, but I'll bet it was one of those unexpected timing things that lead to some bad decisions on his part.  Maybe he'd already committed to the show when they found out about the adoption.  

 

Is Fowler the guy from Maine who lives off the grid in a yurt with only part time electricity when they choose?  If he can get over missing his family--which due to his chosen lifestyle he must spend an enormous amount of time with--I think he'll do well.  He's used to dealing with a lack of modern conveniences, and actually actively seeks out that lifestyle.

 

I didn't watch the intro episode, but I'll probably do that tonight.  I'd like to know about all the rest of the castaways...

 

Oh!  And Patagonia is gorgeous!  It does not disappoint as a location....

Edited December 9, 2016 by HurricaneVal
To return to add intended emphasis.

[piequinn35]

What happened to positive mental attitude? :/

I see the lady last night as Nicole from last season though she is not married & no kids that will make her sad & tap out, I hope she makes it far.

The lady with kids, she was emotional when she left, she will not make it far.

Zach and Alaskan girl, I like them.

Sorry, not used to the names yet!

[maczero]

Just watched it.  It was okay.  I was hoping for more interaction with the Patagonia's more notorious residents (boars and pumas).  Hopefully, Fowler's encounter will turn out to be more than a few glimpses of glowing eyes.  

Another thing that made the premiere kinda "meh" was that these people seemed to be relatively sane.  I missed the cast intro special.  Any nuts in the bunch?  The oddballs make for better tv (shout out to Fuckin' Larry)!

Edited December 9, 2016 by maczero

[SRTouch]

1 hour ago, HurricaneVal said:

Investigating what the fish ate, then using exactly that as bait was brilliant.  That is someone who thinks and Callie may go far, provided she can make a decent shelter.  I don't think making the chair was such a frivolous thing, it gives her a place to perch that is up a little higher than the ground where she can see things better, launch herself into action more quickly if needed, and she'll be warmer off of the cold, wet ground or logs.  Not to mention the intangible morale boost of normality it gives.   She also seems to have lucked out with trout beach, that's for sure.  I hope she learned a lesson from Season Two, and has a plan to smoke or make jerky out of the largesse when she gets a big catch.

Yep, looks like a good site and she's using her head. I have no problem with the chair, and agree it may be a morale booster as well as practical for getting up off the ground. Makes me hope we get to see more of her and her camp.

Quote

Is Fowler the guy from Maine who lives off the grid in a yurt with only part time electricity when they choose?  If he can get over missing his family--which due to his chosen lifestyle he must spend an enormous amount of time with--I think he'll do well.  He's used to dealing with a lack of modern conveniences, and actually actively seeks out that lifestyle.

Yep, bio said a boat builder who enjoys making things with his hands. Someone else I'm looking forward to watching - just to bad he seems to be stuck on a steep hillside. As he was commenting on how slippery the footing was I couldn't help but think of next week's episode info that mentions a contestant getting hurt. Course, that's probably a misdirected like last season's wolf on the beach and Jose kayak tipping over.

[Tracer34]

Pfffft.  So Jim (Mr. PMA) couldn't even make it for 3 full days?  You would think that after spending so much time applying to the show, preparing for the show, mentally getting ready for the show --- that he could "maybe"? last at least one week?

I thought that the area of Patagonia looked a whole lot like Vancouver Island -- with bigger mountains.  Since they are by a lake, not the ocean, there won't be any debris for them to find and use. 

[ClareWalks]

Maybe an unpopular opinion but I don't blame Adopting Guy for tapping one bit. He lasted 3 days (longer than the first tap in either other season), and if I were him I'd be obsessing over whether my wife was getting the kids soon, or whether my absence would delay the adoption, or any number of other things. It wasn't a great time in life for him to do this show, but I wish him the best of luck, because adopting a group of kids from foster care is extremely noble and will be great for all involved.

[AZChristian]

But do they get to go straight home if they're early taps?  On Survivor, they keep them away from home and social media to protect the mystery of who lasts a long time.  I'm not thinking Adopting Guy got to pack up his bag and head for home.  He was probably still somewhere in Patagonia, but with a bed and electricity.

[SRTouch]

1 hour ago, ClareWalks said:

Maybe an unpopular opinion but I don't blame Adopting Guy for tapping one bit. He lasted 3 days (longer than the first tap in either other season), and if I were him I'd be obsessing over whether my wife was getting the kids soon, or whether my absence would delay the adoption, or any number of other things. It wasn't a great time in life for him to do this show, but I wish him the best of luck, because adopting a group of kids from foster care is extremely noble and will be great for all involved.

Nope, I don't fault him for tapping out. The problem I have with him is that he should have pulled out before taking one of the ten slots. Actually, it makes me wonder about the selection criteria. Seems like most of us here had him down as an early tap out, so why was he there. So, out of those other 4,990 possible contestants, none of them had a better chance of actually staying awhile.

Edited December 9, 2016 by SRTouch
Wording changed

[ClareWalks]

2 minutes ago, AZChristian said:

But do they get to go straight home if they're early taps?  On Survivor, they keep them away from home and social media to protect the mystery of who lasts a long time.  I'm not thinking Adopting Guy got to pack up his bag and head for home.  He was probably still somewhere in Patagonia, but with a bed and electricity.

I thought in previous seasons they went home right away. Otherwise there wouldn't be any temptation to tap out due to missing your family.

Just now, SRTouch said:

Nope, I don't fault him for tapping out. The problem I have with him is that he should have pulled out before taking one of the ten slots.

Agree!

[SRTouch]

1 hour ago, AZChristian said:

But do they get to go straight home if they're early taps?  On Survivor, they keep them away from home and social media to protect the mystery of who lasts a long time.  I'm not thinking Adopting Guy got to pack up his bag and head for home.  He was probably still somewhere in Patagonia, but with a bed and electricity.

Not sure it makes much difference, since everyone is back home before we see the first episode, but sworn to secrecy. I remember last season contestants were on line talking about their experiences, but would only talk about things already shown on TV. 

Edited December 9, 2016 by SRTouch
Word deleted

[Canada]

This is my first time seeing this show.... I can't believe the awesomeness I've been missing!!  Totally hooked now.

Not surprised that Mr. PMA went home quickly.  People like that, who like to gloat and go on about their great attitude and how everyone should be like them, I find to usually be quite weak mentally.  Way to take the spot of someone who could have lasted longer, man.  I guess this show, like any other, needs some cannon fodder.

I'm surprised by Callie.  I thought she would be the first out and her naked swimming, before making a shelter or fire, didn't make her seem any more likely to last.  But I think her attitude, unlike Mr. PMA, is likely to go a long way in helping her stick it out.  The idea that she's moved into a new home that she needs to make ready is actually really smart.

I don't know how I feel about Britt.  I think he could either be an early tap out or he's going to win the whole thing.  One or the other.

[Charlesman]

It would definitely freak me out to see an entire cow skeleton, so cleanly stripped of every scrap of meat, in my camp. Knowing that whatever did that is so close would keep me from sleeping well for a long time.

 

Agreed that Mr PMA should have stepped aside for a better contestant.

[riverheightsnancy]

The one issue that I have is the editing. If they only feature 3-4 people in the episode and one is going home, then they are massively tellegraphing that to the viewer. I didn't get to see preview because I forgot it was on, but I assumed at least one of the 4 people is a tap and could possibly they have also shown the winner. Does anyone remember if Alan was specifically shown during ep 1 and the guy who won last year as well? I think they need to focus on showing a little more of more people every episode so it is not so obvious (at least to me). We complained about this a lot last season. I don't remember it being so bad during season one, however, they lost about 5 people really quick so they had more time to focus on less people. 

[Canada]

How much choice do people get in terms of the 10 items they get to bring with them?

[AZChristian]

10 minutes ago, Canada said:

How much choice do people get in terms of the 10 items they get to bring with them?

Here ya go!

[LeighAnne]

Canada said:

Quote

How much choice do people get in terms of the 10 items they get to bring with them?

Here's the list:  http://www.history.com/shows/alone/articles/gear-list

Every contestant gets similar basic gear in three categories (Clothing/apparel/personal effects, Winter pack, and Tracking/safety) and then they choose 10 additional items from a list of approved items that the History Channel provides.

Heh!  AZChristian beat me by two minutes.

I'm so happy this show is back.  I also liked Callie's trick of using the contents of the fish's stomach to catch another fish.  I don't fish; is that a common fishing trick?

I remember when American Idol started, and someone wrote an article about how the show was 1)  a television show, and 2) a singing contest, in that order.  I think the Alone producers are purposely looking for at least one contestant who they think, "This contestant will tap out within a week," so they'll have a tap out for episode one.  If they cast 10 Alan Kays in this show it would go on for four or five months and not provide enough regular tap outs for an episodic TV show.

Edited December 10, 2016 by LeighAnne

[Canada]

My thanks to both of you for the info.  It's interesting to see what the options are.  I'm surprised they're not allowed an option for a clean water supply.  You'd think they'd be afraid of making a contestant really sick from drinking bad water.

[cooksdelight]

2 hours ago, riverheightsnancy said:

The one issue that I have is the editing. If they only feature 3-4 people in the episode and one is going home, then they are massively tellegraphing that to the viewer. I didn't get to see preview because I forgot it was on, but I assumed at least one of the 4 people is a tap and could possibly they have also shown the winner. Does anyone remember if Alan was specifically shown during ep 1 and the guy who won last year as well? I think they need to focus on showing a little more of more people every episode so it is not so obvious (at least to me). We complained about this a lot last season. I don't remember it being so bad during season one, however, they lost about 5 people really quick so they had more time to focus on less people. 

There won't always be someone tapping out during an episode. They stagger out the contestants based on what film they provide for editors to work with. Last season we barely saw Jose because he just didn't film very much until the end. And yes, Alan and last year's winner were both shown during the first episode. I think because both were very entertaining men.

[Snarklepuss]

7 hours ago, SRTouch said:

Nope, I don't fault him for tapping out. The problem I have with him is that he should have pulled out before taking one of the ten slots. Actually, it makes me wonder about the selection criteria. Seems like most of us here had him down as an early tap out, so why was he there. So, out of those other 4,990 possible contestants, none of them had a better chance of actually staying awhile.

I agree, but I wonder if he and his wife found out about the adoption being immanent after he was already pretty committed to doing the show and it was too late for them to find an alternate at the last minute.  Perhaps they should consider having alternates ready to go in case of situations like this.  Then again, someone has to be the first to go and the producers might be willing to let an obvious short timer slip through just for that purpose.  I do love the irony of Jim being Mr. Positive Mental Attitude, though, LOL.  He was so obviously going to fail at that even if he didn't have the adoption immanence going on.  I mean, which solitary types among us would request to adopt 3 kids at once?  LOL  Plus being a schoolteacher.  He's obviously someone that's not used to being alone at all.

3 hours ago, riverheightsnancy said:

The one issue that I have is the editing. If they only feature 3-4 people in the episode and one is going home, then they are massively tellegraphing that to the viewer.

I know, it's gotten to the point where I'm wondering which one of them is going home next because why else would they feature them so soon unless they were going home early?  The reverse is true too.  Last season they had most of us convinced that Jose was going to win because they started featuring him so late and not that much even then.

One thing I'm liking so far is that the show seems to have made an effort to find more people that for various reasons are comfortable being alone for long stretches of time.  Hopefully we won't be hearing as much whining about that this season. 

Edited December 10, 2016 by Snarklepuss

[Quilt Fairy]

3 hours ago, LeighAnne said:

If they cast 10 Alan Kays in this show it would go on for four or five months and not provide enough regular tap outs for an episodic TV show.

But it would be massively entertaining!

[riverheightsnancy]

10 hours ago, cooksdelight said:

There won't always be someone tapping out during an episode. They stagger out the contestants based on what film they provide for editors to work with. Last season we barely saw Jose because he just didn't film very much until the end. And yes, Alan and last year's winner were both shown during the first episode. I think because both were very entertaining men.

I am not sure about Jose not filming early. We had lengthy discussions last season about what production would do if they were not receiving enough video from these guys. They would tell them to film more. Based on Jose's own videos outside of the game and his weekly discussions of each episode and everyone in the episodes, he has no problem talking to the camera. I think that they chose not to show much of him (other than the rope he made from the branches) because they knew he would go far and were saving him, because they HAD to focus on the people that were imminent taps. I think that many of us forget (myself included), they already know the order. They know if they have three going in one episode based on the spacing for 12 eps, they have to feature them sometime because otherwise we will be blindsided by the tap out. In many cases during season 1 & 2 there were several taps that seemed to come out of nowhere. Mitch for me did because we all assumed that he really didn't film too much right before his tap, so they had practically nothing to show. The only thing I am saying is, that I wish they would just add a snippet of a few other people, in case they are making a conscious decision to feature the first few taps and the winner in episode #1. Because if I were into edgic, then I would be scrutinizing episode #1 for specific clues. Since one of the guys I like is in episode 1, that is not so bad, but once you sort of figure out their "formula" it can take some of the fun out of it I suppose. I remember season 1, and the excitement of truly not knowing what the editors were doing. Every week was a total nail bitter (pumas not included, natch). Now it seems there is a formula and it takes away a little from the show for me (IMHO). So, I hope that they have changed that up a little this year, but I do like my ginger Fowler! I think he will be my horse this year! His little baby is very cute. 

[Kelda Feegle]

Happy to see this show back! Interesting participants with a mix of personalities and backgrounds. The only one I have issues with is the guy with the bear head on the wall and the metal snap traps - and I guess that is my issue not his - makes me uncomfortable tho fur sure.

[LittleIggy]

I didn't see the intro episode so who is the trapper? I'll root against him!

Would a snare like Britt made really hold a wild boar?

[SRTouch]

38 minutes ago, LittleIggy said:

I didn't see the intro episode so who is the trapper? I'll root against him

That would be Dan. I have him picked as a strong contender. Intro showed him in his trapper workshop with various furs and pelts. He apparently traps and prepares fur professionally. Has masters degree, competes in obstacle and endurance races has wife and young son at home in Pennsylvania.

Quote

Would a snare like Britt made really hold a wild boar?

Theoretically yes, but my guess (and I've never set a snare) would be, not likely. I looked up boar snares online, and they look pretty much the same, but are made with metal wire/cables. Looks like his is made with paracord, probably strong enough, but the knot and anchor would be potential weak points. I say probably strong enough because paracord comes in 5 or 6 different strengths (from under 100 to over 700lbs) with most common testing at 550lbs.

[Quilt Fairy]

1 hour ago, LittleIggy said:

Would a snare like Britt made really hold a wild boar?

I don't know that we have a strict policy regarding previews as spoilers for this show but just in case: 

Spoiler

There is a preview for "this season on Alone" that shows a night-vision camera shot of a boar caught in the snare. Or at least jumping around the snare. At first I thought it was a wolf, but I think it has to be a boar.

[GreyBunny]

Setting aside the upcoming adoption, I had a feeling Jim was going to go home early. When one of his biggest accomplishments is a cheesy PMA program (trust me, when those kids yell "PMA" at him, most of them are doing it as a joke), he just didn't have enough to offer this kind of experience.

So happy Britt didn't turn out to be Desmond 2.0, he took the screaming animal in stride. (I thought it was a puma since mountain lions can scream like that).

Patagonia is really extraordinary, I hope to visit someday.

Sounds like Alan Kay is back again for some narration duties - yay!

[Quilt Fairy]

On ‎12‎/‎9‎/‎2016 at 9:41 PM, Canada said:

You'd think they'd be afraid of making a contestant really sick from drinking bad water.

And it has happened.  See Brant, Season 1.

[humbleopinion]

Kudos for Fowler for finding his wifey on Craigslist, I only find junk I don't need and seasonal tree fruit.

[qtpye]

Fowler's wife and family were very cute.  I have him as my pick, but missing his family will be his weak point (like that guy from last season who made out with a slug because he was dreaming of Barbara).