I've watched every Survivor up to this one tonight, and I love the concept of finally pitting the women against the men. I knew from the moment they started showing how poorly the women were doing setting up camp, and how well the men were doing, that the women would win the first challenge. When I saw the challenge I could see why.
Please remember past Survivors and the opening Immunity Challenge. They were rugged endurance contests, pitting the strength of every member against the elements. One weak link and the whole would fail. Usually teams dragged themselves across the finish line and collapsed to the ground .. even the winning group was exhausted, breathing hard and bathed with sweat. The Losing team usually collapsed as the finally dragged themselves across the line.
So what was tonights challenge all about? 2 puzzles and a balance beam? A net walk and a ladder climb and a lot of unlocking locks. Both groups crossed the line and looked like they'd hardly worked up a sweat. Ok, so you do want the women to have a fair chance of winning the first challenge, but do you have to make it this transparent? I was really disappointed that they didn't give the women a better chance to prove themselves in a tougher first event. I hope in the weeks to come we don't see more of the same.
I realize I'll be flamed for this, but go ahead. There is no doubt in my mind that this contest was far easier then previous opening events, and certainly geared to give the women a better chance of winning.
On a side note, do you think Dan can even walk down stairs without falling over??!! *LOL*