Survivor News - Old vs. Young on 'Survivor: Nicaragua'

[Maxim Oleksyn]

If the challenges in Survivor: Nicaragua are as physical as past seasons, we're going to have another very one-sided season. Today CBS revealed that the twist for this season of Survivor is that the 20 castaways will be divided into two tribes based on age. One tribe will feature members over 40 while the other will be all kids younger than 30.
This idea might sound interesting at first, but I have little doubt that the young whippersnappers will wipe the floor with the old timers on a rather consistent basis. Sure, Survivor has had a few great older competitors (Tom Westman topping that list), but the physical endurance and adaptability to harsh conditions that Survivor requires are much better suited to young people.
This could be especially true if most of the old people are like former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson. He may be associated with football, but I doubt he's in top physical condition and I suspect he'd lose quickly to anyone under 30 in a physical competition.
On the bright side, while most reality shows cast nothing but young people (the current season of Big Brother's oldest contestant is 40), Survivor isn't afraid to have half its new cast over that age. It's refreshing that Survivor's casting department isn't so heavily obsessed with youth.

The Espada tribe (over 40s) and the La Flor tribe (under 30s) will compete starting Wednesday, September 15 at 8pm. That will be followed by the two-hour finale of Big Brother 12 where the winner will be decided.

ESPADA TRIBE
Jill Behm, Age: 43
Occupation: ER Doctor
Current Residence: Erie, Penn.

Jane Bright, Age: 56
Occupation: Dog Trainer
Current Residence: Jackson Spring, N.C.

Tyrone Davis Age: 42
Occupation: Fire Captain
Current Residence: Inglewood, Calif.

Wendy DeSmidt-Kohlhoff, Age: 48
Occupation: Goat Rancher/Retired Army Officer
Current Residence: Fromberg, Mont.

Holly Hoffman, Age: 44
Occupation: Swim Coach
Current Residence: Eureka, S.D.

Jimmy Johnson, Age: 67
Occupation: TV Sports Broadcaster/Former Football Coach
Current Residence: Islamorada, Fla

Dan Lembo, Age: 63
Occupation: Real Estate Executive
Current Residence: Water Mill, N.Y.

Marty Piombo, Age: 48
Occupation: Technology Executive
Current Residence: Mill Valley, Calif.

Yve Rojas, Age: 41
Occupation: Homemaker
Current Residence: Kansas City, Mo.

Jimmy Tarantino, Age: 48
Occupation: Commercial Fisherman
Current Residence: Gloucester, Mass.

LA FLOR TRIBE
Judson Birza, Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Current Residence: Venice, Calif.

Kelly Bruno, Age: 26
Occupation: Medical Student
Current Residence: Durham, N.C.

Shannon Elkins, Age: 30
Occupation: Pest Control Co. Owner
Current Residence: Lafayette, La.

Ben "Benry" Henry, Age: 24
Occupation: Club Promoter
Current residence: Los Angeles, Calif.

Matthew "Sash" Lenaham, Age: 30
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
Current Residence: New York, N.Y.

Brenda Lowe, Age: 27
Occupation: Paddleboard Co. Owner/Ex-NFL Cheerleader
Current Residence: Miami, Fla.

NaOnka Mixon, Age: 27
Occupation: Physical Education Teacher
Current Residence: Los Angeles, Calif.

Chase Rice, Age: 24
Occupation:  Pro Race Car Jackman/Singer
Current Residence: Charlotte, N.C.

Kelly Shinn, Age: 20
Occupation: Nursing Student
Current Residence: Mesa, Ariz.

Alina Wilson, Age: 23
Occupation: Art Student
Current residence: Downey, Calif

[Maxim Oleksyn]

Yes, in San Juan del Sur.

[Smokey]

I love you Max!

Turning into a huge fan!!!! (grinning like a numbskull!)

[Maxim Oleksyn]

You're the best Smokes; thank you for that! :)

[Felicia]

So will you give us some spoiler sites? I kinda put 2+2 together and there may be some photos taken?

I can't believe I'm asking that!

[Maxim Oleksyn]

Well, Felicia, there are some photos on some spoiler sites, but I hate to give those out because they have boot lists on them. I do not like spoilers here under any circumstances (not saying that this group does that, you all are too cool for that). I like to sit along and guess with the rest of you!!!

But if you must, send me a quick email and I'll give you a direct link. I trust you! All of you!

[Zen Elipsys]

We all know we have our own boot list too....

[Felicia]

As you wish Max! LOL!!!

[Horace]

NO BOOT LISTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Maxim Oleksyn]

No worries there Horace. They will be deleted before anyone can see them and that member will be banned!

[Maxim Oleksyn]

Some more news:

At the very opening, Probst will reveal to the contestants a brand new item: the Medallion of Power. The Medallion can be used by a tribe to give itself an advantage in an immunity challenge, but once used, it goes over to the other tribe to use when it sees fit. The Medallion of Power is designed to give you power at challenges, (explains Probst.) And it's job is to make sure that the advantage is enough to tempt you — not so much that it’s a landslide, but enough that you go.

Also, expect fewer hidden immunity idols to be played on Survivor: Nicaragua, or at least expect them to be a bit harder to find. The only way you’re gonna find it is to decipher these cryptic visual clues. So it’s a bit like a visual riddle, and the audience will get to play along. And the first set of four clues is very difficult. The next set will be a little easier, and then by the third set, you should find it.

[Bruno]

I’m sure that the Espada Tribe will want to vote off Jimmy ASAP, but they’ll probably need him to try to win Tribal Immunities. If he makes it to the individual portion of the game, he’ll be gone the first chance they can. Unless people determine that if they go to Final 2 with Jimmy that NOBODY would give him the money over ANYONE else since he’s already “rich.”

[Assassin]

So I guess if you’re in your 30′s, you’re out of luck. Interesting...