Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all. This is going to be a really different year for me, the first time ever that we're not going to spend Christmas with mom's family in KL. There's a rather absent feeling. On Christmas day we're going to go to church and then for lunch at someone's place and after that there's nothing happening really. Whereas over in KL we'd go for service, then spend the afternoon with a quiet lunch and then at night have a big family dinner with everyone till late in the night.
But I suppose its good to do things differently for once... Eh? When did Christmas become all about gift giving anyway? I haven't had time to go buy anything for anyone these days.
How does a show manage to do it? 15 seasons down, a 16th in post production and at least 2 more in development. Beats me. Billy Garcia from Cook Islands and Leslie Nease from China replied emails to them. That's nice of them. At least they aren't the stuck up sort who think since they've been on TV they're in another dimension and they aren't the famewhore types (JOHNNY ROTTEN anyone?). The guy's career is listed as reality TV contestant, can it get more obvious than that?
He was a serious casting mistake and to date, no one comes close to him for hate value. Not even Dre. Or Shane. No.
Borneo - Having watched this finally was interesting. One group of people who knew what they were doing and another who were completely ignorant.
Australia - If I remember correctly, this was a really good season but not as great as Pearl Islands or China for some reason. Need to rewatch it.
Africa - I might watch this for the second time next. Its been awhile since I remembered anything from Africa.
Marquesas - I didn't follow the entire season the first time round, but watching it for a second time changed my opinion but underscored the fact that I hate a domination pre-merge (read Ulonging).
Thailand - Perhaps watching the second time round would be better.
Amazon - I think the gender bender twist had an effect on how the game played out somewhat.
Pearl Islands - Nearly done watching the season for a second time. Would be done if the software wasn't giving problems. Sad to say, this season has been bumped to second favourite now.
All Stars - Well, interesting concept but not enough to salvage the season I think.
Vanuatu - A lot of people hated the hilly billy season but I still don't get it really.
Palau - Didn't like it cause of the Ulonging.
Guatemala - Another season people didn't really like but I enjoyed and it produced the only female winner after All Stars.
Panama - Hated, hated, hated it. But even then, not as much as I would hate Fiji.
Cook Islands - The racial division caused a lot of furore but in the end it was very well balanced. Loved how the season played out.
Fiji - Absolutely most hated season of all.
China - Favourite season of all time. Great cast, great theme, great editing, great outcome. Okay, so I can't stop gushing now can I?
So if I were to pick a favourite from each season...
Borneo - Sean. Alphabet strategy was funny and completely ignorant but he did come around in the end although it was a case of too little too late.
Australia - Hands down, Colby. Should have won as well but that nurse grabbed it instead.
Africa - I need to get back on this one.
Marquesas - I'd have to say John. He had an idea how to play the game but was eventually too cocky.
Thailand - Shii Ann. The most entertainment value for sure.
Amazon - Rob for being so informed about the game and very cunning.
Pearl Islands - Sandra for being a spit fire and dodging a lot of the votes.
All Stars - Kathy. She was the most spunky player of her previous season and this season it would have been her or Colby I'd liked to have seen win.
Vanuatu - Ami since she was rather cut-throat.
Palau - Hands down, Coby Archa. Just oozes personality. Close behind would be Jenn Lyon.
Guatemala - Danni. Funny but also entertaining.
Panama - Cirie as she gave good confessionals and was entertaining somewhat.
Cook Islands - Yul as he seemed really smart for someone who had never really watched how this game was played.
Fiji - Yau-Man. How can you not like him?
China - Todd had been my favourite from the beginning, before it even aired. A close one is Amanda.
-LIVESTRONG!-Heads Up and Stay StrongBe Proud