I finished the Ghost Island finale! Overall, this season was much better on a rewatch than watching in real time. It's much more enjoyable to know the outcome and be able to pay attention to the masterful games Wendell and Dom played. While we all pretty much knew Dom and Wendell were going to win when watching in real time, it took away from the experience. On the first watch, you're more trying to figure out who will win, rather than paying attention to the intricacies of their games.
When I watched this season the first time, I was more on Team Domenick. I understood why Wendell won, but slightly leaned toward Dom. I still hold that position. But there really isn't much separation. I think I just enjoy Domenick more from a TV perspective. I imagine if I was living on the island with them, it may be a different choice. You can't go wrong with either player.
I also paid close attention to Laurel's game. I'm not sure there was a way for her to get to the end without sticking with Dom and Wendell. I can't blame her for sticking with them. She's a very logical player, and logically she knew she didn't have another choice. I would not mind seeing her play again in different circumstances.
As much as I love Kellyn, she really had some bad reads. She was too trusting in her allies. I think if she were to come back, she'd learn from her mistakes and do pretty well.
I feel like Chelsea really got a raw deal. She was one of the most purple edits ever, but she seemed to have intelligent thoughts and strategies while speaking to her alliance around camp. She also did really well in the challenges. She did not deserve to be purple.
Michael is a pretty good player. He was one of the few people to demonstrate a strong understanding of what's happening in the game, who wasn't named Domenick, Wendell, or Laurel. I would love to see him play again.
The premerge to this season was pretty bad in hindsight. I remember thinking the premerge characters were amazing. And while I enjoyed Stephanie and Morgan, the rest wouldn't have added much to the post merge. Bradley's story ended nicely. Jacob was more annoying than interesting. But if I were to bring back one premerge boot in Survivor history, it would be Stephanie Johnson. I loved her the first time, and I love her upon a second watch.
Ghost Island as a concept really didn't bother me as much this time around. It didn't really take hold of the narrative and storyline like I remember it doing. It was more of a quick pause from the main action that replaced idol hunts. It was actually a little refreshing not to see the idol hunts every episode. I'm not saying I want Ghost Island back, but it wasn't as bad in hindsight.
I have to continue to say I hate the final Tribal Council format these days. I want to hear from all the jurors, and with the new format it lets a few people run the whole show. I'm sure they edit things out, but I miss the old question and answer format.
In summary, this season is pretty rewatchable starting at the merge. The premerge is a huge drag, which lowers its ranking. I would love to see Domenick, Kellyn, Michael and Stephanie back. I wouldn't mind having Laurel back, but I won't be pounding on that door like I would the other three.
This season ranks 27 out of 40 for me. I previously had it ranked at 37th. I am still going to rewatch 37-40 at some point, so I will make final adjustments after I'm all done.
I have 3 players from this season in the top 100 of my all-time player rankings. Out of 591 players, I have Wendell ranked #18, Domenick ranked #24, and Michael ranked #85. Other notable players are Kellyn at #127 and Laurel at #202. I also have Stephanie Johnson ranked at #183. I think she really got a raw deal and could have won the game if she hadn't been put on Malolo. These rankings could change once I finish my rewatch.
I have Wendell ranked #12 in my winner rankings. These are based solely off the seasons the players won, whereas my all-time player rankings are based on all of the seasons someone has played. Wendell is right behind Tyson at #11 and in front of Richard Hatch at #13. These rankings could shift once I finish the remaining four seasons of my rewatch.
Up next... David vs Goliath!