Shepparton News

THIS week saw, in my opinion, the best opening episode of Survivor yet.

If it's anything to go on, Survivor VII: Pearl Islands is a series not to be missed.

The highlight for me was Rupert (already nicknamed Black Beard to go along with the pirate theme). A troubled teen mentor in his normal life, I think Survivor could turn out to be a bit of a break for him.

When the contestants were dumped unceremoniously into the ocean off the coast of Panama, most were wearing their best clothes.

Producers led the castaways to believe there were about three days left before the game began, and they were all dressed to have pulicity shots taken.

While most of the girls were done up to the nines in skimpy dresses and high heels, one of the blokes even donned an Armani suit.

Meanwhile, Black Beard's get-up consisted of his best denim duds and a psychedelic singlet.

After swimming to shore, Black Beard was a bit done in, but didn't miss an opportunity to live up to his new name by pillaging the other team's personal possessions when they left them lying around.

On the island a day later, Black Beard's wet denim set him on the path to inner-thigh chafing.

When one of his team mates thoughtfully chopped off the bottom of her pretty dress to make a comfy skirt for him, he didn't flinch at all - in fact he was delighted!

The 16 castaways have been separated into two teams - one held it all together, while the other fumbled its way through the first night.

Then three of the "hopeless" team's male members made a desperate plea for attention by stripping during the immunity challenge.

There are plenty of strong personalities seeking fame and glory in this series of Survivor (screening Mondays at 9.30 pm on WIN), but I hope they don't boot Black Beard off too soon.