Another one bites the Dust

Last Sunday, millions of Americans became slaves to TV sets tuned to CBS. Not only did CBS host the not very exciting Super Bowl, but also, just minutes afterwards, a first glimpse at "Survivor II:The Australian Outback."\nMillions of people have been waiting for this day ever since the first incarnation with the chubby, naked Richard Hatch as the winner. The question to be asked this season is: Will it be better than the original? Yes, it will be better and more popular.\nThere are many reasons why it will be more entertaining and will bring in higher ratings. First is that the location, the Australian Outback, is far superior to the deserted island. The Outback has everything one needs to suffer for 42 days: heat, woods/jungle, desert, and water. CBS probably will not let anyone die, but you never know, it would increase ratings. With this dangerous setting, the Survivors also have to endure greater and more creative immunity/reward challenges. The first cast ate rats, this one has already eaten figs filled with delicious ants. \nAnother important aspect is the cast and how good-looking they are. The last cast was pretty attractive, but some of these contestants were picked solely for their looks in a bathing suit. I need to mention Elisabeth, the 23-year-old from Boston. Adorable. I'm not afraid to admit I will probably cry when she gets voted off.\nThe Survivors will definitely be smarter since they have seen the first show, but will they be as likable? This could be the only reason this season will not do as well. By mid-season of the original the audience knew which of the contestants they liked and which they didn't. They cared who got voted off. Will we not care about these people just like no one cared about the losers in "Big Brother?" \nNo, we will care once we know their personalities. We already had a glimpse of some personalities, especially from Kimmi, a New York bartender. She was very open and friendly when she announced the first night, "The only thing I'm worried about is not masturbating." She'll probably stay for a while, especially in my mind.\nNow who will win? I would love for Elisabeth to last as long as possible so our relationship can continue, but she will not win. My guess will be Michael, the software publisher from Michigan. He is the smartest and the strongest. He will only be voted off if the castaways consider him a threat, like Greg from season one. \nIf you do not believe me, I do not care. I am an expert when it comes to "Survivor." An expert.\nAll right, now I'm embarrassed to admit that.