Survivor 42 Scoop – Week 1 Recap: Winners, Losers, Top Moments

Posted By: John Powell

March 10, 2022

Survivor 42 Scoop – Week 1 Recap: Winners, Losers, Top Moments

John Powell – GlobalTV.com

Expect the unexpected is Big Brother USA’s long-standing motto. Reflecting on tonight’s roller coaster ride of a premiere episode, I think it would be okay if Survivor 42 borrowed that phrase. I really don’t Julie Chen-Moonves would mind, Jeff Probst.

But first…

The shocker right out of the gate was law clerk Daniel Strunk pulling a Stephenie LaGrossa separating his shoulder during the very first challenge. To his credit, Daniel did soldier on through a tough challenge seeking medical attention only after it was all done and over with. That took some real grit and determination. Colour me impressed.

A bigger bombshell was waiting for viewers just minutes later though. Jackson Fox, the 48-year-old health care worker from Texas, not only revealed to his tribe that he applied to the show 10 years ago as a female but had to leave Survivor 42 for medical reasons. Probst pulled Jackson away from his tribe to speak with him privately.

“Another part of the casting process is we always ask you to keep us up to date with any changes to your medical situation. That’s because we have to make sure that we can take care of you when you are out here,” said Probst reminding Jackson that a day before shooting Jackson did reveal something he hadn’t before but the producers let him start playing the game.

“To speak candidly, it is very hard to get any tests done now. It is very difficult,” Probst continued asking Jackson why he didn’t speak up earlier.

“I was just trying to quit it completely because I don’t need it any more,” replied Jackson revealing that he was speaking about lithium, which is used for a multitude of health issues including depression, mood issues and bipolar disorders.

Jackson stated that he began taking lithium when he was looking after his severely ill mother.

“I am not ashamed to say I need help with certain things,” he said.

Probst then informed Jackson that the medication does have a reaction when someone is stressed, they are not eating, not sleeping, etc.

“The cumulative affect of the show could have a bad impact on you. Your safety is paramount,” Probst told Jackson saying they had no choice but to remove him from the game for health reasons.

While Jackson was receiving some unfortunate news about his Survivor journey, Canadians Maryanne Oketch and Omar Zaheer were doing well on the Taku tribe while Drea Wheeler, an American fitness consultant now living in Quebec, found herself at tribal council as the Ika tribe lost the very first immunity challenge. She didn’t get her way though in wanting to vote out the bossy Rocksroy. Romeo Escobar, the pageant coach and TV producer at KTLA, had to remind her that Rocksroy was part of the alliance they established on day one.

Whoopsie!

The tribe settled on the unassuming student Zach Wurtenberger who flopped at puzzle solving and was feuding with Tori Meehan, a therapist who was a player on season three of the online reality competition web series Sequester. With only 26 days not 39 to play there is liable to be more feuds and more twists and turns as the players go for broke.

Stay tuned…

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Moment # 5: Maryanne expresses her excitement to Probst.

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Moment # 4: A sneaky twist during the first challenge.

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Moment # 3: Daniel’s injured shoulder is repaired.

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Moment # 2: Jackson shares his story with his tribe.

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Moment # 1: Jackson is medically evacuated.

Week One: Zach Wurtenberger

It is true that Zach bombed out at the challenge but it appeared that it had more to do with the alliances that were formed without him, that he was viewed as the weakest link and couldn’t bite his tongue. In tribes only containing six members it is hard to fade into the background this season.

Strategic Gameplay

Although we aren’t sure what he did back at camp Zach did fight for his life at tribal council. What he had to say though didn’t inspire any confidence in his tribe though.

Rating: 1 / 5

Social Gameplay

Since we know of at least two alliances without him it is clear that Zach really didn’t hit the ground running with his social game.

Rating: 1 / 5

Entertainment Value

Zach wasn’t afraid to confront people or speak his mind. That might have made for some drama but we will never know what he could have brought to the show.

Rating: 1 / 5

Final Castaway Rating: 3 / 15

Who played it cool and who proved themselves to be a fool? Every week John Powell makes his picks for the worst and best players of the week.

She is already seen as being untrustworthy and a schemer.

She wanted to not only vote out someone in her own alliance but she also remove what little strength her tribe had, besides herself that is.

With a shortened game and smaller tribes he should have known better than to be too bossy and impatient.

Even though he made himself a target he wasn’t voted out, swung the vote his way and proved when it comes to physical strength and his survival skills, his tribe needs him.

Although it certainly will make him a target later on his athletic prowess secured his place in a tribe that is smaller than your usual Survivor tribe.