"Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" was very close to having Shane Powers on board; unfortunately, the former "Exile Island" contestant had his torch snuffed by producers before filming even started.
As a part of the new "Heroes vs. Villains" preview special (which will air January 31 on the TV Guide Channel), host Jeff Probst says that "it came down to slots, and ultimately Russell [Hantz] bumped Shane out." He also added that Corinne Kaplan (from "Survivor: Gabon") was asked, but she "couldn't get out of her job." As for Jonny Fairplay, it looks like he will (thankfully) never be asked back again after quitting three days into "Fans vs. Favorites."
Now, I certainly won't complain about Russell being on this season; without him, "Samoa" would have been one of the most boring seasons in the show's history (maybe even worse than "Thailand"). However, why couldn't you replace Tyson or Randy with Shane? Tyson, as entertaining as he was, only survived three tribal councils (and he had immunity for one of them); plus, both he and Randy are more recent castaways and could've been asked back later without a problem. Shane is a character that "Survivor" needs on this show again. As for Corinne, at least we now have a reason why Danielle is part of the cast (she was likely a replacement).
Of course, there are still a number of other questionable omissions from the cast -- like Kenny, Todd, Twila, and anyone from "Borneo" -- but there are also only twenty spots (at most) per season. Are you happy with the cast the way it is? Let me know your thoughts with a comment below. For more "Survivor" coverage (including analysis of every contestant), check out the link below the video.
Also, be sure and check out Jeff Probst's inspirational new special, "Live For the Moment." It airs Thursday night on CBS.
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Full analysis of each castaway -- updated daily
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Comments
Interesting stuff. I don't remember Shane. But I do think these all-star seasons are underwhelming. I'd be shocked if Russell wasn't voted out right away, because everyone knows he's such a threat. He's going to need to make a strong alliance right away or he's done.
Since HvV was filmed immediately after Samoa ended in filming, not in TV showing, none of the prior players will know anything about Russell. He'll be a complete unknown to them, which will likely allow Russell to use some of his charm on them. The only thing they will know is that he was designated as a villain, which is a clue as to his personality, but they won't necessarily view him as anymore of a threat than say Coach.
They should have replaced Tyson with Shane....I don't even remember Tyson, and his season was only last year. Shane is a far more entertaining choice, and hope to see him again in the future.
I would have loved to see Ozzy back again.He deserves to win the money.
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