Survivor: 5 Reasons Blood Vs. Water Is The Best Twist In The Series (& 5 It Isn’t)

Survivor has had 40 seasons of new castaways, twists, and themes. As the series goes on, fans have certainly come to love some seasons more than others. Of course, the show is not shy to reuse themes that seem to make for an entertaining season for both viewers and castaways.

‘Blood vs. Water’ stacks up the tribes so it’s a battle of blood. Every castaway comes with a partner – a loved one – and they’re separated onto different tribes. While it’s totally entertaining, some fans think it might be the best twist, and others, maybe not so much. So, it’s time to settle it – here are 5 reasons that ‘Blood vs. Water’ is the best twist in the series, and 5 it’s not.

10 Is The Best: Fans Got New & Returning Players

This wasn’t the case every time that Blood vs. Water made an appearance, but in its original use (in the 27th season), returning players hit the beach – but this time, they brought a loved one.

This meant that there was enough memorable and favorite players for fans to enjoy, but with the added aspect of new ones – that the returning players had a vested interest in. It was a whole new game for everyone.

9 Isn’t: Alliances Took A Back Seat

If any loved one partnership was left at the merge, any and all alliances pretty much took a back seat, and those loved ones without a doubt became a strong partnership.

On the flip side, this also meant that they were a huge target, and everyone else’s alliances were jeopardized in order to vote out the pair. For this reason, alliances didn’t mean a whole lot, and that’s often the most interesting part of the game.

8 Is The Best: There’s A Whole New Level Of Strategy

It’s hard enough to be on this complicated reality show when it’s just about oneself. When the loved ones get added in, there’s a much more personal stake in the process.

But even more so, other castaways greatly take into consideration who has their loved ones left – and who doesn’t. This added level of complication makes for some great suspense and entertainment.

7 Isn’t: It Can Quickly Sizzle Out

Unlike other themes, like ‘Brain vs. Brawn vs. Beauty’ or ‘David vs. Goliath’, this one can be short lived. After everyone’s loved ones are voted out (which, usually happens), this theme becomes pretty irrelevant.

It could be argued that this is always the case, but fans probably remember when only Blue Collar members were left, or that the Beauty tribe did pretty well. This theme isn’t as long-lasting.

6 Is The Best: There’s Some Intense Backstabbing

This twist is a lot more personal than any other seen on the island. Castaways definitely don’t like to see their loved ones get voted out, and it can get pretty fierce and intense when someone feels they’re threatened.

So, the backstabbing is pretty wild, and there’s never a dull tribal council. Of course, Ciera Eastin takes the cake for best back-stab, and every fan remembers her voting out her own mother.

5 Isn’t: Not Every Player Was Interesting

This proved to be true both when the series had all new players, and when it was returning players with their loved ones. Usually, the twist or theme has something to do with the character of the players. This time, it certainly didn’t.

Being related to or loved by another player didn’t really mean that each castaway had something interesting to offer. Especially in the original Blood vs. Water, not every returning player’s loved one had what it took to be on the show.

4 Is The Best: It Was Brilliant With Redemption Island

Fans will likely remember when this twist was partnered with another fan favorite, Redemption Island. For this, players were given the opportunity to switch places with their significant other if they were on Redemption Island.

This always made things interesting, especially when it came down to alliances, challenge beasts, and pure emotion. These combined twists put this social experiment to its absolute max.

3 Isn’t: There Is Too Much Focus On Blood

As the season moved closer and closer to the merge, it became strictly about voting out anyone that still had a loved one left in the game. That meant that nothing else really mattered – included alliances and strategy.

This twist made for a pretty great excuse for tunnel vision, in which none of the players cared about anything but the blood that still existed in the game. This might have been a bit boring.

2 Is The Best: It Took A Lot To Win

This theme required a lot from its castaways. Adding the personal investment and having players also juggle their loved one and their alliances definitely meant that only really great players would succeed.

Tyson Apostol definitely proved that he had what it took when he won season 27, and Natalie Anderson also surprised fans when she won – after her sister was the first one voted out. This season asked a lot of its castaways, and only the best could win.

1 Isn’t: There Are Many Other Great Ones

While it could be said there’s nothing wrong with ‘Blood vs. Water’, that doesn’t mean that it’s best there is on the series. There are so many twists and themes that could definitely also be seen as the ‘best’.

From ‘Ghost Island’ to ‘Fans vs. Favorites’ to ‘Heroes vs. Villains’, claiming one as the best would seem almost outrageous. For this reason, ‘Blood vs. Water’ might just have to share the crown.

About The Author

Meah Peers
(631 Articles Published)

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I just graduated university with Criminology & Psychology, but have a burning side passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.
I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

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