Just finished a #Survivor: Cook Islands rewatch. Pitting different races against each other obviously remains SUPER problematic, but the mutiny made for a spectacular late-season run with clearly defined people to root for and against. More spoiler-filled thoughts to follow…

I was actually embedded with the players for the entire pre-game, starting with travel from LA hotel to Cook Islands. I’ll share a bunch of BTS photos before the game on my IG account (thedaltonross) shortly. Here I am with Flicka, Sundra (who was an alternate), and Ozzy at LAX.

After living with the contestants pre-game, I was sure the first person voted out would be either Jonathan Penner and Sekou Bunch. One ended up playing three times, the other did this…

The Cook Islands water was the roughest I’ve ever experienced in any location. Cast, crew, and press were all puking up a storm at the marooning. Absolutely brutal.

Survivor fans getting their first ever look at Parvati Shallow.

And here’s the first ever interaction in what turned into one of the most inspiring Survivor friendships ever, Yul and Penner.

Cook Islands had one of the raddest Tribal Council sets, for sure. The art and production departments on this show are insane.

Billy Garcia will always be a legend. I most certainly DO love you, Billy.

I am obsessed with what has to be the best example in the history of television of someone wanting desperately to not be in a current conversation.

My favorite Probst look of the season. The hat, shades, and a very brightly colored shirt. Clearly, he dug deep for this challenge.

Also, here’s Probst’s season 13 version of “Come on in, guys!”

The banter between Probst and Penner all season was pure gold.

The challenges are super solid in Cook Islands, this being one of the best, punctuated by Nate’s epic reaction.

Of course, when you talk Cook Islands challenges, you need to talk Ozzy. Look how badass this is as he uses his FIST to break the board, and then catches the key on its way down. Stud.

And this is just absurd.

Obligatory challenge wipeout shots.

Fun fact: When I asked Parvati pre-game what her biggest fear was heading into the game, she answered “Body hair.”

The moment of truth. The entire Cook Islands season turned on this moment, and transformed an okay season into a great one.

Classic.

Seems like an odd confessional angle, no?

Wait, did Ozzy just give me the finger?

Who says Yul needs to loosen up?

I just don’t even know what’s happening here. But I’m all in.

Having spent close to a week with them before the game, I NEVER EVER EVER would have predicted Candice and Adam having a showmance. It still confounds me to this day.

That’s for giving me the finger earlier, Ozzy.

Best shot of the Cook Islands season.

I didn’t cry when I watched it 14 years ago. I cry now.

For my money, this is still the funniest thing that has ever happened on Survivor.

The disdain in Jeff’s voice…

Yul is the only contestant who figured out the racial division twist before the game. And he almost quit because of it. The dude is an inspiration for people of all ethnicities.

Penner preemptively throwing cold water on the season 20 concept.

And because it is impossible to ever watch this too many times, we end our Survivor: Cook Islands thread with the sweet sweet sounds of Sekou Bunch! (Why didn’t they use THIS song for season 40?)