It is common for Survivor to change things up. These changes help keep the show exciting. Jeff Probst, the host, is always ready to try new ideas for the reality competition series. This was clear in the premiere of Survivor 47. The previous method called Sweat vs. Savvy had run its course.
So, Probst and the team decided to create a new way for the losing tribe to earn supplies after losing the first challenge. Before the season started, they teased an extraordinary adventure, similar to Indiana Jones. Some viewers felt the excitement did not meet their expectations.
While the new challenge was a step up from the old one, it did not fully deliver on the hype. However, it was just the first attempt, and such things can take time to improve. Despite this, the results turned out well for most players on the island.
Survivor is a popular reality competition show on CBS that began in 2000. Now in its 47th season, the show brings together a group of people who must cooperate to build a community but also work against each other.
They aim to outwit, outplay, and outlast the others for a chance to win a million-dollar prize. With many twists and surprises, Survivor 47 started fresh and exciting compared to earlier seasons.
X Marked the Spot
After the opening challenge, Jeff Probst informed the losing tribes, Lavo in red and Tuku in blue, that they had another chance to earn supplies. Probst explained that each tribe had to choose one player to compete for their supplies. There were no other hints given.
One person would represent their entire tribe. For Lavo, Aysha Welch volunteered. For Tuku, after a game of rock, paper, scissors, Terran “TK” Foster was chosen.
These two players went to a hidden challenge to earn their supplies. They competed in a scavenger hunt to find a series of keys. The first one to finish the race would win their tribe a pot, a machete, and flint.
The challenge was not overly complicated. It lacked the dramatic filming seen earlier in the episode. It was a simple, straightforward challenge. While it might have seemed grand during planning, in the final edit, it felt minor. It was a fun task, but the stakes were low.
Still from Survivor 47 (Credit: Paramount+)
Watching a solo idol hunt seemed more thrilling than this jungle adventure with oversized photos. In the end, Aysha made a critical mistake, leading to TK’s win, but that was as thrilling as it got.
Like the original challenge, Sweat vs. Savvy, this task required the losing tribe to earn their supplies. However, there was no clear choice between a physical or mental challenge.
It felt like just another twist in the New Era of Survivor, but slightly more significant. This change happened simply because it was needed. The truth is, the excitement did not fully deliver. It was just okay.
Risks in the New Era of Survivor
Jeff Probst often tells the players that every reward comes with a risk. Nothing is easy in Survivor, and players must earn everything. Whether it is camp supplies or their position in the game, castaways understand that they must work hard from the moment they arrive on the beach.
Adding this extra challenge fits with that mindset, but it no longer brings something new and thrilling. In fact, it could surprise players and fans if nothing changed at all. As they say in another CBS show, “Expect the unexpected.”
From a game perspective, every choice in Survivor has consequences. This is why the Beware Advantage is now a key part of the game. This new challenge showed how different players handle their decisions and the possible consequences. In the Tuku Tribe, no one wanted to volunteer and risk becoming a target.
So, a childhood game decided who would go. With many versions of Sweat vs. Savvy, participating in the challenge could help create a strong alliance while away from the tribe.
Or it could give someone a chance to build a close bond with their partner. In this version, only one person from each tribe participated, meaning five others had a chance to connect without them. This was a significant risk that could affect the entire season.
Aysha Welch: A Rising Star
For the Lavo Tribe, deciding to volunteer was a big choice. Aysha Welch took a risk that could have easily backfired. Volunteering meant she would be separated from her tribe while others formed bonds. Additionally, if she lost, she could become a target for putting her tribe at a disadvantage.
However, being a fan of Survivor helped her. In the first episode, viewers saw Aysha as a big fan of the show, holding a mug and wearing a t-shirt. But dedicated fans recognized her from Rob Has a Podcast, a popular network led by Survivor legend Rob Cesternino.
As Aysha struggled to win, the other five castaways in the Tuku Tribe considered leaving her behind and forming early alliances. However, one player, Teeny Chirichillo, suggested they wait for Aysha to return. Teeny wanted to know Aysha better. At first, it was unclear why.
Still from Survivor 47 (Credit: Paramount+)
But when Teeny mentioned Rob Has a Podcast, it became clear. This fan helped save Aysha’s game. While others may not have had that chance, Aysha’s strong social and strategic skills shone through. She also caught the attention of Rome Cooney during his idol hunt.
Currently, Aysha is in a good position! For her, this new challenge was beneficial. Survivor is about social strategy, but a bit of luck is also necessary. Aysha got lucky! Let’s see if luck stays with her!
This challenge showed how one simple task could turn into a spotlight on a player. It revealed a promising character in Aysha.
Now, fans wonder how Survivor will use the lessons learned for future seasons. Likely, nothing will change. Any feedback from fans will probably not be considered until the next filming block.
Will MomTok survive this? Viewers have wondered since the premiere of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The women have made a big impact in reality TV, showing what life is like in Utah as members of the Mormon church.
Each episode kept viewers excited with shocking moments about the MomTok group and the race to find the new Queen Bee. Some episodes drew more attention than others. Here is a ranking of all the episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
The dramatic twists and emotional moments keep the audience engaged and eager to see how the relationships evolve.
The series not only highlights the personal struggles of the women but also examines the broader implications of their lifestyles and beliefs, making it attractive to watch for those interested in reality TV and the intricacies of modern social groups. Here is a ranking of all the episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
“The Book of Belonging” – Episode 2
This episode sets the stage for the entire season. It happens 11 months after the first episode. It is important because it shares what happened to Taylor Frankie Paul after her arrest. After mentioning her miscarriage in the first episode, viewers learn that she became pregnant again. She is now celebrating her baby shower, hoping to reconnect with the MomTok group.
The episode focuses on Taylor’s baby shower and Whitney Leavitt’s absence. This gives viewers a look at how Whitney manipulated the group to take her side and exclude Taylor. The most interesting part is Taylor’s shower.
It also shows how Mayci Neeley feels about Taylor’s boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, due to rumors about his cheating and mistreatment of Taylor. Although the episode did not have many exciting moments, it was funny to see Taylor’s mom call Whitney for not attending the baby shower.
“The Book of Broken Vows” – Episode 4
This episode follows the chaotic birthday trip for Mayci. The highlight is watching what life will be like for Taylor and Dakota as parents. Jen Affleck and her husband, Zac Affleck, give Dakota a crash course in parenting.
After expressing her dislike for Dakota, Mayci speaks with him about his relationship with Taylor. Things take a turn when Taylor reveals she is not ready for marriage with Dakota because he had a relationship with someone else while they were apart.
Still from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Credit: Hulu)
Besides the drama between Dakota and Taylor, the group shares their feelings about Whitney at Layla Taylor’s divorce party. Many girls notice Whitney’s tendency to play the victim. Her presence at the party highlights her desire for sympathy after the events of Mayci’s trip.
“The First Book of Sin” – Episode 6
Seeing the girls in Las Vegas is exciting since half the group does not engage in some typical Vegas activities. They go as a group to enjoy themselves, but Whitney decides not to join.
Following Layla’s divorce party, most girls are on bad terms with Whitney, and she has unfollowed them all on Instagram. The focus again shifts to Taylor and Dakota, as their last conversation was in front of Mayci, and it ended poorly.
The most shocking moment occurs when Jen and her husband discuss their Vegas plans. Jen’s husband, Zac, says, “Being divorced and taking care of two kids would be kind of tough,” suggesting he would divorce her if she went to a Chippendales show.
He does not allow her to go alone, and his comment reveals the nature of their relationship. The episode also uncovers Zac’s gambling problem, as he plans to gamble while Jen is with her friends. Dakota invites himself to the trip in case Taylor goes into labor. Jen’s night ends badly when Zac learns she attended the show and confronts her.
“The Book of Trust” – Episode 7
This episode shows the fallout from the girls’ first day in Las Vegas. The main focus is on Jen, who has problems with her husband after he disagrees with her attending a Chippendales show. After the show, Jen decides to find Zac in the middle of the night to talk, but she does not tell the other girls, making them worried.
The girls openly share their feelings about Zac and how he tries to control Jen. Later, it is revealed that Jen went to his hotel room to discuss their future, but the girls still disapprove of her leaving and Zac’s rudeness.
Still from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Credit: Hulu)
Meanwhile, Dakota returns upset with Taylor because of the show and their unresolved issues. The biggest shock is when Mayci receives a blind item about Dakota cheating on Taylor. She debates whether to inform Taylor or not.
“The Book of Saints & Sinners” – Episode 3
This episode introduces viewers to the divide in MomTok. It shows the “Saints and Sinners.” One group is still very involved with the Mormon church, while the other is not. The Saints group includes Mayci, Mikayla Matthews, Jen, and Whitney.
The Sinners are Taylor, Layla, Demi Engemman, and Jessi Ngatikaura. The divide starts at Zac’s graduation party when Jessi and her husband take out a flask, despite Zac and his family’s opposition to drinking in their home. Following this, Jen disinvites the “sinners” from her baby blessing. This action causes Demi to have issues with Jen’s husband, Zac.
Demi becomes a central figure in the season. She has problems with Whitney after revealing a secret about her and her husband. Demi plans a Galentine’s party, but Whitney takes a joke too far and exposes Demi in front of their friends and her husband.
“The Book of Rumors” – Episode 8
As the season finale, this episode not only answers questions about MomTok’s future but also builds excitement for another season. It shows the aftermath of Taylor learning that Mayci received the blind item about Dakota cheating on her.
It reveals how the couple tries to move forward as Taylor is about to give birth. Nobody expects Dakota to call Mayci for a one-on-one conversation about the blind item. They have an open discussion and ultimately agree to disagree because they care for Taylor.
Still from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Credit: Hulu)
The shocking moment is when Mayci calls the person rumored to have slept with Dakota while he was with her. The episode ends abruptly, leaving viewers surprised that the season is over.
In addition to Dakota and Taylor’s story, Whitney announces her pregnancy. All the remaining MomTok girls decide to unfollow her on Instagram because she did not support Mayci at her event.
Jen also reveals that Zac has been accepted to medical school in New York City, which means they might leave Utah and Jen would have to leave MomTok for good.
“The First Book of Taylor” – Episode 1
This episode starts it all, giving viewers a look at the scandal that brought attention to MomTok. Taylor explains the swinging scandal. It takes place eleven months before the rest of the season and provides great background on the women and their thoughts.
Viewers see a different side of Taylor, who is trying to find her way back into MomTok. The shocking moment is when Taylor gets arrested and experiences what happens that night.
In addition to Taylor’s backstory, viewers meet Whitney and see her desire to stay in the spotlight. She reveals that her husband was on Tinder during their marriage.
The other women seem to know, but she has denied it for a long time. Everyone is surprised by how angry she gets when attention shifts to Taylor, who shares that she had a miscarriage with Dakota.
“The Book of Truth” – Episode 5
As the “saints and sinners” divide grows, the girls plan a trip for Mayci’s birthday. The trip aims to bring everyone together after a tough year due to the swinging scandal. This episode highlights Whitney as the season’s villain, while Demi shows potential as a new Queen Bee.
During the trip, the girls play a question game. What starts as fun turns serious when Whitney receives a question about her jealousy of Taylor. She admits she feels jealous because others have moved on from her scandal, while she still faces criticism for an earlier TikTok video.
Still from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Credit: Hulu)
Demi emerges as MomTok’s hero, calling out Whitney for her behavior. This moment shows the divide between Whitney and the group and hints at what MomTok might be like without her. In the end, the group proves they can survive without her.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream on Hulu in the US.
