Finally got to watch the first episode. It was pretty good as first episodes go, though I always just kind of force myself through them and then get into the show in the second one.
If executed properly, I think MVP could be really good. I just hope they find some sort of way to encourage America to vote on MVP for gameplay and not just for the same favourite week on week. I was thinking, but it could be a good idea if in every eviction episode, a former player was invited back to give a few viewpoints on who would be worthy of the prize. It could of course make it far easier for Grodner to just plough home her choice, but it could potentially also really get people on the right track, if someone like Dan gave his seal of approval to the right person.
I quite liked most of the cast based on the first episode, but I really liked Nick, Andy and Aaryn. Gina Marie looks like she could either be great fun, or complete torture, or both, while Kaitlin may firmly be in line for my "token two week brunette" kiss of death.
On the flip side, I found Jessie to be quite superficial and annoying, which was sad because I quite liked her in her interview. I also really took against Jeremy who was probably my least favourite, while a few of the others (Howard, Amanda, Candice) made very little impression on me at all, though Candice seemed quite sweet.
I do admit that I'm a little bit concerned that there aren't going to be that many serious gamers in there this year. The women didn't particularly seem like that impressive a group strategy wise, and a good few of the men seemed fairly dumb. I know it's just the first episode so I'm probably just being irrational, but I swear to god I can't stick another Brigade style season - I really can't!
Excited for the summer to come though!

Yay!