‘Survivor: Second Chance’: Should there be a twist beyond the cast?

Tonight on CBS, “Survivor” is going to do more than just announce the winner of their latest season “Worlds Apart.” During the live reunion show, we are also going to have an opportunity to learn who are the next cast members competing on season 31 entitled “Survivor: Second Chance.” That is a tremendously-exciting proposition, and it also happens to be something that we have discussed extensively over the course of the past several weeks.

The cast reveal is certainly going to be exciting, but we have to imagine that with there being so many great players coming back to the game, production is going to try to keep them on their toes. Therefore, why not speculate for a few minutes on what some of the other twists to the game could be?

Tribes – Since we have a cast of 20 players coming up, we imagine that these will be divided up into two groups rather than three, especially since these are returning players and that reduces the likelihood of pre-game alliances coming in and dominating. Feasibly you could start with four tribes of five, but that seems a little too crazy and biased to pre-gamers.

Advantages – Of course, the hidden immunity idol will be back, and we also imagine that the extra vote will come into play at some point. We hope it is not during the auction, as that would be rather predictable at this point. It’s better when it is a secret discovered somewhere, since these players probably wouldn’t want it if it makes them a larger target. Let’s pray for no Tyler Perry Idol.

Redemption / Exile Island – Doubtful on both counts. With a cast this big, you don’t really need redemption, and we don’t want two people sent there right away since that is pretty awful (it was the worst part of “Blood vs. Water”).

Tribe Swap – Please and thank you. While this does occasionally screw players over, we do like that you have a dynamic that changes up the game. We just wish there was a better way to do it other than randomizing or allowing the contestants to choose themselves.

Something new (and secret) – Maybe someone will have two extra votes, an immunity idol you can use on two people, a power that negates an immunity challenge win, or free pass to the merge. We don’t necessarily love any of these ideas, but don’t you need to introduce something that players cannot prepare for? We think it’s a must.

If you missed it, we recently spotlighted every possible candidate to return to the game over at the link here. Also, sign up now to score some other updates on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)