Survivor 44 episode 1 shocks with medical visits and tribal council

Survivor 44 episode 1 shot out from a canon and there’s no coming back from the damage left in its wake. The hit reality TV show continues on its 26-day season (established from Season 41), but the challenges and environment already prove too much for some of its contestants.

The Survivor 44 cast has been divided into three groups of six, with each team immediately competing in a reward challenge after brief introductions. Who knew something tragic would happen within the first minute of the first reward challenge?

What happened in Survivor 44 episode 1 to call medical to the beach?

During the first reward challenge in Survivor 44 episode 1, players had to duck and crawl under several obstacles before carrying heavy puzzle pieces back to the start. Unfortunately, Bruce Perreault bashed his head during the initial lunge under the first obstacle and was bleeding afterward.

Bruce was shaken as his teammates continued, but host Jeff Probst stayed on top of his health after his big head wound. As play continued, Bruce eventually bent over before making his way to the ground; it’s a scary scene where he admits to being lightheaded and medical attention is called in quickly.

The doctor provides oxygen and Bruce is provided shade to help with the healing process. As quickly as medical was called in, Bruce was given the all-clear to continue in the challenge and move forward in the game. In such a significant moment, Jeff relinquished his role to allow a player to restart the challenge, as Bruce says, “Survivors ready – go!”

Does Survivor 44 episode 1 have more medical visits than any other premiere?

Yes, fans probably breathed a sigh of relief to see Bruce given the all-good status, but that was sadly premature. Late into Day 1, the doctor is called in again as Bruce mentions having a major headache. Did he get a concussion? Is there anything else happening from his head injury? After the medical team and Jeff Probst arrive, it’s determined Bruce needs further analysis to make sure he’ll be okay and leaves the game.

In such a devastating decision, Survivor 44 episode 1 sees several other doctor visits and it seems overwhelming to watch it happen live. First, Matthew Grinstead-Mayle showcases his adventurous style by attempting to climb up a jagged rock face on the beach. He slips, falls, and catastrophe lands squarely on his separated shoulder. Not only did he injure his shoulder, but it also appeared that he severely gashed open his foot.

If that wasn’t enough, Brandon Cottom was next to succumb to the elements of the immunity challenge. As all three teams compete, it’s clear Brandon is suffering from the effects of heat and dehydration. Jeff checks on him and medical is called in to provide water and shade. Although the immunity challenge continues, Brandon stays on the sideline throughout the remainder of it to recover. Fortunately, Brandon is not pulled from the game, but his tribe loses the challenge.

Survivor 44 starts wild and the tribal council concludes at that same pace

During the premiere, Brandon finds a hidden immunity idol that becomes public knowledge. Yes, the locked birdcage that held a hanging bag within it was a new twist to the game, but there wasn’t any certainty on what would be inside of it. Brandon found a key to the cage and announced it to gain goodwill with his tribemates.

Little did he know there was an idol hiding within, but that made him a target at the first tribal council. Maddy Pomilla was with Brandon when he found the advantage and wanted him to keep it a secret, so she targeted him as soon as he announced it to the tribe. It’s okay, right? One person’s vote against you can’t matter that much – right?

The tribal council witnessed not one, but two people play their “Shot in the Dark” – and Jaime Lynn Ruiz became the first successful attempt at using this advantage. This means Jaime (and Matthew) did not vote, while Lauren Harpe used a secret advantage where skipping a vote allows her to gain an extra vote later. This meant there were only three votes cast in Survivor 44 episode 1.

Ultimately, Brandon decided to play his immunity idol, nullifying two of the three available votes. In an epic first episode of Survivor, one vote sends home the second player in the game – and that vote went to Maddy. Brandon realized he couldn’t trust Maddy, much like she didn’t trust him, and he did not hesitate to play his idol and send his competition home.

Will the wild start of Survivor 44 episode 1 lead to a wild finish? Was this too many medical visits to handle in one episode? Were you shocked by Bruce going home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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