Season 23, Episode 10 of "Survivor" castaways Jim Rice of Denver and Keith Tollefson of Edina, Minn. may be out of the game, but we can still keep up with their thoughts and strategies by watching the Ponderosa on "Survivor's" official website.
The Ponderosa is a "Survivor" feature of which many longtime fans of the show are not aware. It is the home base where jury members spend the remainder of their time once they are ousted from the game. Usually located not too far from where the game is being played, The Ponderosa offers the exiled castaways private quarters with beds, showers, a chef, and multiple games and activities to help them while away the hours until the moment of that critical final Trial Council and vote.
From a fan's perspective, the thing that is so special about the Ponderosa is the short videos shown on the "Survivor" website. These videos provide fans with insights and information not shown in the previous episodes of the show. It lends a broader understanding of the interrelationships between tribes, alliances, and even individuals. Although still limited in its authenticity by the editing of segments, the information divulged in these quick snippets seems to be more honest and complete, and less likely to have been taken out of context. It adds a layer of depth and understanding, helping us to identify with these jurors as people instead of as contestants in a game to win $1 million.
There are generally three or four Ponderosa segments for each new jury addition, showing us everything from their official weigh-in to see how much weight they have lost, to how they eat and drink so much that they almost (and sometimes do) get sick. Survivors air grievances, admit mistakes, and sometimes even reveal secret crushes. The Ponderosa is an adjunct to the game of "Survivor" that no true fan should be missing.
