Finally. FINALLY! After weeks of silence and dragging the chain, Channel 9 have finally announced that Survivor: Redemption Island will air in Australia. They’re starting on the right foot too, by airing the first two eps back to back. Here’s hoping they do that until we’re caught up.

I’ve seen the first ep courtesy a network-supplied preview disc, and it’s amazing. To have Boston Rob and Evil Russell back on board is a stroke of genius, as is the redemption island concept. It’ll be great to see it finally. Tune in, and send a clear message. From the press release:

EXCLUSIVE TO GO!
SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND

This season of Survivor will feature a new twist. For the first time, castaways who have been eliminated from the game will have a chance to seek redemption and return for a crack at the $1 million prize.

The battle unfolds in Nicaragua where 18 castaways will be divided into two tribes of nine: the Ometepe Tribe and the Zapatera Tribe. The tribes comprise individuals from different backgrounds who all have the same ultimate goal: to be the Sole Survivor.

While 16 of the contestants are new, Russell Hantz and “Boston Rob” Mariano are former castaways who have been given another chance to compete for the big prize.

While Russell and Rob will join separate tribes at the start of the game, it’s up to each tribe to decide if they’ll welcome the knowledge of an experienced veteran, or view these former castaways as a threat in the ultimate battle to outwit, outplay and outlast one another.

Each week at Tribal Council the castaway voted off will be sent to the isolated Redemption Island to live alone in exile. To stay on Redemption Island, they must compete in a duel against the next person eliminated at Tribal Council. The winner of each duel earns the right to go on fighting for the opportunity to return to the game and compete for the title of Sole Survivor, while the loser is sent home.

SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND – 2 hour premiere on Tue 22/03 7:30pm, GO!