Survivor: The Australian Outback

Facing 42 days in the Down Under Outback, the 16 contestants competing for a million bucks in the second installment of Survivor include the usual variety of “can-do” types. But this time out the players are, on the whole, a tad more buff and photogenic (thankfully, there's no Richard Hatch in sight). Boasting superfluous “never before seen footage,” this highlights program features audition interviews, emotional confrontations, environmental challenges, and, of course, tribal council voting. As shown in the exit interviews, most of the losers bow out with some measure of grace--unlike the whiners from “The Weakest Link.” A retrospective interview session allows contestants to reflect on their experience. Given the rather dated nature of this material, purchase is very optional. Aud: P. (T. Rich)