Did Locals Survive 'Survivor' Premier?

By MIKE CARRAGGI (Patch Staff)

Salem, MA - The newest season of ’Survivor’ kicked off Wednesday night, and local fans had extra incentive to watch.

Massachusetts is well-represented in the three groups in this season’s show: Cambridge’s Aubry Bracco, former editor for the Salem Patch, is on the brains tribe, where she clearly belongs - “I think this heat might be one of the biggest factors in this game”; Boston University’s Julia Sokolowski and her BU hat is on the beauty team (think she can find a Beanpot title hoodie on the island?); and former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics Scot Pollard - along with his boxers - is on the brawn team.

Bracco celebrated the premiere of the new season of Survivor at the Tavern in the Square restaurant in Salem along with Mayor Kim Driscoll and other friends and supporters.

Driscoll tweeted out a photo with Bracco, stating the mayor wouldn’t last five minutes on Survivor.

So how did they fare in what the show claims is the most “grueling” season to date?

None of those with local ties were voted off at the end of the first episode - that was Darnell of the brawn tribe.

Bracco broke down in tears at the 40-minute mark after asking her tribemates to get fruit and water when she couldn’t deal with the heat. But she also helped the brain tribe get off to a quick start in the first challenge and was one of two team members to help finish the puzzle section of the challenge, winning the eggheads a fire-making kit.

Sokolowski, who at 18 during filming was the youngest contestant in ‘Survivor’ history, insisted she “can pull her own weight and make connections instantly with these people.” She had a small role, but helped complete the the puzzle section to help the beauty tribe finish second and score a flint.

Pollard was one of the tough guys on a team full of them. He emerged as the co-leader along with an blunt bounty hunter named Jason.

So who is the favorite? Our money isn’t on Caleb, the Army Veteran and former Big Brother contestant who jumped overboard to salvage a live chicken when everyone was leaving the ship with supplies - including more live chickens on the vessel.

Our favorite after one week might be brawn team’s Jennifer, who was nearly lobotomized by a small worm overnight but stuck it out.

Will Sokolowsi prove more than meets the eye? Will brainy Bracco pull a Matt Damon in The Martian? Will Pollard ever put on pants?

Find out next Wednesday when Survivor continues at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Photo via Mayor Kim Driscoll’s Twitter account