Survivor — after all these years on television, you are familiar with the concept — castaway contestants on an isolated beach in search of adventure and a $1-million grand prize — sort of Gilligan's Island meets Regis Philbin. They compete in twisted survival games, jungle obstacles, swimming relays, and larva eating. Even more harrowing, they gather for a "tribal council" at the end of every episode, and after, "the tribe has spoken," one more contestant is booted off the island. The last person to survive the physical challenges and the Darwinian selection takes home the cash.

I confess that I am not a fan of the programs — my idea of being a rugged outdoorsman involves riding in a golf cart and roughing it for me is staying at the Holiday Inn. I am even less thrilled at the episodes co…