So, the worst kept secret in Survivor history has been officially released. Yes, Boston Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz are the two returning players for Survivor: Redemption Island. EW's Dalton Ross spoke to Jeff Probst who insists that Russell fatigue (this is his third appearance in the last four seasons) will not be a factor. Further, he doesn't believe either of them will be the first one voted out of their tribes, citing their vast experience that should be rather helpful to his tribe.
Obviously, I understand why these guys have been brought back, but it would have been nice to have players back who aren't making their third (Russell) and fourth (Rob) appearances on the show. They will, however, make for great TV. Further, the new players will have seen a lot of these guys gameplay, which should lead to some great and necessary strategy. 
What do you think about the guys coming back? Would you have rather someone different, or are you psyched to have two of the most conniving, polarizing and flat-out awesome players back in the game? How do you think the newbies will react to them? Will Rob and Russell be the first ones voted out? Over the next couple weeks, I'll take a look at all of the eighteen players and what appear to be their strengths and weaknesses, and then submit my initial Odds to Win the game. Not to give too much away, but I don't think Rob and Russell will be at the top of the board. Please leave your questions, comments and theories below.
Survivor: Redemption Island premieres Wednesday, February 16th at 8pm EST/PST on CBS.
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300 million people in the US and they couldn't find anyone more interesting than these two? I'm just tired of seeing these guys. The first time they were on they were entertaining, the second time they still could generate interest but now they're just predictable and boring. As long as these guys are on it won't take much to make me watch something else. It's pretty clear the Survivor producers are running out of ideas if they have to keep reaching back into the past to try to field an entertaining show.