therealljidol | (Reply)

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I wish I didn't know as much as I do about Edge of Extinction. ;)

It's closer to Redemption Island than Exile Island.

Basically the premise is - once you are voted out of the game, you have a choice. You can leave and go to Ponderosa OR you go to "Extinction Island" where you will be living pretty much just as you did on the island. Everyone voted out has the chance to go there - and at the final 5 (I believe. I've heard 4 but I really hope not now that the final 4 is a fire making challenge), there is a big challenge and the winner comes back into the game.

It's basically production's way of making sure all of their favorites (especially Joe) are around for the entire season. (it's filmed and will be airing in the regular episodes. Not sure how much. But some of it will at least)

Allowing the person to come back into the game that late basically allows someone to skip the entire actual game, win one challenge and be in the finals.

Possibly related: they fired their long time casting director after this season was filmed.