Jeff Probst on episode 2 of 'Survivor: Redemption Island'

Image cedit: Monty Brinton/CBS

Each week, Survivor host Jeff Probst answers a few questions about the most recent episode of Redemption Island.

The alliances Boston Rob and Russell are in on their tribes are pretty clear, but play a little “Survivor What If?” with me, Jeff: What if Rob pulls the purple buff at the start of the game, and Russell the orange one? Tell me how the teams would be different and whom you think those two would be aligned with had they ended up on the opposite tribe.

Wow. Great question. Surprised I never thought of that myself. I think Russell might have been a bit more welcomed on Ometepe. Grant, Matt, some of the girls might have initially been more open while Kristina and Francesca and Philip would probably be against him. If Rob were on Zapatera I think most the tribe would still be wary. I think they would see Rob much the same way they see Russell – as a guy who has played before and is therefore a major threat. In general Zapatera seems very reluctant. Just in general. Reluctant.

You know I’m a stickler for the rules, Jeff, so I’m a bit flummoxed about the Immunity Challenge. I clearly heard you say that the contestants had to “smash a tile and retrieve a key,” yet I also clearly saw Grant not smash anything, but instead just grab the key off the rope. I’m throwing penalty flags all over my living room! What gives?

Well, the truth is you are being a stickler and yet… you do bring up a good point. There are certain rules that are “soft” rules and others that are “hard” rules. The point of the challenge was to get back with a key. Breaking the tile was to give the challenge some action. I make gut calls at times like this and yes it could have backfired if everybody had tried to grab their tile rather than hit it, but my hunch is very few people are as physically gifted as Grant. I’m okay with how it went down.

Secret federal agents raid Tribal Council, throw a bag over your face, kidnap you, airlift you to a secret location, remove the bag, point a gun at your head and force you to get either a giant lion or gorilla tattoo on your arm. You search your pocket for a spare Medallion of Power (which will automatically give you a 20 percent advantage should you choose to engage your captors in hand to hand combat) but there is none to be found. You have 10 seconds to choose the beast that will adorn your body for the rest of your years. GO!

Funny coincidence, last night I was doing a “live tweet” during Survivor and I asked that question online… am I a lion or a gorilla? I’d have to go with the lion. I like their hair. I’d have my lion lounging in the sun, with his lioness and cubs at play nearby. My lion wouldn’t have a care in the world, cause he’s a lion and nobody in the jungle messes with the lion.

Before you leave, hook us up with a tease for next week’s episode.

Next week history is made with…our first duel!  Francesca taking on Matt.  Redemption Island is on baby!

For more from Jeff on last night’s episode, check out jeffprobst.com. To read Dalton’s recap, click right here. To watch an exclusive deleted scene from last night’s episode as well as our pre-game interview with Matt, simply watch the video player below. And for more Survivor scoop, follow Dalton on Twitter @EWDaltonRoss.