Survivorhost Jeff Probst reveals what we didn't see at the merge

What did you sense from the players still in the game when they learned what was happening?

They did not expect it at all.

For the players returning from Edge of Extinction, the stakes were very high.

They were extremely focused, with a very clear intention of getting back in the game.

Another sign of the modern-daySurvivorplayer.

Everybody wants to play.

And would we even remember Reem if not for Extinction?!

Now shes a star!

That moment was very emotional.

Then… the reveal that Extinction would begin again.

That moment was even more powerful than the previous moment.

They lost their minds.

But until you see it play out, you never know.

Hes very young, and I was impressed that he stayed the duration of the first round.

Also, do you even have enough jury seating?

!The idea for Edge of Extinction came in a bit of a flurry.

It presented itself incredibly fast and arrived pretty much fully formed.

We tend to look at these kind of ideas as gifts rather than risks.

Of course, we have a healthy awareness that fear is always looming.

But you cant be inspired by creative and equally afraid of that creative.

Ive said it to you many times, we would rather burn out than fade away.

Extinction was very exciting to every department of our team because it challenged us in so many new ways.

We all just went for it!

And now for the short answer to your question… no, we werent concerned about the jury!

And we have more big ideas in store!

Fascinating that all three returning players still in the game were main targets of the first post-merge vote.

I do think there is a sense this season that the new players feel This is our time.

Those returnees have already had their time.

And if thats the case, then it doesnt bode well for any of the returning players.

As for Joe, I cant help but feel for him.

Which is yet another reason the Extinction twist is so appealing.

Second chance stories are exciting.

Especially when its a fan favorite!

Okay, strong merge episode here, sir.

What can you tell us about the follow-up next week?Tribal.

Plus, for moreSurvivorscoop, follow Dalton on Twitter@DaltonRoss.