"Survivor" juries can sometimes let their own bitterness and disappointment cloud their judgment, as when the "Samoa" jury infamously refused to give the $1 million prize to Russell, even though he'd dominated the game at Boston-Rob-like levels. Indeed, it never ceases to amaze the Cheese Fry when juries display such ridiculous sanctimony, preaching to the finalists about integrity and honor in a game where backstabbing is practically one of the rules. In this case, however, there was no doubt that Boston Rob pulled the strings from start to finish, making him a first-ballot inductee to the "Survivor" Hall of Fame. His was a master class in personal manipulation, poker-faced lying, physical and mental toughness, and social politicking.
The complete list of 2011 inductees:
* Boston Rob ("Marquesas, "All-Stars," "Heroes vs Villains," "Redemption Island") - Only four-time player. Dominates the social game and the challenges.
* Russell ("Samoa," "Heroes vs Villains," "Redemption Island") - Two-time finalist, two-time loser. But unfairly robbed of the prize in "Samoa" due to a sour-grapes jury that could appreciate his brilliance. His one liability is an apparent inability to play the social game and avoid antagonizing others.
* Parvati ("Cook Islands, "Fans vs Favorites," "Fans vs Favorites") - Perhaps the best social player in the show's history. Those who considered nothing more than a flirt often learned otherwise the hard way.
* Richard ("Borneo") - The godfather of it all. Inventor of the "alliance" strategy that has defined how the game is played. Too bad he's in prison right now and can't attend the induction ceremony.
Didn't make the final cut:
* Amanda ("China," "Fans vs Favorites," "Heroes vs Villains") - Made it to the finals twice, lost twice. First contestant to log 100 days in the game.
* Amber ("Australian Outback", "All-Stars") - Standard-bearer for how the "coat-tails" strategy works. Boston Rob did all of the work, she came along for the ride and wound up winning.
* Coach ("Tocantins," "Heroes vs Villains") - One of the strangest contestants on the show, equal parts crazy-talk philosophizing, competitive determination, earnest sincerity, and outrageous let's-play-to-the-camera performance.
* Erik ("Fans vs Favorites") - Perhaps the most bone-headed strategic play in the show's history. Badgered into giving his immunity idol up to another contestant, then voted out. Classic.
No comments:
Post a Comment