Survivor: China, Episode 8 As I See It – Reality Check

Do you ever sometimes think that the reality TV gods are just snickering? I was thinking that, after the last episode of Survivor, they were just having a good old laugh fest. This is the second week in a row that someone makes a fool out of himself over the supposed immunity idol.

For someone who claims to make a living at reading people, Jean-Robert sure lost that ability (if he even does have it) when it came to participating in Survivor. Not only did he not have any insight as to the mindset of his fellow tribe members, he also thought that threats and intimidation, coupled with his nastiness toward Courtney, were going to get him ahead. Fellow RNO Writer Ken Kellam has devoted an article to Jean-Robert that I am in total agreement with. One’s ego needs to be checked at the airport when joining the Survivor cast; although Jean-Robert’s post-elimination interviews indicate that his is larger than ever.

What was amusing, if downright unbelievable in this episode, was Courtney. She actually won a challenge! The players made a wise decision to put the person who weights ten pounds in the boat for the reward challenge. But, Courtney got tired of the challenge quickly and just gave up when it was her turn to throw water in the boat. She must have been conserving her energy to win the immunity challenge. I’ll overlook that the challenge involved sitting still and balancing. It was a challenge nonetheless. What did amuse me even more was, when questioned about who to vote off, she, of the immunity necklace fame, said, “I don’t care.” Hey! Where’s the real Courtney? You know, the one who wanted Jean-Robert off from the very first day? The one who threw a little tantrum with Todd and Amanda when they considered voting someone else out?

This episode Todd reminded me of a little squirrel gathering his nuts for the winter. No rude comments, please. He was running from person to person with his theories, wishes, and supposed game play. Thank goodness Amanda has a cool head and is keeping him toned down a bit; he changes his mind and his strategy so quickly that it’s hard to keep up with what he actually intends to do.

What is bothering me and others watching is the fact that Todd is complaining about James having both immunity idols, but has yet to confront James about it. James may be thinking that he will return one to Todd, but not until he is asked for it. And then again, maybe he won’t. So, instead of complaining, just ask. All he can say is,” no” and then we will really hear Todd complaining! Now, my theory on this issue is this: Todd should have thought ahead to the fact that there were two immunity idols. Instead of giving James the idol, he should have just given him the location and how to find it. Doesn’t that make more sense than being an Indian giver?

James provided us with some more comedic relief this episode. Now, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that aligning with Jean-Robert was the “worst move in Survivor history,” but James thinking it was made watching him and his comments even more enjoyable. Even James was amused at Jean-Robert’s supposed knowledge of the immunity idols and his threat to James if he didn’t play along. I guess when one is desperate enough, threatening your fellow tribe members is the way to go.

Denise actually got some airtime this past episode, but it wasn’t necessarily good. Somehow I think that, if one goes on a reality show like Survivor, you know you may not get picked for certain challenges, your tribe mates may not like you and you may have to extend yourself a bit to fit in. I don’t know if we are just not seeing Denise’s efforts through creative editing or if she’s perhaps not making the effort to fit in. You cannot remain a shrinking violet on Survivor and expect to last long. There is a difference between being under the radar and not participating at all. I hope that Denise is actually making more of an effort to get along than we are seeing. I imagine it’s hard to be the last one picked, but life is tough.

I have to agree with those who feel that Erik is probably the most boring player in this season. Only when he was wooing Ms. Jaime did we see any personality come through. Now, Erik is a musician, right? My son-in-law is a musician, and a good part of his career is spent interacting with his audience. He does not, however, save his personality for the stage; he’s as entertaining off as he is on. I really wonder what type of musical career Erik has that he isn’t a little more personable off stage.

Peih-Gee is really, really trying to play the game of Survivor. I think, under other circumstances, with another tribe, she would/could be more influential. Unfortunately there are a couple of alpha males who are totally dominating this season, and her efforts are fruitless at best. Her hair still looks really nice, though. Denise was correct that Peih-Gee was trying to stir things up, but perhaps Denise should have taken heed. Especially if you are the last one picked in challenges. Peih-Gee just seems to be in the right church, wrong pew situation and can’t get out of it.

One of Jean-Robert’s parting comments was that he was too big a threat so he had to be dealt with. Really? Watch the episodes, J-R.

Peace!

Eileen is an intake operator for a legal referral service in Cincinnati, Ohio by day and spends her free time with the little ones that call her the “Queen of the Grandmas” and their parents and practicing Yoga which she thought was going to be the “lazy woman’s exercise”. She got fooled. She welcomes comments and constructive criticism at ohiograndma2003@hotmail.com