Tom, the Most Underrated of the Final Four

Out of all the contestants in Survivor: Africa, I've probably changed my mind the most about Tom. Okay, Lex too, but that's the obvious one. Besides, I think we've seen two Lexes in this show: The family man who misses his wife and kids, and the egomaniacal tyrant who thinks the Reserve revolves around him. Tom, however, has pretty much been the same person throughout the show, but my perceptions of him have changed dramatically.

Start with Tom's audition tape. I've only seen a snippet of it, which shows the king-sized goat farmer in his element, surrounded by his charges. First impression: His size will be a liability at immunity challenges, especially if they involve running. He'll probably be one of the first four out. Modified impression: Tom showed himself to be a valuable competitor, and the first votes cast against him were from the Samburu brat pack.

Next, there was Clarence and the whole "Beans and Cherries" incident. First impression: While the Borans had every right to be miffed at the sculpted hoops coach, Tom overreacted to Clarence's lapse in judgment by demanding he apologize to every person individually. Modified Impression: Tom was echoing his tribe's feelings, not just his own. First impression: Tom's a redneck racist who's done everything but call Clarence "boy." Modified Impression: Tom was more like a disappointed father. Clarence said as much on the Early Show. He also said he and Tom were square with each other.

Then there's the matter of Tom voting for Clarence in two straight tribal councils, saying to the camera, "I forgive, but I don't forget." First Impression: Tom can't possibly be playing the game any worse. He setting himself apart from his tribe by casting that vote. Besides, they NEED Clarence right now. Modified Impression A: Tom neither expected nor wanted Clarence out of there just yet. He even said to a tribemate regarding the Detroit native, "We need his back. He can carry more water than anybody." He simply wanted to let Clarence know he was on thin ice. Modified Impression B: Tom cast this vote with the full approval of his tribe. Lex even said as much.

Now let's get on to the tribal switch. Here's where Tom showed he REALLY knew how to play the game. He didn't like the switch, but made the best of it. Even though he (justifiably) didn't care for the younger Samburus and their (lack of a) work ethic, he kept his feelings to himself, at least around them, as far as we know. Then came episode six, where the newly configured Samburus went to their first tribal council. When the Brat Pack cast their votes Tom's way, he simply nodded in acknowledgement, and didn't scowl, flinch, or otherwise react negatively. Nor did he ever appear to hold it against Brandon and Lil Kim for voting for him. Lex and Lindsey, who both went ballistic when someone had the gall to vote for them, could take a lesson from the Big Virginian. It was perhaps at this point that Tom really showed he knew how to play the game.

Now obviously, he was wrong in thinking Kelly had turned against her tribe, but he wasn't alone in that. And he even acknowledged that he may be wrong about Kelly.

Then, there's the Survivor Auction, when he and Ethan got a "Mystery Plate." When Big Tom realized it was pancakes and ham, he exclaimed regarding his tribemate and friend, "He's a Jew! He's a Jew! He won't eat the ham." Initial impression: His outburst was at best, politically incorrect, and at worst, insensitive. Modified Impression: Probably the former, but certainly not the latter. Three pieces of evidence support this: A. When he was saying, "He's a Jew! He's a Jew!" Ethan was visibly amused and laughing along, and not just out of courtesy. B. Tom later apologized to Ethan for the comments, showing he's not so insensitive after all, but C. He really didn't need to apologize. Ethan told the camera, "I know Tom doesn't mean anything by it. He makes fun of me for being Jewish and I make fun of him for being fat." Obviously, these two were close enough that they knew what they could say to each other."

Lastly, Tom has played the part of the Country Bumpkin to the hilt, but that's just the point: He's playing a part. Some of the other castaways have come to realize that he's smarter than he lets on. His demeanor was such that he could bathe Lil Kim, pouring water down the front of her bathing suit, without her becoming offended. Even when winning an immunity challenge a couple of weeks back, he didn't really come across as threatening.

Whether the goat farmer pulls out the win or not, he has played the game brilliantly. Unfortunately, his gentle demeanor could also be his undoing, as he or Ethan could be cast out due to the likeability factor.

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