Survivor: Thailand, Week 5: A Questionable Episode

As always, questions surround Survivor. Some need to be asked, while others that have already been asked can easily be answered.

Let's start with the Chewy Gum tribe. Clay, why do I like you less and less each week? Is it your laziness? Sexism? Crankiness? Probably all of the above. Do you really not understand why Jan voted against you? Or maybe you thought it would be unanimous for Ghandia. Do you really think you're contributing that much to the tribe? Yes, Ghandia was the right move, at least from a standpoint of tribal cohesiveness. But didn't you notice the separation in the tribe by gender? The fact is, pal, of the three men left in your tribe, you are physically the weakest, by far. I could not believe you had to ask why Jan voted for you. You said that didn't make a whole lot of sense. Given your apparent sexist attitude, it probably didn't. But not only have you failed to notice the woman huddling together, take a look: Where are Brian and Ted right now? Uh, they're off in the boat (well, not anymore) fishing and strategizing. And what was with your comment that if you had failed to untie the boat, it would be all your fault? Maybe because you're not likeable? This week, at least, you ranked rather high on the cranky-ometer.

Jan: Do you realize the position you're in right now? Maybe deserved a vote or too, but now, you're the odd one out. One would think you'd lay low and at least be cordial to the men. Instead, you go nuts over finding money in the treemail. What, were you planning to go buy another boat? Or maybe head over to the Taratuo 7-11? Newflash: Your screeching made my poor cat Luke cover his ears. I started having flashbacks to Linda from Survivor: Africa and her histrionics regarding "Mother Earth" and being a part of the "team."

Ted: Did you really fail to secure the boat tightly? Or was it the tide coming in? Either way, Heavens to Betsy! Thing is, being the biggest member of your tribe, you need food more than the others, so it's a shame if you were responsible for losing your tribe's main tool for finding food and water.

Helen: You made the smart move, and allowed your head to win over your heart. And you probably know you're safe another three days. But I'm just curious: Who will you be aligning with post-merger?

Brian: Where was the guitar when you were all huddled around the fire? It might have made a nice complement to Helen's singing, which really wasn't too shabby.

Okay, now on to the Soak Jaw clan. As always, let's start with Robb. I'm sorry you got stung, bit, or attacked. But do you realize that you're still on the outside, and that butting heads with Shii Ann isn't the way to overcome that? Also, do you realize how ridiculous you sounded in tribal council when voting Shii Ann? Your comment, "You get on my nerves and I can't stand to be around you. Nothing personal," made me to a doubletake. Sounds awfully personal. And your comments about Shii Ann's eating habits frankly, made you sound like an "ugly American." Maybe she isn't the most sanitary person by your standards, but she does come from a different culture. If it disgusts you so much, just turn your head!

Shii Ann: Did you make a mistake in devouring the parts of the chicken that grossed out your tribemates? In my opinion, no. It may have made you stand out in not the most pleasant of ways, but it just meant more chicken for you, and hence more energy for challenges. One area where I misjudged you: I thought your ethnicity would become irrelevant rather quickly, but apparently, there is somewhat of a culture clash. At least, however, you're smart enough to realize it. But why was it necessary to trump Robb when he got injured? You only alienated him more. And frankly, your comments about his reaction to his injury came across as a bit insensitive. Yes, you made them to the camera but still…