Normally, I like to go back and give an episode of Survivor a second viewing before I write about it, but I’ve decided to forgo that tradition this week. Why? The very thought of a repeat performance of Bruce’s writhing and moaning makes is too nauseating and disturbing. Seriously, this week’s show ranks right up there with Mike Skupin’s injury in the Outback and Jenna Morasca’s departure from All-Stars (which was accompanied by the same gag-worthy wailing music that played as Bruce was lifted on the stretcher) as one of the most difficult episodes to watch. However, the situations that Mike, Jenna, and Bruce faced are only comparable because the three of them left the game for sad reasons; the reasons themselves were all quite different.
Mike, of course, was air-lifted out of the Outback after severely burning his hands as he was tending the fire. His exit was sudden and extremely upsetting for his tribemates. Jenna, on the other hand, slowly realized that signing up for another season of Survivor had been a huge mistake because she’d left behind her mother, whose cancer was in the final stages. Most people agree that she made the right call, and her exit wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Bruce is another matter altogether. The poor man dealt with two weeks of discomfort before receiving the medical attention he needed for his intestinal problems. He probably sucked it up longer than most of the players would have. I have a hard time picturing Shane enduring that sort of agony for very long before whining for the medics; witness his near madness as he dealt with his severe nicotine addiction. Then again, was Bruce tough or just plain stupid for not requesting help earlier? Perhaps if he’d asked to be examined shortly after the pain began, he could have received some quick treatment and been sent back to the game.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda. All I know is that this week’s show left me feeling totally depressed and a little disgusted with the pettiness of a few individuals. When Probst sat down the remaining six players to explain what happened to Bruce, I wanted to sock Terry for letting a little smile creep on his face. Cirie noticed Terry’s grin as Probst informed the group that they were the final six, and I pray that she calls him on his B.S. before kicking his ass to Loser’s Lodge.
Courtney also irked me. I didn’t feel the least bit sorry for her when she got voted as “Most Annoying” and “Never Shuts Up” at the reward challenge. Shane is right: she’s a total idiot. That’s not to say that the girl lacks compassion or kindness. In those respects, Shane could learn a thing or two from her. However, when Bruce was all fetal on the shelter floor, Courtney’s only offer of comfort to him was singing, which he asked her (twice) not to do. True, Courtney wasn’t in a position to do much to improve Bruce’s situation, but if he was telling her to shut the hell up, she should have respected that.
And Shane should have respected Cirie’s decision to take Danielle and Aras on the spa reward. While it’s normal for players to be a bit hurt and envious when they’re not chosen to join the winner for a shower, food, and a bed, Shane was ready to deck Cirie. I’m amazed that the man has made it this far in the game, given his childish antics and easily tripped temper. However, I have to wonder how much truth was in Shane’s anoitment as the player “Who Mistakenly Believes They Are Running This Game.” If Shane isn’t captain of this show, then who is? Shane called out Cirie as an under-the-radar player, which seemed accurate to me.
But is she? I love Cirie, mainly because her giggly interviews are quite charming and funny. However, I can’t quite figure out where she stands with the rest of the group. The original foursome of Shane, Aras, Danielle, and Courtney has splintered somewhat, but not enough for me to discern the pecking order. Shane revealed to Terry that he wanted the final four would include himself, Aras, Courtney, and Cirie, but at this point, I’d say that Courtney’s position in that group is a bit shaky.
And what about Danielle? Everyone seems to think she’s lazy and totally worthless to have around camp, yet she didn’t win “Most Annoying” and got selected by Cirie to go to the spot. Is she really as despised as Shane would like to think? I could see her potentially winning an immunity challenge if Casaya ever actually manages to vote Terry out, which could keep her in the game longer. However, I doubt that Danielle is going to do better than fourth place at this point.
As for Terry, I’m so over him. There’s no denying that he’s smart, buff, and an all-around stud when it comes to this game (and other areas of life). However, his security in this game has made it a little boring. Week after week, I know Terry will be around, and it’s starting to get old. I don’t think anyone should have such a secure position when playing Survivor. Then again, I can’t help but marvel at the staying power of someone who would have been launched from tribal council quickly in another season, like Vanuatu, where the strongest players were booted first.
If Bruce hadn’t gotten sick, I think he would have been given the axe this week anyway, given his status among the former Casaya members. Cirie and Aras (the master minds of the group, in my opinion) were merely using him for the numbers advantage but were planning to cut him off at their earliest convenience. And since Terry still has the immunity idol, he no doubt would have played it, or even more likely, have won another immunity challenge and forced Casaya to eat one of their own. Obviously, it would have been preferable to watch Bruce leave the game that way. Hopefully, he’ll still be part of the jury and have an impact on the outcome of Survivor: Exile Island.
