Board Thread:Virtual Tribal Council/@comment-33554905-20171221065515/@comment-34298865-20180111135421

Quick outline - Like the winner, didn't like the others in Final 3, enjoyed the season, hated the finale.

The winner - I think, given the dynamics of the game as they are now, Ben did what it take to survive, which if I am not mistaken is the premise of the game; outwit, outplay, outlast. He certainly outwitted them. I know that many people felt Chrissy should have won and honestly after her finale speech, I though that she would but let's be honest, aside from winning immunities, many of them only because of screwups from others, she was on the outside of every vote after F9 when Ben played (outplayed) the upset actor spy, which I thought was a genius move by Devon and had he gone to the finals would have gotten full credit for and probably would have won. Outlasting is doing what it takes to continue to be there and these days we all know what that means - Idols. It is unfathomable to me, if I would have been there at F6 and F7 to let Ben go anywhere without a babysitter. For the love of God take turns watching him. But they didn't and well we see how that worked out. Of course, the final advantage was a 2nd chance for Ben to be a part of final. It seems like Survivor has become about causes and agendas more and more (Zeke last year, PTSD this year)  Before I get skewered, I believe these issues are valid, but let's not manipulate an opportunity for the winner as popular or likable as he may be.

The Others at Final 3 - As I said above, Chrissy's strategy was completely ineffective at every vote. Aside from the vote where Ben played the idol  before  the vote she did not eliminate anyone. That truly is being on the wrong side of the vote and it happened time and time and time again. That could have been rectified if she hadn't been so full of herself and joined in watch over Ben. When things did not go her way, she never tried to patch things up with anyone. She got angry and sulked because she was not in control like she thought...every time. You may not realize it but her infatuation on eliminating Ben really won it for Ben because his Idols were always used correctly and thus it made him a jury favorite. She could have eliminated or at least minimized that popularity but she got tunnel vision about her personal vendetta and it cost her the jury. I have little to say about Ryan because he factored into the final so very little and brought nothing to the table.

The season - I liked it. I thought it was good; not great. Not as many unforgettable moments as other seasons but it was entertaining. I was particularly entertained by Joe and Dr. Mike thinking they were controlling everything when they were obviously being played by more skillful players. Remember potential survivor players, never get cocky and talk trash, it will always cost you. I am not a fan of the gimmicky grouping of these recent seasons. I would prefer a two tribe mixture of people but I guess they think they have to keep it fresh. Too many Idols/advantages but again, it was all about helping Ben who gave heart and soul to finding them. Personally, these days I think people on Survivor eat better than a lot of people walking on the streets, especially later in the game. Every day there is HUUUUUGE food rewards. Anybody remember season 2? Those guys almost starved. I think it should go back to something like that. Nobody fishes anymore or tries to collect food. They can just sit around and take turns going on food rewards. Might just be my irritation.

The finale - The absolute worst. I don't need audience interactions. I don't need season reviews. I have watched all the episodes and I already know what happened. I would rather hear something from the survivors; just a little something. Is Alan still confident? Is Cole hooking up with the virgin? Does Joe regret anything he did? I sure hope that the studio audience got more than we as viewers did. If not, how would you feel as a jury member to be forced to show up and just have to sit there? Complete letdown. Hope they fix that in the future.

Just my thoughts and I have enjoyed reading everyone else's thoughts too. Cheers!