“Survivor Season 50: In the Hands of the Fans” came to an end Wednesday, crowning four-time player Aubry Bracco winner — a result I feel completely neutral about. Despite the cast consisting of some of the most entertaining, strategic and dynamic people to ever play the game, the final three players were, frankly, a little boring.
The premise of this season was that its fate would be “in the hands of the fans.” Over the course of a couple months, viewers voted on everything from the design of the immunity necklace to potential twists and tribe switches. This was a shift from past seasons, giving fans some of the production’s power.
Yet, at multiple points throughout the season, I was left wondering, who wanted this? Did the fans really vote for an episode that felt more like a Zac Brown concert than an analysis of tribe dynamics? Were people on their hands and knees begging for a “Billie Eilish Boomerang idol” or a Jimmy Fallon name drop?
While I was absolutely thrilled that the season included an auction challenge, was it really necessary for Mr. Beast to be there?
Looking past the gimmicky celebrity cameos, the season did have a lot of strong points. Honestly, whenever Cirie Fields — also known as the greatest “Survivor” player of all time — was on my screen, I was happy. Nothing brought me more joy than watching her completely control all the people around her with her unbeatable social game.
I also loved hearing “Coachisms,” fan favorite contestant “Coach’s” iconic quotes and motivational statements, again. Watching the unlikely friendship between Rizo Velovic and Colby Donaldson blossom and discovering the unexpected revelation that Mike White has abs were highlights of the season.
In either the best or worst moment of “Survivor” history, Jeff Probst accidentally spoiled the winner of the fire-making challenge during the finale, a slip up that shook fans around the world.
I love that man and can’t stay mad at him for long, so I immediately forgave him for this faux pas after he cracked a smile and joked about the mishap.
But also, CBS, if you’re ever on the hunt for a new host, I can clear my schedule and get on a flight to Fiji tomorrow.
The finale concluded with a promo for “Survivor” Season 51, which will premiere in the fall and will introduce a new decade of “Survivor,” the “open era.” The premise is that any previous twist or advantage introduced in the past 50 seasons can be reintroduced at any time, in efforts to bring unpredictability back into the game.
While I am excited to see what this new era brings, I think “Survivor” is always the strongest when it goes back to its roots.
Bring me back Probst hopping on his jetski to deliver the votes from Fiji to the live show in New York. Bring me back the footage of the contestants physically hiking to Tribal Council. Bring me back the “Survivor” finale tradition of the final three dramatically walking through the forest, reading the names of the voted off contestants and mourning them like fallen soldiers.
And please, Mike White if you’re reading this, cast Fields as the next celebrity cameo in “The White Lotus.”
Email: [email protected]
X: @ivyfrater
Related Stories:
— Dating show ‘Unscripted Love’ Season 2 aims to bring reality TV romance to NU
