Survivor Instinct

Survivor Instinct
Second Thoughts and Sudden Thoughts About Survivor

Judd, Smart or Stupid?
Was Judd's "betrayal" of the old Nakum tribe a smart thing for him to do or not? A lot of people seem to think it was a stupid move, but I'm not so sure. His critics say Judd should have suggested Rafe or Lydia to be voted off to Stephenie and Jaime. That way old Nakum would have the majority and Judd would be the swing vote. Judd could then vote with Stephenie, Jaime and Rafe/Lydia or he could vote with Cindy, Margaret and Brooke. The only problem with that strategy is often the person in the middle like that becomes the target and is voted off. I'm not sure Judd has skill and social grace to pull something like that off.

Additionally what's the real danger? Brooke won't be on the jury to decide who wins the million dollars and neither will Cindy or Margaret if they're the next two to go. Judd has to hope he makes the merge (assuming there is a merge). Blake, Brandon and Bobby Jon (former Nakum now on Yaxha) will understand that Judd "had to do what he did."

If Nakum can just win a few of the upcoming Immunity Challenges then I think Judd will be OK.

In the News
Reality TV: America's fast track to fame and fortune (Reuters)
This article talks about reality TV and a new book How to Get on Reality TV, by Matthew Robinson. Here's some highlights: 25,000 to 50,000 people apply to be on the top reality TV shows like Survivor. Almost all of them regret it, with the exception of everybody on Amazing Race, all of whom loved it. The Bachelor participants said they totally regretted it and ended up looking like idiots. "The experience of being on these shows is pretty traumatic. I feel for a lot of people who come out of it totally shell-shocked," Robinson said.

Robinson said he was surprised at the hurdles potential contestants have to go through, including spending several days sequestered in a hotel, full medicals by three separate doctors, psychological tests and background checks by private investigators. "Most people quit their jobs to get on these shows. People definitely sacrifice a lot," he said.

Reality TV is here to stay because you can do an entire season of The Bachelor for the same cost as one episode of ER.

Survivor Sighting
Was that Colby (Australian Outback) that I just saw on NBC's Las Vegas? It sure sounded like him and kind of looked like him (the character had long hair). Yes, that is him flirting with Samantha (Vanessa Marcil).