Survivor (TV Series) Game of Chicken (2022) User Reviews

Thank heavens for Australian Survivor

[grlym-46849 · 4/10 · 29 April 2022]

I thought this was really bad...but then I remember season 41 exists....and the sexual assault season before that

So as much as the show has been hijacked for real life issues, it's a social game and it's a reality show. So maybe it was important conversations to have about what Drea and Mary Ann were feeling. Is it why I watch survivor?... definitely not. I watch for an escape from life to relax. I watch because I like crusoe/sport competitions.

But this is not the only time probst stopped the show to in favor of a talk show. On the heeels of being targeted as a masogynst for seasons and seasons of sexual assaults and other things...he is trying to do better. And he also knows he can't shut down a conversation like this in front of millions. And the contestants for several seasons break the 4th wall so often it has become the norm. They know it's an open free platform. Seasons ago, one player used sexual assault if another to her own gameplay. Bringing up one's feelings about race is valid. I hope episodes later we won't find out it was for gameplay.

I just wonder how Australian survivor has so much more mutual respect for others than USA version. And they are just as competitive...if not more so, because they are actually fit. They have elderly people and women winning in record fashion.

For me, this is more a production issue. All these random, no control in the game in season 41 and 42 cheapens the game and the audience experience. Keeping track of all the immunity idols, who can vote or not, etc...what a pain. And the cast for a few years has been really underwhelming.

I think if the show was in the old format (without all the crazy no rules stuff and quirky advantages that basically picks a winner), the audience would really appreciate the heart of what Drea was bringing up. Doesn't mean it was true for this season, but her feelings were valid. But production, rules, million idol/advantages just made this episode feel like race was a new gameplay tool. And that makes me sad.

Survivor producers: watch Australian version. Match that level of completion and cast...and find a way to show organically these real life topics on occasion like you did in past seasons, but don't use them as gameplay. Because even before Drea said one word...you knew where the show was going instantly by how you filmed it. So how much influence are you having in who wins, gets advantages, conversations that come up? Never thought about this, but I am now.

I used to have some of the same insecurities

[rossdanbruen · 4/10 · 2 April 2024]

I used to have some of the same insecurities as Drea when I was younger, but I realized I was projecting my baggage onto others and hurting myself at the same time. Growing up in the United States as a black person, there's at the very least an aura of expectation that (effectively all) white people harbor some form of negative attitude or perception of you that will result in negative treatment in some way. It is this belief that leaves us especially vulnerable and sensitive to confirmation bias, which in turn makes us even more suspicious as our fears are seemingly validated. We start to expect racism as a matter of course, and look for it whenever something seems awry. This is an exhausting way to live, fostering a tribalistic "us vs. Them" sense of community that lives at the back or front of some of our minds.

A series of independent actions and plans, none of which involving race, led to an outcome Drea and Maryanne found worrisome at their tribal council. I can understand their paranoia, but it doesn't change the fact that they both experienced a "misfire" of these instincts, had a trauma response, racialized themselves and the jury members, and brought themselves to tears over what was in reality nothing more than an abstract concept of racial collectivism that no one but them even had in mind. From my perspective, not only was this a needless burden to hoist upon themselves, it wasn't productive to hoist it upon anyone else either. However, I respect that they played their idols in acknowledgement of the undue pressure they might've placed on the tribe to vote a certain way.

Outside of a game like Survivor, I ask myself what the risk would be If I made the assumption that someone else was operating with racial animus against me when they actually weren't. I'd be adding needless stress to myself and hindering the formation of relationships that could enrich me. The solution isn't to never consider the possibility of such a thing, but rather to find ways of insulating myself from the worst effects of such a possibility. If I know I've done the best I could do to forge a relationship or show why I actually deserve something, but it still didn't happen, I won't feel bad because I'll know there's no shame for me to bear. If there's any shame to be had, it will belong with whatever impulse the other person kept hidden or failed to reconsider.

When I see attitudes reflecting genuine anti-black sentiments or bigotry, sometimes I'm mildly frustrated, but sometimes I laugh at the absurdity of it because I know how ridiculous it is to unilaterally judge people based on their race. I don't do it, and most others don't do it. I laugh because their words (if untrue) don't change anything about me, and reveal more about them than it ever could about me. I love and look for other people, especially those of color, who have managed to come out of all the noise and find a peace with who they are that can't be given or taken away.

Unfair tribal (of course)

[martyup-949-83931 · 1/10 · 28 April 2022]

None of the men that voted out Rocksroy we're white, but still they were able to make it an anti-black issue. The white women were discriminated against, but in this day and age that seems to be the norm.

Disappointing Tribal

[audax_ultor · 1/10 · 28 April 2022]

I cannot believe it. Again out of nowhere second tribal has become about race. I thought season 41 was bad but this is even worst. If you are a fan of the show you know that all kind of people has won and there are so many fan favourites players of all races.

Unfair assumptions about race, very bad use of idols, two idols wasted. It made everybody uncomfortable. Their race assumptions is unfair why? What about 6 non-black people that have been voted out?

I think they should do better casting because last two season castaways were really bad.

Why are y'all so upset at discussions about race?

[ianobx24 · 8/10 · 30 April 2022]

Every single time anything even slightly inclusive happens on the show y'all go INSANE, like the majority of people do not care or enjoy seeing these things. The episode was still good besides the weird splitting up the tribe. Y'all are acting like the entire episode was about ONE conversation when it was 10 mins. Since S1 the show has been about different cultures and races interacting with each other in ways impossible in the real world. Go watch another show if this "woke" one is too much for you to handle. Race is a part of life, whether y'all want it to be or not. I expect this to get buried but just know this "forum" is an echo chamber.

What's next?

[jaabs · 2/10 · 28 April 2022]

This show used to be really good, not anymore. Due to last season Jeff can no longer say "come on in guys". Now this season it's about racism. I just don't get it. Maybe this show needs to be put to bed. Truly sad.

Wow! The rating for the show says everything....

[danaqholden · 10/10 · 16 May 2022]

...About the inequality and lack of understanding in our country. It's really disappointing. I had my kids watch to get a glimpse into how situations are viewed from both sides of the fence and how important it is to have empathy. Apparently that is missing for most viewers. Maybe watch it again...

Worst episode of Survivor ever!

[longj65 · 1/10 · 29 April 2022]

This episode was okay up until both tribals. First, I actually liked Roxroy but I guess he rubbed his tribe mates the wrong way so he was out. But then the second tribal came up and Drea got all defensive about a second black person being voted out (she and Roxsroy helped vote out their fellow black tribe mate, Chennelle, by the way). Then out come the tears and the race card. And Mary Ann had to bring out her tears and play her race card. Yet none of the votes or potential votes of the night had anything to do with race! Disgusting! Keep up this woke crap, CBS, and you're going to lose your core audience, if you haven't already.

Two Tribal Councils and Two People Going Home

[shelbythuylinh · 8/10 · 28 April 2022]

Two tribal councils and two teams over in both a RC/IC along the way. As that one team that wins will get the food and the last person standing.

While the other does not get food but both tribes go to TC as mentioned. As really can't stand it over in the race issue and trying to desperately use anything to stay in the game.

One TC was shocking and the other was even more than that. You have to see to believe.

It wasn't a horrible season... until tribal.

[quockquock · 1/10 · 28 April 2022]

After season 41 horrific airing, CBS came up with somewhat of a decent season. But they just HAD to go there. Racial tensions during the second tribal council. Can CBS ever have a reality or competition show that doesn't bring up race or the woke agenda? I hope the two who idiotically gave up both their idols, lose. Not one word was mentioned of how a big strong dominant male almost always gets voted off the show. They are picked on, stereotyped, and voted off almost always. Not because of their race, but because of their strength. Which is NOT fair at all.

We need two different Survivor shows.

[getbacks · 1/10 · 29 April 2022]

CBS had this vision that diversity meant for a better game. Uuuum, no.

But for the sake of argument which sent this episode south, here's a racial score of people voted out.

Asian (1) Jenny Spanish (1) Marya Indiain (1) Swati Black (2) Chanelle, Rocks Roy White (4) Lydia, Tori, Daniel, Zack

Yet somehow there's this notion that black people are being targeted. Huh?

Then the chatter at the tribal of how the feel targeted but for good reason, they wanted to blindside someone because they had a buttload of advantages.

Nope, it's because I'm black.

Then the white people are made to feel guilty of something they never thought of doing, that another team of 5 did. Weird!

So I'm done now with Survivor as I was hoping it was not going to turn into Season 41...but it certainly has.

The cure I guess, make two Survivors.

Survivor African-American.

Survivor Everyone else.

Painful attempt at a woke episode.

[samueljcarbajal · 1/10 · 29 April 2022]

After Rocksroy is voted out, Drea suddenly wants to make the votes about race. However, she was one of the biggest catalysts that campaigned for Chanelle to be voted off. So how is it a race issue now? Really obvious that the race issue was brought up so she could progress further in the game.

Maryanne, on the other hand, seemed very sincere. She prefaced her speech by stating she'd play an idol and made valid points. Drea piggybacking and saying she'd also play and idol was a pretty mute point when she has the advantage that would let her take someone else's idol.

Overall, just a disappointing episode. I was hoping Drea would win before this one, but the phoned in race card tactic is just upsetting and ruins an otherwise fun game to watch.

Who are you mad at?

[vtvdbzch · 9/10 · 29 April 2022]

This was a good episode up until the end. A twist, intense challenge, 2 strategizing camps, a blindside, 2 idols played, a discussion-based vote out, and tribal lines drawn. There's not much more you can ask from the 8th episode of a survivor season.

But yes, the second tribal was a chore to watch and I also disagree with Drea on the points she made but why hate the show? The producers and editors HAD to put this in. It probably aligns with the narrative they want to push, but this isn't something they just threw in there. There's no other way to explain the 2 idols being gone, and the tribe deciding that Tori goes home without a formal vote. Survivor is getting a lot better with its woke-ness in 42, especially from the last few seasons. But if a player speaks out like this and makes a decision with strategic implications based on their perception of the world, they have to include the thought process in the show.

Your animosity should be directed towards the player whose opinion you disagree with, not the show. Survivor needs your views for the show we all love to keep going,

Bad Jeff

[minuteofdecay · 2/10 · 29 April 2022]

I'm so confused here.

Chanelle was voted out for being ruthless and Rocks had an awful social game. We were still pulling for Rocks to help get Tori out because she was one of the villians. Then everything stopped because everything must be based on race? Jeff has torn into people before and he's been the voice of reason.

Not this time. No mention of who didn't make it to the jury, just jumping on the bandwagon. Tori steps down for the cause instead of a glorious blindside. I guess Drea can have it handed to her because everyone will be paranoid about race once again.

Up until then it was a better season. Now we have others giving a 10 blindly so they can virtue signal from the mountains. A white person crying because 2 white people were voted out would be handled the exact same way, right?

Maybe next cast we exclude anyone that starts by saying "people who look like me" so we can have a one hour break a week from the preaching?

Very sad low ratings for this episode.

[aarongallagher1 · 10/10 · 11 July 2022]

So, we have discussions about gender discrimination, orientation discrimination, strength, intelligence, trans etc on the show without much objection, especially gender and physical.

But a black person speaks on how they feel in response to 2 consecutive black contestants being kicked off and there is outrage "no one cares" and "not the place on Survivor"...... perhaps those sentiments really does validate Drea's feelings.

She even received the response from a white male "calm down you are being aggressive" I'm sure not racist but I guarantee Drea has heard this many times when speaking her mind in an honest way.

Racism..... not necessarily, but a lack of care or interest in a social dynamic/topic in what has always been a social experiment in the guise of a game show definitely leans that way.

Absolutely Ridiculous

[mike_pdx · 1/10 · 7 May 2022]

The race card was well played...again. Now the fear sets in on how votes are categorized by race. Not the way the game should be played...EVER!

For S43, make it all minorities. Don't put a single white person on there.

All-timer

[alexandrearenafilho · 10/10 · 28 April 2022]

One of the strongest episodes in all of Survivor. I can only imagine there's some reality tv "magic" involved in the separation of the 2 groups of 5, because 5 guys in a group and 4 girls plus Jonathan in the second group is just PERFECT for the game.

Lets make 2 suvivors

[colinjockgraham-86-916400 · 1/10 · 29 April 2022]

Lets make one for the african americans, where no one will be voted out. And another for the rest of the nationalities. Tired of this color BS. Race had nothing to do with anyone being voted out, other than the blonde chic. We need to stand for our blond woman1.

Just when I thought season 42 was going ok

[hanjanwilson · 3/10 · 6 May 2022]

After the horrifically bad 41 I thought season 42 was ok, a bit of woke stuff but not overboard. Then this episode happens. The two players that were voted out weren't very good. It was nothing to do with consciously or subconsciously targeting people due to their race.

Yes I won't minimise how someone can feel. But this is where the host should come and keep it in check rather than nod nod nod because he's scared of getting cancelled. This overcorrection doesn't help anyone while will strive for equality.

Race card go brrrrr

[jenkinsd09 · 1/10 · 6 May 2022]

2nd tribal HAD to go there, thats right, title says it all. Two idols wasted over a narrative that wasn't there and hasn't been there in any seasons prior. This cast barely has anyone likable as it is and now this... Show is going downhill quickly.

Great episode touching on important issues.

[josiv89 · 10/10 · 29 April 2022]

Survivor is very much a social game. Part of that social game is having tough conversations about race, gender, culture, disability, etc. It is a reflection of reality and the game has always made that clear. I'm thankful that the show does not sugarcoat these discussions anymore. It's disappointing, but by no means surprising, that people are giving this episode low ratings due to these conversations and labeling it as "woke" or "PC." The fact of the matter is this is many peoples reality and if you went beyond your social circle of people who look and think like you then you would have a better understanding.

What a joke

[tsteffen-04476 · 1/10 · 9 May 2022]

Ah yes, racism inputted into the game for no reason. This show is turning into a pity party for excuses to help people who aren't playing a good game. WHAT A JOKE.

it's a good episode

[bruno-64303 · 8/10 · 20 May 2022]

I can understand people who view the show strictly as a competition to get annoyed with certain discussions being brought up - and often times it seems forced, I agree. With that said i cant help as a viewer to state my perception: there was a lot of genuine emotions from Drea and Maryanne and that can be hard to make sense, specially in a game. It's kinda sad that specially Maryanne felt that she had to use her idol for the whole thing not to come across like they were playing the race card. To me they just caught up in the moment and didn't want to keep the pattern just presented to them going and there's nothing the show itself can do about it. If what the said makes sense or touches you its a whole lotta story and doesnt take from the fact that it was a good episode.

The fix is in

[trudjoh · 2/10 · 3 May 2022]

Who wants to bet Drea or Maryann will win? This tribal was a disaster. A great example of voter nullification. Even Maryann said initially she was voting for Drea. I don't mind if either win but the votes should be based on quality of play not color shaming. May just drop off the Survivor bandwagon.

It's a joke

[drako-92790 · 1/10 · 26 May 2022]

Keep race out so far I enjoyed this season but this whole there out cause there black is a joke. Stop pulling the race card when things do go your way sucks I liked drea.