The season 30 theme is white collar vs. blue collar vs. no collar.
Parvati Shallow is a Survivor champ and three-time competitor on the show. The OG Miss Survivor and Survivor Hall of Famer now covers health and wellness for CBS News in New York City. Find her on Twitter @parvatishallow.
This episode of Survivor: Worlds Apart was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Let’s go for the ride together.
First, there’s irritation that Rodney and Dan are still allowed to talk. These guys have proven over the course of the season that when they speak they alienate people and make themselves look like self-important, pompous fools.
Now, if I were out on that island with these two goons, there would be a mandate of silence for Dan and Rodney, specifically designed to save my tribe mates from their ignorant bullying.
But, since I’m simply an audience member watching the action unfold from the comfort of my own home, I can’t make Rodney and Dan shut up. And, for that, I apologize.
Read more 'Survivor' Castaway Says Competing on Show Is Harder Than Working at CAA, Playing in NFL
This episode of Survivor: Worlds Apart was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Let’s go for the ride together.
First, there’s irritation that Rodney and Dan are still allowed to talk. These guys have proven over the course of the season that when they speak they alienate people and make themselves look like self-important, pompous fools.
Now, if I were out on that island with these two goons, there would be a mandate of silence for Dan and Rodney, specifically designed to save my tribe mates from their ignorant bullying.
But, since I’m simply an audience member watching the action unfold from the comfort of my own home, I can’t make Rodney and Dan shut up. And, for that, I apologize.
Read more 'Survivor: Worlds Apart' Castaways Revealed
Third, watching Joe take home the reward is awe-inspiring. He’s on a hot streak and no one can compete with this guy! No one, that is, except for Big Mike, who comes out with the Big Guns this episode. No -- I’m not talking about his bulging Texan biceps, I’m talking about the way he covertly chases around Joe and Tyler when they are talking idol clues. Mike has no shame in his game. He wants this so badly that he’s willing to hide behind bushes and shimmy up trees, braving splinters and shedding a few tears on his idol hunt. When he finally finds his treasure, his emotions are palpable. He’s so inspired by his own dedication that he brings himself to tears. I love this display of emotion and vulnerability from a man. Color me smitten.
Mike is the second-biggest threat in the game right now. Finding the idol is a massive coup for him, especially since he led everyone else to believe that Joe has it. Mike has already proven to be a solid gamer, but with an idol in his pocket, he’s got a little protection and a lot more power.
You’d think that with his newfound power, Mike could make us all happy and vote out Dan.
Read more 'Survivor: Worlds Apart': Meet the Season 30 Castaways
But, Mike is incentivized to keep the big blue-collar bully in the game, so it looks like the work of banding together to vote out Dan will fall on the girls’ shoulders. In a scene on the beach before tribal it looks like my prayers will be answered. Sierra, Hali, Shirin and Jenn are all lounging and talking about Dan’s horrible communication skills. It appears the girls are all on the same page to vote him out, and they know they can count on Joe to join them. That means all they need is one more vote. Shirin approaches Tyler, telling him he’s a threat to the others. It looks like Tyler’s in! Whoa, is this really happening? Did I will this to be?
Excitement. Exhilaration.
At tribal council, Hali makes a comment about how there would be no Merica without the colonists turning on good old Great Britain. It looks like this is for real.
This is happening. Dan is going home!
Jeff reads the votes. Dan. Hali. Hali. Dan … edge of my seat.
Eighth person voted out of Survivor: Worlds Apart … Hali.
NOOOOooooooooOOOOoo.
Crushed.
Tweet me @parvatishallow with questions or comments.
