Throughout the late 2010s,Survivorexplored manythemes that either hit or miss from season to season. Concepts likeDavid vs. GoliathandGame Changersquickly became fan favorites, whereas ideas such asGhost IslandandEdge Of Extinctionfailed to meet the approval of the audience. However, possibly the worst theme that came to fruition was during the 39th season of the show whenSurvivor: Island Of The Idolsdebuted in 2019. Many fanspoint toSurvivor: Nicaraguaas the worst season in the show’s history,butIsland Of The Idolsgave it a run for its money after poor casting choices, lackluster gimmicks, and abehind-the-scenes controversy that almost ruined the show’s reputation.
‘Survivor: Island Of The Idols’ Was a Failed Gimmick
For starters, theIsland Of The Idolstheme did not live up to what it was presented to be. Two-time winnerSandra Diaz-Twineand four-time playerRob Marianowere brought in to serve as mentors for the contestants. Both Sandra and Rob would reside on the titular islandwhere, each week, a selected castaway would get the opportunity to learn from theSurvivorlegends. There, they were taught how to improve their gameplay, enhance their physical ability, and master the social aspect of the competition. That said,the entirety of Season 39 became way too focused on Sandra and Rob, who were not competing for the million-dollar prizerather than the contestants actually playing the game. It often felt that it was more important to discover who got to visit Sandra and Rob than who would be voted out that episode.
In addition, after soaking in the knowledge they learned from both icons, players would have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test in a challenge where they could win advantages and idols if successful. However, failing to complete a challenge would lead to consequences, such as losing your vote at the next Tribal Council. What was originally advertised as an opportunity to help a castaway quickly becamean island that could ruin a player’s chance at becoming the sole survivor or provide them with an advantage in a game with too many gimmicks.Along with the disastrousIsland Of The Idolsidea, the cast was disappointing and featured very few bright spots. Players likeDean Kowalski, Elaine Stott,andeventual winnerTommy Sheehandid their best to attempt to salvage the season, but one contestant exited the game in a controversial fashion that forever cast a shadow on the 39th edition ofSurvivor.
‘Survivor’ Needs To Revisit the Blood vs. Water Theme
Fans want more Returning Player seasons of ‘Survivor.’
Dan Spilo’s Behind-the-Scenes Controversy
Dan Spiloadvanced to the final six onSurvivor: Island Of The Idols, but his journey towards winning the million-dollar prize was cut shortafter being accused of inappropriately touching his fellow cast member,Kellee Kim.Throughout the season, there were concerns over Dan’s behavior, which involved physical contact with female contestants and invading personal space, which wasn’t addressed immediately. However, after Kellee voiced her concerns over Dan’s actions and more complaints began to emerge about his behavior,Survivorfinally stepped in and ejected him from the game on day 36. Dan Spilo became the first player inSurvivorhistory to be removed from the show for violating the rules. In addition,Kellee had the opportunity to sit down with hostJeff Probstduring the reunion show forSurvivor: Island Of The Idols,where she was given a platform to create awareness surrounding future incidents similar to her own. Despite the fact that she spoke up about Dan, she felt thatshe wasn’t initially being believed or supportedby her fellow cast mates or the producers during Season 39. Following the conclusion of that year’s competition, Probst apologized onSurvivorand CBS' behalf and promised never to allow another incident like Kellee’s to happen again. DespiteTommy being deserving of the title of sole survivor,the focus largely shifted towards reflecting on Spilo’s actions and howSurvivorcould improve their rules and regulations to ensure a safer environment for players in the future.
Season 39 was followed bySurvivor: Winners at War,which refocused the attention on the competition and the players involved. That being said, despite many fans wanting to forgetSurvivor: Island Of The Idolsfor its annoying concept and poor use of Rob and Sandra, Kellee’s reunion speech and ability to raise awareness towards sexual harassmentshould be remembered as one of the most courageous acts inSurvivorhistory.The show has refrained from bringing back former players since Season 40, but with Season 50 set to feature returning contestants only,hopefully, Kellee will get another opportunity to compete onSurvivor.
Survivoris available to stream on CBS in the U.S.
