Fallen Comrades – challenge where the players are asked trivia questions about the other players’/jury members’ personal info
In Season 3, Survivor Africa, the producers made a mistake –
Q: Which contestant doesn’t have any piercings?”
Kim: Kelly (correct)
Lex: Lindsay (actually also correct, but is told it’s the wrong answer)
It seems that producers were unaware Lindsay also did not have any piercings, but this mistake cost Lex, and also somewhat, Big Tom, their games. It was theorized that Big Tom + Lex were paid off and/or guaranteed spots in Season 8, All Stars, because of this.
This also ended the Fallen Comrades challenge for good – except that it had already been filmed in Marquesas, so we do see it one last time in Season 4. (Although in my opinion, it probably would’ve ended soon anyway since in Season 4, Vecepia wrote down everyone’s personal info in preparation for this challenge – that’d get old very quickly + also completely takes the challenge out of it).
‘Boston’ Rob Mariano – the best player to ever do it.
“Momentum is huge in this game – when you have it, you wanna keep it.”
“It’d be nice to have a million dollars and take the girl away too.”
“Amber + I as a team are the best able to adapt to certain situations.”
“I gave 110% every single day.”
“You should never take yourself too seriously.”
OK, let’s start w/ the basics. He can catch fish, start a fire + build a sick shelter. Jeff loves him, he’s 1/2 of the best Survivor couple of all time + a total mf challenge beast. (and not afraid to talk sh*t/even does impressions of other players – hilarious 💯🙌🏻😂)
You really see how big his heart is, underneath the conniving goofball exterior, in All Stars (S8) when he gives up his family video bc he decides to make a deal w/ Jeff to give his up so everyone else can have theirs. (can’t remember if this was the very first time this was ever done?!) He does admit it was a little* strategic, but only through genuine tears, adding “my family is the most important thing in the world.”
Again, his real emotions come out when Amber is swapped to the opposing tribe + he wears an A on his shoulder + even promises Lex protection in the game to keep Amber safe. Lex decides to make the deal w/ BR + upholds his end of the bargain, but is ultimately the first person voted out after the merge w/ BR explaining that he promised to protect him “if I could and I can’t.” #savage This type of exchange w/ the opposite team was the first of its kind/at least the first where anything ever came of it (and at least the first ever shown before) + it’s one of many ways BR is a groundbreaking Survivor player – he tries ideas that he thinks of which haven’t been done before – definitely a risk-taker + an example of creative problem-solving at its finest.
Also, one of my favorite moments is when Rob won a reward challenge + chooses Amber to go w/ him, which results in both of them winning brand-new cars + they get to lie down in the back of his new truck together + have snacks/candy + watch a movie. So sweet. 😍🥰❤️
On top of that, his go-to move in the social aspect of the game we see for the very first time as early as S4 Marquesas when he makes up bs/lies to get other people to fight w/ each other – this creates a rift in their relationship, leaving both parties relying more heavily on Rob as an ally in their games. GENIUS.
Jury Management – ugh, ok, personally, I think the jury members were wayyyy too hard on Rob + it sucked bc there have been other seasons where people adopt similar gameplay + the jury respects the crap out of them, accepts the fact that they were blindsided as “just part of the game” + admit to being outsmarted without holding resentment for that strategy. But spoiler alert – in the end, it doesn’t even matter. 😉 (will be adding some S22 – Redemption Island commentary here soon) 👀🤠
Courtney C: The Next Sole Survivor 