So another season of Survivor has gone by and we’re left with Yul Kwon as the sole surivor. In 13 seasons, Yul comes in as the first Asian-American to win Survivor. What’s more, he schooled 12 seasons of Survivor contestants on how to play the game. There has never been a survivor to match Yul in strategy and butt-kissing. Yul brought to Survivor what so many lack — tact.
Boston Rob was a brilliant strategist, Tina Wesson was impressive, and no one can question Richard Hatch’s masterful victory. But two of the three made nothing but enemies and the 3rd was just downright forgettable. Yul managed to sneak his way to the top while at the same time keeping everyone on his side. Not one person actually ever showed any ire towards him.
Another season down, and what will I miss most? I won’t deny that there’s some eye candy that will be missed, but overall I think I’ll miss a game of Survivor that went by with a lot less drama than normal. Perhaps it was just casting decisions, but these contestants were not in it to hate on each other (for the most part).
Starting with 4 racially divided tribes was a gutsy move by CBS, but the result is actually inspiring. There were so few racially motivated decisions and comments that it gives some hope that we may yet make it to a world without color. Whether it was being under a microscope or honest-to-goodness good will, Survivor 13 will stand out as one of the best of the series for both showing that racial stereotypes are fading and that there is a game to be had under all of the drama.
Next up: Tribes divided by wealth. Sweet.