# Survivor- April 30th, 2014 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 1, 2014, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415 "2014-05-01T03:30:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2014, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/41 "2014-05-03T00:55:41Z")
Tony has two idols and two weeks left to play them. The logical thing to do is to tell everyone about the special idol and show them the note explaining it’s powers. They will all realize that voting for him is a waste of time. Then he doesn’t have to play one next week and carries two to the final five. At that point he picks the one player who he might be able to beat for the million (Woo? Kass?) and give them one of the two idols. If he got really lucky (which he seems to do regularly) Woo or Kass would win immunity and they would both be safe and only one possible winner would make the final four. Spencer or Tasha could both easily win the million and Trish is at best a 50/50 proposition. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2014, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/42 "2014-05-03T01:46:04Z")
> [@Jack\_Burden](#): > > when I said I’m not a big Tony fan, I certainly didn’t mean to imply hate; on the contrary, I find his entertainment value off the charts. His personality rubs me the wrong way, he lies when he doesn’t need to, and he does gloat a fair bit, all of which would bug me if I was stuck on the island with him but is no big deal one hour a week on my TV. That sums up my feelings about Tony. too. He’s loud and full of himself. Not someone I would enjoy being around. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2014, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/43 "2014-05-04T13:25:45Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > So any idea how the special idol would work in this situation? > > Tony plays the regular immunity idol before the votes are read. Everyone has to revote - does Tony get to play his special idol there as well? You know, whenever there is some new wrinkle played for the first time, it seems to me that Probst tends to make up the rules as he goes. So, if there is any possible different way the rules concerning the idol may work, my guess is that Probst will say the idol works in whatever way Probst wants it to work. After all, Probst is pretty much the big boss now, so who is gonna oppose him? No one that I can imagine. And … if he is being blantantly unfair, who is going to overturn his decision? I can’t imagine. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2014, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/44 "2014-05-04T13:42:03Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > With the way things are going right now, here’s how I think people will vote for or against Tony: > \ > On the jury: > \ > Jefra: Unlikely. There’s a small chance that she misunderstands the purpose of the final vote, and tries to order pizza. > \ That is one of the funniest things I’ve ever read in this forum. Thank you for a good laugh! ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2014, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/45 "2014-05-04T22:12:41Z")
> [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > You know, whenever there is some new wrinkle played for the first time, it seems to me that Probst tends to make up the rules as he goes. > > So, if there is any possible different way the rules concerning the idol may work, my guess is that Probst will say the idol works in whatever way Probst wants it to work. > > After all, Probst is pretty much the big boss now, so who is gonna oppose him? No one that I can imagine. > > And … if he is being blantantly unfair, who is going to overturn his decision? I can’t imagine. What? You think the International Survivor Commission wouldn’t be able to over-rule the game show host?!? ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2014, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/46 "2014-05-04T22:46:39Z")
> [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > You know, whenever there is some new wrinkle played for the first time, it seems to me that Probst tends to make up the rules as he goes. > > So, if there is any possible different way the rules concerning the idol may work, my guess is that Probst will say the idol works in whatever way Probst wants it to work. > > After all, Probst is pretty much the big boss now, so who is gonna oppose him? No one that I can imagine. > > And … if he is being blantantly unfair, who is going to overturn his decision? I can’t imagine. Survivor is classified as a game show and as such there is a Standards and Practices authority on premises for the shooting. Everything is written out in advance and they can’t change anything up. It’s a nice conspiracy theory, but it isn’t happening that way. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2014, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/47 "2014-05-04T23:04:53Z")
> [@Lamar\_Mundane](#): > > Survivor is classified as a game show and as such there is a Standards and Practices authority on premises for the shooting. Everything is written out in advance and they can’t change anything up. It’s a nice conspiracy theory, but it isn’t happening that way. I think Charlie Wayne’s obsession with Jeff Probst is silliness, but I do not think Survivor is classified as a game show. Big Brother was specifically classified as _not_ a game show, but rather an entertainment show, and as such is not bound by rules that apply to game shows. I see no reason why Survivor would be any different. EDIT: Here’s a [link](http://www.realitybbqforums.com/showthread.php?1769-Big-Brother-NOT-a-game-show); I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a cite, but it’s definitely a link. The description is “similar to professional wrestling.” Consider this: Have you ever seen a game show where they _don’t_ tell you exactly how much everybody wins? What does second place in Survivor win? It’s not 0. ---
**Author:** ![magnusblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@magnusblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magnusblitz)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/48 "2014-05-05T06:09:15Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > So any idea how the special idol would work in this situation? > > Next week’s vote total - everyone splits their vote to try to target Tony’s idol: > Tony: 2 > Tasha: 2 > Kass: 2 > (or 3 v. 3 if you like, or 3 v. 2 v. 1) > > Tony plays the regular immunity idol before the votes are read. Everyone has to revote - does Tony get to play his special idol there as well? I’m not sure what you’re asking. If Tony plays the regular Idol before votes are read, his votes don’t count, so it’s 2-2 for Tasha and Kass. Everyone (except Tasha and Kass) revotes, but they can only vote for Tasha or Kass. They also said you can’t play the special Idol for another player, only yourself. I assume that includes a rule against outright transferring it as well (on the beach, before TC). ---
**Author:** ![2sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/e47774/32.png) [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/49 "2014-05-05T09:44:02Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > Consider this: Have you ever seen a game show where they _don’t_ tell you exactly how much everybody wins? What does second place in Survivor win? It’s not 0. I seem to remember that it used to be that 2nd place got 100 grand and there was a declining scale after that. This was a plot point back in the Season That Is Never Mentioned when the used car salesman/porn star won because he was playing against morons and he convinced one moron to vote against another by telling her flat out he wouldn’t take her to the final but that she should vote with him because otherwise she would give up X dollars by coming in fourth instead of coming in third. (This was back when the final vote was between 2 players.) ---
**Author:** ![2sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/e47774/32.png) [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/50 "2014-05-05T09:46:39Z")
I’ve come around on Tony. We see him brag a lot but that’s in the interviews where producers are prodding him to say interesting things. I don’t remember him bragging around camp much. He seems like an OK guy to hang out around and he really has made the season interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/51 "2014-05-05T12:43:03Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > I think Charlie Wayne’s obsession with Jeff Probst is silliness, but I do not think Survivor is classified as a game show. Big Brother was specifically classified as _not_ a game show, but rather an entertainment show, and as such is not bound by rules that apply to game shows. This has been hotly contested in the past on the board, but I believe we came to the conclusion that you’re correct - it’s on par with professional wrestling, but without the predetermined aspect to it. I’m under the impression that individual episodes are regulated before shooting (Burnett can’t come out behind a palm tree after the votes are read to nullify a vote, but they can create a challenge that would likely favor a particular contestant). > [@](#): > > Consider this: Have you ever seen a game show where they _don’t_ tell you exactly how much everybody wins? What does second place in Survivor win? It’s not 0. Actually, I believe the prize structure is public knowledge. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/52 "2014-05-05T15:53:34Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Actually, I believe the prize structure is public knowledge. My point wasn’t that the information is impossible to find, but rather that on actual game shows, the specific amount each and every contestant wins is essentially shouted in your face, repeatedly. On Survivor, Big Brother and Amazing Race you have to do actual research to find out what anyone except the winner actually wins. (Or second place in the case of Big Brother.) ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/53 "2014-05-05T16:33:38Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > My point wasn’t that the information is impossible to find, but rather that on actual game shows, the specific amount each and every contestant wins is essentially shouted in your face, repeatedly. > > On Survivor, Big Brother and Amazing Race you have to do actual research to find out what anyone except the winner actually wins. (Or second place in the case of Big Brother.) As a counter-example, Jeopardy 2nd & 3rd place contestants win $2000 & $1000 , but that’s never mentioned in the show. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/54 "2014-05-05T16:45:58Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > As a counter-example, Jeopardy 2nd & 3rd place contestants win $2000 & $1000 , but that’s never mentioned in the show. It’s mentioned on every show. After the final answers are revealed, and the winner named, they show how much that person has won, along with the 2nd and 3rd place winners switching over to $2000 and $1000, respectively. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/55 "2014-05-05T16:48:03Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > It’s mentioned on every show. After the final answers are revealed, and the winner named, they show how much that person has won, along with the 2nd and 3rd place winners switching over to $2000 and $1000, respectively. [Roseanne Roseannadanna]Never mind[/RR]. Ok, Family Feud then, They don’t tell you what the losing family gets, besides more strife at the Holidays. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/56 "2014-05-05T17:23:27Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > [Roseanne Roseannadanna]Never mind[/RR]. Nitpick: Emily Litella, not Roseanne Roseannadanna. ---
**Author:** ![magnusblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@magnusblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magnusblitz)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2014, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415/57 "2014-05-05T20:14:55Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Ok, Family Feud then, They don’t tell you what the losing family gets, besides more strife at the Holidays. Hell, half the time they don’t tell you what the WINNING family gets if they don’t win the Fast Money round (or what they get in addition if they do win). Took me a long time before I found out that the amount of points they get in the head-to-head portion gets turned into cash. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-april-30th-2014/687415.md?page=2)