# Survivor Season 40: Winners at War **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 12, 2020, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829 "2020-02-12T17:50:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/241 "2020-04-16T17:48:48Z")
I don’t know why the minority group didn’t just walk over to Sarah’s group while they were discussing. It’s not like they could stop them. ---
**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:** [April 16, 2020, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/242 "2020-04-16T17:59:59Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yeah, the "Loved ones’ is a low point for me. However, they didnt have the loved ones challenge, another low point, let everyone have time, so that was a nice gesture, and nice gesture by Fiji air, too. > Question- Ben has had a large bandage on his right shoulder as far back as I remember. Often they are used to cover up a really nasty sunburn. But in Bens case- maybe for a tat the producers dont want people to see? 😕 Yeah, he had that his original season too. He said in an interview he’s got a John Deere logo tattooed there, in memory of his grandfather I believe. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/243 "2020-04-16T18:11:09Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Yeah, he had that his original season too. He said in an interview he’s got a John Deere logo tattooed there, in memory of his grandfather I believe. Ah, thank you. The bandage will also protect his shoulder from getting deep fried, as we have seen happen. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/244 "2020-04-16T18:38:30Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > They shouldn’t have done that, sandra is a quitter and deserves nothing. Which is exactly why she posted that on Twitter: [![](https://i.redd.it/7zshq9y433t41.jpg) ](https://i.redd.it/7zshq9y433t41.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Moonchild](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@Moonchild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonchild)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/245 "2020-04-16T18:57:25Z")
This was one of my favorite episodes of the season. The stacking challenge is one of my favorites, Tribal Council had a hilarious standoff between Jeremy and Sarah – and general good drama and twists overall, and I love the Loved Ones episode; it always gets me. Was especially moving to see them reunite with their children. I’m weird, I guess. I like people and like to see them overcome with love and joy. YMMV. That said, it would have been totally awesome for: Jeff Michelle! I’m sure you’re ready for some good loving! Let’s bring out your ex-boyfriend Wendell! ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2020, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/246 "2020-04-16T21:00:32Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Question- Ben has had a large bandage on his right shoulder as far back as I remember. Often they are used to cover up a really nasty sunburn. But in Bens case- maybe for a tat the producers dont want people to see? 😕 Its a tattoo of his Grandfather with a John Deere logo > **[Seriously, What Is Under Ben Driebergen's Bandage on 'Survivor'?](https://www.distractify.com/p/survivor-ben-tattoo)** > > Ever since his winning season, fans have been asking about the tattoo that Ben Driebergen is hiding on 'Survivor'. But what did it turn out to be? edit: ooops already answered ---
**Author:** ![slates77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/779978/32.png) [@slates77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slates77)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/247 "2020-04-17T00:45:45Z")
Was anyone else annoyed by all the whispering at tribal? Feels like I had no idea what was going on strategy wise ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/248 "2020-04-17T00:48:54Z")
> [@Moonchild](#): > > This was one of my favorite episodes of the season. The stacking challenge is one of my favorites, Tribal Council had a hilarious standoff between Jeremy and Sarah – and general good drama and twists overall, and I love the Loved Ones episode; it always gets me. Was especially moving to see them reunite with their children. See, I almost loved this episode, even though I generally hate the loved ones episodes (and this one was especially bad with the poor kids terrified and confused). It had some great TC drama, and an actual live vote (or so I thought). I loved the standoff, and was very interested to know what would happen if Sarah played her “steal a vote” first". My thinking is she still gets his vote, but he still gets to leave (obviously). She stole the vote before he bailed. But I could see it going the other way (where her advantage is nullified because he isn’t even there to steal from). BUT, then they ruined it with the nonsensical editing. Either these players are idiots (doubtful) or there was some conversation where Michelle indicated she was playing with the majority. Or perhaps some other whispered conversation there. Because there is absolutely no reason to throw two votes at Denise unless you know that only two votes are coming back your way. I refuse to believe that a 5-person alliance with a 6-3 voting advantage would come up with a 4-2 split voting plan when clearly a 3-3 split saves your majority but 4-2 leaves you vulnerable to an idol. I think they knew they really had a 7-2 vote advantage (maybe Michelle was a Denise vote all along as a Jeremy/Denise split vote?) so they just needed to pick a primary target (Kim or Tyson) and decide who was throwing the second vote to Denise. We want the “advanced viewers” cut now! Or at least some webisode material where the players explain what went down at TC (maybe we’ll get it next week?). As an aside, I did love Jeremy’s “I’m a firefighter and we don’t bail on our teammates” speech right before bailing on his teammates. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/249 "2020-04-17T01:06:18Z")
> [@slates77](#): > > Was anyone else annoyed by all the whispering at tribal? Feels like I had no idea what was going on strategy wise It should really only be featured when it’s good TV, like Adam and Ben arguing while everyone else whispers. When we don’t even know what’s happening it the first place it’s bad TV. Tribal Council is over an hour long edited down to a few minutes, so they could certainly cut it out. ---
**Author:** ![slates77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/779978/32.png) [@slates77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slates77)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/250 "2020-04-17T01:38:00Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > It should really only be featured when it’s good TV, like Adam and Ben arguing while everyone else whispers. When we don’t even know what’s happening it the first place it’s bad TV. Tribal Council is over an hour long edited down to a few minutes, so they could certainly cut it out. Yeah, it was cool the first few times it happened but now i’m not really seeing the appeal in it as a viewer. ---
**Author:** ![Drum\_God](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drum_god/32/44_2.png) [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/251 "2020-04-17T04:12:45Z")
Did anyone else get the feeling that the “everyone gets to go to the beach” was Jeff calling an audible? They had a challenge set up on the beach. I think Jeff was sincere when he said that the adults and teens were going to swim out to a sandbar offshore and he saw something in the kids’ reaction that changed his mind. To me, the small children looked more upset and confused than excited to see mom/dad. Notice how there was no “goodbye” scene. That scene must have been really difficult to watch. The teens are old enough to understand what is going on, but the little ones couldn’t possibly have a clue. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/252 "2020-04-17T08:15:43Z")
Interesting speculation on Jeff calling an audible! I assumed the challenge setup was a fakeout, but you might be right. It’s tough for the little kids to leave, but that presumably was true when their parent left originally as well. Overall it’s nice for them to get a chance to see their parent in the midst of the absence. > [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > Frankly, if you’re a captain on a reward challenge, your goal should not be to win, but to make sure you have all the people you want with you when the tribe splits up for the reward. Great point. > [@jsc1953](#): > > Wow, some of you have some real deep-seated issues witnessing sincere displays of emotion. > > 😉 Yeah, ouch. :eek: The weird thing though is that in the past, I too tended to roll my eyes at the family visits. It didn’t really make a lot of sense to me for people to lose their mind over seeing their mom when I see mine only a couple times a year. But this situation, for me, was completely different because small children were involved. For the people who are still barfing over it all, are you not parents? It’s hard for me to imagine any parent not being moved by those scenes of reunion. > [@magnusblitz](#): > > I definitely agree that I think the whispering is getting out of hand, especially under these circumstances. Once Jeremy played his advantage that should’ve been it, especially since Sarah had even said she was ready to vote. Letting everyone talk again - off to the side like that - takes away some of the power of the advantages, which is the surprise element. Would be a lot easier to beat the majority if they can’t discuss their new target and ending up screwing up. On the other hand you can say that takes out the strategy and someone getting to bombshell the vote is too much. Either way I think the whispering gets away from the idea of Tribal Council where everyone is talking to everyone, in the open, and you’re not sure if it’s truth or for show. Wouldn’t surprise me if they were more strict in earlier seasons and the producers have just let it slide because they think it’s exciting. Stephen Fishbach said he used to think the whispering was exciting, but now it’s just boring because you don’t know what they are whispering about. I feel like he and everyone else who is trending this way are way behind the curve! I thought it was dumb and boring from the very first time it happened. We need to hear how people are conspiring, or at least be able to read subtitling, or it’s pointless and we’re just sitting there watching people lean into each others’ ears and what’s the point? ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2020, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/253 "2020-04-17T15:08:46Z")
> [@Drum\_God](#): > > Did anyone else get the feeling that the “everyone gets to go to the beach” was Jeff calling an audible? They had a challenge set up on the beach. I think Jeff was sincere when he said that the adults and teens were going to swim out to a sandbar offshore and he saw something in the kids’ reaction that changed his mind. To me, the small children looked more upset and confused than excited to see mom/dad. Notice how there was no “goodbye” scene. That scene must have been really difficult to watch. The teens are old enough to understand what is going on, but the little ones couldn’t possibly have a clue. In Dalton’s recap he mentions that Tyson was actually pushing for his daughter to get to come out before he agreed to come back. I think they realized they didn’t want to bring a bunch of little kids out and then go, “No, you can’t go see your dad because he lost his balance.” ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2020, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/254 "2020-04-18T12:20:08Z")
The reunions are my least favorite part of the show. How long have these folks had to endure not seeing their partner/parent/sibling?\* A month or two, max? The way some of them react you’d think their loved one had just risen from the grave. mmm \*Not including the young-uns in my critique ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2020, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/255 "2020-04-19T04:28:40Z")
You don’t think it’s a lot different when it’s little kids, babies even? ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2020, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/256 "2020-04-19T13:20:04Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > You don’t think it’s a lot different when it’s little kids, babies even? If this reply is referencing my post, please see my asterisk. I can see missing your kids while Surviving, but falling to pieces because you haven’t seen your sister in six weeks seems way too dramatic. mmm ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2020, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/257 "2020-04-19T16:43:37Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > I can see missing your kids while Surviving, but falling to pieces because you haven’t seen your sister in six weeks seems way too dramatic. Although I’m generally appreciative of the family reunion episodes, I have to agree. I’m willing to chalk that up to stress, though. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2020, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/258 "2020-04-19T17:17:41Z")
I have no doubt the survivors are emotional when seeing their loved ones. Its just something that I am not comfortable watching. Its a private moment and that is why I FFed through most of it. IMO, it is something that TPTB could put out on ALL ACCESS. I would rather see the why Kim, Tyson, Denise thought Michelle was on their side but was not. Even a scavenger hunt on EoE is preferable to leering on the Loved One Reunion. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/259 "2020-04-19T18:04:34Z")
If they must continue the feature, I sure hope they never do it with the offspring again. Most of those kids expressed equal parts fear and confusion. mmm ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829/260 "2020-04-19T18:44:06Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > If this reply is referencing my post, please see my asterisk. > > I can see missing your kids while Surviving, but falling to pieces because you haven’t seen your sister in six weeks seems way too dramatic. Drama gets you votes at the final council. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survivor-season-40-winners-at-war/847829.md?page=14)