While the Millennials vs Gen X motif for last season’s Survivor may have been overbearing to some, for Jessica Lewis, it defined her game.
For better or for worse, Survivor is as much a personal game as it is a strategic game. What may work for Tony Vlachos may not work for a Hali Ford, as each person’s game plan involves a part of themselves that others cannot replicate. This can be said for Jessica Lewis of Survivor Millennials vs Gen X, who spilled the beans for The Spilled Milk Club on why she decided to go to the third rock draw in the show’s history.
Even though it was an intensely emotional moment, one that will be remembered for a long time, it could have been avoided if Jessica had changed her vote from Zeke to Hannah. Although that wouldn’t have done her any jury favors (as she rightly mentions in the piece), there is a more personal reason for why she stuck to her guns.
Jessica pours her heart out here, telling the story of her parents building a life for her and her three sisters on a dairy farm. Their farm-first lifestyle built a strong work ethic, which helped guide her through a life that saw her go through law school, meet the love of her life, work multiple jobs while studying to make ends meet, and have her first child right after finals.
The reason this relates to the Survivor Millennials vs Gen X rock draw comes from her convictions as a person. She fit into the prototypical Gen X archetype because of what she’s been through, learning that sometimes things had to be done the hard way.
"I could have given in, done the easy thing, and flipped. I could have voted against my alliance and have saved myself from the rock draw. But, as you can tell by now, I never take the easy route. The easy way, though it may be enticing in any given moment, can work against you. If I had flipped, I had no path to victory. I wasn’t playing for 7th place. I would have lost the loyalty of those who had my back and I would have looked weak. This is not a winning combination in “Survivor” or in life."
Without question, Jessica Lewis’ position as an Assistant District Attorney makes for being a great orator. The ability to balance the rationale of the game of Survivor beyond that moment and the emotional toll it may take to stick to the plan, no matter what cost, shines through in her words.
In a season full of strategic powerhouses, physical threats, and socialites, Jessica Lewis represented a loyal, well-balanced game. She got done in by a gripping twist of fate, having the game taken away from her in an instant. Even if she was wishing she could turn back time in the moment to vote out Hannah, sticking to her true self was the smart decision overall.
Next: Here’s What Jeff Probst Thinks About Survivor Game Changers’ Cast
Jessica Lewis deserves another shot at Survivor. She has the emotional intelligence to win over a jury in a way that evolves beyond the courtroom.