There is one thing that Survivor 51 has an abundance of, and that is big personalities. Players like Devin Way, Eric Macksoud, Danny Kilby, and Brady Booker ooze personality out of every pore.
Big personalities have been a massive part of Survivor's history, from Sue Hawk in season one to Boston Rob Mariano leaning against a tree in season 4, quoting The Godfather. How about Rupert Boneham embracing the pirate life during season 7 to Russell Hantz on season 19? These are just a few of the now 772 people who have played the game who had big personalities.
During more recent seasons of Survivor, personalities appear to be more reined in. There don't seem to be as many clear-cut heroes and villains anymore. The game is way more social than during the early years of the show; physicality is less important now than it was for some seasons.
Survivor is about each player's journey to self-discovery and living life to its fullest. Getting to know the other layers and making real connections with them is an integral part of the game now more than ever.
Can personalities be too big on Survivor now?
This answer to this question has always been yes. Big personalities stand out on Survivor, and that's always been a draw for other players. In recent seasons, however, it is more apparent that players are willing to be social but not standout early in the game. Once the merge happens, players are more willing to let their true selves emerge.
Season 51, however, is filled with big personalities. Eric and Kilby are two examples of the awkward people who try too hard too early to impress. They talk a lot, and they tend to rub some people the wrong way. Both have had targets on the backs from the beginning but have worked their way out of trouble to some extent. Now they are on the same tribe, and they are like birds of a feather. They formed an immediate connection and will most likely be buddies long after this season is over.
Still, Eric has already stated that he would have no issue cutting Kilby out if the game dictates it, while Kilby is thrilled he found someone he can bond with. With their big personalities, if they become a pair, they will immediately be big targets, and folks might remember why they were on the outs in their own tribes early on.
Brady and Devin are on the opposite spectrum. Both are Type A personalities who are naturally charming, and people are drawn to them. Unfortunately, they both tend to take that charm too far. Their personalities overwhelm their strategic games, and it is evident they could easily push allies away.
Angelica "Jelly" Loblack has been a close ally to Devin since day one, but his often overbearing ways are starting to alienate her. In a preview for episode 5, she mentions how Devin is “bad for her game.”
All the personality hasn't helped Devin. He was on the wrong side of the vote his first two trips to Tribal Council, when he clearly thought he was in control. He did get his way when his tribe voted out Jenna Doore in episode 4, but only because he has a secret alliance with Jelly and Ori Jean-Charles. Ori didn't want Alexis Levine voted out yet, and it was only a five-person tribe.
Jenna's demise came about because of an opposite issue. As the players hit the beach all together on the day, Jenna was withdrawn and reticent. She was unsure of herself and didn't have any confidence. She wasn't outgoing on the beach or when the players were split into tribes.
Devin targeted her from the beginning because he didn't believe her answers when asked about her job. She didn't lie; she was just nervous and uncomfortable, but it was enough for Devin not to trust her. She survived that first vote because Brady and Devin weren't on the same page, but Devin trashed her when he got to visit the other camp. Although Jenna came out of her shell and hadn't done anything to deserve Devin's mistrust, he finally got her voted out.
It is not surprising that all four of the big personalities have been targeted themselves at some point in the game. While it is refreshing that all four feel free to be themselves, for viewers, all have been a bit annoying at times (Brady calling everyone “Brody” for instance). Some of that could be the edit, but Survivor has evolved away from standing out early.
Be social and sincere as much as you can, but don't draw attention to yourself unnecessarily. That is how people play now. Just get to the merge and then play the game harder. The importance of being social right from the start can't be stressed enough. Poor Jenna didn't do anything to deserve Devin's ire, but the fact she didn't show enough personality quickly enough was all it took.
It wouldn't be surprising if these four big personalities all fail to make the merge. Eric might have the best chance, because he's learned the quickest how to tone it down and adjust. Maybe Brady, because not everyone seems to mind the “Brody” thing.
The game has certainly changed. The players and the storytelling are so different now. Survivor has always been a social experiment, and society has changed so much in the past 26 years. Big personalities can be a detriment now, and it will be interesting to see how these four finish.
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