It’s been a few weeks since the Survivor 50 finale, but we’re still getting glimpses here and there of players’ perspectives on the season. Specifically, Boston Rob Mariano—who notably mentored runner-up Jonathan Young—has shared his viewpoint on his mentee’s gameplay and post-season press in a few different interviews.
But we’ve gotten various viewpoints from the legendary Survivor winner that seem at times contradictory to his previous statements.
In a recently posted Instagram clip, we see Boston Rob talking on a panel about “preconceived plans” on recent seasons, especially ones involving returning players. We can only assume that he’s talking about pre-game alliances as that’s been a major topic of conversation over the last couple of seasons.
But what’s very interesting is—in a vague statement—Rob says, “[if] you have somebody that you have access to that have played these games before and you know that you’re going to get an opportunity to reach out to them and ask their advice—knowing that, you know, you might not take and use everything that person says. But if there’s a resource there, why not do your homework?”
Speaking on an upcoming player asking a past player for advice before their season, we know Rob has given advice to two recent players: Jonathan Young in Survivor 50 and Shannon Fairweather in Survivor 49. He could be talking about one or both of these players who he gave advice to before their latest seasons, but it’s interesting that he chooses to specify that the inquiring player might not actually listen to the advice they were given.
We can’t help but wonder if he’s talking about Jonathan, who he’s already said didn’t manage the jury the way he should have. Is this some of the advice Rob gave ahead of Survivor 50?
But even more interesting is when Rob continues and brings up the topic of pre-game alliances: “I think where it gets tricky and crosses the line is if there are pre-conceived plans in place. And it’s hard to avoid that these days, especially, you know, when you have returning players.”
There’s no doubt in our mind that he’s condemning the practice of pre-game alliances—especially since he then goes on to explicitly say he’s never been a part of one, which is part of the reason why he and his wife Amber Brkich Mariano were targeted in Survivor: Winners at War. And it’s been a high topic of conversation post-Survivor 50 that Jonathan Young was likely in a pre-game “Zoom” alliance with Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Chrissy Hofbeck, and Benjamin “Coach” Wade (at the least).
Is it possible that Jonathan told Rob he was approached for a pre-game alliance and Rob advised him against it? Is that the advice Rob alludes to at the top of the clip?
The idea of pre-game alliances existing in Survivor 50, even after so many interviews have brought it up, is still hearsay as no one in the alliance has flat out confirmed the alliance, though other players have commented on its existence. But if you watch Survivor 50 back, it’s really hard not to see a very drastic shift in some of our players when they are thrust together in a vote during the “Blood Moon” twist.
So, did Rob try to warn Jonathan about the repercussions—both in and out of the game—of joining a pre-game alliance? Sure seems like that's what he's suggesting...
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