Lauren Harpe played on Season 44 of Survivor. Her physical ability in competitions and her social skills allowed her to perform well throughout the season. She formed real bonds with people and solid alliances. Even as she watched her alliance crumble around her, Lauren had enough connections to survive the votes, and when she was in trouble, her physical strength helped her win immunities. In the end, though, it was these strengths that were also her downfall when her threat level was too great to ignore.
Lauren did make herself memorable to fans. She was the last surviving member of her original Ratu tribe. She went the farthest of anyone in the game that season before receiving a vote against her. She was also voted a Sia fan favorite from the season. Each of these accomplishments was part of her story, but her strong will and determination are what truly endeared her to fans.
Therefore, given the announcement already about Carolyn Wiger not making it onto Survivor 50, a logical next choice would have been Lauren, who was also a likeable contestant who performed well and could succeed on the historic season. As many castaways before her, Lauren recently shed light on the casting possibility.
Lauren won't return for Survivor 50
Survivor 50 is a returnee season, one that is teasing the inclusion of many possible icons and legends from the past, as well as big names from the new era. This has led to a whole slew of fan projections, wish lists, and internet sleuthing. Former Survivor players have also been vocal, slowly coming out and announcing their elimination from the casting pool.
Many have appeared to be unhappy, or feel as though their time was wasted. Iconic, memorable players such as Carolyn Wiger, Rome Cooney, Russell Hantz, and Spencer Bledsoe are among the names that have pulled their hat out of the casting pool possibilities, letting fans know they had been cut. Many were not happy about it, even accusing Jeff of wasting their time.
Now, it is Lauren who has taken to social media to voice her elimination from the cast. Lauren shared a post on Instagram, saying in part that "Started training for the island, then Jeff was like, 'LOL, girl… just kidding!' 👀🤣🏝️ My torch got snuffed before I even stepped on the sand 🔥#50."
Some players have been a bit more coded about the actual casting process, but Lauren did not mince words. She point-blank told every she has been eliminated from casting, and even referenced Survivor host Jeff Probst by name. That is about as direct as a player can get, at least without getting themselves sued for a breach of an NDA.
Fans hoping to see Lauren back on their screens in the near future will have to wait a bit longer. Perhaps she will get a chance on another reality television show, such as The Traitors or The Challenge, but if viewers want to see her on another season of Survivor, they will be waiting at least a bit longer.
Unfortunately, as with all these cuts, we do not have any insight into why a player was cut from the casting pool. Conjecture is the only thing we have available to us. It makes some sense based on the pattern of other cuts that Lauren would not make the show. She was a solid player and a solid personality, but likely is not considered a true icon in the way some past legends are.
Lauren deserves another chance to play the game. She is gritty, determined, and socially savvy enough to be successful on most seasons she is cast on. In the right environment, she even has the possibility of winning the game. However, while her personality is strong, it is not necessarily memorable enough to be a top-notch character for the season.
Hopefully, there will be an all-star season shortly that brings back one-time players and new era cast members, similar to a second chance season. If that happens, Lauren should be a strong consideration for that cast. Lauren would bring a gameplay balance to a season that would have hungry players looking to prove themselves. Perhaps, even, she could rise above them all.