The Survivor 50 cast list has (mostly) arrived, and fans have been none too pleased. It is not so much about the cast list itself. Most of the players, you can understand on paper why they would be considered an all-star, albeit maybe not in the context of legend or "celebration of the franchise".
The larger problem has been the spread of castmates over the full 49 seasons. Half the cast is from the new era seasons 41-49, including five from just 48 and 49 alone. Of the other 12 players selected, several have been invited back a few times already, and the stretch from 19-31 was ignored entirely. That really does not feel like a celebration of the entire franchise.
That said, there are still many exciting players to watch for. Some icons are going for their chance to finally pull off the win, while others are looking to avenge their loss for the first time. Two fantastic winners are back to defend their title, although neither of them feels right to be in the season that is nearly entirely made up of non-winners. A few of the selected castaways are a bit puzzling, perhaps none more so than the man of the Q skirt, Q Burdette of Survivor 46.
Q Burdette's antics on and off island make him a puzzling choice for Survivor 50
Q Burdette was one of the most polarizing players of the new era. He had a massive personality that drove allies and tribemates crazy, but he was authentically himself. He may have been the biggest personality the series has seen in a decade, and one of the most unpredictable in franchise history. He also may be one of the most cocky players (second to Rome Cooney, of course. Love you Rome!) Through that lens, he makes perfect sense to be selected.
That is not where the story ends, though. His antics on the island did not just rub players the wrong way, but also some fans. Not just because of an abrasive style, but because he attempted to quit the game. Twice. On both occasions, Q asked to be voted out of the game, and on both occasions, his alliance members at the time refused, because they needed his vote for numbers. That he asked at all, though, gave the impression he did not care about the game.
Please note, this is not a knock on Q or even a condemnation of his gameplay. I personally loved watching his game on Survivor 46 and found his personality incredibly engaging to watch. I actually am excited to see whether he adapts his game better this time or if his same brash personality digs him right into the same hole. I just feel like, for Survivor 50, so many players wanted to be there badly, that his more nonchalant passion for the game does not fit the theme at all.
With these factors, what did production cast Q anyway?
It seems two major factors played a role in the team ultimately selecting Q to participate in Survivor 50. The first, and probably most important, reason is his aforementioned personality. Q makes great television, whether you love him or hate him. His unpredictability causes chaos, and in a social game, chaos often means entertainment. He gives producers constant sound bites to use, which is a producer's dream.
The second factor, at least on appearance, is the thought of character arc interactions with other players in the game. It seems a few new era players were paired with other players who may provide some storyline arc or entertainment. For example, Kyle Fraser and Kamilla Karthigesu are both on the season, after their impressive silent duo storyline from Survivor 48.
For Q, his character arc pair is Tiffany Ervin. The two were tightly aligned at first, forming a dynamic trio with eventual winner Kenzie Petty. Q's antics quickly got on Tiffany's nerves to the point where the two eventually ended up enemies in the game, with Tiffany showing frustration every time Q even opened his mouth. That is a storyline the producers will undoubtedly want to play up to the max, and is likely a reason for Q's inclusion on the season.
In the end, Q is going to bring entertainment value. From that point, he is deserving of being on the show. But when Jeff Probst tells us the season is a celebration of the past 48 seasons and 25 years, honoring the many legends that gave up so much to be here, I am not sure Q should be a representation of that. Nevertheless, now that he is on, I am excited to see what he does, and hopefully, he casts himself in a fresh and legendary light!