Survivor has reached 48 seasons thus far, and it does not look to be slowing down any time soon. Over the years, a variety of different playstyles, games, and strategic choices have led people from across the country to win the game of a lifetime. The most recent winner, Rachel LaMont of Survivor 47, is among them, having played one of the more dominant and bold new era games thus far.
Therefore, her being a co-host of this years season of the On Fire with Jeff Probst official Survivor podcast has thrilled fans. She is able to provide insight and experience into the show that provides fans with a rare look at the game behind the scenes, from a prospective only other winners can provide.
On this week's episode, Rachel provided commentary on a variety of topics. One of those was the Survivor jury. Obviously, almost every castaway wants to make it to the jury phase of the game, as it is a major milestone that brings players one step closer to winning. Rachel provided a more in-depth look at why every player on Survivor wants to make the jury.
Rachel adds insight into the players thoughts on making jury phase
Every player wants to make the jury on Survivor. It is a milestone step in the game and means they can influence the direction and legacy of the season. Not everyone at home, though, realizes how much pressure comes with trying to make it to the jury. Rachel lets listeners in on exactly what goes through players' heads when they are close to the jury spot.
"Being the last person voted out before jury starts is crushing; it really is. Panic is in full swing. You want to be part of the group that sees the game through that has a say in what happens at the end." She adds insight, saying that the vote right before the jury is the most stressful and nerve-wracking vote of the game, on par with the very first vote.
This makes sense. Getting so close to a milestone and falling just short and ultimately failing can feel soul-crushing. Rachel knows this as much as anyone because if not for an advantage given to her on Survivor 47, she would have been that vote-out. It is a feeling I think others can relate to: getting so close to a dream or goal and falling just short.
No one wants to take time out of their lives and leave their family to ultimately have no real impact on the game or how it progresses and ends. Being part of history and a legacy that keeps the game going is a huge accomplishment that any player wants to be a part of.
Rachel and Jeff discuss the importance of the jury to Survivor
More than just being on the jury, the existence of the jury itself has become an essential fabric of the entire premise of the game. Both Rachel and Jeff Probst acknowledge this and make it clear that the game would not be the same without it. The jury is what sets Survivor apart because it forces players to consider how they interact with each other and what is important to each player they vote out..
Jeff talks about fans at home saying they would vote for certain players to win, such as Russell Hantz. However, sitting at home and watching removes the entire aspect of living with people and building that bond and connection that is essential to Survivor. As Jeff says, "The game is always in the hands of the players."
Rachel talks about the importance of the jury to the success of the show.
"If you mess with the jury, Survivor is no longer. It comes down to the jury, this group of imperfect emotional human beings that aren't just sitting on their couch."
It is important to remember that players are humans. They may be characters on the show, but they are real people with real emotions, and in game, castaways need to treat their fellow tribemates as such.
In this new era of Survivor, talk about the big move has permiated discussions. The term "resume" is practically a meme in the world of reality television at this point. Yet, so many recent winners, especially of late, have won jury votes because of their social connections. As Rachel says, "The social aspect of the game is a huge aspect of the gameplay."
Fans at home do not experience that social element through the editing. Not only is there no direct interaction, but it can also be hard to portray through an edit just how well someone is connecting with others or how a person's daily interactions can negatively impact them. This is why the jury is key. They are real, and they have lived experiences and knowledge that we, as fans, can never be privy to.
Rachel provides us with a reminder of exactly how Survivor works. At its core, Survivor is a social experiment. It is why every season can feel so different. A group of strangers with unique perspectives and personalities come together and navigate a game that only one can win. It is engaging, but it also sparks social studies on how people interact with one another. The jury is perhaps the most essential piece of that puzzle.