On ‘Survivor: China’ there’s no clucking around

Who’s in charge?
Leadership challenged many of the contestants, not just Peih-Gee.

Aaron, a member of the winning tribe, Fei Long, said, “I see myself as a leader, but I try to do it as subtly as possible.”

That would have been good advice for Zhan Hu tribe member Dave, who, along with Peih-Gee, raised his hand at Tribal Council when Jeff asked for a show of hands from those who wanted to lead the tribe.

Then again, doing something was better than doing nothing. Jeff asked that question after Chicken said, “I guess somebody’s going to have to (step up) before we come together.” That was the continuation of Chicken’s apparent strategy: completely avoid any and all responsibility.

As annoying and frustrating as it was to watch on television, it must have been even more obnoxious in person. During their three days together, his tribemates would ask him for his advice or opinion, and he just steadfastly refused to give it, deferring to them not because he appreciated their opinion, but because he didn’t want to give his own. Was he being stubborn? Or was this a lame attempt at strategy, trying to avoid being the person who others could blame?

Either way, his behavior didn’t work, as he received five out of his tribe’s eight votes. He stood out intentionally and obviously, and that’s the last thing one should do at the start of “Survivor.” Yet after spending three days being crotchety and obstinate, he seemed genuinely shocked to be leaving. “Damn!” he exclaimed before Jeff Probst snuffed out his torch.

That’s probably the same thing many “Survivor” fans said from their couches, as yet again, someone made the same old mistakes.

Andy Dehnart is a writer and teacher who publishes reality blurred, a daily summary of reality TV news.

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