“Was this the Alien vs Predator?” No, but more like the Competitor vs the Ego.” -  Survivor Guatemala Finale Summary 12/12/05

By Marcus

            Danni walked off with a million dollars and Stephanie settled for one tenth that amount. They beat out 16 others. I thought for sure that calm, quiet, shy Lydia would have been in the final two. But then she would have proved to have been the sure winner. Why? Because she was not a threat to anyone. She was liked and appreciated. Had she been there for the final vote, she would have danced the millionaire’s dance. But instead, highly focused Danni (by the way, Judd, her name has two “n”s, not one) danced the dance. But let’s take a quick review.

            The final four included Lydia and Rafe. They had the incredible opportunity to observe a symbolic and sacred Mayan blessing ceremony. Lydia was so excited that she would be a part of this religious observance that she bubbled. While starving Stephanie hungered for the honey and the sacrificed chicken. Rafe was emotionally moved by the ritual. As far as I could tell, Danni had no opinion about it. Now after the three women devoured that bird, the jungle skies unleashed a torrential downpour accented with lightning. Was this a sign from the deities of their displeasure for the threesome disrespect of the sacrifice? Or a natural weather event? Whatever the reason, I think they should have demonstrated more respect, hunger or no hunger.            

            Then down to the final three after Lydia was “torched-out.” The three had an endurance contest not only for the last immunity challenge, but to have a guarantee seat in the final two. Rafe lost his focused and was the first out. Danni accepted her pain and strain but somehow found a comfort zone as Stephanie slowly slid to the earth and lost the challenge.

            Rafe released Danni from her alliance, but he was not sincere. He was convinced that she would select him in the final two. But Danni “The Real Competitor” knew her competition and more importantly she understood this game. The contestant she wanted sitting next to her would be the person she could beat. She was hesitant about going up against Rafe. Rafe, who was a constant challenge winner with an ego to match had not alienated too many of the others. But Stephanie was a sure pick. Behind Stephanie’s cute eyes, bright smile and smooth skin lurked a grandiose egotistical woman who was convinced that she was not only the leader who called the shots, but also convinced herself that when she stabbed the others in the back, they would understand. Yes, Danni picked the least trustworthy as her opposition for the million dollar vote. And she chose correctly.

            This Survivor is complete. We have a winner. A competent and deserving winner.

See Also:

12/2/05 "Liar, Liar, Your Torch Is Not On Fire" - Survivor Episode 12 Summary

11/25/05 "Hot Springs, Hot Food, Hot Tempers" - Survivor Episode 11 Summary

10/21/05 "Burgers, beer, and a bully" - Survivor Guatemala Episode 6 Summary

10/14/05 "The Ax Man and the Grenadier" - Survivor Episode 5 Summary

10/7/05 Smelly bodies. Shrunken bellies. Switching bodies - Survivor Episode 4 Summary

9/30/05 "Paint, feathers, and elbows" - Survivor Summary for September 29

9/23/05 Not a food fight, but a mud fight...... Survivor Summary for September 22