Osten Returns!!!

By Rich Glanzer

For seasons Survivor fans were asking the all important question, "What would Osten Taylor (the legendary Survivor quitter) look like if he was white?" We now have the answer, he’d look, sound, and whimper like Jeff Wilson.

Jeff Wilson has etched a name for himself in Survivor lore, by quitting on his tribe mates, and himself. Make no mistake about it; this was not a selfless move. He did not have to leave. Whatever damage Jeff did to his ankle, he was still far more useful and valuable to his tribe than Kim. I believe Jeff was tired of the cold, lack of food, and nautilus machines that the good ol’ U S of A has. Jeff Probst even caught him smiling during Immunity Council.

Speaking of Probst, did he ever come up small during the IC. Probst was already the best game show host reality or not in the history of the business before Osten quit, but he cemented his Hall of Fame credentials by the way he handled Osten. He didn’t even let the tribe vote. He didn’t use his catch phrase, "The tribe has spoken," and instead said, "As per your request, go home." Then he threw down Osten’s torch, and told the Morgan tribe, Survivor watchers, and future Survivor players, that many people have done far too much to get on and stay on for him not to scold Osten.

Well where was Probst yesterday?!?!? While he looked mildly perturbed at Jeff, he didn’t grill or go off on him! For Christ’s sake, Mike Skupin got his hands and face nearly burned off, and the man wanted to get treated and come back to the game!! And this guy tweaks his little ankle and it’s too much???

Probst needed to get back to what makes him great. He needed to call Jeff out in front of his tribe mates he supposedly cares so much about. But he didn’t. And we all lost a great chance for great TV.

But I’m sure there will be other great chances. Quitting Survivor is becoming cliché. While Osten is the most infamous quitter, he’s certainly not alone.

It all started in the first season when B.B. asked to be voted out. His wish was granted. In Survivor Amazon, Shawna Mitchell asked to be voted out, but her request wasn’t granted. Then Jenna Morasca was asked to be voted out, but no one listened and she instead won the thing.

But Jenna eventually did get what she wanted, when she quit the All-Stars, albeit for a very good reason, her mother was dying. Why she accepted the invitation in the first place is still a mystery. But of course Sue Hawk also joined the ranks of the quitters, when Richard Hatch hurt her feelings.

Still Survivor is a great show. But I hope Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett realize that big muscles and perfect hair doesn’t make great contestants. Giving everything you got, and then giving a little more like Stephanie, Tom, and Bobby Jon have done this season is what keeps people watching.

Tom has the potential to become the most popular Survivor since Rupert. Was that last challenge specifically designed for him?

If I was Jeff, I’d be embarrassed that Stephanie was able to last the whole time, and I didn’t even try.

Is that old guy who was chosen last allowed to speak?? Maybe I’ll know his name by the end of the season.

Visit SirLinksAlot-Survivor:Palau