Primetimer's article brought up some interesting things about the supposed "Tony narrative" that the Survivor execs/producers are trying to push. I think that's BS. I do agree with them about the spy nest; I will say that it was sort of funny and simultaneously confirmed that a) Tony is up to his old tricks, and b) despite being up to his old tricks, he is changing it up (albeit a little bit). But in general, I agree that it didn't add anything to the plot development of the episode, and didn't need to be there.
Now, let's talk about alpha males and sexism and the "Tony narrative" and the "Boston Rob narrative".
First off, I'm a white male, and I'm a HUGE fan of Kim, and I was really bummed to see her get voted out. I think her season is one of my all-time favorites, and I think she's a really strong, independent, resourceful, and crafty player.
Second, I'm a big fan of Tony! I loved Cagayan - another one of my favorite seasons. Here's where the whole "The Survivor execs/producers are pushing the alpha male narrative" argument breaks down: every single one of those players on Survivor Season 40 have SEEN and KNOW all about Tony and his antics. They know that he is ALWAYS lying and ALWAYS scrambling to get his agenda fulfilled. AND YET for the past two episodes, many of them have been duped by him! He duped them into bailing him out from the extortion advantage, he duped them into voting out Sophie, and he duped them (specifically Nick) into voting out Kim. I'd say he's starting to look like someone I would vote for if I had to choose who gets the $2 million!
Next, Tony's comments about Kim being a "lower tier" player. Tony doesn't believe that - he isn't stupid! He knows how big of a threat Kim is, and he realized that when he heard Kim was trying to get him out. He acted swiftly to get her out of the game - again, another hallmark of a good Survivor contestant. He just says that "lower tier" stuff to inflate the egos of those he is working with who might more realistically be described as lower-tier threats (like Nick and Michelle and Jeremy).
Anyhow, it's been an awesome season. Looking forward to the last two episodes!!
