Survivor
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Deshawn would like to clarify a few things.
What results is more than just a fallout episode.
This week is a modernSurvivorclassic, exemplifying everything that makes the show so good … and so frustrating.
This episode revolves around Deshawn.
First, Liana critiques him and Danny for dissolving the all-Black alliance.
They broke her trust, and Deshawns response to Lianas disappointment is telling.
He points blame at Ricard for originating the Shan exit, not him and Danny.
Why is it that every time I do something, its on the front page of the freaking newspaper?
I did not come up with the idea, he laments to Danny.
It might be too late to help Deshawns game.
This leaves Deshawn, Danny, and Liana on the outs.
This episode proves Probsts repeated claim that Season 41 ushered in a new era.
Ideologically, the game is entrenched in the ramifications of a fraught American culture.
Life outside ofSurvivorisnt on pause.
Its part of the game on a macro and micro level.
We finally receive an in-depth understanding of Dannys backstory.
Competing onSurvivoris helping him grieve this loss.
Its a touching segue into the immunity challenge.
Probst informs the remaining seven castaways of the latest twist: Do or Die.
If they pick correctly, theyre immune, and tribal council continues as usual.
If they pick incorrectly, theyre immediately eliminated.
(Honestly, its very difficult to describeSurvivorchallenges.
Liana and Heather sit out, later citing little expectation of victory in the challenge.
Danny triumphantly wins his first immunity challenge of the season.
Its a much-needed boost for hisSurvivorresume.
Deshawn, whos already having a tough episode, is the first to drop.
So we go into an uncertain tribal council with only a few guarantees.
Two variables remain: Erika (the swing vote) and Deshawn (the Do or Die competitor).
Deshawn repeatedly faces disappointment this episode, and odds are hes going home.
So he diverts the typical tribal Q&A to relitigate Shans blindside.
He clarifies that he agreed to vote out Shan because Ricard told him Shan was gunning for him.
In this game, morals and gameplay intersect, he says.
That line is important.
For Deshawn and his fellow Black players, they arent just playing individual games.
Theyre also carrying the weight of playing as Black players the season after a CBS diversity pledge.
This came after BlackSurvivoralums called out the show for depicting them in harmful stereotypes, as reported byNPR.
The diversity pledge and the cultural uprisings of 2020 appear to inform nearly every aspect of Season 41.
So far, weve seen Probstdo away with the word guysin his ubiquitous catchphrase Come on in, guys.
Players of color like Naseer and Erika chronicled how their familial and racial backgrounds influence their strategy.
Now, were seeing Deshawn surface this undercurrent in one of the most heartfelt tribal councils to date.
At one point, Probst asks Deshawn why hes concerned about his integrity.
Integrity is the heart of Deshawns struggle in this episode.
Its also quickly becoming this seasons overarching theme.
Deshawn explains his intent going intoSurvivorwas to represent the Black community as well as he could.
Its an emotional moment watching Deshawn cry while answering Probsts question.
Deshawn is keenly aware of what it means to be a Black player in the modern age ofSurvivor.
Shan understood this pressure, too.
Shantold Rob Cesterninoon his podcast this week that filming began amid the trial of the killing of George Floyd.
I was very sensitive to it, she says on the podcast.
Playing Season 41 in 2021, I was very, very dialed into that.
Its important to understand the headspace players operate in because it informs their gameplay.
Coming into the game, it wasnt about taking this and all Black people get to the end.
It was more about showing those connections and that diversity, Danny said.
To those people, I understand.
But it just means that were human beings, and the game is a little bit more complex.
And were a microcosm of the real world, too, Liana says.
Its an important hour of reality TV, and frankly my recap cant do it justice.
As for who goes home, well, Deshawn miraculously saves himself by selecting the correct box of three.
It makes for a triumphant moment after an emotional speech, butSurvivorreally could cool it with the twists.
Sure, they lucked out with this climactic moment for Deshawn.
However, these honest conversations and their impact on gameplay are far more rewarding than any new trick.
So a tribal vote commences with Deshawn and Danny immune.
Xander uses an extra vote to ensure Lianas elimination, even though Erika ultimately voted for Liana.
Of the six remaining players, only two are women.
Meanwhile, the jury is entirely composed of women, save for Nasser.
Keep in mind men have won the last six seasons ofSurvivor.
So the ultimate question of the shows ability to fully honor its commitment to inclusivity remains unanswered.
