Genesis, 2:7 - 3:23: "Then
the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life; and Russell became a living being. ... Then
the LORD God took the Russell and put him into the garden of Survivor
to cultivate it and keep the tribe strong for the challenges.
But the Russell believed he to be perfect, not merely created by the
LORD God, but like the LORD God, and thus would win all the challenges
like the LORD God. But, when Russell failed he cried to the LORD God
why had he failed, and the Probst said to the Russell, "because you are
just a man." But, Russell wouldn't believe what he thought was the
deceiver and could no longer see the Truth in all things. And, the
woman the LORD God had given to be with Russell to help cultivate the
garden seeing Russell was just a man who could no longer see Truth was
able to deceive him. So the LORD God banished him from the garden
of Survivor to return to the grounds from which he had been taken."
I'm not sure why this episode reminded me of the Old Testament and
the story of Adam's banishment from Eden. I think it's because in
Genesis, God created man, and man immediately messes up. There's a
lesson there - man is flawed, imperfect. But, Russell never got that
memo. After the challenge, he suggested he should be flawless because
God is perfect. I'd love to know where he got that idea from.
At tribal council Russell walked back a lot of what he had said,
but I think what came out at the challenge is what's really in his heart
- unscripted. The Ancient Greeks called this Hubris and their
literature and myths made numerous warnings against it.
The worst rout in Survivor history occurred in Palau when Ulong
lost all seven immunity challenges, whittling their original eight down
to one. Pathetic. But, in many ways, this season's performance is even
worse. At least Ulong won a couple of rewards - Russell's tribe hasn't
won anything. Moreover, this tribe is competing against two others -
giving them two chances to win. The tribe is, in actuality, 0 for 8.
Atrocious.
The Greeks warned that Hubris's enemy was Nemesis, who would
destroys all those whose ego exceeds that of a man's (Greek sculptors
used to leave minor flaws in their works so as not to unleash Nemesis'
wrath). It's interesting to see such a self-centered egotist perform so
poorly, leading his tribe to an historic (by Survivor standards)
defeat. That doesn't mean Russell wasn't likeable. He was. It's just
that his ego wound up being completely out of control.
Bottom Line: I'm not arguing against
self-improvement or trying to better oneself. But, both the Ancient
Hebrews and Greeks warned us: Don't go thinking your perfect. No one
is. Thinking you are will ruin you.
Other Stuff:
- Malcolm gave a good effort, but Kent's performance outclassed
him in the challenge. Being a professional baseball player helped
tremendously. He could obviously handle pressure (Malcolm panicked a
little at the end); and, being a hitter, he showed tremendous hand eye
coordination. Well done (and a very exciting finish - I loved the
slo-mo when Kent's last toss missed the jar only to crack it on the
return).
- I have both Pete and Roberta in the pool (it's never fun to see
your kids fighting), and I think this squabble has the potential to be
bad for both of them. Roberta is losing control of her place in the
tribe. She seems anxious, even panicky. As for Pete, if he pulls too
many stunts like this, it could really blow up in his face. It wouldn't
take much for Abi and Roberta to have a conversation and figure out
Pete planted the clue that caused the chaos. However, to Pete's credit,
Abi has shown absolutely no willingness to have such a conversation, so
maybe Pete understands Abi better than I thought possible (and, thus,
is really in control). If that's the case, Pete has a much better read
of things than Roberta ever did (who initially formed a primary alliance
with the bombastic Brazilian, which is coming back to haunt her).
Pete's correct not to trust Roberta, and he seems to have isolated
her, so maybe I shouldn't worry too much about what he's doing. I just
don't like him setting off an unpredictable personality like Abi's. As
for Roberta, it looks like her best chance is to get on a re-mixed
tribe.
- Penner's tribe has split based on gender, but did anyone else
get the feeling Miss Delaware would rather be with the guys? Dana sat
there and talked about the girls sticking together, but I didn't hear
much enthusiasm from the other two. Dana could be the first to go if
Malcolm/Denise actually manage to win something.
- I don't recall seeing Skupin bleed once this episode! Congrats to Mike!
- Right now, Abi has an idol. If she gets blindsided with it
in her pocket, it could be the biggest fireworks explosion since the
turn of the Millennium. Abi doesn't do anything quiet.
Later.
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