True Colors

In the third episode of Survivor, we start to see some true colors. As a division begins among some tribes, we are onto the third voting. In the last episode Val was voted off the island thanks to John, who swore to her husband that he wouldn’t vote her off, but went ahead anyway. I feel like episode really starts to portray people for their true selves. As John carries on interacting on both sides, trying to sway votes away from himself he actually does the opposite.

John is a perfect example of William Schultz theory- Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation Theory. This theory has three specific focuses a need for inclusion, a need for control and a need for affection. As John attempts to skew the focus onto other members such as Dale, he is demonstrating his need for control. By trying to convince other group members that Dale is the one that should be voted off due to his age, John believes his opinion is superior and that others should/will follow. John hopes he will have a strong influence among the group and people will follow.

As John’s true character emerges, instead of gaining the amount of control he had hoped it actually takes a turn for the worse and the tribal members begin to notice his lack of character and arrogance. Although sometimes a sense of control can be useful in being a team leader, in this case it was seen as a manipulative move; which in a game that is everyman for himself may be a strategy. In the end the groups lack of trust and likeliness of John came down to his fate, and he was voted off.

I think as the show continues we start to see more personalities and character development starts to become more apparent, making things more interesting for the show. I’m just glad Dale made it through another episode, he is the oldest and I’m rooting for him!