I’m a huge fan of idols in contrast. Heck I didn’t really mind the fire tokens they had in “winners at war”. Thank Ganesh or your favorite deity that they didn’t stick with those fire tokens though, lol, it was good for a season or two.
US season is pretty much going all in with advantages or twists. Nut they do so in a way that encourages strategy play and bonding between disparate units of a tribe. It’s guaranteed narrative content.
You can’t film this show nowdays without a decent amount of idols or advantages. there is only so much excitement/entertainment you can extract from people sitting in a shelter all day and going out to swim or get water. Also people tend to do similar things every day, hang out with the same people with the same plans. That’s just not all that fun to watch guys….
Idols or advantages give those guys on the bottom or any level in fact, an opportunity to generate drama. The show will never go back to NO idols or NO advantages or fewer advantages….
And while it’s possible some units cam be led on by producers…. Most of the time it’s not. Most people who are uncomfortable, never go looking for idols or advantages. Those that need them, just happen to do so, why? They need it to stay in the game & obtain a lifeline to change the game!
The fact Sandra didn’t get the idol is
% proof that the people who really SHOULD have one don’t get FED one.