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Survivor Season 34

Well that tribal was

Both uncomfortable and touching.

Varner is getting a tonne of hate for what happened but I think it's more his action that is reprehensible and it doesn't define who he is as a person. His argument/logic was plain dumb and destructive, though. Zeke spoke so eloquently when I'm sure he was very hurt inside. His monologue has really affected me personally as well - I've learned a lot about how I can be a better ally to my tg friends.

Also Sarah's bit about essentially realizing her conservative views could have influenced her interactions with Zeke had she known gives me faith that this episode may help with trans-acceptance among less socially liberal viewers. She was clearly quite appalled at how her views could have caused a very negative effect.
 
First time I've ever teared up during Survivor. Zeke handled it like a champion, and it was heartwarming the way the others, and Jeff (Probst) all rallied around him. I like this tribe much more than the other one, and hope they can move forward in the game as a more united tribe now. I think Sarah and Andrea now realise that Varner lied about what Zeke said about them too.
 
Meglos said:
First time I've ever teared up during Survivor. Zeke handled it like a champion, and it was heartwarming the way the others, and Jeff (Probst) all rallied around him. I like this tribe much more than the other one, and hope they can move forward in the game as a more united tribe now. I think Sarah and Andrea now realise that Varner lied about what Zeke said about them too.
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Zeke did handle it well. Varner was throwing all kinds of shit this episode hoping something stuck. Like I said, scum. Was kind of appalled how easily Sarah & Andrea swallowed the BS Varner was shovelling.
 
beardymac said:
Well that tribal was

Both uncomfortable and touching.

Varner is getting a tonne of hate for what happened but I think it's more his action that is reprehensible and it doesn't define who he is as a person. His argument/logic was plain dumb and destructive, though. Zeke spoke so eloquently when I'm sure he was very hurt inside. His monologue has really affected me personally as well - I've learned a lot about how I can be a better ally to my tg friends.

Also Sarah's bit about essentially realizing her conservative views could have influenced her interactions with Zeke had she known gives me faith that this episode may help with trans-acceptance among less socially liberal viewers. She was clearly quite appalled at how her views could have caused a very negative effect.
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What you said is beautiful and perfectly stated
 
Wow that was awful,Zeke looked so shocked and hurt ...felt so bad for him.Jeff looked like he wanted to evict Varner
right there and then.
 
What he did was unforgivable.

Varner has taken all responsibility etc, he isn't making any excuses for what he did etc.

IMO: Jeff Probst could & should have stepped in earlier. They wanted it all for the ratings etc.
 
Kaz said:
IMO: Jeff Probst could & should have stepped in earlier. They wanted it all for the ratings etc.
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We don't know how TC really played out. For all we know, Probst could have pulled Zeke aside and had a chat. I'm pretty sure their contracts allow the producers to use any and all content filmed for the show, but Probst isn't a jerk. Could Probst have drawn a line under that, edited it out, continued it as a "normal" TC ignoring what had happened and had the vote with Varner being voted out? Possibly. Would it have been mind blowing TV? Nope (so there's your ratings angle ofc). Apparently GLAAD had some involvement in the way it was presented on the show, so I think it was handled very well.

Varner will cop a huge amount of criticism. I just hope Zeke doesn't suffer in any way (transphobic abuse or anything).
 
Lindsay1973 said:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/li...mith-outed-as-transgender-guest-column-991514
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This article and the one linked within it are well worth reading for more perspective on what went down.
I got emotional all over again reading them, but Zeke expresses his feelings eloquently from the heart, and I think everyone except Varner handled the situation as well as possible under the circumstances. Yes, the show could have edited around it and just had Varner voted out at a regular tribal council, but I think including in the show will raise awareness and compassion for the LGBT community, as well as basic human decency as opposed to what can be written off as gameplay, and is not just an empty ratings grab.
 
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Varner tries to justify himself.
His justifications hold no water though, because if the main reason he thought it was ok was that "I thought everyone knew", then why did his entire gambit in tribal council hinge on exposing Zeke's secret? There's nothing he can say to justify that it was desperate greed, with no regard for what it would do to Zeke or anyone else.

 
Not that it's relevant - but just out of curiosity - who here didn't know Zeke was trans? I had read it on Whirlpool during his previous season. I'd assume the majority of viewers (and even people in his life at this point too, most likely) would have had no idea?

I hope it's not but it could be a huge setback in his life.
 
timmydownawell said:
Not that it's relevant - but just out of curiosity - who here didn't know Zeke was trans? I had read it on Whirlpool during his previous season. I'd assume the majority of viewers (and even people in his life at this point too, most likely) would have had no idea?

I hope it's not but it could be a huge setback in his life.
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I read it in a few places. I think it is relevant as far as Probst saying he was outed to the whole world at that tribal. Zeke had been on a previous season and the likelihood of it not being leaked that he was transexual must have been very minimal for such a huge show. So he surely released it was going to come out.

The problem of course is saying that because he kept such a secret on the show he was somehow more untrustworthy in the game. Of course Survivor always plays on these issues of trust and deception anyway, and I suppose that's what Varner was using, though very clumsily. Varner did bond with Zeke earlier, so I'm guessing Zeke actually confided to Varner at that point. People do use personal stories on Survivor to try and bond with people, in that sense it becomes part of the game, though it's not one I feel that comfortable with.

Never liked Varner anyway and preferred Ozzy to stay. Never liked Zeke on his first season, this time round he's been more low profile so far.
 
timmydownawell said:
Not that it's relevant - but just out of curiosity - who here didn't know Zeke was trans? I had read it on Whirlpool during his previous season. I'd assume the majority of viewers (and even people in his life at this point too, most likely) would have had no idea?

I hope it's not but it could be a huge setback in his life.
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I didn't know. In his interviews since, it seems like some people in life didn't know either
 
With Tai it wouldn't surprise me at all if he got blindsided at some point, he's never been that game aware. I just hope he plays at least one of his idols, as it would be such a waste otherwise.
 
I have to keep reminding myself that people I like and want to watch play are still in this. Because every ep, bar the one Debbie met Cochran, has been for me really upsetting and/or depressing.

Zeke and Varner are two of my favourite players. Geez. That was awful to watch. I feel so sad for Varner. Zeke held up majestically.

People have said elsewhere that Jeff hasn't hyped this season; unusual for him. Brad Culpepper is getting an awfully good edit. Yeesh. What a wash if Brad Culpepper wins. But then Jeff loves a man, so maybe we get a woman winner this year, and it's Debbieeeee!

I don't know. I have never had such a run of stunned, horrified, and utterly bummed out Thursday nights in current memory.
 
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