Rating: 8/10
China was one of the best seasons of Survivor thanks to its direct, likable cast and exciting lategame tactics. Like many of the show's better seasons, China quickly consolidated down to the players making up the core alliance of a dominant tribe. These seasons are often the most compelling, because they allow for slow-simmering drama crescendoing amongst longterm companions.
The Fei Long tribe outclassed the Zhan Hu tribe from the get-go. Perhaps the most relentlessly physically dominant player in the game's history - James spearheaded Fei Long's challenge and shelter-building efforts. Alpha Jack Johnson look-alike Aaron was quickly elected "leader" of the tribe. Amanda kept enthusiasm high while Denise's loyal, workmanlike approach stabilized the group. Jean-Robert Bellande provided the unintentional comedy, with a woefully misguided and misexecuted "strategy" of douchebaggery. Courtney offered biting, discerning evaluations of her competitors. But it was flight attendant Todd who controlled the game's strategic sphere.
The game got off to a disenchanting start when a silly kidnapping 2v2 swap deprived Fei Long of James and Aaron, enticing Zhan Hu strategists Jaime and Peih Gee to throw the immunity challenge and vote out Aaron. It was a repugnant outcome producers should have seen coming.The episode was salvaged by the novelty of James winding up with two immunity idols through complications of the swap scramble.
Shortly after Aaron's exit the tribes merged. Jaime was the first to go, but not before uttering several delectable clips detailing her upcoming use of a (fake) immunity idol fashioned by James. "I'm not as dumb as I look," Jaime said. "I'm going to shock the world." But Jaime didn't go home emptyhanded - she revealed in the Reunion she was dating virgin show love interest Erik, who finished sixth.
China featured one of Survivor's most unforgettable moments when heroic, honorable, unsuspecting James was backstabbed by his alliance with seven players left, leaving two immunity idols unplayed. It was a tragic but commendable moment, as young Montanan franchise fixture Amanda pulled the trigger on a painful but scintillating resumé-builder.
Ultimately it wasn't enough for Amanda. Todd delivered arguably the finest Final Tribal performance in Survivor history, convincing at least two of the seven jury members to vote for him. Todd played a savvy strategic game from day one. He didn't really hide his deviousness yet nobody considered him a threat. Todd regularly noted how he'd let others get their way in votes to maintain the illusion voting was a democracy. He recognized the value of surrounding himself with insulating players who'd camouflage his personality. He saw the game from a deeper, rounder perspective than his competitors and efficaciously articulated that to the Jury. Todd even bluffed the bluffer, appealing to poker pro Jean-Robert's ego by telling him he voted him off because he was his greatest threat. Relentlessly passionate, engaged and descriptive, season tour guide Todd's victory felt well-deserved.
