The Architects of Survivor: The Players Who Transformed The Game
The Architects of Survivor: The Players Who Transformed The Game
By John Powell – GlobalTV.com 
For 49 seasons we have seen players come and players go but there are only a handful who changed the way the game is played. Castaways who brought a new approach, a new energy to the Survivor game we all know and love. Here is our list of those who not only influenced the game but left an indelible mark on it for seasons to come.
Survivor 50 debuts February 25 at 8:00 PM ET on Global TV.
Hatch set the blueprint, the standard for strategic dominance. He was the first to understand that Survivor was a game of numbers, alliances.
Her gloves off, tell-it-like-it-is approach to Survivor proved from the very start that you could be completely blunt, plainspoken and still do well.
Not only was he the first dominant challenge beast but he was also the first, larger than life, heroic figure and personality.
The first featured survivalist who could led the tribe to thrive in such a harsh environment.
True, he was a skilled survivalist too but the bigger part of his story was he was the first player to be so physically injured that he had to be pulled from the game.
He took Survivor strategy to a whole new level. He was more analytical and focused on the bigger picture, the broader scope of the game.
Her “anyone but me” strategy and her ability to bring people in, coach them and at times mother them was a whole new way to play. She won twice for a reason. She proved that even those who weren’t particularly good at the challenges could win the game though social and strategic manipulation.
She charmed the men. She charmed the women. She played both sides to perfection while also making big, power moves when she needed to. One of the best all-around players the game has ever seen.
Like Sandra but even more of a multi-faceted social player. She was a confident to some, a mother figure to others. She can be anyone you want her to be. She is one of the greatest social chameleons in Survivor history.
Patterning himself after Colby to some degree, Ozzy let his “jungle boy” prowess and vibe score him challenge wins and the trust of the other players.
The Robfather’s ruthless gameplay was done with a wink and a nod, like his Big Brother counterpart, Dr. Will Kirby. The danger he posed as a player was always mitigated with his sense of humour and his cheeky, mischievous rogue disposition.
He redefined the aggressive, remorseless approach to Survivor. What he forgot was that he was playing with human beings who weren’t going to reward his browbeating, tyrannical behaviour with a million dollars.
His chaotic, lively style of play confused his rivals and excited fans. He brought unpredictability to the established Survivor game.
He was total package. He possessed a shrewdly strategic mind, an athletic body and an engaging personality that made for great gameplay and jury management.
He was all about moral leadership, guiding his allies with the notion about what is right and wrong, not what was popular or what the majority thought. He also killed a shark. I REPEAT…he killed a shark!
Much like Tony, Tyson’s game diverged from the Old School style of play. When it came to alliances he was flexible depending on the ebb and flow of the game. His game evolved in real time as the game changed.
