LAST EDITED ON 11-15-19 AT 04:06 PM (EST)The issue of Dan’s touching several of the female contestants, and the fallout over the two episodes aired on Wednesday, has been discussed a little bit over on a Spoiler thread, but I felt it needs a new thread over here on Bashers.
There were so many things that went wrong.
The worst issue was Missy and Elizabeth using Dan’s touching behavior, and Kellee’s strong aversion to it, as fodder for their advancement in the game. Not only does this harm their basic credibility, but it adds to general doubt in the ”real world” about sexual harassment claims. It also cheapens Kellee’s valid complaint about Dan’s behavior, as well as her respectful initial approach to him (in an early episode) asking him to honor her limits.
Also, let’s not ignore how Dan was harmed by Missy and Elizabeth’s raising the focus on his behavior. It’s true he has a large blame in this entire situation (why in the world could he not understand “hands off” Kellee after she had already warned him?). But after Missy and Elizabeth claimed – on national television - that his behavior also bothered them, Dan likely has had his reputation in the “real world“ affected, and he may now be regarded as a genuine lecher. That is unfortunate.
CBS/Survivor let the whole thing go on too long. Dan should have been removed from the game no later than the time he continued to bother Kellee after the merge. As michel pointed out in the other thread, this could have been done quietly, and glossed over in the televised episode. The way CBS handled it, with producers intervening in the general game situation and thereby increasing focus on Dan, may have been a contributing factor in Missy and Elizabeth deciding to play up the entire situation to their benefit.
Then we have the further fallout regarding Janet, who made a valiant effort to “make things right” and was severely stung for her efforts. We’ll have to wait and see what happens for Janet’s longevity, but right now it does not look good.
I have to say this remaining cast of characters has me turned off more than I can ever recall in a previous Survivor season. It has led me to realize the only remaining players I really like are Janet and Elaine. I feel a little bit positive toward Tommy since he at least warned Janet to vote for Jamal at the 2nd tribal council (Why couldn’t Dean give a similar courtesy to Kellee and warn her that some votes were coming her way?). It has reached the point where I feel I might have to root for Noura or Karishma to win the game if one of them makes it to the final tribal council against more unlikeable players.
Sorry to be ranting so much but after all this is the Basher thread.
I am adding the link to today’s New York Times article about the situation, which reports that Missy and Elizabeth have apologized for their behavior.
http://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/15/arts/survivor-dan-spilo-women.html
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