Thanks for another great recap, Michel!

>
>This was one of the cruelest
>votes ever and Brenda's reaction
>reflected it. I'd say the
>invisible edit she received was
>to diminish any connection the
>viewers had to her in
>order to avoid outcries of
>immorality. Often, an invisible edit
>is given to someone that
>is eliminated by the eventual
>winner. That way, the eliminated
>player isn’t an audience favorite.

Yes, this was rather cruel! And I understand the arguments that it was a smart strategic move to get out someone as likeable as Brenda (more so for Cochran, than Dawn though). Having the blindside happen so closely to Brenda's moments with her dad, and her selflessness to the others, gave such contrast that it made the move seemed especially brutal. And Brenda's reaction at TC... *sigh*

I did feel satisfied in getting a glimmer as to why Brenda received her invisible edit for most of the season, and agree with your take on it. At least in this episode, they did capture Brenda connecting with her dad, and Jeff finally breaking with some tears at the family visit. Despite her ouster, this episode gave Brenda the attention she deserved.

>Here, I don't think it
>was done to protect either
>Dawn or Cochran but to
>protect the game itself. Survivor
>is an evil, heartless game
>and we've had enough heartless
>events in the real world
>lately. While we enjoy the
>game, this move would have
>been too much for many
>viewers if we had connected
>with Brenda from the start.
>
>

I agree that this move would've been too much if viewers had connected with Brenda more (hence the shaft in the edit) But I don't feel they did it to protect the game itself. While Survivor COULD be evil at times, the heartlessness comes from the players that are playing. It does not have to be that evil or heartless.

That being said, there are a number of times we see players do heartless things more than they need to. I always liked Dawn, and yes the New Dawn was more challenging to like. I disliked her for doing this. Although, I've re-centered since viewing the episode. It seems like Dawn is getting a lot of slack for her actions, more so than others have gotten for their cruel moves. While I believe in karma and retribution, I think Dawn has received enough of both regarding this matter. I'm choosing not to hate on her, rather I voted for Brenda as the Player of the season (my first time ever doing so )

-- aaron