James made an error that cracked this 'Survivor' countdownWith "Survivor: Heroes vs Villains" just hours away, die-hard fans are entertaining the thought of which "Hero" or "Villain" might be crowned "Sole Survivor" by game's end.
In celebration of the upcoming 20th season of "Survivor," let's take a look back at the past 19 seasons to select the Top 10 Most Memorable Moments in "Survivor" History. It's not an easy job--but someone's gotta compile the list.
10) Osten becomes the first conestant to quit (Pearl Islands)
Osten's decision to leave the game on his own terms forever branded him a quitter in many fans' eyes. That seems to include host Jeff Probst himself, who chose not to snuff out Osten's torch but instead simply laid it down. At the time, it was a shock to see a person give up on the game considering how much people sacrifice to simply be on the show. While Osten claims he was too weak to continue on in the game, many fans have permanently placed him in the Reality Hall of Shame.
9) Jenna and Heidi strip for peanut butter and chocolate (Amazon)
During an immunity challenge, host Jeff Probst tempted contestants Jenna and Heidi with a plate full of peanut butter and chocolate. Moments later, they were exiting the challenge nude and enjoying their tasty snacks. Jenna and Heidi's "bare all" moment eventually led to a spread in Playboy, to the delight of men everywhere and the chagrin of the young ladies' families.
8) Rupert takes the shoes (Pearl Islands)
As beloved as Rupert Boneham is, it's ironic that the first few images of the bearded, tie-dye teddy bear shows him taking the shoes of the competing tribe and using them as a bartering tool. Stealing never looked so fun and light-hearted, and Rupert instantly became a fan favorite.
7) Russell finds his third immunity idol without any clues (Samoa)
Russell is not doubt still fuming over his loss to Natalie on “Survivor: Samoa,” and rightfully so. While some may argue that Natalie played the better social game, Russell is no doubt one of the best “Survivor” contestant’s in the show’s now 20-season history. While Russell brilliantly schemed his way to the top, it was his ability to find three hidden immunity idols without a single clue that helped cement his longevity in the game.
6) Mike falls into the fire (Australia)
On just the second season of “Survivor,” castaway Mike Skupkin had to be airlifted out of the game after one of the most scary moments in the show’s history. While at camp, Mike attempted to make a fire and momentarily fainted, causing him to fall and become severely burned. Skupkin, screaming in pain, reveals his hands to the camera. After seeing the skin from his hands literally peeling off, it was clear that Mike’s time in the game was over.
5) James is voted off with two immunity idols in his pocket (China)
James said it was “one of the dumbest moves in ‘Survivor’ ever.” He was right. The gravedigger with the likable charm and physical strength to win the game opted not to use either of his two immunity idols at tribal council. James was swiftly voted off the island, befuddled and justifiably embarrassed.
4) Johnny Fairplay lies about his "dead grandmother" (Pearl Islands)
When Johnny “Fairplay” received a visit from home, he was informed that his beloved grandmother had died. The shocking news earned “Fairplay” sympathy from both his fellow castaways and the audience at home. Turns out, Johnny’s grandma was alive and well, watching “Jerry Springer,” as Johnny claimed. It was this moment when “Survivor” fans realized Johnny would do anything to outwit, outplay, and outlast the competition. In the end, it didn't work.
3) Yau-Man offers Dreamz a car in exchange for immunity (Fiji)
Yau-Man, probably one of the nicest people in "Survivor" history, offered a truck he won in a reward challenge to Dreamz in exchange for individual immunity--should Dreamz win it down the road. Well, Dreamz did, and when it came time for Dreamz to come through for Yau-Man, he reneged on the deal. Yau-Man was voted off and Dreamz has been hiding from "Survivor" fans ever since.
2) Erik gives up his immunity necklace, voted out at Tribal Council (Fans vs. Favorites)
Immediately after this jaw-dropping moment happened, James (then a jury member) proudly declared that he was no longer the dumbest "Survivor" contestant ever. Yes, James, you are officially off the hook. In a moment that can only be described as utterly naive, Erik offered Natalie the immunity necklace as an act of good faith. It didn't work, and Erik was sent home, costing himself a shot at the Final Four.
1) Sue Hawk’s snake and rat speech (Borneo)
It was the moment that put “Survivor” on the map and helped usher in the era of appointment reality television. At the final tribal council on “Survivor: Borneo,” Sue not only compared eventually winner Richard Hatch to a snake (and Kelly to a rat), but she also stated that if Kelly was ever dying of thirst, she wouldn’t offer her a drink of water, instead opting to "let the vultures take you and do whatever they want with ya." Ten years later, Sue’s ruthless speech is still the show’s most memorable moment.
Watch some of these memorable "Survivor" moments below!
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Michael Langston Moore also writes for the BOSTON TV EXAMINER column, as well as the AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT EXAMINER page on Examiner.com.
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