Mike White might be one of the busiest producer-writers in Hollywood, having recently created the breakout HBO hit The White Lotus, but that hasn’t stopped him from lending Survivor a helping hand.
Cast your mind back to early 2020, before people started rugby tackling each other for toilet paper and “social distancing” was just something introverts did at parties. Survivor was airing its 40th season, Winners At War, and with it came a new concept: fire tokens.
The fire tokens were a form of currency that players could accumulate and barter with in the game to earn advantages. In the words of host and executive producer Jeff Probst, the idea was to “usher in a new era of Survivor” by adding a new layer to the society. Probst was obviously high on the concept, going so far as to say, “…In future seasons, who knows? Maybe you’re not looking for idols, you’re looking for tokens.”
However, as we reported earlier this year on the Inside Survivor Patreon, fire tokens were nowhere to be seen in the upcoming Survivor 41 (or 42). So what happened? Why did this brand new concept that Probst seemed some gung-ho about only last one season? Well, it seems we have David vs. Goliath runner-up White to thank (or blame, depending on how you feel about fire tokens).
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly‘s Dalton Ross, Probst said that during the creative process for season 41, he called White to run some of the ideas by him, specifically the fire tokens concept.
“I called Mike for his insight into a story-related element. He listened politely as I laid out the idea. It was an elaborate and very complicated Survivor capitalist society that would be driven by players earning money (Fire Tokens) and spending them on shelter, rewards, and advantages,” explained Probst. “When I finished the pitch, I asked him what he thought. He paused for a moment and said, ‘Well… it sounds… in-ter-est-ing. But is it fun?'”
That was all it took for the Emmy-winning host to completely abandon the fire tokens idea and re-think the entire creative vision for Survivor 41. “I couldn’t erase the white boards fast enough,” he said. “I had spent well over a year working on this idea, and yet it still felt so good to throw it out because it was so clear that it sucked! I called [executive producer] Matt Van Wagenen and said, ‘Forget everything we’ve been working on! Throw it out! From now on, fun is the only thing that matters!'”
This isn’t the first time the School of Rock writer has influenced Survivor. In 2014, Probst credited White for his decision to remove Redemption Island from season 29.
“[White] was over at our house for dinner just a couple of weeks before we started shooting,” Probst told EW. “I confided in him about the basic creative for the Blood vs. Water season and when I mentioned Redemption Island coming back he had a very lackluster response — “Oh, you’re doing Redemption again?” The words hit me like a stray, leftover Medallion of Power right between the eyes. We had debated Redemption Island during our Survivor creative meetings and for some reason hearing him say it at that moment tipped the scale.”
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Can someone please tell Mike White to recommend the removal of fire-marking at final 4?!
Just imagine it: “Oh really? You’re keeping fire at final 4?”
No!!! Leave the fire making. Loose the over the top amount of advantages.
The fire tokens weren’t a terrible idea, but I feel like they weren’t given enough screen time to really be made clear to the audience. I could take them or leave them.
I hope Mike White or Tyler Perry or some other celebrity Probst wants to kiss up to tells him what a godawful concept Edge of Extinction was so that we never, ever, ever see it again.
Seriously, I’d rather have Redemption Island return than EOE.
I liked the concept of the tokens but not how it was executed.
Scott — For years I’ve thought they’ve had it backwards. To me, that would be a much better way to determine the first cast offs from each tribe.
Danny — EXCRUCIATING as is… they could make exile a lot more interesting.
What I want to see gone is the final “3”! It was much better when it was final “2”. Not to mention, that third person rarely gets any votes anyway.
The concept of Survivor is all played out. It has become stale. After season 10 they should have called it a rap. All the puzzle games suck. Jeff Probst is dragging the show down.He has turned into a bitter old man.. Get off my grass! If you want to watch Survivor catch Survivor Australia. The games are very physical. Contestants are much better players.
Two things that ruin Survivor in my opinion are Super alliances and Jeff Probst interfering at Tribal Council. I cringe every time Jeff asks a question that could blow up a tribe members game or expose a detail previously unknown to others. Survivor has done a better job at keeping super alliances from taking over by keeping tribes separated and redrawing tribes than the other competition reality show Big Brother where each eviction is predictable.
I don’t see an upvote on this site so I guess I have to do it in the comments, so Danny’s comment gets a 100% endorsement / upvote from me. I couldn’t agree more.
I liked the tokens too but thought they needed more time and use for full game implemention, like the idols at first. Having watched almost every season, Survivor needs more casting balance, focus on “surviving,” and challenges related to the hosting countries. They have an abundance of young white people on a tribe whose “subconscious” racial biases are displayed in tribal counsel votes especially in the beginning episodes. Let the best people compete & remain in the game based on their merits and contributions to the tribe. Tired of the losers banning together to take the strongest threats out. Bring some people from ‘Alone’ into the game & let’s see who deserves a mil. They are the true survivors, no disrespect intended.
Also, all veteran players like Ozzy, Cirine, Penner, & Russell should receive at least a mil each for their game contributions. As a consultant this is what I do, analyze & assess. And I’m good at it. Reachout for more on any topic or issue
Please bring back redemption Island! We have been missing it. We don’t care what White thinks.
Yes. Please go back to 2 at the end. It is much more cut-throat and fun to watch.
Also, Jeff needs to stop influencing the conversation at tribal counsel. That has markedly changed the strategy of the players.
I really wish they would stop recasting previous Survivor contestants, you should only get one shot at the game.
please no more mariano
Please, no more Abbi Marie and cut the finish back to two. Having someone get that far, then lose by not making fire sucks. And Jeff, get some new lines. Your schtick is old.