Welcome to Inside Survivor’s 50 For 50, a semi-regular feature highlighting 50 former castaways who we think should be considered for a spot on Survivor 50. In a snake draft, the Inside Survivor team selected ten players each, with the only rule being they couldn’t have played more than twice.
PROFILE
Name: Jamal Shipman
Age: 39
Season: Island of the Idols, 2019
Finish: 12th place
HIGHLIGHTS
No one wants to remember Island of the Idols, perhaps not even the players from that season themselves, as they had to deal with useless twists, an inept production, and having to play with a heinous and despicable person. However, a particular group of people from the cast should be praised for their gameplay, ability to withstand adversity, and courage to speak up when faced with doing the right thing. One of them is none other than Jamal Shipman.
Jamal’s journey on the island was marked by his ability to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances around him. He initially aligned with Jack Nichting and Molly Byman, but when the rest of the tribe organised Molly’s blindside, Jamal found himself on the outside. However, he didn’t let this setback deter him, and he later found an idol and managed to get the numbers on his side after a tribe switch. Jamal’s game was later impacted once more after he misplayed an idol and lost his ally Jack to the jury, which later made him target Kellee Kim for being the strategic ringleader in Jack’s downfall.
Afterwards, Jamal lost his vote due to a twist, but after getting advice from Sandra Diaz Twine and Boston Rob, he created a fake Legacy Advantage. Jamal gave Dean Kowalski a fake advantage by painting the target on him instead. Unfortunately, his ploy didn’t pan out, and he was promptly sent to the jury for being a social and strategic player.
Other noticeable highlights of Jamal’s time on the island were his continuous beef with Noura Salman, his highly important conversation with Jack regarding race and privilege, and his standing alongside Kellee and Janet Carbin when confronting harassment on the island.
WHY HE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED
While Island of the Idols is often considered one of the worst seasons in the show’s history, it’s important to remember that every season, including this one, had its potential. Players like Jamal, who demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and strategic prowess, are a testament to this.
From the start, Jamal showed remarkable self-awareness, constantly adjusting his position to improve his chances. His ability to form strong social bonds with his tribe members, despite not always being in the majority, is a testament to his social skills. In a game with a fast-paced format and constantly fluctuating alliances, Jamal’s adaptability and social prowess could lead to even better results in a potential return.
Last but not least, Survivor has undergone tremendous transformations over the previous few years, mainly due to the pandemic and season 39. Jamal was one of the few outspoken players who intervened when issues from the outside world kept impacting others, including himself, while playing. Even though Jamal knew there could be repercussions, he still decided to speak up as he knew it was what he needed to do. It also should be noted that Jamal’s actions and words were a beacon of light in the midst of such a terrible and dark season.
Jamal’s proactive, assertive, and strategic approach to the game, coupled with his willingness to stand up for what is right, set him apart from other players. His actions not only influenced the game but also served as a lesson for his fellow players and viewers at home. These unique qualities and contributions should make him a top contender for a second-chance spot in a returning player’s season. And what better season to witness Jamal’s return to the game than in Survivor 50?
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