Welcome back 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: Sean Rector
Age: 53
Season: Marquesas, 2002
Finish: 5th Place
HIGHLIGHTS
In a just world, Sean would have been a multi-time Survivor player by now. He should have been one of the faces on the Survivor Mount Rushmore. From the first episode of Survivor: Marquesas, Sean stood out for his personality and humor, memorably comparing tribemate Sarah Jones to Cleopatra. He continued to bring the laughs with his contributions to the Maraamu tribe’s ‘morning show,’ proving that the show didn’t just have to be about survival and gamesmanship.
But Sean was more than just a class clown. He was a complex, layered player who wasn’t afraid to tackle serious subjects. His conversations with eventual winner Vecepia Towery about his Christian faith and racial biases were an early example of how Survivor could bring to light important and often-times uncomfortable topics.
On the game side of things, Sean formed a tight alliance with Vecepia and ‘Boston’ Rob Mariano, helping them pull off blindsides against the likes of Patricia Jackson and tribe leader Hunter Ellis. Sean continued to stick by his old Maraamu members after a tribe swap, even though he found himself on the outside of the numbers.
After Rob was voted out, things looked bleak for Sean and Vecepia. However, after the timely Coconut Chop challenge, the game flipped on its head, which exposed the Rotu tribe’s hierarchy. In a history-making moment, Sean was part of the first group to overthrow the majority alliance at the merge. He delivered one of the most iconic voting confessionals to go with it when he told John Carroll, “Anytime you go to Vegas, bet on black.”
This power flip took Sean to the final five, where he was ultimately voted out in fifth place. He went on to give his winning vote to his close friend and ally, Vecepia.
WHY HE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED
Let’s face it… it’s about damn time! Sean was originally in the mix for All-Stars back in 2004, and it’s a travesty he wasn’t part of that cast. Rumor goes that he had his bags packed and ready before he was abruptly dropped from the cast. Had Sean been a part of that season as intended, there is no doubt in my mind he’d be considered one of Survivor’s legendary players.
So, it’s time to make things right. Over 20 years since he played, I’m sure the Sean who turned up to Fiji for Survivor 50 would be even wiser and interesting, given his life experience. Whether he could keep up with the pace of the modern game is another question, but regardless, he’d contribute personality, entertainment, and wisdom.
Of all the old-school players who have only played once, I believe Sean stands head and shoulders above the rest as a must-have pick for this milestone season.
Written by
If he plays like an old school player YES! I miss the drama and fighting