The first-ever season of Survivor will be the one that people always remember. On an island off the coast of Borneo, a handful of people formed tribes, forged secret alliances, kindled romances, betrayed friends, devoured insects, and collectively lost 300 lbs. This microcosm of society disguised as a reality game show exposed the underhanded ways some people resort to as well as the fortitude others show in times of stress. The lesson I will never forget is from the famous embittered speech about there being only two kinds of animals on the island, the rat and the snake, referring to the duplicitous Kelly and the villainous Richard Hatch. I think the comparison is rather unfair, to the animals.
John Lopez, mechanic-turned-model-turned-castaway is also on an island for the money. A member of the Jarakay tribe on Survivor Philippines, he has said that if he did win the game, the first thing he would do is put up a “hi-tech auto mechanic garage.” After torso-baring months in the tropical wilderness of Koh Tarutao, Thailand (and a bout of hospitalization to boot) John puts on a shirt for once, and since we’re going there, throws on a suit, a cummerband, suspenders, the works. He cleans up rather nicely in Randy Ortiz’ sharply-tailored suits. Played out with wit indeed.