Alone Season 2

The show, after all, is called 'Alone' for a reason.

'Swagger in, stagger out' - I like it. It opened my eyes and made me realize I'm doing things right not wrong when I swagger in and stagger out. Mike and Randy weren't excused from this truth either. When things were starting out Mike said at least 5 times on camera he was planning on a full year, and then he went home (in what, 22 days I believe?) to his loving wife because he missed her. Randy played the same token.

The people who show up on Naked & Afraid with little to no experience and embellished backgrounds don't seem to tap out for the sake of returning to their family - the power of companionship, regardless of who it is.
 
I feel like Mike is so used to battling that when things were going his way, he didn't know what else to do. I think given his background he realized that being alone opened old wounds, maybe he thought it would heal.

For Randy, I'm glad he went out on a high note, but to each their own.

Justin has given himeslf an interesting challenge, but I do like that he has just gone for it, and left his shelter for later. It might burn him, but from a mental aspect, I think he needed to do it.
 
jcwagers said:
I'm going to ask a crazy question here but.......is anybody else having trouble viewing the episode? History's viewer tends to be a bit wonky anyways but.....it goes to the page where it acts like it's going to load the episode and just sits there. I notice that there hasn't been a lot of discussion about last night's episode so I'm wondering if other people are having issues too. If not, I'll eventually watch it. I just hope the issue is lined out cause I want to get caught up! :)
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Most of the players used by tv sites are pretty bad, especially if you have a slower connection. None really compare to youtube for being easy to use. You can download the episode if you have access to torrents (hope it's ok to say that, I live in the middle of nowhere with no cable access, so it's one of the only options I have).

Man, Justin is a tough character. Able to pull through those problems and now climb a mountain. Big respect for him.

I'm glad they showed Dave talking about the cameras. It certainly is a full-time job which we do not see, and would be incredibly taxing for most people. Great for him to get that gillnet, impressive skill. But the preview for the next episode suggests he gets more bad luck. I feel bad for you, Dave. Seems like the place was just working against you.

Liked Mike's football game, very good idea to create a game like that. My idea was to create a go board and use stones. Too bad he left, but he is really attached.

Same with Randy. Great skillset, but he is extremely attached to socialising.
 
It would be hilarious if the last couple people built boats, found each other from afar, and set up a chess game on an island somewhere between their camps.

Never meeting but playing a slow game... one move a day. :D

[video=youtube;uXOT8w0fg0I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXOT8w0fg0I[/video]
 
Chignecto Woodsman said:
Most of the players used by tv sites are pretty bad, especially if you have a slower connection. None really compare to youtube for being easy to use. You can download the episode if you have access to torrents (hope it's ok to say that, I live in the middle of nowhere with no cable access, so it's one of the only options I have).
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It must've been something going on with them on Friday night. I tried again on Saturday morning and it worked ok. I generally don't do torrents because where I live I have one option for internet and I don't want to risk being shut off and having to deal with dial-up. Thanks for the info and the help! :)
 
I finally watched the recorded episode last night. And my previous take on Mike and Randy hasn't changed. In spite of their skills and training, they couldn't handle having only themselves (and the cameras) to talk to. Both asked "why am I here?". Umm... a half million dollars maybe? A quarter of a million dollars a month paycheck? I guess I am just not seeing how they did not consider the "alone" part when they signed up to participate. Or if they did, didn't give it due consideration?
 
The name of the show is "ALONE" for a reason.....

ALONE, adj. - lonesome, lonely, forlorn, solitary (SECLUSION); one, sole, lone, single, unique, only.

It is a state of mind that is very hard for most people to deal with and don't really understand until they are put in that position.
 
Swampdog said:
The name of the show is "ALONE" for a reason.....

ALONE, adj. - lonesome, lonely, forlorn, solitary (SECLUSION); one, sole, lone, single, unique, only.

It is a state of mind that is very hard for most people to deal with and don't really understand until they are put in that position.
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And yet the very premise of the program suggests that the participants are chosen with this in mind. I think I read that there were several thousand submissions for the show? Perhaps the vetting process itself is flawed. Perhaps purposely so to create drama? Is the number of folks who have ever been alone for three weeks so rare or is it the videography requirement that is screwing with their minds? These last two had the survival part knocked. I fully understand reasons for tapping out like injuries needing surgery. And somewhat the lack of ability to gather food due to skill or environment. But "I miss Barbara"?
 
You aren't just alone though. You are alone and deep in the suck. That's gotta play into it. You lack security in the most basic human needs. Food, warmth, shelter, safety, companionship, choice.

Being open ended the only real control you get is when to give up. At some point it has to start feeling like a chore. It's not the same as even a long camping trip where you set your own boundaries.

People keep bringing up the 500k like it is supposed to mean something... I submit that value is in the eyes of the beholder... and no matter how resolute you are a win/payoff is in no way ensured.
 
sideways said:
You aren't just alone though. You are alone and deep in the suck. That's gotta play into it. You lack security in the most basic human needs. Food, warmth, shelter, safety, companionship, choice.

Being open ended the only real control you get is when to give up. At some point it has to start feeling like a chore. It's not the same as even a long camping trip where you set your own boundaries.

People keep bringing up the 500k like it is supposed to mean something... I submit that value is in the eyes of the beholder... and no matter how resolute you are a win/payoff is in no way ensured.
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In for a penny in for a pound I guess.

This scenario is not that far outside of my own experience. And in the days before locator beacons, internet and sat phones. There was no "tap out". Deep in the suck? Immersed in the wilderness. The only out being reaching a destination in the time you have allotted yourself lest someone have to come looking for you. Injured? You had best know how to deal with it. Hungry? Feed yourself on whatever is available and when that comes up shy, use your rations to keep up your energy.

In reality, it isn't as much drama as it is made out to be. Maybe older generations just weren't so dependent on tech and social interaction. Or maybe it is just the type of people the producers choose? Each, I am sure had their own motivation. Perhaps that changed from the time they applied until the time they gave up. Whatever, it does seem to be outside of their experience and definitely outside of their comfort zone. I know for a fact that given the money at stake I would have gone at least a month or two before quitting. I have gone a month and more with no financial reward or peer pressure. And I cannot be that unique, especially in these days when "survival expertise" is such an "in thing"?
 
I think boredom would do me in. Nothing to read no variety of activities. Just the same old same old. It would get tedious
 
Hope the wives are happy to know they're worth more than half a mil.

Could go either way. He'll be back a week later sent back in to stay there!
 
Codger_64 said:
And yet the very premise of the program suggests that the participants are chosen with this in mind. I think I read that there were several thousand submissions for the show? Perhaps the vetting process itself is flawed. Perhaps purposely so to create drama? Is the number of folks who have ever been alone for three weeks so rare or is it the videography requirement that is screwing with their minds? These last two had the survival part knocked. I fully understand reasons for tapping out like injuries needing surgery. And somewhat the lack of ability to gather food due to skill or environment. But "I miss Barbara"?
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I think alike with you. I don't understand the whole "what am I doing out here " question. Did you not carefully think this through? The money, the hardship, the fact that you could endlessly watch last season as a prep for the mental part of the game?
 
Exactly. I'm a bit disappointed w the participants. Barbara!? Come on. Bear Shit.. Take me home lol. Chopping wood ouch that hurt. Come on Nicole and Jose don't let me down:))
 
I think they put people in that were more looking for something else than the money. If they only pick those who are competitive over the cash they will be recovering bodies. They need to have people who are willing to tap before they are on their last breath. Or those who went in made a big deal of the competition, but are using it as a way to test themselves. Not really sure, but I know for a fact that I have met people who would go to their end on a show like this. Not great outdoorsmen, just guys too dumb to quit.
 
Codger_64 said:
Mike? I guess I place too much emphasis on their HC bios:
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I think the S(urvival) part is valuable, but I don't think the E(vade) R(esist) E(scape) adds much other than anecdotal reference for this reality game show.

That said, I've wondered if the people rescuing the contestants when they give up feel they should have entered instead.
 
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bore said:
Exactly. I'm a bit disappointed w the participants. Barbara!? Come on. Bear Shit.. Take me home lol. Chopping wood ouch that hurt. Come on Nicole and Jose don't let me down:))
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The excuses why they tap out are so self serving to boot. "I wanted to leave while I still like this place", " bear poop", " I miss my Barbara", and "I had to leave because I got mad at the baby bears". Please! Just tell the truth, this was harder than I thought, Mother Nature kicked my ass, nothing wrong with telling like it is. Yes the alone part is the part they all must contend with, however you should have taken a preliminary extended remote and alone trip before signing up, didn't you watch last year's show.
Right now Jose and Nicole seem to have a good mindset for extended stay, that said Nicole has children and that will eat at her. Jose transformed from survival to primitive living, still an interesting show and kodos to all remaining contestants.
 
Lots of Monday morning quarterbacking coming from those surrounded by family and friends, over the height of social interaction (the Internet). Oh, the irony abounds...

I'm reminded of something one of the guys on "Swamp People" said on one episode. "If you think you can do it, Good luck to you."

For my own part, I submit that those out there for the cash tap out first. Lots of "it ain't worth dyin' for" coming out of the mouths of those leaving in the first few days/hours. Those that made it through the initial hunger pains are out there for something personal. When they find it, they're done. Anyone remember Alan from the first season saying he was disappointed that he was rescued so soon? He didn't find what he was looking for- the extent of his endurance, and that might have been a front.

The money really isn't that big of an incentive- for many of us it's not worth leaving our current jobs for. Sure, I could pay off the house and buy a few toys, but I can't retire on it. And I'd likely be "in the hole" by the time I was able to replace my current job. Quit work, leave civilization, endure physical hardship, hunger, absolute isolation, cold, wet, exhaustion, etc- for an indefinite period- with no guarantee of a payout? You better be doing it for more than money.

"Hey honey, I know I've been gone for 2 months, and left you with the kids, and you don't make enough money alone to support our lifestyle, and I had to quit work in a down economy. But, I made it for 59 days! I didn't stay the longest so there won't be any fat check. What's with all the moving boxes? Have you seen the classifieds."

Yeah, you better be doing it for more than money. Anyway, if you think you can do it, good luck to you.
 
Hlee sounds like you are Monday Morning Quarterbacking also, which there is nothing wrong with. I submit to you almost every post here gives credit to the participants, I don't think anyone said they could do it better. I am intrigued with what they do, shelter, food,water and dealing with the isolation. There is no irony and I certainly would not compete in this event, however as most of us who frequent this section of the forum have preconceived ideas of how to survive in the wilderness or are intrigued and want to learn more and like to critique aspects of the show. Again kudos to all the participants and an interesting show.
 
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