Alone Season 2

[Capt. Caveman]

Dave/pict,
If you are still checking this thread, and are allowed to reply....Why did you choose to put your homemade gillnet where you did?

I was thinking for sure that you would put it up relatively far away from your gillnet that wasn't catching anything. Must have bean some reasoning behind the placement.

 

[Codger_64]

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.

You make some good points. A shopping list of reasons to not sign up for the show. One hopes that most of the participants thought about these things carefully before throwing their hats in the ring. If one does not own the skill and self confidence, if one has financial and familial obligations that outweigh the potential rewards, if one has a substantial fear of losing family, home and job... one should not attempt this. Again we hope the participants have weighed these factors carefully before signing the contract.

As for the chance at reward vs. the danger, they all have the same basic odds of success or failure. The producers have put in place multiple safety nets to reduce the odds of gross injury or death. It isn't like they drop the participants off and plan of checking on them at the end of 30, 60 and 90 days to see who has survived and who hasn't. Medical evaluation, emergency care and, if needed, evacuation is a button push or phone call away.

" if you think you can do it, good luck to you"... To me this expresses the admission that one knows full well that they could not do it. That it is so far outside their abilities that they would not consider it. That is a good thing, IMHO. A man must know his limits. However projecting one's own limits on others doesn't work so well. I have no doubt whatsoever that we have multiple people on this very forum, like Dave/Pict, who are up to the challenge. And some who make their living teaching skills and leading expeditions not that far removed from the premise of the show.

 

[hlee]

Not a list of reasons not to go, but a list of reasons why a monetary windfall is not worth the effort. Those that last are after more than money- they have to be. Randy and Mike ended their quest when they found what they were looking for. Good for them. You could see in Alan that being pulled- even though he had won- was a let down. He admitted he didn't find what he was looking for- and that part of him was still on the island.

I submit that Mike and Randy quit, not because they could not find reasons to survive longer alone, but because they found more compelling reasons not to. To go out alone and find your place in society? That sounds like a right of passage... That's a win.

The quote, from another History channel show (Swamp People) was from someone that was- and is- living the lifestyle depicted in the show, every day. I take it as an invitation, and a challenge to those secon guessing decisions from their couch...

Could I survive alone? I've never contemplated it. As I've said- for me- the "juice ain't worth the squeeze." My career pays well enough that the prize money is not a draw, and I don't have anything to prove to myself or anyone else. I, literally, have no reason to do it.

But, to those screaming about how Tony Romo can't Take a hit, or RGiii can't throw a ball- "Get off the couch, and good luck."

 

[NYCFLY]

I think that every time we hear someone ask "why am I here?" we all say "$500,000.00....that's why" from our couch. it's a challenge to outlast the other 9 contestants. it's all about that. plain and simple. I'm sure everyone going in has thought about how are they going to cover their expenses at home, and made a plan for it. and this is not the first Season. it's season 2. how did they find out about this? from Season 1 and decided to do it. they knew what they were getting into, and what better way to prepare for it than watching Season 1. you saw the danger and torment people go through so you get a really good idea of what you're going to deal with. this is what the show is asking.......can you do it for $500K? if so good luck. we will be watching.

 

[ErnestBecker]

"We said that the point was that even with the highest personal development and liberation, the person comes up against the real despair of the human condition. Indeed, because of that development his eyes are opened to the reality of things; there is no turning back to the comforts of a secure and armored [unconcious] life. The person is stuck with the full problem of himself, and yet he cannot rely on himself to make any sense out of it. For such a person, as Camus said, "the weight of days is dreadful."

The existential concerns are what this is all about. Once one is forced to shed his unconcious life or false self he is forced to confront the meaning and purpose of his existence without the distractions culture had been created to sheild him from confronting. Consciousness Is the enemy. An animal that is aware of his death and insignificance in the face of the natural world and power of creation.

When Mike was leaving he said I'm going to leave before I go so far Barbara won't recognize who comes back. That is the truth. The social Mike, his screen against despair, was beginning to die without the social stimulation needed to sustain it. The danger is to confront the fear and despair underneath this façade which is the wellspring for the problem of the human condition, anxiety and despair.

 

[Codger_64]

There seems to be an assumption that the people who tap out receive no financial compensation for their participation. And for the use of their names and images on an internationally broadcast TV show. I suspect that this is a false assumption. Also, I doubt that many sign the contract knowing full well that they had so little financial resources that their bills would go unpaid during that period of time risking loss of utilities, homes and cars. Or that their families would be deprived of food and lifestyle.

 

[Final Option]

Hlee your comment,

But, to those screaming about how Tony Romo can't Take a hit, or RGiii can't throw a ball- "Get off the couch, and good luck." I agree with you and others about the internal challenges they must overcome, however this is also entertainment.

Viewers have opinions and as the case with professional athletes that make an ungodly amount of money, they must take the successss along with the failures and the negative comments as well. Let's not forget your example of Mr Romo, he possesses a skill set only a fraction of the general population can only fantasize about. So when he fails or is doing terribly, negative comments abound because people have this high expectation of his performance level.

The viewers of this show believe that these are the real survival pros and their bios dwarf most of our own, so when you see failures in especially these early stages of the show we ask, judge, and wonder how they got on the show, again our expectations are higher.

 

[Capt. Caveman]

Rules for season 1 was winner take all. Here is a video with the producer with some frequently asked questions. Around the 2 minute mark is the talk of compensation to the contestants.
[video=youtube;oE1AwYY3XoY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE1AwYY3XoY&list=PLob1mZcVWOajh6bjAS-I13a4bxu8vBsZW&index=67[/video]

The full list of Alone videos from the History channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLob1mZcVWOajh6bjAS-I13a4bxu8vBsZW

The sneak peak for episode 8:
[video=youtube;c8S5DyQqaRU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8S5DyQqaRU&list=PLob1mZcVWOajh6bjAS-I13a4bxu8vBsZW&index=1[/video]

"As one participant thrives on the island, the others struggle to improve their situation. One man races to find the salmon run before it ends, another takes an epic journey that may be his undoing and yet another tries to combat nature's fury head on."

Who is History channel talking about in the above quote?

Nicole seems to be thriving, Jose is racing for the salmon run, Justin is climbing a hill, and Larry seems to be the kind to combat $%^(* anything.

Or maybe Larry is pimpin in his new spot, Dave goes looking for food, Jose goes for a journey in his boat and tips it, and Nicole fights a bear.

 

[sjhong]

Not a list of reasons not to go, but a list of reasons why a monetary windfall is not worth the effort. Those that last are after more than money- they have to be. Randy and Mike ended their quest when they found what they were looking for. Good for them. You could see in Alan that being pulled- even though he had won- was a let down. He admitted he didn't find what he was looking for- and that part of him was still on the island.

I submit that Mike and Randy quit, not because they could not find reasons to survive longer alone, but because they found more compelling reasons not to. To go out alone and find your place in society? That sounds like a right of passage... That's a win.

The quote, from another History channel show (Swamp People) was from someone that was- and is- living the lifestyle depicted in the show, every day. I take it as an invitation, and a challenge to those secon guessing decisions from their couch...

Could I survive alone? I've never contemplated it. As I've said- for me- the "juice ain't worth the squeeze." My career pays well enough that the prize money is not a draw, and I don't have anything to prove to myself or anyone else. I, literally, have no reason to do it.

But, to those screaming about how Tony Romo can't Take a hit, or RGiii can't throw a ball- "Get off the couch, and good luck."

1- What exactly are these things that Randy and Mike were looking for and found? You make it sound like they found something profound and successfully went through a rite of passage but if what they found is that they can't live without their families then I go through that rite of passage every day.

2- So, in your opinion, I can't talk about or complain about the performance of an NFL player because I don't play football? Or maybe I can't complain about the fit and finish of a knife because I'm not a knife maker?

 

[Final Option]

Hey sjhong, I see by your avitar you are a Seahawks fan. undoubtedly the call made by coaches in SB 14 not giving the beast the ball on the goal line and instead passing which lead to the interception and lost of game had millions of fans screaming WTF. Even though we are not the coaches I think there is a case where even I could say give the "beast" the ball.

Okay looking forward to tonight's episode, good luck to remaining contestants and stay focused.

 

[Swampdog]

ErnestBecker, that is one heck of a first post! I'm interested in reading more of your thought provoking analysis; thanks for sharing... and welcome.

Looking forward to tonight's episode.

 

[ErnestBecker]

ErnestBecker, that is one heck of a first post! I'm interested in reading more of your thought provoking analysis; thanks for sharing... and welcome.

Looking forward to tonight's episode.

Thank you. I've been into philosophy for much of my life, contemplating meaning and purpose and finding no secure answers. This show I believe highlights a glaring problem with our modern world. This problem could be summed up as alienation. An animal that gained consciousness through evolution and as this consciousness has expanded it has forced us to live in a world of symbols that are completely detached from the natural order of things.

Many of these contestants are completely immersed in this symbolic detached culture. Bushcraft and survival skills are mearly a hobby. Like any hobby some have gotten very efficient with their skill set that supports their hobby. So as long as their skills are up to par this journey is an existential test. They have axe saw knife tarp clothing and rations, a Disney resort for any outdoors enthusiast. This is what we are seeing. These contestants are forced to face their symbolic identity and what has been nourishing this identity. Many are not liking the uncertainty and terror that lies under the surface.

Last year Alan's success largely was because it became a existential journey for him. He looked deep within himself and found the "courage to be". He spent days on end in a tomb like shelter philosophizing who he really was. He still believed he had much further to go on this inward journey and you could see his apprehension when he was leaving. He found in that space something that was truly real, he began to find himself.

All things being equal and with the luck of being in a spot that has a staple food supply, the contestant that will win is the one that is closest to being centered in his true "self". The one that is mature enough to confront the despair inherent in the human condition and integrate this despair into his identity and not try to escape it.

"In the middle of the journey of our life I found myself within a dark woods where the straight way was lost."
Dante Alighieri, Inferno

 

[sjhong]

Hey sjhong, I see by your avitar you are a Seahawks fan. undoubtedly the call made by coaches in SB 14 not giving the beast the ball on the goal line and instead passing which lead to the interception and lost of game had millions of fans screaming WTF. Even though we are not the coaches I think there is a case where even I could say give the "beast" the ball.

Okay looking forward to tonight's episode, good luck to remaining contestants and stay focused.

Ugh. That is one day I wish could be wiped from history. I understand the logic behind it, but the choice of play and execution were horrible.

 

[Codger_64]

Right. But at this point we are looking at three or four weeks, not months or years. One would expect that men and women of this age would have "found themselves" long ago.

 

[ErnestBecker]

Right. But at this point we are looking at three or four weeks, not months or years. One would expect that men and women of this age would have "found themselves" long ago.

We are talking about different levels of finding oneself. If all you are an actor living a role in a staged drama completely detached from the natural world, this found "self" will be tested when the drama goes "off air". And yes the rather quick time the tap outs are happening tells you much about how "found" some of these contestants are.

 

[ErnestBecker]

To be clear I'm not writing these things in an attempt to say I could do better or levelling any ill will at the contestants. But IMHO this show is largely about the existential concerns that will be confronted while being "alone". So I believe some sort of existential analysis would be helpful and fitting.

 

[Codger_64]

To be clear I'm not writing these things in an attempt to say I could do better or levelling any ill will at the contestants. But IMHO this show is largely about the existential concerns that will be confronted while being "alone". So I believe some sort of existential analysis would be helpful and fitting.

Nor I. It does seem as though I was correct much earlier when I mentioned the videography requirement. The producer admits it being a significant factor in the above video, the "Wilson Effect". It is a constant reminder of technology and social contact, something many of them seem overly dependent upon given the short timeframe depicted so far.

And their wrap-up soliquies explaining their reasons for quitting seem rather convoluted. Would my wife forget me in three weeks? Would I be changed so as to be unrecognizable to her? Rather weak IMHO. Especially for a man with military experience.

As to there being absolutely no compensation to any of the contestants other than the winner, I remain skeptical. I wonder what the actors' guilds take on this is? They are, afterall, actors on a major film production with millions of advertising dollars flowing directly influenced by the drama depicted in their appearances..

 

[sjhong]

Thank you. I've been into philosophy for much of my life, contemplating meaning and purpose and finding no secure answers. This show I believe highlights a glaring problem with our modern world. This problem could be summed up as alienation. An animal that gained consciousness through evolution and as this consciousness has expanded it has forced us to live in a world of symbols that are completely detached from the natural order of things.

Many of these contestants are completely immersed in this symbolic detached culture. Bushcraft and survival skills are mearly a hobby. Like any hobby some have gotten very efficient with their skill set that supports their hobby. So as long as their skills are up to par this journey is an existential test. They have axe saw knife tarp clothing and rations, a Disney resort for any outdoors enthusiast. This is what we are seeing. These contestants are forced to face their symbolic identity and what has been nourishing this identity. Many are not liking the uncertainty and terror that lies under the surface.

Last year Alan's success largely was because it became a existential journey for him. He looked deep within himself and found the "courage to be". He spent days on end in a tomb like shelter philosophizing who he really was. He still believed he had much further to go on this inward journey and you could see his apprehension when he was leaving. He found in that space something that was truly real, he began to find himself.

All things being equal and with the luck of being in a spot that has a staple food supply, the contestant that will win is the one that is closest to being centered in his true "self". The one that is mature enough to confront the despair inherent in the human condition and integrate this despair into his identity and not try to escape it.

"In the middle of the journey of our life I found myself within a dark woods where the straight way was lost."
Dante Alighieri, Inferno

This is very interesting, but a little complicated for me in many points. Could you elaborate a little more?

You mention that alienation is a glaring problem in our modern world. But alienation from what? Are you saying that we modern human beings are alienated from the natural order of things? You mention we live in a world of symbols. What are these symbols?

To give you some context, my point of view is that the best part of this show is its simplicity. You compete in two levels. First, do you have the technical skills and physical ability to survive in the wild? Can you protect yourself from the elements and find food? The second level would be the mental one. Can you spend loads of time on your own? Can you overcome the effects of loneliness? Can you survive without seeing and interacting with other human beings? Can you live without your loved ones?

Everybody who left failed in at least one of these levels. In Mike's case, I think he just missed his wife too much. He was apparently thriving in other areas, but missing his wife was too much for him to overcome.

Of course, we're talking about a heavily edited TV show, so what we see is probably not completely real.

 

[sjhong]

Nor I. It does seem as though I was correct much earlier when I mentioned the videography requirement. The producer admits it being a significant factor in the above video, the "Wilson Effect". It is a constant reminder of technology and social contact, something many of them seem overly dependent upon given the short timeframe depicted so far.

And their wrap-up soliquies explaining their reasons for quitting seem rather convoluted. Would my wife forget me in three weeks? Would I be changed so as to be unrecognizable to her? Rather weak IMHO. Especially for a man with military experience.

As to there being absolutely no compensation to any of the contestants other than the winner, I remain skeptical. I wonder what the actors' guilds take on this is? They are, afterall, actors on a major film production with millions of advertising dollars flowing directly influenced by the drama depicted in their appearances..

This brings me back to one of your earlier posts. Did the contestants not consider the whole implications of being in this show (very adequately called "Alone")? Ernest brings some interesting points, which I'd love to see developed, but to me it's still pretty simple. You felt lonely, you miss your family, you tapped out. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Codger_64]

This brings me back to one of your earlier posts. Did the contestants not consider the whole implications of being in this show (very adequately called "Alone")? Ernest brings some interesting points, which I'd love to see developed, but to me it's still pretty simple. You felt lonely, you miss your family, you tapped out. Nothing wrong with that.

Except that considering the "Wilson effect" and weekly welfare checkups, they aren't entirely alone, are they? There is still at least weekly direct social contact.