For the most part, Survivor 50 has been a lot of fun, but one singular casting misstep threatens to bring down the landmark season. It is still mind-boggling that they decided to bring back Benjamin “Coach” Wade for this season of stars.
Coach was barely tolerable during the first three times he played. There was a brief time when the producers seemed enamored of Coach. He appeared in three seasons in quick succession—seasons 18, 20, and 23. He finished second in South Pacific, the last time he was on the show until now.
The problem with Coach is that he constantly harps about playing the game with honor and integrity, but he’s a narcissistic hypocrite. He bullies, bosses, intimidates, and backstabs his way through each game while preaching about honor and integrity.
The biggest issue is that he probably believes he is playing that kind of game. That’s how narcissism works. He always sees himself as a hero, famously upset about being placed on the villains tribe in Heroes vs. Villains. News flash: Hey, Coach, you are a villain.
There are plenty of villains that are likable, even beloved, such as Rob Mariano, Parvati Shallow, and Sandra Diaz-Twine. Coach, by contrast, ranks with Russell Hantz and Abi Maria Gomes as an unlikable villain.
Survivor 50 Episode 7: Evidence of Coach Wade’s Villain Legacy
Coach, in his characteristically pompous fashion, declared to the whole tribe after the Blood Moon triple vote that everyone must play the game with honor and integrity. Whatever, Coach.
As usual, Coach goes around giving his allies goofy nicknames. This season, his alliance is humorously called The Four Horsemen. However, this behavior does little to enhance his claim to integrity.
In a confessional, player Rizo expressed disdain for Coach’s ridiculous approach, indicating he would play to Coach’s ego for his survival needs.
Coach and his top henchman decided Dee Valladares needed to go because she did not inform them about a recent vote. Dee became a target as she was caught spreading rumors that threatened Coach’s power.
As the episode unfolded, Coach’s behavior grew increasingly erratic and demanding. In trying to dictate who should vote for whom, he ended up pushing too hard, making him a target himself.
Ultimately, the entire tribe complied with Coach’s demands and voted Dee out, leaving fans baffled. Why did everyone follow Coach’s lead? His continued prominence in the game raises critical questions about the decisions made by his fellow contestants.
All fans can do now is hope that the players will come to their senses and vote Coach out soon. His antics are overshadowing an otherwise stellar season.
