I see so many people saying that Jeff should just trust the cast to make good survivor decisions that will cause drama and entertainment; that's completely understandable, I don't think that's the actual problem with Modern era survivor though, I think it's the editing.

We are now at the merge or very close to it; and all the tribes know they are on the same beach. This is their first semi- individual immunity challenge and Jeff explains the rules clear as day; there literally is no benefit to winning team immunity besides PB&J Sandwiches. So after Frannie wins individual immunity and sees her biggest ally drop, her still competing is mindblowingly stupid. However because this is a feel good show now, she can't get a dopey edit with Matt looking at her holding the ball. There was a scene where Matt was directly behind her watching her hold the ball, imagine a zoom in of him subtly getting more worried while also having to be happy that she won.

But then it gets even worse, because the producers see they fucked up; didn't think Frannie would be dumb enough to do that, so they put an overpowered advantage on the beach. everyone on that beach was talking about getting out Lauren if they had the chance , so the producers thought ok, they want Lauren out; if we make it public knowledge they can steal someone's vote, they'll steal either Brandon or Jaime's vote, while telling both Yam Yam and Matt to vote for Lauren so they can burn her advantage to tie and make it entertaining.

Instead Heidi watches Yam Yam and Matt both cry about how they have no power, they're literally at the mercy of the other 3 and even though they considered working together there's nothing they can do. When Jeff said it's time to vote, he just KNEW she was about have her moment, and she decides to...put a vote on Jam Jam? So now you're ensuring Jam Jam votes out Matt while Lauren doesn't even have to use the extra vote.....

It's just been bad play after bad play, but guess what? I LOVE bad gameplay, I don't love bad gameplay over inspirational/ sad music and tears. You got your own boyfriend voted off for no reason, that "I'm glad you won Frannie." Should've been HILARIOUS , honestly imagine if this dumb shit happened in Gabon, the editors would've been having a FIELD DAY.