A Roll of the Dice: Delving Into The "Shot in the Dark" Twist in 'Survivor'
The "shot in the dark" twist grants 'Survivor' players the chance to exchange their vote at Tribal Council for a one-in-six shot at securing safety!
Updated Oct. 3 2024, 11:17 a.m. ET
Sydney plays the "shot in the dark" in Season 41 'Survivor.'
Although each season of Survivor brings new surprises, the New Era (post-Season 40) has brought forth some easily overlooked advantages. Among these is the "shot in the dark," granted to every player at the game's onset.
Longtime viewers who haven't closely followed the New Era might find themselves confused. So, what exactly is this so-called "shot in the dark" advantage? Keep reading to find out!
What is the "shot in the dark" advantage on 'Survivor'?
The New Era introduced the "shot in the dark" as a way to mix up tribal councils and create more drama during the votes. However, since its inception, only two players — Jaime Lynn Ruiz from Season 44 and Kaleb Gebrewold from Season 45 — have successfully evaded elimination using this advantage.
Basically, if a player senses they're at risk of being targeted, they can choose to play their shot-in-the-dark and forfeit their vote. While this diminishes their influence in the game, it serves as a lifeline if they perceive imminent danger.
The "shot in the dark" has actually created interesting gameplay in that it forces contestants to think about what will happen if someone plays their "shot in the dark."
Throughout the more recent seasons of Survivor, we've seen more split votes and random votes than ever before, and that's likely because of the "shot in the dark." If the person who plays the game is safe and has an ally that would vote with them, then that could be dangerous for a majority alliance.
While Survivor fans have mixed feelings about it, many enjoy the little extra tension at the tribal council. If it works, that could create a fun situation similar to a successful idol play or tied vote.
On the other hand, if the attempt fails, it intensifies the speculation about its success and whether it was a worthwhile gamble. Once a player uses their "shot in the dark," they can no longer use it again, making it a one-time opportunity to possibly prolong their stay in the game.
Catch new episodes of Survivor on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on CBS. Stream the next day on Paramount Plus.
