Mike was also the focus of the season's strongest shock, when he severely burned himself in a campfire. Anyone who thinks that was staged should be force to eat one of those immunity-challenge larvae. However, the incident did raise ethical questions. The first rule of documentary filmmaking is never get involved in your story and that includes game shows. Players sign a mountain of liability releases, and Australia's wildlife hazards are well-documented, so personal risk is obvious.
Daredevils never have it easy.
Plus, Mike's injury was a common camping accident. As an occasional camper, I appreciated the safety lesson. Have someone get seriously hurt by negligence during a challenge game and it'll be a different story. Survivor keeps me coming back each week for surprises like that, and for those telling moments when someone's face doesn't match the kind words they're offering. I love those faint lessons in civics and psychology that spring from the most casual occurrences.