That's Gotta Hurt

As has been documented on this blog frequently, I'm a huge fan of Survivor. It's probably one of my top five shows ever. And, as also noted, I've long thought 'reality TV' shows would be better if Jeff Probst was forced to host each and every single one of them.

But I have never had a moment of inclination to want to BE on the show. I have friends who have applied, and a friend of a friend of mine was actually on it once. Sending in an application tape, waiting in line at a casting call - all that is fine if you want to do it.

But this guy -- wow. Not only did 26-year-old Greg Insco walk 2,000 miles to prove a point nobody cared about, he got shown the door upon applying.

"I'm the guy that walked across America and had my dreams killed," he said. "The producer said I would get eaten alive. I said, 'By who? Ronald McDonald?' If being too nice doesn't get you on a TV show, that's crooked isn't it? Should I just be a jerk?"

My guess? Nice had nothing to do with it. The show consistently does cast people who aren't good at strategy, and some last and some don't. If he looked like a model, this would have worked. Also, I suspect he failed the 'crazy' test -- one thing you NEVER see on the show is someone who is actually, genuinely even a bit crazy. Weird, to be sure. Socially awkward, definitely. But someone who is willing to do this I bet raised a few alarm bells at Central Casting.

Next time, Greg? Just send in a DVD.