Diversifying Risk, Survivor Style

I haven't always been complimentary of reality television. And I'm certainly not very interested in spending my scarce time watching complete strangers live their lives, even when its sports. However, there is one reality TV show I have been keeping up with recently, Survivor. It combines strategy (outwit), athleticism (outplay), and wilderness survival (outlast). It takes regular people (or as regular as reality TV gets) and puts them in an irregular situations. The current season, Heroes vs. Villains, has the greatest players from the previous nineteen seasons, making it the best reality TV has to offer. Last week was no exception.

The two equal numbered competing tribes merged together. In a unbelievable turn of events the Villains found and lied their way into two immunity idols, which would protect a player from being voted off. However, they weren't sure which players to give the idols to. So, instead of playing one and hoping for the best, they opted to give out both idols, thereby diversifying their risk. Just like the stock market, you don't win by putting your eggs in one basket. Playing the second idol was like buying a derivative on the vote. If the first one failed, they wouldn't lose everything. And because people have prefer to avoid loss than to acquire gains, even if it doesn't work this time, generally this is the best choice. It turned out to be the right decision and the Villains now have a huge advantage. Of course, if you haven't kept up with show, you probably didn't follow all of that. Hopefully it has enticed you to catch up with the season at CBS.com, I guarantee you won't regret it.