Survivor demands significant sacrifices from its players, including time away from friends and family, job abandonment, and often, mental stability.
In Survivor 47, contestant Kyle Ostwald faces a unique challenge when he arrives at the Tuku tribe beach. This dilemma is highlighted in an exclusive deleted scene from episode 2. On day 4 of the game, Kyle and fellow contestant TK Foster go crab hunting—a familiar activity for fans of the show.
What sets this scene apart is that Kyle has no intention of eating the crabs, as he is a vegetarian who only consumes foods that "grow in the dirt." However, the lack of food soon leads him to reconsider when the tribe starts cooking the crabs. "I think I'm going to do it," he tells TK, admitting he hasn't eaten meat in nearly eight years.
Encouraged by TK and Gabe Ortis, Kyle decides to try the crab. When Gabe asks about the taste, Kyle responds, "Like I'm doing something wrong." Despite his tribemates reassuring him that it’s a necessary choice ("This is nurturing you through your family," says Caroline), Kyle quickly starts to regret his decision. "Today, I broke down and I had a bite of crab," he reflects. "I haven't harmed anything with a heartbeat in a long time... I finally felt so low that I was willing to break my commitment to myself."
This emotional moment reveals Kyle's internal struggle between his morals and the need for sustenance. Ultimately, he takes his tribemates' encouragement to heart, stating, "I have family back home, people that I'm trying to inspire and provide for, and I can't do it if I don't eat." He acknowledges that to support his family and compete effectively, he must sometimes step outside his comfort zone. "I want my children and my fiancée to think, 'Wow, you inspired me. I'm proud of you.'"
This sequence offers a deep look into the character of the 31-year-old construction worker from Cheboygan, Mich. Kyle concludes, "In the end, what happens on Survivor stays on Survivor," except when the cameras are there to capture the moment.
For a closer look, check out the exclusive deleted scene at the top of the article.