Cao Boi was Voted Off Survivor

In an interesting twist, Episode 6 of Survivior: Cook Islands had both tribes voting off a castmate. Even better, Aitu, winners of the reward challenge, feasted on lamb shanks and apple cider while observing the opposing Raro's tribal council.

Despite last-minute pleas for second chance and her strong contributions to Raro in the challenge, Christina's previous abrasiveness sent her packing.

Somewhat less predictable- and sad -was Aitu's tribal vote. From a dream sequence, cast member Cao Boi concocted a "Plan Voodoo,"intended to expose the hidden immunity idol and knock off one of the Caucasians. When it came to the vote, however, "Plan Voodoo" failed big-time, sending the Cao Boi home.

42-year old Anh-Tuan (Cao Boi, pronounced "Cowboy") was a Vietnam War refugee at eleven years old. While the CBS' screen labeled him as "Nail Salon Manager, Cao Boi was much more than that. He serves as Virginia Lodge Prelate, Loyal Order of Moose and is the world record holder in Marathon Softball. His parting words were: "I didn't make it as far as I planned on going, but that's how it goes. I did learn I am most vulnerable among the Asian community. People who are like me, but not like me, I was aware of them in the beginning but eventually I learned to trust them. I should have known better."

While Cao Boi's was eccentric and most likely a challenge to have around camp, his spirit was undeniable, and he gave a youthful energy to the show. I have watched all of eleven seasons of Survivor, and this season has been a letdown. Despite creative ploys to spice things up with ethnic segregation, tribe kidnapping, and double Tribals, this show has evolved into predictable, mundane programming. With Cao Boi gone, what is left to spice things up? Playing up the flirtatious exchanges between Candace and Adam? Watching Parvati flirt with Nathan? Where's the depth?

Will I take Survivor Cook Islands off my TivoSeason Pass? I'll give it another week.