Watch CBS News

Colton: One of the best "Survivor" villains ever?

Was it karma or bad luck that struck Colton this week on "Survivor: One World"? CBS

(CBS News) Alabama college student Colton Cumbie was on his way to becoming one of the best villains in "Survivor" history.

An openly gay man who bonded better with the members of the women's tribe than his own all-male tribe, he had the look, at first, of someone easy to target and oust. But appearances were deceiving.

Pictures: "Survivor: One World"
Read More: Colton leaves in pain

Whether on an all-male or mixed-gender team, he managed to dominate. And he wasn't shy about voicing his opinions. At the Tribal Council at which Bill was sent packing, Colton's comments were so full of vitriol they were labeled as racist by some of his colleagues.

In the last episode, just before he was pulled from the game because of acute appendicitis, he taunted Christina so unmercifully that his teammates complained. Then, when Christina tried to ease his growing pain with massage, he accused her of trying to curry favor.

As a parting shot as he was carried away on a stretcher, he chose to keep the hidden immunity idol as a souvenir rather than hand it over to another tribe member.

So how does Colton stack up as a "Survivor" villain? Over the last decade, the CBS reality TV show has introduced some serious villains. Consider:

Russell Hantz: A self-made Louisiana millionaire, Hantz appeared first in "Survivor: Samoa" and then returned in "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" and "Survivor: Redemption Island." His strategy appeared to be to make everyone around him miserable. It didn't work; he never won.

Richard Hatch: The very first "Survivor" winner showed how lying and backstabbing could pay off. He has been unable to play in any of the all-star games because of his continuing legal battles. He has been jailed for failing to pay taxes on his reality show winnings

Randy Bailey: A contestant on "Survivor: Gabon" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," Bailey bullied everyone he encountered. A self-described "train wreck," he characterized himself as angry, blunt, mean and sarcastic.

Jon "Johnny Fairplay" Dalton: The professional wrestler from "Survivor: Pearl Islands" has since made a career out of reality TV villainy. But who could forget the outrage when it was learned that he lied about his grandmother dying to gain the sympathy of fellow castaways?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.