'Survivor II': Tina wins the love fest

'Survivor' victor Tina Wesson gets a hug from co-finalist Colby Donaldson as she's named the winner of the $1 million prize

In this story: 'A cleansing process' Not fun for everyone Surreal show Other payoffs RELATED STORIES

By Jamie Allen
CNN

(CNN) -- Next up, Survivor III: Africa.

But first, let us pause to appreciate CBS' "Survivor: The Australian Outback," which wrapped up its finale Thursday night with a new $1 million winner: Tina Wesson, the part-time nurse and mother of two from Knoxville, Tennessee.

The announcement by host Jeff Probst was made on live TV in Los Angeles, California, following an airing of the taped last show, set in the Aussie wilds. Tina won, 4-3, over Colby Donaldson.

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Tina was a favorite from the start, not because she was ruthless, but because she was nice enough -- or cunning enough, depending on the circumstances -- to influence votes.

At times "Survivor"'s last show resembled a love fest more than a fight for cash.

To wit: Colby, the Texan with the competitive streak who won the final five immunity challenges, suddenly became a good sport, picking his pal Tina over contender Keith Famie to join him in the final vote of the Tribal Council. Even Colby admitted he most likely would have beaten Keith in the final vote, but still couldn't pass up having Tina with him to the very end.

When Tina won, Colby shouted out in celebration, told her to stand up, and picked her up in a bear hug.

Somewhere, Richard Hatch, last year's conniving winner, must have been rolling his eyes.

'A cleansing process'

That's not all. After the show, all 16 contestants appeared in a post-"Survivor" special hosted by Bryant Gumbel, where many appeared satisfied with their experience.

Colby said he's had plenty of time to think about his decision to play against Tina in the final vote.

"I haven't lost one night of sleep wondering whether or not I would win, because she deserves to win," he said.

Keith, the cook who couldn't boil rice but came in third anyway, said the experience went beyond a million-dollar prize. It helped him gain perspective on his life and "forgive" himself for mistakes he's made, Keith said.

"The time that I have spent here has been a cleansing process," he said during one part of the show. "The last five days, I have realized that this is not about the money; it is something far more valuable. I am so at peace with everything I have gained from this experience."

Not fun for everyone

That's not to say everyone was at peace. Before the final vote, Jerri Manthey, the brash aspiring actress that everyone loved to hate, sounded echoes from the first Machiavellian "Survivor."

"The two people that are left (Colby and Tina) are two people that backstabbed me several times," she said. "I want them to be forced to look at what they have become while playing this game to what they are like in the real world."

Kel Gleason, kicked off after getting busted by Jerri for apparently hiding a beef jerky supply, said he wouldn't be sending her any Christmas cards, which seemed to suit her fine.

At the opposite end of the winner's spectrum was Debb Eaton, the New Hampshire corrections officer who was the first contestant voted off. She fought back tears on the live telecast as she told how the experience -- particularly dealing with a negative media spotlight -- made her miserable.

The jury prepares to vote for the Survivor winner. The results were finally announced Thursday night on live television

"I seem to have lost my belief in myself," she said. "But I will get it back."

Surreal show

An estimated 40 million people tuned in for the finale. Many watched from local bars or "Survivor" parties. Tina's relatives watched the show at a Knoxville, Tennessee, restaurant.

The live segment announcing the winner bordered on surreal. A band played the Aboriginal "Survivor" theme, seemingly nonstop. Members of the Tribal Council, along with Tina and Colby, were wearing the same clothes they wore during the final taping of the Australian segment that took place months earlier, presumably to give viewers a sense of immediate continuance.

Following that theme, Probst, who flew by helicopter away from Australia with the final tallies, apparently flew by helicopter to CBS' L.A. headquarters and walked into the studio (wearing different clothes) with votes in hand.

After tense banter that has come to mark Probst's style, Probst tallied the votes. Four votes would mark the winner. But of course, Probst dramatically counted up three votes each for Tina and Colby before reaching for the final one with Tina's name on it.

"She's a winner," her stunned grandfather, William Thrasher, watching from the Knoxville celebrations, told wire services.

"She really played the game," said fellow contestant Alicia Calaway. "It wasn't winning seven or eight challenges to get this far. It was using her brain. She's a smart woman and I think she deserves it."

Other payoffs

Donaldson's consolation prize: $100,000.

Most of the contestants likely will court opportunities that arise from the program. They've already done "The Late Show With David Letterman," for example.

And the next "Survivor" competition is already slated. It will be in Africa, to be telecast in the fall.

CBS is also considering a special celebrity edition. Comedian Ray Romano, actress Kate Hudson and basketball player Kobe Bryant have expressed interest in participating, according to CBS President Leslie Moonves.

But for now, Tina Wesson is the talk of the TV world.

She played the game by juggling an alliance and playing sweet with fellow contestants. She said that was the key to victory, and more.

"You've got to have balance in life," she said.

Now, she has a very large balance in her bank account.

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