Shondo... a true hero in heart and mind! (Spoiler Alert)

Spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the ending, go no further.


My son wanted to watch this and at first I was pretty, meh, but it only took one episode to get me hooked. One of the main reasons I was loving it (from the get go) was Shondo. He was a big draw for me to keep watching week after week. I was so impressed by his character and his heart. One moment (among many) that spoke volumes about his character was near the end of the second episode, where he sat down with paladin Jim, supporting and encouraging him. His strength, tempered with kindness and a sharp mind, was a key element of why he went so far (IMHO). I also loved how "in the moment" he always was. He took things seriously from the beginning and that helped a lot with suspending disbelief and enjoying it all.

The defining moment for me occurred during the penultimate episode when he chose Patrick to continue on whom he considered the stronger contestant. Whereas Andrew chose Lina for the opposite reason. When Shondo was voting between two contestants to be banished, he chose the stronger opponent to continue. He frequently asked, who would make the team stronger? who has been the better competitor? and then voted for that person. This is the opposite of what most reality show contestants do. They often choose to rid themselves of the strongest competitors to increase their chances of winning. This show was different, though, because the show emphasized teamwork and Shondo was a great team player. He wanted the best people to continue; those that offered the team the best chance of succeeding in their quest. He also wanted to compete against the strongest and most capable contestants.

I really wanted him to win. I felt he was the strongest, most capable, and most deserving of the paladins. Even though he didn't win, he definitely won the respect of all of the contestants and the people watching. I think the most unique aspect of his personality is that - even though he is highly competitive (and sometimes a big cocky) - he is very supportive and encouraging of other contestants. A lot of times very competitive people can be self-centered, but Shondo is a true team player and doesn't need to bring others down to elevate himself. He has integrity and it showed in everything he did during the show.

I hope we get to see more of him because, unlike a lot of people on TV and in the media spotlight today, he is a great role model. My son was impressed with him early on and was routing for him throughout the competition. Shondo exemplifies the kind of competitor, the kind of *person*, I want my son to be. It would be great if Shondo returned in the next season as one of the cast members or a mentor for the new crop of paladins. That would definitely incite me (and I'm betting a lot of other viewers) to tune in next season.


"...nothing is left of me, each time I see her..." - Catullus