"Survivor": This week at food camp

Warning: Major spoilers about last night’s “Survivor: One World” episode ahead.

Have the producers of “Survivor” decided Jeff Probst is overworked or overexposed?

For the second time this year, Probst did not host a rewards challenge. And for the second time this year it was made clear that a rewards challenge without Probst is like Laurel without Hardy, Abbott without Costello, school without teachers, Superman without Lois Lane, astronauts without a rocket ship and the band Alice Cooper without the singer Alice Cooper.

It just doesn’t work. Maybe it’s another cost-cutting move, Probst gets $20,000 less per episode if he skips the reward challenge.

The challenge itself certainly seemed like a cost-cutting move — two teams tried to toss bolas onto a wooden structure and score points. Total cost of structure and bolas: approximately $14. Excitement factor of challenge: 0.

Then the winners went and ate barbecue. So far that’s pizza, ice cream and barbecue at rewards. These people are eating better than I am.

Then everybody went back to camp. Wonder of wonders, the outnumbered guys — looking at you Troyzan — started realizing their collective geese might be cooked. Good thinking dudes, way to stay on top of things.

Jay starts trying to gather support for voting obnoxious Alicia off, and various women nod their heads while obviously thinking, “You bet we’ll vote Alicia off, just as soon as all you guys are gone.”

Then comes the immunity challenge, the classic stand on a board while holding a bucket over your head. Probst has decided to attend this one, and he starts tempting the players with food. Voluntarily give up and you can have this candy/cookies/cupcakes/caviar. More food!

It’s understandable when some women succumb to temptation — they’re in no danger. But then Jay bails for some chicken wings. Jay did you ever think: I’m male, I’m strong, I’m outnumbered and a world full of chicken wings awaits me in a few days?

Nope, apparently not. Jay takes the chicken wings and, whoops, Jay gets voted out.

As predicted here last week. Next up — Troyzan, who played his hidden immunity idol last night. Then Tarzan. Then Leif.

I’ll be out of the country for the next couple of weeks, but I fully expect this progression to hold true, pending Troyzan’s weekly shot at the immunity idol. Commentary will resume when the game really gets “afoot” and the girls start going at one another.

By the way, I’m guessing Alicia and Christina will go first, but then the women will turn on Kim, who’s been masterminding this since Colton pulled the plug. I’m thinking Sabrina goes all the way.