Tag Archives: Survivor

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What The Second Chance Survivors Have To Do To Survive Week 3

Thanks to Survivor genius Martin Homles, AKA Redmond, the man behind insidesurvivor.com, we have a solid idea at the new tribal shake up for tonights tribal switch.

According to Redmond, this is the new tribe shake-up:

Angkor Tribe – Andrew, Jeff, Abi, Peih-Gee, Tasha, Woo

Bayon Tribe – Jeremy, Kelly Wiglesworth, Spencer, Kimmi, Stephen, Monica

Ta Keo – Ciera, Joe, Kass, Keith, Kelly Wentworth, Terry

If Redmond is right, which he always is, here is what each of the castaways needs to do in order to not have their torches snuffed tonight.

 

In order of most likely to be voted off tonight.

18. Stephen

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

He was on the outs of his original tribe, and from what we saw, had no solid alliances. If Ta Keo loses immunity tonight, Stephen’s best bet would be to approach the ladies (Kimmi, Kelly, and Monica) and form an solid 4 alliance to get rid of the manly men, Jeremy and Spencer. And yes, in comparison to Stephen, even Spencer is considered a “manly” man.

17. Andrew

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Unfortunately, things may be looking a bit bleak for my man Andrew. Him and Tasha are the only two from their former tribe that are in a minority. If Savage has any shot at surviving this week (if Angkor goes to tribal) he will have to “woo” over Woo and Peih-Gee and target Abi-Maria. Neither of them are particularly close with her, and both would probably rather continue to live in a tribe with Savage than Abi.

16. Woo

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

At first glance, it looks like Woo is in a good position. He is in a 6 person tribe with 3 former members of his first tribe. However, when those 3 “trusted” people are Abi, Peih-Gee, and Varner, you should consider yourself alone. Woo needs to jump on board with his former Cagayan girl, Tasha, join Savage, and convince Peih-Gee or Abi to flip on each other.

15. Monica

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

If Bayon loses immunity, there is a solid chance it is because Monica was rendered useless. Monica could be seen as more of a liability than “stronger” (!) teammates Stephen and Kimmi. Monica needs to bond with Wiglesworth and flirt with Spencer immediately. Convince Kimmi to jump off the sinking ship that was Bayon, and vote out threat physical threat Jeremy, or mental threat Stephen.

14. Terry

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Chaos Kass herself said the old Bayon is a “love tribe.” If the new Ta-Keo loses immunity Terry or Kelley will likely be screwed. The only thing that makes Terry likely to go over Kelley is the fact that she has an idol and if they go to tribal, she will use it. The “original Bayon” 4 will split the votes. Kelley will use her idol, and on the revote, Terry is sent packing. What can Terry do to avoid this and save himself? Win immunity. If Ta-Keo loses, Terry is going to be the one that takes the fall.

 

13. Peih-Gee

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Peih-Gee needs to dump Abi and Varner. There is NO WAY and alliance between Abi and Peih-Gee will ever make it to the end game. From what we have seen so far, Varner is quick smitten with Abi, and will protect her at all costs. Peih-Gee needs to take Woo and join Tasha and Savage. Dump Abi, and Varner will come crawling back to her.

12. Joe

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Like Terry, there is not much Joe can do besides win immunity. Sure, he will have his Bayon foursome with him, but if Wentworth plays her idol, and they don’t split the votes between her and Terry, Joe will likely be the victim. Joe’s priorities… 1) win immunity. 2) split the votes.

11. Spencer

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Due to Spencer’s re-birth during the last tribal council, I imagine that he will be kissing everyone’s butt and doing everything he can to bond with his new tribe. Unfortunately, he is going to be with ultra likable Wiglesworth. He will have to be Jeremy’s new bro and convince him that Fishbach is a major threat if he makes jury. And when all else fails.. flirt with Monica. Her former tribe would be more angry with her for flirting with the “enemy” than they would be at him, and she would be voted off.

10. Abi-Maria

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Abi just needs to do one thing. Not be herself. If she can lay low, and not piss off Peih-Gee, she should be sitting pretty. That is an enormous IF. Abi, just be nice to Peih-Gee for about 12 days, and you will be carried to the end. Again.

9. Kelly Wiglesworth

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

If Wiglesworth can form the relationships that she did when she merged in season 1, she will be just fine. She became close with Colleen, Greg, Gervase, and Jenna, and that was all she had to do. There are plenty of weak links on the new Bayon and many other targets. If she is just a little more snakelike this season, she will stick around until at least the merge.

8. Tasha

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

All she has to do is not be seen trying to form a alliance, or “rekindle” a possible Cagayan alliance with Woo. The tribe will vote out Savage (unfortunately) over her, and if Tasha and Savage can somehow swing the votes, Abi and Peih-Gee are always easy targets. As long as she can avoid the “Cagayan 4” threat, she will be just fine.

7-5. Ciera, Kass, Keith – Nothing. Do not do anything. Be nice to Joe, and continue to make him feel like Captain America. And do not do anything else.

4. Kimmi

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

Do not talk about meat, and DEFINITELY do not ask anyone what is up their butt.

3-2. Jeremy, Varner – Do not phys

ically assault anyone. And do not fall into a fire. That is all you need to do fellas.

  1. Kelley Wentworth
    (photo credit: cbs.com)

    (photo credit: cbs.com)

    Do not not use your idol if you go to tribal. And do not invite your dad to any family visit. Ever.

 

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Predicting the Cast of Survivor: Second Chances (Women)

For the thirty-first season of Survivor, CBS has decided to let the public vote for their favorite previous castaways that they think deserve a second chance at the game. CBS took the liberty of narrowing the field to 32 castaways, 16 men and 16 women who have only played the game one time, and have been deemed “worthy” of a second chance at a million dollars. While the pool of potential castaways has some noticeable omissions, (more on that later) at least there is a wide range of castaways eligible. Unlike many “All-Star” Reality TV seasons whose cast is heavy on contestants from recent seasons, there is a strong likelihood that Survivor: Second Chances will include castaways that haven’t been seen on our screens since 2000-2001, which is a lifetime by Reality TV standards.

The following are the sixteen women, ranked in order of least to most likely to return, competing for your votes to play the game one more time.

16. Mikayla Wingle, Season 23: Survivor South Pacific

Mikayla Wingle, the most unlikely returnee for season 31 of Survivor.

Mikayla Wingle, the most unlikely returnee for season 31 of Survivor. (photo credit: cbs.com)

It is easy to understand why CBS thinks that Mikayla deserves a second chance. She was placed on a tribe with a less-than-stable Hantz, who is the reason why she was voted off pre-jury in season 23. What is difficult to understand, however, is how the vast majority of the general public will remember who she is. Unless she somehow gets the support from her one-time boss, Hugh Hefner, Mikayla will be watching season 31 from her living room.

 

15. Stephanie Valencia, Survivor 22: Redemption Island

Stephanie will likely lose her spot to female castaways that played the villain even better than she did. (photo credit: CBS Broadcasting Inc.)

Stephanie Valencia will likely lose her spot to female castaways that played the villain even better than she did. (photo credit: CBS Broadcasting Inc.)

Stephanie was known for two things during her stint on season 22; being Russell Hantz’s biggest supporter, which ultimately managed to land her in 14th place, and being the female villain of the season. She succeeded at the latter, and was disliked by her tribe, as well as the majority of viewers. While being known as a Survivor villain is generally a lock for getting you on another season, Stephanie is up against two other female villains (see #’s 2 and 3) that would make her look like Little Red Riding Hood compared to them. Therefore, she will not make the cut.

 

14. Natalie Tenerelli, Survivor 22: Redemption Island

Natalie T

It is likely that Natalie Tenerelli (above) did not stand out enough on her season to receive enough votes for her to return to season 31. (photo credit: cbs.com)

At 19 years old, Natalie Tenerelli is the youngest female to ever have played Survivor, and the youngest player to ever make the final 3. Unfortunately for Natalie, she was so far in Boston Rob’s shadow, that you could barely see her. She defines what it means to ride coattails to the end of the game. Even the jury of her peers didn’t remember her, as she received zero votes to win. She is well liked sweet, and beautiful, but completely forgettable; which is detrimental when you need the public’s vote.

 

13. Sabrina Thompson, Survivor 24: One World

Sabrina T

We know Sabrina Thompson has what it takes to make it to the end of the game, but she may not have what it takes to give it another attempt. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Sabrina played a near flawless game her first time around. The only thing she did wrong is allow herself to go to the final 3 with Kim Spradlin, who is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. The question is, does the public feel as though we will get anything new from Sabrina, should she be invited back. We saw her game, and it was great, but do we need to see it again? Doubtful.

12. Monica Padilla, Survivor 19: Samoa

Monica Padilla is vying for one of the coveted "young, beautiful woman in a small bikini" spots on season 31 of Survivor. (photo: CBS.com)

Monica Padilla is vying for one of the coveted “young, beautiful woman in a small bikini” spots on season 31 of Survivor. (photo credit: CBS.com)

Monica Padilla was part of one of the biggest tribal collapses in the history of Survivor. Her tribe went into the merge with a 8-4 advantage over the other tribe. They were so disastrous that they ended up finishing 12th-6th, and 4th place. Monica ended up in 6th place, but fought hard until the end, and never gave up. Not many people are remembered from her season, because it was the season of Russell Hantz, but Monica is a surprising but solid choice by CBS. Unfortunately, for her, she will be splitting votes with the other 4 young, pretty brunettes, and she may not gain enough support to return for season 31.

 

11. Peih-Gee Law, Survivor 15: China

peih-gee l

CBS decides that Peih-Gee Law (above) deserves a second chance, sixteen seasons after she appeared in season 15, set in China. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Peih-Gee Law became a breakout star in Survivor: China back in season 15. She was outspoken, and confrontational, which was welcomed entertainment in an otherwise boring season. Peih-Gee became an underdog that many people rooted for, and finished the season in a respectful 5th place.

Bottom Line:

If CBS has a significant amount of pull in who gets casted, then expect to see Peih-Gee make the final cut. If, however, the vote is weighed heavier by the public vote, Peih-Gee will likely not receive the public support. The combination of a lackluster, non-popular season, coupled with the fact that it aired eight years ago, may be more strikes than Peih-Gee can overcome.

 

Predicted 10 Females for Cast of Survivor 31: Second Chances

10. Kelley Wentworth, Survivor 29: San Juan Del Sur

Kelley Wentworth wants to play Survivor again, but this time, without her grumpy father. (photo: cbs.com)

Kelley Wentworth wants to play Survivor again, but this time, without her grumpy father. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Kelley Wentworth was voted out last season, in large part, because of her father with whom she has had quite a tumultuous relationship. Kelley could have been a contender last season, but the Blood vs. Water twist shortened her time, and landed her a pre-jury boot.

Kelley has two things going for her with this vote:

1) She was just on last season and fresh in the minds of even the casual Survivor viewer.

2) She is the only young blonde girl vying for the sexy girl in a bikini spot. As ridiculous as that sounds, it is likely all of her brunette competitors will be splitting votes with each other, (i.e. Mikayla, Stephanie, Monica, Natalie, Ciera) and Kelley will find herself getting all the votes from those that prefer blondes.

 

9. Teresa T-Bird Cooper, Survivor 3: Africa

Teresa "T-Bird" Cooper may finally get the second chance, 27 seasons in the making. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper may finally get the second chance, 27 seasons in the making. (photo credit: cbs.com)

The idea of T-Bird getting a second chance, is almost too exciting to put into words. Way back in season 3: Africa, she was a great strategic player, and was not given the credit she deserves. Survivor: Africa, while nowhere near as popular as its two predecessors, was still quite a phenomenon, and many members of those casts are still fondly remembered today. Hopefully enough long-time fans can remember how great she played the game the first time around, and will vote for her to return.

 

8. Tasha Fox, Survivor 28: Cagayan

tasha fox

Tasha Fox, formally part of “The Brains” team on Survivor: Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty, may  be smart enough to get people to vote for her to return for Survivor: Second Chances (photo credit: cbs.com)

It was nearly impossible to not root for Tasha Fox on last spring’s Survivor: Cagayan. She was part of “The Brains” tribe, which ended up making more awful decisions than the Beauty and Brawns tribes combined. She was a fierce competitor, winning three individual immunity challenges in a row, which a female has not accomplished since season 7.

Tasha is likable, intelligent, competitive, strong, and a huge fan of the game. Having had her season air just last year, there is a good chance that Tasha will gain enough support to give her another shot at the title of Sole Survivor.

 

7. Carolyn Rivera, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart

Carolyn Rivera, currently in the final 6 of Survivor: Worlds Apart, could potentially be back on our screens in September. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Carolyn Rivera, currently in the final 6 of Survivor: Worlds Apart, could potentially be back on our screens in September. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Being one of only two woman in her fifties that made the top 32, Carolyn Rivera may have an edge on her fifty-something competitor, Teresa Cooper; Carolyn is currently on Survivor: Worlds Apart. This means that Carolyn is at the peak of her popularity, and has plenty of Twitter followers and Facebook fans. Teresa was on Survivor in 2001, WAY before Twitter, Facebook and other social media.

The one caveat with Carolyn, however, is that she is one of two contestants in the top 32 that may actually be ineligible to participate next season. Since this is a “Second Chances” season, if Carolyn happens to win Worlds Apart, she will be disqualified from the poll, and if she finished in the top ten vote getters, the eleventh place female will take her spot on Second Chances. 

Bottom Line:

It is likely she will be voted in, as she is a great game player. There is, however, pretty much a 50/50 chance of her winning the game at this point, so we may not be seeing her play again just yet.

 

6. Shirin Oskooi, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart

Shirin Oskooi, who finished in 8th place on this seasons "Survivor Worlds Apart", will likely give it another go on Survivor: Second Chances. (photo credit: CBS)

Shirin Oskooi, who finished in 8th place on this seasons “Survivor Worlds Apart”, will likely give it another go on “Survivor: Second Chances”. (photo credit: CBS)

The timing of this vote could not have come at a better time for Shirin. She was voted off the current season just two weeks ago, and she has been the center of a lot of the Survivor buzz this season, particularly the past few weeks. If nothing else, she is controversial, and most importantly, memorable. Love her or hate her, she will be remembered.

This bodes very well for Oskooi, as she is still very much a part of the current season, which will surely garner her a magnitude of votes.

 

5. Ciera Eastin, Survivor 27: Blood Vs. Water

Ciera E

Ciera Eastin ditches her mother, former two time Survivor contestant, Laura Morett, this season, for the opportunity to see what she can do on her own. (photo credit: cbs.com)

Ciera Eastin was an out of nowhere, breakout star in Survivor: Blood Vs. Water. She famously voted off her own mother at Tribal Council, and chose to pick rocks at the final 6, rather than vote with people she no longer wanted to be aligned with. CBS would not be foolish enough to not include Ciera on Second Chances, and the public would be just as foolish to not vote for her every day until the polls close.

 

4. Kimmi Kappenberg, Survivor 2: Australian Outback

Kimmi Kappenberg appeared on Survivor back in 2001, and has all but disappeared from the spotlight since the show aired. (photo credit: CBS)

Kimmi Kappenberg appeared on Survivor back in 2001, and has all but disappeared from the spotlight since the show aired. (photo credit: CBS)

A whole new generation is potentially about to experience the loud mouth, over the top, vegetarian from Long Island, NY, and there is at least one person out there that is willing to create hundreds of fake email address every day, just to vote her back on.

If Kimmi Kappenberg is on next season, and we don’t see a challenge where the reward is chickens, there will be hell to pay.

 

3. Abi-Maria Gomes, Survivor 25: Philippines

abi maria

Can Abi-Maria Gomes top her evilness from season 25? We will likely get that answer in September. (photo credit: CBS)

Perhaps the biggest female villain in the history of the show, Abi-Maria Gomes will play this game again, that is all but guaranteed. She was so hated by her tribemates, and the American public, that she received the nickname “the demon.”

With that being said, CBS LOVES villains, and I am sure they have been chomping at the bit to get Abi-Maria back on the island, to see if she is still as evil as she was back in season 25.

She may not get the public vote, but will will certainly have CBS’s vote, and that may be all that matters.

 

2. Kass McQuillen, Survivor 28: Cagayan

Kass McQuillen is a lock for "Survivor: Second Chances"

Kass McQuillen is a lock for “Survivor: Second Chances” (photo credit: CBS)

If anyone can play a better villain than Abi-Maria, it is this woman, Kass. She is the epitome of a Survivor villain, and that is why she will be back for her second chance. She is unlikable and brutally mean, but is entertaining and buzz-worthy. Not only will she return, but she could be one of the main factors in why this season is happening in the first place. #ChaosKass will be shoved in your face, and the hash tag will be shoved down your throat for as long as CBS can keep their evil queen around.  Which hopefully, won’t be long.

 

1. Kelly Wiglesworth, Survivor: Borneo

After 15 years, Reality TV's original "rat", Kelly Wiglesworth will be back on our TV screens in September. (photo credit: CBS)

After 15 years, Reality TV’s original “rat”, Kelly Wiglesworth will be back on our TV screens in September. (photo credit: CBS)

Prayers have been answered, and dreams are coming true. Kelly Wiglesworth, the original “rat”, is playing the game again after 15 years. It is widely rumored that Wiglesworth has never seen an episode of Survivor, including her own original season. She is just too cool to be bothered.

Kelly “River Guide” Wiglesworth is playing Survivor, 30 seasons after she helped make it a phenomenon, and Survivor fans couldn’t be more excited. She is a Survivor legend, and it is time to see if she has what it takes to finally win it all.

 

In case you were wondering, I will be throwing my votes to the following ladies.

Kelly Wiglesworth, Kimmi Kappenberg, Teresa “T-Bird Cooper” Tasha Fox, Kelley Wentworth, Monica Padilla, Ciera Eastin, Shirin Oskooi, Carolyn Rivera, and Peih-Gee Law

 

Be on the lookout for the top 16 men tomorrow.

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Survivor 30: Worlds Apart, Ranking the Castaways

worlds apart

With the premiere of Survivor: Worlds Apart, its historic 30th season, just two weeks away, let’s take a look at the castaways vying for the million dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor. In press interviews for the show, Jeff Probst, host of the show since its inception back in 2000, has made the bold claim of this being one of the greatest, if not the greatest, cast the show has ever had.

“Person for person and pound for pound, I will say that this is the best group of people I think we’ve ever had,” Probst told EW in December. “Just based on my experience, this was one of my favorite seasons of all time.”

We will be the judge of that, Probst. So what is the “twist” this year? Well, the producers have decided to break up the castaways into three tribes:

Blue Collar, those whose occupations entail physical or manual labor.

White Collar, those whose places of work are in offices or a professional environment.

No Collar, those whose “occupations” are a bit more untraditional.

So, which tribe will do the best? Tune in Wednesday, February 25th on CBS to watch the journey begin. But, since this is ryanscountdowns, I have decided based on their pre-season interviews on cbs.com, to share my pre-season power rankings; a countdown of the least likely, to most likely of becoming the 30th Survivor champion.

18. Dan, Blue Collar

Dan, a postal worker technician, from Maine, has tried to get on Survivor for quite some time. He claims to have sent in over 100 tapes, and driven over 25,000 miles for open casting calls. No question about it, this dude deserves a spot on the show. It is unfortunate for him, however, that the season he finally gets on, the castaways are spilt into three tribes, which means there are only 6 people per tribe instead of the usual 8 or 9. This makes it even more difficult for him to hide the fact that he will be the biggest liability on the team when it comes to winning challenges.

Overall finish: First one voted off the Blue Collar tribe.

17. Nina, No Collar

I fear as though Nina’s biggest hurdle she will need to overcome is not the fact that she is deaf, it is the fact that she lies awake in bed at night, and wonders if she is going to be able to lie. This is Survivor. Lying is a requirement. The 51-year-old housewife from Palmdale, CA is physically fit, but will have to hope for the “No Collar’s” keep winning immunity, as she may be expandable due to the fact that her tribe mates all seem to be more valuable in the challenge department. No lie.

Overall finish: First one voted off of the No Collar Tribe

16. So, White Collar

Sooooooo, So, from Long Beach, CA,  plans on proving that “women can be strong, strategic, and smart and get there on their own”, and then in her next breath says she will have to use the “cute card” to survive. It seems as though So does not have any clue what she plans on doing, but my prediction is that she will do less than a So-So job at proving women can be strong, strategic, and smart, and win Survivor on their own.

Overall finish: Pre Merge

15. Tyler, White Collar

CBS lists Tyler as an “ex talent agent assistant”, and while I am a bit confused as to how that is an occupation, the 33-year-old from LA seems confident, a bit too confident, that his life skills will propel him to victory. His claim in his interview, however, that he “will not go out with a whimper or missed opportunity” screams like he is foreshadowing his own demise. And I am confident that his over confidence will likely be his downfall.

Overall finish: Pre Merge/Early jury

14. Will, No Collar

41-year-old Will is noted as a youtube sensation. I am now certain that there will be a youtube “star” casted on every major reality show from now until the end of time, but I digress. Apparently Will sang a song while he was pumping gas, and the video went viral.

Survivor is no Shell station though, and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” will not be ringing through the beaches of Nicaragua. Will will have to find something else to help him survive. He may have a fun-loving personality, but on a tribe with 4 younger, cooler, better looking, free spirits, Will may be the odd man out.

Overall finish: Pre Merge

13. Lindsey, Blue Collar

Let me start by saying that Lindsey seems very sweet, likable and fun; someone I would hang out and have some beers with. Let me follow that by saying, we have seen “Lindseys” before on Survivor; the tattooed, crazy haired, attractive hairstylist. In fact just TWO seasons ago we had this….

Her name? You guessed it. Lindsey. Yes, they are both named Lindsey. Lindsey from Survivor 28 ended up quitting the game. And what does new Lindsey say in her interview will be the hardest part of playing Survivor? That going without food is going to be very difficult for her, but she is NOT going to quit.

She is going to quit.

Overall finish: Pre merge

12. Carolyn, White Collar

This 52-year-old Corporate Executive from Tampa, FL is going to be a feisty one. She openly says that she “wants to make good television” and that she may lose her cool, so she will have to run to the confessional so she doesn’t “go off on somebody.” My prediction: she will “go off” on a few people but will make it far in the game because she will not be a threat. Even if she is in the final 3, she will have no shot at winning the game.

Overall finish: 3rd place

11. Joaquin, White Collar

Joaquin, the 27-year-old marketing director from Valley Stream, NY is a self-described alpha male that is “wild, selfish, and egocentric” and its “his way or the highway.” Translation: he will be an amazing Survivor contestant, and he will be the first one booted once the tribes merge.

10. Mike, Blue Collar

Texan oil driller, Mike Holloway, is a nice guy, but has the “itch” to be the villain. This could work one of two ways for the 38-year-old, who lists picking up the ladies as one of his hobbies.

   “If a girl wants to be sweet on me, that’s fine. I will use that against them. For sure.” says Mike.

This strategy will either land him one of the first spots on the jury, or one of the spots in the final 3. My prediction: about 40 minutes into episode 8 we will hear Jeff Probst say “We’ll now bring in the members of the jury; Joaquin, and Mike, voted out at the last tribal council.”

I also predict they will be best bros once on the jury, and we will have the luxury of seeing them high-five and fist bump multiple times as they watch the people who voted them out squirm in their seats as they are interrogated by Probst.

Overall finish: 1st or 2nd jury member

9. Joe, No Collar

 Joe, a 25-year-old jewelry designer from Scottsdale, AZ may fade into the background with all the strong personalities this season. He said and did nothing in his interview that would lead me to believe he will have a chance at winning this game. He seems like a cool, fun, nice, carefree dude, which is great. But, in Survivor, carefree and fun often leads to 7th, 8th, or 9th place; right after all the bigger threats are sitting in the jury.

Overall finish: early-mid jury member

8. Kelly, Blue Collar

Kelly, a 44-year-old, New York State Trooper, has everything it takes to win Survivor. She is likable, physically fit, mentally tough, and competitive. Her only downfall could be that she is a bit older than the majority of her tribe. This should not be a factor during the challenges, as she is sure to excel in that category; but when it comes to fitting in with the rest of her tribe, she may be in trouble. If she can avoid being “bad cop” to the twenty somethings on her tribe, and let them have their fun, she could make it very far.

Overall finish: Mid Jury (6th place?)

7. Vince, No Collar

The Coach Wade vibe is oozing out of Vince Sly (what a great name). From the feather in his hair, to his eccentric personality, Vince Sly could very well be the break out star of Survivor: Worlds Apart. His occupation is listed as a Coconut Vendor. I don’t know about you, but I am hard pressed to think of an occupation better suited to live on a Nicaraguan beach for 39 days. But the best part about Vince, has to be the fact that he is a LIFE COACH. I would pay good money for just one “life coaching” session from Mr. Sly. I would be co-co-NUTS to pass up life advice from this gem.

We could be on the verge of pure casting gold here, ladies and gentlemen.

6. Shirin, White Collar

Shirin, 31, from San Francisco, CA, is a Yahoo Executive. Clearly she has the brains to do well in this game. But, there are a few lingering unanswered questions that will determine Shirin’s fate on Survivor. Will her tribemates consider her too much of a mental threat, and vote her out? Will she be the biggest liability in the physical challenges for the White Collars? If White Collars lose a few immunity challenges before the switch/merge, (which I am leaning towards) Shirin could be toast. But if they can somehow string together a few wins, Shirin, a huge fan of Survivor since the age of 16, could have what it takes to win it all. Yahoooooooooooooooooo!

5. Sierra, Blue Collar

Two seasons ago, Survivor split up the tribes based on Brains, Brawn, and Beauty. Sierra could have been the shining star on all three of those tribes.

A) Brains – She is currently in school going for her masters of Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Corrections.

B) Brawns – Not only is she a cowgirl and a rancher, but she is also an “extreme athlete”, who was offered college scholarships for both basketball and rodeo.

C) Beauty – She is a 6’1″ model, and complete beauty. Possibly one of the best looking girls to have ever appeared on Survivor.

This girl is the full package, and should sail along to the merge with zero threat of being voted out. Once the merge happens though, if she does not downplay her physical and mental abilities, she could be targeted once the big dogs get their torches snuffed. On the plus side for Sierra; if she can stay away from the spotlight post merge, she is likable, strong, confident, and educated enough to lasso up most of the jurors votes.

Overall finish: mid-late jury

4. Max, White Collar

In 30 seasons, I have never been more excited to watch somebody play Survivor, then I am for Max Dawson. I have been following Max Dawson on Twitter for years, as he is a reality tv aficionado, and quite comical. He very much reminds me of a hairier version of myself. He is a professor, I am a teacher. He is a media consultant, specializing in reality tv, and I am months away from having my masters in new media journalism, specializing in entertainment. He likes kale, and I like kale. We are basically the same person, and are bound to be instant best friends should our paths ever cross.

That being said, due to the fact that he taught a college course on Survivor called “The Tribe has Spoken: Surviving TV’s new Reality” at Northwestern University, he may be seen as a huge target. I certainly would have recognized him if I were on this season, and due to the fact that a lot of this seasons contestants are self-proclaimed “huge fans” of the show, no doubt someone is bound to know him, and his vast knowledge of the show.

I hope he wins, but I am unfortunately predicting a late jury finish for Professor Dawson.

3. Jen, No Collar

With the exception of Max, whom I have “known” for years, Jen, a 22-year-old sailing instructor from Long Beach, CA, is far and away my favorite contestant this season, and gave one of my favorite pre-season interviews of all time. She is quite possibly the coolest 22-year-old girl on the planet, and I instantly fell in love with her. Should she win Survivor, she wants to start her own vineyard, but isn’t really even sure how to make wine. As I am in the process of getting my masters of sommelier certification, Jen, Jon Misch, last seasons Oenophile, and I should move to Napa Valley and live out the rest of our lives making wine, drinking wine, and talking about Survivor.

So, how will Jen fare in the game? Well, she wants to align with the dudes because she gets easily annoyed by chicks (This girl is amazing, right?) and she is a huge fan of the show. However, I fear that she may be a bit too laid back to win it all. If she gets to the end, I think she will win. But, she may be too likable, and the merged tribe will give her the boot right before the final 3. And I will be crying in my wine when that happens.

Overall finish: 4th-5th place

2. Hali, No Collar

Much like Sierra, Hali, a 25-year-old law student from San Francisco, is a triple threat, as she has the brains, brawn, and the beauty to stand out above the rest. Hali will no doubt fit in with her “No Collar” tribe, and should be likable enough, to catapult her deep into the game. If she makes some big moves, this game is hers to lose. If she rides coattails, she screams 2nd place finish to me. Regardless, Hali has all the tools she needs the win the game.

Rodney Blue Collar

1. Rodney, Blue Collar

“I may go down as the best person from Boston of all time”, says Rodney Lavoie, 24, and general contractor from Boston, MA. It is a bit unclear whether he is saying he was going to be the best person of all time from Boston to play Survivor, or simply the best person from Boston of all time. Period.

He basically is Boston Rob, the second coming, and I hope that we see Rodney, and not Boston Rob playing for a fifth time. If he is right however, and he does end up winning this season and becoming a Survivor legend, I smell a battle of the Boston season on the horizon, as Rodney Vs. Boston Rob would be Jeff Probst’s wet dream.

I do think that Rodney will have control over this game, and will take a few young girls to the end and crush them in the finals, much like his protégé, Boston Rob Mariano. And like Mariano, Rodney was basically incomprehensible throughout much of his 1:10 interview.

Either way, Rodney should be a major character starting next Wednesday, when Survivor: Worlds Apart premieres at 8pm EST on CBS.

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