Survivor New Zealand is back and I am too with my first blog since baby brain hit. Fellow Survivor fan and Kiwi, Simon Knyvett, is joining me yet again this season, and last years SNZ finalist, Barb Raos, chimes in with her own thoughts on the newbies! We’re reading for a ripper season, and the three of us are battling to see who has the best read on the cast 😛 Let us know what you think!
LYNDZ
Initial: Facial expressions are sooo overrated
Overall: Adam says he won’t bring drama. Oh please, for someone who has botox shots to hide his reactions, and clearly in normal life too, I’m sure drama will ensue! This will be fun to watch and I’ll forgive him for being a reality tv whore; yes, I saw you on X Factor Australia! Self-described as sassy and villainous, I see possible conflict between him and Dylan which will make for juicy viewing. Bring the popcorn.
Prediction: Merge/jury
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Another man, another bun
Overall: Oh wow… this guy… While Australian Survivors like Henry get cast on the gimmick saying they will pretend to be a yoga instructor, New Zealand Survivor go get botox. Guess what Adam… it did not work. You gross me out with your clichés about people you are drawn too. Seem like a standard RTV w***e. Rolodex says Davina from Married at First Sight Australia… Fine if you want a Survivor one how about Brian Heidek w/o the charm.
Prediction: First boot… please
BARB
Initial: Mr Brotox Beauty
Overall: Awww, a fan of my strategic ‘villainous’ play. Adam’s botox has hit this out of the ballpark, Touche on going hard and all in, and recognising your facial expressions could be your undoing. Soooo looking forward to watching your ‘neutrally expressed’ game and seeing what feathers you can ruffle and pluck in your bid for becoming next Sole Survivor, I feel you will enjoy your roadkills along the way, even if we can’t watch you express it!
Prediction: Merge, ding-ding
LYNDZ
Initial: Friendly farmer you don’t want to sit next to at the end
Overall: Seems to be very outdoorsy and doesn’t want to be seen as a leader. Wonder if he’ll be seen as a threat early on and get the boot. Unfortunately, Arun seemed more exciting on paper than in his video. There seem to be some real cut-throat players this season and I’m not sure Arun will be able to keep up. Good for a yarn, but cut out for Survivor?
Prediction: Pre-merge
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: The Riverboys are back and coming to NZ.
Overall: Eh… Arun’s just a chill guy. The first of many man buns/long-haired men on this season. However, I was kind of expecting him to be a bit more cut throat, hence the Riverboys comparison. He does have a little bit of Kiwi bogan with the ACDC in him. Hard to place him in the Rolodex of Survivor alumni but here’s one for you maybe like a Matt Bischoff… (am I stretching?). Hopefully he will become more cut throat when not talking with Avi.
Prediction: I like Arun, he’s amicable so surely he’ll make the merge.
BARB
Initial: Tarzan of the Waikato
Overall: Easy going, confident guy to have around camp. He will muck in and has no ego, so will fit in well with everyone. He seems very likeable, good delivery about strategy, so I am hoping he isn’t targeted for the very traits that would make him a threat deeper into the game as he is too well liked.
Prediction: Pre-merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Closer each day… Home and Away
Overall: One to watch, I think Brad will make friends easily and be quickly respected. He could instil a chore chart and I’m sure people would follow… Would make a great leader without being cocky. Was a little dry in his Avi interview. I don’t think harping on about ur world travels means too much in this game.
Prediction: Merge in a blindside
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Hey hey, a teacher!!!
Overall: I am currently a teacher in training so that aspect may have excited me more than it should have. Another player with a vast amount of hair I feel like Brad’s is more theatrical. Brad’s personality seems a little bit dry at times but seems to have a good he on his shoulders. Maybe can take on a natural leadership role like Brendan recently voted out of Survivor: Ghost Island.
Prediction: Makings of a merge boot here
BARB
Initial: Mr Smooth Operator
Overall: Brad oozes his self-worth with comfy ease. He is aware of his strengths and weaknesses and has a easy vibe on how to handle himself. He has life experience and is comfy in his own skin. I think he will have tribe mates lining up to align with him and although a big threat from get go, I feel he will deflect this and go deep.
Prediction: Final Three with bells & whistles
LYNDZ
Initial:Umm, why did his partner not apply??
Overall: Will be a big asset in team challenges and handy around camp. May come across as TOO competitive, and yes there is such a thing on Survivor! He’ll for sure look to align with a fellow alpha brochacho, and we could see tempers flare going by his video. Not sure how game savvy he’ll be, but he does watch the show so I’ll give him benefit of the doubt!
Prediction: Pre-merge, in an alpha ousting
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: NZ Survivor was looking for a Jericho…but where’s Luke???
Overall: Dave seems crafty and smart. I like the Asian Survivor players and was disappointed James Lim didn’t go further in Ghost Island. Dave seems to fit between the Jericho’s/Kenny’s and the Yul/James’ of the world. He is both smart and sociable and should do well in challenges.
Prediction: I am predicting a long run for Dave mid merge.
BARB
Initial: Mr Intense
Overall: Competitive, smart and brushed with an ego. Will struggle to step back and be patient. May rattle his tribe by his coiled spring-like personality. Physically, he is going to be a great asset to his tribe and a good person to align with to further themselves in their own game. A good jury member.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Dude, you won’t need a meat shield when you’re first boot…
Overall: My opinion should be void as I know the guy, but if you like a bit of sass (think Sandra Diaz-Twine meets Courtney Yates, oh the confessionals!) then Dylan is the player for you! I expect some Sneaky-Sneaky play, subtle, but effective moves from DylDawg and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made some enemies in the game. How fun! A superfan, generous and loyal (somewhat), he’s willing to do anything to win this game. I can’t wait to see you cut some b*tches, Dylan! #TeamDylan
Prediction: Jury, same fate as Wentworth in a F4 boot.
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Ugh yuck so this guy thinks he’s Boston Rob now.
Overall: This guy looks middle age and balding in all his stuff. I hate him. He’s gross. He smiles……. EWWWWWWWW. Just kidding I cannot judge him without being impartial. Talked a lot with Dylan outside the game and I think he has what it takes. Good luck mate… Rolodex says…Malfunctioning
Prediction: Robbed Goddess at the end final 4 (mwahahaha)
BARB
Initial: Danger!!! Super-duper fan alert! I hope he didn’t pop his hand up to play the villain, sans Dee. Is it eerie they both have the same initials?
Overall: With his astute awareness of the game, I feel D has the mental agility needed to stay ahead of the game and break the curse of the Superfan. Loving his passion for finally playing this game he loves, and hope he creates carnage and drama and shows us how twisted Survivor can really be played. Dylan’s mantra will be Blindsides bring them on, the more the merrier. His dance card of stepping back before stepping forward (aka the chacha) will see him go deep, final 5.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Kiwi’s answer to Lara Croft
Overall: I feel like Eve would be the perfect cast for Hawaii 5-0 or avatar in some kickass video game. Another outdoors type, Eve will thrive in the elements. I like her strategy on paper, which was more than what she expressed in her video interview where it is mainly all physical. I see Eve playing a similar game to Ziggy on Australian Survivor, but with more strategic chops. And thank goodness she’s against Redemption Island!
Prediction: Jury, possible F3 if she’s not seen as too much of a physical threat by then!
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Second mention but does anybody see her as a less alternative Dee look alike.
Overall: I like her. She’s friendly, she’s warm, she doesn’t seem too threatening and I think she could be long for the game. Rolodex just brought out a name I’m sure will have people saying who??? How about Elyse Umemoto. Hopefully she’ll avoid the showmances and then I see her going well.
Prediction: Winner Pick!!!
BARB
Initial: Our very own Kiwi ‘Nikita’
Overall: Loving this smart kick-arse lass, she oozes a quiet confidence and is happy in her own skin, with a cautiousness and awareness she must fly under the radar to avoid being a target early on. I am hoping she doesn’t hesitate to make those big moves needed to pad out her resume and go deep into this game.
Prediction: Final Three
LYNDZ
Initial: Oh, we will be judging 😉
Overall: The Survivor community can be notoriously judgemental, so I hope Franky only reads the positive comments! Being a wildcard already puts you on the back foot, and let’s not forget Jimmy T from Nicaragua is the only other Survivor to win a spot through a competition/audience vote… but he was a massive fan. Franky admitting she wasn’t a fan has rubbed some up the wrong way. In her interview with Avi she showed a very emotional side and seemed overwhelmed about going into the game. Socially, I think she’ll be able to find her few loyal fellows to align with which may carry her far.
Prediction: Merge/jury
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: In the words of Benry… (We all know Benry’s most famous line)
Overall: If you know Benry’s catch phrase it is fair to say you know I was not a fan of Franky from my first impressions (this may have included her involvement in the ZM competition). She seems far from a fan of the game (not necessarily always a bad thing), and also seems more into building her personal brand. As I was once told “if you ain’t got nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all,” so I will finish here and hope she can prove me wrong. Rolodex says – Alecia Holden.
Prediction: Easy vote to take along but won’t be flexible after a swap. #FrankywasNOTrobbed
BARB
Initial: Preppy Cheerleader
Overall: Geez, Franky admitted she has never watched Survivor till she was cast. In the words of Nate Dog: “ Why?” would you cast a wildcard that isn’t a fan. Franky says she has something to prove and so I am hoping she surprises us and delivers.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: JoseFINE, ya Survivor cutie!
Overall: One of the only people who wrote in her bio that she wants to win the $250k and I’m glad!! Don’t lie, guys. I felt Jose on paper was different to how she spoke to Avi (star struck?). Overall, seems competitive and physically she should be fine in challenges. I really like Jose, but I’m afraid she’ll be too nice and get blindsided!
Prediction: Could easily float to the merge
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Calling the spice rack… Survivor crush material.
Overall: Josefien… Josefien… Jose…fien, don’t talk about honour and integrity. I am glad you talked more about the game. You seem like bright and bubbly girl and I can only hope you can pull out some moves. Definitely seem like the young sole of the season and in some ways you remind me of Lou from Survivor NZ season 1.
Prediction: If you play like the second half of your chat with Avi she’ll make into the final three.
BARB
Initial: Miss Sunny side up
Overall: Talks herself up, she comes across level headed and mature but I do see conflict ahead. J says she is willing to slide around in alliances to stay in the game, a slippery slope that may be her undoing, but she’s sending out mixed messages as also wants to be ‘proud of her play and the good chick’.
Prediction: Pre-merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Sex hair; I was born with it.
Overall: Now, I’m not one for sob stories on any reality show, and i wonder if he’ll keep his survival story under wraps early on. He could win or lose favours there. Josh seems determined and hungry for the win and I look forward to seeing how he manuevres this game. I don’t think other castaways will want to sit next to him at the end… Josh may well be a hit it and quit it.
Prediction: Surprise Pre-merge boot.
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Rough around the edges Art Green (NZ’s first Bachelor)
Overall: There has been many a time in Survivor where we have had the cancer-surviving mum enter the show. This one is new however, the cancer-surviving 28 year old male. I am intrigued. Joshua does seem like he could rub people the wrong way. I am not sure he wants to tell too many strong willed women about his man-cave. Rolodex still says – Art Green – it must be broken…stupid Survivor rolodex.
Prediction: Another amicable male player who could go either way, I think he’ll be pipped by the hungry players, as the merge approaches.
BARB
Initial: The Alpha Male with bad bed hair
Overall: Josh has a good attitude and read on the game. He knows how to handle people and is self-aware. A physical threat and definitely an asset to his tribe, but he may have to temper himself as could come across as a smidge arrogant and abrasive to some, too much of a threat to take to the end, his days will be numbered if he makes the merge.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Forget fedoras. Legionnaires are back in fash!
Overall: Super quirky and eccentric, JT reminds me of a less-scared-more-irritable David Wright from MvGX. Will do what he has to do to make ‘friends’, be seen as the ‘weak one’ in challenges and get away with it, be seen as endearing and eventually flourish as one of the best as the game progresses! JT is very aware of his strengths and weaknesses and how he is perceived by people in general. I sense witty confessionals from JT and despite his name, I’m hoping he can be the Fishbach to someone and make it all the way.
Prediction: merge/early Jury
SIMON
Initial thoughts: Name is JT, looks more like a Stephen.
Overall: Ooo a male with a distinctly different personality. Thank you Survivor Gods. JT tweeted me out of the blue so that puts him up a notch to me. I can see him embracing a villainous and mischievous role in the season. Hopefully, he does not come out and overtly say it as such. (Sidenote: has anyone heard from Dee lately?). JT looks like fun and I hope he lasts a while.
Prediction: Great villains last a while he’ll make it mid merge.
BARB
Initial: Our own Sheldon Cooper
Overall: Arrrh, a wonderful dry wit, and knows that ‘less is more’ with himself. He seems funny, self aware, and has the intelligence to know exactly how people will perceive him and use it to steer his game. I hope those buff bodies win immunity on your tribe so you stay on our screens and we get to hear your wry view-points. You are going to be such fun to watch.
Prediction: Please get to the merge, I want you on the jury
LYNDZ
Initial: This bubbly mumma looks fierce
Overall: The one thing I got out of her bio was that she’s nifty with her toes. I really hope she makes it to the individual stage and gets to take part in the challenge where you build blocks with your feet. Ha! She has her own Brady Bunch tribe at home, and really, how different will it be living on an Island with a bunch of youngens?! Hoping Karla won’t be too UTR and be able to hold her own in this game.
Prediction: Merge /jury
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: If they wanted a reporter, I still think they should have chose me… #NotSalty
Overall: Most of the buzz in her personal bio feels like it was regurgitated from my audition video (reporter, integrating and relating to people. On another note she’s a 37 year old grandmother. Holy heck has there been as younger grandmother as her since Laura Morrett. Will she be coming back for New Zealand’s first Blood Vs Water season. And will she be voted out by her daughter. OK I maybe be getting a head of myself…Rolodex does say Laura Morrett though.
Prediction: Seems sociable enough, but I think she’s gone pre merge.
BARB
Initial: Fun bubbly Mum
Overall: She will use her mother mojo to motivate and manoeuvre people to do what she wants without them realising it. Doesn’t give a hoot about her ego being stroked and can wait and let others take the heat until she needs to make her mark on her game.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: A badass wildcard I can root for
Overall: The opposite of Franky, Kaysha seems to know the game pretty well and have the strategic chops I’m looking forward to see. I don’t think being known as a wildcard will affect her game, but wanting to play double agent does scare me a bit (I don’t see her going all Zane Knight on us though, phew!) so I hope that doesn’t backfire on her. #TeamKaysha
Prediction: Hard to gauge, I’d like to say middle of the pack, if not being pipped before Jury
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Social worker (FemmeSala perhaps…)
Overall: Wow this girl intrigues me a bit. While she hasn’t come explicitly saying she’s “Know It All”, she does display some real knowledge of how to play. From a family of TEN means she knows when to keep her mouth shut and fade into the background. She says she wants to play double agent and that can work out well or as Aubry has stated before also the middle man can be in danger of being run over. This girl definitely isn’t a female Sala, maybe more of a Sabrina Thompson…perhaps.
Prediction: Hmmm if phobias are cast aside I can see her going far if not could be early gone.
BARB
Initial: The girl next door
Overall: Likeable, however I believe she will have the wildcard target painted squarely on her back and has her work cut out from get go. I feel she does have the ability to deflect and enamour people so she may get further in this game but it will be a struggle.
Prediction: Pre-merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Do you know Devon Pinto?
Overall: Such an Outdoorsy cast. And many of the guys look alike, all dark-haired, too. If Liam plays his cards right I can definitely see him coast through the game quite easily. He seems easy-going and will get along with most people. I just don’t see Liam being the orchestrator of moves and will have to choose his alliances wisely. Please not the typical alphas… Lol.
Prediction: Pre-merge
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: He was a sk8er boy
Overall: I actually know of Liam Hose without ever actually meeting him through some of my uni friends. He seems to think he will go well and who am I to doubt that. On appearance he looks like a more fun skater boi than Robb Zbatnick. I think Liam will be a fun character and not shy away from stirring the pot. Rolodex says less like Robb more like a game savvier Taylor.
Prediction: I can see him leaving in a similar spot to Jay. Also by the end of the season his hair will be long enough to create another Bun.
BARB
Initial: Hey, it’s Shaggy from Scooby Doo
Overall: A lovable larrikin, fearless, excitable, up for anything and just enjoying the whole she-bang of Survivor. His youthful exuberance will endear him to some and he will be good in challenges. But I’m afraid he won’t possess the layers needed to go deep into the game.
Prediction: Pre-merge
LYNDZ
Initial: RHAP represent!
Overall: I like the oddballs cast on Survivor as I feel there aren’t enough of them at times. We don’t need 90% of beach bods on our screens. Lisa knows this game well and I LOVE her answer to the “Thoughts on Alliances and Immunity Idols?” as it’s what all us fans would be thinking too. Potential puzzle queen of Survivor NZ, I’m not counting Lisa out yet early and am so hoping she picks the right alliance to move forward. I have high hopes!
Prediction: Merge
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Looking a tad frumpy their Lisa
Overall: I don’t quite know what to think of Lisa, from outside appearances she looks like Debbie Wanner (excluding tiger swimsuit), but when she talks she seems good. Not that Debbie didn’t talk a big game but Lisa seems a bit quieter, happy to make a big move and then creep back the shadows.
Prediction: It all depends on whether she can get a roll on. I see first boot potential and final three potential.
BARB
Initial: The Pen is mightier than the sword vibe
Overall: Arrhhh another quirky personality I will love to watch unfurl. Smart enough to know her foibles, clever enough to stroke the egos and read the game, I hope she blends in and can hitch-hike deep into game, using her intelligence to manipulate the game in her favour. But I feel sometimes book smarts struggle to outweigh the muscle.
Prediction: Pre-merge, sadly
LYNDZ
Initial: A cute man bun. And I’m not into man buns. :O
Overall: Matt seems like a really cool guy who seems very approachable and open to anyone working with him. I’m thinking he’ll be able to slip between the cracks of looking too threatening, both physically and mentally (hello, he works on rockets). A very short bio so hard to gauge strategy…
Prediction: Merge
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Seriously the man buns…
Overall: Answers in his bio are short and sweet. Answers initially in his chat were just as cliché as Adam. However, this guy seems fun. Seems like a somewhere between Malcolm and Ozzy. Maybe a challenge threat but I don’t think he’ll be a strategically savvy as Malcolm.
Prediction: Will be mistaken for one of the other man buns and voted out in the early merge.
BARB
Initial: Likeable Lad
Overall: He seems personable and approachable, has an easy laid back ‘she’ll be right’ attitude. I think he will be a good solid alliance person. But also willing to make the hard calls to further himself in the game, no pronounced ego and will go deep.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Bold, strong woman I’m here for
Overall: Renee knows her strengths and her job will definitely be a positive going into the game. Glad she won’t reveal what she actually does at first. I’m hoping she’s able to remain subtle and manipulate others, even though she ‘doesn’t want to be backstabby’. Sigh. Own your inner backstage by, girl!! We have a base for our first Kiwi Parvati here, but I’m worried she probably gets voted out in her own Web of playing too nice!
Prediction: I’d love to see Renee make Jury, but not convinced.
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Standard Auckland girl
Overall: She says she has hiked the Luka Trail and Machu Pichu, but those are adventures you have to do when you visit those places. Something tells me she’s a gym dwelling, crossfitting type rather than a hiker. She makes a point to say she is not prissy (I have a theory about this type). Despite me thinking she may struggle with the elements, Renee could be a real shark. As a Real Estate agent I know she can fake it and play that social game. Going to the Rolodex it is again hard but maybe just maybe a Danni Boatwright type of player.
Prediction: Unfortunately I do not see the same fortune as Danni… Pre merge
BARB
Initial: Strong, confident, don’t mess with me vibe
Overall: She has an awareness of not telling her occupation, as tribe mates can be judgey, who is deserving re on your job or life rather than the game you played. But I do feel she may be carried, I hope I am wrong and that she owns her game as feel she is savvy. I’m just disappointed she wants to fly the nice guy/trust halo. Ya gotta tarnish that halo and get your hands dirty to get some credit on that resume.
Prediction: Merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Will another Survivor mum bite the dust?
Overall: I don’t think we’ll be seeing a similar game to last year’s Survivor mum, Barb. Being the eldest person going into a game full of 20 year olds is tough, and it really depends on the youngens dynamics and how well Tara integrates herself with her starting tribe. She does seem very open, so she may surprise us all!
Prediction: Pre-merge
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: Survivor Mum of the season
Overall: It was always going to be hard to back up the Survivor Mum Barb brought us in season one. And it does look like she is fairly, how do I say, run of the mill. She’s nice enough but nothing stands out too much about her. Reminds me a little bit of Betsy Bolan of Survivor Samoa fame.
Prediction: Like Betsy, I do not think Tara’s long for the game. I think she will be making a fairly early exit in the first weeks.
BARB
Initial: The Camp Mother
Overall: Getting a very neutral, middle of the pack vibe from Tara, not getting any evidence of sneaky strategy. Being the oldest in such a young cast she will have her work cut out, and I feel for her.
Prediction: Pre-merge
LYNDZ
Initial: Blonde with some bite!
Overall: I’m really liking Tessa and what she has to offer. Seems like a real go getter and risk taker, she’s not afraid to play this game, no matter how she ends up coming across. I want to see a similar Phoebe Timmins-esque game from Tess as I think it’s there (but obviously make it to the end!).
Prediction: Jury. My winner pick, I’m going dark horse.
SIMON
Initial Thoughts: I guess since the Aussies had one, we need a Tess too
Overall: I kind of like Tess. This girl looks pretty fierce if not a little bit cold, then you here she’s a tarot card reader and I am not sure what to think. Watching the video she seems a little bit warmer. Not sure if she knows the game very well so not sure about her. Really giving me vibes of Chelsea Meissner.
Prediction: Will go out with a series of her allies start of the merge.
BARB
Initial: Bad-ass Blonde
Overall: Her approach and life experience should hold her in good stead for reading fellow tribe mates and navigating the game. However, I feel her honest attitude approach may not be flexible enough to bend to the games twists ahead.
Prediction: Merge
Blog by Lynda Olson & Simon Knyvett. Guest writer; Barb Raos.
ALL IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT TVNZ AND SCOTT MCAULAY. THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND ALL VIEWS ARE MY OWN.
