Survivor S35: Heroes Healers Hustlers – Cast Assessment!

Get excited, the new US Survivor is BACK this week with Heroes v Healers v Hustlers! Before the premiere drops, it’s a battle of the nations at Reality Ramblings between myself (Team Aussie) v Kiwi Super Fan, Simon Knyvett (Team NZ) v Survivor’s very own Billy Garcia (Team USA)! All our opinions are based on a mix of the written bios, videos and from any pre-season interviews the cast have done. And as Simon funnily pointed out, if you want short, sharp and sweet – check out Billy’s thoughts, for total guesses and allocating a Spice Girl to each contestant to compensate – check out mine, and for Wendy Jo at her first Nicaraguan Tribal Council – read Simon’s. Haha!

HEROES – LEVU TRIBE

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Alan might be the first NFL player cast who I like!! (Sporty Spice, nothing more, nothing less)

Alan will be a great asset to the tribe, but honestly, the Heroes tribe is so stacked it will be a battle of who can play the best strategic game here. He seems like the most humble sports star we’ve had on Survivor, and he’s aware of his place in the NFL saying ‘not everyone will know who I am’. Good, because I have no idea who about him or his team! Friendly dude who will no doubt make it far just being himself! Also, HOT!

Prediction: Post-merge/Jury

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Token stunt casting, cough “never have I seen so much beauty in the world” Ricky Fitts

This dude is big… I mean like really big. He’s aiming to cover up his career in the NFL but that may be something hard to do with his hulking body. Lucky he is just one of many big fellas on the season. However casting is not usually very friendly either. For Gary Hogeboom they happened to have a Kansas sports radio host. For Jeff Kent we had crazy Dawson who had boyfriends who loved baseball. For Cliff Robinson they didn’t have Jordan or Scotty Pippin but they did have Woo. And for John Rocker they had a Nale on both Hunahpu and Coyopa to nail into his coffin. The history of athletes on Survivor ain’t strong while we have had many make the merge only two have made final tribal council. Only one has won the game and that was Ethan in Africa when the game was completely different. Alan however does seem well rounded. He does not bring with him a tumultuous ready to catch up with him. My main gripe with Alan and many of these big boys is something he is fully aware of. How will he do without food. I have a feeling his body will deteriorate. However with focus on his family and a reasonably level head I am sure he can compete socially and mentally. Alan seems ready for this game and I will watch with intrigue as he actually resembles Jeremy Collins in certain ways.

Prediction: While he does resemble Jeremy Collins I think it may be his 1.0 version, too friendly, too sociable and too big to go unseen. To be voted out somewhere just after the merge

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Survivor loves NFL players; here’s one more.

Not only will Alan help his tribe dominate early but he could be part of an #AthleteAlliance with Ashley and Katrina.

Prediction: Final 3

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Pending fireball! (Sporty Spice, but could be a Ginger if she gets bored/things don’t go her way. Potential to leave her group/mutiny)

Ashley should have no problems living out on the island or competing in physical challenges, and I don’t think she would get voted out early if the Heroes went to tribal early, but I definitely think she can be fiery. Which makes great TV, right? We’ll see how she fairs if a man tries to tell her what to do, which on the Heroes tribe, will most likely happen! Could be juicy. Ashley wants to be the alpha y’all!

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Lifeguard who looks sunburnt, slip, slop, slap and wrap girl!!!

I think I have met girls like Ashley before. While she seems chill and a laid-back surfer girl she also seems as cold as the ocean she swims in (fact check: not actually sure how cold that is). Ashley is a natural born flipper, flipping on her job in the office to go into the life of life-guarding. However as a young man once told me “Flippers never win” (Thanks Dan Foley). She seems like she will have no problem in challenges and or the elements out there. She seems like she is willing to do things on a whim which can be good if you are a Tony Vlachos like god somehow though I think if Ashley flips and gets stick for it she could just get plain nasty. She seems like she has her ego. She’s kind of the opposite of what I saw in Ali I have no doubt she’ll be good at challenges, however I think she will have a social game that will be hit and miss with some.

Prediction: Hmm I am not sure the Heroes will be going to tribal pre swap so I am going to say she’ll be knocked out post swap.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: As if an Olympic swimmer on the Heroes tribe wasn’t enough, there is also a lifeguard on this tribe.

Ashley and Katrina will make the Heroes tribe impossible to beat in the water. She could be part of an #AthleteAlliance with Alan and Katrina. She’s my early winner pick.

Prediction: Final 3

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Gives me the warm and fuzzies. (Scary Spice on the outside, but Baby Spice on the inside – strong, but cutesie)

American’s love their war heroes cast on TV, but to an Aussie, it really doesn’t mean that much! Ben seems likeable enough and will most likely be one of the leaders of this tribe with everyone looking up to him. I can definitely see him and JP getting along well, as they’re both in job fields where they ‘save’ people on the front line. Self proclaimed Teddy Bear; I’m diggin’ it!

Prediction: Post-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: This guy looks a character hoping for Keith Nale upside

From the way he speaks he is actually reminding me more of a war veteran Ralph Kiser which can only be interesting. He has an emotional story to tell and I am sure this will endear him to the Katrina’s and Chrissy’s of his tribe. He and Alan are also both playing for their families so that can only bond people together, like Bayon bonded over Savage’s hot wife. He seems determined to play the game for his family and we can see how powerful that can be (see Adam and Jay). Physically this guy will be a beast pre-merge, post merge though needs a little finesse. Socially this guy will be the tribe teddy bear it does not sound like he’s too confronting, (hopefully he doesn’t pull out his inner Shamar [Thomas, Caramoan] or Frank Garrison). Strategically will be where Ben struggles the most all though he does say he is a fan of the show. I think I’ll enjoy Ben.

Prediction: Final 6 character boot. He will be a great character much like Keith and Big Tom. I think he finishes up like the Judds and Shanes of the world booted as a false leader of an alliance.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Fellow former Marine. I can’t help but root for him.

He’s a veteran with a friendly-sounding southern accent. He also has a pleasant demeanor.

Prediction: Jury

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction:  Who doesn’t love a strong, Survivor mom?! (Ginger Spice – feminism, girl power!)

I think Chrissy would be a cool mum, as in I think she’ll be hip enough to fit in with the youngens and mature enough to earn respect with the ‘older’ tribe members. She seems really smart and in her day job calculating risk is something that may help or hinder her in the game… Depending how intense her thinking gets out there! I’m hoping Chrissy will stick around for a while. She seems positive and will be adaptable in the game with any twists thrown her way.

Prediction: Jury (or a total pre-merge, possibly first boot if she tries too hard)

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Woah Survivor Mom crush aye yi yi, how is this lady 46 year’s old.

Chrissy is an actuary… to be honest my pleb brain did not know what this was so thanks for explaining it. The position sounds perfectly suited for a game like Survivor much like Poker players and grand chess masters. The one difference is this seems to be taking into account a personal and emotional element as well. something some of those gamers miss. As a feminist I love Chrissy’s breaking of the glass ceiling and she seems like she is hugely successful. As a Survivor fan this makes me worry about the Hillary Clinton effect. I am not sure how well she’ll get along with Ben but it could go either way depending on whether they Bond over their families or clash over lifestyles. She needs to remember she is playing with people and not numbers. Make sure to have that emotional intelligence (the overused trope of the last few seasons). You go kick some ass Chrissy!

Prediction: I’m really not sure. She could be another Survivor NZ Barb where young people and men aren’t ready to be confronted by her but I am thinking she goes far.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: She’s going to benefit from being on a mega strong tribe.

If the Heroes tribe gets upset early on, Chrissy could be the one that goes. She could also be hurt by an early tribe swap.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Fun fact, he’s friends with Cristina Coria from Cook Islands! (Posh Spice, with a Sporty bod)

Man, this guy in pre-season interviews was totally lack-lustre. Not sure if John didn’t want to reveal anything about his game, or he’s just a straight shooter in real life. He reminds me of John Cody, looks strong, is somewhat smart (hopefully), but could totally be knocked out in a blindside.

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Firefighter’s a classic Survivor go to.

So what did I learn about JP 3… well he’s fairly bland like John Palyok and JP Calderon. This guy is certainly heroic though that doesn’t exactly win you Survivor. A history of Firefighters show they generally do OK in Survivor with a couple of wins in there to Jeremy Collins and Tom Westman. Unfortunately I see this JP following his namesakes than workmates. He talks about there being times to stand up and when to not unfortunately I think will struggle with the later. He does have a little Eddie Fox in him with his love for his dog maybe he could be a partner in that venture. Unfortunately I do not see him taking the 1 million dollars with him as an investment.

Prediction: While I hope he can find a way to cure those like his sister I do not see Survivor as his calling. Final pre-merge boot … Blindside.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Firefighters tend to do well in the game most of the time.

I expect JP to align with Ben the Marine. That should be good enough to get him far.

Prediction: Jury

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Wow, a former Olympian. But she’s no Ziggy 😉 (Sporty Spice, with many, MANY splashes of Scary)

Winning challenges is great and all, but will the tribe be able to handle her personality. There are so many strong contenders on this tribe and I think if the Heroes end up losing early on, Katrina could be one to go. She totally gives off Holly Hoffman vibes and I am low-key wanting her to bury Marine Ben’s shoes in the sea. As a pro-athlete/Olympian, the physical and mental boxes are checked, but strategically and emotionally? She may just end up talking herself out of the tribe – slow, down, woman!

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Can’t see her Crystal Coxing it, but this Olympian looks eccentric.

Boy I was not wrong with this lady. She has a real dose of verbal diarrhea. No matter how much I enjoy it I am assuming this would be a pain on the island. She is a hard worker as shown by her making the Olympics and I would be very surprised if she’d lost that ability to swim. It is not just something you lose. What also helps is she is on the Heroes tribe, which I don’t think is going to tribal unless history repeats itself ala Heroes vs Villains. Katrina reminds me of classic first boots like Wendy Jo of Survivor Nicaragua but they haven’t been on the winning side to start so it will be interesting to see what she does once she has her feet under her. She at least seems aware that she is intense. But Wendy was aware she needed to be quiet to the extent where she didn’t talk.

Prediction: Now I feel like I am getting pre merge happy but alas if Heroes go early or there’s a tribe swap I think she could go.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Wow, a former Olympian. And she’s a swimmer at that.

Her Olympic swimming skills will win her tribe a lot of challenges early on. She has a fellow swimmer on her tribe in Ashley. Might be part of an athlete alliance with Ashley and Alan.

Prediction: Final 3

HEALERS – SOKO TRIBE

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Hottie of the season. (Baby Spice, growing up to be Sporty)

He seems like a strong and likeable young lad, and he will fit in well with who is cast on this tribe. I see him maybe aligning with American sweetheart, Jessica for some puppy love, and even officer Joe for a top dog short-lived bromance. I will be shocked to see him go early. He lives in his car though and doesn’t want responsibilities? I mean, how can you learn life lessons that way? Okay, dude. That’s the only thing that irks me!

Prediction: Post-merge/Jury

SIMON:
Initial reaction: And continuing this season’s theme of beefcakes is this behemoth

Okay so along with this guy being a good looking man he also happens to be unbelievably good-natured. It is not an easy job to work with those in need of help so respect to that. He also seems reasonably free spirited which could mean he is quite flexible in the game. He is a pretty big guy however I feel like he may be able to handle the conditions a bit better than either behemoth 1 Alan and behemoth 2 Ben.

Prediction: He is a hard man to pin down I will say pre merge for now. This video did not seem to show much in terms of strategical nous. His aforementioned flexibility could mean he brings forth a three bromigos type game. Just depends on whether he can find his amigos/amigas.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: He’s going to be the best outdoors-man this season.

I expect Cole to team up with Joe in an alpha male alliance. Too many early losses could cut his game short later.

Prediction: Post-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: At first glance she made me miss Cydney GIllon! (Posh Spice, definitely, in a black Gucci Dress)

Hello, HOT DOC alert!! Desi seems way out of her element, but this is where the fun begins. Desi gets to show off her assets. In more ways than one it seems, she’s ready to flirt! Nice lady, but I think she’s going early 🙁

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Has American Survivor always this attractive it’s like the fricken bold and the beautiful.

Desi is a professor and teaches leadership this instantly scares me and gives me a red flag. Can she tone that down for Survivor. She also talks about flirting in the game and like she says I think she needs to walk on egg shells if she is looking to do this. If you see those like Alexis Maxwell before her the transparent flirt can often be put into trouble. It is good she seems aware of this. She’s terrified as well. It screams she is dear in the headlights. While her personality and soothing attitude screams to me she is a contender what she is saying scares me.

Prediction: Sorry Desi it was more what you were saying then your personality.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: She says that she’s scared. Will she be this season’s J’Tia?

She seems to be way out of her comfort level and could be a factor in the many early losses I’m expecting from the Healers tribe.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: I feel like Joe was rapping in his bio. It was glorious. (A mix of Scary and Ginger Spice, aka Very Spicy!)

Though assertive, I mean look at what he does for a job, I think he’ll be a real sweet-talker among the tribe. This will help him be able to manipulate others. He’ll know what to say and how to say it to different people and adapt well. Joe will be an asset in challenges so they’ll want to keep him around early on, especially against the power hungry Heroes tribe. We’ll just have to hope he doesn’t go too hard, too fast early on and piss anyone off. An odd pair, but I would love to see him and Mike run this thing!

Prediction: Post-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: As I’m sure has been well documented (edit: it has) Tony’s twin??? Also what’s with all the Joes all of a sudden. Up until season 30 we only had Dowdle now we have a two timer and two other Joes.

One way for Survivor producers to get me excited is any casting similar to the gold mine of Tony Vlachos. Even only lasting two tribal’s last season he delivered. Joe I am unsure whether he will be another Tony or not. All signs point to yes . . . Somewhat works in law and enforcement and has a 10 month old daughter (that girl needs that pink chandelier). I may just be super excited as Joe gave me a follow on Twitter and I can only hope his Twitter game is as good as Tony’s. OMG now I need to be less bias. I am sure Joe will be his own person (stay calm). It does worry me  a little that Joe states he learned how to swim for the show. On a season with a lifeguard an Olympian swimmer that could be worrying for Joe. We’ll see if he has learned well. He is in a tough job in real life and I am sure that will give him some good reads on people from day one. As he states at the end he will need to trust somebody and need to find his Trish and Woo.

Prediction: I’m all about team TV so I’m saying top 5 baby.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Joe seems very assertive.

I expect him to run the majority alliance on his tribe. But on a tribe that loses a lot, will that mean anything?

Prediction: Post-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: This is not Grey’s Anatomy… (Hardest one of all, but there’s definitely some Scary in there. and also Posh. Potential to bring up manta rays)

Dear real world, this is what an actual doctor looks like. I like Mike! I think he has a world of knowledge to bring, but I’m not sure if it will correlate with Survivor. He seems friendly enough, but I hope he doesn’t talk about Ethan the whole time on the beach. That was pretty much half of his bio video! Of course, early losses may affect Mike’s time in the game. And he seems to talk a bit too much which may also hurt him as ‘the old guy who won’t shut up’. Sadly, I don’t see Mike lasting past the first few weeks.

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Give him some costume work and I reckon he could work at Gringotts

Survivor has had a recent strike rate with picking players who seem out depth only to prove everyone wrong. I am putting Mike in this category much like (sorry another Millennials vs Gen X reference) David Wright. While the outward appearance of awkward doctor type Mike seems to have a humour about him that endears me. He knows how to tell a story so I’m sure he is bound to entertain. He obviously knows the game but I think he underestimates the fact younger people can watch a lot of Survivor. This is a little worrying all though might not bite him in the but as this season doesn’t actually seem to have that many Superfans that I’m noticing. I really hope he goes well and his humour endears me.

Prediction: If he takes the David Wright turns I think he ends up in a similar spot.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Survivor’s first pee-pee doctor!

He says his wife says he has verbal diarrhea. Verbal diarrhea will NOT win Survivor, ever.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Hate to love, or love to hate? (Totally a Posh Spice, unlikely to turn down David Beckham)

Sophie Clarke vibes, friends with Max and Corrine, initially I was on the fence about Roark. But I loved her video! Confident, sassy and blunt, I’m not sure if she’ll win people over with her personality. I would LIVE to see her correcting people on her tribe, it’d be hilarious and c’mon, we’d all be thinking the same way. Roark is definitely not a dumb gal, and will probably gravitate towards the likes of Dr Mike, Desi and even Cole. I can totally see her not getting along with sweet heart Jessica Johnson, and at the same time correcting her. Roark is gonna be FUN!

Prediction: Final 3.

SIMON:
Initial reaction: she kinda looks like Mary Lynn Rajskub from 24 no???

OK I heard a little bit about her before watching this video so hopefully that has not influenced this but the way she speaks reminds me of Sophie. Her voice is not exactly brimming with warmth all though her outside appearance the yellow and her odd smile suggest otherwise. I could actually imagine her being similar to Sophie and having a late game break down like the way she talks about her work with children. She is goal oriented so she is in charge. While being bossy is generally a bad thing in Survivor I think maybe this can be helped if she find people to be loyal to her from the beginning. This may actually suit the tribe she is on as I can imagine a lot of them not really minding following her (Maybe not so much Joe). And woah the freaking frog analogy gees that was dark.

Prediction: It’s hard to get passed those Sophie vibes that scream she’s a late gamer despite some obvious red flags.  I think she will join my final 5. All though I cannot imagine both her and Joe making it even though I’ll put them there for now.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Perfect score on her SAT’s = annoying know it all.

She could be a sacrificial lamb on a tribe that will be hurting for wins.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: “She’s a beautiful, wonderful, perfect all-American… GURRRLLL!” Thanks Carrie Underwood. (How can she not be Baby Spice!!)

Jessica looks like a totally sweetheart, and I’m wondering what she’s doing on a show like this. I don’t want her to get hurt!! Haha. She could end up going pretty far like Jefra did in Cagayan, so I don’t want to count her out just yet. I have a feeling I’ll be liking Jessica, but losing her too early. Also, she’ll probably grab Cole’s attention; who can blame him?!

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Wholesome southern belle?

Wow managed to pick that one out just from the photo. I love the look of Jessica in this video. As a Christian she’s reminding me of other nice Christian players on this show like Natalie White and since I’m already going full Millennials vs Gen X on you Michelle Schubert. It is the later I am seeing more of in in Jessica. It sounds like she is a bit of a weirdo much like Michelle and her love for dragons. One can only hope she brings her reunion dress A Game like Michelle did. She says she is emotional which can be a red flag or a way of bonding with other players who can empathise. I’m not sure she’ll be finding that in Ashley but there are others who seem nice. She also sounds ready to pull some big moves like Michelle did with her move against Mari. She sounds like she is ready for the Survivor experience and that kind of player can find idols.

Prediction: She may be a ridiculous flame out but I am picking she’ll get pretty far.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Jessica seems too eager to suffer.

I expect the Healers tribe to lose often. Jessica could be a casualty of those losses.

Prediction: Pre-merge

HUSTLERS – YAWA TRIBE

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Oh sweet Jesus, she brings up tampons in her bio! Clearly this is from her Survivor application, (Ohh, major Scary Spice vibes, she would be a riot to hang with!)

She pretty much hates living in LA due to the hustle and bustle, but I do wonder if she can handle being bored on island. I think she’ll actually be great socially and will be in the majority alliance of this tribe. She’s used to being on the go so will thrive on the hustling and discussions and fair well in challenges. Seriously, the YouTube sensation she works for better promote the shit out of her right now! Would love to see Ali make it deep into the game.

Prediction: Final 3

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Funny name real tongue twister… Simon’s survivor crush radar is ticking.

Ali from her video sounds like she plays urban Survivor everyday being everything she needs to be for Glozelle, (is that how I spell it?). This world requires her to be adaptable which bodes well for real life Survivor. I’m sure there will be a lot more difficult people to work with on the island for her though. She is saying all the right stuff about interacting with people from lots of different backgrounds at school but they are obviously similarly minded. How would she interact with people not educated, or people with a lot more confronting attitudes like Survivor will bring. She sounds like she wants to play a middle of the road game and I see a lot of Michele Fitzgerald in her. I remember speaking about how much I thought Michele was going to be the winner pre season Kaoh Rong only to pick Jason and end up with egg on my face. Will I make this mistake twice… I don’t know but the way I see it I think it will Ali’s social game which will lay down her foundation for the win.

Prediction: Could definitely be an end gamer…maybe my winner pick…

BILLY:
Initial reaction: I’m hoping Ali lasts a while so that we can see her big personality emerge.

She should be a number in the Hustler’s tribe majority alliance.

Prediction: Jury

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Reminds me of Crush (sea turtle) from Finding Nemo. (Sporty Spice’s younger brother tbh)

The big question is, does Devon have a big enough six pack for Simone to care? Devon is a chilled out, nice guy, I already like him! The Hustlers for sure will rely on him to help carry them through challenges, and I doubt he will go home early. He should be able to mix in well with the other Hustlers and in a tribe swap as everyone else is his age and like-minded. Wonder if he and Cole will get to work together. In saying that, I hope he does align with someone who others wouldn’t see coming, like Lauren. Expecting this dude to coast through to the merge!

Prediction: Jury

SIMON:
Initial reaction: I feel like this is the evolution of the Ozzy type to the Jay type.

Pre-Millennials vs Gen X I said Jay was an Ozzy type. It turns out Jays more out going laid back attitude and out became a type of it’s own. Upon initial impression I saw him as more of a Jay. And after watching the video it confirms that. While Ozzy may take himself seriously I don’t think Devon does too much. He seems fairly laid back and chill though that one transition in the video where his has tongue out and fingers in the air just screams Jay’s Snapchat to me (for those who haven’t seen that it’s a marvel). The one thing I do not know whether I see in this video is whether he can pull off the big move like Jay blindsiding Michaela. He doesn’t show that much to suggest so in his video but maybe we’ll just have to wait and see. After all I am pretty sure most the fan-base was blindsided by liking Jay so much in his season.

Prediction: Hmm meeeerge boooot?

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Happy-go-lucky dude. What’s not to like?

He’s strong and very at home in the outdoors. He should be a part of an alliance moving forward.

Prediction: Jury

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Denise Martin 2.0, but can she go the distance? (Sporty Spice all the way, she’ll be the sole provider just like Mel C was the sole best singer!)

Classic look for a first boot, but will she be? It’s so hard to tell these days. Pre-season, I don’t think anyone thought Sunday would make the jury in MvGX, or even Susie to make the final 3 in Gabon. Unfortunately, the Hustlers tribe (man will they need to hustle), look the weakest on face value. Let’s just hope the first few challenges aren’t ALL strength based for Lauren’s sake! Either a first boot or pre-merge for me. But I would love someone like Lauren to make it far, she’s a fisher woman for goodness sake! Keep the provider. It’ll be interesting to see who she aligns with in the first episode. There don’t seem to be many on this tribe who look like they’d be ‘hard workers’ around camp, perhaps Devon?

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial impression: Oh dear she seems to stand out for the wrong reasons

She’s a commercial fisherman in a hard worker job OK that’s pretty hustler in this sense but I get the feeling Lauren stands out in her group. She actually reminds me a bit of Denise (Survivor China) but that will mean she will need to rely on this tribes Todd (closest to that seems to be Ryan). I like Lauren she seems nice but its not looking good when she’s on a tribe of younglings and she describes herself as stubborn. She actually seems like she could be a character but I just feel like she wouldn’t have mixed with many of the types on her tribe before. She would suit being on a tribe more with the older players and maybe someone like Ben unfortunately.

Prediction: I had to pick someone for it. Lauren gets the first boot treatment sorry Lauren 🙁

BILLY:
Initial reaction: As a fisherman, Lauren should be the food provider for her tribe.

She should be an advantage for her tribe with her fishing skills, but her age could counter that advantage. Lauren is the hardest to predict.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: Burns easy. (Ginger Spice is too easy, so I’m guessing he’s a little bit of a snobby Posh)

He seems like a guy who will be kinda quiet and keep to himself a bit. He also doesn’t seem to speak very well in front of the camera. A little bland and he says he’s most like Joe Anglim (vom), so he’s already near the bottom of my list. Middle of the road player who may just get burned before the merge. I do like how his hero is his dad, something I can relate to, I’ll give him that.

Prediction: Pre-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Sure we’ve had Cochran and Matt Bischoff and Chris Hammons but have we had someone this ginger.

This dude is more burnt than anyone I’ve seen on Survivor. Maybe it is just a lot more noticeable. He’ll need to keep out of that sun. Sounds like he is pretty determined but I cannot really liken him to anyone on Survivor, or what his character type is. Patrick seems to be an anomaly for me. While he says not talking may hinder him it may also bring people toward him and trust him as he is less likely to strategise.

Prediction: Don’t have much of a read I can see him being trusted and brought into a group.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: Seems narcissistic.

Overall thoughts: On a tribe that will have a lot of game play he could become the odd man out.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: See Billy’s initial reaction below. (OK so hints of Ginger Spice when she left the Spice Girls, I think he’ll dog anyone he can to get further in the game, and also Posh Spice for thinking he’ll be better than the rest, when clearly he’s wrong).

Super Fan alert! OK, I LOVE a good nerd, and I normally root for them. But this guy is OTT nerd and bordering Steve Urkle weirdness. He’s wearing a freakin’ turtle neck and that alone wigs me out. He says he has enough smarts to work this game and do well in challenges; maybe puzzles! I fear he will be seen as too much of a strategic threat, because it will show. For sure!! He knows his plan going into the game though, so we’ll see if it pans out!

Prediction: Post-merge

SIMON:
Initial reaction: The clear Survivor Superfan

On a season that does not exactly look to be filled with those who know all about Survivor this Superfandom of his actually may not be a hindrance. In fact he seems social enough to really have an impact on this game. It seems like he is someone who thrives on social interaction, which can only be a good thing of someone of his stature. His ability to be clear on his ideas will also make him a threatening strategist to have in an alliance. This is a good aspect of being articulate. Ryan speaks well about being average enough in all aspects of Survivor something I think bodes well for the game. Re: with Lauren being like Denise from Survivor China I am unsure whether Ryan will fit in with being the Todd (unfortunately for her). He knows when and when not to be in power. Hopefully he makes it to his loved one visit.

Prediction: As a gamer in a season of maybe not as many I can see Ryan making it far all though I can also see people being scorned by him.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: There’s only one Cochran. Sorry.

He is small. That could hurt him with the Hustler tribe.

Prediction: Pre-merge

LYNDZ:
Initial reaction: My Asian Sensation for the season! (Definitely Posh Spice; especially in Spice World with all that judgemental sass. And throw in some Ginger; Girl Power – Equalisation between the sexes!)

This gal is a true blue Survivor fan and if you haven’t seen the shade she’s thrown at past season contestants, you should (ala Twitter). I do appreciate the sass and I am just hoping she will finally do Asian women justice on the show. Sure we’ve had Peih-Gee, Mari, Rachel (Ako) of late, and don’t even get me started on Becky (Lee), but no one has even come close to the original Asian Sensation, Shii-Ann Huang!! I’m a bit concerned for Simone’s resting-bitch-face-I’ll-kill-you-first look, though I just can’t help think she’ll bring the goods this season. On a tribe that doesn’t look aesthetically strong, I truly believe this girl can whoop some strategic ass. The viewers are either gonna love or hate her.

Prediction: Jury

SIMON:
Initial reaction: Phew not quite a Survivor Simon just yet.

She is very similar to Roark in what she is saying with habits of bossiness and “Constructive confrontation.” I am not seeing the same kind of charm exude from her though unfortunately. I do not see people following a Simone like I do with Roark. She seems confident that she can interact with two groups but we’ll have to wait. Using information as a weapon can only happen to a certain extent if people don’t trust you they won’t give you that information to fracture groups. Where as Roark seems like she can be subtle I don’t think I see that same quality in Simone. Love her sound bites though so she will be entertaining.

Prediction: Sorry Lynda but your Asian sensation I think will be a premerge.

BILLY:
Initial reaction: She’s a New Yorker. Ok, I’m rooting for her.

I’m predicting Simone to be this season’s top villain. She may flip on her alliance at some point.

Prediction: Jury

Blog by Lynda Olson. Guest writers; Simon Knyvett and Billy Garcia.

ALL IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT CBS. THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND ALL VIEWS ARE MY OWN.