Friday, June 7, 2013

Blood vs. Water (Rumored) Cast Breakdown: Rupert Boneham

With the finale of Caramoan far behind us, it's now time to look ahead to one of the most radical twists put into the Survivor format. I am talking about the ominous Season 27: Blood vs. Water. Details have been leaking out since the finale, and no information has been confirmed by the show. Nevertheless, let me break down the rumored cast. We'll begin with an all time great.

Rupert Boneham 


Maybe he plays the non-threat card to advance in the game?
The winner of America's Tribal Council will be playing for a whopping 4th time if he is indeed on this season.  The interesting thing to note with Rupert is that even though he is not regarded as a strategic player, he has finished 4th and 6th in his two all-star seasons. This is quite a feat given the stiff competition he faced in seasons 1 and 8.  


Rupert began his journey in the Pearl Islands, where he led the Drake tribe to early challenge success. He was an excellent spear fisherman, providing food and offering complete tribe loyalty. He entered the merge in a strong alliance, but got blindsided by the tribe because of his challenge ability and likability. He would have won the jury vote, and they know it.



In All-Stars, Rupert joined with Borneo player Jenna Lewis to form an alliance within the Sabogo tribe. At the merge, the two were the sole survivors from their tribe and they joined up with Boston Rob's Chapera alliance. Rupert stood strong with Rob, but they had to cut Rupert loose at 4th place.

In Heroes vs. Villans, Rupert was challenged from day 1 when he broke his toe. Regardless, he contributed in challenges and endeared himself to the Heroes alliance. With Parvati's double idol blindside of J.T., the Heroes alliance was down in numbers to Russell and the Villans. Seen as less threatening than J.T., Amanda, or Danielle, Rupert slid through to sixth place.

"I've tried to show that good will win"
How will he do this time? Well, he may not be the challenge beast he was during Pearl Islands.  Although he was hurt in season 20, he didn't seem to be a threat to younger players. He will, however, be well-liked in his tribe and contribute around camp as always. As long as Rupert doesn't ruffle any feathers or appear to be scheming, he will make the merge. His fatal flow is loyalty. Once in an alliance, he is reluctant to leave it unless he has to.  I hope, for the fans sake, that he stays around to entertain us.

By the way: he's rumored to be playing with his wife Laura, who has appeared on All Stars.