Sunday, September 22, 2013

Survivor Blood vs Water Episode 1 Recap: Twists Aplenty

For this weeks blog post I will breakdown a few key talking points from what looks to be a highly unpredictable and intriguing season 27. Let's jump right in!

1. Vytas is for real

Vytas Baskauskas sits on the beach during episode 1 of survivor blood vs water
No one appears more prepared from day 1
From what I have seen, there is no loved one more suited to win than Vytas.  He carries many of Aras's attributes while appearing as much less a threat.  He is both likable and fit, and has mental toughness to withstand the elements.  We saw him share his drug-addict past with Brad and Ciera - A great example of him opening up to others in order to build trust.  In another very smart move, Vytas agreed to go along with Brad's "man alliance," while also confiding and connecting with the women of the tribe.  He appears to have no enemies, which will pay off big later.

2. This could be Tyson's shot at success

Tyson strikes a happy medium between a threat and weakling.  He's tied for second most experienced with Candice and Tina, but he's never been very successful. Think about it. He's played with such greats as Coach, Parvati, Boston Rob, and Stephen Fishbach (Yes, I do consider him a great).  His tribe already loves him for his ability to make fire. He is very well suited to succeed, especially if the returning players are up numbers at the merge.

3. Brad's game lacks subtlety
Brad Culpepper counts in a confessional during episode 1 of survivor blood vs water



Brad's strategy is remarkably similar to that of Jeremy's this season of Big Brother: All the guys in an alliance to the end.  Just like in Big Brother, this alliance will not last.  Brad is simply enlarging an already huge target on his back. I don't expect him to make the merge.

4. Gervase is the same old guy

Gervase was known in Borneo for needed help to swim, not working hard, and being lovable and sociable. Nothing has changed, other than that he is perhaps less athletic. This could actually work in his favor on a returning players season - that is if he doesn't continue holding his team down in challenges. Luckily, as of now it seems Laura Boneham will be the first voted out of galang, giving Gervase some time to form bonds with his tribemates. Life could be tough for him after the merge though, due to his cockiness in the first challenge.

rupert boneham on redemption island on episode 1 of survivor blood vs water
Sadly, We may not be seeing Rupert for much longer this season
For this season, I will try to keep an updated "Power Rankings" list - This list ranks players based on the strength of their strategic position at the end of the current episode.

Power Rankings Through Episode 1:

Galang:
1. Tyson
2. Kat
3. Tina
4. Aras
5. Monica
6. Colton
7. Gervase
8. Laura Morett
9. Laura Boneham
john cody cries after leaving candice on episode 1 of survivor blood vs water
Friendly and Low-Key John sits at #3 on Tadhana

Tadhana:
1. Vytas
2. Caleb
3. John
4. Hayden
5. Brad
6. Ciera
7. Rachel
8. Katie