Last week, I tied Gordon Holmes with 17 points, beating out Andrea with 15. This week, I'm taking big risks that will either put me behind or drive me to a strong lead (not that I'm actually allowed to play- I'm an Armchair Ranker.)
My new strategy is to keep track of who gets actual airtime, how often, and try to build a ranking from that. Which would mean that Stacey is... totally safe? Which seems to go against all logic. But you have to figure that if someone gets lots of airtime, they are either going soon, or going all the way. It's rare that a player gets no air time right before they get booted, but it does happen maybe twice a season. So is Stacey one of those rare occasions? Could be. Taking a chance. My rankings:
1. Keith showed that he is both thinking, and thinking ahead. It doesn't hurt that he is strong and fit. I think his chances of going all the way are phenomenal. Provided he stays under the radar after merge.
 2. Albert is strong and playing a good game so far, putting himself out there in support of Coach just a little, but not too much.  3. Whitney. Pretty, quiet, playing it safe (and no camera confessional time that I can recall).  4. Found his idol, and seems to be in charge on his team. Go Ozzy.  5. Looked like Coach was going to be in trouble at the beginning, but has he bounced back? He looked pretty secure at Tribal Council. And let's not forget, he rates loyalty almost as important as strength. This might not bode well for loyal-but-weak Edna.  6. Brandon's pick to go home. Isn't it ironic that Brandon claims he would never let a pretty girl get in the way of bringing his family a million dollars, and yet, his gunning for Mikayla caused him to betray his alliance? Hmm. Coach's desire to keep Mikayla over Brandon's protests might bode well for her.  7. Rick, the strong, quiet cowboy. I'm not sure he's in Coach's alliance as much as people think he is. He seemed fairly out of the loop, which might mean trouble for Rick down the road.  8. It's a new Dawn. After my early misgivings and Dawn's early breakdown, I had my doubts. But she has bounced back with a new attitude, and a friendly approach. Maybe Gordon was right. Dawn could go far.  9. Not much going on with Elyse. We hardly know her. I think that means she is safe for now.  10. As disturbing as it was that he gave himself the nickname of Papa Bear in ep 1, we didn't see enough Mark in ep 2 to think he's homeward bound.  11. The man is outspoken, annoying, rude, and he thinks all too highly of himself. This formula has worked for some Survivors in the past. I hope it backfires on Jim.  12. Edna. Last week, she had airtime and gained the unenviable distinction of being on a "need to know basis" with Coach. It could mean an early exit.  13. I think people are giving Sophie far too much credit as being in with a strong alliance. She hasn't shone in challenges, and she doesn't seem to be a star at camp, either. I can't see her lasting.  14. After last week, Stacey should be the obvious choice to go next on her tribe. But yet, I get the feeling we haven't seen the end of Stacey. We've barely seen Stacey, actually, aside from her connection to the ill-fated Christine. This might buy her a few weeks. I think she might be effective at scrambling for a new game plan.  15. Sure, he's lovable in his own way, and potentially useful to Ozzy's long-term strategy. Does this make him safe? I'm not so sure.  16. Hantz. Need I say more? After flaunting his alliance betrayal at last week's TC, a smart Coach might be gunning to be rid of the disloyal creep. I know, I know. It doesn't look likely. But I am ever hopeful (and taking a good lead if I am right). Redemption Island Bonus: I'm going against Andrea and Gordon for the simple joy of bucking the trend and saying that Semhar will beat Christine at the RI challenge. Her beat will go on. |
