The show that started the reality tv craze 10 plus years ago, Survivor, continues to surprise in its latest cycle. By bringing back a bunch of favorite former competitors for this season’s “Heroes v. Villains” round, the Emmy winning show has grabbed its most buzz in years, and deservedly so. It also remains a ratings powerhouse. Remember this was the first show to beat Friends in the ratings back in the day and has held control of the Thursday at 8 timeslot ever since that beloved sitcom left the air. With memorable “characters” returning like Boston Rob, Coach and Cirie, blindsides left and right, intense challenges and more strategic playing than ever, this is arguably the best season since the first in Borneo. Not only do you have the most vile villain ever Russell working his magic (sorry Richard Hatch, you’ve been replaced), but you have flirty Parvati manipulating her way to the top, setting the two up for what could be an incredibly exciting final tribal council if they make it there. Standing in their way is the hilarious and tart tounged Sandra, newly spiritual villan Jerri and the lone hero left Colby who has been nothing short of an embarrassment all season. In fact, his lackluster performance is just one more surprising turn that had former fan favorite heroes becoming incredibly annoying like Rupert, behaving like morons ala JT, or morphing into the biggest bastards the show has ever seen. Yes, I’m talking about you and your ’roid rage James! All I know is I’m expecting some fireworks this Sunday night (5/16) when the finale airs at 8pm on CBS. Let’s take a closer look at the final five and my take on how they might finish the show…
Colby~ the only good guy left on the show has been a bore, performed incredibly poorly in challenges and is a shadow of his former glorious self in Australia. Unless he is miraculously brought to the finals by one of the villains, he has no shot.
Jerri~ the man-eater from Australia has matured over the years and seems to be a bouncing pawn between Russell and Parvati. She’s been amping up her play the past few weeks and if she were to land at the end with Russell, she might be the lesser of two evils and grab the prize.
Russell~ the most hateful gross player ever (yes, even worse than Johnny Fairplay too), Russell has played fast and hard all season. He lies like no other, manipulates and has a weird pull over his competitors. He’s also a giant unlikable jerk with an ego the size of Kentucky. He won’t win, but he could make the final two as the other contestants would want to go against someone no one would want to vote for.
Sandra~ she won in Pearl Islands and has been a strategic force here. Somewhat under the radar at first, Sandra has stepped to the forefront in the last few weeks and makes great arguments. She’s also likable in a feisty, ferocious way. She’s definitely a threat to win.
Parvati~ another former winner, this master manipulator has played the game incredibly well all season. Working her magic with immunity idols, lording her power over Russell without him knowing it, and adept at the challenges, she is the most deserving winner and I think the one who will ultimately take it again if she lands in the final two…
Here’s my rankings of the final five:
1. Parvati
2. Sandra
3. Jerri
4. Russell
5. Colby
So, just who do you think will win and who’s your favorite? Let me know below and watch the finale this Sunday!
