The merge is here, which means it's time for our first ever tribe-integrated power rankings.  Survivor: China has been one of the better seasons in recent memory (I think most fans would agree) and, really, things are just getting started.  The best part of any Survivor season happens after the merge and the individual immunity challenges arrive.  Alliances are broken, people are back-stabbed, and tribal councils become great theater – for example, last week.  I fully expect these power ranking to change dramatically next week, given how important Thursday's episode is. 

#9 - Erik Huffman

With flirting partner Jaime gone, Erik is alone and unmotivated.  He hasn't really seemed motivated all season, and now I can't see him doing much of anything.  He might not go home this week if the rest of the tribe decides not to consider him a threat, but he'll be voted out soon enough.  Peih-Gee is Erik's only ally, and she'll won't hesitate to drop his ass if it means she stays in the game longer.

#8 - Jean-Robert Bellande

Everyone is still annoyed with Bellande around camp, but they all continue to endure him nonetheless.  You'd think his tribe members would come to the breaking point eventually, but it just hasn't happened yet.  Courtney is going to continue pushing for Bellande to be sent home, which will either finally convince the rest of the tribe to go through with it or motivate them to send Courtney away. 

#7 - Peih-Gee Law

Peih-Gee, to her credit, seems flexible.  She's going to do everything she can to stay alive in the game.  Unfortunately, she doesn't have many strong allies.  It's still kind of vague where Frosti's loyalties lie, but I don't think they're with Peih-Gee.  If Peih-Gee can jump on a mistake by Todd this week, she could really shake up the game.  If she can't, she'll be one of the first players targeted at tribal council.

#6 - Courtney Yates

If you're Todd and Amanda, you just have to live with Courtney's unpredictability.  She voted with them last week, despite a lot of talk to the contrary.  Maybe she's going to align with Frosti, maybe she's going to keep pissing people off with her campaign against Jean-Robert, maybe she'll just disappear thanks to malnutrition.  I have no idea.  I wouldn't put it past her to align with Peih-Gee, Frosti and Erik.  She's a wild card.

#5 - Denise Martin

Denise is the most silent castaway this season, and this “not rocking the boat” demeanor will be integral in propelling her deep in the game.  She and James have a strong bond, and that could either really help or really hurt her, depending on whether James gets back-doored in the near future. 

See Power Rankings #4 through #1


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of CBS)