In just a few short weeks, Survivor will return with a new location and new crop of contestants, vying for that million dollar grand prize.  This year, the show heads to Gabon, Africa, which they also call "Earth's last Eden".  It is only the second time that they've headed to African to film, usually settling on tropical paradises with vast beaches instead.  There will be no beaches this time, no palm trees, no caves to use for shelter.  These contestants truly will rough it, facing harsh weather conditions and dangerous animals.  CBS released this season's cast list in late August but with new videos up on their website, we're learning a little more about the people that will be competing on the show.  Today, we take a closer look at Michelle, Ken, and Ace.

Michelle is a 24 year old music production assistant from Los Angeles but there's a lot more to this beauty than meets the eye.  "The best way to describe me is complex," she says on her introduction video.  "I have a tendency, when I feel threatened or attacked, to attack right back and defend myself no matter what and I think in this situation, I have to learn how to use being attacked or being threatened as a victim card and kind of playing that up."  She feels that her background in boxing may come in handy in some physical challenges, which will most likely catch her competitors off guard.

Ken, a 22 year old from California, definitely wins the award for coolest job this season.  Back home in Westminster, he's a professional video game player.  Ken is a smart individual, possessing great analytical skills that could help him in the game but he also comes across as a bit socially awkward.  He'll definitely need friends and a strong alliance to get ahead this season.  "I am the underdog coming into this," he admits.  "People are going to understimate me."  At least he has self-awareness!

With a name like Ace, people are going to expect that you came to play hard and win this thing.  This Ace, however, may be facing a few obstacles.  For one, he talks more about his great sense of humor than his physical ability (though he seems to be in good shape).  Then, there's this assessment of himself: "I think everybody's going to make me into the villain.  I think everybody's going to be like, 'Oh you're the arrogant bastard'."  The best word that he can use to describe himself: different.  That doesn't leave anybody feeling too hopeful for him to win that million.

Stay tuned for details on more Survivor: Gabon contestants as we gear up for the September 25th premiere on CBS!



- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: CBS
(Image courtesy of CBS)