This Thursday's episode of
Survivor: China is very, very important. With Fei Long remaining at seven members for the third straight week, this time with two new members, it will be interesting to see how those new members mesh. If some significant alliances are produced and Peih-Gee and Jaime throw the next challenge, the seven Fei Long members could become the final seven members of
Survivor: China. This is assuming, of course, that the original Zhan Hu members turn on Jaime, Peih-Gee and Erik. Might not happen, but it's certainly possible.
#7 - Jean-Robert Bellande
Maybe I was observing Fei Long poorly, maybe I irrationally liked Jean-Robert because of his poker playing, but last episode it became clear that Bellande is not well-liked among his tribe. Everyone talks down about him, even when he's being reasonable, a sure sign that the other castaways have given up hope of ever being on good terms with Bellande. I still kind of like him, and if both he and James manage to make it to the merge, which is a huge long shot, he could be dangerous. Otherwise, I see little hope.
#6 - Courtney Yates
Courtney kills Fei Long in the physical challenges. However, if she makes it to the merge, she won't be considered much of a threat, and therefore could be dragged along to the final vote. Unfortunately, she has no hope of winning the final vote, due to her lack of strategy and poor challenge abilities.
#5 - Sherea Lloyd
I have to believe that if Sherea got on people's nerves at Zhan Hu, she'll get on people's nerves over at Fei Long. If James somehow leads Zhan Hu to immunity victory this week, Sherea could very well be in danger, unless everyone bullies up on Jean-Robert, or decides that Frosti is a big threat. Sherea could go far if Jaime and Peih-Gee's ploy works and the merge happens at 10 and she remains loyal to the original Zhan Hu. A lot of ifs there.
#4 - Denise Martin
The lunch lady gives it her all during challenges and people seem to like her. She has no true alliance, so I can't see her getting to the final vote, but she's a for sure jury member.
#3 - Michael 'Frosti' Zernow
Frosti is one of two new Fei Long members and his long-term survival may be wholly dependent upon him forging new relationships within Fei Long. Everyone knows how good he is at the challenges, so he may be targeted if they lose Thursday's immunity. However, if he makes it to the merge with some solid relationships, he'll be a favorite to win the whole thing.
#2 - Todd Herzog / #1 - Amanda Kimmel
These top two spots hinge on whether or not Peih-Gee and Jaime's diabolical plan comes to fruition. If it goes exactly as planned, Todd and Amanda will be in trouble. If not, I like Todd and Amanda's chances to make at least the final three. It hurts them that Aaron is gone, but if they don't allow his departure to get them down or switch allegiances, they could fly under the radar the rest of the way.
-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of CBS)