Survivor

There have been various points this season on Survivor: China when it looked like the tide was about to turn, the power was poised to shift, but it hasn't.  Todd, Amanda and to a lesser extent James have been running the show for most of the season and no one has really challenged them.  Thursday's episode is really the last chance for another alliance to show up and take this season by the throat.  However, I doubt this will happen because I've see no indication that the bottom of the rung players have any interest in rising up and forming an alliance.  I'm not sure if most of the players even know that Todd and Amanda are dominating the game. 

#8 – Erik Huffman

Erik is probably dreaming about getting voted off so he can hang out with Jaime in comfort for a couple weeks.  He appears to have interest in making alliances or making plays or doing much of anything.  If he can join up with PG, Frosti, and Courtney he may have a chance to go somewhere.  But, that's doubtful.


#7 - Peih-Gee Law

We know Peih-Gee is going to keep trying to figure out a way to stick around until she is, in fact, voted off.  So, give Ms. Law and A for effort.  Unfortunately, unless she can convince Denise and Courtney to flip, she's out of luck.  Frosti seems to be have left Peih-Gee out in the cold which, while probably a good decision, denies the possibility of a major shake-up in the near future.


#6 - Courtney Yates

It looks like Courtney and Frosti get close next episode.  This won't have a huge impact on the game the two decide to go back and side with Peih-Gee and Erik.  It could happen – Courtney has not been keen on sticking with Todd and Amanda.  However, she's going to be pleased with everyone for voting off Jean-Robert, so we may witness a brand new, happier Courtney on Thursday. 
 

#5 – Denise Martin

The most embarrassing moment of last Thursday's Survivor episode was at tribal council when it became clear that Denise had no idea what was going on in camp.  Neither side clued her in on what was going on.  Could not have been a good feeling for the lunch lady.  Denise doesn't have many options left.  If I were her, I'd flip on Todd and Amanda just for the hell of it.


#4 – Michael 'Frosti' Zernow

Frosti is in a better position than people realize.  He discussed it last week, but it needs reiterating – becoming known as the swing vote is a powerful position.  If he can keep that title and stay on good terms with both sides, Frosti just might sneak his way into the final four.  Once there, who knows what can happen?  At th very least, we'll get some big time challenge battles between him and James.


#3 – Todd Herzog

Todd's idea to blind side James last week was a good one.  In retrospect, he should have gone through with it.  I understand why he didn't – if James catches wind of the ploy and uses his idol, anything could happen.  But, I'm surprised Todd didn't at least force James to burn one of his idols by placing more doubt in his mind going into tribal council.  Now, if James indeed keeps both idols, all of Todd's scheming and puppetry may be for naught.


#2 – Amanda Kimmel

Amanda needs to be most concerned with getting James, Frosti and Todd voted out before the final two.  This may seem like a tall task, but it's doable.  I almost think Amanda is a lock for the final four.  Unless the other tribe members rise up and take down her and Todd, Amanda isn't going to be viewed as a threat as long as Frosti, James and Todd are around in her alliance.  Amanda seems smart enough to know that she wants to be in the final three with Todd and someone weaker than her (Courtney is probably ideal).  So, getting rid of Frosti and James sometime over the next five tribal councils if her major task.  If she can accomplish it, a million dollars should be hers.


#1 – James Clement

I've made James number one this week.  It's not because of his strategery.  James has two immunity idols and the ability to win a bunch of immunity challenges.  It's possible for James to make the final three without spending one tribal council in any danger.  However, it feels like the Survivor producers have steered away from creating purely physical challenges.  Still, I've got to think that James will win a couple of challenges down the stretch. 


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