Survivor: China, Ranking the Survivors – The Top 11

1. Todd (3): Todd is still in a strong position despite losing a key member of his alliance. He is adaptable enough to recognize the importance of luring Sherea and Frosti into his circle, however remote that possibility may seem. From previews, it seems he’s much closer to finding the immunity idol, and I think he has the brains to obtain it and keep it for himself. Todd is a player, yet everyone likes him. I still think this game will be won by him or Amanda.

2. Amanda (1): If any feelings were present with Aaron, Amanda will be set free to play the game without that interference. I think she’s smart enough to rebound well, and recognize that she must really solidify with Courtney and Denise. Jean-Robert is a wild card, so Todmanda needs a more reliable fifth. Amanda’s position is still strengthened because of her ties to Todd and Fei Long’s numbers advantage, but this next episode will reveal whether she really has the power she still seems to hold.

3. Courtney (4): Courtney is in no danger for a long time. I wasn’t expecting the twist, but it has seemed that Courtney wasn’t going anywhere for a while. She is now poised to be Aaron’s replacement in Todmanda’s alliance, but she needs to make nice with everyone to garner more support. That includes Jean-Robert. Courtney is a waif of a woman, but in a position of strength.

4. Denise (6): Denise could pull off a Twila this season, except I think she’s too likeable. I expect her to stick around a long time now, because she’s not a challenge threat and her vote is desperately needed by everyone. Even if Zhan Hu dominates and flips the tables on Fei Long, Denise would be the last one to go. Denise is the only trained fisherperson and quite a workhorse, which only deepens her importance to the tribe in the absence of Aaron and James.

5. Sherea (11): Sherea’s position seems precarious, but I think she has it in her to be the turncoat against Zhan Hu. If Fei Long continues to dominate, there are greater targets, especially since Jaime and Peih-Gee have proven themselves to be the brains of Zhan Hu. Either way, I think Sherea could be in a place of security.

6. Peih-Gee (9): Peih-Gee and Jaime’s decision to throw the challenge was a very good one. Gleefully giggling in front of her duped tribemates was not. Peih-Gee is a smart player, and is not a threat to win individual immunities, so she may last a bit longer than her tribemates. I think Zhan Hu will not be able to turn the tide against so many early losses, and don’t see Peih-Gee as flexible enough to change things up as her tribe unravels around her.

7. Erik (7): Erik seems like a smart and likeable guy, but I’m concerned that he wasn’t brought into Jaime and Peih-Gee’s plan to throw the challenge. He doesn’t really seem to be playing the game, but more into the whole experience. (By experience, I mean Jaime.) Erik poses a challenge threat and his relationship with Jaime endangers him further. I’d like for the underdogs to win, but I Fei Long still has the upper hand.

8. Jaime (5): Depending on how things go, Jaime could still do very well in the game. Jaime seems too invested in Erik to turn on him if needed, and their relationship will put a target on their backs very soon. Jaime has shown strategic thinking, which will make her a target of Todmanda as soon as possible. She’s the glue to Zhan-Hu’s alliance, and I think she may go sooner than later. Yet, her move to throw the challenge was brilliant and could prove to be a game winning decision.

9. Jean-Robert (12): Jean-Robert’s position improved greatly with the switcheroo, yet his tribemates strongly dislike him. Denise is more integrated with the Todmanda alliance, and to appease her and Courtney, they’ll need to let Jean-Robert go some time soon. Yet, with Aaron’s absence and his new-found work ethic, Jean-Robert may yet ingratiate himself just enough to sneak through the next few votes.

10. Frosti (10): Frosti got bamboozled by the swap. He’s probably the first to go if Fei Long loses, and he seems to be somewhat of a floater anyway. Frosti better hope to win lots of immunity challenges, because his time may be short.

11. James (8): Tsk, tsk, James. His head is not in the game everyone else is playing and James has no chance of winning. He is totally inflexible and unable to think strategically. James’ blatant attack on the women and vocal disdain for remaining the game with them clearly makes him a target, despite the fact that he’s Hercules and the biggest threat to win individual immunities soon. Only another switch could buy him more time.

Asher Streets is a food engineer and musician who lives in Madison, WI. He has a love for all things Italian, most especially gelato, wine, espresso, and cheese. Asher appreciates your opinions too and can be reached via email: asher.streets@gmail.com.

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