Survivor: China, Ranking the Survivors – The Top 7

1. Amanda (1): Amanda is still ultimately in control of the game with absolutely nobody realizing that she’s on the fast track to winning. She’s never involved in the drama, so she gets little screen time, but Amanda is a powerful force. It was very smart of her to play in the reward challenge - if anything, to ensure that immunity doesn’t go to a person she’s targeting, but also to win jury votes for her humble game play. It’s also smart of her to court the favor of Erik, who she may need for at least a vote or two. (Don’t think for a second that she won’t cut him loose as soon as necessary, however.)

2. Todd (2): Todd is playing for second place and doesn’t realize it. If he makes the finals with Amanda, he has no hope. I’m not sure why he doesn’t realize this and try to shake something up sometime soon. Lamentably, if he does try this, he may find himself the target for suggesting such treason. Todd should have tried harder to bond with the misfits he was stuck with rather than longing for his clique after the reward challenge. His decision to eat rather than play for immunity was a little cocky, but not nearly as cocky as those who chose to eat and had already been on the reward. Speaking of...

3. Courtney (3): For a wisp of a woman, did Courtney really need to forgo the immunity challenge to eat cheeseburgers so soon after the cruise feast? She needs to make some moves to ingratiate herself with jury voters not named Frosti. On that topic, I was surprised she voted for Frosti, because up until this point she sometimes contradicted her alliance to vote with her emotions. It was probably a good move, but I still think Courtney has no hope of winning.

4. Denise (4): Denise is isolated and offended, not knowing who to trust. That makes her a perfect player to string along until just before it matters. Denise has no allies and seems incapable of rallying the outcasts or knowing when to turn against the majority. Come on, did you expect more from a woman with a mullet?

5. Erik (6): Erik may just yet pull a Danni, but he’ll need to win immunity at just the right time and work hard to oust Todd and take down Goliath (er, James). Erik plays under the radar, which is a good strategy for him. Frosti made himself threatening by openly being affectionate toward Courtney. Erik is doing a good job building relationships, but he needs to turn friendships into alliances. Most people are having a hard time doing this, and Erik is most people.

6. James (7): James may be better off than I continue to rank him, but I still think that Todmanda may turn their votes toward him while Peih-Gee or Erik are still around. They need to blindside him soon to knock out the biggest challenge threat and holder of two immunity idols. I expect them to make this move after the next vote, which is why James is ranked as low as he is. I think James is too cocky and won’t realize when the tide is turning. His vote is necessary to Todmanda for only one more round at the most.

7. Peih-Gee (8): Peih-Gee was lucky that Frosti painted a target on his back by flirting with Courtney. The only way she could turn the game around would be to get James and Denise on her side. By dictating chores, she’s eliminated this possibility. The tribe will likely vote her off next for both strategy and because she’s annoying at camp.

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.