Survivor: The Amazon - First Impressions

Although it's early in the game, some first impressions have definitely been made among the cast members of Survivor: The Amazon. Who's naughty? Who's nice? Who's nice? Who's bossy? Let's take a look at the 16 cast members and see what we can look forward to in future episodes, although that obviously doesn't apply in Ryan's case.

Jeanne - Since I picked her to win, I'm rather partial to her. So far, the Dairy Board marketing director hasn't milked her camera time ( and you were afraid of a rash of "rocket scientist" jokes). This is a good thing for now. Now some have criticized her statement that she wants to show that a married, 40-something mother of three who works full-time can be the ultimate Survivor, because that sounds just like Tina. But hey, Tina only had TWO kids, so there! Now, if only she can get one of the guys to fall into the fire.

Christy - Originally I picked her to make the final four, but now, it's looking like it'll take nothing short of a miracle for her to even make merge. It's really not her fault, because she's trying as hard as she can to fit in and bond with the other women. And it's not like the others are intentionally trying to leave her out, but her inability to read their lips in the dark around the fire left her obviously frustrated. I don't think her teammates will necessarily WANT to get rid of her, but it may be one of those "has to be someone" votes.

Deena - The D.A.'s tribemates, at least some of them, have found her guilty of being too loud and bossy. But is it too late? Probably not. Others in the tribe may be seen as expendable. Nevertheless, it may be in her best interest to tone it down.

Heidi - if you told me beforehand one of the castaways was a swimsuit model, I'd have guessed Heidi before Jenna. But not just another pretty face, Heidi proved her mettle during the first immunity challenge. Add in the fact that some of the guys commented on her looks, and she may just be around awhile. But will she recoil in horror when she realizes most of the kids she teaches gym to have probably seen her half-naked? Years ago, there was a P.E. teacher who was a former beauty pageant contestant, if not winner. When she came out in her shorts and t-shirt, one of the males said, "What I'd give for a bucket of water right now." I suspect many of Heidi's students will echo similar sentiments once she goes back to teaching.

Shawna - She's hot. I like her a lot. So what if she can't untie a knot? She gives it all she's got. Her retail skills won't be going to pot... Just as long as her blood doesn't clot.

Jenna - Like Ryan, her obvious strategy was blown out of the water when the tribes were divided by gender. Indeed, could she look any less like a swimsuit model with that towel (or whatever it is) on her head? To the contrary, in the words of Toni, a regular RNO reader, "She looks like a skeleton with an attitude." It will be interesting to see how she fares with a bunch of people who couldn't care less how shapely she is. BTW, suppose she were in a tribe with Jeanne, Janet, JoAnna, and Dr. Sean from Palua Tiga. If he reverted to his alphabet voting strategy, would she be in trouble if Jeanne won immunity? The "strategy" already helped out one person named Jenna. Of course, in this game, if Jenna can't adjust, she may be out faster than you can say "abc."

Janet - Projected my many to be the first woman out, she didn't help her cause by becoming ill. She seemed to handle it well, however, and while she may not make merge, chances are she won't be the first one ousted from her tribe either.

JoAnna - Seems nice, but singing gospel music loud and clear may not be the best strategy. Please don't take this an anti-Christian sentiment. In fact, I lead singing in a small church. But if someone in the tribe is Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, or whatever, the tunes could strike a nasty chord with someone. Just because such loud proclamations worked for Vee doesn't mean it will happen here as well. Hopefully, what will stand out to people is her positive spirit.