RNO Roundtable - 'Survivor: The Amazon' Predictions, Part 1: The Women
by RealityNewsOnline Staff
-- 02/10/2003
The writers of RealityNewsOnline once again gather to predict what will happen on the new season of Survivor - but this time we've split it up just as the producers have. Today we will address our thoughts on the women.
Editor's Introduction: Usually at about this time before the start of a new Survivor season, the writers of RealityNewsOnline gather to predict what will happen on that season. Generally, because of the rather sparse information available, we're mostly wrong. But sometimes we hit it on the nose, as I did last season in picking Brian to win and saying Clay probably wouldn't do much work around camp, and as Charlie Reneke did a few seasons back with similarly good predictions. So you never know. CBS gives us something to work with, and we go from there.
This year, to avoid a 20-plus page mega-article, we are breaking it down. Today we will look at the women. Tomorrow we'll have the men. Wednesday we'll make our overall predictions. Also, don't miss Professor Jeffrey D. Sadow's predictions, which he is going to make using a statistical methodology that should, in theory, be better than any of us mere humans. You can check out the first article in his three-part series here and the second here.
But below you have predictions from, in alphabetical order: David Bloomberg, Jeffrey Clinard, C. Brian Devinney, Jamie Goralski, Ken Kellam III, Phil Kural, Charlie Reneke, and Melinda Smith.
JABURU: THE WOMEN
Christy Smith Age: 24 From: Basalt, CO Occupation: Children Adventure Guide for the Deaf Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Sage Special Notes: First deaf Survivor. Christy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/criminology from Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.). Spent 50 days in a wilderness adventure in Alaska. Self-described as "succulent, independent and goal-oriented." Favorite sports are winter-themed events such as snowboarding and skiing.
David: Certainly Christy will be the focus of much attention this season, but the real question is whether the fact that she is hearing-impaired will have any real effect on the game. Frankly, I've often thought that the ability to read lips would come in quite handy on Survivor for those times when others think they are out of earshot and plotting against you. Whether that will come into play here is, of course, unknown. The fact that she has been on outdoor adventure trips may help her, but we've seen before that the most important skills are not starting fires but dealing with people. If she can integrate herself well with the group, she shouldn't have a problem. In fact, it may not be politically correct to say so, but I suspect that some of the women will avoid voting for her early on just so they don't look like they are picking on her. Given this, I think she'll make the jury, but probably not any further.
Jeffrey: Communication is a big factor in Survivor, and it might seem her handicap of deafness might hurt her in this regard. I disagree; I think she'll go out of her way to communicate with the others in the tribe. I think she'll make the merge, but not win.
Brian: Luxury item is sage? What is she going to do with that? Smudge her camp? I like the fact that she's the first deaf Survivor and part of me has to wonder how this is all going to play out for her. Technically they talk behind her back (and in front of it as well for that matter) because she won't be able to hear them, but she can read lips. The fact she spent fifty days in a wilderness adventure shows that she can survive in the harsh inclement weather conditions. However, in order to win, she has to play smarter and harder than any previous winner before. She can do well, but she's going to have to work at it.
Jamie: Sure has excellent outdoorsy credentials and working with kids have to think she has patience and diplomacy. I wonder how her being deaf will affect communication with tribemates. It takes more effort and energy to communicate with someone who is lip reading and I would think she would have to bring a lot to the table and be very personable for strangers to make the effort. Her degree in sociology makes me think she might be very savvy about the interpersonal aspects of the game and describing herself as succulent either she has a great sense of humor or she will be sorry they are divided by sexes. I see her making it at least to the jury if not final four.
Ken: Obviously the most interesting to watch, given her disability. Her theme song may as well be, "Please don't let me be misunderstood." Being used to overcoming obstacles, I wouldn't be surprised to see her overcome the communication barrier here. My feeling is she will go out of her way to communicate with her tribemates, and will endear herself to them and the audience. May become the Elisabeth or Colleen of this game. Also, people like underdogs, and will root for her for that reason. I can see her sticking around awhile, although she may get ousted near the end because no one wants to face her in the final two. I see her making the final four or at least getting close to it.
Phil: Well, from the looks of her profile, I like her. I'm not sure how long she is going to last though because of her deafness. I'm in no way saying that a deaf person can't be on Survivor, but I'm not sure if that will play against her or not. She seems to be in good shape and is a very active person. However, I'm not so sure how the other ladies will view her. If she can just wedge her way into some kind of alliance, she should be fine. I'll go out on a limb here and say she will make the merge. Not so much because I really think she will but more for the fact that I would love to see her do well.
Charlie: Of course, the first question that comes to mind is can a deaf person thrive in a game where communication is the most important aspect? Well, I would like to remind all doubters that being deaf and being stupid are two very different things. Judging by all her qualifications, I would say that Christy should be able play the mental aspect of the game very well. And remember, the best players of Survivor have all made it to the top with minimal communications when it comes to their alliances. In fact, alliances (and complete tribes) have failed because they talk too damn much. Kucha anyone? How about Rotu? Of course, some people will say that Christy's tribemates would be able to really scheme and plot behind her back. But remember, she can hear minimal sounds, so that's not entirely true, and besides, deaf people are more self aware out of necessity. So I really don't think that her disability will harm her at all, and in fact, she might be able to use it to her advantage. Play off other's sympathies and rise to the top. Of course, we have to remember that she is self described as 'independent,' which is pretty much the worst character trait a Survivor can have. In the early game, if a person comes off as a loaner, then it almost always result in that person being gone before the jury. Although she will have no problems with the actual survival aspects of the game, I don't think she'll make the jury.
Melinda: Christy has a good chance at staying in the game if she uses the skills she's developed at "reading" people and maneuvering in a hearing world. She's obviously integrated well in society at large, having worked as a facilitator and children's nature guide. Her ability to pick up on subtle clues in body language and expression, as well as emotional clues, could be invaluable. The fact that she has learned to lip read says a lot. Lip reading is not so common anymore - sign language is the encouraged means of communication among the deaf - and the fact that she has applied herself to learn lip reading shows how committed she is to integrating within hearing society. Reading Christy's own body language, she seems shy, which makes her achievements that much greater. If Christy can maintain solid relationships with other players, I think she'll do well.
Deena Bennett Age: 35 From: Riverside, CA Occupation: D.A. Marital Status: Married Luxury Item: Water Balloons Works as a Deputy District Attorney assigned to the Sexual Assault Child Abuse Unit. Wants to become a Superior Court Judge. Enjoys adventure racing (think Eco-Challenge) and participates in several triathlons every year. Has traveled to Brazil (because she 'wanted to see the rainforest') and to Australia. Ifs she wins, she's going to buy new flooring for her house. Enjoys playing softball, basketball, and soccer. Doesn't drink alcohol.
David: She's a lawyer in an area where she really wants to win and put the scum away. She wants to be a judge. Both of these point towards a person who will argue to get her way - which is not really a good thing on Survivor. Add to this that she enjoys adventure racing and she might well think she knows more than the other women - and thus try to sway them to her side. On the flip side, she says her favorite shows are Survivor and other reality shows, so one would hope she has learned something about the proper way to act - and not to act. Still, you can watch and say, "I would never do that," and then end up out there doing exactly that. I predict she will be out before the merge.
Jeffrey: Deena has the physical ability to do well in Survivor, and trial lawyers (at least the good ones) need to be able to read a jury. She'll make the merge, and I think she'll make the final four.
Brian: Water Balloons? Oh great. We have another Yaney on our hands here. A district attorney, though, which means she has to be a persuasive speaker to juries in the court room and to juries on Survivor. Has a great athletic background but is it going to be enough to carry her through to the finals? She has the makings of another Alicia Calaway with her physical attributes and could scare off the men and the women. I love her dedication to her job but I am concerned that it might flare up and come out at the wrong moment and ruin her chances.
Jamie: Wow. Super athlete and extreme traveler, ambitious lawyer all of which probably bespeaks a certain amount of aggression. Barring any grating personality traits, I see her lasting until the merge as she looks to be a huge asset challenge-wise. Clearly intelligent if she has the people skills to form the right alliance to protect her post-merge when she is a challenge threat she could take this.
Ken: In her promos, she described herself as a "Child Abuser's" worst nightmare, or somesuch. Obviously has strong feelings of social justice and morality, as she does not drink. Unfortunately, her convictions may come across as more self-righteous if she's not careful. Also, if her tribe loses right before the merge, I can see her being ousted due to strength, a la Joel in Paula Tiga or Robb in Thailand. The D.A. will just barely miss a stint doing jury duty.
Phil: Something about Deena is rubbing me the wrong way. I think it is that she is pretty dull. The looks of her profile make her sound pretty interesting, but I think she is pretty boring. Although, there are some Gretchen-like qualities she seems to possess. Why she is taking water balloons with her as her luxury item is still a mystery to me. It's not like they have a hose or faucet or something to fill them up. The most I can think that you can do with them is inflate them a very little and use them as pillows. Would that even work? She is in the age range of previous Survivor winners, and she seems to be in good shape. I think she will make the final six.
Charlie: Water balloons? What a maroon. Seriously, the Amazon is a rain forest. Just what everyone is going to want to do: have a water balloon fight when staying dry is tough enough as is. I'm just kidding. I actually can't see anyone but Deena winning the game. I think that the women's tribe will be at a better advantage when it comes to multi-tasking and forming alliances. Deena, if she is willing to scheme and plot, should be able to have an alliance early in the game. She's physically fit and used to the outdoors, so she will be one of the most valuable tribemates to have around. The only thing that can stop her is if she gets sick really early in the game. Otherwise, Deena is here to stay.
Melinda: Deena is the kind of woman I admire right off the bat. Who wouldn't admire a criminal prosecutor who goes after child molesters with the power of the law behind her and a big grin on her face? She's obviously a star athlete, great mom, and successful at her job. Her abilities and character could be a huge asset to her tribe - Deena just needs to use her good courtroom listening and communicating skills to build bonds with the other women. Otherwise, she could end up like Hunter in Survivor: Marquesas and be quickly ejected because she's too powerful.
Heidi Strobel Age: 24 From: Buffalo, MO Occupation: P.E./Health Teacher Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Jump Rope Heidi enjoys running, writing poetry, and keeping up on dance music. Wants to be on Survivor because of the challenge of mind and body it presents. Describes herself as "conscientious, enthusiastic and determined." Enjoying running, hiking, and swimming. Wants to win Survivor so that she can pay back her student loans.
David: Well, she's athletic, which will certainly help. And she's a teacher so she's used to dealing with children (and, let's face it, some Survivor contestants act like children). The question is if her statement about wanting to be on the show because of the challenge will affect her ability to plot and scheme - will she be a female Gabe? Might make the jury, but I doubt it.
Jeffrey: A jump rope is a very useful luxury item, and I'm quite surprised they let it into the game. She's got the physical tools to survive in the game, and I expect to see her until mid-game at least.
Brian: I like the jump rope for her personal item. It's useful. It's multifunctional. It can keep her in shape and help tie up part of their shelter at the same time. Well not at the same time, but you know what I'm saying. She's definitely fit and knows how to harness her energy when she gets run down, to better compete in challenges later in the contest when the body is at its weakest stages. I dunno. There's just something about her that I like and I can't put my finger on it.
Jamie: Athletic and fit, phys ed teacher... young and blonde, possibly up for the
sweetheart role? Nothing is really jumping out at me in regards to her.
Ken: Somehow, I see her as the "Penny" type, i.e. a physical side but using her looks to try and further herself in the game. She may also be the type that's smiling and rarin' to go when everyone else is dead on their feet, which may grate on a few nerves. Definitely see her making the jury, but probably not the final four.
Phil: Hmm, I think Heidi is gone early. Not so much for the fact that she doesn't seem to be in the best physical state in her life, but she looks to me like one of those girls that will get sick early and get the boot fairly quick. Take for example Jessie and Tanya. I would bank my money on not getting to see too much of Heidi. If she is not the first one tossed she will probably be the second. Although, I must admit that I love the fact she took a jump rope with her. That could be used in many ways actually. Good for her!
Charlie: She'll be gone real quick. I refer you to my argument that every 'new generation' teacher is an idiot that I used way back when I previewed the first Amazing Race. It came true then, it shall come true now. She's physically fit, but she's young and she's used to being in charge, and the elders in her tribe won't put up with it.
Melinda: Heidi is a wonderful combination of physical, social, and managerial skills. How many 24-year-olds are as accomplished in so many areas? Degrees in exercise and teaching? Work experience in sales? Poetry writing in her spare time? And she looks so darn cute and nice in her photo. Heidi has all the qualities needed in a good Survivor. She could go a long way in this game.
Janet Koth Age: 47 From: Manchester, MO Occupation: Travel Agent/Abstinence Counselor (oh dear) Marital Status: Married Luxury Item: Daughter's Teddy Bear A registered nurse, former sales representative, motivational speaker, and independent travel consultant. Plus, she's studying to become a hypnotist. Enjoying camping, hiking, and tennis. She'd like to be President of the United States because of her determination to be in control and to influence people.
David: Wow. Well, CBS either dropped us a huge hint about Janet wanting to be in control or else they are trying to push us in the wrong direction. Hard to say which. But if she honestly said something like that, I can't imagine her sticking around long. Even if she somehow manages to make it to the merge, the men will not react well to behavior like that.
Jeffrey: Counselors are trained to listen. This is a plus. However, with such competition I'm afraid she might make an early exit rather than making the jury. I see her as second or third out of this tribe.
Brian: This woman freaks me out. Okay, it's not because of the teddy bear or the fact she is studying to become a hypnotist. It's for one line in her bio that made me say, "Oh geez. Not another one of these." When asked what political office she would hold if given the chance she said the presidency, "because of her determination to be in control and to influence people." If Janet can't bring that determination level down a notch she'll be heading for the loser's lounge rather quickly.
Jamie: Yikes. She gives motivational speeches, travel consultant, sales, hypnotism, abstinence counselor, nurse. This looks to me like a woman who likes to hold sway over others and be in control. Just reading her bio I am recoiling from the implied pushiness, so unless she is very different in person than she looks on paper, my money is on her being first woman voted out.
Ken: She has presidential ambitions due to her determination to be in control and influence people. If she tries to be in control and influence the game, however, she could find herself out rather quickly. The older contestants on Survivor are always the hardest to predict. They're either out fairly quickly, or if they make the merge, they stick around awhile a la Jan, Rodger (the Outback one), or Kathy. If she stays under the radar, doesn't get too domineering (a la Patricia in Marquesas), and has a strong alliance or belongs to a tribe that dominates the challenges, she may stick around awhile. But more likely, I see her taking her daughter's teddy bear back to civilization well short of the merge.
Phil: I think everyone knows by now how I gravitate to the older contestants. Janet is no exception. She seems like she has the credentials to get very far in this game. Even though she is an abstinence counselor, which may suggest that she likes to pin her views on people, she seems very genuine. It worries me though that she is too much of a control freak. That may end up working against her if she goes into this barking out orders from the moment they arrive in the jungle. If Janet can get past the first two tribal councils that her tribe has to face I think she will be set. By that time, everyone would be used to her taking charge and having thing her way. I'll say she will make the merge, but not sure about how much further after that.
Charlie: This women scares me. The whole world domination thing and the fact that someone might actually license her to become a hypnotist... it just plain gives me the creeps. I'm going to guess that she's the type of person who's used to having things go her way, and those type of people never do well in Survivor. It's too bad she won't be around long enough to put that abstinence training to work. Mark my words: The first female gone.
Melinda: Janet reminds me of Kathy from Survivor: Marquesas. She's got a fun, eclectic kind of background with a lot of good practical and social experience. Having been a nurse and a sales representative could come in very handy in the Amazon. She just strikes me as being a little too "out there," though. A little too frisky, a little flirtatious, she could get on people's nerves a little. I think she'll only last til about midway through the game.
Jeanne Hebert Age: 41 From: North Attleboro, MA Occupation: Director of Marketing for the New England Dairy Promotion Board Marital Status: Director of Marketing Luxury Item: Massage Oils Likes to create new ways to have fun. Enjoys Golf, Monopoly, and Scrabble. Self-described as 'enthusiastic, free-spirited and outgoing.' Wants to prove that a 40-year-old woman with three kids, a husband, a dog, and a full time job can be the ultimate survivor. See Wesson, Tina. Has no desire to go into politics.
David: I do have to wonder where this woman has been if she wants to prove that a woman like her can win. I mean, Tina was 40. Check. Tina was married. Check. Tina has two children. Ah, well, there is the difference. Jeanne has three children. Seriously, either she just wasn't thinking when she said that or she is not really up on Survivor, which does not bode well for her. Still, I think she can make it to the jury - but no further.
Jeffrey: Politics are a must if you want to win at Survivor. To win, she'll have to both understand and use them. She'll be a mid-game cut.
Brian: I can just see every horny heterosexual man out there going, "Dude this chick brought massage oils to the women's camp!" Something tells me aren't going to be seeing any lesbian love scenes acted out though. Anyway, I love the fact that she's a fan of The Sound of Music like I am, but am pretty damn scared that she was actively looking to sing onstage with Alanis Morrisette and, in fact, jumped on stage to do so. There's something about the mom in her that will make her the mom of this tribe and everyone will love her as much as we did Gretchen Cordy so many years ago. Sigh.
Jamie: I like her. Not as athletic as some of the others but I she seems balanced and fun and the massage oils will help her make friends. I get the feeling she will be likable and under the radar, same feeling I had about Erin last season. I think she'll make the jury.
Ken: Agewise, she reminds me of Gretchen or Tina. Most likely, she will play with gusto and passion but without getting on anyone's nerves. Like Tina, I think she'll be outwardly nice, but have the people skills to stay in the game awhile. Wouldn't be surprised to see her make final four.
Phil: Okay, by the looks of her profile, Jeanne is trying way too much to be considered the "cool mom." I'm not a fan of that role. Although, I thought Brian was trying to play the "cool dad" role last season and I was completely wrong. That's right, I just admitted to being wrong. Mark that down because it may never happen again. Anyway, I think Jeanne is going to be too much. She seems nice and all, but the whole Tina thing was a one-time thing. Don't get me wrong, I loved Tina, but Jeanne is working it too hard to seem like her. I'm betting the other girls catch on to her game pretty quickly. My guess is that she is gone before the merge, but not before Heidi.
Charlie: I think she's got the right stuff to make it far in this game. She seems very personable, like the type of person that a person can put trust into. Although outside of the game she has no desire to go into politics, I think she'll end up in a dominant alliance early in the game and finish near the finals.
Melinda: Jeanne strikes me as an extremely friendly, poised, and confident woman. She describes herself as "free-spirited and outgoing," which she would have to be to jump onstage at an Alanis Morrisette concert. She's obviously willing to try new things, from fine dining to the music of a younger generation. Her background in marketing and restaurant management could give her tremendous people skills. She's not an obvious athlete like some of the other women, but certainly looks to be in good shape. Jeanne reminds me of Teresa from Survivor: Africa, which is as big an accolade as I can give to a person and player. Jeanne is my pick of the women to win Survivor: The Amazon.
Jenna Morasca Age: 21 From: Pittsburgh, PA Occupation: Swimsuit Model Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Zeta Crown Special Notes: This season's youngest castaway. Competes in several beauty contests every year. Currently majoring in zoology. Hobbies are horseback riding, sleeping, and hanging out with her animals. Self-described as honest, outgoing, and funny. Enjoys playing "Phantasy Star Online" for the Sega Dreamcast, an online role-playing game that encourages team play. Enjoys camping and hiking.
David: Jenna certainly attracted attention when she was first named as a contestant because of her swimsuit modeling. But I'm betting there is more than just a pretty face (and body) there. She's majoring in a science discipline. She works on a television show. She deals with people. I bet she uses both brains and beauty (though the latter won't be of much use in the early stages) to make it far. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to find her in the final four.
Jeffrey: I predict Jenna will be an early casualty on this edition of Survivor. She's definitely a competitor (and against other women at that). However, I'm guessing this trait will work against her during her stay in the Amazon.
Brian: What the hell is a Zeta Crown? Is that something that she got from Catherine Zeta Jones or something? Personally, my gut instinct on this, which isn't always accurate since I share it with my other personality, Shut, up Brian, they don't know about me, Well now they do, Take it back. Delete that line!, I will not!, Do it!, No!, Shut up!, No you! ANYWAY. Something tells me that this woman is going to be the whiny bitch of the show along the lines of Sarah from Marquesas. Sadly, I think she will stick around once the men see her and merge in with the women.
Jamie: Wonder how long after the announcement that the tribes would be same sex before she knew she was in trouble? A sorority crown as a luxury item doesn't bode well for practical thinking. Unless she is bringing something to the table besides eye-candy, and I am not seeing it in the bio, she's an early out.
Ken: It'll be interesting to see how much the show's male viewership falls off when and if she's voted out. Seems rather nice, a la Colleen or Elisabeth, although I could also see her being another prima dona, a la Sarah. If this is the case, she better have an awfully strong alliance, lest people vote her off due to laziness. Then again, another former "youngest player," Neleh, made final two, although I don't see that happening here. Somehow, I don't see her making the merge, which is bad news for testosterone-laden guys everywhere, and most likely CBS. She does stand a chance, however, of becoming the one Letterman makes the most jokes about, due to her profession. And if she turns out to be a brown-noser, look for websites everywhere to start calling her "Jenna More Ass-Kiss."
Phil: Ladies and gentleman, we found our Survivor hottie for this season. Jenna is the total package! Take a look at her. She is beautiful, athletic, young, and personable. I think I already found my favorite. Even though she is from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia's rival here in PA, I can overlook that. The only thing I'm worried about is that Jenna will come across as conceited or lazy. If she doesn't act like Sarah did in Survivor: Marquesas, she should do alright. The youngest castaway usually makes it pretty far. For more on this, see Charlie's article on "Survivor Stats." I'm betting Jenna will be no exception. I have no doubt in my mind she'll make the jury. Maybe even the final six. Do I think she will win though? Not really, but I would love to see it happen.
Charlie: I'm drawing a blank on what to think of Jenna. She seems athletic but I have a feeling that the elements will hit her harder then anyone else. Also, she'll be in a situation where having good looks doesn't work out to your advantage at all. So the question is how she will fit into the team dynamic. She's on the fence, but I suspect she'll make it past at least the first Jaburu vote.
Melinda: Jenna, Jenna, Jenna. I'm not getting a good vibe from Jenna. She's an obvious target for the other women because of her background in beauty contests and swimsuit modeling. All she's learned from those experiences is that other women judge her, compete with her, and envy her. At 21, she won't have acquired the social grounding she needs to bond with the other women in a non-threatening and supportive way. Her expression in her official CBS photo is calculating and devious looking. She'll probably be one of the first women to go.
JoAnna Ward Age: 31 From: Orangeburg, SC Occupation: School Guidance Counselor Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Picture of her mother, who recently passed away. Earned a basketball scholarship from SC State. In addition to being a guidance counselor, JoAnna works as an aerobics instructor. Enjoys Tae Bo, mountain climbing, and running. Is a born-again Christian. "One of my most enjoyable hobbies is lifting up the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in pure praise and worship." Plays Chess and Monopoly.
David: If she really enjoys preaching, she is going to get on the nerves of other members of her tribe (not to mention me) - I guarantee it. If she can keep it in check and instead play the school guidance counselor role (where I would hope she keeps the preaching out of it), she may do well. Really, it will be an internal battle to see which side comes out ahead. I think she has the potential to make it to the jury. I don't think she'll be Vecepia II.
Jeffrey: Religious belief is one of the great ways to unite - or divide. Her key to survival will be to know if she has a choir or not, and preach or not preach accordingly. I'm not optimistic about JoAnna.
Brian: She's from South Carolina, the state my family hails from (although they now live in Florida), and I started to like her until I saw that she will probably be Vecepia, Jr. Okay, I know that sounds horrible that I am using her religion against her, but let's remember that Dirk spouted his religious teachings at his tribe on a regular basis and found himself voted off early. She needs to be careful that she doesn't alienate her tribemates by continually preaching and proselytizing. What could keep her until the tribal merge is her athletic prowess.
Jamie: Another one who seems very fit, this is an athletic group of women. The religious slant has shades of Vecepia but depends how she expresses that. Why is she bringing a picture of her mom and not her son? That bothers me for some reason I can't explain. I see her going before the merge.
Ken: One of the more religious people in the cast. If she uses her faith to encourage, uplift, and be kind to people, she could be around awhile, a la Rodger in the Outback. But if she's too demonstrative, i.e. Dirk or Vecepia, she may find herself "Bringing in the Votes" as opposed to the sheaves. If she uses her skills as a school guidance counselor to help her tribemates, she could become the rock on which her alliance is built, and stay around awhile. She's one I see most likely making the merge, but falling short of the final for.
Phil: Well, I liked Joanna for most of her profile. She is very active and seemed very sweet. Then I got to the point where I found out she is one of those Bible-toting maniacs who likes to "lift up the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in pure praise and worship." Now, that's all well and good, but I'm not so sure that everyone is going to appreciate that. Joanna needs to learn how to stay below the radar, but I don't think she will be able too. She will come in handy for challenges and that is the only reason she will be kept around. She will make the merge, but will be tossed right after that either because she will be considered a threat or by that point she will have gotten on everyone's nerves. I'm willing to bet it's more the latter than the former.
Charlie: JoAnna has a lot of things going for her. She's athletic, she's trained in psychology, and she's spiritual. Jo might be in the best position of the Jaburu tribe early in the game. It would seem silly to vote her out early, because her physicality will be important to her tribe. If JoAnna uses the first six days to get a voting block together, she'll be in the final four. Otherwise, she'll be the first person picked off by the tribe following the demise of Tambaqui.
Melinda: How can I assess JoAnna's chances without comparing her to Linda of Survivor: Africa and Vecepia of Survivor: Marquesas. I can't. JoAnna is more Christian-oriented than Linda and more athletic than Vecepia, otherwise, I'd think that Clonaid had succeeded in producing a candidate. Does JoAnna have Vecepia's luck and guile? Let's hope that God smashed that mold very, very thoroughly. JoAnna's gung-ho holy-roller attitude is probably going to go down as well as Linda's did, and with a lot of other physically strong women in the tribe, JoAnna will go down, and quickly.
Shawna Mitchell Age: 23 From: Redwood City, CA Occupation: Clothing Sales Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Soccer Ball Studied abroad in Tasmania. Avid soccer player since she was young. Self-described as gregarious, open-minded and charismatic. Has an identical twin sister. Enjoys trail running and plays Chess.
David: She has worked in retail and at a restaurant. Both of these require people skills or you don't last long. The fact that she would like to be an ambassador if she had any political office indicates that she likes dealing with people. All of these point to somebody who can stick around a good long time.
Jeffrey: I'm guessing she's the first out of her tribe. She simply doesn't seem to have the right makeup of physical and social skills needed to gain an edge on the rest of this strong tribe.
Brian: I like Shawna. There's something about her that just screams "LOVE HER!" She's this All-American girl with the million watt smile, the killer charm, and the right attitude that can take her to the top. If people hate her (and I don't know how they could), then they hate her but I don't think it's going to bother her very much. Shawna seems like she has the wherewithal to take it as it comes and let the bad vibes just roll off her back.
Jamie: Another athlete, well traveled although anyone who is in sales and describes themselves as gregarious and charismatic would make me nervous. She is young so
wonder if she has yet tempered that narcissism to make it palatable.
Ken: A soccer ball is her luxury item. Will she be another Ethan? Or, being that she has an identical twin, will she end up doing a "VISA" commercial, (So while one of you was watching Survivor, the other one was doing it.). Being in retail sales, I wouldn't be surprised to find out she has a knack for figuring out what people need to hear, and then telling it to them. I definitely see her making the merge due to youthful athleticism, but think she may be one of the first targeted afterwards, and see her falling well short of the final four.
Phil: I have nothing but respect for anyone who works in retail. I'm sorry, but retail is possibly one of the worst jobs to have unless you are so gung-ho about customer service that you just can't be stopped. Most of the people who work in retail are students that need a part time job to pay for school or some money on the side. With all that said, I'm willing to bet that Shawna is a very nice girl. However, I don't think she is going to cut it this time around. She seems too sweet to win. I honestly doubt she will make the merge because she will be tossed fairly early only because she will be expendable. By all means though, I hope she proves me wrong. Let's hear it for the retail people!
Charlie: Like Jenna, I drew a blank on Shawna. There just isn't a whole lot on her to make a solid prediction. I think she'll make the jury, but only because I see Tambqui imploding early in the game (ala Maraamu). Also like Jenna, I can see the elements really hitting her hard. We'll see.
Melinda: Shawna is another young woman with a very good background in terms of education, travel, work experience, and physical abilities. She has just about a perfect mix for surviving in this game. She's packed a lot of living into 23 years. Just a list of her after-hours activities is impressive. Sorority member, swimming, alumni associations. I particularly like the fact that she's a twin, has another sibling, and obviously loves and admires her parents. She's very open, friendly and direct in her photo. All of these things spell star player to me. She's my runner-up pick for woman winner.
So there we have it. Check back tomorrow for our thoughts on the men, and Wednesday for our overall predictions.
Christy Smith
Deena Bennett
Heidi Strobel
Janet Koth
Jeanne Hebert
Jenna Morasca
JoAnna Ward
Shawna Mitchell