RNO Roundtable - 'Survivor: The Amazon' Predictions, Part 2: The Men
by RealityNewsOnline Staff
-- 02/11/2003
Here is the second part of the RNO Roundtable to predict how the new season of Survivor will turn out - this time, we're looking at the men. Who will do well, who will be gone quickly?
Editor's Introduction: If you haven't already, you should check out Part 1 of this series to see what we had to say about the women. Here we continue to look at the contestants of Survivor: The Amazon, this time for the men. Tomorrow we'll make our overall general predictions.
Here we have put the predictions in reverse alphabetical order by writer: Melinda Smith, Charlie Reneke, Phil Kural, Ken Kellam III, Jamie Goralski, C. Brian Devinney, Jeffrey Clinard, and David Bloomberg.
TAMBAQUI: THE MEN
Alex Bell Age: 32 From: Los Angeles, CA Occupation: Triathlon Trainer Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Finisher Medal, 2001 Wildflower Triathlon Enjoys competing in triathlons in addition to training people for them. Struggled with severe drug and alcohol problems when he was in his teens, but has been sober for eleven years. Self-described as funny, determined, and intelligent. Enjoys the game Monopoly.
Melinda: What a great guy! Not only is he good-looking, smart, and athletic, but he has the class to appreciate Frances McDormand, the scent of jasmine, and his mother's chocolate chip cookies. His biography shows a wonderful variety of interests and experience. He's not just a triathlete - he trains triathletes, and he has the creative drive to work for Dreamworks. But, the thing about him that strikes me the most favorably is his big, confident grin. Alex is my pick for male winner of Survivor: The Amazon.
Charlie: Alex is the one person on Tambaqui whom I don't see trying to land a leadership role, and that's a good thing. With all the alpha-males that reside in men's tribe, Alex can sit back and let them tear each other apart. Of course, by time the smoke clears, there might be nothing left. I believe Alex will be the last man left standing... literally.
Phil: Right off the bat, I like him. I'm not sure why yet, but he looks really genuine in his profile picture. However, I said the same thing about John Carrol, and look what happened there. He has recovered from alcoholism and drugs, which means he is a determined person and I respect that. I think he is going to do well. It looks to me like he has his life in order and knows how to get along with other people. He is athletic and appears very strong. Alex looks to me like he is a shoe-in to make the jury, if not the final four.
Ken: A writer for TV Guide who was on the set of the show during filming noted that initially, Alex was taking charge and telling people what to do. Being a triathlete and triathlete coach, he'll obviously have a tremendous competitive edge about him. But if he tries to push his tribe the way he's used to pushing those he trains, he could find himself pushed right out of the tribe. Nevertheless, I think he'll be around for the merge, but wouldn't be surprised to see him become one of the first members of the jury.
Jamie: Hard core tri-athlete will be a force to be reckoned with during the challenges. Varied resume so he has some interesting life experiences which I think could serve him well here. If anything gives me pause it's him referring to previous drug and alcohol problems from adolescence. I am not sure what that says in his need trot out that which other people would have left in the past. I do however want him to win since buying a GTO is a noble goal.
Brian: Part of me is trying to understand the whole bringing of his medal since it actually serves no purpose other than something shiny for them possibly to use to make fire. I'm also trying to figure out how he goes from working at DreamWorks to training people for triathlons but that's something else altogether. We can tell he has strength, willpower, and determination by remaining drug and alcohol free for the past eleven years but I'm really not getting a good read off of Alex in order to make a full determination of him. His bio is incredibly ambiguous which makes me just scratch my head.
Jeffrey: Alex will probably be a key member of any male alliance that develops within his tribe. He's smack in the middle of the tribe age-wise, and athletically
fit. He should make the merge.
David: Alex is certainly fit enough for Survivor, but he also looks like he could have the necessary social skills as well. Frankly, I think with the men we are going to see that strength is not nearly as important as it historically has been. There will be more emphasis on who gets along with whom. And that's where things get tricky. But he has worked at fundraising and in communications - both of which should serve him well. Look for him to make the jury and potentially the final four, depending on how the tribes and alliances break down.
Butch Lockley Age: 50 From: Olney, IL Occupation: Middle School Principal Marital Status: Married Luxury Item: School Banner Served 19 years as a high school teacher, athletic director, and coach. Enjoys hunting, water sports, and walking. If he could hold any political office, he'd like to be a state congressman because he could influence laws and programs that would help his state grow and develop while maintaining contact with the local people. Self-described as enthusiastic, ambitious, and humorous.
Melinda: Butch has a lot of good qualities that could be very useful in Survivor. He hunts, enjoys outdoor activities, coaches athletics, and has leadership skills. But taken all together, his background, outside interests and focus on being "the man in charge" add up to a rather unsympathetic persona. I'd like to think he has the inner character of Frank of Survivor: Africa but there's nothing in his biography that tells me he has the ability to laugh at himself like Frank did. Butch needs to build a strong coalition among the younger members of his tribe like Jake of Survivor: Thailand and keep it intact.
Charlie: Butch will make pretty far, and if Tambaqui can outlast the women's tribe, he should end up winning the money. But will Butch turn into another BB? I don't think so. He's seems way to nice and grounded to end up burying himself in such spectacular fashion like BB did. So I think he'll make it deep into the game.
Phil: Unlike Alex, right off the bat I could tell I DON'T like Butch. I've actually already heard some bad things about him and that he is a pretty big jerk. That said, I wonder what kind of teacher he is. We have two core kinds of high school teachers. The first is the teacher that everyone knows their class is a joke and goes in there and goofs around the whole time while learning little, if anything, in the process. The second is the kind that runs the classroom like an internment camp. I'm willing to bet my life Butch is the second kind. He just looks like no fun. I don't think he is going to be around that long unless a few other people step up and screw up first. I'm going to say that Butch doesn't even make the jury. His banner may come in handy for shelter though!
Ken: Just as Brian's skills as a used-car salesman helped him in his ultimately successful quest for the seven-figure check in Thailand, Butch's skills in dealing with middle school kids should also come into play. What's telling is his comment that if he could hold a political office, he would be a state congressman because he could help his state grow while maintaining contact with local people. That tells me he really is a people person, and will use his status as one of the older players to bring his own tribe together, similar to Jake. If his age doesn't slow him down and he makes the merge, he's almost guaranteed a ticket to the final four, because no one will seem him as a physical threat. But once he gets there, he may be ousted because no one wants to go against him.
Jamie: Principal, dad, 50... not out of shape not particularly athletic. Seems custom made to be middle of the road under the radar if he can keep slipping into principal mode when the younger alpha males need detention. I predict a very early out.
Brian: First and foremost, people named Butch crack me up. I don't know why and I am hoping it's just a nickname, but it's cracking me up. I don't know what is cracking me up more, his name or his glasses. Are those the kind of lenses that get darker when you get in the sun? He may be the second oldest of the male competitors but he definitely has the stamina - especially since he ran a marathon and continues to run to this day. What's going to be interesting to watch is to see whether or not he can bridge the generation gap between him and his fellow competitors in order to effectively build and maintain alliances. Otherwise this could turn into another Survivor: Africa. School banner as a luxury item. Hmm. Maybe good for shelter?
Jeffrey: I see Butch as an early out unless he can rally a group around him. He'll need to use his diplomatic skills to get this core group early.
David: I want to see Butch do well because he lives a hop, skip, and a jump away from me. The question is if he can keep himself from acting like a principal and instead be an equal with the younger members of his tribe. If he can do that, he'll go far. If he can't, well, we know what will happen. I'm betting that he can, indeed, pull it together and the younger, more egotistical members of the tribe may fight but he will stay on the sidelines and make the jury, at least. Maybe even the final four.
Daniel Lue Age: 27 From: Houston, TX Occupation: Tax Accountant Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Magnetic Rings Previously appeared on the MTV reality show WWE Tough Enough but didn't make it past the casting special. Has had formal pro wrestling training since his appearance on the show. Also practices martial arts and body building. Enjoys bike riding and swimming. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese.
Melinda: Daniel looks like a really fun, smart, eclectic guy. Whether it's the magnetic rings he's bringing as a luxury item, his big, goofy smile, or his exotic Asian background, Daniel seems like he'd be a superior contender. Wait a minute - that's how I felt about Gabe and Jed. On second thought, let's take another look at his hobbies and interests. No appreciation for niceties like flowers or scents; only likes the most vulgar and violent of video games; favorite actors: Jackie Chan - check; Jet Li - check. Daniel, I'm afraid you are my pick for first male player to check out.
Charlie:SPOILER ALERT With rumors flying that Daniel costs Tambaqui the first challenge, we have to think that he should be gone before the jury. However, it doesn't appear that he is gone after the first episode, so maybe he's already got an alliance together. Or maybe the person who does go is simply more annoying then him. I don't think he gets an alliance together, so all bets are on him being gone before the jury. And maybe for kicks, they'll have Jeff Probst say, "sorry, you're cut," instead of, "the tribe has spoken."
Phil: What the heck is up with that goofy smile? He just looks like an idiot. Anyway, I don't think he is going to last long. Another one of my votes to be gone pre-jury. Rumor has it that he is actually the first to go, but I heard the same thing about Jan last year, so that tells you how great my sources are! He is athletic, and by the looks of him on Tough Enough, he is pretty buff. That may be an advantage in challenges, but pretty much all the guys on this team have some kind of athleticism, and I think Daniel will just mesh in with the others and not stand out at all. Sorry, Daniel, but I just don't see you doing all that well. Congratulations for being the first Asian male on the show though. That's a pretty big accomplishment in itself.
Ken: One of the more physical types of this edition of Survivor. He has noted that he doesn't even like to use public restrooms. While hardly anyone does, this indicates a low tolerance for "grossness," and if he has to partake in an eating challenge, he could be in some trouble. I see him lasting until just before the merge, and then he'll be voted out due to his strength. Of course, being that he's trained in martial arts and pro wrestling, those who vote him better be glad the vote is anonymous.
Jamie: A linguist, an accountant seems to be comfortable working both the right and left sides of his brain. Will be a great physical asset and choosing Hungry Hungry hippos for his favorite board game shows he has a sense of humor. I think his biggest hurdle will be forming an alliance to keep him around post-merge once he becomes a major threat. He could be the youngest winner yet.
Brian: Ah, Mr. Tough Enough is now on another show is he? And what the hell are magnetic rings going to do for you? On the good side, Daniel seems to have the physical side of this game down pat, but the real question is going to be whether or not he has the social stamina to last very long. According to early video analysis, the answer to this would be a resounding no. On the good side, Hungry Hungry Hippos is his favorite board game. I would have said Mystery Date but that's just me.
Jeffrey: Daniel should be a solid performer in his tribe. He has the physical skills needed to play the game; all he'll need to show is the mental game. He should be in the tribe come merge time.
David: Daniel is in an interesting position. He is obviously strong and outgoing. Under normal circumstances, I'd say those would be good things. But in a group filled with just other guys, it could cause problems. As noted earlier, the guys are less likely to keep around their fellows simply because they are strong. But they may be more likely to vote 'em off because they are competition - and I think that is where Daniel might find himself. I hope he makes it at least to the jury, because from what we know of him already he seems like quite a nice guy, but I fear that he won't make it that long because the others will be afraid of letting him get too far in the game.
Dave Johnson Age: 24 From: Pasadena, CA Occupation: Rocket Scientist (RNO has already banned all "It doesn't take a rocket scientist..." jokes - well, for now, anyway) Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Sketch book w/pencil. Dave currently works for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a rocket scientist. He has previously worked as a structural test engineer and a meat science research technician. Hobbies are body womping (defined as body surfing waves in Orange County, Calif.), rock climbing, and drinking beer. Wants to buy a beef jerky company with the money he wins from Survivor. Favorite kind of flowers are "big and colorful ones." Seriously, what does this guy do for a living? Last summer, he pedaled across the United States with three friends for two months and only took three showers. This guy is like three Survivor running gags rolled into one: Stupid genius (Dr. Sean from S1) with jerky on the mind (Kel from S2) who doesn't bathe (Kimmi from S2).
Melinda: Dave is the much touted Rocket Scientist in this group. Ordinarily, I'd be so impressed by his obvious intelligence and drive at such a young age, that I'd ignore obvious warning signals like "body whomping" and a liking for Adam Sandler movies. Dave obviously does not have the strong mix of people skills and maturity that propel successful Survivors. But, he does have a strong combination of intelligence, an outgoing personality, and physical strength. All qualities that Colby of Survivor: Outback had in spades. It's anyone's guess whether youthful impulse or innate intelligence will dictate his behavior.
Charlie: Oh, this guy is going to be a blast. Sure, we'll endure countless "It doesn't take a rocket scientist..." references both on the show and on the internet, but that is a small price to pay. Dave is young and almost certainly will want to be a leader within the tribe, and I can see him ticking some people off. I'm going out on a limb and saying he won't make the jury.
Phil: Point blank, I think he is my favorite this go-around. Not only is this guy in phenomenal shape, but he seems really cool. He has held jobs the require someone to be very intelligent, and I think that will work in his favor. This guy is definitely going to the final four, and if he doesn't I am going to be pissed. He sorta reminds me of Nick from Survivor 2. I just hope he is a little more outgoing than Nick was, and I think he will be. Dave seems like a fun guy to be around, and I think he is going to be around for awhile. Definitely going to be an MVP I would say.
Ken: Unlike Daniel, he must have a high threshold for "grossness," as he only took three showers in the two months he spent biking across the U.S. That comes out to about a shower every three weeks. Hopefully, he won't fall into Kimmi's trap here, and will learn to get up close and personal with a bar of soap. The rocket scientist seems to have a lot of endurance, and will probably be in better condition than the others as the game wears on. Seems to be one of those guys everyone will either like or hate. For some reason, he reminds me of a more intellectual version of Robb, in that he seems to be the free-spirited type. As long as he doesn't rub his tribe the wrong way, he'll make the merge, and then just barely miss the final four.
Jamie: A bona fide rocket scientist who found it important to note that one summer he showered only three times. He probably brings an analytical mind and methodical way of doing things but seems like their is a whole lot of frat boy left in him. He has a very down to earth regular guy vibe about him and I think it will carry him to the jury.
Brian: A man who has drinking beer as one of his hobbies. Are you sure you don't play rugby, Dave? Well he has the brain power that's going to be needed to succeed in the game. That's highly evident. He has the frat boy mentality which tends to work with the age demographic of the men his tribe so that works in his favor as well. Something tells me that all of this is going to ultimately work in his favor because as soon as the women take a look at his baby face they aren't going to want to let him go.
Jeffrey: I'm not sure what to make of Dave. I figure he'll be around for a few tribal councils, but somehow don't see him in the final four. I predict a mid-point exit for him.
David: Man, going last sucks - all the good rocket scientist jokes are taken. We had Charlie saying he'd be a blast and Jamie said he'd be down to earth. Sheesh. Anyway, I have a feeling he'll be tossed early. I just don't think he will have the same people skills as some of the others. I'm trying not to stereotype the engineer - because I'm one, too! But I just don't see it happening for him.
Matthew Von Ertfelda Age: 33 From: Washington DC Occupation: Restaurant Designer Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: High School Wrestling Jacket Named one of People magazine's top fifty bachelors in 2002. Enjoys rock and ice climbing, 'hardcore adventures,' and weight lifting. In 1994, he successfully crossed the Darien Gap, a storied stretch of jungle linking Panama and Colombia. In the summer of 1998, he organized a deep jungle trek into unmapped areas of New Guinea to track cannibals. If Matt could hold political office, he would like to be Director of the CIA because he loves the cloak & dagger operations and the inherent risks.
Melinda: This season of Survivor is chock full of "alternative guy" players. In my naïve early years of watching Survivor I would have been ecstatic about players who admitted reading Ayn Rand, using magnetic healing rings, and watching Coen brothers movies. Now, I see them more as early dismissal fodder. Matthew sounds like a great, cultured guy. I admire anyone who speaks Mandarin, travels abroad, and earns academic honors. Unfortunately, Matthew comes across as the classic prig - an over-educated elitist whose good looks alone intimidate most people. And what's with his photo - his career as a model didn't teach him to smile?
Charlie: Matthew is my favorite to win amongst the males. In addition to all his adventures, he's around the right age the winners typically come from. Finding his way into an alliance might become difficult because Tambaqui is made up mostly of alpha males who will want to lead. He'll go far, but will likely be the first male picked off by the women once a merge happens.
Phil: Classic jock, and nope, I'm not impressed. I think this guy is going to be way too full of himself. To me, he is just coming across as a jerk. I hope he is gone early, but I bet he makes it to the jury only because he looks so athletic. On paper, he seems like a cool guy, but he is just giving off this vibe. Good idea to take a jacket as a luxury item though. He can use it to keep warm or even as a pillow. The luxury items this season don't seem as dumb as they did last season. At least this time the producers are letting the castaways bring stuff that may be SOMEWHAT useful out there! Anyway, as I was saying, Matthew will get pretty far, but he is not final four material. I'm assuming he will be one of the first ones gone when the merge occurs due to his strength.
Ken: May be one of the braver contestants of the group. This guy tracked cannibals in unmapped areas of New Guinea, and would like to be Director of the CIA because he loves the inherent risks. Can't help but think he'll be one of the main plotters in the game, similar to Rich or Brian. Whether or not he's an immunity threat, he'll probably be around until the final four because he may have the people skills to build a strong alliance. May be one of the more fun contestants to watch, and could just win it all.
Jamie: Anyone who describes their fish as vivacious I have to pray gets the early boot. His bio reads like fiction for some hero of a Harliquin romance. Says he organized a deep jungle trek into New guinea to track cannibals. Think it was to see if they prepare their taboo meals with fresh garlic sautéed in olive oil, his favorite smell. I hate pretentious and he seems like a bit much, I'm thinking an early ticket home.
Brian: First and foremost, being the Director of the CIA is not a political office as much as it is an appointment. You aren't voted into that job Matthew. Geez. This man bores me. He has this smug look on his face of, "I've accomplished all of this in my life and what have you done with your pathetic existence?" that's not really endearing him to me at this point. One friend emailed me and suggested that Matthew had nominated himself as one of People magazine's sexiest bachelors. Something tells me I could see this too if I gave it enough thought but why tax my brain unnecessarily.
Jeffrey: I think Matthew may be one of the strongest players in the tribe. I'm going to predict he'll be in the final four, and could possibly win.
David: Interesting. I think he will have some pretty decent people skills and also is willing to engage in some secret plans. I'll say he makes the jury, at least. In saying this I am ignoring the look he has on his face in the photo, which I suspect will be my undoing.
Rob Cesternino Age: 24 From: Wantagh, NY Occupation: Computer Projects Coordinator Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Magic 8 Ball (Will I win? *shakes* No? Well dang.) Wrote his college senior thesis on "The Impact of Reality Television" and received an A (why didn't he send it in for publication on RNO?). Scored a 1420 on his SATs. He believes he is a master strategist who is always pulling shenanigans on people who suspect he's just an innocent kid. Would rather be a congressman then President of the U.S. because "it looks like they can do anything they want with no repercussions." Cites a last-minute college road trip where he and two buddies drove 21 hours to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans (without hotel accommodations) as his single greatest accomplishment. Superman is his chosen superhero - besides the obvious strength and flying, "the x-ray vision would keep me busy for hours."
Melinda: Like Dave, Daniel and Ryan, Rob is a member of this season's fun frat guy club. Unlike last season when Jake chose all the testosterone-impaired young men for his tribe, all these guys have to live together whether they like it or not. This should not be a problem for the frat club. Favorite hobbies of Rob's include "jokes, sports and karaoke." Dave professes a liking for drinking beer and the above-mentioned body whomping. Daniel admires Smackdown and Dumb and Dumber. Ryan agrees with Daniel's choices and adds Fear Factor and Wrestlemania X8 to the list. Rob has distinguished himself by choosing a Magic 8 Ball as his luxury item in the Amazon. The guys can focus all their powers of shrewd insight on it to see which one will be voted off first.
Charlie: Well, he's not going to win. In fact, Rob is a big part of the reason why I see Tambaqui not making it off the launching pad. I'm really not expecting very much out of Rob when it comes to working, but I am expecting Rob to take part in a lot of the scheming. Are we sure that Rob isn't Silas in disguise?
Phil: Another Rob on Survivor, another jerk. I'm really being hard on this season's contestants, aren't I? They are all just rubbing me the wrong way. I'm thinking that Rob is not going to get along that well with Dave. Even though they are the same age, it seems like they are on two totally different wavelengths. However, I like Dave, and I don't like Rob, so I'm hoping that everyone will side with Dave; which I think they will. Rob thinks he is a huge mastermind and I'm betting he is going to try and start drama. That will get him the boot pretty early, and I couldn't be happier. Why are the Robs in this game always evil? I'm a fan of the Magic 8 Ball though. I wish I could find mine! It would be funny if they ask if they are going to win immunity and it says no. They better show that!
Ken: Says he would want to be Superman, in part because of the x-ray vision. It's probably a good thing for him the tribes are divided up by gender. Sees himself as a master strategist who pulls the wool over the eyes of people who think he's naïve. In that regard, he reminds me a little of Jeff Varner. I can see him doing like Varner or Marquesas Rob, and trying to cause trouble for strategic purposes. But sometimes, guys this cocky get found out, and then, it's hasta la vista. Will probably make the merge, but may not make the jury.
Jamie: Awwww... I like this guy. He seems young, like a sweet enthusiastic kid. Whether this will annoy the others or he can form an alliance with older tribemates as everyone's little brother remains to be seen, could cut either way. I would love to see him at least make the jury.
Brian: No way in hell this guy is going to win. His profile is nothing more than cocky, cocky, cocky and he apparently has no understanding of the congressional ethics system (then again most people don't). Magic 8 Ball? What the F&%$*# were you thinking, Rob? How about something useful like pocket Scrabble or a pillow? Something? Anything? The fact that he "believes" he is a master strategist pretty much tells me that people see through him almost instantly which doesn't bode well for him sticking around for a while. Then again, I've been known to be wrong on more than one occasion so I am more than willing to be surprised.
Jeffrey: He believes he's a master strategist? Well, it seems most of the people who claim to be don't measure up (the names Silas and RobFather) come to mind. I think he'll be transparent and voted out early.
David: He looks like he's up for the game, but how will the others perceive him? Sometimes people with this kind of sense of humor just don't go over well with others - especially if you're with them 24/7. Will he be smart enough to know that he shouldn't pull any of the shenanigans he says he enjoys? I say no - he is voted out before the jury.
Roger Sexton Age: 56 From: Valencia, CA Occupation: Vice President of Estimating at a major construction company Marital Status: Married Luxury item: Dog Tags Special Notes: This season's oldest castaway. Roger served the Marine Corps in Vietnam. One of his daughters died when she was sixteen. Enjoys adventure racing, mountain biking, and skiing. Self-described as intense, confident, and emotional. He is a member of the National Off-Road Biking Association, International Mountain Bike Association, USA Adventure Racing, and the Sierra Club.
Melinda: This guy reminds me so much of Ian from Amazing Race. Like Ian, Roger is a Vietnam War Veteran, with very solid mechanical, outdoor, and athletic skills. You know, an old fashioned guy, with the kinds of qualities women have valued in husbands for millenia. Like his other mature Survivor counterpart Alex, Roger also has a soft side and an intellectual side and is comfortable expressing them. (Can someone explain to me the sudden popularity of Ayn Rand among Survivor contestants. Was a liking for The Fountainhead a hidden criterion for applicants?) Roger is my runner-up choice for male winner.
Charlie: : I expect Roger and the rest of the older Tambaqui members to have an alliance early in the game, and that should help Roger make it into the jury. And with Tambaqui almost certainly falling apart right off the bat, making the jury will be a small miracle on its own. In all likelihood, Roger and Alex will be the last men left standing, but it will be too little, too late.
Phil: He seems pretty genuine and I like him. Although I don't think Roger is that athletic, his building skills will be an asset to the team. This guy is definitely going to be around for awhile. With a team of all guys you know they are going to have a certain amount of respect for the oldest member on the team. Roger is going to cruise right into the jury and I'm betting he is going to make the final six. As long as he can stay under the radar, I think he will make it even further. I'm betting that he is low key because there looks to be many domineering personalities on the male tribe. I also secretly hope he forms a bond with one of the girls, say Jenna, and makes another Rodger/Elisabeth connection that we have come to know and miss.
Ken: Yes, the similarities to The Outback's Rodger Bingham are obvious. And like Bingham, he's the oldest cast member. But I don't see him lasting nearly as long as "Kentucky Joe." Describes himself as intense and emotional, which, combined with his age, could be fatal if the men lose a challenge early on. Also, being a one-time Marine, he may try to take control early, like Frank in Africa. Somehow, I see him clashing with his younger counterparts. Most likely to be the first evictee when the men make their initial trip to tribal council.
Jamie: I want to see him take the million. As a former Marine who served in Vietnam, I think his military experience will serve him well and he still describes himself
as emotional and speaks of his daughter who died at 16. From the bio he seems
comfortable in his skin, that's the impression that I get.
Brian: This season's oldest competitor and perhaps the one who everyone will come to love. There's something about men named Roger (or Rodger depending on your man) that makes you just trust them. Unlike Butch, Roger seems to be the one guy who could break into the younger ranks rather easily and could possibly bring Butch along with him. I can see Roger earning the respect of his younger charges but I have to wonder how long that will last. Maybe he can teach them a thing or two about life.
Jeffrey: Roger brings enough physical talent to the tribe to stick around, and he's probably got the maturity and mental ability to work well in an alliance. I see him going well past the merge, into the final six.
David: I don't think the fact that he is the oldest contestant this time will play a role. I do think the fact that he describes himself as "intense" will - and not a positive one. He might not make it to the jury.
Ryan Aiken Age: 23 From: Ellicott City, MD Occupation: Model/Actor Breaking News: Survivor: The Amazon is 100% Bartender free, thank god. Marital Status: Single Luxury Item: Baseball and bat. Enjoys lifting weights, lacrosse, running, swimming, and eating pizza. Formerly overweight, his most proud accomplishment is shedding the extra pounds. When asked which superhero Aiken would like to be, his answer is Superman because he could bend things and see into a women's locker room. Oh dear, and he's in the same tribe with Rob.
Melinda: Why does this guy seem so familiar? Let me check his bio: Smackdown, football, wrestling, Smackdown, Smackdown, Smackdown. Yeah, he's part of this season's Survivor all right. What's original about Ryan? OK, unlike Daniel, Dave, and Rob, Ryan is not working in a field even remotely intellectual. He shares the occupation of modeling with Matthew but lacks his cultured background, though Ryan does profess to enjoy clean underwear, which is more than I can say for Dave. Ryan is strong, fit, and describes himself as "funny and talkative." Although he doesn't come across as goofy as Daniel, Ryan's lack of maturity and intellectual achievement can make him an early candidate for the boot in a tribe that's top-heavy with guys just like him.
Charlie:Spoiler Alert Things aren't looking good for Ryan. As reported on various spoiler sites, evidence suggests Ryan will be the first person voted out of the game. I suspect it will have something to do with a poor work ethic. With Butch, Rodger, and Alex all on the same team, who knows, maybe it will be because of a tiebreaker. Ryan's early exit does point to an old vs. young first vote in Tambaqui.
Phil: Ryan and Rob are going to be good together. The only difference is that Ryan is going to get far and Rob isn't. Poor Rob. Anyway, even though Ryan may seem like Rob, I think he is going to be a nicer guy. My bet is that he makes the jury, but will be cut shortly after. He seems a bit immature, but athletic too and that will save him. What he needs to do is find someone that is respected in the tribe, hold on and go as far as he can. Shii Ann did it last season with Jake and it worked pretty well for the most part. It got her to midway in the game, but she was the reason for her own downfall. I don't think Ryan will make that kind of mistake. All he has to do is sneak in there and lay low. If Ryan can figure out how to do that, he will be fine for a good while.
Ken: Like Rob Cesternino, he finds Superman's x-ray vision appealing for reasons that appeal to the libido. A model and actor, the others in his tribe might see his as a pretty-boy type. If he makes the merge, he could coast by on charisma with the ladies, and get away with things simply because of his looks But I see his tribemates tiring of his act and dumping him before that happens. Most likely will be the fourth or fifth one out. Won't be the first ousted from his tribe, but will probably be second or third.
Jamie: He is young, an actor/model, and considers himself a leader. Weighing his bio against the life experiences of some others on the tribe that leader business is a recipe for disaster. Will he be the team mascot or will he be their Scrappy Doo who they will toss out of the Mystery Machine first opportunity? I have a feeling he will hear his name read way before the merge.
Brian: Okay, beyond the ridiculous Magic 8 Ball, Ryan is the only guy who truly brought something useful as his luxury item - a baseball and bat. God I hope they never lose that ball because things in their tribe will get boring FAST. Well since Ryan has already been spotted to be absent in some video clips from the TV show Extra, there's no point in really going into much detail on him except that if he ever does get X-ray vision then all branches of the Lucille Roberts gym had better close and fast. Congrats on losing the weight though Ryan. Too bad you're leaving so soon.
Jeffrey: I don't see great things from Ryan. He's got the physical talents needed to play the game, but it a certain amount of maturity to win. The ability to turn the world into their personal Playboy bunnies indicates a lack of this maturity.
David:Spoiler Alert This is the guy pegged by almost every spoiler board to be booted first, so I'm not going to sit here and pretend I don't know that. I won't even bother making any further predictions. He's gone first. Buh-bye.
So we've looked now at both the men and the women. Check back tomorrow for our overall comments and specific predictions for jury, top four, and winner.
Alex Bell
Butch Lockley
Daniel Lue
Dave Johnson
Matthew Von Ertfelda
Rob Cesternino
Roger Sexton
Ryan Aiken