Another season of survivor is on the way and what would that season be to Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett without some returning players. The Bikal tribe from an outside perspective would appear to be one of the most dysfunctional tribes on paper. Combining the craziness that is Phillip with the questionably unstable Brandon Hantz and the self proclaimed bitch Corrine is just scratching the surface of this tribe. That being said there is a lot of potential in this group to make both good and bad strategic moves. Historically, as Cochran pointed out, the members of Bikal made huge mistakes in the game basically ensuring they couldn't win (but at the same time making a return appearance more likely). That being said, let's get to our first member of the Bikal tribe.
Malcolm Freburg
Of all the returning players I think Malcolm was definitely in the best position to win his original season. He played a nearly flawless game minus the final challenge and his "love" affair with the Cookie Monster Angie. His superfan knowledge of the game is probably only bested by Cochran's infinite supply of survivor facts. The difference is that Malcolm applied his knowledge the first time around to scheme, socialize and in some cases save himself (and his idol). The problem Malcolm may have this time around will be trying to get the other returning players to trust him as he is an unknown factor. As nobody saw his season before the season started filming it will be hard right off the bat for Malcolm to gain their trust. As most good survivor players know it is better to get rid of any unknown variables that may complicate things. If Malcolm can get past the first few days and build good relationships in the tribe then there is no reason for him not to last until the merge. His survivor experience won't be as easy this time around but if he plays the same he should stick around for quite a long time.
Corrine Kaplan
Probably the rudest and crudest survivor ever, Corrine does not shy away from the villain spotlight. Known best for her negative comments about fellow tribe mates, her most infamous moment consisted of her berating Sugar for her crying over her Father's death at the final tribal council. Despite her outspoken nature Corrine has one thing that many contestants value: loyalty. As a member of the onion alliance in Gabon she never wavered even when things seemed bleak. Her undying loyalty to her alliance is the thing she will have to focus on in the early game if she wants to stay in. Many contestants may overlook her as a jury threat due to her outspoken and usually negative comments which is an added benefit to her game. The problem that Corrine will have is being able to find the right people to align with. Malcolm and Cochran have both expressed their interest in aligning with Corrine in interviews prior to the season so her options are open. Another problem she may have is adapting to the game. If her alliance is sinking she needs to be able to change her plan instead of going down with the ship again. Regardless of if she goes first or all the way, Corrine will be an interesting character and is worth the second chance.
Brandon Hantz
As a returning player I really don't think Brandon is suited to do well. His history of meltdowns, saying things he shouldn't and overall craziness are reasons enough for people to want to get rid of him. However like Corrine, Brandon also played a very loyal game the first time around. Watching his meet Brandon video shows him as a more aware person and he may be ready for the game this time around. No matter what he does though it will be an uphill climb for Brandon and it would be a miracle for him to win but hey miracles have happened before *cough* Fabio *cough*. I should however recognize that Brandon was in a good position to win the game had he made it to the final 3. He just was not in a good position to make it to the final 3. I just hope this time around we don't have to hear about his uncle.
Francesca Hogi
The most confusing player to return is Francesca. In many ways it makes no sense. She was the first boot in a season universally despised by everyone not named Jeff Probst or Boston Rob. The edit that season was completely taken over by Russell, Rob and Phillip and Francesca was quickly forgotten. That being said, she probably had more airtime than Carter did last season and he placed 6th. She is also a good character and natural enemy to Phillip. Comparing her to other female players of the past few seasons she actually may have contributed more to the season then a majority of the other players. Gameplay wise, Franchesqua was very aggressive right off the bat and her feud with Phillip sealed her fate early. If she comes into this season with the same aggression she will be gone immediately once again. Francesca needs to lay low for the first few days and eventually when the tribal switch comes she should turn on her aggression. There is a big question mark next to her. Will she become the worst returning player ever (held by Russell Swan) or will she succeed in game she is basically new to.
Phillip Sheppard
The questionable former federal agent self nicknamed as the specialist is the returning player to who placed the highest in their previous season by being the runner up in Redemption Island. A player not known for his strategic endeavours but more by his craz... I mean odd ways. His social game lacked a lot as well. Arguments and explosions were no stranger to Phillip as something as simple as being called crazy made Phillip start a racial argument. Outside of the game Phillip has actually seemed more likeable and perceptive than he appeared previously. His analysis on Survivor: South Pacific during a Rob has a podcast episode made it clear there is more than meets the eye with the specialist when he correctly stated that Sophie was a very large threat and was playing the game to win and. He showed in his first season that he could assess a situation very well. By becoming a potential goat for Boston Rob he assured that he got much further in the game then he would otherwise. His flaw was in not making a move against Rob and to a degree his social game. His hard work ethic earned him a vote from Ralph so he must have done something right. The question this time is will Phillip be able to fit into an already weird Bikal tribe. If his fellow contestants recognize him as a goat right off the bat he may be able to last long enough to establish himself in the game. The only question I want answered is if he will make a Stealth R Us 2.0.
Dawn Meehan
A spot probably stolen from Holly Hoffman, Dawn is the token older women needed for a good survivor tribe. Don't get me wrong, Dawn is one of my favourites, I just think Holly would have been more willing to make a move or that Dawn doesn't have the killer instinct to help her get further in the game. Dawn''s game rested mainly with Cochran and her unwillingness to either swap with Cochran or tell Savaii sealed her fate. Physically, she is very strong and is very likely to be kept due to her skill in challenges. Socially, Dawn's game is very good. She made no enemies on South Pacific and up until she won immunity nobody saw her as a huge threat. If Dawn can channel her evil side a little bit then her chances at winning are great. But, if she follows and waits until it is too late then her survivor return will be cut short.
Erik Reichenbach
Nothing makes me happier than seeing a fan become a favourite. Erik started on the original "fans" vs faves as arguably one of the only fans on his tribe. He proved himself to be a worthy physical competitor matching Ozzy in challenges and going on a pretty serious run. Of course, it was cut short when he made a huge mistake that never would have benefit him. The difference between then and now is experience. Erik won't be making any boneheaded moves this time around. After watching the best at that time duel it out to the end in one of the most cut throat seasons of survivor, Erik is probably best suited coming back to this season. He will be underestimated strategically and that's where people will be caught making mistakes. Erik is a very bright contestant and I'm sure he has more up his sleeve than to just win immunities. On the subject of immunities, I feel like he has already set up a "witty" Jeff Probst remark if he were to win an immunity post merge along the lines of, "so Erik are you gonna give up the necklace?". Probst would probably find this hilarious. Back on subject, I see no scenario where Erik doesn't make the merge as there will always be a bigger target than himself. I hope this fan now favourite redeems himself and shows the world he can play survivor.
Brenda Lowe
Brenda is a good aggressive player. Her one problem last time was her refusal to scramble. If she had scrambled to stay in she might have had a better shot at winning instead she acted as if scrambling was above her and sunk her game further. In Nicaragua, Brenda was calling the shots for quite a while and she had a strong alliance, or so she thought. Trusting the right people will be something Brenda is going to have to deal with this time as Sash and Naonka were not the best allies for her. Going into this season Brenda will have a large target on her. This is due to her Parvati like flirtatious style and aggressive gameplay. If the favorites don;t see her as a threat right off the bat then Brenda will go very far into the game maybe even making it to the final 3. But the question still remains: If she needed to would she scramble to stay in this time?
John Cochran
My survivor counterpart in many ways, Cochran knows where he stands this time. He is very self aware, pointing out he brings virtually nothing to the team in terms of challenges or camp life. That and he is known as an untrustworthy player who flipped on his entire tribe. Going into this season it definitely does not look good for Cochran. However, there is some hope. If his tribe manages to avoid tribal council the first one or two times it may give Cochran enough time to find an alliance with some of his former contestants (Brandon, Dawn) or someone who is very fond of him already (Phillip, Andrea and maybe even Corrine). Once in an alliance Cochran could very well make it to the end under the impression that he isn't a threat in challenges and people probably think he would perform badly in front of a jury. If Cochran was to make it to the end his best argument would be that he came in with the worst reputation and survived until the end. If Cochran has learned from his last go around I think he could really show the world that he is capable of all the big (good) moves and that his super fan knowledge is useful.
Andrea Boehlke
Andrea will probably be underestimated. As a part of the 3 degrees (a faction to Stealth R Us) Andrea blindly followed Rob to the slaughterhouse on his magic carpet ride to the win. But this farm girl has more than meets the eye, Her physical game is actually very good, winning a clutch duel and performing very well in most if not all individual challenges in her season. Strategically, she also knows what she is doing. In Redemption Island she appeared to have the most strategic sense out of anyone in the Ometepe 6 (besides Rob). And even if she tried to make something happen the rest of the players would have gone straight back to Rob. The other members of the Bikal tribe will underestimate her strategic game play and that is her advantage. I see no scenario where Andrea dies nit reach the merge at least, She is very likable and is great around camp so she won't be starting any waves. She has also learned a lot from her past experience and she has stated that she would be coming back with a much more aggressive style as opposed to just following. I am really excited to see what side she will choose in the Phillip-Franchesqua feud as that could become pivotal in how her game progresses. All in all Andrea has a very good chance at going far and maybe even a shot at final 3.
What do you think of the Bikal tribe? Comment below saying who you think will do well and who will crash and burn. Also mention any former contestants you think could have been better to add to the season.
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