A new era of Survivor is upon us. Season 38 will go up and beyond Idols, Advantages and Idol Nullifiers! This time castaways can choose to hang around with bugger all on the Edge of Extinction once they’re voted out and I am in two minds about it all. For me, the returnees have overshadowed the potentially shitehouse twist of EoE and honestly if it doesn’t serve Wentworth well, then I’m out! 😛 Overall, I am very excited for this season and how it pans out. We all know Probst gets hyped up about all these game changing twists so I’m just gonna sit back and see something special happen.
This week, my two mates Barb Raos (Survivor NZ S1) and Julian Groneberg (Brissy Superfan) join me to look at the new cast!
Lyndz: Confession, I’m not a Joe fan. BUT, “play smarter, not harder”; that is exactly what Joe has to do. Third time on the island and by now he should have an awareness of how he’s perceived… An asset in team challenges, a loyal follower, but a threat in the individual game. I do think Joe is adaptable and can definitely hold his own. I’d like to see him step up in the strategic game department and that might mean not going so hard in challenges. He’s super likeable and I reckon he’ll make it deep in the game.
Julian: I’m a bit Yes and No on Joe. So easily dismissed as a one-note kind of player, I do believe there is much more to Joe than meets the eye, and I think he’s actually very intelligent and there’s a lot more to him that we have seen. For that reason he could be good, but I praying there is a bit more substance to his storyline this season. No doubt he will make it at least till the merge.
Barb: He will have Mana with the other guys and his likeability and humbleness will hold him in good stead to last well into the game. Jury for sure, as male egos will not allow him to be in Final 2.
Lyndz: High key one of my faves going in. Seems confident, smart and I wants to give this game a good ol’ crack! I can see her playing the middle, but able to pull strings with her social game. The woman from Planet Victoria seems hilarious as f$ck and I’m hoping for some witty Courtney Yates-esque lines. This chick is (not yet thirty), flirty and thriving! Top 5 finish.
Julian: I think she’s going to be a scrapper, and fight hard. She will use a ‘take no prisoners’ approach to the game. I think she’s actually going to be super smart and strategic, with a great sense of humour.
Barb: Love, love, love, my favorite female. She is going to be our red headed Valkyrie who will lead her tribe mates to their own doom. Victoria is the whole package (and for me to say that about a 23 year old is saying something). Level headed, super smart, socially aware and will be a titan in the challenges; she will be something for everyone. Super, super aware, done her homework on past seasons and I hope this pays dividends for her. Final 2 please, my Valedictorian Valkyrie.
Lyndz: Bow down to Queen Aubry! Unlike Julz, I’m thrilled to see the Coleslaw queen back. Albeit, I do think we’ve seen her in seasons TOO close together. Her personality is fun to watch on TV and we know she has the strategic chops to make it to end. But will the newbies want to take her? I doubt it. I don’t think she will do as well as she has previously done as she is just too good for this game! I see her being booted early, but obviously sticking around on EoE; she ain’t quitting!
Julian: I didn’t really need to see Aubry again, although I found her character to be enjoyable. Sadly for her though, I think it can only end in disappointment. She’s going to be seen as a strategic threat, and after two deep runs in the game, I doubt she will make it anywhere near as far for the third time.
Barb: Is third time the charm? I feel Aubry is going to have an uphill battle, too smart and too aware. It will be a hard road for her to downplay her prowess of game smarts and twitchy tribe mates may end her path before it’s begun.
Lyndz: Young, sweet, but maybe will be a bit too quiet? There’s some big personalities this season and I see Julia being ignored (note her pet peeves lol). Eating is one of her hobbies and that concerns me. I’m a foodie myself, but surely Jules has other interests, no? Not much else to say, but I appreciate she is a Survivor fangirl!
Julian: She’s got a kind face, and I think she’ll be able to see the game through, but I don’t see that much that is noteworthy about Julia. Let’s hope she offers some surprises and isn’t one of this season’s ‘purple’ edits.
Barb: Talks big and plays up her game play. She’s relatable, but feel she will be the wallflower just never quite getting into the thick of the game. I feel she is relying too much on her past history to get her further in the game rather than forge her own story actually in the game. Middle of the tribe player.
Lyndz: LOVE RON! Describing himself as a ‘Mean Girl’ in his bio is so sassy and the fact he has a school named after him won me over straight away. I think Ron will try to be hip and cool with the youngens and become quite popular (see Keith Nale, but maybe with more Survivor brain). I just hope he’s not too aggressive with his ploys as he might become really annoying and an early boot; let’s hope not!
Julian: WINNER PICK! I see Ron as being super-diplomatic, and able to smooth over any kind of dramas within the tribe. Also he seems a kind of guy person people turn to and in Survivor information and relationships equal power. I also think he’ll be able to fly under the radar, and if he doesn’t get voted out early, will go all the way to the end. That’s why he’s my winner pick this season!
Barb: Very intense, wired and on the edge. I feel he will come on too strong and play to hard too soon. If he can dial it back and tone himself down then he will stay in the game as I believe he has the charisma to create a good bond and form a solid alliance. Going to be a great character to watch.
Lyndz: I love how Reem has Rudy Boesch down as Survivor she’s most like because “he just does not care!” Society has changed a lot since Rudy played though, so I hope Reem does care just a little bit! She could end up being like Barb (don’t hate me) in Survivor NZ and that’s a little bit exciting. Being the oldest female on the tribe makes it hard though, but I’m pulling for you Reem! Won’t make it far, but fun to watch!
Julian: I want her to go far, as I love this kind straight shooter ‘older’ lady archetype. Sadly though, I think she could be an early target for her age, and the fact she’s a woman. Let’s hope not.
Barb: A no bullshit colourful character who is going to be great viewing which ever way her game plays out. Mouth almighty with attitude aplenty. Her blunt honest approach is going to be abrasive on a beach where there is no escaping from personalities that are larger than life. I’m afraid she is going to shoot herself in the foot and be pre-merge boot. But what a way to go…
Lyndz: I already refuse to call him WarDog. First thoughts and I was already off him by his bio haha. #notinterested Many people are comparing him to Tony Vlachos, but I see him a bit more serious and focussed on the game at hand. I don’t see Dan speaking llama, or building spy shacks… 😛 I do appreciate he’s a Survivor fan and even mentions Yul, Parvati and Earl as players he’s most like. Not my cup of tea, but Dan may surprise us all.
Julian: Why Do I see Tony? Oh probably because his hometown is New York, and he’s bald and burly and about the same age. Vlachos comparisons aside, I think Dan will be more serious though, and his regimented background could be a liability.
Barb: Has no self awareness of how he comes across, whilst he thinks he’s being funny and affable, he’s actually really annoying and could end up rubbing his tribe up the wrong way. He reminds me of a coiled snake, ready to strike and will react quickly, but think he will over-play himself and if he doesn’t tone himself down it will be to his demise. Too much talk for sure.
Lyndz: Oh gosh, I feel like Rick could talk and talk and talk and I’d quickly lose interest. He’s into the Cochran Survivor play so will see how he maneuvres the game. Not sure if he’ll be seen as trustworthy… I’m going early boot.
Julian: It will be interesting to see if anyone recognises Rick from his on screen profession as news anchor, but I see him being a talker and able to make a good argument. I think he could be seen as shady by the others so I’m hoping he gets on the right side of the numbers and forms an alliance quickly.
Barb: Affable, likeable middle of the road player who could get carried along, knows his weaknesses and has his game play in mind to carry him further by surrounding himself with bigger targets and fly under the radar. Don’t feel he’s got big game in him though, all talk no walk.
Lyndz: She aims to be the second DIAZ to win Survivor! Wendy looks like she’ll hold her own socially and physically in challenges, but I feel she’s been cast for her character (love her hair) and won’t be the potential winner. Seems fun though, so I’m a fan!
Julian: Another Diaz Twine? Most likely not but I love a good Latin American Survivor player and lets hope she brings the sass and feistiness. If she can hold her own in the challenges (which she talks up) then I think she’ll be able to stick around for a while.
Barb: A sassy smurf who can blow her own smoke. A tad hyper and giggly, and if she doesn’t tone down her mannerisms she will be rather grating on her tribe, but will be fun to watch her as she tries to push her agenda to no avail. Pre-merge, if not the first boot.
Lyndz: I just saw a video of Eric asking Arisa Cox whether he’s a ‘castaway’ on Survivor. And that his favourite player is Woo. O_O This guy may know very little about Survivor, but he’s strong, seems charming and is sure to win over the ladies (and gents) on his tribe. Will probably join a Brochacho alliance which I can roll my eyes at. 😉
Julian: If his biggest pet peeve is people taking themselves too seriously, then hopefully Eric will be an enjoyable light hearted contestant. Still I don’t know if he’s going to know the mechanics of the game, but I think he will make it deep, on the back of being likeable and having a strong alliance.
Barb: Seems humble and has empathy with his job and life experiences. I feel he will bond easily with others and be an all round popular player. He is self effacing, and knows what’s real and what is needed to be done to remain in the game, feel he will be flexible and have some fun. He is aware of what’s going on around him and will play to that strength and could go far in to the game. Jury.
Lyndz: OMGAWD, the gay Wentworth I never knew I needed! Except Aurora seems much more direct, headstrong and feisty! This chick oozes confidence and is ready to be conniving and even flirt with the men after telling them she’s gay. Praise, Aurora! As my WINNER PICK, I am hoping for a strong villainous ending to the season. Aurora may need to tone down the aggressiveness in the beginning, I mean, lezbehonest I’d be scared of her. Ha! If she can do this she’s likely to make it far. I’m ready for the fire!
Julian: She’s a divorce lawyer so she’s familiar with putting up a fight to get what she (and her clients) want – but if she’s adversarial in the game, I think she’ll be an early boot.
Barb: Love me a ruthless atomic blonde-feisty, opinionated, confident and knows her fuse points. Going to be highly entertaining watching her explode, but feel she is aware of herself and can handle situations and neutralize them before they escalate. The fact she admits she is willing to apologise and her attitude is just the amount of right to get far in this game. Ruthless with blonde ambition. Gonna love watching her dish it out this season. Jury.
Lyndz: Initial thoughts were a Katie Hanson edit. She talks up a big game, and being so young, the elements of Survivor do throw a spanner in the works. Lauren is a self-proclaimed Kelley Wentworth fangirl and they are starting on the same Manu tribe… Wonder how that will go. Will she be a Wentworth follower? Or try and take the big dog down? I’m ready to find out!
Julian: Young babe from Baylor University. Let’s hope she doesn’t preach southern Baptist teachings and ingratiates herself in with her tribe. I think she could have a ruthless side, but as much as she talks grit and determination I don’t see her sticking it out on the Edge of Extinction.
Barb: Miss Middle America. Preppy & peppy in a cheerleader sweet way. Will pull guys onside, but ultimately be too emotional when betrayed and doesn’t have the killer instinct required to last or be any value in the game.
Lyndz: What kind of toys? 😉 Aww man, Julie first applied for Survivor in 2001… Am I going to be Julie by the time I get to play Survivor?! O_O Haha. Being a Survivor mom is historically tough. And to make it worse, her bio reads that she has paranoia problems. Yikes! Seems doomed from the start. She’ll have to find a solid alliance to ease her mind. After all these years, I don’t see Julie winning 🙁
Julian: I see a slightly more even-keel Debbie Wanner. I think she’ll be a bit of a trippy lady but in a fun, and hopefully less grating way than Debbie. Looks like a fit go-getter.
Barb: A mum who is playing in the fish out of water scenario, seen it before, read the book, know the ending, bland beige personality.
Lyndz: SO cute, the Survivor baby of the season! His social game and perceived naivety should keep him in the game for a while as a loyal follower. I just don’t see him pulling strings at all. Possible goat to the Jury.
Julian: At only 19, he’s undoubtedly young, but something about Keith seems like an ‘old soul’ and I think he’ll be wise beyond his years, with the determination to match. Let’s hope he goes far.
Barb: Reminds of an eager to please puppy. Got the Energizer Bunny attitude and his play will be scrappy and adaptable, think he’ll react quickly to changes afoot. But ultimately he will be eaten alive, his youthful self belief will make him endearing to tribe mates and whilst he will be thinking he’s pulling strings and creating moves, I feel he will not realize he never ever had his finger in the pie.
Lyndz: Chris might be Daniel Rengering’s doppleganger, but I feel will play more like the mastermind that is Malcolm Freberg! I really hope he does well! He seems like an asset to the tribe around camp, in challenges and socially will draw people in. I’m guessing a Top 3 placing!
Julian: I see a mix of Pete Yurkowski and Hot Cop Dan. Let’s hope he a bit more chilled out than Dan, with the mischievousness of Pete. He’ll be safe for a while and could easily fly under the radar.
Barb: Highly likeable guy, funny, seems to have a good handle on his ego and is self aware, will be a great all rounder and with an edge to those pretty boy looks, he might show us some different angles and have the nounce to pull off some big moves. Bit of a cuckoo ready to borrow plays from past players and create his own melting pot of carnage. Naturally will have the golden snitch target on himself, but feel he could deflect and stay alive. Jury for sure.
Lyndz: Alert, alert, another Survivor superfan in the mix. Gavin is unassumingly buff, who woulda thunk it?! He also doesn’t seem to have a huge ego so could easily fly under the radar at the start, while discreetly pulling strings; see Josh Canfield. He’s also starting on a tribe with alpha males like Eric and Joe, so shouldn’t be seen as a threat early on. I think Gavin has the chops to make it far!
Julian: I hate to say it, but I see Gavin as really boring and straighty-180. I doubt he’ll have the guts to make savage moves, and will probably struggle against the more alpha personalities.
Barb: Love, love, love, my favorite male – quirky, self aware and best of all, persistent. That country croon of his is going to lull his tribe into feeling he’s half asleep by the campfire, but he’s got a quick wit and a mind that is patient and binding his time to strike. I believe he will be popular, fun to watch and very tactical. Final 2 please please.
Lyndz: Wentworth, this time YOU DO COUNT! My returnee winner pick, can I have two? This time around Kelley won’t be going in as the underdog, and will have to show us what she’s got with all these Superfans knowing how she plays, especially when it comes to idols. Kelley is willing to take risks, but I’m hoping she’ll be able to form an alliance where she’s not at the bottom this time and can be the one who calls the shots. No more scrappy Wentworth, bring on the BossBitch! Praying she makes it deep. #TeamWentworth
Julian: Probably the returnee I’m most excited about, simply because she’s super relatable, quick witted, and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. I feel her reputation as fun and likeable will carry her at least to the merge, as her tribe mates will want to be friends with her. She’s proven she has the nous to take risks and get idols, and I’m not going to lie, I’d be pretty stoked to see her win the season. Somehow though, I don’t see her tribe mates letting her get to the final four.
Barb: Blonde Amazon and obvious leader of the tribe, even though I feel she will try and step back before stepping forward. Her surname casts a long shadow and I believe out of any of the returnees she is the one who will rise to the challenge and bamboozle the lesser mortals to be there at the end. Imagine if she paired up with my Valkyrie Victoria what a sight to behold and watch. Or will it be the clash of the titans…?
Lyndz: Oh David, sweet David. No more will he be seen as the cute puppy dog people feel sorry for. We all know he can play this game, and play it hard! Sadly, I don’t think the poor puppy dog character will work for him this time and he’ll be seen way too much of a strategic threat. Hate to say it, but early boot… 🙁
Julian: David definitely has unfinished business and I find his self- deprecating nature charming and enjoyable to watch. I think he will win his tribe over, but he’s going to have to be a little bit more ruthless this year. It would be great to see him confident and cutthroat and even a bit villainous, if he can disarm his fellow contestants with charm but then stab them in the back, I’ll be very happy. I don’t necessarily need to see more dilly-dallying and indecision, so let’s hope he can curb the nervous energy and take charge.
Barb: His time is nigh, he was fun and quirky to watch the first time but now he could just be plain irritating and will be resting on his past laurels. He wont be long for this season. Pre-merge.
Contributing Writers: Julian Groneberg and Barb Raos
ALL IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT CBS. THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND ALL VIEWS ARE MY OWN.
