Survivor Tocantins Bets and Assessments
As of this writing, the third episode for Survivor Tocantins: The Brazilian Highlands almost airs. However, this is only my first post about this new season. Well, if you have seen the first couple episodes, then I shouldn’t be spoiling it for you when I say that Carolina and Candace are already out of the show. And, with different methods of departure at that! Carolina was blindsided, and I’m pretty sure that Candace didn’t take her boot that well.
I haven’t had so much time to assess the contestants prior to the season premier and after the episodes were shown. However, I did have some bets at the start and some of my initial choices were disappointing and a few others impressed me enough to make it on my partial bets list. Here they go:
Let’s kick off with the guys…
Brendan Synnott: Jeff’s assessment of Brendan prior to the premiere was pretty general. If you look at him, he’s probably going to be categorized as one of those good-looking hunks who has nothing to offer in Survivor but athleticism during challenges and a body to feast your eyes on (for the girls, at least). Wrong! As a successful businessman, Brendan really does not need that million dollars. But he likes to compete, which means that if he had to take bold moves in the game..then he would! I hope he does not fall into the stereotype and it’s too early to tell for now. But he’d be able to set himself apart from the recognition as JUST A SURVIVOR HUNK when it’s time to bring strategy into the table.
Stephen Fishbach: When I watched the contestants’ pre-show video, Stephen was one of those characters that I instantly loved. Looking at him, Stephen is one of the most unassuming person to have ever joined the show. But don’t be deceived as this New Yorker is an Ivy League graduate. But he’s not one to flaunt his intelligence nor would he use his educational attainment just to reach a certain pedestal or earn respect from his tribemates (Coach, you hearing me?). He wants to approach the game objectively, stripped off with all his previous achievements, since Survivor is a different world after all. Everyone is equal in the game, and Stephen realizes that. He’s also got a charm to him that makes him one of those people you wouldn’t want to get rid of. Even when he devises scheming plans, he’d probably be the one working behind the scenes, orchestrating things and he isn’t the one to be blamed for it. Athleticism? He did show he’s got enough strength to keep up with the other seemingly more masculine and studly guys this season.
Tyson Apostol: Reading about Tyson’s bio sure did impress me enough to put my bets on him, until… he took off his boxers and got butt-naked during the first episode as they had to take water from the river. This guy is hilarious! He isn’t just a physical competitor but he’s also a character! He stands out so much that even if he were voted out pre-merge, he’s one of those you’d be able to remember. His triathlon experience wouldn’t hurt him too as his tribemates could see him as an asset. With a few other strong guys (physically and personality-wise) in his tribe, he just needs to be able to validate his role within the tribe to ensure his safety. Other than that, he’s good by himself.
On to the girls..
Erinn Lobdell: With Erinn, I’m quite torn.. Many deem her as the next Parvati Shallow, but I believe it’s nothing close. One good thing about Erinn is that, so far from what she’s shown in the game, she cannot be associated with any past players of Survivor. That though can either be good or bad. Her tribemates could start to question her value to the tribe: Is she known for her work ethics? Will she help us win in the challenges? She neither stands out on both aspects. Provided that she is able to take advantage of that, Erinn could slip through the game unnoticed. And before her competitors could realize it, she’s on the finals.
Sydney Wheeler: Contrary to what others perceive upon seeing Sydney, I definitely think she has the potential to become a strong competitor, physically and socially. She is a big girl and could certainly meet the physical requirements needed to survive the tough challenges in this game. Socially, she seems friendly and unassuming that you’d love to keep her company. She’s not as abrasive as Carolina is, nor is she annoying like Sandy is. I’m not exactly sure though whether her fellow castaways see it my way. But I do see Sydney making it (at least) to the merge.
Taj-Johnson George: She is going to be my dark horse player. I wasn’t such a fan at the beginning, HOWEVER, her performance during the second reward/immunity challenge called my attention. Plus, her increased air-time is also helping us (viewers) see more of her personal dimension. It’s safe to assume her as an “old lady” given the age range within her tribe. Yet, she’s the strongest female in her tribe, which makes her an asset. She’s also been to exile, along with Brendan last episode, so her knowledge of the hidden immunity idol being at their tribe camp should give her the upper hand.
That’s it for now. I do expect these choices to change in the upcoming episodes. See you in Tocantins! 
February 26, 2009 at 5:34 am
Nice writing and layout you’ve got here, iamkindred! Like the way you put all the pictures on the left side and support it with juicy contents. But I’m confused where’s Sierra? I thought you’re also rooting for her.
As to your choices, we are on same board when it comes to Erinn, Stephen and Sydney. Parvati shallow is compared to Erinn but I seem to think it’s 40-60 race. Both of them are gorgeous, no question bout it but Erinn has still something AWESOME to prove and I am hopping she can still have big shots sailing through the jury although Debb and Coach were having trash talks against her
In this case, she needs to have the likes of Tyson, Brendan and Sierra on her side. Tyson and Brendan are perceived to be dark horses in this season, so is Sierra, and Erinn would be in her safe in their hands, I’m sure.
Stephen, to me, has yet not in his best strategic game in the first two episodes but seeing him making bridges with JT might be a great call. These two can really make a difference as long as the numbers are on their side.
Sydney was competitive but I still don’t see the BIG REASON why she’s there. Perhaps, I am really focus in Timbira and failed to turn my attention to Wheeler and another maybe, when the twist comes, Sydney can bring her strategy to the next level.
That’s it! Looking forward for your next post about Tocantins. I’m just wishing the big names will stay but it might be too impossible.
February 26, 2009 at 5:47 am
I agree on most part. Sydney? Well, what I like about her is that there’s an air of mystery, like she isn’t the “what you see is what you get” type. So, I expect to see more fire in her game, and she really did step up to the plate during the last challenge.
Same goes with Stephen.. of course, it’s difficult to see the strategic side of his game at this point since it’s all about tribe. although it is a good thing that he’s bonded with JT, given that he pointed out at the start that he expect them to not get along. so, you can tell that he can socially adapt, which is crucial in this game.
February 26, 2009 at 5:20 pm
missed the second episode.
April 15, 2009 at 1:32 pm
If you want to hear a reader’s feedback
, I rate this post for 4/5. Detailed info, but I just have to go to that damn yahoo to find the missed pieces. Thank you, anyway!