Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 5 Power Rankings

What an emotionally powerful episode we had! Beast Mode Cowboy gets medavaced. The Blondie era has come to a close. And we are on the verge of a tribal swap! We know that the game sees its first massive change depending on how the tribes shake up. So how will it affect the players in Kaoh Rong? 

#1) Anna (1)

I'm still high on Anna. I think she is a strong enough player that no matter where she ends up, she'll be able to work with whoever she has with her from the Beauty tribe. She has strong ties to the ladies and Tai. Nick will need her. Anna is set up well. The only thing that could set her back is if she finds herself alone.

#2) Julia (3)

Julia is in a great position as she is unassuming. She is not a big threat to anyone. With the merge on the minds, there are bigger fish to fry. Unless she messes up in a challenge and finds herself as a Brawn target, Julia will do just fine.

#3) Michele (4)

It's getting really old that I keep saying see above. I think for the sake of change, this swap will do everyone good. Michele is like Julia. Unassuming. The difference is that Michele may fight back if anyone tries to mess with her game. It's the Jersey in her.

#4) Neal (5)

Neal could easily take the top spot but the difference between Neal and Anna is that Neal is male and people will assume he is more of an individual immunity threat. The other difference is that Anna appears to have tighter bonds with her tribe. Neal is on a bit shakier grounds.

#5) Jason (2)

Ok here's the thing. Jason could easily have the bottom spot right now. Jason's game depends on where he lands and with who. If he is with Scot, he is a target. If he is with Cydney, he is less of a target. If he is alone, he is an essential swing vote for someone. We know that if Jason doesn't like someone, he will let them know. It will be very interesting to see how he would handle the likes of Debbie, Tai, and some of the other different personalities.

#6) Debbie (10)

How did Debbie land this high? She showed her vulnerable side. She is breakable. While she was disappointed that she went down, it proved that she is not as strong as she thought and will now make others think the exact same thing. She may float her way into the merge and beyond. Looks may be deceiving and she is about to be underestimated. 

#7) Tai (6)

Tai was devastated that his cuddle buddy was medivaced. But more so, his biggest ally is gone. Yes, he has the idol but will he know when the right moment is? I'm worried that Tai will get lost in the shuffle.

#8) Abury (8)

We really haven't seen much game coming out of her mouth. She's been a great loyal soldier but that's about it. Again, if the bigger threats become the target, Aubry is safe. But she will be an easy scapegoat for certain people just because she appears weak. 

#9) Cydney (11)

Like Debbie, going down may actually be a blessing in disguise for Cydney. But unlike Debbie, if tribal lines are the means for the next vote, Cydney has fewer numbers on her side. Cydney needs to hope she is left alone to become a swing vote. If she is then she will become a very powerful person.

#10) Scot (9)

Scot is a puppet. He needs Jason to survive. If he is alone, he is an incredibly easy target. Just like Cliff was. But if he has Jason, they bash brothers will come out swinging. Scot's game is completely dependent on who he ends up with.

#11) Joe (12)

Joe has been a disappointment for me this season. He just hasn't done much of anything. Who is Joe as a player? Maybe this swap will give us the answer.

#12) Peter (15)

Peter must be thrilled that a swap is coming. This means he can forge new relationships. He just needs to be sure not to offend his fellow Brains because they will throw him under the bus the first chance they get. 

#13) Nick (13)

Losing Caleb is actually bad for Nick. Caleb was a slight ally and a perfect meat shield. Nick looks like a threat, despite not actually seeing that quite yet. Nick is on the bottom of the Beauty tribe. He has a unique personality. Nick needs to find the right person to align with otherwise he is an easy vote to go home.

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 4 Power Rankings

Being cocky can get you booted from the game. Being overally cocky will get your alliance buddy booted from the game. Just ask Liz Markham. Dr. Obama was a loud mouth which assisted in Liz's ouster. It was certainly a viewer blindside due to how we thought her placement on the tribe. Does Debbie get the MVP of the episode? It's likely. Does that make her a strong contender for sole survivor? Not a chance. The top spots stay the same (though you could make a case for Jason to boost up due to getting, not finding, the Hidden Immunity Idol). The bottom? That's where the big shake ups happen. With a looming medivac about to come, will the leaving player change up the entire game? We shall see!

#1) Anna (1)

Anna hasn't really done much to change her placement. Unless a big shake up happens, her journey to victory is safe.

#2) Jason (2)

Jason, Jason, Jason. He is getting a very polarizing edit. You either love him or hate him. I'm on the latter side. His intensity is a bit too much for me. But with the idol, he has great positioning. Will he use it properly or as a scare tactic? That's the big question.

#3) Julia (3)

We didn't really see much from Julia again but Sorority Sister is in a great position. Again, shake up will be her only downfall. 

#4) Michele (4)

Another week, another time I say, see above.

#5) Neal (5)

Neal secured his spot as the biggest Brain. Peter is the logical next boot should Brains go to Tribal but Neal could use him as a prop. Neal has trust in the majority of the tribe. The others? Not so much. 

#6) Tai (8)

Tai Trang is so loved that anytime you see him get sad, your heart melts. His tribute to the chickens was just, I can't. By finding the Hidden Immunity Idol and keeping it a secret, Tai falls right behind the Sorority Sisters. It's not likely he'll be voted out so expect him to look for another person with the idol to make it a super idol.

#7) Caleb (6)

Caleb is dominating the challenges. Caleb is a strong asset. With the Sorority Sisters coming to Caleb to join their numbers, it looks like Nick is the odd man out. But will Caleb be ok losing another alpha? 

#8) Aubry (12)

Here's the thing about Aubry. I don't see her winning. In fact, I don't see her doing much of anything. Aubry was granted the gift of not having an ego. Had the Brains been smart, they would have banded together to vote her or Debbie out. But she is still here and her number one is Neal. With him on her side, Aubry is in fine positioning. Should she lose him, she's immediately gone. 

#9) Scot (10)

Scot is either the best sidekick or the biggest, clueless moron. Scot may think he has a chance of Jason using the idol on him. It will NEVER happen. 

#10) Debbie (16)

How the hell did Debbie get this big of a jump? Who the hell knows. But Debbie was a rock star last week. Will the star last or fade out? I'm thinking the latter. But Debbie is flexible and willing to play.

#11) Cydney (13)

Cydney made an incredible move by taking the idol information and giving it to Jason. She has proven her trust and loyalty to Jason and Scot, forcing them to keep her and not the goat, Alecia. Cydney should be safe should Brawn find themselves at Tribal. But what she should really hope for is a tribal shakeup where she can be a swing vote.

#12) Joe (15)

Joe hasn't really proven his game play just yet. What he's shown is that he will be loyal and do what he's told. That's not a winner. Joe needs to find a time to make his own move and not do someone else's bidding. 

#13) Nick (11)

Oh Nick. You should be happy you're not the biggest douchebag. Give that crown this week to Peter. But expect to get it back. Nick is the bottom of Beauty. He needs to pray Beauty stays away from Tribal or he is out.

#14) Alecia (14)

Blondie. C'mon! What the hell were you thinking! KEEP THE CLUE TO YOURSELF! Sure, I understand why she wanted to bring a buddy but did she really think she could trust her biggest competition? Alecia is a goner if she doesn't see a tribal swap.

#15) Peter (7)

Peter. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Does he truly think he has any shot at winning now? Being cocky is one thing but that Tribal verbal spewage was horrendous. He needs to figure out a way to be used, and be willing to be a number, because he is no longer a contender. 

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 3 Power Rankings

What was a surefire elimination led to one of the most epic Tribal Council meltdowns ever! Jennifer Lanzetti set herself up in such a great position and somehow she imploded, meaning Blondie herself was saved. Episode 2 provided some fascinating tribal shakeups and budding bromances. Let's see how the remaining 16 rank. 

#1) Anna (1)

Anna said very little last week. Which is a very good sign as her impact on the game isn't ready for a story. While it's easy to want to put one of her other Sorority Sisters in the top spot due to their facetime, Anna's first episode was bigger than the other two's second.

#2) Jason (4)

Jason is a polarizing character. He's being set up to be a diabolical villain. But the question is whether he's a successful villain or one that will burn while we all watch and laugh. Jason has complete control of his Brawn tribe. And thankfully, the remaining three aren't smart enough to team up and vote him out.

#3) Julia (2)

Julia did a whole lot of nothing last episode. And that's not a bad thing. As we saw with Anna, the Sorority Sisters don't have a story yet. Their position is one of quiet power. 

#4) Michele (3)

Michele did a whole lot of nothing last episode. And that's not a bad thing. As we saw with Anna, the Sorority Sisters don't have a story yet. Their position is one of quiet power. Deja vu much?

#5) Neal (5)

The Brains tribe is a whole lot of dysfunction. While they can manage to succeed in the challenges, they are a hot mess on their beach. Neal is top of the Brains mostly because he's the one eager to make the power move. He's by far the strongest all-around member of the tribe, he just needs to ensure that no one is wanting to make a move against him.

#6) Caleb (7)

Caleb had a reputation. That reputation is nearly shattered. Caleb is shaping up to be a legendary Survivor player. And it's all thanks to his bromance with Tai Trang. It was adorable. I mean, yes, Caleb is cuddlicious. He's proving himself worthy in the challenges and a provider on the beach. Caleb needs to make sure he stays tight until the merge so the numbers will get him far.

#7) Peter (10)

Dr. Obama gets the soundbite of the night calling out Debbie as a cat lady. But he also gets the strategy award of the night knowing that keeping Debbie is the smart move as she is the ultimate goat. Next to Alecia that is. 

#8) Tai (13)

Tai Trang loves many things. Tai Trang loves Caleb. Tai Trang loves idols. In episode one he got caught searching for it. In episode two he found it. Well, the clue that led to the box that led to the clue to where the key to the lockbox was. And that key is so high up in a tree that Tai needed to climb it...without a shirt or shoes on. Something is telling me that is expert foreshadow to an injury to come. Also, the amount of blood left on that tree would terrify anyone who passes it! 

#9) Liz (6)

Poor Liz. First Aubry had a breakdown. Now Liz. With Liz and Joe being at odds, Liz needs to decide whether Joe should be her target. If that's the case, she needs to get the numbers to out him. With Neal wanting Debbie gone and Liz likely on Joe, will this put a wedge in the power alliance?

#10) Scot (8)

So Scot decided to vote for Alecia and not with the numbers for Jenny. Does that mean he's the next one on the chopping block? Not at all. Cydney voted Alecia and she was fine last week. So why does Scot drop? He and Jason may be tight but Jason seems like someone who will drop him like it's hot whenever he feels like it.

#11) Nick (11)

Caleb has Tai. The Sorority Sisters are tight. That leaves one remaining person. Nick's ego would say he's not alone but sadly, loving yourself too much in the game of Survivor isn't enough. Nick needs to hope that Beauty dominates until the merge or he is a very likely choice to go.

#12) Aubry (12)

Aubry is fine. But she was virtually invisible in episode 2. As long as she doesn't find herself being a reason Brains lost a challenge, Aubry has two people below her on the pecking order. 

#13) Cydney (15)

Cydney is more of an asset than Alecia. But in the long term game, Cydney is absolutely more of a threat. If Brawn loses, she will need to plead with Jason to keep her. But Jason seems to be high on Alecia at the moment.

#14) Alecia (17)

How did Alecia survivor two Tribals? Pure luck. Alecia is one of the biggest jokes in Survivor history but she will be the one laughing her way deep into the game. Whether she knows how she is perceived or not, she should be happy to have a ticket to the merge. 

#15) Joe (14)

Joe may look like he's perfect for the game but if we learned anything last episode, he's a lit of a liability. Between the matches and the kerosine and being at odds with some of the younger kids, Joe should figure out a way to deflect the attention to Debbie.

#16) Debbie (16)

Debbie oh Debbie. What is there to say? Debbie is a personality. She will be remembered but I don't think for any of the right reasons. Debbie is rubbing people the wrong way and she is not visibly contributing to the tribe. The first time Brains loses, Debbie should be incredibly worried. 

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 2 Power Rankings

What I love about doing preseason rankings is looking back, even a week in, and seeing how WRONG I was! Last week we said goodbye to King Darnell, king of the aqua dump. Was it a justified boot? It's still debatable. But Darnell leaving means we get more boneheadedness from Alecia! After one episode, here's how we stack up!

#1) Anna (7)

Anna takes the top spot mainly because she formed, what appears to be, a super strong alliance. The Sorority Sisters if you will. Anna is smart and in control of Julia and Michele. She's also the one who will decide just which male will be their fourth. And perhaps fifth. As it sits now, Tai and Caleb have both been vetted. Both seem to be willing to play under Anna and the Sorority Sisters rules. Unless something drastic happens, Anna is Queen of the Beauty.

#2) Julia (1)

Julia is playing smart by being in the majority alliance but also taking a back seat in said alliance. While letting Anna do the dirty work, Julia can sit back and deflect for as long as she needs. Julia may appear young but she is playing like a vet.

#3) Michele (18)

Like Julia, being in the Sorority Sister alliance is a great game move. But Michele seems like the weakest of the three should a girl need to go. Personality wise Michele doesn't stand out as much as the other two. But give it time. My first boot prediction seems oh so wrong so I'm excited for Michele to shock me this season!

#4) Jason (15)

Let's clarify the situation. The artist formally known as Kyle is now being referred to as Jason. The man with two first names is now going by his last name. It's oh so confusing. But what's not confusing is his dominance on the Brawn tribe. Jason has figured out how to manipulate every member of his tribe, even Cydney, who should theoretically be on the outs. Jason needs to check his ego though as it seems it may get him in trouble.

#5) Neal (2)

Anna is running the Beauty. Jason the Brawn. And it appears Neal is running the youth of the Brain. The tribe is older by default but listening to Neal and the youngsters say they're gunning for the old folks is quite hilarious. Nevertheless, Neal has the numbers and that's all that matters. And he has a viable target in his sights. Neal, like Jason, needs to make sure he plays it cool before the ego takes over.

#6) Liz (3)

To clarify, we are calling her Liz and not Elisabeth. The Liz-Neal combo seems like a great pair. Like Julia, playing second fiddle for now is a perfect game move. Liz seems to have nothing to worry about at this point in the game. But we all know how fast this game can shift.

#7) Caleb (13)

Congratulations to Beast Mode Cowboy for defying expectations! The buffoonery of the former Big Brother houseguest is gone and Caleb is playing a strong game. He just needs to realize that the alliance is with the girls and he has to let them take control. A massive blow to his ego. Caleb has potential to go far, as long as he can handle the elements.

#8) Scot (14)

I'm not sold on Scot being a strong player just yet. I seem him as the dummy to Jason's ventriloquist. Scot is just too dumb to see it. Scot voted Darnell out because of one mistake. If that's his game plan, his end game has no shot as there's no strategy in that plan. I'm eager to see how Scot does moving forward. 

#9) Jennifer (4)

Jennifer, or Jenny, should be praised for handling her monster ear bug. If you ever had doubts about playing Survivor, that will sway you to never play. Jenny is resilient and loyal. She seems good with Jason and Scot but I could see her willing to make a move when the timing is right. If she can survive a bug in the ear, she can survive just about anything.

#10) Peter (10)

Peter, or President Obama as Debbie calls him, is in with the kids of the tribe. But don't call that safety just yet. He's not the top of the totem pole there. I don't really have a read on his game quite yet.

#11) Nick (17)

Life is Beautiful: The Nick Maiorano Story. Not nearly as douchey as his pregame video came off as, Nick saw the least amount of air time than any of the other Beauty tribe. With the Sorority Sisters having the upper hand and Tai or Caleb getting the coveted fourth spot, Nick looks like he could be in trouble. The only thing saving him is if he can convince everyone that Tai is trouble. 

#12) Aubry (16)

Poor Audry. Audry had a panic attack. On like day 2. That is not a good sign of things to come. While she's in the Kids Klub of the Brains tribe, she is absolutely the bottom of that team. Sure, she pulled it out in the puzzle to win immunity, it's the elements her alliance has to worry about.

#13) Tai (5)

Tai was on pace of having one of the strongest opening episodes ever. And then he pulled up trees to find the immunity idol and killed his position in the game. How will this hurt his placement? Tai needs to win everyone over. And fast.

#14) Joe (11)

Joe didn't do much in the first episode aside from falling into the Geriatric Group of the Brains tribe by default. Joe is spry. He's got a good head on him. But can he connect with the younger players of his tribe? He needs to separate from Debbie before she drags him down. 

#15) Cydney (8)

Why is Cydney this low? She's this low only because her dominant alliance partner was voted off. Yes, she ended up flipping in the revote but is she strong enough to be in with Jason and Scot? As long as she doesn't flip out for Darnell's boot, she could regain control of her position.

#16) Alecia (9)

There was so much history made in one single episode of Survivor. The first ear bug. The first tie vote for a first Tribal Council. The first player to forget to take the cap off of the voting pen. Congratulations Alecia, you made history! Alecia will be around for a very very long time because she is so horrible. She is getting a horrible edit, but as Dan Foley knows, the tape doesn't lie! It's easy to drag Alecia along as she's another number when you need it. Watch her goat her way to the top.

#17) Debbie (6)

Did you notice that every time they showed Debbie's name, they highlighted a different one of professions! Debbie is the female Coach. And it's already grating. Debbie is in deep trouble simply because she is so annoying. The Queen of the Fire can dish it but can she take it? I don't see that happening.