Survivor Cambodia: Episode 2 Power Rankings

My, how the might have fallen. Well, in regards to Shirin. Someone who was #3 last week found herself the second person voted out of the game. It came as a shock to some who saw her positioned so well after the first episode, but this game is ever-changing. Which brings us to the tribe expansion this week! How will that alter the power rankings and will it help certain players? Let's find out! 

# 1 Jeff (2)

Jeff Varner is playing hard. And so far, he is controlling the game. He not only held the power of Tribal Council for the second week, he has a solid bond with each person on his tribe. He has a strong social game so wherever he moves and whoever he moves with will be of great aid to Jeff. There are potential links to Bayon so if he gets linked with anyone from the Old School game, perhaps with the exception of Kimmi (remember, they are rivals), Jeff could add to his numbers. 

#2 Kelley (1)

Kelley drops a spot as she lost a key alliance member and happens to have less control than Jeff. Being the only player with an Immunity Idol, she still has great power. How will the tribe swap alter her game? It's up in the air but I'm sure she wants to keep that idol a secret as long as she can.

#3 Jeremy (5)

Jeremy and Andrew are the top dogs of Bayon but Jeremy has the slight lead over Andrew. After Andrew's odd story about his wife, he was able to find an emotional connection with each member of the tribe, sans Stephen. The problem with that is playing the emotion card too early could lead to him becoming a double threat. He's not someone you want to take too far. Jeremy can easily play the same card and the fact that he didn't puts him in a much stronger position.

#4 Terry (16)

From zero to hero. Terry was possibly on the bottom of Ta Keo. That was until he rescued Abi-Maria and found a new ally. By improving his social game, Terry has even more control. He is the head honcho of the shelter people and has Abi as a friend. Abi is the type of person who will be loyal to kindness. This will work to his advantage. 

#5 Joe (7)

Everyone loves Joe. There is no question that he is playing a strong game. With the tribes turning into three tribes of six, strength will be needed and no matter where Joe goes, he will be needed. But when the merge looms, that's when the love will die. But we're not quite there yet. 

#6 Woo (9)

Woo made a strong move. And that move was telling Spencer "no". Who knew Woo had that in him! By standing his ground and not bending over to Spencer and Shirin, Woo proved that he may still be loyal but he's learning how to play the game for himself. Will this moment hurt his former bond with Spencer? It remains to be seen. If Woo can stick to this style of play, he will not be seen as a target.

#7 Andrew (4)

There was something about Andrew's story that did not sit well with me. I felt it was false and a ploy rather than honest. He played the sympathy at the right moment but was it the smart thing to do? Stephen was the only person to catch on, and part of me thinks that it was more strategy than emotion. But when you compare Andrew to Jeremy, Andrew's little emotional blip can easily be used to target him.

#8 Kimmi (8)

Kimmi is playing a very middle of the pack game which is working out well. She's a hard worker. She is intune to her surroundings. And she is not getting on anyone's nerves. When the tribes get broken up, Kimmi will need to get into the numbers or prove her worth. And fast.

#9 Peih Gee (15)

Peih Gee gains steam only for managing a way to not get herself the bullseye. As the reason for the tribal number breakdown for her fight with Abi, Peih Gee managed to get the focus on Shirin. Is it because she is a great social gamer and was able to get both the old school and new school to have mutual hate for Abi? Partially. But if Peih Gee continues to deflect, she will be forgotten and easily find herself in the merge.

#10 Kelly (12)

Kelly is playing camp. And that's not really what this version of Survivor is. She has never experienced a tribal swap before so this will truly be the moment to see the original loser play the new game. Will she survive? That's a big question mark.

#11 Tasha (13)

Tasha hasn't done much of anything thus far. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. But it's also not a good thing. At some point she will have to make a move to position herself as a strong player and someone who wants to win. Winning immunity in the merge will be difficult with all the competition she has.

#12 Kass (14)

Kass is a genius. Somehow she has not pissed anyone off! Granted Bayon hasn't been to Tribal Council. When the moment comes for her to bring back the chaos, perhaps we'll see why she's one of the best villains the has ever seen. In the meantime, she's laying back and calculating. 

#13 Spencer (6)

Poor young lad. From top to bottom in a week. Losing Shirin was a major loss for Spencer but knowing there is a switch up is his saving grace. He will easily be able to swing his Ta Keo people into believing that they have him for numbers. Unless they all want him out next. Where the tribes line up is the telling sign for Spencer.

#14 Keith (9)

Why is Keith here? That's the big question so far. He hasn't had a ball competition yet so for the most part he hasn't shown his competition skills. All he's doing is spitting. We all know he does not like when things get messy so this tribe swap could be the end of his sanity.

#15 Monica (10)

Why is Monica here? She has been a non-entity for two episodes. She's barely seen doing anything of note, but again, it's been Ta Keo centric for two episodes. But hey, maybe not being a target will be good for her game in the long run. 

#16 Ciera (17)

Like Monica, Ciera seems to be a non-entity. But Ciera's skeletons will always be her downfall. She is one of the weakest competitors here and with a six person tribe, she will desperately need the numbers to survive.

#17 Stephen (18)

Stephen is getting such a lowsy edit. I would not be shocked if he is gone next. He is hated by Andrew. He seems to always be strategizing. And now with animosity on Jeremy's end, Stephen needs this tribe breakup more than anyone. Unless he finds himself with two alphas and some weak ladies, he will be an easy target.

#18 Abi-Maria (19)

Six days in, her sanity is still semi in tact. The longer she lasts, the more likely she is to explode. It's going to happen. We all know it's going to happen. Who will she take down in the process? That's the fun part. 

Episode 10 Recap- The Not So Amazing Jeff

The foam party ends and things are back to reality. Johnny Mac asks Vanessa if James threw the comp but in reality, he just sucked. James blames his suckiness on sexism because girls and patterns. Ok. You dumb. With James believing that Audrey is the backdoor target, he thinks he’s pretty safe this week. Golden Boy and his crazy socks arrives in the HOH room to discuss the official target with Vanessa. Her hopes is that she can keep the nominations the same so James can go home. Austin, still wants Jeff gone. The twins swap and they still whine. Liz complains that Julia is not her. Bubbly! Oh and COVER THE TOOTH! I sense a plot line to come! Audrey brings herself up to question Vanessa to ensure she’s safe. Vanessa and Austin ensure she’s safe. The fish fry is focused on Jeff and James because the longer Audrey stays, the bigger her target remains.

Gronk's Veto Challenge

Jeff brings himself up to hang with his bro Austin. Jeff thinks they’re tight and Austin is totes gunning for Shelli and Liz. Austin lets Jeff run his mouth because, well, he’s a moron. It’s veto comp selection. Before Vanessa pulls her chip we get a glimpse of Trainwreck Becky! AHHH! Welcome back girl! So Vanessa grabs Shelli. Johnny Mac gets houseguests choice and picks Austin. Smart move my man. James pulls his worst fears and takes Audrey. Jason is mortified. AHHHHH! Vanessa wants Audrey to win so the nominees stay the same. Oh this will be a good comp! Audrey comes up to the HOH room because girl loves the drama. Audrey is ecstatic. The POV challenge arrives and it’s the dice game from seasons of yore. Oh wait, who’s hosting the POV? It’s Becky! Now she speaks! Congrats Trainwreck! In Gronk and Roll, the players get in the dice and must roll their die back to their platform with the correct number facing up. Vanessa, poker diva herself, challenges Audrey with the number 2. Vanessa plays real bad and makes it appear that the die is hard to move allowing Audrey to win. John challenges Audrey. Uh oh. The number is 3 and John is rockin’ easily beating Audrey. James is up and takes on Goliath himself, Austin. James is just rolling while Austin looks like an animal but it’s the animal who beats the Hillbilly. Shelli is up next and challenges Goliath. The number is 4 and Austin frogs to victory. It’s now down to the finals between Austin and John. Rock Doc vs Judas. Who will it be first to 1? It’s the Rock Doc Pawn Master winning Veto AGAIN. I have to say, John in the Diary Room sessions are like a college kid on drugs. Wild, crazy, and uncomfortable to watch. And at this rate, Johnny Mac will be here to stay for a long time.

John celebrates his victory by falling into bed and listening to James. He knows how ridiculous he sounds as he says he feels safe. But now with Veto in his hands, Vanessa is screwed. And thinks Austin may have thrown the competition. They spat and Austin backtracks. Their fight goes in circles as they both think they’re right while clearly it’s Vanessa since we already learned via the DR that Austin kinda maybe threw it. 

Gronk's Shower Party

It’s time for Gronk’s first official party. So anytime Gronk calls a party, if you don’t show up, you get a party fowl and become a have not. Shelli is WAY too excited. The first party is a living room toga party. It’s not very killer. Next up is a pool party. And then a shower party? Huh? Uhhhh…ok. And then we get a New Year’s Eve Party which means KISSES! It’s cute until Clay and James kiss…and then any dream of kissing Clay is ruined. Oh man. Another? Costume party. And then we get a montage, thankfully, to spare us. Parties when you’re sleepin, parties when you’re cookin’, party to limbo and conga, and of course a hot tub party. Those parties sure are exhausting! No time for strategy? Psssh. It’s Vanessa and Jeff talk time! Vanessa claims she’s struggling on what to do. She uses the “Audrey’s cause” excuse. Jeff tries to convince her that Audrey really is the appropriate target as she is the source of all dramz. Jeff goes around and whines about the lack of Audrey going up. And of course he shoots himself in the foot by spilling his guts with Clay around. Jeff even asks Austin what her deal is. Jason catches on to Austin’s plan of working with Vanessa. Jeff, on his reign of uh oh, continues to try to sway Golden Boy away from Austin. Jeff, you are awful at this game. Go back to running around the globe. Clay goes right to Austin who goes to Vanessa who come up with the plan of giving her a reason to nominate Jeff. Operation Expose Jeff! Austin immediately approaches him in front of Shelli and Clay. Smart move! He claims that he told him that he can’t trust Clalli. Dramz! Austin then pulls Vanessa into the room. Vanessa calls him out and they go at it! Fate sealed. Jeff, sayonara. The BBTakeover music arrives and Gronk returns. Anyone who won a competition this week gets to play in a competition to win a Gronk cruise. Jason, John, Meg, Vanessa, and Austin get to play the first luxury comp! All ya gotta do is select a cup and chug! Simple. And the winner is Meg! She gets to travel with Gronk and his family on a party ship. Good luck darling. Don’t celebrate too long because it’s Veto meeting time. With John inevitably taking himself off, it’s inevitable that…wait. Gronk party? Way to be a buzz kill Gronk! The party’s over for Jeff as he gets to be John’s replacement on the block. It’s now Jeff vs James and things couldn’t be any worse for that alliance. Jeff isn’t buying it beyond being Audrey’s puppet. Austin is thrilled as he is bloodless. And Audrey is shocked she is still alive. 

The battle is on. James may actually have a reason to feel safe with Jeff sitting next to him. Will Jeff have an amazing time going home? And what will the next BB Takeover be hosted by? Cross your fingers it’s someone good! 

Episode 2 Recap: The "Amazing" Twist

Tonight’s second part of the two-night premiere is so big there is no time for a Julie “but first”. So let’s just get on with it! We are immediately teased that the BB Takeover will begin with a guest. We all presume that involves two more houseguests but before we need to meet our next six.

(l to r): Julie Chen, Liz, Jason, John, Becky, Vanessa, Steve

The formula is the same so let’s just get the highlights of the introduction packages.
- Liz is a feisty Capricorn without a filter
- Jason believes working for minimum wage isn’t a good look
- Vanessa has 4.5 million from poker
- John rocks out… and wants money
- Becky loves the outdoors (it’s a theme…and apparently everything about her)
- Steve plays with K’Nex (like a child)
This group of six is pretty tame in their package. Vanessa tells us that love is love and how she’s now a lesbian. John hates superfans. And as Liz is packing, she’s conveniently packing in front of a mirror…but who was that packing was it Liz or a POTENTIAL TWIN NAMED JULIE. Oh and like Clay, Steve’s house has their family name plastered on the front. Maybe it’s a clue. Or just a stupid coincidence. 

After we meet our second six, Julie brings them out like she does and immediately reveals the twists to the six. I think they were smart enough to figure out the Battle of the Block the second they walked out in a group of six, but they need some drama. The BB Takeover Twist? Well John was not having that at all. Get used to it Rock Doc. Julie sends them on in to meet the first eight and what ensues is just another adorable meet and great. John is intense. Like cannot handle himself. And perpetually drunk with that slurring thing he does. When Jace and Becky meet, Jace tries to be super chill and calls her home state “Rado” which, according to Becky, no one does. I smell tension! In the Diary Room sessions, Vanessa admits she is playing. Analyzing and getting information immediately about the first HOH. But we learn that gets spilled quite soon to all. And then Liz says something with a knowing look that clearly foreshadows that she’s the Twin Twist. Editing or complete inability to make this twist last? You decide. Da’Vonne, who seems to have an opinion on everyone, does not believe John is a dentist and thinks Jason is the equivalent to Pee Wee Herman. And then James, the guy with the baby at home, is still melting for the hot girls. 

We return from break to meet our first guest Taker Over. And it’s Phil Koeghan, host of The Amazing Race, confirming what we already assumed. After showing some clips of previous BB couples on The Amazing Race, Phil reveals it’s time to throw some racers into the BB House. And we get Blind Date twist couple Jeff and Jackie. They admit they are close friends and that’s it. How will this play out? No need to wait, get them in there! They meet the rest of the house to a mix of previous knowledge and complete and utter ignorance. I mean Da’Vonne calls the show they were on Gulliver’s Travels. Let’s just keep Da’Vonne longer than she should be on the show because her DR quotes are epic. 

Jackie and Jeff of The Amazing Race

After a harmless introduction, Julie gets ready to reveal the next HOH. But first, another houseguest must sit out. This time it’s Vanessa who takes a gamble and agrees. The rest of the house agrees that they won’t put her up as well leaving the available number of houseguests to nominate to ten. THAT is a gamble. The movie joked about in the first HOH is the theme of the second HOH. The houseguests must hold onto their stake before getting sucked into the UFO. Simple enough, right? That is until alien slime is shot onto them. It was #grossnasty. And speaking of grossnasty, can we talk about the abysmal production value with the laser beams? It was embarrassing. The Post Production team should be fired. But alas, we’re here for competition and just like that, Steve is out. The others seems to be holding on well including super cocky Jason. Jason, the token gay boy, loves to run his mouth and I think this will make him a super easy target very soon. Jeff, one half of the BB Takeover Twist, decides to throw the challenge as to not make the target on his back bigger. And just like that we’re down to…nope, John’s out. And Becky. And now Liz. Making the final two Jackie and Jason, a very unlikely pair. By this point, Jackie is way up on her stake and knows time is running out. Jason wants to win so badly that he foolishly agrees to make a deal with Jackie and not nominate her. She immediately agrees and Jason wins. This makes two tiny people the HOH for the week. But wait! We still don’t know what will happen to Da’Vonne and Vanessa! I think the best twist would be to take them out of the house and make them do The Amazing Race instead. But Phil returns and teases that “sometimes with risk comes reward.” Thanks Mr. Vagueface. 

And just like that, the jam packed episode is over. We now know our official 16 houseguests. So what do you think of Jeff and Jackie being in the house? And how will the power dynamics shift with Jason and James as the HOH? Who will they nominate? We’ll find out on Sunday!

Power Rankings

So after every Thursday episode, we will do a re-ranking of the Power Rankings. This first re-rank is simple. HOH to the top and The Amazing Race to the bottom.

        1. James (7)
        2. Jason (4)
        3. Clay (1)
        4. Meg (2)
        5. Audrey (3)
        6. Da’Vonne (5)
        7. Jace (6)
        8. Steve (8)
        9. Vanessa (9)
        10. Becky (10)
        11. Liz (11)
        12. Austin (12)
        13. Shelli (13)
        14. John (14)
        15. Jackie (n/a)
        16. Jeff (n/a)