Returning Player Cast Assessment and Power Rankings

Despite the fact we are getting our third Fans vs. Favorites-type season, I am excited to see some of these players back again. I will give my ranking on how well I think each player will perform in the game in addition to breaking down my excitement/lack thereof to see them again.

#1 Aras Baskauskas 


I'm sure the average viewer has no idea who this guy is but that will certainly play to his advantage in the game. Even though he won the game already I don't see how that will make him a target this season. If he repeated as the Sandra 2.0 I would hardly be surprised. As a yogi myself, I can relate a lot to Aras so I wish him the best!

#2 Tina Wesson

 

Apparently I believe that past winners will do quite well this season and Tina has a better chance of gaining the same distinction as Sandra and not that of Francesca. Going into this game she really has nothing to prove so long as she isn't the first to go yet again. I hope that we can see her get a real second chance at the game and unleash her skill set on her unsuspecting tribe mates. 

#3 Tyson Apostol

 

In the case of this three-timer, I think my personal bias begins to seep through. Tyson has always been one of my favorite players, firstly because he is an avid cyclist and then later as a result of his quick wit and extremely nonchalant attitude. A Tyson victory seems somewhat unlikely but I see him doing quite well. In the worst case scenario, he upsets the older women on Galang with his humor but then he rallies on Redemption Island and comes back into the game. Fingers crossed for Tyson!

#4 Monica Culpepper

 

 Monica did little to gain my love or hatred back in One World but I feel that she is back to play a solid game this season. Getting beat by Colton certainly had to sting and now she's back for redemption (such a cliche on Survivor). I don't think it's likely that Monica will be the strategic mastermind of the season but given the right situation I can see her claiming victory at the end.

#5 Gervase Peterson

 

Of all the people returning to the game, I am most excited to see Gervase. People tend to underestimate his social game and focus too heavily on his easygoing attitude toward life and working. People also falsely associate hard work with success on Survivor. It can prove true but it isn't a hard and fast rule. I hope Gervase and Tyson can get together and set an easygoing attitude for the course of the season. 

#6 Kat Edorsson

 

Personally, I couldn't care less that Kat is back but I am very happy for her because she clearly has wanted desperately to come back since the second she was voted off. However, I fear she hasn't learned enough from last time and will not adapt to such an evolving game.

#7 Laura Morett

 

She's back? Nothing can really surprise me anymore but I would not have Laura at the top of my list of people most likely to return. Nonetheless, I think she will have a strong presence on the season because of her overbearing personality. I love when she dishes about Russell but I fear she could turn off some of her tribe mates who could be threatened by her ambition. I don't see her making it too far in the game. 

#8 Candice Cody

 

Will Candice learn this time that flipping prematurely is not always the best strategy? Possibly but I still don't think she will play her cards right this time around. She will most likely be cannon fodder before the merge hits. 

#9 Rupert Boneham

 

Congrats, Rupert! You have now played as many times as Boston Rob. Unfortunately, that doesn't translate to a victory even if your lucky number is 27. I have come to love Rupert as a character upon rewatching his time in HvV but I don't think the Survivor community as a whole embraces him in the same way. I hope for my own entertainment that he lasts a while but he'll be lucky to make the merge.

#10 Colton Cumbie

 With someone being voted out on Day 1, I think most guns will be pointed straight at Colton. Sure he may have grown as a person but I don't think people will want him around as a result of his cunning or tendency to say things that might offend. He'll be lucky to survive past the second episode.

To recap:

1. Aras Baskauskas

2. Tina Wesson

3. Tyson Apostol

4. Monica Culpepper

5. Gervase Peterson

6. Kat Edorsson

7. Laura Morett

8. Candice Cody

9. Rupert Boneham

10. Colton Cumbie