All Hail Boston Rob, Winner of Survivor: Redemption Island

I did not blog Survivor: Redemption Island this year, expecting it to be as mind-numbingly boring as last season's Survivor: Nicaragua which was won by...anyone?  Exactly.  But I watched every episode because that is what I have done since a certain overweight gay guy sat up a tree and told us all that we might as well write the million dollar check for him right then and there (sadly, not suggesting that the producers deduct the taxes first).  I'm glad I did, because I found this season, though lacking in surprises, to be one of the most satisfying and enjoyable ever.

There were two twists for this twenty-second season of Survivor.  One, was the return of two of the most notorious past players, the pathologically evil-yet-entertaining Russell Hantz and the bad boy-turned- endearing "Boston" Rob Mariano.  The second was the creation of Redemption Island, a place where voted-off castaways would be given a second chance to get back in the game.

I loved the first twist because I recognize that first and foremost, Survivor is a television show and its first requirement is to entertain.  And like them or not, Russell and Rob are two of the most dynamic contestants to ever play the game.  The success of any season of Survivor is about 90% casting, 5% Probst dimples and 5% location.  When, like last season, there is a lackluster cast, no amount of "wanna know what you're playing for" or "Survivors, ready?!" will save it.  So, the producers were smart to ensure that there were two remembered, as well as memorable, cast members.

Bringing back two players did not guarantee that they would be around long to carry the show, as they each came with huge targets on their backs.  And, indeed, Russell was so hated by his tribe that they did the unthinkable -- throwing a challenge just so that they could vote him off.  It turned out to be a $1 million mistake for one of the former Zapatera tribe because they had the momentum, the numbers and the edge going into that challenge.  There is no question that had they not thrown that challenge, it would have been one of their own (if not all from that tribe) sitting in the finals and not riding the jury bench.

But Rob somehow used his voodoo magic, Boston charm or Survivor mind control to convince his fellow castmates to keep him around.  Though he was clearly the biggest threat, though he was the obvious choice to get rid of early, his team instead clung to him like a life raft in the middle of the ocean (rather than the 2 ton anchor he actually was...to continue the metaphor).  Rob made them believe they needed his construction skills to build their shelter.  He had them thinking that, despite them losing challenge after challenge, they shouldn't risk becoming a weak team by voting him out.  He somehow manipulated everyone of them to being a key player on Team Rob.

A great example of just how intellectually overmatched his fellow castmates were, at the finale Jeff asked Natalie why she and the other girls didn't try and vote out Rob when they had the chance.  She, as did Ashley, admitted that she knew Rob had the secret Immunity Idol and so thought it would do no good to try and vote him out.  It is Countering the Immunity Idol 101 that when someone has it, you do whatever you can to force them to play it.  But instead they let him have the benefit of the idol without having to use it until the very last opportunity.  Crazy.

The Redemption Island twist was infuriating.  After "the tribe has spoken" there's a catch??  No, I'm a purist.  Out means out.  But this year...and it appears next season as well, sadly...you had a chance to get back into the game by outlasting the other kicked-off survivors in a series of duels.  It gave us the story arc of Matt the Christian true believer whom God appeared to be carrying all the way to the end.  Matt won ten duels, was brought back in the game only to be voted out again, and seemed poised to make another miraculous comeback, all thanks to God, which would have given the premed student and the almighty quite a story to tell their friends.  But, instead, Matt fell short and all that time on the island seemed in retrospect a cruel joke.

A few observations.  David said during the jury questioning what the rest of us were thinking--no one played a better game than Boston Rob and no one since Richard Hatch has worked harder or more cleverly to come out on top.  Steve and Grant are whiny jerks -- the NFL should be embarrassed.  Phillip did not have to apologize to anyone.  He was interesting and real and was treated horribly by most of the opposing tribe (save for the hirsute hillbilly who redeemed himself with his Phil vote).  Cyclops needs to apologize to Natalie and Natalie's mother for her nasty comments during the jury segment.  The girl is 19, away from home, playing a game for $1 million with people much older than her.  She made it to the end, which 15 others couldn't say.  Julie, go take your bitterness against the cute girl, oh, and your stealing Phillip's trunks, and show us just how classy you really are.  I'm sure your girls are really proud.

It would be easy to discount Rob's masterful play this season as "fourth-time's-the-charm."  But as anyone who watches Survivor knows, it does not get easier the more times you play, your vulnerability actually grows exponentially each time.  It is a testament to his brilliant social game that Rob overcame being the most obvious choice for an early boot to control almost every breath that his tribe took for 39 days.  I have not seen such blind obedience to a male authority figure since Jim Jones.  May not be the most flattering analogy, but it is the most apt.

I'd strongly urge Natalie and the rest of the Omatepe tribe to steer clear of Koolaid for a while.

Survivor -- Redemption Island, Episode One

How do you keep a show that is in its 22nd season fresh?  Change the rules.  This year on Survivor: Redemption Island, when you are voted off, you don't go home in defeat or to chill at Ponderosa in luxury.  This time, you leave your tribe and head over to Redemption Island where you wait until the next person is voted off.  As you think about what went wrong and stew about whoever caused your downfall, you think how you'd like to have a second chance and what you would do differently.  If you're very lucky, you'll get to find out.

Because each week, the next voted-off contestant will also go to Redemption Island and the two castoffs will duel to see who remains, and who is out for good.  Later in the game, the sole survivor of these duels returns to see if they can capture the ultimate title of Sole Survivor. 

We meet the eighteen castaways vying for the million dollars, the usual array of attractive people.  They are profiled here and here.  Two are extremely familiar faces to Survivor fans: one who personifies evil, the duplicitous Russell Hantz, and one who is the epitome of the redemption story, villain turned hero, Rob Mariano. 

If you've ever watched Survivor before, you know how the first episode will go.  The contestants are transported in some interesting way, they sit quietly sizing each other up while we, the viewer, do the same.  We'll meet a few people early on -- usually those with an interesting character arc and those going out soon.  Truly, one of the few flaws of the editing is how they telegraph who is going home from that first episode by giving them more than their share of face time (I'm looking at you Francesca).  Yet, if you're a diehard fan like me, you still get goosebumps upon hearing the great dimpled one, Jeff Probst, launching the start of the show as he once again announces 39 days, 18 people, ONE Survivor. 

We're back to Nicaragua and, to be honest, I've never watched Survivor for the scenery.  If you want that, there might be a Travel Channel show on the country that will show you "the land of lakes and volcanoes."  What I want is the deception and duplicitiousness.  I want the mindgames. I want the faux friendships and soon-to-be-broken alliances.  I want the backstabbing and, a new entry tonight -- frontstabbing.  I got all of that and more in just this first episode.

The sixteen contestants who exited their helicopter transport looking all nicely-scrubbed and fully in possession of the faculties for the last time were introduced rather quickly to the twist du season, the addition of Boston Rob and Evil Russell to the game.  They were treated like rock stars at first, cheering and clapping and huge smiles -- well, at least for Rob.  Their response to seeing Russell was a bit more muted.  Like seeing your ex or that creepy high school coach.  It took little time for their fans to target them for early elimination.  And that makes sense, because if you bring Russell to the end you know he's going to...lose.  Oh, right, he's 0-for-2.  His mom wouldn't vote to give him $1 million.  Why then do you want to get rid of him?

They each are randomly assigned to one of the two existing teams, neither of which I can spell right now and I'm not interested enough to pause my DVR.  Especially when I can use the handy orange team v. purple team!  Moving on, we see Francesca, an attorney, commit an early and potentially fatal rookie mistake.  She drew unnecessary attention to herself.  She was the first to utter what everyone else thought: "they're sizing us up like we're prey."

Jeff the impish one immediately called her out.  Francesca had already begun to dig herself a hole, but she forgot the cardinal rule of holes -- when you're in one, stop digging.  So what did she do?  She plunged her verbal shovel deeper into the sand:  "They're troublemakers. They're two of the most famous troublemakers in Survivor history. I don't think they're here just to help us out." 

Okay, so if you've watched any Survivor, or any reality TV show, or if you have two brain cells to rub together, you know she's in a pile of trouble.  But, maybe all is not lost.  Sure, she's given the producers a lot to work with in her first minute, but she'll retreat and regroup and save herself.  She's a lawyer, for heaven's sake. 

Jeff explains the new twist -- Redemption Island -- and how you should be careful who you vote off because they may come back. So how does Francesca take this piece of information?  Does she keep her thoughts to herself as she should have when she saw Rob and Russell?  Will she stanch the flow of blood before it's too late?  She knows how important words are and how they can be used against you, so she'd never say to the camera:  "The good part is, if I get voted out I can get back into the game.  But the possibility of getting voted out is so not a reality to me...."

You could fast forward at this point or switch over to watch the singers on American Idol having meltdowns when asked to memorize the lyrics to songs that even Osama Bin Laden in his Afghan cave is familiar with.  You know Francesca has a fork stuck in her side.

But it's Survivor and you want to see exactly how things turn so bad for someone seemingly so smart. 

First, though, we hop over to the purple team and watch Russell salivating over the raw meat there.  He has it all planned and they're powerless to stop this runaway train.  Meanwhile, music from How the West Was Won plays (or Bonanza or some other we're manly men show) in the background as we watch the busy bees building their shelter.

On the orange team, someone actually asks "Boston" Rob, he of the "pahk your cah in Hahvahd Yahd" accent and Red Sox baseball cap, if he's from Boston.  That guy must be a Mensa member, for sure!  Natalie, the "professional dancer" is crushing hard on Boston Rob.  Watch your back, Natalie.  Amber may look cute and sweet but she'll cut a bitch who goes after her man.

We are reintroduced to former federal agent Phillip (loved the "boing" sound effect the producers gave us here) who thinks his disclosing his prior profession is this big reveal.  Francesca thinks it's a hoot.  What won't be a hoot is when Phillip the delusional is still in the tribe and you're off to Redemption Island.

Also on the orange team is the not aerodynamic Kristina (how she stays upright is beyond my comprehension of physics) who is crafty enough to start snooping around for the hidden immunity idol, yet not wise enough to do it without absolutely everyone in the camp noticing.   Nevertheless, she finds it!  Maybe she got one of the producer's clues that were meant for Russell.

Did I mention that Phillip is insufferable?  But thanks to the nonstop face time, he can't be long for the show.  He makes an alliance with the girls, the makes an alliance with Rob, he tells Kristina he's against Rob, then tells her how important his integrity is to him. 

Russell presents Stephanie with an offer she can't refuse, be the next girl he takes along to the end.  She doesn't trust him, wisely, but she's all into staying on his good side and using him.  I like that.  Meanwhile, others on the tribe are totally onto their plan, and both of them are in their crosshairs.  But will that last.  For two seasons, people have known that Russell was dangerous and yet they let him sneak through.

Kristina is targetting Rob.  She pulls Francesca and Phillip into her masterplan.  But within seconds of being part of this new alliance, Phillip shows that he has fewer people skills than Ted Kaczynski, berating, insulting and aggravating his new partners in crime.  Francesca realizes she's going down a dangerous path with her new psycho alliance, but she does nothing to save herself.  Recognizing a problem is not the same as fixing it, just fyi.

So Kristina wants to get rid of Rob now, Francesca suggests doing something smart like getting rid of the weakest player, Natalie, so they have strength in challenges. But Kristina cannot get Rob out of her mind, he just bugs her for some reason and that is enough for her to make a decision that would spell the end of her tribe in all future challenges.  I wonder what law school she goes to -- one that stresses impulsivity and irrational thinking?  Yale?  Meanwhile, Kristina is on Rob's list, too, recognizing that she is nothing but trouble -- he figures she probably already has the idol.  Ding ding ding!!

Does anyone else think that Phillip practiced his confessionals in front of a mirror?  He is way to posed for this to be natural.

Did you know that fire represents life?   Jeff, you should have told us that before.

Tribal council.  So this is how things can unravel so fast.  Jeff asks an innocent question -- Francesca, what do you think of Redemption Island?  The correct response?  I like puppies.  The wrong answer: "If Rob got voted out tonight, which he won't, but if he..."   Phillip immediately reacts.  "I have a problem with that statement she just made."  Okay, fine stop there.  Oh, wait, there's more?  "Francesca and Kristina asked me to cast my vote for Rob."

And then all hell broke loose and the six tribe members watched the three eat each other alive.  Now Phillip wants to vote out Francesca...and he says it out loud.  But he'll stop now.  He's done enough damage.   He wouldn't possibly let slip that...Kristina has the hidden immunity idol.  Everyone, guess what Kristina has!!   My favorite line?  Phillip tells Jeff "I have nothing more to say."  Perhaps you should have thought of that about three minutes earlier.

Boston Rob tries a sneaky ploy, asking Kristina to give him her immunity idol, when she proves herself smart enough not to fall for that, he then signals the rest of the tribe that their earlier agreed upon split the vote idea is still on.  Very sneaky, very smart, Rob.

So votes are cast and not surprisingly it is Francesca, who sealed her fate back on the orange mat soon after she landed in Nicaragua, who is the first sent to Redemption Island.  She should have plenty of time to replay the events of the last two days and then grab something hard to hit herself in the head with.

"Boston" Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz added to Survivor Redemption Island

From the initial negative reaction to the revelation that the rumor was true, Survivor villain and two-time runner-up Russell Hantz would join perennial Survivor Boston Rob for Season 22, it looks like it may be the producers of Survivor would will need redemption.  Between the two, they have five prior appearances and hours of time on our TV sets competing for one million dollars and the title that has eluded them time and time again.

So why this third and fourth chance?  Ratings.  As last season proved only too well, it is hard to find great reality TV characters.  NaOnka tried being mean, Fabio tried being nice, but in the end the whole season ended up being boring.  Those who tried to be scheming and conniving looked weak and overmatched, those who tried for the good old boy and girl roles were grating and annoying.  By the end, the only thing I wished for was that the least objectionable person win.

But with Russell, the king of manipulators, going up against Rob, the converted good guy, we have two larger-than-life personalities to ignite the show.  They will immediately put the other contestants on alert and will be the early focus of the game and there will be that something extra at stake from the start.  It will be interesting to see how their fellow castaways use, or fail to use, having seasoned contestants on their tribe.  Would you take Russell to the end knowing he has zero chance of winning, or do you take him out early because of his destructive propensities?  Would you not form an alliance with Rob because he is too well liked or take him to the end, figuring no one would give him the money on his fourth try?

For better (Rob) and worse (Russell), they are two of the most interesting players in the pantheon of past Survivor contestants.  I may be in the minority here, but I'm thrilled to have them both back.

Survivor 22: Redemption Island Cast Revealed

Cast for Survivor Redemption Island

CBS has announced 16 of the 18 castaways for the next season of Survivor.  Season 22 will be called Redemption Island and will include two additional castaways -- rumored to be Boston Rob and Russell Hantz -- competing for the million dollar prize and the title as sole survivor.  Here's the link to the official website which has the intitial interviews with each contestant. 

We know there are two tribes, Omepepe and Zapatera, and we know that whoever is voted off each week will not be sent home, but rather to "redemption island" where they will have an opportunity to compete for a chance to get back in the game.  The contestants range in age from 19 to 52 and include two attorneys, one law student, a nurse, a firefighter, a Fabio lookalike, a former marine, a farmer, and a former NFL player.  Here are the official photos and bios of the first sixteen contestants:

Andrea

Name (Age): Andrea Boehlke (21)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Random Lake, Wis.

Occupation: Student (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point)

Personal Claim to Fame: Paying for my own college education and making the DeanÂ’s list every semester.

Inspiration in Life: My parents are my inspiration because they are hard-working, down-to-earth and both have a great sense of humor.

Hobbies: Sports, theater, horseback riding, hunting and outdoor activities.

Pet Peeves: "Girly-girls" and electric staplers.

3 Words to Describe You: Hard-working, competitive and outgoing.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Perhaps a mixture of J.T. because he is hard-working and has a farm background and Parvati because she's competitive and knows how to have fun, but I'm also very unique.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I crave adventures. I also want to prove how tough I am.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Growing up on a farm and being a member of the 4-H club has made me both outdoorsy and resourceful. I'm also mentally tough and a bit of a social butterfly. I love being challenged and can handle the pressure.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: People will underestimate me based on my looks, but I am tremendously competitive and driven. I'm feisty, brave and can manipulate people while remaining likeable.

Ashley

Name (Age): Ashley Underwood (25)

Tribe: Ometepe

Current Residence: Benton, Maine

Occupation: Nurse

Personal Claim to Fame: Spending time abroad in Switzerland, playing basketball professionally and competing in the Miss USA competition.

Inspiration in Life: My Momma. She raised four kids while managing two businesses and has always been the perfect example of the most devoted wife and doting mother.

Hobbies: Basketball/sports, four-wheeling and helping out on the family farm.

Pet Peeves: I have a million pet peeves. A few of them are "know-it-alls," lazy and unmotivated people, slow drivers or movers in general, people that "chomp" when they chew their food, smokers' breath or just smoking period. The list goes on and on!

3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, competitive and athletic.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm not like anyone but myself.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The million dollars and the chance to prove that I can do this.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, competitive, and athletic and I have the ability to think under pressure.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm mentally and physically strong enough to do this. I will do whatever it takes to get ahead. I'm a leader, but also able to work well with others if it proves to be to my own advantage. I'm not afraid to be a game changer. Bring it on!

David

Name (Age): David Murphy (31)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.

Occupation: Defense Attorney

Personal Claim to Fame: I'm very proud of what I've accomplished professionally. Thus far in my career, I've been able to work on a number of very interesting and challenging cases.

Inspiration in Life: I've actually looked up to a variety of people for different reasons at different points. I've learned a lot of life lessons.

Hobbies: Sports, hanging out with friends and watching TV/movies.

Pet Peeves: I can't stand stupid people. If we could criminalize stupidity, I think the world would be a better place.

3 Words to Describe You: Intelligent, thoughtful and sarcastic.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'd like to think I'd be myself and be original.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This is a once in a lifetime experience.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Nine times out of 10, when I walk into a room, I am the most intelligent person there. I'm here to win. I don't care about screwing someone over. I don't care about deceiving people and I don't care how I'm perceived at the end. I'm not going to have a static approach to this game.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: In my eyes, I'm flawless. A significant part of my job is selling myself - making myself more appealing than my client. I do it because it's fun. I like the challenge. I like having the odds stacked against me and trying to find a way to win. This is a game; I didn't come to get second place.

Francesca

Name (Age): Francesca Hogi (36)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Washington, DC

Occupation: Attorney

Personal Claim to Fame: Assembling the most amazing set of friends.

Inspiration in Life: My mom. She's been through so much in her life, starting with picking cotton while growing up in segregated Alabama. She is brilliant, beautiful and an all-around incredible person.

Hobbies: Writing, yoga and watching movies.

Pet Peeves: Self-delusion.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, opinionated and stubborn.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I would most likely be a Cirie/Boston Rob combo.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I'm normally competitive for no good reason - $1 million is a great excuse.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm book-smart, street-smart and can be pretty persuasive when necessary.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I might be the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

Grant

Name (Age): Grant Mattos (29)

Tribe: Ometepe

Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.

Occupation: Yoga Instructor

Personal Claim to Fame: Playing in the NFL

Inspiration in Life: My wife. With her in my life, I can do anything.

Hobbies: Largemouth bass fishing, surfing and writing.

Pet Peeves: When someone uses the word "like" every other second.

3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, positive and friendly.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It's a huge mental and physical challenge. I want to get to know my true self better.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am physically and mentally strong and consider myself to be a good leader.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have been through a lot and can push myself mentally and physically.

Julie 

Name (Age): Julie Wolfe (50)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Oceanside, Calif.

Occupation: Firefighter

Personal Claim to Fame: Winning the World Championship Outrigger Canoe Race in 1996 and 1998. The race is 41 miles long from the Island of Molokai to Oahu.

Inspiration in Life: All of the U.S. Soldiers that are away from their families defending our country and our freedom.

Hobbies: Outrigger canoe paddling, stand-up paddling and motherhood.

Pet Peeves: Laziness and bullies.

3 Words to Describe You: Hard-headed, outspoken and spoiled.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ashley from Survivor China. She was a strong outspoken woman whose mouth got her voted off the first episode.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To win a million dollars and make a better life for my daughters. I want to be a role model for my girls to show them they can achieve their goals and dreams.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My experience as a firefighter has made me mentally and physically strong.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm very likeable. I think I can outwit the other contestants to vote off people other than me.

Krista

Name (Age): Krista Klumpp (25)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: Columbia, S.C.

Occupation: Pharmaceutical Rep

Personal Claim to Fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.

Inspiration in Life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.

Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.

Pet Peeves: When people wear sunglasses inside.

3 Words to Describe You: Driven, competitive and approachable.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am very athletic; I can climb trees and I'm great at fishing.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a fierce competitor at everything, but I've always had a way of building trust with people. My image will be completely deceiving and my mental game undetectable.


Kristina

Name (Age): Kristina Kell (46)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Malibu, Calif.

Occupation: Law Student (University of La Verne College of Law)

Personal Claim to Fame: Understanding and learning how to deal with an autistic child; grasping the Autistic Spectrum and obtaining vigorous early intervention services to improve the quality of my son's life. This experience, and helping other families facing the same crisis, was the catalyst for my legal education.

Inspiration in Life: Probably the men and women of our armed forces - these brave folks sweat, bleed and die for us here at home, and I appreciate them beyond words.

Hobbies: Computers.

Pet Peeves: Whining and people who are cheap.

3 Words to Describe You: Stubborn, logical and fair.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: None.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The money and experience.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm resourceful and tough as nails. If you don't know that lying and manipulation is a part of this game, then you're an idiot.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: There are a lot of amazing things in my life, and they all have started out with the thought, "I'm gonna doÂ…(fill in the blank)." Whether it's making documentaries, opening my business, helping families cope with children on the Autistic Spectrum, going to law school, or winning SURVIVOR, they all start in my head as an idea. I take baby steps, one by one, until finally it's done.

Matt

Name (Age): Matt Elrod (22)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.

Occupation: Pre-Med Student

Personal Claim to Fame: My decision to lead my own life.

Inspiration in Life: I think that there are so many people worthy of being deemed "a hero" in everyday life that are overlooked. So, I'm going to say people who put others before themselves.

Hobbies: Athletics, reading and exploring.

Pet Peeves: People who act out for attention.

3 Words to Describe You: Mysterious, impulsive and deep.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Any contestant who has played the game with honesty and integrity.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've always wanted to live off the land and I think it would be a fun experience to compete on the show.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I know what it takes to be a winner.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm athletic, amicable and intelligent. I can also hold my own socially.


Mike

Name (Age): Mike Chiesl (31)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.

Occupation: Former Marine

Personal Claim to Fame: Bringing all my Marines home after my first deployment to Iraq.

Inspiration in Life: My grandfather. He was a B-17 Navigator during World War II and spent two years in a POW Camp.

Hobbies: Scuba-diving, football and golf.

Pet Peeves: Selfishness and laziness.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, disciplined and outgoing/outspoken.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Rudy. Nobody was intimidated by him, so he wasnÂ’t voted out early and he had the ability to tough it out.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Winning the competition and earning the million dollar prize.

Why you think you'll survive SURVIVOR: The mental toughness I've developed from serving in the Marines and playing college football at the US Naval Academy.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I like to think outside of the box, and I am socially aware and strong athletically.


Natalie

Name (Age): Natalie Tenerelli (19)

Tribe: Ometepe

Current Residence: Acton, Calif.

Occupation: Professional Dancer

Personal Claim to Fame: Being the youngest female to play the game.

Inspiration in Life: Lady Gaga. Haha, just kidding. My parents have worked extremely hard to give me a good life. They have made it possible for me to follow my dreams and never give up in life. I would hope that in the future I could be half as good of a parent myself.

Hobbies: Dancing, spending time with friends and family, and trying to cook...sometimes this ends badly.

Pet Peeves: When people chomp their food.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, spontaneous and positive.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Natalie White from Samoa.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To have an experience of a lifetime and prove to myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I have never quit anything that I have ever done and hopefully my ability to form good relationships with people will help me to "survive" 39 days in this game!

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have the charm to win people over and a good intuition about people and their intentions. People may suspect me to be young and naive, but they will be fooled!


Phillip

Name (Age): Phillip Sheppard (52)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.

Occupation: Technology Executive

Personal Claim to Fame: Being a father to my son and being able to take risks in life. I say "yes" when others may say "no."

Inspiration in Life: Medical Professionals - they save lives in real time.

Hobbies: Chess, basketball, skating and sport training with weights.

Pet Peeves: People who think they know everything and yet do nothing and watch others do the work.

3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, articulate and determined.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I am my own man!

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I love the idea of competing and proving I still have what it takes to prevail in new challenges that are completely outside my normal everyday life.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I come from a large family (12 brothers and sisters), and as such I've become a creative problem-solver and good talker in stressful situations where others would give up.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a go-getter. As a former Special Agent with the former Defense Investigation Services, I honed my interview and investigative skills to persevere when others are being evasive or less than forthcoming.


Ralph

Name (Age): Ralph Kiser (45)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.

Occupation: Farmer

Personal Claim to Fame: Being completely debt-free at age 44. No vehicle payments, no mortgage payments, plus I own two homes on the same farm.

Inspiration in Life: I'm inspired by my farm; I've been at it all my life. I'm always amazed at my animals - how they grow and survive. Being able to watch the circle of life go 'round and be a part of it is a very satisfying adventure that I never get tired of.

Hobbies: Hunting, hiking and traveling.

Pet Peeves: People who are lazy and donÂ’t try to make anything of themselves.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, strong-willed and stubborn

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm probably a combo of Big Tom and J.T.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've wanted to be on the show for years and knew one day I'd get my chance. I want to be a hometown hero for the folks back home!

Why you think you'll "Survive" SURVIVOR: I'm an outdoors mountain man. I know plants, trees and what most of their uses are. I can also build anything; start a fire anywhere and make people believe anything I say!

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I will be the king at camp because I can build shelter, cook, find food and be the leader.

 
Sarita 

Name (Age): Sarita White (36)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.

Occupation: Visual Effects Producer

Personal Claim to Fame: Getting from point A to B without a dollar in my pocket, only my own ambition to get there.

Inspiration in Life: The art of living, laughing with my friends and family and knowing the best is always yet to come.

Hobbies: Travel, art and lounging around in various stages of repose.

Pet Peeves: Ignorance, pettiness, cheapness, tackiness and lack of chivalry.

3 Words to Describe You: Sagacious, wily and influential.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Some strange combination between Courtney with her awkwardness in challenges and James with his kindness and blind loyalty.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: For the adventure of a lifetime. IÂ’d also like to walk away with cold hard cash.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My earliest memories are of my hippie parents living in the yurt we built from scratch. Our garden, our outdoor shower, ourpretty little outhouse - I know how to live in the most basic way.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I've got a steely grace that has served me well. I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone who could outwit me.


Stephanie

Name (Age): Stephanie Valencia (26)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Long Beach, Calif.

Occupation: Waitress

Personal Claim to Fame: Reopening my Mother's dental office.

Inspiration in Life: My Mother. She is the sweetest person. She works hard for her family and still cooks dinner every night.

Hobbies: Watching movies/plays, traveling and reading.

Pet Peeves: People who are late and ignorance.

3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, unconstrained and ambitious.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: If Parvati and Russell had a love child, it would be me.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: First, the money. I need it. Second, to see if I can do it. Third, who in the right mind would decline an offer to play the greatest game EVER.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, fast and smart. I can hold my own and I'm not a quitter.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I feel it in me. By nature, I'm a brat and always get what I want. I've always been myself and that's something I'm very proud of.


Steve 

Name (Age): Steve Wright (51)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif.

Occupation: Former NFL Player

Personal Claim to Fame: Making the Dallas Cowboys with two other free agents out of 110 in 1981 and playing for 13 years. I'm also proud of my own start-up company and all it's accomplished.

Inspiration in Life: Regular people who do extraordinary things.

Hobbies: Photography, scuba diving and biking.

Pet Peeves: People who litter and people who don't respect others.

3 Words to Describe You: Honest, sincere and relentless.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Tom Westman - just a pretty normal likeable guy.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To show how team work is done, win a million dollars and help my team the best I can.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: With 13 years experience in the NFL, I have great teamwork. I made sure we all worked together for a winning cause. I have the ability to keep spirits high and keep people's eye on our goal.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm a fighter to the end and will bring anyone along that desires to work. I'll be stronger, fitter and wiser than the others. I've experienced trials others haven't. I've had my will tested and have always rose above all challenges.