Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, Finale

After 29 seasons and almost 500 tribal councils, "Survivor" continues to be my favorite show on television, and here is why. While a Natalie victory has been almost inevitable for weeks now, that does not mean the season finale was void of surprises. The final 5 tribal was intense, and Natalie using the hidden idol on Jaclyn was probably the best moment of the season. 

This season was as good as it could possibly have been considering the lack of game players that were cast. It is almost impossible to tell if Natalie is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, or if she just looked like a mastermind because of the people she played against. If Natalie did not win this season, it would have gone down as one of the worst, but she was by far the most deserving winner, and justice was served. 

For the final countdown, I will rank all of the castaways based on a combination of the following 3 categories:

* Gameplay - How well they played the game strategically. 

* Like-ability - Not necessarily ranked by my favorites, but an overall general consensus of how well they are liked by the public, to the best of my knowledge, based on conversations, both face to face, and on message boards.

* Likelihood of them being asked back for an All-Star season. 

18. Dale

Generally speaking, older castaways usually serve one of three purposes...

1) The nice father/mother figure that breaks the heart of fellow castaways, and all of America when they are voted out. 

NOT DALE.

2) The funny, comic relief on the show, which often propels them to the very top of the lists of many people's favorite castaways.

NOT DALE.

3) The grumpy, ornery,  old man that nobody is rooting for and nobody could care less when they are voted out. 

A.K.A. DALE

Gameplay - 15/18

Like-ability - 18/18

All Star Potential - 17/18

17. Julie

I remember the first episode Julie stated, "I don't want to be known as the girl with the big boobs and John Rocker's girlfriend." Well, don't worry Julie, now you are known as "John Rocker's girlfriend, trail mix stealer, and Survivor quitter...with big boobs."

Gameplay - 18/18

Like-ability - 13/18

All-Star Potential - 18/18

16. Val

You can't fault a girl for trying. And Val tried... hard. Sure she got a raw deal by having to spend the first few days on "exile" island, but so did Keith, and he made it to the final 4. Val's "I have 2 immunity idols" scheme was, in hind sight, a game ending decision. Due to the fact that most of her screen time was spent trying to dig herself out of the gigantic hole she dug for herself the first few days of the game, we didn't really get to know Val, which is a shame because she seems likable enough to root for. 

Gameplay - 17/18

Like-ability - 12/18

All-Star Potential - 16/18

15. John Rocker

When I saw that John Rocker was going to be a part of Survivor, my first reaction was to roll my eyes and try to prevent myself from gagging. Now that John Rocker has been on Survivor, I still feel the exact same way. He is about as likable as a North Korean leader, and, besides his "fight" with Natalie, brought nothing worthwhile to the show. The next time Survivor decides to cast a "controversial celebrity" on the show, can they at least make sure the person has the capability to crack a few jokes, or maybe even smile once in a while?


Gameplay - 12/18
Like-ability - 17/18
All-Star Potential - 15/18

14. Drew

Typically when Jeff Probst does not get to speak to every castaway at the reunion, I get upset. Like, really?! You could not find 30 seconds to spend on each of the castaways to hear what their thoughts are? This year, however, I had literally, absolutely NO desire to hear from anyone on the top row. In fact, if Drew didn't even show up at the reunion, I doubt anyone would have even wondered where he was. Someone that can't even take the time to learn his tribe mates names, has no business playing this game, and needs no recognition at the reunion special. 

Gameplay - 16/18

Like-ability - 11/18

All-Star Potential - 14/18

13. Nadiya

Nadiya played the game as hard as her sister, Natalie, but the difference is that she played too hard the first 3 days, and Natalie played hard once playing hard became acceptable. In Nadiya's defense, Natalie didn't have to start playing hard until week 4, as her tribe kept winning immunity. However, Nadiya opened her mouth way too much, and way too soon, and she paid the ultimate price for it. Look for Natalie and Nadiya on Big Brother this summer and expect Nadiya to pull out a win. Maybe then, their parents will love them both equally again. 

Gameplay - 13/18

Like-ability - 15/18

All-Star Potential - 11/18 (will they really invite Natalie back without Nadiya??)

12. Alec

No, this is not a photo of Jesus looking down in awe at Missy for saying a Survivor jury is as important as a murder trial jury; it's Alec, the most useless castaway this season. Either Alec smuggled in some of the most amazing San Jun Del Sur'ian weed of all time and was stoned for 39 days, or he has the greatest case of "resting moron face" of all time.


Gameplay - 14/18
Like-ability - 9/18
All-Star Potential - 12/18 (only because the people may demand more of Alec's resting moron face.)




11. Missy

While Missy played one of the best games as far as getting to the final 3 is concerned, she must have forgotten about the part of the game that you need to actually receive votes from the jury in order to win. Missy had a relatively easy run the first 34 days of the game, but her final 5 days may have been the most challenging 5 days for any Survivor yet. Missy breaks her ankle during a reward challenge (that a 8 year old boy created)!, her daughter gets blindsided on day day 37, she gets torn a new one by bitter jury member, Reed, on day 39, and gets exactly one vote to win; from her daughter.
Hopefully her exposure on the show can help her find her next husband, and hopefully he has the best prenuptial agreement that one can have.


Gameplay - 7/18
Like-ability - 14/18

All-Star Potential - 10/18



10. Wes

As far as Wes's Survivor experience is concerned, he will be remembered for the following things.

* Being the son of Keith.

* Eating too many tacos and drinking so many margaritas that he threw up.

* Asking Jeff Probst if he remembers being naked on the set of "Two and a Half Men."

That is all.


Game play - 11/18
Like-ability - 6/18
All-Star Potential - 13/18



9. Baylor

Girls like Baylor are exactly the reason why Survivor has an age limit of 21 years old. They do, however, occasionally break their own rule when they are casting as part of a twist, so they allowed Baylor on the show even though she is still 20 years old. While that was great for our entertainment, it will probably scar Baylor for life, as she came across as a brat that nobody remotely liked.

She was a decent strategist, but like her mother, was only playing for a spot in the final three, and completely ignoring the fact that the jury would need to send votes her way if she wanted to win. Baylor would have received exactly zero votes if she was in Jaclyn's place, and Natalie would have had a clean sweep of the 8 jury votes.

Maybe Baylor, and her mother, were banking on a final 2, in which the jury would be forced to choose between Missy and Baylor. In a season of bargaining with Probst, this would have been the best offer yet, as the entire jury would ask Probst if they could cut off their own hands rather than write down Missy's or Baylor's name to win the game.


Game play - 5/18
Like-ability - 16/18
All-Star Potential - 8/18



8. Kelley

It is a shame that Kelley did not last longer in the game. We really only got to see her share her distaste for Drew, and hear about her turbulent relationship with her father, Dale. Basically, the above picture sums up Kelley's feelings towards all of the men on the show with her.


Game play - 9/18
Like-ability - 8/18
All-Star Potential - 9/18



7. Jeremy

There was always a very good chance that Jeremy was either going to be one of the first jury members, or he was going to win the game. Unfortunately, for him, it was not the latter. It was Jeremy's closest ally, however, that ended up not only winning, but dominating the game. I would be very surprised if Jeremy was not asked back for a future season, and I would be shocked if he did not win. He has learned from his mistakes, and he will not let it happen again. Plus, look at how much fun he always looked like he was having? How can he not want to do this again?


Game play - 6/18
Like-ability - 9/18
All-Star Potential - 3/18


6. Josh

For the first 4 episodes Josh was a shoo-in for most all-star worthy. It seems, however, that once the merge took place, Josh lost his steam and almost began to give up hope. We didn't see the drive in him that we saw in his boyfriend, Reed, when Reed was in do-or-die situations. If they do a Blood vs. Water all stars in a few years, Josh and Reed will return to play again. If they do not, Josh is probably done with Survivor. He did just get a role on Broadway's "Dr. Zhivago", and may become too big of a Broadway star (that is a thing, right?) to return to Survivor.


Game play - 8/18
Like-ability - 3/18
All-Star Potential - 6/18



5. Reed

Reed has had one of the most bizarre runs on Survivor that I can remember. He was invisible for the first half of the season, and a break out star the second half of the season, only to end his time on the show by delivering one of the most memorable speeches in Survivor history. I need to see Reed on the show again, and will write a strongly worded letter to casting if I don't get that opportunity. 

Reed's Survivor Entertainment Timeline

Game play - 4/18
Like-ability - 7/18
All-Star Potential - 5/18




4. Jaclyn

Jaclyn's time on Survivor was much like Reed's. She was also invisible until the merge, and was predicted to be "the next to go" by many people for the first 5 weeks of the game. She, too, ended up being a star, especially with her final immunity challenge victory when she miraculously managed to beat two of the season's best competitors. America's reaction when Jaclyn won final immunity (nearly snapping in half jumping from a platform in the process) ......

Gameplay - 3/18

Like-ability - 5/18

All-Star Potential - 7/18

3. Keith

Keith was by far the biggest character this season, and I will eat my hat if we have seen the last of Keith on Survivor. He was a challenge superstar, and flew just enough under the radar that he soared to the final 5. We got more footage of Keith spitting than we see throughout an entire 7 game World Series, and more memorable one liners than an entire season of Saturday Night Live. Can we please get our first ever spin-off show from Survivor? "Keith and his Firehouse Buddies" has a great ring to it. 

Game play - 10/18

Like-ability - 1/18

All-Star Potential - 2/18

2. Jon

No matter whether you loved or hated Jon, you can't deny that he was an essential part of this season.  He and Jaclyn had more people begging for their vote than an independent, senile, senior citizen walking into the voting poll on election day. 

Jon was my personal favorite all season, and, to me, was the most relatable and down to earth one in the bunch. He (and Jaclyn) were the deciding vote at many tribal councils and single-handedly led his team to many victories pre-merge.  If I never reach my goal of becoming a sommelier, Jon will be the first person I would want choosing my bottles of wine for me. 

Game play - 2/18

Like-ability - 2/18

All-Star Potential - 4/18

1. Natalie

Regardless if Natalie ended up winning the season or not, she still would be number one in this countdown. Weeks ago I made the claim that not only would Natalie win this season, but she will come back and win another season. Natalie was the star of San Juan Del Sur and even if she ended up in fourth or fifth place, she still would have been thought of as the player of the year. Who does not want to get a beer with Natalie? Because even though I would be scared to death that I would say something she wouldn't agree with, and she would yell at me, she still seems like a hell of a lot of fun to be around, and I am sure drunk Natalie would be as entertaining as one could get. 

I will accept any and all forms of recognition when Natalie is crowned the winner of Survivor: All-Stars 2. 

Game play - 1/18

Like-ability - 4/18

All-Star Potential - 1/18

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, Episode 13

I had a multitude of feelings running through me as I watched the penultimate episode of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur. Anger though, is what best summarizes my emotions towards the episode. Was I angry that my favorite castaway was blindsided at tribal council? Of course I was. Was I angry that the producers make-shifted a hurricane, which led to Jon losing the immunity challenge? You bet I was. Was I angry that Jon won the reward challenge, got yelled at by his girlfriend for being happy about it, and then gave up his reward to Baylor, of all people? Hell yes! But what angered me the most about this episode had nothing to do with the 6 remaining castaways vying for the title of sole Survivor. I was seething with rage that I never knew I was getting screwed over by the spa I have frequented for nearly 6 years. SPA FOOD?!?!?!?! Seared steak, brownies, and cookies are spa food?!?! I have been paying a pretty penny for my semi-annual visits to Norwich Spa at Foxwoods (ask for Rebecca, she is amazing) for quite some time now, and the only "spa food" I have ever received was maybe an apple that I snatched from a bowl of fruit in the men's locker room and some cold mini water bottles from the refrigerator. I feel cheated. 

I am also quite pissed Jon has been voted out. 

Jeff Probst's Spa Food

My Spa Food

(In Survivor Memorium)

How I looked when Jon was voted off. And the day after I drink too much wine. 

The only solace I have in Jon's elimination is the fact that I have seen this coming for the past few weeks. While this was not a huge surprise to me, it still stings that he got voted off with an idol in his pocket. Jon has been my favorite since day 1 despite the fact that I am not sure if he became my favorite because I was drawn to his humor and kind hearted spirit, or if it is because I simply did not really like anybody else. Week after week, however, he confirmed why he was my favorite, as he is competitive, but not malicious, has a solid sense of humor, and loves wine. Also, his forgiveness for his alliance voting him off was classy and it takes a real man to admit he was outplayed.  He is basically a slightly less perfect me. But just slightly. 

Hopefully he has done enough to secure his spot on a future season, and they better have stocked the jury house with the finest of wines from all over the world, as he deserves absolutely nothing less.

(The remaining castaways in order of the likelihood of being the sole Survivor.)

5. Jaclyn

This is how I imagine Jaclyn will be spending the rest of her time on Survivor.

I am extremely confident that there is not a final 3 or a final 2 scenario that would have Jaclyn coming out on top. Her confidence this week became cockiness as she stated at tribal council that "her or Jon were not going anywhere." There is nothing a bitter jury hates more than cockiness and self-righteousness. If Jaclyn miraculously wins two immunities in a row and is in the final three, the jury will more than likely declare that she rode Jon's coattail through the game, and she will receive exactly one vote; Jon's. Although Alec may send a vote Jaclyn's way should he believe it would increase his chances of hanging out in Orlando with her post show.

Bottom line: Jaclyn's chances of winning Survivor are about as good as they were after episode 3 when nobody even knew who she was yet.



4. Baylor

How Baylor will look as Probst is reading the votes for the winner and Baylor sees her mother's name written more than hers.

At this point I don't see a single jury member voting for Baylor when she is in the final 3. But, she will be sitting there, that is for certain. I am sure we will hear the jury complain about choosing between the lesser of two evils, and if they are forced to choose between Baylor or her mother, they would rather have Missy win than Baylor.

Bottom line: The ONLY way Baylor can win is if she is in the final 3 with Jaclyn and Missy and before Probst reads the votes for the winner, Missy declares that she has legally changed Baylor's name to Missy, and she has legally changed her own name to her twitter handle, "looking4luv4."



3. Missy

Missy, at the final tribal council, begging the jury to vote for Baylor.

Missy has played a great game, and if she was just a bit more likable, she would have this in the bag. Unfortunately, for Missy, she does not seem to be that likable, and that will cost her a million dollars. She may get a few votes to win depending on which of the final 5 is on the jury, but unless she is against Jaclyn and Baylor, she, too, stands no chance at winning the game.
This week, however, she did impress me with her determination to push through her pain. There is no doubt about it, Missy is a fighter; which may also explain her 3 failed attempts at marriage.



2. Keith

The face of a champion? Quite possibly.


Keith is two immunity challenges away from winning Survivor. If he is in the final 3, he wins. Hands down, no questions asked. And the only thing that stands in his way of winning those two immunities is one half of the most famous Sri-Lankan-American twinnies of all time; Natalie. Keith already has votes from Josh, Reed, Alec, Wes, and the only person that could even give him a run for his money in terms of receiving votes is Natalie. It is unlikely, however, that Natalie and Keith will both be in the final three. Jaclyn will likely be fifth place, and Natalie or Keith will be fourth place, with the other one winning the game against the mother-daughter duo.




1. Natalie

Natalie, sexing it up for the jury.


The entire season will come down to the final 4 immunity challenge. Natalie and Keith will battle it out, and the winner will not only get a ticket to the finals, they will win Survivor: San Juan Del Sur. It will literally be a million dollar immunity challenge, and I am leaning more towards a Natalie victory. The only way Natalie does not win this game is if Keith beats her in the final immunity challenge, which is certainly possible, but not likely.
Am I angry with Natalie for being the driving force behind voting out my boy, Jon? Of course. But, does she deserve to win this game? Absolutely.
As I predicted a few weeks ago, not only do I expect Natalie to win Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, I expect her to be asked back for a "Fans Vs. Favorites" or "All Star" season, and win that as well. This girl is that good. If I am ever on a "Fans Vs. Favorites" season with her, she will be my number one ally. Yes, she is loyal (except to Jon and Jaclyn), but much more importantly, she lets her allies finish her wine on reward challenges. Now THAT is someone I want on my side.




Finale predictions:

Final 5 Immunity - Keith

Fifth Place - Jaclyn

Final 4 Immunity - Natalie

4th Place - Keith

Final 3 - Missy, Baylor, Natalie

Jury Votes:

Josh - Natalie
Jeremy - Natalie
Wes - Natalie
Reed - Natalie
Alec - Baylor
Jon - Missy
Jaclyn - Missy
Keith - Natalie

3rd Place - Baylor

2nd Place - Missy

Winner of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur: Natalie

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur: Episode 10

Thanksgiving Edition Twist

For the past nine weeks I have been ranking the remaining Survivors based on how much I personally like them. While there has been some shake-up in the middle of the pack, my favorite player since week one has been Jon. He still is, and that is not going to change. This week I have decided to mix things up a bit and rank the remaining eight castaways in order of their likelihood to win the game. Fear not, I will return to my normal countdown next week. 

* On a side note, since Wes has been eliminated, he has no chance of winning, and therefore, I will not be writing about him. However, he moved way up in the ranking this week simply by casually asking Jeff Probst if he remembers being naked on Two and a Half Men. In twenty-nine seasons it was the most behind the scenes footage we have ever seen of "casual Jeff Probst", and I am now dying to see more of Jeff and the castaways side bar conversations during endurance immunity challenges. If the editors did not include this glorious footage this week, we also would have never known Wes won the Louisiana nugget eating challenge, and that would have been a travesty. Good on you, Wesley.

Likelihood of winning San Juan Del Sur (least to most)

8. Alec

"If Jesus can do it, I can do it" professes Alec, just moments before he steps down because his feet hurt too much.

At this point, Jesus himself has a better chance of winning this game than Alec does. After this week's vote, he has completely alienated himself from everyone left in the game besides Reed and Keith. The look of utter confusion on Alec's face at every tribal council is an indication that this kid doesn't have a clue about what is happening. The ONLY way he will survive next week's double episode is if Jon, Jaclyn, Natalie, Baylor, and Missy know how clueless he is, and see Reed and Keith as a bigger threat (which they should). Right now, Alec's odds are set at 1:100,000,000. Sooooooo, I suppose I am saying there is a chance. 

7. Reed

The greatest immunity necklace presentation of all time?

Reed has earned a tremendous amount of respect from me the past two weeks. The guy knows he is screwed, and refuses to accept his fate as 2nd, 3rd, 4th.... jury member. He has turned out to be even more strategic than Josh, and a monster in the challenges. And just look at how pointed his toes are! I am no gymnastics critic, but I am pretty sure that is just about as perfect of a split as one can do. 

As far as winning this game is concerned; if he somehow makes it to the final three, he will likely win. Reed, however, will need to pirouette and chasse' (sha-SAY) his way to immunity challenge victory for the remainder of the season, or he will be ball-changing all the way to losers' lodge after the first tribal council in which he is not immune from the vote. 

6. Baylor

Dear God, please let the jury get confused at the final tribal council and think they are voting one of us off rather than voting for a winner.

Baylor was my pick to win from week one, and while I am still holding out hope that she will win, I am beginning to fear that there may not be a chance. I can not think of a scenario in which she can win. If Alec goes on an immunity streak, and it is a final two, and he takes her to the finals, she may have a slight chance at winning. Otherwise, she will likely be third place, and get one less vote than her mother, who will probably get second place. 

5.  Missy

Somebody has spotted a handsome camera man!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is no doubt about it. I would gamble my condo on the fact that Missy will make it to the final three, and likely with her daughter. And likely, neither will receive a vote. 

Despite the fact that Missy has played a FLAWLESS game, I do not think she will have garnered enough respect from the jury to win their vote. IF there is a final two rather than a final three this year, and IF she is in the final two with her daughter, she will win. But that is about the only way I see Missy taking home the million dollars. Hopefully she can find a nice husband at the wrap party because she has been a single mother of two and three-time divorcee for way too long. You know what they say, the fourth time's the charm.

4. Jaclyn

This is like, the easiest game ever!

While Jaclyn has been in the driver's seat for many tribal councils this season, her chance of winning is slim. If she is in the finals, she will likely be there with Jon. If she is in the finals with Jon, she will not receive one vote. Should the tribe be able to blindside Jon in the coming weeks, and Jaclyn gets taken to the finals, there is a small possibility that she could manage to squeeze out enough votes to win the game (that is only if Baylor, Missy, and Jon are on the jury.) It is going to be a very inclined up hill battle for Jaclyn to win this game, so she should really have all her eggs in Jon's basket at this point. And no, that is not a dig at her inability to have the sexiest children alive.

3. Keith

 Ohhhhhhhhhhh, I get it. Maybe I shouldn't have told Reed and Alec, and Wesley to "stick to the plan" in front of the rest of the tribe. Roger that.

While the possibility of Keith being voted off next week is huge, the alliance of five will only be able to get rid of two of the three guys next week. One of them will make the final six. If that is Keith, he has been shockingly good at the individual immunity challenges the past few weeks, he could easily win final six immunity and find himself sitting in the final five. If he gets to the final five, he stands a great chance at joining one of the couples and making the final three. If he is in the final three, he will win. 

Those are a lot of "IF's", especially since he used his hidden idol, but Keith can not be counted out until he is spitting out his torch. 

2. Jon

I AM NOT SURE WHY EVERYONE THINKS I ATE TOO MUCH CANDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is very strange placing Jon at number two, because he has been #1 all season, but this is a special Thanksgiving list of who will likely win, not my favorites. Jon will be back to number one next week. Trust.

Jon has made some enemies on the jury in Josh and Jeremy. I don't think Wes or Keith have much love for Jon either. And Reed will still be bitter about Jon voting Josh off, and likely voting Reed off too. That is the entire jury (and potentially next two jury members). 

On the plus side:

* If Jon makes it to the final six, he can likely dominate the final immunity challenges, unless, of course, it involves standing on a one inch piece of wood and Probst offers Jon a Snickers Bar and Gummy Bears. If, however, Jon fails to win immunity after the final six, he will be voted off and the girls will dominate the end game.

* Jon has made big moves, and the jury should recognize that. If he is in the finals with anyone in his alliance (with the exception of Natalie) he will win. Hands down. He will easily beat Jaclyn, Missy, or Baylor, but getting there may be the difficult part for Jon. Regardless, I am very thankful that he is still in the game, and the possibility for him winning is still very much alive. He is certainly making his father proud, and that is worth way more than a million dollars. 

1. Natalie

Finally, something that Natalie is not good at: spitting. Natalie sucks at spitting. 

As far as I am concerned, this game is Natalie's to lose. If I was a betting man, which I am, I would bet a lot of money on Natalie winning Survivor: San Juan Del Sur. She has played a perfect game, and would be well deserving of the grand prize. I will even go one step further: I am predicting at some point in the future Natalie will be brought back for an All-Stars edition, and she will win that too. Who knew that Nadiya was the reason the twinnies sucked so much at "The Amazing Race"? Natalie should have ditched the dead weight a long time ago. 

This is how I see the rest of the season panning out:

8th place - Reed (unless he wins immunity again)

7th place - Alec

6th place - a shocking Keith immunity win, and Jon gets the boot :(

5th place - Keith

4th place - Jaclyn

Final three - Baylor, Missy, Natalie

Jaclyn votes for Baylor to win.

Jon and Keith vote for Missy to win.

Everyone else votes for Natalie to win.

One Anderson twinnie is the first one voted out. The other wins. And Jeff Probst mentions that 8 times at the finale. 

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur: Episode 9

Typically when Survivor teases a tribal council blindside during their Sunday promos, the blindside ends up being somewhat predictable to the at home viewer, and only considered a blindside to the unfortunate castaway that got the wool pulled over their eyes. This week, however, Survivor: San Juan Del Sur delivered a blindside that not only shocked the five castaways that were not in on the plan, but the people watching from their couches. There was something refreshingly different with this week's pre-tribal council editing, which afforded the option of a viewer blindside. And I was as giddy as Jeff Probst when it started raining at the mud reward challenge to finally be totally surprised as a viewer. The only problem I have is that if the commercial for the week didn't TELL US there was going to be a tribal council #blindside, I may have been even more blindsided than I was.

Before this week, the season has been fairly predictable, but this could be the kick start it needs going into its final three episodes and the December 17th finale.

The countdown....

10. Alec

The lowest point in Alec's Survivor journey, and quite possibly, life.

Alec has not voted with the majority at tribal council since John Rocker was voted off in episode 3, and I am struggling to understand what his strategy could possibly be. Every time I see him on the screen I think of a walker on "The Walking Dead" just waiting to be put out of his misery. Handily losing to Keith in this week's reward challenge (see above) just put the nail in the coffin for Alec, as I am convinced he is no longer even trying.  

Despite what the previews for next week may suggest, Alec's time on Survivor is coming to an end, and I, and probably the rest of America, couldn't care any less. 

9. Jeremy

Jeremy, making the best out of his time on Exile Island

Just when I was actually starting to tolerate the guy, Jeremy gets the boot. As I have said before, I am sure Jeremy is a great guy in real life, but all season long I have had a terribly difficult time accepting his moodiness and negativity. The past two weeks, however, I saw the positive things that Jeremy has to offer. Even though his motives may have been in question, I admire him giving Jaclyn his reward, and I respect the fact that he is protective of his wife. "If someone takes care of my wife, that's all that matters to me. I got your back", Jeremy confessed at tribal council moments before he was backstabbed by the people to whom he was referring. 

Regarding Exile Island, Jeremy admitted to Probst that the crabs were "shaky and scary", and while I am still trying to understand what that means exactly, it was refreshing to hear Jeremy admit his weaknesses. Ultimately, I am happy he is gone because it opens the door that much more for a Jon win, but I am glad we got to see a better side of him on his way out. 

8. Wes

The look of mud-balanceboard-jousting defeat.

Watching Wes and Reed slap each other during the reward challenge was the highlight of the episode for me. First, Reed slaps Wes upside the head, sending chunks of dirt and Wes' dignity flying into the pit of mud. Then Wes slaps Reed's arm, sending mud into Reed's eye, where he tries to pull his best Baylor impression and feign injury before pouncing on his victim (only in this case, the victim isn't his mother).

Later on in the episode we see the first sign of gameplay from Wes since week three. After realizing that Jon and Jaclyn are no longer free agents, Wes and his father admit defeat, and all but give their Survivor concession speech to the tribe. Their only request was for Missy and Natalie to inform them if they were going to be voted off, because they didn't want to be "#blindsided". This act of kindness would inform the father-son duo who was the intended target, thus allowing them to use the hidden immunity idol that Keith kept so poorly hidden.

Regardless, it shouldn't be long now before Wes and his buddy Alec are pounding San Juan Del Surian beers and allowing their bodily functions to be released judgement free in the jury house.

7. Reed

Reed, from forgettable jury member #2 to potential winner in a matter of 44 minutes. 

It has been over two months, and 9 episodes, but we finally got to see what Reed has to offer. As I said last week, Reed has been nearly invisible all season for one of two reasons. I will quote myself from two weeks ago.... 

"There must be some reason why he has been so invisible for the first half of the season; either he is going to be voted off next (or real soon) and we never really needed to get to know him, OR, he is going to make it to the very end and we will have plenty more time to get to know him." - Ryanscountdowns 11/6/14

I think this week gave us our answer, as Reed has suddenly found himself in the best seat of the house. Going to the final 5 with two couples (Jon/Jaclyn, and Missy/Baylor) is how he could win this game. The only question left is how many times we will see him wink, blow kisses, or mouth "I love you" to juror #1. If this tribal was any indication, my guess would be over twenty. 

6. Baylor

Baylor, thanking God that she got to face off against her mother, twice.

Somebody is having the best week ever! Not only did Baylor assist her mother in jumping off the balance board into the mud not just once, but twice, but she also won individual immunity, ALL BY HERSELF!

This, all is in addition to being allowed to drink soda on a yatch while watching her four tribemates get drunk. AND she was an essential part in voting off the biggest player in the game. This was Baylor's week, and after eight weeks of receiving more votes than Mitt Romney received in the 2012 Presidential Election,  it was well deserved.

My week one prediction to win is now in the final nine, and well on her way to making me the greatest (Survivor winner) predictor of all time. 

5. Missy

"My daughter is going to love me soooo much after I throw this challenge for her TWICE"

"If we rock the boat too much, one of us is going to fall out", said Missy, moments before she rocked the boat at an epic tribal council. Missy has been playing the game hard since day 1, and this week voted off her first friend she made in the game. Clearly her and Baylor are in very tight with Jon and Jaclyn, which will get them to the final five. If, however, she is smart, her true alliance will be with her daughter and Reed, thus guaranteeing a spot in the final four.

And if her ability to make men marry her is any indication to her persuasive powers, she could probably sway the jury to give her (or Baylor) the million dollars if, and more than likely when, she makes the final 3. 

4. Jaclyn

Just a day at the beach for Jaclyn.

On the negative side, Jaclyn may have had one of the most pathetic performances of reward challenge history when she slammed into Natalie, trying to knock her off the balance board, and hit her like a brick, crashing into the mud and losing her point for her team. 

See below........

Step 1 - Pounce on Natalie

Step 2 - Immediately fall into the mud

Step 3 - Regret your decision

On the plus side, Jaclyn calling out Wes and Keith at tribal council this week was amazing. Knowing that she had the votes on her side, Jaclyn held nothing back and let Wes and Keith know exactly how she felt; including her opinion on where the hidden immunity idol was being "hidden".

I love Jaclyn, and would be more than satisfied if she wins, but if I had my choice Jon would beat her 9-0 in a historic final two showdown. 

3. Natalie

I would rather be anyone else in the world besides Missy right now.

Despite the fact that Natalie intimidates the hell out of me, I am thinking more and more that I would love to have Natalie as a friend. I can imagine me being drunk at a bar, and Natalie protecting me when I get into "drunk-at-a-bar-trouble". 

Natalie may be in some MAJOR trouble based on the last tribal council and the elimination of her best friend and ally, but if anyone is not going to just lay down and be voted off silently, its Natalie. If there is one thing I have learned from twenty years of watching reality TV, its NEVER underestimate a Sri-Lankan twinnie.

2. Keith

"They went through my stuff. Why did they go through my stuff? I have watched so much Survivor, and I would never go through people's stuff."

Keith continue to impress me, and while I do not think there is a shot in hell at him winning anymore, I still would love to see Keith win this game. Because of Keith, I am going to start saying "roger that" on a regular basis. 

His victory over Alec was seemingly astonishing, but looking back, Keith has done quite well in challenges, and has held his own for being the oldest guy there. 

One of the most memorable parts of this week's episode was when Baylor accused Keith of ignoring the remaining ladies. Keith's response was simply, "I talk to your mom all of the time". If Baylor had a nickel for every time she heard that phrase, she would not need to be starving herself and living on an island for thirty-nine days, as she would already be a millionaire. 

1. Jon

Jon, considering leaving Jaclyn for Natalie because she is letting him eat her food. 

Sorry to be so predictable, but Jon is once again, for the ninth week in a row, my favorite castaway. The previews make it appear as though Jon may be in trouble next week, but if Jon can escape next week with Jaclyn still by his side, I think there is a great chance at him winning the game. 

As if he has not proved himself to be a challenge beast enough, this week he knocked powerhouse Jeremy off the balance beam TWO TIMES without ever touching the mud. 

Jon is not only a challenge king, but the most strategic player in the game, and seems to have Jaclyn, Missy, Baylor, and potentially Reed wrapped around his finger. Jon is potentially an all time top 10 Survivor for me, and if he keeps on this path, he is well on his way to being my favorite to ever play the game. 

If he wins the game, I will buy anyone in a mile radius of me a shot of their choice; one at a time. And I will do a shot with each and every one of them. 

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 9: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 8: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: BAYLOR
PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: BAYLOR

PICK TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: BAYLOR

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 9: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 8: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 7: JON
WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 6: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 5: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 4: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 3: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 2: JON

WANT TO WIN AFTER EPISODE 1: JON

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 10: WES
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 9: WES
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: REED
THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: REED

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: DALE

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: WES

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: DREW

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: JACLYN

THINK WILL BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: JACLYN

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 10: ALEC
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISPDE 9: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 8: JEREMY
WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 7: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 6: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 5: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 4: JEREMY

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 3: ROCKER

WANT TO BE VOTED OFF EPISODE 2: ROCKER