Episode 8: The Resurrection of Maximillion

Ten castaways remain, and just five have a legitimate chance of winning. Let's take a look at the remaining castaways and their chances of winning.

The Contenders
1. Mike
Each season one player falls too far in the draft because we overreact to a minor early-episode storyline. This season that player was Mike due to his abrasive obsession with physical labor. Mike outworked everyone to an idol and appears set on keeping it to himself with his BFF Kelly unfortunately ousted by Jenn's immunity idol save. Mike isn't the most popular guy around but he's the best-liked Blue left in the game. If Blue Collar sticks together, Mike's the favorite.
2. Carolyn
Sanders emerged from a one-minute tank in the second round with Carolyn, who we were salivating to take with the next pick. Mama C is sharp, popular and crafty. She's bridged the gap between Blue and White, she has an idol tucked away for a rainy day and has the best alliance in the game going with
3. Tyler
The Big Man has meticulously gained the trust of his tribemates even though the cameras constantly seem to find him in an expression of treachery. He's a patient, savvy, multifaceted player who could work a jury into his favor at the end. He and Carolyn are the true power couple of the game, but they need to find a way to penetrate Blue or shack up with the remaining Nos.
4. Jenn
5. Joe
If the remaining players played optimally, they'd finish off the Nos and then battle it out from there. But we're entering the stage of the game where players will start picturing the endgame, realizing they're on the outside looking in, and bust out some blindsides. If anyone decides to make a move (I'm looking at you, Carolyn & Tyler), they'll need voting troops.

The Hopeless
1. Will
2. Sierra
3. Shirin
4. Rodney
5. Dan
None of these players have much chance at winning. Will and Sierra rank highest because they're not as obnoxious as the bottom three, but they don't have the personality for a championship. 


Power Rankings:

1. Maximillion - 28 points
1. Max - 3
2. Carolyn - 12
3. Lindsey - -1
4. Mike - 14
A to Z was left for dead after that brutal double episode where they lost Lindsey and Max...actually, I take it back, both of the other bloggers noted that they were still in the hunt despite the one-night massacre that cut their team in half. Fast-forward three weeks and they may be the favorites. It sounds ridiculous - they have just half the points of first place MoonBee - but they're the only team with two contenders. Both their players aren't likely to pack their bags anytime soon and will eventually have opportunities to accrue bonus points with correct idol plays.

2. Livin' On A Prayer - 56 points
1. Joe - 26
2. Kelly - 9
3. Will - 11
4. Sierra - 10
Kelly's unfortunate exit, right before the jury bonus, may prove costly. She was the most likable member of the Blues and was thus wisely targeted by the Nos. Joe is a ticking time bomb who's likely to go the instant he loses an immunity challenge, leaving this team with two supporting actors.

3. Jennicide - 51 points
1. Shirin - 11
2. Jenn - 25
3. Joaquin - 8
4. Dan - 7
It's tempting to think of this team as a contender, and maybe they are in this balanced season. They're only five points back of us and their alpha dog (Jenn) doesn't have as much heat on her as ours (Joe) does. But look at this team. Literally everyone hates Dan (my Douche of the Week) and Shirin while Jenn has been pushed to the fringe of the remaining tribe. She's not a threat to quit (as the NEXT TIME ON: tried to hype), but she doesn't have many friends left. Jenn has been a producer thus far but her best days may be behind her.

4. Jacked For A Reason, Bro - 35 points
1. Tyler - 11
2. Hali - 20
3. Rodney - 9
4. Nina - -5
Hali's exit reduced DouBri to just two low-scoring players. Rodney's jacked and Tyler played in the NFL, but neither has given Joe a fight in an immunity challenge yet. Obviously everything is riding on Tyler; the question is, can he produce enough points to overcome the deficit their team currently faces? I believe so. This pool is wide, wide open at this point. It's anyone's game.