User blog:Nalyd Renrut/Survivor: Caramoan - Nalyd's Opinions

So I'm just gonna watch the cast videos and write down what I think. Remember, no spoilers about eliminations please, but don't read if you don't wanna know the cast.

Favorites

 * Erik - I've never seen the logic behind this "Don't get voted out first, make the merge, go from there" strategy. I know people have claimed to do it before, but I can't imagine not thinking about all 39 days. I'd like to see him do well, but as the only favorite whose season I never saw, I can't say I'm particularly attached to him.
 * Fransasquatch, Franchesqua Francesca - Honestly think she's being used as a test for doing a second-chances season, being the first person to be the first voted out of their original season and come back to another season.
 * Brandon - I didn't like him in his first season, but his gameplay has grown on me as time has passed. His video definitely gives me the impression he's grown a lot, and I'm going to enjoy seeing his play.
 * Malcolm - One of my favorites during his original season, though I grew tired of him near the end. He has the Russell benefit of having his season air after his second season was filmed. I think he could do well, but maybe not as well as last time.
 * Brenda - What's someone from Nicaragua doing here? Literally the only returning player who I could not remember. Now that I remember her, she was okay. I don't think she'll go far though.
 * Cochran - One of, if not my all time favorite contestant. I want him to win, but I think he'll be out early. He's known for being weak and a traitor, I think a tribe switch is the only thing that could help him.
 * Andrea - I remember laughing during the Redemption Island finale, because when Jeff described all the people on Redemption Island, he basically called her "the girl." I mean, what a strange choice to bring back. And I've always loved the "I'm not afraid to flirt" strategists. Like, what does that even mean? Has this ever worked for someone who isn't Parvati?
 * Dawn - Another odd choice to return. Honestly see no reason to bring her back. A conflict between her and Cochran could be interesting.
 * Phillip - Obviously he's going to play differently. He could be a legitimate player this time, I remember he was one of my favorites before his season. He could do well if he chooses to play instead of be a character.
 * Corinne - From the first season I ever saw, I do feel a connection to Corinne. Absolutely rooting for her.

Fans

 * Eddie - Seems like a generic strong guy, maybe slightly better. I'm sure we'll see him go early in the merge, probably on the wrong side of the numbers.
 * Allie - Being a blonde woman on Survivor, we already know we won't see her until the episode she's eliminated, but we also know this could be anywhere in the game from first out to the finals.
 * Hope - I like to think the baby from Raising Hope grows up to compete on Survivor, so I shall allow this. Pageant winner? Yep, Survivor needs more of those. Oh, and she's outdoorsy? Just snuff her torch now.
 * Matt - Survivor needs more awesome beards. Kind of a bummer a guy with a beard this awesome has such a common name. No other complaints though, I think he'll be enjoyable and do well.
 * Michael - Talks slowly, but if the way he describes himself is true, then he could be entertaining.
 * Laura - I can't even form an opinion. Too many generic young blondes with "life experience." But I'll root for this one. I don't think she'll win or even be memorable, but I'll root for her for fun.
 * Julia - I guess her being a race car driver is cool. I can see her teaming up with a male who gets a lot of screentime, but she's running the show behind the scenes, and then she wins.
 * Sherri - The mom. When half your video is about your family, I'm not convinced you'll do well.
 * Shamar - Could potentially be an interesting, great player. Making it horrible for everyone won't help him win, but will help him get to compete a second time.
 * Reynold - I just get a bad vibe from him that he'll do well and be villainous.

General Analysis
I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice that these aren't really favorites; these favorites did terribly their first time out. Two got voted out by giving up immunity, one came in last place, most of them got voted out for being in the weaker alliance. They're losers. I think that could give a potentially interesting dynamic. But don't call them favorites, the favorites during their seasons were Coach, Ozzy, and Boston Rob. Six of these ten players were completely overshadowed by returning players in their original season. I think this proves that while returning players do create entertainment, it makes it hard to create new favorites from it.

I suspect the "Favorites" will come out on top this season, like the first Fans vs. Faves season. My pick to win it all: Brandon. The contestant I'm rooting for most: Cochran.