'Survivor 15: China' - My First Impressions on the Cast - Part Three

This is my third installment on the new castaways for Survivor 15: China. I know I'm rather slowly muddling through this, but I swear I'll have my cast thoughts up before the season premiere! Previous castaway thoughts can be found here. And here.

Let's get it started!

Oh, my. Erik has one of the longest bio sections I think I've ever seen for a contestant on the show. He's been a pauper, a prince, and a king! Er, okay. I made that up or stole it from an old song.

After reading his 1000 word (or more) bio, I come away with he's a rock musician, has done modeling, is a Christian, and was sidelined from his track star status due to a broken leg.

He thinks he's "genuine, honest, sensitive, competitive, a problem solver, athletic and sometimes, a perfectionist." Well, he does, does he? In his video on the CBS site, he adds another quality -- he's good-looking!

I don't know. I usually end up getting turned off when folks go on about how handsome or attractive they think they are. Yeah, when they do that, they often are attractive, but narcissistic ways are often a hint at other behaviors which annoy me.

So, let me move on to his favorites list. Maybe he can redeem himself with me and be something more than eye candy. He likes outdoor activities, always a good thing for Survivor, but he doesn't list the show itself. He enjoys The Beatles and Led Zepplin -- odd tastes for his age bracket. Hmm. For his cereal, he likes Cinnamon Toast Crunch. That shows he's young at heart, but thinking a bit beyond Froot Loops.

His chances? He's a puzzler to me. I think on the physical level, he'll do fine. But something just isn't sitting right with me about him. In his video he said he didn't want to come across as arrogant. Y'know, I think that just may be it. I think he might have an alpha male thing a'goin' on. I predict out before mid-pack targeted as a threat by the others. Of course, I could be wrong!

Next I'm taking a closer look at the youngest Survivor contestant ever, Frosti. I don't think you can understand how hard it is for me not to make Frosty the Snowman references. Dang, almost impossible.

First off, although he sounds good and seems very capable ... how did he get on the show? I thought the minimum age was 21 and he's only 20. Since his estranged father isn't on the show (keyword: Donato), I'm not sure how he's there, not at all.

Getting past his age and his name, I checked out his bio page on the CBS website. He does seem to have quite a background for the mere child he is. Oops, I didn't want to mention his age again. He's smart, athletic, well-traveled, and more. That Parkour stuff (read at the bio link) might be a big plus for him in the game.

I checked his video and, except for him mentioning his age so much (oops), I thought he came across as eager and personable. In his bio he says he's creative, dynamic, and determined.

In his favorites, he doesn't mention Survivor as a TV show, but does mention Jack Kerouac as an author. Hmmm. He enjoys his Frosted Flakes, but I sort of suspected a cereal with a sugar punch for him.

I don't know. I kind of like this kid. He has spirit in his video and could have what it takes. A helpful hint for him -- don't go around talking about how you're the youngest castaway ever. I think he could last a long, long time.

Next is Jaime. Not to be catty, but I don't think I'll like her much on the show. When I watch an introductory video and the person goes on about how catty other girls are when it comes to her -- it sets off red flags in my mind. It comes across as an "I'm better and prettier than you could ever dream to be" state of mind. Perhaps she'll get together with Erik.

In her bio page, she looks better than in the video. She's a college senior on an academic scholarship (has the brights!) who works part-time as a waitress throughout the school year (has a work ethic). She thinks she's friendly, energetic, and candid. In the video she mentions that she tends to bottle up the frustration until she "goes redneck" on folks.

A look at her favorites reveal that she's a fan of both Survivor and David Letterman. I might have to change my opinion of her! A Letterman fan? Cool. Uh-oh. She lists multiple cereals -- Rice Krispies Treats, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. She's fickle! Ack! Plus, they're all cereals geared to the child within.

Y'know, I'd love to say for the Letterman nod, I'll like her in the game. But I just can't do it. I think she may last a while, but I think that there will be issues with playing well with others or attitude.