Looking at the Survivor Heroes

Here we are in countdown for the start of the next season of Survivor. It's just a week (and a day) away! Margo has the blog pool rolling along, but there still are openings for those who want to join in. The deadline for joining in on the blog pool is noon (ET) on February 9. The prizes? Um, well ... you get to brag about your winner! It's still a lot of fun even if the winner won't win a million dollars.

Most of us are dedicated show fans, so we've seen our "Heroes and Villains" in action before. However, I figured I'd refresh your memories with some images, a few facts, and my own opinions. Please feel free to jump in with your thoughts in comments ... and may the fun begin.


Amanda Kimmel, 24, from Kalispell, Montana, currently living in Los Angeles. She was the second runner-up in China and the runner-up in Micronesia. Former Miss Montana and Miss Earth, she wants to prove she can win. My thoughts? Well, she's certainly better than the winner of the past season -- at least she plays the game. That said, she's not my personal favorite for the win and I think the competition might prove too tough for her.


Candice Woodcock, age 27, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, currently residing in Washington, D.C. She was the 13th out and 5th jury member on Cook Islands. Um, okay. I'm not quite sure why she was chosen. While I have nothing against her, I barely remember her. I get the feeling she won't make it to the jury this time around. It's up to her to prove me wrong.


Cirie Fields, age 39, from Jersey City, New Jersey, currently living in Norwalk, Connecticut. Okay, her showing on the show wasn't any better than Candice's finish -- 12th out and 6th jury member in Panama; 15th out and 7th jury member in Micronesia. But Cirie, unlike Candice, made a real impression on me. Her sense of humor, her "least likely to succeed on Survivor" background ... I enjoyed watching her on the show. Well, except for the icky underwear on Panama. I really don't think she can win against this group, but I'll be cheering her on just because I truly enjoy her.


Colby Donaldson, age 35, from Christival, Texas, now residing in Los Angeles. Colby should have been the winner of Australia, but he practically handed it over on a silver platter to Tina Wesson. On All-Stars, he had a rather rapid exit as the 5th out. His hair seems to have thinned some, but that winning smile is still there. Colby was definitely my eye-candy for the Australia season. Plus, he just came across as such a nice guy. I remember them shutting him down quickly on All-Stars. If he can get a good alliance going with his heroes buddies, he could very well last a long time.


James Clement, age 32, from Lafayette, Louisiana, he currently has homes in both Lafayette and Malibu, California. James was 10th out in China and, due to an injury, he made it to 4th jury member in Micronesia. James is another person I'm looking forward to watching -- he has these cool James-ism expressions which definitely reflect on his background and not necessarily his age. I should have known, but it's odd that he's only 32. In so many ways, he's an older soul than that. Definitely nice eye-candy for me with that physique and I love his voice. I hope he goes far and doesn't get hurt!


James "JT" Thomas, Jr;, age 25, from Samson, Alabama, currently living in Mobile, Alabama. JT was the winner of Tocantins. He's going to be a force to be reckoned with this season on the show. While he's one of the good guys, he's one of the fiercest competitors ever on the show. Unless he's targeted early, he's likely to make it to at least the final four. I like him, but he's not my favorite personality-wise to watch. Okay, okay, I know that's not what the show is all about. But he's like a friendly pitbull to me. Sure, he wags his tail and smiles, but when action is called for, he will risk his own self to win.


Rupert Boneham, age 45, from Indianapolis, Indiana (and still there). Rupert was the 8th out, 2nd jury member in Pearl Islands and 15th out, 6th jury member in All-Stars. He also won the first (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) fan favorite prize. Rupert's perhaps one of the most animated and colorful characters ever on the show. He's positively a good guy in real life, dedicating time and money to his charity helping kids. I know he's a favorite of many show fans, but not necessarily my own personal favorite. I'm not sure he can hold up to the heavy hitters this season. We'll see.


Stephenie LaGrossa, age 29, from Briarcliff, Glenolden, Pennsylvania, currently living in Philadelphia. (Huh ... why was I thinking she was from New Jersey?) She was the 10th out and 3rd jury member in Palau, runner-up in Guatemala. She's one tough cookie. She was the surviving Ulong member and went through some really hard times that season. I think she's the best bet for a female win on either heroes or villains. That is, unless they also figure that and target her to get her off before she wins it all.


Jessica "Sugar" Kiper, age 29, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, now residing in Los Angeles. Sugar was the 2nd runner-up on Gabon. Now, she's not going to win. Just the thought is preposterous. She gets rattled too quickly and is too emotional. Sure, she made some good moves in her season. And, yes, I really enjoyed watching her. She, for the most part, is a good judge of people. Hopefully she'll make strong allies. I want her to do well. I just don't think she will.


Tom Westman, age 45, from Long Island, New York, currently living in New York, New York. Tom was the winner of Palau and he deserved it. Until JT came along, I think Tom held the record for consecutive individual immunities. He's someone who has represented the FDNY so well on the show -- a nice guy, played the game with integrity as well as amazing physical feats. I like Tom. I wouldn't mind seeing him win again. But I don't think the villains will let him get that far.

Your thoughts?

Photo Credit: CBS