Survivor launched its umpteenth season tonight and this time the castaways have landed in China with all the crazy personalities in tow. The mix of 16 contestants doesn’t seem to far from the usual mix. You’ve got the older guy, the princesses, the conservative, the gay, and a slew of everyone in between. The teams lined up in their determined order and I think we’ve got two unevenly matched groups already. Fei Long, the Red Team seems to have a mental lead over the Yellow Team, Zhan Hu. I won’t be surprised to see them continue to dominate for at least another few weeks into the season.

My favorite player so far would have to be James from the Red team. We didn’t get to see much of him, but he’s not obnoxious and has a great work ethic. He expressed his concerns over shyness, but says he wants to win over the group with his hard work. He’s already demonstrated his usefulness in challenges as he was the runner for this week’s competition and gave his team the lead they needed to win. I was also worried that if I didn’t pick him as my favorite he’d break me in half. The guy’s a beast!

My least favorite player has to be Courtney, also on the Red team. Courtney is definitely one of the princess players and already doesn’t like the people she’s around or the things expected of her. She’s repeatedly commented on how she’s from New York in a sort of “I’m above this because I’m from ‘the’ city” way. She didn’t like the temple because of the redundant bowing and she doesn’t like positive, supportive attitudes amongst her teammates. Apparently New York doesn’t like friendly. I was kinda hoping her team would lose this week so we could give her the boot. Ah well. I imagine it won’t be long now.

My early prediction for most likely to succeed would have to be Aaron from the Red team. He was already picked by his teammates as the leader and he should fit the role well. He’s a strong, likable guy which will give him an advantage in both the challenges and the tribal councils. I expect Aaron to go far this season.

Farewell to the first cast-off of the season, Chicken. I was surprised and disappointed by the team’s decision and I even shouted the same reaction as Chicken when I heard the vote count. He seemed like a smart guy with the potential to at least last a few more weeks and help get this team in order. It looks like they’ll continue to run around aimlessly, but this time with their Chicken cut off. Since I went to college in Virginia close enough to chicken farms that it smelled like dog food when it rained (don’t know why chicken farms smell like dog food, but they do), I was hoping to find out if he was from around Harrisonburg. Now I may never know!

Survivor China looks like it won’t disappoint in the drama and character department. I’ll be very interested to see just how much they take advantage of the fact that they’re filming the entire thing in China. I’m ready for the new season and all the accompanying fun. What about you? Any favorites so far? Who do you think has the potential to get all the way to the end? Comment below and share your opinion.

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SirLinksaLot: Survivor China