8 episodes in and the 2-3 year wait for this release was absolutely worth it for a superfan of homemade Survivors like me!
I have to give credit to Austin( titan24maniac) for this masterpiece of editing he has done for the first 8 episodes. This is a lot of content, and some little things that should you rewatch the pre-merge like I am going to do, you may catch on to some things that actually mattered later in the pre-merge. (Also, Happy Birthday Austin!)
After re-watching the preview that was put out 2 years ago, something I want to comment on
RENEWED RIVALRIES
Siona vs Ashley: Perhaps the most underwhelming rivalry renewed, mainly due to it not lasting very long (3 episodes). I'd say Ashley's survival to this point in the game is surprising since I pegged her as a 1st or 2nd boot, depending on how much her own tribe went to tribal. I'd give her props for at least finding a way to not go early and be the only pre-merger from their original season to advance to the merge.
Sierra vs Eric: Another underwhelming rivalry, despite it giving us one of the most talked about Tribals of the season so far (thanks Centi). Sierra wasn't much of a visible player until her boot episode, and Eric has always seemed to me like a d*uche...here's to hoping Holli actually votes him out.
Holli vs Victoria: I'd say this was the most anticipated rivalry coming into the season, seeing as there was so much from Terrapin Trials that needed to be continued. You then add in the Foluke dynamic (which I will discuss below). Hasn't been quite as much as I was hoping, but given all 3 ladies made the merge, it will be wild.
Chris T vs Chris L: By far the best rivalry of the pre-merge, solely for the fact that they both have been on opposite sides and both are still in the game after 9 eliminations. The setup is there, I think Chris T is destined to be the one to take down Lecompte once and for all in this merge. Question is will anyone else do it?
*Return of Foluke*
I am 50/50 on this, I enjoyed the hell out of Foluke on TT, and I think her not being in this season at all would be a travesty...I just can't get behind her joining after 5 eliminations....she deserves an automatic bye to the FTC along with a majority of jury votes given to her by default.
*Schubrina*
By far the best duo of this season, regardless of where they placed (RIP Sabrina). Schuble is someone that I really enjoyed watching in the somewhat forgotten season 1, and given that so many people had no idea who he was (in the comments pre-season), I knew they'd get a show. But now he's exposed, but he has that damn idol...so maybe he takes down Chris L or someone else big.
*SohCahTrio*
I'd say the only reason they're still in the game is because they kept winning challenges the last few episodes. I have not seen much of what they did last season in dominating fashion return here. They seem to be UTR, which isn't bad when you're playing a game with these explosive personalities like Foluke, Holli, and Chris L. My gut tells me at least one of them gets to the finals (Shannon).
*The irrelevance of Alex G*
At this point, I think the only thing I know about Alex this season is that he lost part of his finger. He is a dark horse in this game to win, but I don't think he stands a chance...Schuble probably sacrifices him.
Current Rankings of the remaining 12 players
1: Schuble
2: Holli
3: Shannon
4: Chris T
5: Chris L
6: Evan
7: Foluke
8: Victoria
9: Micah
10: Alex G
11: Ashley
12: Eric
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