Survivor Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers: Power rankings after episode 1
17. Alan Ball (Heroes)
It doesn’t take a lot of convincing anyone to put Alan at the bottom of these initial power rankings. The former NFL cornerback seemed like he was making early friends in the season 35 premiere, and then seemed to come unhinged and overcome with paranoia. Whenever your making tribe mates strip to prove they don’t have an idol in the first three days, things likely aren’t about to go well.
16. Jessica Johnston (Healers)
How have people watched a show that’s been on for 34 seasons and not learned that the last thing you want is an immediate show-mance? When virtually everybody is still in the game, that’s just asking for you to be targeted. Yet right away, Jessica was into Cole and wasn’t shy about admitting in a confessional. What’s more, the preview showed that going a step further in episode 2. Bad signs early on all-around for Jessica.
15-14. Simone Nguyen and Lauren Rimmer (Hustlers)
Not to belittle Simone and Lauren as characters, but it felt like they were barely on the screen in episode 1. However, the reason they come in so low in these power rankings is that they don’t appear to be aligned currently with anyone, including each other. With Patrick and Ali teaming up and then Devon and Ryan also getting together, that would seemingly leave these two on the outside. Perhaps the dynamic shifts, but that’s a precarious starting position.
13. Cole Medders (Healers)
As stated when talking about Jessica, the preview shows that a show-mance starts to bloom between her and Cole. That puts a target on both of them, but Cole is at least safer for a little while longer in my opinion. While that may seem sexist, it’s not meant to be. The truth is, though, Cole is adept at surviving in the wilderness and is obviously physically capable in challenges. In the early stages of the game, that’s exceptionally valuable. So if it came down to it, you’d have to imagine the tribe would keep him around over Jessica.
12. Ashley Nolan (Heroes)
When I was looking at Ashley’s preseason interviews and information, it was apparent that she was going to come in and be the alpha dog on Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers. She most certainly lived up to that as a character, coming off very strong-willed and assertive. However, she also appeared a tad too vindictive for my liking. After the debacle with Alan, she seems to be holding a grudge. With a game that shifts all the time, the last thing a player can be is fixated on one thing, but she appears in danger of doing just that.