Survivor: David vs. Goliath merge power rankings: Valley of Elah

1. Nick Wilson

One half of the Mason-Dixon line is at the merge in a prime power position, working with both starting tribes, and doesn’t have his name in other peoples’ mouths. That’s an enormous leg up on everyone else in the game, as he’s worked hard to play things cool, have people come to him for votes and make alliances with plenty of players early.

Not only that, but the edit reflects his nature as a public defender. We saw him stand up for Lyrsa and face Natalie head-on, even if he did go on to vote her out the next episode. It was the fact that he was being bullied that galvanized him to step forward and do what’s right without hesitation, and it wasn’t done in an overly dramatic way.

Plus, with Christian taking the heat in the episode preview, he’s going to be a decision-maker that’s not working to provide themselves safety. Players like Domenick, Chrissy, Aubry, and Tasha were voting targets at their respective merge episodes in the previous five seasons, and each of them finished in second place.

Being the second most powerful at the merge is way better than being the king of the castle.