Survivor Edge of Extinction cast assessment: Ron Clark is out to educate

As the most popular non-returnee to enter Edge of Extinction, Ron Clark is bringing his creative teaching skills to the game of Survivor.

Ron Clark is a different type of “famous person” than we’re used to seeing on Survivor. He’s no athlete, pro wrestler or filmmaker. Instead, he is known for his unorthodox, fun teaching style that has helped many disadvantaged kids come to actually enjoy learning.

Ron’s efforts led to him creating his own middle school, which has received international acclaim. His story is even portrayed in a movie called the Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry (Chandler from Friends). So we know that Ron is doing great stuff outside of the game, but will that success extend to Survivor?

ET Canada’s pre-game interview revealed Ron’s mindset behind the game. Yes, he is a teacher and is worried about how his students will react, but Ron stressed that Survivor is a game and that people will understand that lying and backstabbing are within its rules.

However, there was something a little odd about his strategy. Although he emphasized that he’s willing to do anything and make any move to get his way, his ideal gameplan doesn’t entirely match this outlook. Ron suggested that his odds of winning are determined by his ability to form a solid alliance that he can hold together until the end. So his plan is to develop deep connections within his tribe, solidifying a strong alliance early in the game.

There’s nothing wrong with this old style of play, but it feels polar opposite to his statement of being willing to do anything to win. Ron does give off the vibes of a tribe leader or someone who needs to be in control of the situation, but I think he has the abilities to do this in a subtle way.

He also seems fairly prepared for the mental aspects of this game. Although he still finds it difficult to start a fire, at least he has put in a ton of effort working on this skill. Ron is definitely a fierce competitor, and if his dynamic personality doesn’t put a target on his back at the beginning of the game, he could make a deep run into Survivor: Edge of Extinction if he can build the right alliance.