It's not simple to define a Survivor player as overrated, as it can be subjective. When discussing an overrated person, it typically refers to someone "considered better or more important than they really are."
With this definition in mind, here are three players in Survivor 48 who I consider to be overrated. Their storylines feel repetitive and one-dimensional, providing little overall enjoyment for the season. While any of them could be the future Survivor 48 winner, from a gameplay and entertainment perspective, these three players have not delivered much in that regard for me.
3. Joe Hunter
It might come as a shock to see Joe on this list, but hear me out. For one, Joe only has had 19 confessionals in seven episodes, which isn't that many compared to other players in Survivor 48; for instance, Kyle Fraser has 31. However, Joe has been a focal point during the season, mainly due to his physical prowess, social game, and, most prominently, his tight bond with Eva Erickson. Since the merge, Joe, Eva, Shauhin Davari, and David Kinne formed an "all strong members" alliance, which plans to ride together to the end as they are the most physical players left.
At the same time, they also have branded themselves as the most "loyal and trustworthy." While they can play however they choose, and most strategies are valid, it's essential to remember that in Survivor, outwitting, lying, and deceiving are crucial aspects of the game. Frankly, the ideals of "honesty and loyalty" feel outdated and boring on television. Joe is popular with the fan base mainly due to his connection with Eva, but so far, his gameplay seems overly reliant on physical strength, which makes him overrated, as he hasn't offered much else.
2. Eva Erickson
Raising awareness is crucial, particularly on a massive platform like Survivor, which can reach and educate a larger audience. Eva has been doing so regarding her autism even before stepping foot on the show. While this may present challenges for her in interpreting social cues, it hasn't stopped her from playing the game. As previously mentioned, her bond with Joe has sparked conversation, both on and off the island, with a touching moment shared in episode 5 that was highly emotional and educational. That said, Eva's narrative on Survivor has been tricky, too.
Eva has repeatedly stated that she struggles to work with women and has consistently painted some of the other women as duplicitous and untrustworthy. Eva can align herself with whomever she wants, and if her "strong people" alliance takes her to the end, more power to her. Survivor is a microcosm of society and reflects our everyday realities. Given the rampant misogyny and sexism, including internalized ones, this should be an excellent opportunity for Eva to confront some of her internal biases when it comes to her women tribemates. As such, Eva is overrated, as her narrative focuses mainly on being fit, strong, and wary of other women without solid evidence that they are indeed working against her.
1. David Kinne
David completes the trifecta of overrated players this season. From the start, he was perceived as the "meat shield" of the season, with no one wanting to target him initially, primarily because Civa did not lose any challenges, and his physical strength was an asset in challenges. It wasn't until the merge that David finally attended tribal council, and even then, he insulated himself with the "trustworthy and strong" alliance, making him nearly untouchable. Much like Joe and Eva, David's storyline has been caught in a repetitive cycle of focusing on his muscles, his love for milk, and his unwillingness to work with others outside of his core alliance.
Survivor has evolved through its 48 seasons, especially in the New Era, where social dynamics are fluid. If David continues to close himself off from potential alliances, he risks losing valuable gameplay opportunities. Moreover, the argument for playing a loyal game to the end has been portrayed numerous times in the past, often unsuccessfully, unless you're J.T. Thomas in Tocantins. I consider David overrated for these reasons, and I hope his alliance ultimately implodes.