Just watched the premiere.
I too am loving the Tyler, Max, Shirin and Carolyn alliance. I'm liking Tyler the most out of them, which surprises me based on pre-game interviews. He seems like he's quietly playing this game in a very strategic way. Max is also up there with the most-liked from me. Shirin and Carolyn aren't bad either, but I think Shirin will be more of a number than a player. With that being said, we have far more players in this season than last season. I think there are at least 2 or 3 true players on each tribe, along with some characters that could make for some entertainment. I also liked Joe and Jenn from the No Collar tribe. They both seem genuine and just awesome personalities. For the Blue Collar tribe, nobody stood out to me really. Mike is likable, but I don't really feel a lot of strategic vibes coming from him. Lindsey seems to be my favorite for now, but that could flip in a moment's notice.
As for players that I'm not so fond of... Dan immediately comes to mind. He's a huge fan, but he's a trainwreck waiting to happen. He didn't come in with any real idea of how to play the game. He's almost too much of a fan, and he's having a hard time seeing Survivor from a player's perspective. He is far too excitable, and he's all over the place emotionally. Joaquin could make for some great TV if he can last long, but I'm on board for voting him out. He's clearly the biggest threat to be a villain at this point. I thought I was going to like So based on the pre-game interviews, but I ended up happy when she was voted off. If I was in her position, my mind would have been "blindside Joaquin" as soon as he forced me to choose the deceive bag.
My far too early favorites to win this season are Jenn, Joe, Tyler and Max. Joe I think could get close, but he'll become too big of a threat after the merge. Jenn, Tyler and Max have the likability, and I think Tyler and Max have the strategic edge over Jenn, which could be a double-edged sword. I also think Carolyn is a dark horse. She isn't physical, but if she can get the numbers in her favor, I think she could quietly run the game, much like Tyler is doing in the early phases. However, I think Carolyn also could be too loud mouthed and do herself in.
So I guess what I'm saying is, this season has potential to be one of the greats, and Tyler is my top favorite in the early goings. Hope for some great drama along the way!
