One episode down, and Survivor 51 is already bring the heat. The Open Era has begun, adding a new layer to the CBS reality hit. Anything goes this season on the beaches of Fiji, ranging from rarely-used advantages to Mr. Beast-inspired coin flips. Wednesday’s return to the two-tribe format, last seen on Survivor: Winners at War, was a welcome change of pace. It also led to a dramatic vote out, sending Aaliyah home in a shocker.
After this week’s episode, titled ‘Permanent Uncertainty’, which names should fans be keeping an eye on going forward? Let’s take a look at who helped, or hurt, their chances at winning Survivor 51.
Survivor Power Rankings
- 1. Kristin
- 2. Mike
- 3. Carter
- 4. Sharonda
- 5. Rob
- 6. Ori
- 7. Kilby
- 8. Patt
- 9. Linnea
- 10. Brady
- 11. Maggie
- 12. Ana
- 13. Thien An
- 14. Alexis
- 15. Jenna
- 16. Christian
- 17. Lewis
- 18. Jelly
- 19. Devin
- 20. Eric
- Aaliyah – Eliminated
Biggest Risers
Kristin
Acting as a tribe leader can be dangerous. We’ve seen players get big heads early, eventually costing them their game (more on that later). Fortunately, that doesn’t appear to be the case with Kristin. The crisis manager already looks like someone that won’t crack under pressure. Her first test of the season was a negotiation, in which she successfully bartered Kilby for flint, machete and other essential camp supplies. That Savu entrusted Kristin, and was satisfied with her haul, shouldn’t go unnoticed. Despite being the oldest contestant on Survivor 51, she feels like someone that can make lasting bonds with her tribe mates.
That was evident early, when Kristin sparked a potential alliance with Ori and Sharonda. Since Savu avoided Tribal Council, we still don’t know if that was talk or action. Still, on a social game such as this, you never want to be left out of a potential majority. Shades of Denise from Survivor: Phillipines, another competent, middle-aged woman, are difficult to ignore. Granted, these players aren’t dumb. Even from day one, it’s obvious Kristin will be a force to be reckoned with. Regardless, that’s a problem to worry about down the line. After just a handful of days, she’s in pole position on these power rankings.
Mike
Despite an interesting Tribal Council, not everyone is spiraling on Toka. That’s especially true for Mike, an executive for the New York Yankees. Without reading too much into the edit, we got plenty of Pinsky’s point of view at various points during Wednesday’s episode. During the tribal negotiations, he mentioned being an excellent negotiator. However, taking the bull by the horns at this point in the game is setting yourself up for failure. Later on, he reassured early ally Maggie that she wouldn’t be the person going home. Mike was an active participant during the ensuing live tribal, getting his say in before correctly voting with the eventual majority.
On their own, those moments don’t ensure a deep run for the New Yorker. Still, it is interesting the producers of CBS decided to give us these various moments from Mike. After all, nothing he did during the season premiere was essential to the narrative of this episode in particular. Perhaps it was Survivor’s way of setting Pinsky up as a major power player on his new tribe. Ignoring the edit entirely, he’s positioned well going forward. The Helicopter Alliance suffered an early blow, and could be targeted during their next vote by Brady’s coalition. On a Toka group that seems to be valuing physical strength, a fairly athletic 30-something such as Mike doesn’t appear to be in danger. All things considered, this was a stellar debut.
Biggest Fallers
Devin
Devin acts for a living, something you wouldn’t have known based off of his gameplay in episode one. The Los Angeles resident seemed like a name to watch, given his connection to various members of both Toka and Savu. The newly-formed Helicopter Alliance has (er, had) promise, and he was poised to be one of its most important members. Following Toka’s immunity defeat, Devin didn’t seem all too worried. Jenna, his target the entire week, seemed like an easy and practical vote.
Alas, this is Survivor. Aaliyah and Jelly displayed some shockingly bad gameplay, mentioning in front of Jenna that Brady was someone to target down the line. When word got back to the wrestler, he was naturally infuriated. In some ways, Devin’s inital reaction to save Aaliyah is admirable. After all, he doesn’t want to burn a potential number this early. Still, at some point you need to read the room. The biggest issue I have with his game is a steadfast committal to voting out Jenna, saying just as much twice during Tribal Council. That level of inflexibility, along with an almost smug willingness to share voting plans, would make me wary to work with Devin. As part of a now-two person group of outcasts, it’s going to take a lot for him to recover.
Eric
Someone has to be last, and that ‘honor’ goes to Eric. This was a masterclass in what not to do socially. He’s quite the talker, describing himself as a “friendly vampire.” Still, this group doesn’t seem eager to discuss obscure topics such as the origins of Slipknot. Despite seeming like an ally, Rob has already turned on his fellow Rhode Islander. When Eric was gone fishing, Rob aroused suspicion and organized a search party for him. Although this was quelled by his re-emergence from the water, it’s clear that Savu doesn’t trust Eric at the moment.
It’s not all bad news, however. Eric shared an emotional moment with the tribe, discussing his love of wife Gina back home. It was a nice reminder that these players are people too, warts and all. Is that enough to shift the tide? Probably not, although its a start. We’ve seen seemingly socially awkward players bounce back for deep runs, a la Emily in Season 45. Still, that requires some level of self-awareness. Eric may possess that, but we have yet to see it on screen. As things stand, he’s an obvious first boot for Savu.
Survivor 51 FAQ
When does Survivor 51 Episode 2 Come Out?
The second episode of Survivor 51 comes out on Wednesday, September 30, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will then air every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET for the remainder of the season.
Where can I watch Survivor 51 Episode 2?
Survivor 51 Episode 2 will air live on CBS. It will then be available to stream on Paramount+.
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