Semi-Annual Survivor Finale Prognostication



Yes, it’s time once again for last-minute backstabbing, embarrassing jury speeches, and nostalgic strolls through the Torches of the Damned. I’ve correctly picked the winner for three consecutive seasons, but this one’s a little tougher. For one thing, Palau has been like two seasons in one. We spent the first half enjoying the utter decimation of the plucky yet laughably inept Ulong tribe, which meant that the Final Four set to battle it out on Sunday night were little more than bit players for the first 8 episodes or so. Once our never-say-die heroine Stephenie was finally dispatched a couple weeks back, the Koror machinations spun into overdrive. The last couple of episodes have been downright dizzy with reversals, shattered alliances, desperate moves and inexplicable strategic goofery.

Thus, we are left with four people, all of whom really want to win, none of whom seem to know how to go about doing this. Up until last night’s episode, I figured Ian was a worthy competitor and rooting interest, as he correctly deduced that Gregg was plotting against his alliance and arranged to have him snuffed. But last night he was just a mess, and I think he only survived because screechy Caryn was an even bigger mess.

Barring a surprise Immunity win, I see Jenn as the first to go Sunday night. She’s already stuck around longer than she’s had any real reason to, given that her big plan was “latch onto Gregg” and her secondary plan, the all-girl alliance, collapsed twice and sure can’t happen now. Then it gets tricky. If Tom wins the final IC, who will he take to the Final Two? Can we assume Katie and Ian would take each other? Any combo is possible, but I’m pulling for an Ian/Tom finale, which could go either way, rather than a landslide where either one of them beats Katie. It’s a tough call, but I’m gonna put my winning streak on the line and say Ian will be the sole survivor.