  Taj, Stephen, JT and Erinn will compete for the 18th million-dollar prize Survivor: Tocantins is handing out Sunday night on Global and CBS. |
Dragons have been slayed, tribal lines have been crossed and the term “blindside” has taken on an entirely new meaning.
And given that all of these happenings took place in Brazil’s scorching, stormy Highlands, it’s astounding there’s anyone left standing on Survivor: Tocantins — never mind four castaways, who will compete for the 18th million-dollar prize the reality TV dinosaur is handing out Sunday night on Global and CBS.
Here’s a look at the resilient Forze tribe members still in the game:
TAJ JOHNSON-GEORGE
Age/Sex/Hometown: 37/f/Nashville
Why: While not the biggest physical threat, this former pop singer (of SVU fame), doting mom and ex-NFL player’s wife has a tender appeal that makes her fellow castaways want to cuddle up to her. Beneath it all, she’s a silent schemer.
Why Not: Taj may have created many smart alliances over the weeks, but the number of blindsides we’ve seen this season indicate no one is safe. If she doesn’t win immunity, she’ll be one of the first to go tomorrow.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
STEPHEN FISHBACH
A/S/H: 29/m/New York
Why: This self-depreciative curly-haired corporate consultant is hardly the guy you’d picture taking out a sturdy farmer like JT. But if we learned anything from Survivor: China fanboy Todd Herzog and Gabon physics teacher Robert Crowley — who are both sitting on piles of cash — it’s that geeky charisma gets you everywhere in this game. And brains — which this Yale grad obviously isn’t lacking as much as he’d like his opponents to think.
Why Not: Other than that, his closest ally, JT, is also going to give him some tough competition — I can’t think of why not.
Predicted Finish: 1st
JAMES (JT) THOMAS JR.
A/S/H: 24/m/Samson, Ala.
Why: Like his pal Stephen, JT plays on his flaws (the “dumb and innocent country boy role,” according to his CBS bio) to gain and maintain relationships in the game. This — along with the cattle rancher’s natural southern charm — has worked so far, and I can’t see it not working tomorrow. Plus, he manages 800-pound mammals for a living. Talk about a physical threat, y’all.
Why Not: JT has control of the game, but if Stephen manages to outsmart him and take the reins, he’ll be forced to saddle up.
Predicted Finish: 2nd
ERINN LOBDELL
A/S/H: 26/f/Waukesha, Wis.
Why: CBS is calling this unassuming hairstylist the “wild card” — a fair label when you consider she’s been flying under the radar so quietly we barely knew she was there.
Why Not: When Erinn does speak up, she gets herself in trouble. JT wanted to take her down after she gave Coach (Dragon Slayer) Wade heck for taking a “martyr approach” on Thursday, and she hasn’t created strong enough bonds with Stephen or Taj to secure a spot. Physically, she’s also the weakest player left. If she doesn’t win immunity, she’ll be gonzo.
Predicted Finish: 4th
