Honestly, from when I was watching, I really thought Cochran was the one going to RI and I was actually quite shocked to see Semhar go instead! None of them were actually my pre-game faves (I felt she didn't have the strategy to win and I felt he, like Stephen, would have too much of a strategic approach to win) but from the first episode until the end of it I was preferring Semhar to John to staying because I liked her enthusiasm (didn't realize it was too much
).
In the end, for Cochran to pull off that 8:1, especially since the target suddenly went from her to him, then finally back to her, enthralled me and confirmed that he has the ability to get the target off him and persuade the votes (in TC, Dawn called him out, but in the end voted for Semhar) to his favor. Now I hope he can overcome his doubts and get the ball rolling, I say he should form an alliance with strong people (Jim, Elyse, and Keith maybe).
NOT rooting for:
Albert (lack screentime), Whitney (found her boring), Brandon (not one that stands out to me as someone that can win or be a fave, but he's def. gonna be in the center of some issue), Rick (not feeling him), Stacey (can't tell if she's biting her tongue or letting her attitude out, so too early), Jim (didn't like the way he was so outspoken), Christine (Kristina v2.0, i rooted for Kristina, i didn't like that decision), Keith (lack screentime), Elyse (nothing against her, but i'm rooting for the others more), Coach (ugh).
Who I'm rooting for, in order from least to most rooting:
Sophie - Something about her that makes me want to see her go far. She could be an interesting and smart, inquisitive player.
Papa Bear - I honestly think he's the type of person that gets voted out pre-jury, last juror or doesn't get voted out at all. Considering his tribemates for now (Cochran and Dawn for challenges, Jim for attitude, Ozzy for obvious reasons), he might be able to go far without having to do much!
Edna - Pregame fave. She didn't get a lot of screentime, but I think she's a smart enough player to win.
Mikayla - I was surprised with her in the IC. I don't think she'll win, but I'm rooting for her for sheer competitiveness.
Cochran - As stated, he can play the game strategically, but he's lacking the physical aspect. I wouldn't be surprised if he throws Dawn under the bus. He could pull a Todd, though.
Dawn - Pregame fave. I was surprised how her breakdown didn't result in a vote, and that no one called her out. Her confessions scared me a bit because I thought she was going mental. Sandy and Holly together.
I hope she goes far, I want her to do something big.
Ozzy - Pregame fave. It's okay for me that he was given a third time (fewer than Rob, at least!) to play, I hope his naivety doesn't get him out again. Really the only thing he was missing is the strategy so he needed to work on that. But considering Semhar to be his ally in the first place might have an impact on him negatively, we'll see.
Hmm...When I was ranking them, I felt wrong because I really am not rooting for anyone to win for now. It's too early! I hope the next eppy will be just as good or better as the premiere! It was great and exciting!