Analysis of Monica Padilla (original Bayon Tribe).
Following Episode 1 (posted in the wrong place last week): Monica got very little face time on the first episode. That leaves me wondering if she might make a deep run in the competition. I am sure she, like Kelley Wentworth, will be underestimated. And we have already seen what Wentworth is capable of accomplishing. As with any other player, it is all about how she positions herself within her alliance and whether she can build relationships outside of it well enough to leverage them at the moments of those inevitable twists (tribe split, merge, swap, etc.).
Following Episode 2: I remain curious about what the video editors are withholding from the viewers about Monica. She appears to be lying in wait in her tribe, and the only way we will know more about her status is when she is on a tribe that is headed to tribal council. As far as I can tell, she can strategize with the other smart, strategic women of her tribe (Kass, Tasha, Ciera), but will she distinguish herself enough to earn the votes needed to win in the end? Time will tell.