Long-time lurker since before Survivor-China here….LOVE the hard work and thoughtful analysis by all! Here’s my first contribution to your analysts’ stew.

- Ozzie: Is he getting the Terry Dietz edit? Remember Terry and Bob-Gabon standing on top of their little mountains, surveying their respective kingdoms? Ozzie had no mountains (??), but last night he stood in a palm tree. What does that say about his chances of winning? Bob won. Terry “should’ve” won, based on the non-binding “recount” that Jeff conducted at his reunion.

Which pattern fits? I say Terry. Bob was not shown saying anything cocky, even when making his fake idol. Terry was shown with two bad moments. I wondered at the time if TPTB had to scour the tapes to find ANY bad moments to justify his loss. No such problem with Jiffy’s younger favorite.

- Looking like Jesus Christ: Ozzie AND Coach, Ozzie much more strongly. Who talks more like the Bible quotes? Coach. Remember his “I am not worthy” moment? It reminded me a little of the Garden of Gethsemane. Both are getting a strong redemption edit, the season’s theme but not necessarily the winner’s theme.

- Other Biblical references: Brandon called Mikayla “Delilah,” although she demonstrated no behavior that would match the title. Who came closest to being a “Delilah”? Elysse, Whitney next, Semhar maybe? We saw longhaired Samson-Ozzie susceptible to them in varying degrees (AND of course to Amanda in Heroes Vs. Villains, to a much stronger degree).

The Bible shows Samson as a hero who was blinded but then brought the house down trying to destroy the Philistines. Ozzie “killed”” the “Philistine” at hand, Christine. He may “kill” one or two more. But Samson did not bring down the Philistine Empire; he just destroyed the leaders of one city-state. Ozzie can be a “hero with faults” to many, but that may or may not be enough for a total victory.

- Cochran vs. Cirie, vs. Todd-China and vs. Stephen-Tocantins? All four are quote machines, strategists AND betrayers of former allies. However, there is only one winner among the three previous contestants. Articulate Todd defeated teary Amanda. But charismatic AND articulate JT de-railed Stephen. Cochran has shown traits of Todd and Stephen, but also of Amanda. (Nerves, self-doubt, etc.)

Unlike Cirie, he seems to embrace the dual role of lovable/villainous. But Cirie never expressed the insecurity Cochran still shows. And unlike Amanda, Cochran is finally taking responsibility for his actions. But can he finally deliver her actual, behind-the-scenes strategic acumen?

- Who’s being cocky? It seems to depend upon one’s personal preferences. There are many candidates, two of whom have played twice before and have created impressions that are etched in stone for many people.

- What would Tom Westman do? And who most closely fits the Tom Westman mold?
> Like Ozzie, he’d find the idol, provide huge fish for his tribe, and win most challenges. Like Ozzie, he had flaws, two of which were shown (pressuring Ian, drunken tabletop performance). Unlike Ozzie, he was not shown with a temper or displaying petty moments. Also, I don’t remember him making any clear declarations of “I will never give up,” or “I will beat all comers.” His carriage implied the first; modesty and diplomacy prevented the latter.
> Like Albert, he’d combine physical challenge prowess with clear speech and insight into other players.
> Like Coach, he’d use diplomacy and rule-by-consensus to keep his tribe strong. Like Coach, he had onion layers to his alliances, even his pre-game alliance with Stephanie. Like Coach, he’d find the idol with only one clue, and pick the right players for the right roles in challenges. He’d also pressure Cochran the way he pressured Ian. Unlike Coach, he would not lead prayer groups (saying faith is a private matter), nor push someone to kneel or to join a group. And for Coach’s Dragon-Chi, substitute fishing or chopping wood.
> Would Tom smile or look satisfied at the results of tribal council? You betcha. Would he sit out a challenge to eat? No. But if he were questioned as Coach was, would he laugh? You betcha.

What do Tom Westman and Terry Dietz have to do with the Redemption Island theme? Jiffy still calls Tom “one of the two or three best players to ever play Survivor.” He painted Terry as the real winner at the reunion. I think he thinks these two represent the best of Survivor, and that “Redemption” involves growing up to be more like them.
Jiffy clearly wants to show both Ozzie and Coach growing up to be either Tom or Terry. Mission accomplished. Winner’s edit? Maybe yes, may no.

He also clearly wants to show Cochran as Todd-Stephen. Why? Perhaps because those two consistently turn down his invitations to return? Can he get Cochran to return? You betcha. Can Cochran pull a Todd and win? Maybe yes, maybe no.

I’m sorry, I meant to keep this short. Have at it! And come back Corvis!