"Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" won't premiere on CBS until February 11, but as with every season you can expect a profile of each contestant here leading up to the 20th edition of the popular reality competition.
Today, the focus is on Russell Hantz.
Name: Russell Hantz
Age: 37
Occupation: Oil company owner
Location: Dayton, Texas
Past seasons: "Survivor: Samoa"
Tribe: Villains
Claim to fame: CBS has been quick to label Russell as the "greatest villain in 'Survivor' history," and they wouldn't be altogether wrong. Last season Russell lied, manipulated, and schemed his way through the game. He was smart enough to find hidden immunity idols, and he used one of them to save both himself and the entire Foa Foa tribe. Russell may also be just as famous, though, for losing to Natalie after the jury didn't feel like he played a good enough "social game" for the prize. (Ask Russell, and he'll say they were bitter.)
Is he an All-Star? Without a doubt. Hats off to Russell for agreeing to go another grueling season just 14 days after he finished filming the first one. He's the kind of player that we've only seen a few times before on "Survivor," and he probably does a better at job at being evil than any of them. It also helps that he's obnoxious, cocky, and entertaining to watch.
Analysis: Russell has both a major advantage and disadvantage going into this game. Since they filmed "Heroes vs. Villains" before "Samoa" aired, nobody is going to know exactly what this guy did to earn his "villain" title. He can use that to his advantage and hide behind some of the other schemers (like Boston Rob) early on. On the other hand, Russell also didn't have a chance to watch himself on TV. Like Amanda Kimmel going into "Fans vs. Favorites," he may not have had enough time to analyze where he went wrong the first time around.
Prediction: With that in mind, I actually expect Russell to do exactly what he did in "Samoa:" he'll dominate much of the game before fizzling out in the end. the guy just doesn't realize that some people can't separate their emotions from the game! The people may be "bitter," but he needs to find a way to account for that. He'll probably try to take two "weaker" players to the end and wind up either being taken out before the final tribal council or losing it at the very end.
Of course, feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below and stay tuned for more "Survivor" news.
--
Want to read more of the latest TV news? Then click the "subscribe" button at the top of the page to receive continuous updates. You can also follow me on Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter.
Today's top "Survivor" stories: "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Cirie Fields "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Colby Donaldson
"Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Danielle DiLorenzo
"Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Sandra Diaz-Twine
"Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: James Clement "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Rupert Boneham "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Randy Bailey "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" castaway spotlight: Tyson Apostol "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains:" cast revealed; plus my impressions
"Glee:" fresh off Golden Globes win, a look ahead to the future
Did Conan O'Brien turn down assistance from Lorne Michaels?
Golden Globes: TV winners, analysis, and ripped dresses
Conan O'Brien departure dependent on show employees
"American Idol:" Adam Lambert believes show will be okay without Simon Cowell
"Jon and Kate Plus 8:" Jon Gosselin spends time with Kate's brother
Comments
Hmmm, I didn't realize heroes & villians was filmed before Samoa aired. Based on Russell's constant bragging during the finale & reunion show, I suspect he goes far on Heroes & Villains. He probably wouldn't have behaved that way if he had a poor showing on H&V.
He'll def be in the finals again, and then def will lose to a much better player. Again.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!