‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’ castaway spotlight: Tina Wesson

We have now arrived at the final entry in our “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” castaway spotlight series, and this is someone who is known rather well throughout the show community: Tina Wesson. She is the first woman to ever win the show, is well-regarded for being one of the nicest people to ever play the game and go far, and she also is the only person to ever win the game, only to leave first the very next time that she played.

So even before you get to Redemption Island, it’s fair to say that this is a woman who badly wants redemption of her own, and to prove that she is a great game-player who can win a million bucks again. Do we think that she can?

Basic details -Tina Wesson, 52 years old from Robbinsville, North Carolina; here with daughter Katie Collins

Occupation – Motivational speaker

Claim to fame – Beating Colby Donaldson at the end of “Survivor: The Australian Outback,” and becoming the first woman to ever win the game. Also, for being the first person voted out of “Survivor: All-Stars.” Not only has she played before with Rupert Boneham, but the two were on the same tribe.

Strengths – She is on the surface a very loyal player, but Tina will mix it up and get involved in some game discussions. She’s really the best example of what Rupert claims he wants to do in the game, which is to be a person with integrity who always plays hard. She will scheme and do what she needs to do to get her and her allies further in the game, all with a big smile on her face. She may be the oldest woman on her tribe, but you better believe that she will be competitive.

Weaknesses – Tina is not going to win many physical challenges, even if she is in great shape for being 52. She also is one of those people who you feel could actually win the game again, and has to be a considered a threat the longer that she stays around. In modern “Survivor,” being too nice can at times be a major problem.

Prediction – We’re going out on a limb here and saying that Tina makes it to the end again. For her, the toughest challenge is before the merge, and she has some major assets here in that there are two people on her tribe (in Colton and Rupert) that will for sure rub people the wrong way, Kat is unpredictable, and Monica can come across like she knows everything. If she is competent in challenges, she can skate by until the merge, and then work to get out big threats.

How do you think Tina will do on “Survivor” this season? Be sure to share your thoughts below, and click here if you want to read the other entries in our spotlight series.

Photo: CBS