Who Still Deserves A Survivor Second Chance?

I am very excited for the next season of Survivor. While I love new players, sometimes the new players lack strategy, but the returning players are always ready to play the game. To me the game is always more interesting with good returning players. Due to a recent post, you know where I stand on who made it vs. who didn't onto this new Survivor cast. This new cast though will be exciting even without the players I wanted on the show. One of the players I wanted on was Mike Holloway and that was only if he didn't win the game. The fact that he won made it well worth him not being a repeat player on this cast. For those that did make it, I only really thought that Shirin and the brains tribe people really didn't deserve to be on there. There were far too many people from that awful tribe. One or two of them would have been fine, but not three. This whole thing got me thinking though, who still deserves a Survivor 2nd Chance?

There are several players that I would love to see return that haven't yet. I will pick out a guy and a girl from each season that I would love to see return and say why they should return to the game. Then at the end, I will rank them from 20 to 1 about who I think deserves it the most. Because I didn't like the fact that three people from one awful tribe made it this season, I limited it to 2 people from each season. Additionally, if they have gotten a 2nd chance they are eliminated from contention just like on the upcoming season of the show. That would include all the contestants currently going onto Survivor 2nd chance.

Season 1: Borneo

Female Castaway: Colleen Haskell

Now, the contestant has to wish to return and Colleen has turned down a return in the past, so this may be unlikely. That being said, she was quite the strong player and lasted further than any other member of her tribe in this game. She was also one of the most popular players and turned it into a few acting roles. Assuming, Colleen would actually want to come back, she would be an easy choice. Would she even consider coming back to this great show though? I assume she won't since she has turned it down and said she moved on so I left her off the final list.

Male Castaway: Sean Kenniff

Not sure he would return to the show either, but Sean made it further than any other player that has not returned to Season 1. He seems to still be in great shape and was a very entertaining player. He was squeezed out of the game after the majority alliance who was targeting Kelly had no options because Kelly won immunity.

Season 2: Australian Outback

Female Castaway: Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Hasselbeck is the same story as Haskell as far as deserving a 2nd chance, but perhaps turning it down. She is also one of the most established survivors outside of the game now as she is a rather famous TV personality. Hasselbeck co-hosted The View and now works for Fox News. She is probably the least likely on this list to re-appear, but perhaps the most deserving. A fan favorite of Season 2, this is one that many people would love to compete again. Since Elisabeth will most likely not come back due to her current job, I left her off the list.

Male Castaway: Keith Famie

Season 2 is the only season of Survivor that last more than 39 days. That season actually lasted 42 days and Keith Famie was voted off on Day 41. He lasted longer on Survivor than some winners. Famie actually holds the record for most days on Survivor for someone that has only competed one season. That alone deserves a 2nd chance.

Season 3: Africa

Female Castaway: Teresa Cooper

I clearly wanted T-Bird to get a second chance and wrote about it in that previous piece about the upcoming season. America seemed to disagree, but T-Bird deserves another shot and Survivor was right to put her up for that vote. No woman won individual immunity in Season 2, and T-Bird became the 1st woman to win individual immunity since Kelly Wigglesworth during this 3rd installment. She is still incredibly fit and deserves another shot soon.
Male Castaway: Frank Garrison
Garrison was a great survivor and made it to day 30 on the show. He was the last male member of his original tribe left standing which is quite the accomplishment in this game. It is especially great in a season with such strong competitors. He was a strong and entertaining player that had a target on his back earlier because of his age (along with T-Bird), but managed to make it to day 30 still.

Season 4: Marquesas

Female Castaway: Neleh Dennis
Much like Kelly Wigglesworth Neleh Dennis was a finalist who lost in the final vote by just one vote. She was not as dominant in challenges as Wigglesworth, but came very close to being a deserving winner. This is another obvious choice for a second chance. Dennis was invited back to Survivor:All-Stars, but cut at the last minute. That willingness to come back though, shows that she should be invited back at some point.
Male Castaway: Sean Rector
Like Dennis, Rector was asked to return for Survivor:All-Stars, but was cut from the show. He came in 5th place overall and was Boston Rob's top ally in the season. He actually beat Rob during this season and was the only member of his original tribe on the jury. The fact that he beat Rob and the two being so closely aligned makes it surprising that he has never gotten a 2nd chance.

Season 5: Thailand

Female Castaway: Penny Ramsey
Penny was playing a great game and was the longest lasting female member of her tribe. Her problem is that her tribe had a huge numbers disadvantage when the merge came and she was voted out early. In a weak season, she would be the female castaway I'd most like to see return. She likely won't make my top 10, but she is an impressive contestant still.
Male Castaway: John Raymond
I rarely want to see the 1st contestant voted off return, but in this case I think I do. Raymond was not a weak competitor, in fact it was quite the opposite. He also wasn't the worst member of his tribe or the reason they lost. He was voted off because of a trick he played with the tribe about where the water was. Stupid in hindsight, but I think he has a decent amount to offer to this game.

Season 6: Amazon

Female Castaway: Heidi Strobel
Heidi does not need the money as she married pitcher Cole Hamels after the show. She also declined an appearance on Survivor: All Stars eventhough it was offered, so it may be unlikely that she would accept. That being said she deserves it and was the 2nd female on this season only losing to the eventual winner in Jenna as far as females. Heidi also holds the distinction of being the 1st player to get the immunity necklace from the winner of the actual challenge.
Male Castaway: Matthew Von Ertfelda
Matthew was the runner-up of this season and a deserving finalist. He played a very solid game and was a physical powerhouse during the season. It does not appear Matthew has ever been offered the chance to come back, but he should be. This would be a great contestant and since he is single there shouldn't be much holding him back from a return.

Season 7: Pearl Islands

Female Castaway: Darrah Johnson
The only female that has returned from this season is Sandra and she has won the game twice. Sandra is clearly a superior Survivor player, but some other females on this season played well. It is hard to tell how well though due to this season's bizarre outcast twist. Darrah Johnson was one of these ladies being the female that made it the furthest without making the final tribal. She also was the female that lasted the 2nd longest behind only the winner Sandra. The second place person this season was female, but she was voted out and only returned due to the outcast twist. That twist killed Darrah's alliance as Lillian flipped when she returned, but Darrah still managed to finish in the top 4. Darrah also won 8 challenges including 3 straight individual immunity challenges during this season! She was also only 22 when she played and now is a more game savy 34 year old. To me she is just about the most deserving female that has not returned. She was the youngest contestant of the season and I believe the strongest who was screwed by a strange twist.
Male Castaway: Ryan Opray
Ryan Opray much like Darrah Johnson was eventually screwed by the outcast twist. That twist was a major reason why Andrew Savage was voted back in this season. Andrew's best ally happened to be Ryan Opray who definitely deserves a 2nd chance at this game. Right after Andrew was voted out, down went Ryan.

Season 8: All-Stars

All the contestants were returnees from a previous season and thus already received their 2nd chance to play the game.

Season 9: Vanuatu

Female Castaway: Julie Berry
Berry was a strong player in Season 9, but the thing that would make her an interesting contestant is her 3 year relationship with host Jeff Probst following the show. That probably rules her out of any future competition, but it would be interesting if she were allowed back in. She has to know more secrets than pretty much any contestant in Survivor history.
Male Castaway: Rory Freeman
There are no great male options as the ladies dominated this season, but Rory Freeman would be an interesting return candidate. He had a record amount of votes cast against him during his season at the time. Freeman would be quite the interesting return candidate.

Season 10: Palau

Female Castaway: Katie Gallagher
She was not quite the player Ian was, but she was in the majority alliance and she beat Ian in the game. Katie finished as a runner-up to the dominant Tom during this season. During the season she managed to win 11 challenges!
Male Castaway: Ian Rosenberger
Other than the winner Tom, Ian was the only other contestant to win individual immunity during this season. It makes him the obvious choice for a repeat performance. He was a strong player on the dominant tribe of the game. He was also a part of the majority alliance. This guy is just 33 now and more than capable of a Survivor return. Finally, he won an incredible 15 challenges during this season and played a great all around game.

Season 11: Guatemala

Female Castaway: Cindy Hall
Hall won a car challenge and fell victim to the car curse by not giving up her reward and being voted out eventually as a result. She played quite the strong game though and won 10 total challenges during the season. It's a shame that she was voted out for winning because she could have made this season more interesting by lasting longer.
Male Castaway: Gary Hogeboom
Gary is the 1st competitor ever to find and play a hidden immunity idol. He played very well in the game and won immunity over Brandon Bellinger once the tribes merged so that Brandon could be eliminated. Hogeboom added some life to the season, but I wasn't a big fan of this group and it isn't surprising that only one player has been asked back.

Season 12: Exile Island

Female Castaway: Sally Schumann
No doubt the most interesting female in this season Danielle already got a chance to play this game a 2nd time. The next best girl was Cirie who also got a 2nd chance already. Courtney Marit was annoying so next up is Sally Schumann. Sally won 7 challenges and was a decent player, but I don't think she makes the top 10. That being said she is the best option for this season.
Male Castaway: Shane Powers
In my last piece about this season I said not to vote for Shane so this may seem contradictory, but Shane was a strong Survivor player. I didn't think he was the best option available, but I'd like to see him play again. Terry is getting his chance with the upcoming season so Shane is the next best option from Exile Island.

Season 13: Cook Islands

Female Castaway: Becky Lee
This season was loaded with quality contestants as it contained Penner, Ozzy, Parvati, and Candice each of which was a three time player eventually. All of those players would also lose this season. Everyone of them except for Ozzy finished behind Becky Lee as well. Becky made the final tribal and didn't secure a vote, but again that was due to who she was up against. This is someone that would be great in another season.
Male Castaway: Brad Virata
Brad was a victim of a poorly timed tribe switch in a loaded season. His original tribe was dominant, but didn't last and he eventally lost after his tribe turned on him.

Season 14: Fiji

Any Survivor fan and even Jeff Probst would say that this is one of the worst seasons in Survivor history if not the worst. Only one player has been invited back and with good reason. Let's just skip this season shall we?

Season 15: China

Female Castaway: Ashley Massaro
Massaro was incredibly athletic eventually landed in the WWE as a major competitor in its divas division. She was voted out early and didn't win any challenges, but it is hard to believe that Ashley couldn't do more on the show. She would add some excitement to the show especially after what she learned in WWE. She also wouldn't have Dave there to ruin her game. Dave ended up being the next to go as it was.
Male Castaway: Frosti Zernow
Zernow was a 6 challenge winner on this season of Survivor and a strong contestant on the season. Frosti won the 1st individual immunity of the season and was a very savy player. It would be interesting to see how he played it a second time out.

Season 16: Micronesia

Female Castaway: Alexis Jones
This season was the original fans vs. favorites. Jones would finish 6th during this season. She was apart of the famous Black Widow Brigade and won an impressive 9 challenges on the season. Alexis would be quite interesting on another season of Survivor.
Male Castaway: Jason Siska
Siska won 10 challenges during this season and was quite the strong player. He left the game with an idol in his pocket though as he was blindsided by the brigade. As a strong player it would be interesting to see what Jason could do in a season with different circumstances.

Season 17: Gabon

Female Castaway: Kelly Czarnecki
Ace was able to turn the tribe against Kelly after she called out Crystal for crying after a challenge. Crystal was a terrible player though and being a drama queen. Ace also was not a good player. It should have been Ace or Crystal voted out and not Kelly. You could argue that the vote is a big reason that two players from the other tribe finished 1,2.
Male Castaway: Charlie Herschel
Charlie won 11 challenges on the season, but was blindsided due to being a threat shortly after the merge. A story that is all too common in this game.

Season 18: Tocantins

Female Castaway: Erinn Lobdell
Erinn finished 3rd during this season and her flip to JT's alliance is what allowed that team to take control of the game. She was a very interesting player all season long and an actual threat in challenges.
Male Castaway: Joe Dowdle
This was another loaded season with Coach, JT, and Tyson all appearing on the same season. It is difficult to imagine another strong male being on this season, but that is just the case. Joe Dowdle got a medical evacuation during this season or else who knows how it would have shaken out. He was doing great and aligned with the eventual winner in JT. He is still the only person to be evacuated during the merge, but not serve on the jury.

Season 19: Samoa

Female Castaway: Kelly Sharbaugh
The choice for this season was Monica, but she is on the upcoming season of Survivor! The next best option is Kelly Sharbaugh an awesome player that won 9 challenges during the season. She was one of the typical threat casualties post merge. Sharbaugh would have continued in the game if not for Russell pulling out an idol for the 2nd straight week and cancelling all the votes against him.
Male Castaway: Erik Cardona
Erik won 8 challenges and played a great game. He was the 1st guy voted out post merge largely due to his appearance as a threat in this game. He had an idol in his pocket when he was voted out as well. Hindsight shows he should have played his idol and watched the results.

Season 20: Heroes vs. Villians

This was another all-star season with returning contestants.

Season 21: Nicaragua

Female Castaway: Kelly Bruno
Kelly Bruno was a great competitor and played a great game, but was targeted off the bat by her tribe for an amputated leg. Everyone with the exception of Alina targeted Kelly for this disability. However, unlike most other contestants with a noticable disability, Kelly didn't use it as an excuse. She worked quite hard despite her impairment. NaOnka was the worst to Kelly and should have been the first person voted off her tribe.
Male Castaway: Benry Henry
Benry was the strong competitor of the season along with Fabio. The boys would have been sitting much prettier had they been able to keep Benry in the game. However, Chase didn't trust Benry and was able to vote him out. Chase convinced Benry to vote for his buddy Fabio and was blindsided knocking him out of the game. It would be fun to see a challenge beast re-enter this game.

Season 22: Redemption Island

Female Castaway: Natalie Tenerelli
I voted for Natalie in the final vote for this upcoming season and think she deserves another chance. She made it all the way to the end and was Rob's main alliance member. She also was a bit naive and just 19 at the time of the game. Natalie is unfairly blasted for not doing much gameplay, but without her Rob doesn't win. People need to remember she was just 19 when she played and will likely do much better this time. She was strong in challenges as well which always keeps it more interesting. She barely makes the cut on my impressive list though.
Male Castaway: Mike Chiesl
Mike's problem in this game is that he was placed on the weaker tribe and the better tribe also had a better alliance. Mike though was a challenge beast and an absolute force in the game. He would dominate on Redemption Island and would arguably be the best person if challenges. He also attempted to flip the two members of the other tribe on the bottom (Matt and Andrea) unsuccessfully. Had those two been a little brighter, the game would have ended much differently and Mike may have been the sole survivor. I also wouldn't mind seeing Matt or Grant again, but those two made it very easy for Rob to win, while Mike really put up a fight.

Season 23: South Pacific

Female Castaway: Mikayla Wingle
I have said it previously when voting for this current season, Mikayla was screwed by a crazy Brandon Hantz. He had her voted off because he was attracted to her physically. That is Brandon's problem and nobody elses. In a strange twist, Brandon was asked back, but not Mikayla. That makes absolutely no sense. Mikayla should have been the player asked to return, not Brandon!
Male Castaway: Jim Rice
I also voted for Jim to return. He was a strong player and was out of the game because Cochran flipped. Rice played a strong game though and could have easily been a factor had the flip not occurred and somebody from the other side gone out instead.

Season 24: One World

Female Castaway: Sabrina Thompson
Sabrina was towards the top of my list for the actual vote and I do believe that Survivor was right in making her available for the vote. I still believe that she deserves another chance, but I also believe there are more deserving candidates.
Male Castaway: Bill Posley
Troyzan was near the top of my list for the actual vote, so why did I pick someone else? Well I picked Bill because he was equally outstanding in challenges to me. Actually there was about 5 guys that could have been the choice here. The issue was Colton and the fact that Colton allowed the tribe to have him manipulate them and give up immunity. Colton targeted Bill's alliance immediately and went after Bill fast. He called Bill "ghetto trash." There was no reason for any of the guys to be voted off as they were and Colton blew up each of their games before quitting. I can't believe that Survivor invited Colton back and not those guys. Troyzan was not in the alliance that was blasted, but quickly targeted post merge due to being a guy and there being less guys. Bill, Matt, Michael, Jay, and Troyzan should all get another opportunity at some point.

Season 25: Philippines

Female Castaway: Angie Layton
Layton was on a weak season for females as there are none that I want to return. The winner was a female that didn't deserve it and actually went to every single tribal council. How she won the game is incredible. The original tribe with the winner even had Malcolm and they still lost every challenge. They should have voted off Russell instead of Angie because Angie was decent in challenges. She was also the youngest in the game. However, the duo was rewarded with a tribe swap and found themselves on the right side of numbers following the swap. I was disappointed that Malcolm or Carter didn't win the season.
Male Castaway: Carter Williams
I probably just gave it away, but Carter Williams was an awesome contestant. He absolutely deserved to be in the game and should have won it. This guy played great the whole way through. Carter won an amazing 9 challenges and was the seasons challenge beast along with Malcolm. Carter was voted out for being likable as they correctly deemed he would be too likable to not win the game. He was my favorite player and I actually liked him more than Malcolm at the time. I would love to see Carter again and with a different group to play with this time.

Season 26: Caramoan

Female Castaway: Allie Pohevitz
Allie was targeted early for being close with Reynaud despite being strong in challenges. Getting off a strong player helped the tribe to lose 2 consecutive immunity challenges following the vote. Allie probably should have stayed in longer to give the fans a better shot at winning.
Male Castaway: Reynold Toepfer
Reynold was the challenge beast of the season even outperforming Malcolm on the show. He was a challenge superstar and even found two idols. Despite being targeted the entire game he managed to stay alive until near the very end and carried his closest ally Eddie towards the end where Eddy almost won the game. The guy found two hidden immunity idols and formed alliances with strong players knowing he would be targeted for his challenge skills. The three amigo tribal council is still my favorite and one of the three amigos needs to live again.

Season 27: Blood vs. Water

Female Castaway: Marissa Peterson
Marissa was targeted early on and it was because of her uncle Gervase. She also unfairly attacked Brad Culpepper early and got him in trouble, but I can't help think what could have been for her. She was a strong player though and could have helped one of the loved ones win instead of the returning players.
Male Castaway: John Cody
My favorite non-returning player was Vytas, but he already is getting his shot in this upcoming season. The next best option is John who was another challenge beast that should have lasted longer. He wouldn't make my top 10, but I'd love to see him return.

Season 28: Cagayan

Female Castaway: Alexis Maxwell
Alexis was in the majority alliance of a strong tribe, but hurt by a tribe switch. That tribe switch that greatly helped the brain tribe hurt the beauty tribe with Alexis. It forced Alexis out of the game and her tribemates were worried about her likability and allegiances in the game. They ultimately booted her from the game and she didn't really get a fair shot. She did do well in challenges though. With those from the brain tribe getting another shot, more from the beauty and brawn tribes should get another shot since they dominated.
Male Castaway: LJ McKanas
LJ was a great strong player who was voted out for yes being a threat. Tony saw him as his only threat to winning the million (a completely accurate assumption) and took him out. I loved the play by Tony as it was a brilliant game move. However, I hated that the 2nd best player was booted from the game. He would be awesome in a returning season.

Season 29: San Juan Del Sur

Female Castaway: Val Collins
I hated the majority of the players on this awful season and really disliked the girls. The only ones that were playing this game were Jeremy and Josh and they were both voted out early in the merge. Jaclyn and Jon completely hijacked this game. Then when Reed  tries to stop it, Keith makes a huge survivor error and states that they have a plan. Of course Keith gets invited back. I voted for Kelley Wentworth to come back because she was stronger than most options. The only other one I'd consider is Val. I think Val would have played the game if she just got to stay in it a little longer. The blood vs. water twist and exile island twist really worked against her when she lost to her husband during the reward challenge.
Male Castaway: Josh Canfield
Since Jeremy already got a second chance, the obvious choice is Josh. Those two were easily the best players on the season of Survivor. Either one of them has the traits of a traditional winner, they just need a 2nd chance without their loved one. Josh would be a great returning player.

Season 30: Worlds Apart

Female Castaway: Kelly Remington
Kelly Remington was the best female in the game and Mike's closest ally. She was hurt by a tribe switch that left her without her alliance and by the paranoia of Dan and Rodney. There was no reason to get rid of Kelly when it happened. Unfortunately for Kelly with those factors she went from legit threat to win to bottom of the barrel. She definitely deserves a 2nd chance and could easily win a 2nd chance scenario.
Male Castaway: Tyler Fredrickson
Tyler was the obvious choice for this option as he was the only male besides Joe and Mike on this season that actually played the game. Tyler was Mike's only real threat to win the game and Mike took him out as a result. He played a solid game and it would be interesting what he would do if given another chance.

Top 10 Females

10. Natalie Tenerelli (Redemption Island)
09. Alexis Jones (Micronesia)
08. Alexis Maxwell (Cagayan)
07. Neleh Dennis (Marquesas)
06. Kelly Sharbaugh (Samoa)
05. Becky Lee (Cook Islands)
04. Mikayla Wingle (South Pacific)
03. Kelly Remington (Worlds Apart)
02. Kelly Bruno (Nicaragua)
01. Darrah Johnson (Pearl Islands)

Top 10 Males

10. LJ McKanas (Cagayan)
09. Josh Canfield (San Juan Del Sur)
08. Sean Rector (Marquesas)
07. Joe Dowdle (Tocantis)
06. Bill Posley (One World)
05. Benry Henry (Nicaragua)
04. Carter Williams (Philippines)
03. Ian Rosenberger (Palau) 
02. Reynold Toepfer (Caramoan)
01. Mike Chiesl (Redemption Island)

That group of 20 is even better than the upcoming group of 20, but it will be a great season still. I just hope these 20 I have selected also someday get their Survivor Second Chance. Look at that group of females, 3 Kellys and 2 Alexis; have we ever had that many players with the same name returning? Who cares though really because this would be an awesome season of Survivor! Only 6 of the 20 share a season from 3 different seasons which spreads the wealth around far more than the last vote as well.

-Noland