The Sept. 21 premiere of Survivor 43 is already generating excitement among fans of the show. After all, there are few things better than having the chance to meet new and exciting Survivor players, who will soon have the chance to introduce new strategies and dynamics that can revolutionize the franchise.
While it's always fun to meet new players, fans have been clamoring to see some old favorites return. After all, fans can't guarantee that new castaways will be interesting. What they can guarantee is that there are some Survivor players who desperately need a comeback.
Erik Reichenbach
The player who got himself voted out in one of the worst moves in Survivor history, Erik was already given a comeback, but fans think he deserves another shot. "Erik could use closure on his story. Him going out 5th again after giving up immunity was poetic, but getting medevaced at 5 feels incomplete," says Reddit cirie__was__robbed.
Given that Caramoan was meant to be his redemptive story, and he lost through no fault of his own, it seems right to give the man the chance to try again. Medical evacuations are always tragic in Survivor, but it's even worse when a player is so close to redeeming himself. Another attempt could prove he really earned those fifth place finishes.
Jonny Fairplay
One of the most notorious Survivor villains, Jonny Fairplay earned his spot in Survivor history, but on his most recent attempt, he utterly flamed out and asked to go home. Yet, while some fans might worry he would quit again, the reality was that his quit was a form of an evacuation. After he hurt his jaw, he told Reality TV World that found he couldn't play through it, and he asked his tribe to send him home.
Injury is always an understandable reason to go home, but it's a sad one for an amazing player. "His legacy would've been even more legendary without his return appearance, but I think he could redeem it with a return and a deep run," says Redditor putcoolnamehere. Another attempt could prove it wasn't a true quit, which could help Fairplay recover that legacy.
Terry Deitz
After discovering that Terry's son was having a major health condition, Jeff Probst arrived at camp and broke the news to Terry, who immediately went home to help his son. A great player who was always attentive and respected in his tribes, Terry really does deserve another chance.
"He seemed to be positioned well socially, and could have made a decent run if he got to the merge," says Reddit msnmpn7. "His exit is both understandable and unfortunate but I would have loved to see him go further." After all, players removed for serious reasons like Terry's should always get a chance to come back.
Kassandra McQuillen
A player so chaotic, she earned the name Chaos Kass, Kass has been active in the Survivor community and still seems extremely excited by the show. Having made it far in both of her attempts, she's also proven to be an entertaining player and a true competitor.
"I would like to see Kass balance the chaos and awareness of her perception to play an amazing game the third time around," says Reddit a disappointing returning Survivor player originally, having had the chance to see the benefits of a mixed playing style, she could really make it far and even win.
Keith Nale
Some players don't deserve to return because of playing style, but rather because they're incredibly entertaining. "Keith is one of the few players who essentially had the same story arc multiple seasons who I would love to see again," says Redditor ivaorn.
While Keith likely wouldn't win, despite making it far in both of his attempts, there's nothing more fun than a player who doesn't know exactly what they're doing, but who succeeds anyway. Often just there to snark, enjoy the game, and ignore strategy almost completely, Keith is a fascinating character who always stars in whatever scene he appears in.
Christina Cha
Having proven her loyalty to one of the most popular Survivor players in history, Kim Spradlin, Christina proved that she was a great player to have as an ally, which could help her play more loosely in the future. "Christina I think could also come back and play with more confidence, after coming from snapping at Alicia and then fizzling out," says Redditor Number224.
She started out One World fighting with another castaway, before realizing that she was losing the respect of her tribe. With that in mind, she took the smart path of playing under the radar, much like Season 41's winner, Erika. If she could return and replicate her initial playstyle, now that her character is established, she could be a lot of fun.
Chrissy Hofbeck
One of the most surprising challenge beasts in Survivor, Chrissy was a lot of fun and really deserves the chance to appear again. "She's awesome," says Redditor BoJang1er, and wants her back so "She wins her returnee season after winning the final 4 fire-making challenge. It's TV poetry."
Having lost the game, partly because of her social play, a return season could give Chrissy a real chance to improve her strategy and focus on the social aspect of the game. It's clear that her challenge abilities are incredible, so if she could use improve her social gameplay, she could easily win a season.
Angelina Keeley
A player who earned her place in the Final Tribal Council of David vs. Goliath, Angelina went home with no votes to her name and a major chip on her shoulder. "I need closure in Angelina," says Reddit 2002ak. "I see her returning and playing an amazing game as a sort of redemption arc for being a goat in DvG."
Given how entertaining she was throughout the season, it would be incredible to see her on-screen again. After all, though she infuriated the rest of the castaways, her insistence about the jacket, the rice she gave up immunity for, and the ladder she risked her life on were incredibly funny. Should she appear again, she would be just as fun to watch.
Reynold Toepfer
In Fans vs. Favorites, the fans were at a major disadvantage from the start, as the Favorites already knew how the show worked. As Redditor luke6080 says, "The format of his season kinda screwed him, and him returning after a long layoff with very little attention on him could lead to a really successful run on a returnee season."
On a season with a theme that doesn't knock him out from the start, it's likely that Reynold could go far. After all, the Three Amigos was one of the best alliances in Survivor, and their move to knock off Phillip absolutely earned them another shot in the future.
Vecepia Towery
A player who won the first season she was on, Vecepia would be a gift in a future season. "I think Vecepia has an arc where its meant for her to return, she's the first POC winner, she's the first POC woman winner of all reality tv competition shows," says Redditor Izzybutmale.
Since her win was controversial, as many fans wanted Kathy to take the million, a return season could cement her status as one of the greats. As a player with an extraordinary social and strategic game, she could easily dominate any season she's on without other players even realizing that she's doing it. Besides, given her historic place in Survivor, she deserves a second shot.