Abi-Maria Gomes was by far the biggest villain coming out of Survivor: Philippines, but will a more heroic side be introduced in Cambodia?

Will Kimmi Kappenberg Improve In Her Return To 'Survivor'?

Abi-Maria is one of 20 players selected by America to return to play Survivor next season, titled Survivor: Cambodia - Second Chance. The 35-year-old firecracker was one of the most significant players during her original season, Philippines, and her dynamic personality will make her one to watch next season.

During Philippines, Abi-Maria formed a bond with fellow tribemate RC Saint-Amour, though a mix-up involving an Idol clue made Abi-Maria completely distrust and threaten her. Despite her aggressive personality and weakness in challenges (due to a torn ACL), she and her tribe were able to make it to the merge without ever going to Tribal Council.

With a Hidden Immunity Idol in her back pocket, Abi-Maria's allies would gradually be picked off but she managed to last all the way to the Final 5 before being voted out unanimously. Throughout the season, she was shown unaware of her social flaws, and this was a big part of her boot episode.

Heading into Cambodia, she may not be the most ideal alliance partner due to her conniving ways, but Abi-Maria is scrappy. She has a reputation as a villain but it is not to the extent of someone like Cagayan's Kass McQuillen, and some players might not even remember her gameplay in Philippines. It's possible she will also do better in challenges with all of her bones and muscles intact.

She should be able to go relatively far if she tones down her abrasive personality and acts more as the comic relief. As long as she survives the first few votes, Abi-Maria should go deep into the game like she did in her original season.

As far as winning the game, that's another story. Abi-Maria was almost seen as a goat in Philippines due to her lack of social grace and erratic behavior. Depending on who she's up against, and how much she's changed since Philippines, she could have a shot of winning, though we think she will come up short.

Cambodia Prediction: Abi-Maria won't be targeted as someone who needs to go right away, as there are bigger fish to fry. Ultimately, it depends on how well she fits in with her tribe but we think she will be seen as a more positive figure. We believe she will get into the merge in a minority alliance that isn't able to go the distance. Mid-jury seems like a solid placement for Abi-Maria.

We predict: 8th place.

Previous Cast Assessments:

Kelly Wiglesworth (Borneo)
Kimmi Kappenberg (The Australian Outback)
Peih-Gee Law (China)
Monica Padilla (Samoa)

Survivor: Cambodia - Second Chance premieres Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

Tags
Survivor, Reality TV, CBS