I think most seasons, Marie is a bit extra as she is historically one of the worst daily challenge competitors ever. On a season like this where she can be a part of a team and add hilarious commentary while truly influencing the game with her social and political ability would be great. We’ve already seen players use the numbers to their advantage in this game to devastating effect. If Marie can get the numbers going her way, she doesn’t even need to be good at the challenges.

Likewise, if you find yourself in the speaker role like Josh, you can flip the game on its head. Most of the Team USA females are more known for their abilities as competitors; a Marie Rode appearance would add some levity and comedic relief.

4 Nelson Thomas

I started writing this before Nelson’s appearance on Dr. Phil. I have not watched the Dr. Phil episode. If it is really really bad, then he is off this list.

The main reason I want Nelson on this season is that he’s unintentionally hilarious, and will not vibe with most of Team USA. Watching Nelson attempt to mix it up on a team with Turbo, Jordan, Zach, and Bananas would be peak hilarity. Whereas someone like Marie could garner the numbers to flip the game, Nelson would likely get voted in by one of his best allies before he can flip the game.

I think he should be in the Leroy spot as they are both great at eliminations. The big difference is Nelson does not go with the flow, and even more intriguingly, he is great friends with Joss.

3 Anthony Bartolotte

Watching the internet get reminded that Anthony from AYTO 2 and the Challenge Invasion is a person is enormous for me. I bought an incredible amount of Anthony stock going into Invasion. I predicted he had a chance to become the face of the Challenge. What did he do? He never made it to the Oasis and lost anti-climatically to Nelson in the final shelter elimination. Anthony was then never cast again.

Anthony is back on reality television, and people see a charming and fit guy. I think on a team season where he can assimilate himself to an actual challenge house and be a piece of meat for the women and a bro for the guys; he would thrive. Anthony is no slouch physically as he listed himself back during Invasion at 220 lbs. He performed at an adequate level in the few challenges he did compete in. I think Anthony could be a better version of Kyle as he is quite intelligent (he figured out the matches on AYTO 2).

2 Frank Sweeney/Sarah Rice