Even though he was such a polarizing player, he is still often referenced among current contestants when discussing types of gameplay. Russell's last season was Survivor: Redemption Island, where he was the second person voted out and eventually lost his chance to get back into the game. Once again, he arranged many blindsides, ended up second runner-up, and received the $100,000 for being viewers' favorite player. Russell immediately returned for Survivor: Heroes vs. However, he was voted the favorite player of the season, earning an equal sum of money. He eventually offered to pay the winner of this season $100,000 for the title of Sole Survivor, which was declined. Still, he was runner-up because of the jurors' angry feelings toward him. In addition to multiple organized blindsides, this feat made Russell favored to win. However, Russell showed his strategic prowess by becoming the first player in Survivor history to find Hidden Immunity Idols without any clues. He lied about his personal life to gain sympathy, burned his tribemates' socks, and emptied their water canteens. Starting on Survivor: Samoain 2009, Russell quickly became an antagonizing character on his tribe. Russell Hantz is likely the most notorious villain in the show's history.

As a first in the show's history, she was the only player without a form of immunity and had to go despite having no votes cast against her. Villains, where she was chosen for the Hero tribe, she played her final game in Survivor: Game Changers, where she finished in sixth place by default. After a disappointing early finish in Survivor: Heroes vs. Favorites, where she finished third, likely because this season ended in a Final Two. She was then selected for Survivor: Micronesia - Fans vs. Still, viewers voted her the most popular player of the season. In her first season, Cirie finished fourth after losing a fire-making challenge.

She came into the game with virtually no camping experience and was not physically strong, but she used her social skills, likability, persuasion, and overall resilience to dominate her competitors. As a nurse and self-proclaimed 'couch potato,' Cirie has become an inspiration to many contestants and future players as proof that anyone can play Survivor. She also competed in four seasons starting in 2006, with Survivor: Panama - Exile Island. Cirie Fields is possibly the most beloved contestant to ever play and not win the game of Survivor.

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