The Bad Guys:
Russell: Sorry Russell fans, but this time around we gotta hate the guy, as he's not being portrayed as the mastermind that he used to be. Shown playing the same game just the same as in his previous two seasons, we are getting Russell playing with a weakened strategy. We're seeing the flaws in Russell's plan scene by scene. Russell tells us one thing but we the audience see more than that. We'd almost feel bad for Russell if he wasn't such a despicable character. Unlike in Samoa or even HvV, we aren't supposed to respect Russell. We're getting a buildup to a big folly in his story, and all it really comes down to is a matter of when.
Stephanie: The better side of Russell, but she gave us a negative comment in the background. The "she sucks at life" comment about Sarita wouldn't come out of a winner's mouth. Her story is about Russell, as it was cemented in the first episode, and is now just an extension of his edit. The good news is that we're being told by Russell that she's a good player, but the bad news is that I don't see her winning if this negativity persists.
The Good Guys:
Rob: As great as Rob is looking, and as much power as he seems to hold, he was portrayed rather negatively this episode. We respect the man because everyone around him respects him and we got to hear his side and insight into a lot of his actions, and they all worked out too. Ultimately, however, I believe we're looking at a character who controls his spot for a while only to eventually get usurped later down the road by his own minions. He's an unforgiving and somewhat merciless leader who expects his followers to follow instructions, and once they don't... he gets annoyed. We saw a tactical Rob this episode who came out victorious, but he looked cruel to the touch at the same time. I didn't like seeing a vulture prior to his strategy talk with Natalie nor did I like the dark music in his talk with Grant/Ashley. I see him going far but not winning yet again.
Ralph: Quite a character we have in Ralph, a man who is set to show Russell how to lose at his own game. Ralph's story is opposite Russell's, and while that's a good sign in relation to the story, I don't see long-term prospects here yet. I see a character whose story depends upon taking out Russell. Much like how Jane wanted Marty gone, it may be the same side of the coin with Ralph. He's a positive and abrasive character who may get the better of himself if he doesn't play his cards (or idol, in this case) right.