User blog comment:Western Gen/Speculations for Season 13/@comment-5746209-20150406170943

Okay, I've been getting a few questions about my "rivalries" theory for this season, so I'll explain.

Firstly, why would it happen? Some say this is unlikely and the Blood Gulch Crew couldn't handle these threats. Well, despite their lack of intelligence or skills at the start of the series, the group does prove they are well trained in specific sets and have overcome impossible odds. The next step in their development would be to show they can be strong alone and they'll have to be, because unlike previous seasons, the group is fighting a war. Previously, they've only had to face against 1 or 2 main antagonists per arc (Omega and Wyoming in Blood Gulch Chronicles, Meta and C.T. in Recollections, Director in Project Freelancer Saga), but now they are at least facing 6 antagonists if not 10 in Season 13. They just can't face against each one 1 by 1 and treat them like grunts; they'll have to separate to beat all of them. Now onto explaining the rivalries:

Will explain others later...
 * 1) Epsilon vs. Chairman: These 2 are considered the respective leaders of each of their "faction" and both show a unique motive for their actions. Along with this, the Chairman and the Director showed an intense rivalry in the past, so it's not hard to believe that Epsilon, a fragmented A.I. based on the Director, would develop a similar relationship with him.
 * 2) Washington (with Dr. Grey's help) vs. Locus: To save time, just rewatch the last season. Their rivalry is clearly shown.
 * 3) Tucker (with Palomo's help) vs. Felix: To save time, just rewatch the last season. Their rivalry is clearly shown.
 * 4) Caboose (with Smith's help) vs. Counselor: This may seem odd at first, but their's a good reason they would be rivals: they are complete opposites. Caboose is dumb, but loyal and puts his friends above himself, using his immense strength to prove such. The Counselor is intelligent, but will betrays his own to save himself (as shown when he joins the Space Pirates, betraying his Freelancers), using his mind to overcome his weak physique. So, when the two face each other, the Counselor will question why Caboose is so loyal despite everything, with Caboose pitying the Counselor for not having "friends."
 * 5) Carolina vs. Sharkface: In the past events of Season 9, it's shown that Carolina (and Wash) fought against Sharkface and fucked him up. No doubt Sharkface is looking for some revenge and he'll prove to be trouble, as he was able to fight against 2 Freelancers on his own. I also believe the Chairman will deck out Sharkface with Meta's gear to serve as psychological fear for the people of Chorus, which will also affect Carolina as she blames herself for what happen to Maine. Along with this, they specifically mention Carolina's past rivalries, which the Space Pirates will likely use to their advantage.
 * 6) Simmons (with Jensen's help) vs. Demo Man: These two show many similarities, as both are cyborgs, are heavy weapon specialist, and make wise cracks. However, they represent something we've all witnessed, the nerd and the bully. Simmons acts like the typical nerd, as he's shy around girls, very intelligent, and follows rules the best he can. The Demo Man acts like a complete bully, as he doesn't follow the rules (or military protocol), being a complete jerk to anyone, and is quite the sadist. The Demo Man can even serve as a reminder to Simmons of his adolescent years (which was mentioned last season) when he was made fun of or picked on.
 * 7) Grif (with Bitters' help) vs. Sleeves: Another odd one in appearance, but makes sense if you think about it. Grif is lazy, always speaks his mind, and is often the butt-end of a joke. Sleeves is hardworking, never speaks, and is a serious threat to even Freelancers. However, Grif is the captain of his own squad while Sleeves is NOT shown to lead anyone, acting like a typical soldier. They're the ironic fates in life, where you can sometimes make it to the top by doing nothing at all and sometimes you stay near the bottom despite everything you do. Thus, a rivalry between them could emerge.