But perhaps the wildest ride of all has been that of Andy Rueda.
It appeared all too obvious that Andy would be voted out that night at Tribal Council.
Only that didnt happen.
Andy Rueda on ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
Instead, Andy survived.
What does Andy make of his journey so far?
Does he feel bad about blindsiding Anika?
Kyle Ostwald, Sierra Wright, Caroline Vidmar, Andy Rueda, Rachel LaMont, and Sue Smey on ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
What was it like watching his mat chat meltdown back on TV?
And what happened out there that we didnotsee on TV?
We asked the 31-year-old AI research assistant all that and more in this exclusive mid-game chat.
Rachel LaMont, Anika Dhar, Sam Phalen, Andy Rueda, and Sierra Wright on ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Lets start by looking ahead.
The thing I had going for me was self-awareness.
Honestly, I just think its really freaking cool that Im on a season ofSurvivor.
Andy Rueda on ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
One thing that stands out is the confessionals.
You helped pull off the big blindside of Anika last week.
That was one of the most satisfying moments of my life.
The Gata tribe on ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
However, I thought it would probably sketch out Sam and Sierra, so I refrained.
Obviously, it was something that I had a long time to anticipate.
But honestly… Ive crushed the airing portion of being aSurvivorplayer thus far.
Andy Rueda, Rachel LaMont, and Sam Phalen on ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
Sam called you the George Costanza ofSurvivor.
Are you that way back home as well, or is that unique to the island?
Im clumsy, Im spatially unaware, I have two left feet.
The cast of ‘Survivor 47’.Robert Voets/CBS
ButSurvivorreally is a chance to test yourself and see how you might perform outside of your comfort zone.
My agenda to keep my vote was really that serious for me.
Thats fine, but I didnt see it that way.
‘Survivor 47’ contestant Andy Rueda.Robert Voets/CBS
To me, your voting parchment is your strongest advantage in the game, and losing it is unacceptable.
What’s something interesting that happened in the pre-merge portion of the game that never made it to TV?
What was your favorite moment you experienced this season leading up to the merge?
Ill go with the little moment.
The first thing I did was wade out and take a nice and peaceful aqua dump.
It really wasnt that funny, but we couldnt stop cracking up.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
