Last night’s episode of Survivor: Micronesia gave us not one, but two shocking exits from the game. First was James, who was forced to leave due to a severe infection in his hand. He made it just as far as he did last season in China, thanks to some bad luck. Next to go was Alexis, who fell prey to the hidden immunity idol after Amanda successfully played in in tribal council. Alexis never saw it coming and was totally blindsided when the votes were read. Today, the two teamed up for an exclusive interview with BuddyTV, talking about Natalie’s bad editing, Parvati’s game play, and what will make them write someone’s name down to win a million dollars.
Below, you will find the complete transcript and mp3 of the interview.
Hey everybody, this is Gina from BuddyTV and today, I’m talking to James and Alexis from Survivor: Micronesia. Alright so Alexis, let me start with you. I really cannot believe what went down at tribal council last night. Did you know that Amanda had the idol or were you as shocked as you looked?
Alexis: No I was more than shocked and it was hard to watch just how shocked I was on national television last night.
How the heck did Amanda get that idol without anybody noticing?
Alexis: I guess it turned out that the idol was back on our island. You know, and everyone is always running off and doing things by themselves. She was able to go in, dig it up, and keep it under wraps as well as she did.
And James, how’s your hand doing?
James: Okay.
You’re doing okay now? How hard was it for you to leave the game? That’s two seasons in a row where you’ve been so close to the end and you just can’t seem to make it. How are you doing?
James: It’s a curse. The funny thing is that the day I was taken off the island, I was also voted out in China. It’s like the same day.
That’s like, the worst luck ever!
James: It’s definitely 30 is officially my bad luck number.
I guess so! How did you end up leaving things with Parvati? Did you leave the game as friends or are you guys not on speaking terms?
James: I mean, we were on speaking terms. We were cool. It’s part of the game, she did what she had to do.
This question is for both of you: If you had stayed in the game, who would you have taken to final three?
Alexis: I would’ve taken Natalie and Parv.
James: Definitely Amanda. Either Amanda and Ozzy or Amanda and Parv.
Are you and Natalie friends, Alexis?
Alexis: Yes, I am. She’s one of my very dearest friends, actually.
I was gonna say, she’s not being portrayed so well on tv.
Alexis: It’s one of those things where, if you know her, watching the show is absolutely hysterical. You know, she’s so funny and she has a sense of humor that’s being taken out of context. They edit it like she’s some crazy, coldhearted, catty woman. She has a heart of gold.
James, do you have any friends from Survivor that you speak to, outside of the game?
James: Yeah, I mean I love these people and they’re good people and it’s a great experience. But I’m not so much the hold the hand type thing. We have good times but as far as me … will we grow old together? Nah.
What can we expect from you guys at that final tribal council? Do you keep it together? Do you get a little sassy with the final contestants? What happens?
Alexis: I get a little… I ask some tough questions. I mean, at the end of the day, you’re giving someone a million dollars. It’s a lot of money and for me, I think it’s a big responsibility of who I’d want to give that too. I think I apologized at the beginning, said, “Hey ladies, I’m sorry but understand, with these questions, I’m not trying to be a jerk but I really am looking for something deeper than I’m just giving you a million bucks because I like you.”
James, how about you? Do you lay the smackdown?
Alexis: A little bit. No, not too bad.
What are you guys looking for in giving someone a million dollars? What makes you write someone’s name down?
Alexis: For me, it’s someone who’s going to do something good with it. If I think that it’s going to be used for vanity or it’s going to be used for selfish wins, then I don’t have the same inclination to give it to someone. If I think that someone is actually going to do something that will impact the world in a positive way, then I think I’m much more inclined to choose that person.
James: I’m so much not like her because, in the end, we’re only winning a million dollars. You’re not gonna do too much with a million dollars, especially after taxes and gas prices. I’m thinking about: who played the game?
Alexis, the live finale will be a new experience for you. Are you looking forward to it?
Alexis: I’m very much looking forward to it. I’m so excited! CBS is so generous, flying out my family. You know, it’s a great excuse to get everyone together.
James, other than your injury taking you out of the game, are you satisfied with the way you played, the second time around?
James: Kind of, but not really. I wish I could’ve been a little more deceptive. I’m pretty much up front with people. I really don’t deceive people. I kind of tell people as it goes and I wish I could’ve done that a little bit better. That would be the biggest thing. My regret is that.
Well, we wish that both of you got to make it further. We were thinking that both of you were going to make the final three but we’re sorry to see you guys go.
Alexis: Us too.
Well, can’t wait to see you guys at the live finale. I’ll be there so I hope I get to say hi.
Alexis: Awesome, thanks so much!
– Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of CBS)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
