“HUGE Mistake on My Part”: An Interview with Survivor’s Leann

Leann came into Survivor with a good knowledge of the game and how to play it. But once she got there, she found that it wasn’t quite as easy as it looked. In this interview, she tells us what her original plans were and where they went wrong. She also explains some of the background situation between her, Ami, Eliza, Scout, and the others.

RealityNewsOnline: What was your plan going into the game and how did it change once you found that the tribes were split by gender?

Leann: My original plan, before I knew the tribes would be split by gender, was twofold. First, I would try and team up with a strong male... and try not to make it obvious... then make suballiances. Secondly, I would try not to stand out either positively or negatively to the other tribemates. I would not be the hardest worker, or the laziest. I wouldn't be the best at challenges (easy for me!) or the worst at challenges.

For the most part, I was able to stick with my strategy; however, with the gender split, I obviously had to adjust the "strong male" thing. Instead, I teamed up with a strong female, Ami.

RNO: You initially found yourself on opposite sides as Julie, but later became a close ally – what changed your mind?

Leann: I never expected to see Julie make the merge, as I thought Lopevi would vote her out after the tribal switch. We didn't become very close at the Yasur tribe, because she bonded easier with the younger girls. Also, Julie was sick for a number of days at the beginning of the game. But once she made it to the merge, I took the first opportunity I could to make sure she was still with the women. She was the one person I personally was unsure of. In doing that, I found that I really enjoyed her personally. And she seemed like she would be true to Ami and myself.

RNO: Why were so many people targeting Eliza over the course of the game – was it just her mouth or was there something more?

Leann: I think Eliza rubbed some people the wrong way. She's young, and full of enormous energy, and when you're in a situation that draining, it's hard to deal with a lot of hyper-chatter. But to me she was annoying in a sense that a younger sister is... gets on your nerves, but still a sweet girl, and you gotta love her.

RNO: Why did you suddenly (at least it appeared sudden to us) decide that Eliza needed to go right then rather than sticking with the all-female alliance and waiting another week, especially since you were against it in the previous vote?

Leann: My reasoning for booting Eliza was based on thinking that other "iffy" tribemates (Scout and Twila) would be all for finally getting rid of someone they'd been trying to get rid of for weeks. Of course, that backfired! Also, I believe it was Scout who was adamant about keeping Chris around for one more round, since his work ethic was higher than Eliza's. It certainly wasn't my idea, and it was a group consensus decision at the time.

RNO: Do you think Eliza is adept at knowing when she's being targeted, and slipping the noose, or is she just lucky?

Leann: Maybe a little of both. She thought she was going home every single tribal council. Eliza was never really a solid part of any alliance, which left her to be a swing vote in many circumstances. If that was her plan, so far it's working!