What To Know
- Coach Wade and Chrissy Hofbeck were eliminated together in a double elimination twist on Survivor 50, after being paired up without knowing a twist could send pairs home.
- Coach revealed who he regrets not choosing, had he been aware of the elimination twist.
- The coach also discusses his feelings about Ozzy Lusth and shares memories from a helpful call with Colby Donaldson.
The “Dragon Slayer” and “Dragon Slayer Whisperer” met their ends in Survivor 50 Episode 8. Benjamin “Coach” Wade, who prefers the name “Tidewalker” in interviews, was voted out alongside Chrissy Hofbeck during a paired elimination twist on April 15, another first for the CBS reality series.
Coach garnered attention after masterminding the elimination of Dee Valladares in Episode 7, not due to his target, but because of his strategic management of the votes. As Episode 8 unfolded, pairs were formed for immunity challenges, leaving one contestant, Cirie Fields, out of the loop. Each pair competed for immunity, leading to a joint elimination. Coach found himself paired with Chrissy from his alliance.
In this revealing interview, the Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, and South Pacific alum discusses his alternatives had he been privy to the elimination twist. He shares insights about tensions with Tiffany Ervin, his thoughts on Ozzy Lusth’s surprising tactics against him, and the significant impact of a call from Colby Donaldson right before his elimination aired.
What can you tell us about the hammock scene where you seemed to spend a lot of time? Were there strategic discussions that we didn’t see?
Coach Wade: Absolutely! I adore the hammock; it’s like my creative outlet amidst the chaos. While I took time to make happy little memories, I also talked strategy quietly with people. To ensure my survival, I tried to stay low-key at my alliance’s request. Yet in retrospect, I see I should’ve engaged more actively at camp.
Robert Voets / CBS
After Cirie’s return, did you feel a shift in dynamics?
Definitely! Cirie exuded confidence, as shown in the episode. While she may have been running behind the scenes earlier, her presence was palpable. It became apparent to me that the balance of power was shifting as I saw Cirie’s capabilities unfold.
Let’s talk about the conversation with Tiffany. Did you struggle to respond when she asked who was behind the votes against her, or was that a product of editing?
Honestly, I can’t recall! So much happens out there, and it’s easy to miss details. I remember pausing and trying to respond but don’t know how long that took. I have a habit of being straightforward, so it was odd to be in that position. It was certainly a poor game move to oust myself and Chrissy, and perhaps it’ll be viewed as foolish by many.
Who would have been your ideal partner if paired under different circumstances?
I likely would have chosen Rick Devens. Despite our alliance differences, he was someone the middle players gravitated towards during the merge. I found it baffling that no one wanted to strategically split votes at such a critical juncture.
Was opting for Rick because of his idol and likable nature?
Exactly! He’s charming and gathers information subtly, which is a potent combination in this game.
Robert Voets / CBS
How did you view Rick’s idol strategy during the tribal council, and has your opinion changed since the episode aired?
Had they not revealed it, the repercussions could have been even more significant. This twist kept the experience invigorating for viewers, and I recognized the calculated risk behind it. It ultimately magnified the stakes, tipping the balance against me during the votes.
Were you planning to use your Shot in the Dark regardless?
No, I didn’t even consider it until the outros shifted things. Despite Jonathan’s encouragement, I struggled with the decision.
What was it like when you heard the arguments suggesting your Shot in the Dark should be played?
It was chaotic! Jonathan and I had a moment where we were on the same page, which made the situation even more tense.
Robert Voets / CBS
Did you suspect Ozzy was against you before tribal council? Your reactions throughout the episode seemed to suggest a different narrative.
Ozzy and I have a tumultuous dynamic; we oscillate between fondness and rivalry. His early compliment following our last encounter made me believe there was potential for an alliance.
Seeing him strategize left me startled, as this level of cunning is unfamiliar territory for him. Reflecting on his actions, it was clear he genuinely played me.
Robert Voets / CBS
As the tribal council approached, did it feel like your number was up?
Yes, I certainly felt my past actions contributed heavily to my risk. Still, I assumed my allies would rescue me, but when whispers started rising during the voting, I felt my anxiety spike.
Do you believe this was your last time competing on Survivor? How do you feel about the way you left the game?
At 54, I know age adds a layer of difficulty! I’ve turned down multiple offers recently, and while I would entertain other shows, it’s likely my journey here has concluded. This season felt like fate; my experiences, both blissful and challenging, made a strong impression on me to the very end.
