Last night on Survivor: Samoa, the ex-Marine drill sergeant known as Shambo, the female Rambo, became the seventh member of the jury. On Sunday, she will join eight others in voting for the sole Survivor and the winner of the million dollar prize.
Shambo described herself early on as a female Rupert. Dressed in tie dye and an 80s sweatband she looked the part. She was the kind of contestant who you either loved or hated, because she came on strong and stood out from the crowd.
Former tribemate Dave Ball has called her 'mentally ill' in interviews, and others have said similarly vicious things, even if they've couched them in less provocative language. I asked Shambo how she responded to such comments, whether Natalie was truly straying from Russell's side, and what her predictions were for Seattle sports teams.
Why did you go by your nickname on the show?
It was more for after the game. I wanted to clearly discern who were fans and who were people from my past.
This week we saw Brett and Natalie bond as prayer warriors; but Natalie told Russell he had her unwavering loyalty. Do you think her loyalties were wavering more than she let on?
I don't believe so. I really don't.
Do you feel like your friendship with Russell was sincere?
Absolutely.
Were you disappointed by the hurtful comments teammates made about you, both on the show and afterward?
Not so much, because I was aware of what was going on around me. I was being disparaged on a daily basis and now months later it's water under the bridge.
What was the hardest thing you had to go through as a Marine? How did it compare to being on Survivor?
There is no comparison. The Marine core is a beautiful environment where you are fed and taken care of. And everybody around you cares.
As a fellow Washingtonian, I've got to ask. Will Seattle's sports teams ever win again?
I have great aspirations for the Thunderbirds going forward next year.
-Interviewed by Henry Jenkins