How has Jeff Varner changed his approach for his third time playing the game of Survivor? What Game Changers does he have his eye on for an alliance?
There’s no one way to win Survivor, and it appears that Jeff Varner has learned that lesson for his third approach to the game. However, that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a plan. (Unfortunately, you probably can’t win Survivor without some sort of plan, even if that plan is just “watch Russell Hantz destroy his own game,” in the style of Natalie White in Samoa.)
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, here are the names he gave as possible alliance-mates that he’d like to work with: Malcolm Freberg, Andrea Boehlke, Aubry Bracco … and then one Sandra Diaz-Twine. Honestly, his discussion of Sandra is too much fun not to look at in greater detail. (Say what you will about Varner’s game, but he’s got a way with words.)
"“I would love to cause some trouble with Sandra. I would love to be Sandra’s devil’s right hand. But I’m probably going to end up getting rid of her quick because she’s terrifying.”"
Does anyone else want to watch Sandra and Jeff just sitting in the shelter, side-eyeing everyone and causing mayhem? We do — we actually identified Sandra as a decent alliance partner for him because of that similar set of personalities in our cast assessment. Remember, Sandra made friends with none other than Courtney Yates on Heroes vs. Villains. The two will be on Mana to start, per the cast list, as well. Hopefully he won’t take her out quickly. She’s far too much fun, after all. Additionally, there are some bigger fish to fry on Mana, as we noted in that cast assessment.
Other than that, though, Jeff can look to Aubry on Mana to start. When it comes to working with Malcolm and Andrea, however, he’ll need to wait and see. They’re both on Nuku and might end up clashing because of their rivalry in Caramoan.
Jeff also suggested to EW that he may actually make it to the jury or even further this time, because, in his words, “I am ready. I am focused. This is my time.” It’s unsurprising to hear him say that, because everyone’s ready and thinks it’s their time.
Next: The First Immunity Challenge on Game Changers Is...
A little confidence doesn’t hurt. It’s when you get overconfident that things start to wobble and go lopsided. Hopefully, Jeff’s learned about that as well.