The Deadbolt Interview - Blindsided by an Idol with Kelly Sharbaugh of Survivor Samoa

Blindsided by an Idol with Kelly Sharbaugh of Survivor Samoa
by Troy Rogers

Although Survivor fans have seen many blindsides throughout all seasons of the popular CBS reality series, never have Survivor fans seen the blindside that came in the most recent episode of Survivor Samoa. With the merged tribes of Foa Foa and Galu now acting as one, tribal Survivor lines were still drawn as Galu members, including Kelly Sharbaugh, plotted the Samoa exit of Texas oilman Russell Hantz who was eying Laura to become his next Survivor Samoa target. When it looked as though all Survivor hope was lost for Russell in Samoa, a new immunity idol was thrown into play, which Russell quickly found without Galu knowing its whereabouts.

At tribal council, Galu followed their strategy to send Russell home but played into the hands of Russell who stood up to play the immunity idol, blindsiding the entire Galu tribe, including Kelly Sharbaugh who became the unexpected Galu tribe member to be voted out of Survivor Samoa. Neither Kelly, her Galu mates, or Survivor Samoa fans saw Kelly's exit coming at all.

The next day after her unexpected blindside, we caught up with Kelly of Survivor Samoa to find out what Kelly thought of the strategy, her thoughts on Russell, what it was like to see Erik again at Ponderosa, and who Kelly thinks has the advantage after so much Survivor gameplay in Samoa.

THE DEADBOLT: So how did it feel to be part of some of the best strategizing we've ever seen on Survivor?

KELLY SHARBAUGH: Yeah. I mean last episode was amazing. I was interested to see how they were actually going to edit that but it was cool to see. I was at the reward when Russell found the idol. So the thought never even crossed my mind that he would have it again so soon.

THE DEADBOLT: Even though you were on Galu and didn't have a lot of contact with Russell, what is your impression of him after watching the episodes?

KELLY: I think being there and not seeing what he was doing behind the scenes, I just thought he was a creep. I mean, having watched the show, now I have a lot more insight to see how strategic he was and what a good game he was playing. He's by far the most strategic player on the show. But I got to give it to him, he's playing the game incredibly well. Personally, I play different. But his game play is amazing.

THE DEADBOLT: When you guys were at tribal with Erik, if looks could kill. What was the vibe like when you joined Erik at Ponderosa?

KELLY: [laughs] Well, it was a little bit intimidating, because Erik came in obviously a bit angry. We were all scared to make eye contact with him let alone go to Ponderosa and live with him. So getting out of the car and walking up was kind of like, "All right, well," kind of putting my guard down and seeing how he is. I mean, he was very welcoming and I was sad. I honestly regretted sending Erik home and it was good to go to Ponderosa and hash things out and help each other understand it.

THE DEADBOLT: What did you think when Natalie killed and ate that rat?

KELLY: You know, that was another thing I heard about. I was at the reward again. But I was so proud of her for doing that and it was probably the cutest death of an animal I've ever seen [laughs]. Here's this cute little prim and proper Southern thing and she killed it. Not only did she kill it but she ate it.

THE DEADBOLT: Now that Russell Swan and Erik have left the game, who would you say is leading the old Galu tribe now?

KELLY: I would say probably Laura. I think that she kind of stepped up to it. She's such a nurturing person and everyone is kind of gravitating towards her. She just makes sure everyone is fed and was taking care of everyone and - You know, Shambo was appointed leader. I think to make her feel comfortable with the guys was a mistake. But I don't think she was ever a leader. Most of her decisions were still made by mutual agreement.

THE DEADBOLT: So you would say Laura and not Dave? Dave seems to be steering things the way he wants through her [Laura].

KELLY: I don't really see it that way. But yeah, maybe. I think that Dave is a little bit too scared of the tribe turning on him to really call the shots.

THE DEADBOLT: I know the rain was probably the worst part for everybody, but what was the best part of Samoa for you?

KELLY: I kept relying on the things that would get me through, or just the rewards, you know? It was great. We would get to go eat and the pirate ship was amazing and the rock slide. Those little things where you get to steal [a few moments to enjoy] . It was such a gift and it was so well earned at that point. I mean, that is really what got me through, the rewards. Okay three days at camp and then a reward day.

THE DEADBOLT: I can see that considering you guys won almost every one.

KELLY: Yeah. Actually, I got to go on every reward in the game. So I was fortunate [laughs].

-- Troy Rogers