More Whatnot

Jefff Probst and Brandon Hantz (CBS)

Quick Note: We’re going to be bringing you all kinds of “Survivor” fun this season including episode recaps, exit interviews, and Power Rankings with Michael Skupin. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for up-to-the-minute news and info.

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Well, if Brandon Hantz wanted to go home, ruining his tribe’s food supply and threatening Phillip was certainly an effective way of doing it.

Remember when the worst thing you could do on “Survivor” was practicing your yoga in someone else’s rock garden?

I spoke to Lil’ Hantz the morning after his explosive elimination and asked him about his historic meltdown, his relationship with Phillip, and why it’s important to be the author of your own fate…

Brandon Hantz: Hey Gordon, how are you, sir?
Gordon Holmes: I’m alright, the question is; how are you?
Hantz: I’m doing good. Let’s start this sucker off by saying I’m perfectly fine. Don’t feel bad for me. I’m happy. I enjoyed my edit. And no, I don’t need to go to a hospital. I am perfectly mentally stable. I have three beautiful babies, a beautiful wife. I’ve put it in perspective that “Survivor” is “Survivor” and life is life. Now we can continue with the interview.
Holmes: Thank you. Last night was rough to watch, but it’s good to hear that you’ve come out of it with a positive attitude.
Hantz: Oh yeah. I appreciate it, man.

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Holmes: How close was it to getting physical with Phillip? Did that cross your mind?
Hantz: Of course it crossed my mind, did you see my face and my body language?
Holmes: You were not a happy camper. But was there any point where you thought, “I’m going to punch this guy”?
Hantz: No, not really. When he started talking about my family and all that stuff, that’s when my body went that way and Jeff was like, “No no no no no.” (Laughs) “You can’t do that buddy, you promised.” But anyways, that was the closest point because it was unnecessary to bring up my family and my kids. It had nothing to do with “Survivor.” All is forgiven as far as Phillip is concerned. Thirty minutes afterward I could’ve talked to him. That’s just my character personality. I forgive and forget.

Holmes: Something that seems to get glossed over is how your tribemates feel about you. In “South Pacific” several players said you could’ve won if you got to the end. Here you clearly had a good relationship with several of your tribemates. What aren’t we seeing here?
Hantz: It’s awesome, dude. But you know what I see when people started talking bad about me? I see a bunch of followers. People jumping on the bandwagon cause it’s “Survivor.” I loved my tribe. I had an issue with Phillip, that’s it. The way he talked to people.  I feel like I was standing up for people like Brenda and Erik who were getting treated like garbage. As you see in the previews for the next episode, Corinne wants to vote him out. It’s agitating to see how things changed so quickly when I’m involved in the equation.

Holmes: You were only mad at Phillip, but when you toss the rice and the beans, that affects people you care about like Dawn and Erik. Was it worth it?
Hantz: Yeah. Did you enjoy watching it? (Laughs)
Holmes: Honestly, I didn’t.
Hantz: Well, it happened and it was amazing. It was really liberating. You ever get to the point where you were like, I’m pissed off and you just want to say something to hurt somebody else and you finally have enough courage and you say, “You suck”? And a weight has been lifted off of your chest? I was tired of being taken advantage of. And I proved my point. I don’t regret one second throwing the rice and beans out. I love Dawn and I love Erik, but you’ve got to realize that nobody stepped up for me. It’s “Survivor.” Nobody said, “That sucks.” When you see someone getting pummeled and you don’t say anything, that’s where I have a problem.

Holmes: You wanted to be the author of your own fate. It was important to go out on your own terms.
Hantz: Yes.
Holmes: Why is that better than playing the game and winning or losing?
Hantz: Because I was always going to lose, believe me. You either die the way they want you to or you go out on your own. Either I go to Tribal Council and they vote me out and I take it in the rear, or I do something drastic. Something that nobody will ever forget. Why wouldn’t you?
Holmes: It looks like there’s going to be a tribe swap next week. There will be a tribe merge in a few weeks. Why not hold out and see how things go?
Hantz: Because, man…have you ever played “Survivor”?
Holmes: I haven’t.
Hantz: There was a guaranteed spot for me in Ponderosa already laid out. So, I was going home. They were going to throw the challenge. We’d get to Tribal Council and we’d get to Jeff, my name was voted for, then it’s over. They cost me a million dollars, you don’t think that’s worse than going without rice for a couple of days? I think it was pretty even. They got it and I got it.

Holmes: Alright, let’s do some word association. We’ll start with Andrea.
Hantz: Sneaky.
Holmes: Corinne?
Hantz: Terrible.
Holmes: Erik?
Hantz: Awesome.
Holmes: Malcolm?
Hantz: Wish-washy.
Holmes: Brenda?
Hantz: Awesome.
Holmes: Dawn?
Hantz: Awesomer!
Holmes: Phillip?
Hantz: Oh God…that’s pretty much it, “Oh God.”
Holmes: Cochran?
Hantz: Very, very disloyal.

Holmes: Sometimes grudges last past the season. Is there a chance that you and Phillip can mend fences?
Hantz: The game doesn’t need to come into real life. I Facebook messaged Phillip after the season. I tried to get in contact with him. I want to make it clear to Phillip that anything I say about him is game related. I will never take shots about Phillip and his personal life. As a human being, I respect Phillip. I don’t know him in his personal life, but I’m sure he’s a great guy. But as a Survivor, I would never want to play with him again, if I ever play again.
Holmes: If invited, would you play again?
Hantz: Of course. My thing about playing again is I wouldn’t play unless Russell was there. This season, I didn’t know who was going to be out there and I wanted Russell to be out there. Number one, I could beat him. I think as far as challenges, he’s an old man. He can’t hang with me. I can beat him as far as going farther, because even after what I did, he’s still going to be a bigger threat than I am. Which is good for me.

Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes

Brandon Hantz (CBS)

I had a chance to sit down with all twenty of the “Fans vs. Favorites” competitors the day before they left for the Caramoan Islands. I’ll be posting exclusive interviews with each contestant every weekday until we get through all of them. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for tons of updates.

Name: Brandon Hantz
Age: 21
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Occupation: Chemical Disposal
Previous Finish: Brandon came in 6th place in “Survivor: South Pacific”
Memorable Moment: Brandon was voted out immediately after giving his immunity idol to Albert Destrade.

Note: The “Survivor: Caramoan” pre-game interviews are unlike the pre-game interviews we’ve done in the past. Usually, the interviews take place on location, this time they took place in Los Angeles before the players flew out. At this point, all the “Favorties” know is that they’re flying out in the next few days. They have seen each other, but haven’t seen the new players.  They don’t know for sure where they’re going, and they don’t know any of the season’s twists.

Gordon Holmes: Mr. Hantz, what’ve you been up to since we saw you last?
Brandon Hantz: I’ve been up to great stuff. I’ve been taking care of my family. I’ve been chilling with my kids, my little boy. Teaching him how to swim, that’s been fun.
Holmes: How old is he?
Hantz: Two years old. I’m kind of doing it like my dad did it, just throwing him in there and then go get him after a couple of seconds. (Laughs)
Holmes: The second part of that method is very important.
Hantz: (Laughs) I spend time with my wife. We had a little rough spot there after the show. But, it helped us in the end. We’re actually stronger now than we were before. It’s actually excellent. Everything’s going great. Got some money.
Holmes: Was the rough spot because of the show?
Hantz: It was self-inflicted. I let it get to my head this whole TV thing. I said to myself, “I wouldn’t do that.” I hate people that get too big for their britches. And I did it. I got too big for my britches. So, I got some knew britches.
Holmes: Perfectly fitting, tailored, new britches.
Hantz: Keep the (expletive deleted) nice and tight.
Holmes: That might be more information than we needed.
CBS Representative: (Laughs)
Holmes: That’s how these interviews tend to go, in case you were wondering.

Holmes: The last time we saw you was at the “South Pacific” reunion show. And, on the broadcast, you didn’t strike me as someone who would be psyched to come back and play again. And yet, here you are. What happened?
Hantz: I’ve got a new attitude like that song. (Sings ala Patti LaBelle) I’ve got a new attitude.
Holmes: New britches, new attitude.
Hantz: New me, man. I’m happy with myself. I’m going to get better. But, in the process I’m going to enjoy life. I started off as a little tadpole, and then whatever is after a tadpole, now I’m a shark. I don’t know where it goes from there.
Holmes: …does a tadpole become a shark?
Hantz: It just depends.
CBS Representative: It’s all evolution.
Holmes: There ya go.
Hantz: Have you ever heard of Darwin?

Holmes: It’s great to see you having fun.
Hantz: Thank you.
Holmes: Because people would say, “Why is Russell’s nephew on ‘Survivor’?” They wouldn’t say “Brandon,” they’d say “Russell’s nephew.” And when we met in Samoa I thought, here’s this good-natured, almost innocent guy, he doesn’t seem like Russell at all. But then, it seemed like the game got the best of you and you were having a hard time coming to terms with everything.
Hantz: I allowed my past convictions to stop me from playing the game. I don’t know what I was thinking. I play chess all the time. I smash people in chess. It gets violent when I’m on a chess table.
Holmes: You don’t hear that often.
Hantz: No! That’s how competitive I am. Then to come out and play that game and look like a little punk? I’m not a punk. I’m a beast.
Holmes: You’re a shark.
Hantz: I’m a shark.

Holmes: So, in your time in the game you were someone who wasn’t comfortable lying. Does that change?
Hantz: I’m still not a liar. If you and I are walking down the street I’m not going to lie to you. If you ask, “How man, how do these look,” I’m going to say, “These look terrible. I still love ya, but you look terrible.”
Holmes: You think I look terrible?
Hantz: (Laughs) Don’t put me on the spot. I’m just kidding, you look great.
Holmes: Appreciate that. But in a game for a million dollars, does that change things?
Hantz: You play poker?
Holmes: Yes, poorly.
Hantz: I’ll be like, “Guess what, guys? You think I’m bluffing? It’s about to get all crazy up in this (expletive deleted). All in.”

Holmes: Last time you had some issues with Mikayla Wingle...
Hantz: Really? Who brings this up? Did you write these questions?
Holmes: I wrote these questions.
Hantz: What’s up?
Holmes: We’re talking about what went on in your season and how it will affect your gameplay going forward.
Hantz: Well, I’m going to be honest with you from here on out.
Holmes: I appreciate all honesty. What I’m asking is, if you find yourself in another situation with a young lovely…
Hantz: A young lovely? Well, that’s a hard question. If I find myself with a young lovely, then I’m in a room with a young lovely. I don’t understand the question.
Holmes: You felt like Mikayla was flirting with you and that was a reason to target her.
Hantz: I’m pretty sure that’s not how it went.
Holmes: Then how did it go?
Hantz: I’m pretty sure you just saw the edit.
Holmes: I did see the edit. But no matter what happened, she was targeted.
Hantz: This was the deal, Mikayla and I were aligned. The cameraman asked me the question, “Do you think that’s she intimidating because she’s pretty?” and I elaborated. But, people are stupid to the fact that, “This guy is sexist, he’s afraid of beautiful women.” Dude, I see beautiful women all the time. I’m a human being, I have to see pretty women. I have a job, I have a regular life. I’m not scared of a hot woman. My wife happens to be really hot, very young and robust.
Holmes: (Laughs) That’s a wonderful adjective.
Hantz: (Laughs) So, I’m not afraid of a beautiful woman. Actually, I have an idea. Ready to hear it?
Holmes: Absolutely.
Hantz: If a young woman wants to align with me, then I will do so.
Holmes: You’ve got to keep all doors open in this game.
Hantz: All the doors are open! I’m not going to allow my past convictions to interrupt the game. I know who I am. I love Jesus Christ. That doesn’t change. But, I’m a fun guy. I’m funny. I like to joke around. I like to be friends with everybody. And I shouldn’t feel bad for doing those things. And I was making myself feel bad for those things. I’m going to have fun. And I’m going to win a million dollars.

Holmes: It’s the first day in the game, I look across the beach and see Brandon Hantz. What do you think I remember about you?
Hantz: He’s no threat. He’s a crybaby. And, he’s very trustworthy. A girl might be worried like, “Oh my gosh, I’m pretty.” And I’d be, “Oh my gosh, don’t flatter yourself.”

Holmes: With Coach Wade and Ozzy Lusth, you got to see firsthand what it’s like for someone playing the game a second time. Did you learn anything about that from them?
Hantz: They’re smarter. You’re such a smarter person. I hope we have ten new people that we’re playing with…which I’m thinking we might. There’s always a twist. That’s why I’m here.

Holmes: What do you think of the cast members you’ve seen so far?
Hantz: I like them. Everybody starts off happy go lucky. I’m very open-minded. The person you guess you’re going to hate is normally the person you end up being best friends with. I could be best friends with a very pretty girl or a very ugly guy. You never know.
Holmes: Anyone you’re comfortable working with?
Hantz: I’ve played with Dawn and Cochran. So, that’s a comfort zone. But sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone to make things happen. And I’m here to make things happen. It’s not the same Brandon. (Sings) I’ve got a new attitude.
Holmes: Why do you think you were brought back?
Hantz: I think I was brought back, sir…because I made good TV. Whether it was positive or negative, people wanted to watch.

Holmes: Before “South Pacific” people said, “This kid is only around because he’s Russell Hantz’s nephew.” I would have agreed…
Hantz: Until you watched the season! This interview means nothing…you know why? Because I don’t even know what I’m going to do out there.
Holmes: Well, the game’s so fluid, it’s impossible to know. That’s why I try to ask broader questions.
Hantz: You know what I’ve learned about myself? Is that I might be like this now, but in a couple of minutes I might not be like this. You might walk up on me and I might be like, “Dude, get out of my face!”
Holmes: So, I should not step to you?
Hantz: Don’t step to me.
Holmes: I had no intention of doing that.
Hantz: It’s about to happen!
Holmes: I want to go on record…and we’re recording this…I have no intention of stepping to you.
Hantz: (Laughs)
Holmes: There’s a tattoo that says, “Loco.” I appreciate that that’s a guy you don’t want to step to. I don’t think that’s a tattoo you’d get all willy nilly.
Hantz: (Laughs) Oh my God, I love it.

Holmes: You’ve been a featured player on a nationally televised reality show. What’s the reaction you get from people on the street?
Hantz: I’ve had a lot of reactions. Most of them are little punks who don’t want to tell me their true feelings so they say, “Hey, it’s really nice to meet you. I was your fan.” Blah blah blah. And I’m like, “No dude, you were probably screaming at me the whole time I was out there.” I don’t buy it. I’m very polite and I’m like, “Yes maam, thank you very much.” But I don’t take that stuff to heart.
Holmes: Can’t some of these people mean what they’re saying?
Hantz: Yes, people I know. Have you ever had anyone give you an apology that you didn’t think was an honest apology?
Holmes: Yes.
Hantz: You could see that same thing in someone’s face when they say, “I was your biggest fan.” They won’t even look you in the eye. They want to smack me in the face.
Holmes: Interesting.
Hantz: Don’t call me your favorite, smack me in my face and see if this sweet little old guy will turn the other cheek.
Holmes: Do a lot of people try to smack you in the face?
Hantz: Metaphorically, yes.
Holmes: Ah…well done.

Holmes: It’s blowing my mind how much it seems like you’ve changed from when we met before “South Pacific.” It seems like you’ve been though a lot.
Hantz: Dude…
Holmes: I guess what I’m getting at here is, you didn’t seem happy during the reunion and I hope you’re happy now.
Hantz: I appreciate that. It’s building from here. I had to tear down that whole house that was built and rebuild it. My Bible says, David’s son Solomon was talking about how wise people get their wisdom from pain. A lot of wisdom comes from suffering.
Don’t miss the two-hour premiere of “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites,” Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.