‘Survivor: Philippines’ interview: Abi-Maria Gomes on being abrasive, idol clues

There’s no question that Abi-Maria was a character that most people either loved to hate or just hated on “Survivor: Philippines,” but it is impossible to deny that she was a huge reason why this season was so entertaining. Her fights with some of the other castaways brought out some great moments, and her honesty also pointed out a few very terrible moves by other players in recent weeks … in particular the decision to keep Denise over her.

We talked to Abi in a conference call on Thursday, and to her credit she did take full responsibility for her behavior while she was out on the show (even though she attributed some of it to an injury and also strategy). She also told us a little bit about the “immunity idol clue” fight with RC from earlier this season, and what she would do if she was to play again.

Cartermatt.com – Was there a certain point during the game, especially after both Artis and Pete were playing, where you decided to deliberately play up being abrasive? At that point, it felt like that may have actually been your best move to stay in the game.

Abi-Maria Gomes – Well I injured my knee early on, and I was really just carried along by my alliance with Peter and Artis. I was really relying on that for a certain part of the game.

But after they left, my strategy [had to change]. With my injury I didn’t want to look week, so I became super-defensive. I tore my ACL and when I got back I had to undergo surgery … I was tired and I was hungry and that side of Abi-Maria came out, but that was definitely strategy, too.

How angry at Pete were you when you found out that he was responsible for planting the immunity idol clue and blaming RC?

I found out when I got to Ponderosa, and I was disconnected from the game because it was over for me. I was just there as a member of the jury, and I was just focusing on how I was going to be voting, because they was not an easy decision for me in voting for sole survivor.

When I found out about the clue thing, I actually thought it was funny. I was so disconnected from the game.

One last quick thing: you were clearly entertaining to watch, and everyone had some sort of opinion about you. If you were to come back and play again, do you know if you would use the same strategy?

Well I’m not going to tell you that! (Laughs.) This time I had the injury, and I ended acting evil and poorly and like a b*tch. Let’s just put it this way: I hope things turn out differently if I get to play again.

Are you actually going to miss Abi-Maria on the finale Sunday, even though she will be a part of the jury? Be sure to share your thoughts below, and you can read our full review from the episode here.

Photo: CBS