Peacock’s The Traitors Andi Vanacore and Quentin Jiles Spill All The Tea On What Went Right And Wrong

Few interviews are as fun as the one I got to conduct between Peacock’s The Traitors Andi Vanacore and Quentin Jiles. Fans of the new reality competition show, part Mafia and part The Mole, fell in love with Andi and Quentin instantly. There was something truly authentic about the pair who made it all the way to the end, only to be betrayed by their closest ally Cirie Fields. Now, months into the shoot, the pair broke down all the essentials of their time at the castle, the match, what went wrong, and if they’d do it again.

I admit that I watch more than my fair share of reality television. I’m a sucker for good games, and I especially like the ones that involve lying and intrigue. I like rooting for the underdogs and the good guys who rarely stand a chance against the puppet masters. Those players who, against all odds, make it to the end and sometimes (but not usually) win. The Ozzys and the Johnnie Macs of the game are the ones I cheer for.

The traitors make it extra difficult for honest contestants to win, as there are three con artists in their midst who conspire against them. Secretly elected at the beginning of the series, this three-person block “kills” a contestant each night and actively works against the “Faithful” during the day to banish a “Faithful” member. Everyone works to put money in the pot because when it’s all over someone will walk away with a wad of money. If there’s still a traitor in the game at the end, they take it all.

This way you know better who you are next to or you go home empty handed. In each episode, the Faithful try to vote out a traitor rather than lose a member. The concept is clear to track down the traitor and banish them. However, that turned out to be a chore, and even when Traitors went home, it was usually because Cirie decided it was time for them to go. Unfortunately for Andi and Quentin, they were tricked by Cirie, who picked her protectors and allies early while secretly working against them. Finally, in the final final moments of The Traitors, Cirie reveals she was a traitor and walks off with all the money, leaving Quentin and Andi stunned.

Andi and Quentin were easy favorites. They made the series that could have been boring if you knew everything in advance, fascinating to watch. Unlike the participants, we knew who the traitors were. We knew everything all along, but it was engaging binge-worthy television because of this couple and the antics of a few others (watching you, Kate Chastain, and Brandy Glanville).

Quentin and Andi were incredibly generous with their time to provide insider information and unique perspectives on what we did and didn’t see. Both said that Alan Cumming was as fantastic as he looked. They both commented that he was kind and considerate both on and off camera and had impeccable style. The other non-human character, the Castle, also left as many psychological scars as their fellow cast mates. The Mid-rooms or Diary rooms for Big Brother fans were all over the castle and could sometimes be very far from the regular set.

Moving from room to room can be cold and isolating. Andi talked about how psychologically taxing it was to be in the castle after they were secluded for the evening. “You were alone with just your thoughts,” Andi said. They said it was hard not to lose “your intuition.” Because you couldn’t trust yourself, this couple was vulnerable to Cirie, who was always working them. Quentin also said that giving up all contact with the outside world caused you to start doubting yourself. They both said you really need to know who you are as a person, and Andi said being “mentally strong” was key.

When asked who was the funniest, Andi said Kate was always a good laugh. They said, “You never knew what she would say, but she was so smart and so sweet.” Quentin also mentioned Kate, but added Christian de la Torre. His antics on and off camera could always make him laugh.

The pair broke down why they were trusted by everyone, inadvertently giving Cirie the win. Quentin said his raw emotions almost got him into trouble, but also probably made him seem more trustworthy. He said he was trying to be himself. Both said they were incapable of the kind of cheating it took to win in the end. Anyone who has seen the heartbreaking finale knows they were genuinely shocked.

Andi listed their openness in representing the LGBTQ+ community. They said, “I gave up a piece of myself to be on the show.” Their authenticity as a non-binary trans person of color is rare in a series today. It was vital for them to show that underrepresented community. Their genuineness came through on screen and I could see why the participants universally trusted them. They also applauded the entire cast and crew for constantly feeling seen and respected. They have never been misunderstood. Any discomfort the pair felt was a result of the game’s difficulty.

They said wholeheartedly that the missions were as hard as they looked. Quentin said the barrel mission was physically demanding (except for Kate, everyone joked), but both got animated when they talked about the cabin mission in the woods. The creepy crawlies almost got the best of both. Andi almost tapped out at one point, but was able to continue because of Rachel, which later made her banishment so difficult for them personally. Andi really thought Rachel was a traitor because they had been manipulated all day by Cirie. Quentin also explained that initially he and Christian would have gone to the other side of the cabin and were glad they didn’t. A simple mistake in recognizing the entrance made all the difference, and Quentin was able to avoid the worst of the bugs. He said he might not be able to handle the other side.

Since the finale, both have spoken to Cirie and harbor no ill will towards her. Andi said, “She outsmarted us.” They both said there was a lot the viewer didn’t see where relationships were forged. Long conversations about families and parenting cemented the bond between these three, and though they were shocked and devastated, they forgave her. Despite Andi’s emotional final moments, they forgave almost immediately, but Quentin needed a little more time. He has since reflected and respects her gameplay.

After such an emotional journey, I was curious to see if any of them would play again, and the answer was surprising. After a beat, they both said they thought they might. It was hard to leave family, friends, cell phones and iPads behind, especially knowing what they are doing now. However, they both said they would play the same way, and Quentin is convinced he would be banned almost immediately.

When asked what comes next, they answered with exciting things. Both are focused on their new parental responsibilities and Quentin keeps politics at the forefront. He added: “We all pay taxes. You might as well know where the money is going.” He also has big dreams, including his own talk show. He’s so sociable that I can’t help but think he’d be immensely entertaining. Andi also has their hands full with their bundle of joy and has a new start-up in the works that will be a subscription-based music platform.

In a world and a game that often rewards and demands dishonesty, it was refreshing to see Andi and Quentin play fair. These two were genuine, kind people who played the way we wish we all would – with integrity and respect for everyone. If only that was enough to win. The Traitors is currently streaming Peacock.