Ryan Opray, the 31-year-old electrician from Los Gatos, California, became the eighth person voted out of Survivor: Pearl Islands, and the first member of the jury. Actually, when you think about it, he's the twelfth person to leave the game, and the eleventh person voted out, since four other players were voted out of the game twice in the bizarre "outcasts resurrection" twist, and one player put down his torch without a vote. But anyway you slice it, Ryno, and his band of merry Morgans, had a big target on his back, and his time was up.

I caught up with Ryno just before he started his Long Walk of Shame™ out of the game, probably forever. As with most contestants in this stage of the game -- that is: on their way out -- he looked dog-tired, bug-bitten, dejected and deflated. What a perfect time to pepper him with a few more obnoxious questions before sending him off on his bittersweet way. And he did have a few things on his mind, apparently.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. If you lose more weight, I might have to call you 'Skinny Ryan' too.

Ryan O: That's funny Jeff. You're a comedian. If I'm 'Skinny Ryan' does that mean that I get a second chance to get back in the game too?

Being Jeff Probstovich: (shaking my head) It's not 'No!' It's 'Hell No!' Anyways, the way you were voted out, it seems like everyone saw you as a big, big threat.

Ryan O: I think I knew I had it coming, because it was a landslide: 8-1.

Being Jeff Probstovich: 8-1 means that even Darrah and Tijuana voted for you. I thought you Morgans were all hanging together, after having gone through the experience of being, perhaps, one of the worst all-time tribes in Survivor history. So what happened with your girls, player?

Ryan O: I had a sub-alliance and I never told Tijuana about it, so she was a little bit upset. Darrah, on the other hand, I have no idea.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Does anyone have an idea about Darrah? Could you even understand a single word she said?

Ryan O: Jeff, I have no idea.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Do you think 'Skinny Ryan' gave all Ryans on Pearl Islands a bad name?

Ryan O: A lot of people didn't see Ryan after Challenges laying around, not pulling his weight at the Challenges or at camp life.

Being Jeff Probstovich: What's the story with Osten and his body 'holes?'

Ryan O: Osten had pus filled holes in his body that needed to be cleaned out regularly. It was pretty disgusting. I'm not exactly sure what it was.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Did these 'holes' include his mouth? That was certainly pus-filled with all the whining he did.

Ryan O: Actually, OT did a lot of work, but he complained a lot. I still consider him a friend. He wasn't quite as much of a whiner as everybody thinks he is.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Maybe with all of your food problems you should have thought about cooking Pelican Pete, no?

Ryan O: The funniest thing that happened at camp was probably when Pelican Pete coming to visit the camp and Osten being so scared of him.

Being Jeff Probstovich: So what's the real story with Rupert?

Ryan O: Rupert was by far the stinkiest ... but also the hardest working. He also liked to eat so much.

Being Jeff Probstovich: OK, let's play a game: Liar-Liar-Pants-on-Fire ... who's the biggest liar left in the game, in your opinion?

Ryan O: Out of all of 'em I would say Lill, and Jon's a close second.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Let me ask you about Christa. Do you and her have something going? Any chance of dating after the show? She's kind of gangly and awkward, in a Big Bird kind of way.

Ryan O: Maybe that is why I was so kind to Pelican Pete. I'm an animal lover. But Christa would do a lot of underhanded things all the time.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Any other opportunities to forge a love connection out there?

Ryan O: I was more attracted to Darrah, at least from my point of view. But from hers, I don't think so.

Being Jeff Probstovich: You went all the way out to the jungle, and what did you learned about yourself? What did you came back with?

Ryan O: I actually came back with a bamboo cup that we used to pour water into our canteen.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Who do you think will win it all?

Ryan O: I'm actually rooting for Darrah. I've got a great respect for how tough the girl is...and I also like her.

Being Jeff Probstovich: Ryan, it is time to go.

He turned and left the game... forever? Who will be voted out next?

This is Being Jeff Probstovich.

Posted by Boycaught at November 20, 2003 10:47 AM | TrackBack