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Welcome to Reality Derby, our weekly exploration into the realm of reality television, led by Gold Derby senior editors Marcus James Dixon and Denton Davidson.
This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rob Mariano, a prominent figure from The Traitors who first gained fame by winning Survivor. Familiarly known as “Boston Rob,” he is easily recognized by his signature Red Sox cap, though he opted for a hat-free look during our recent encounter at the NBCU Emmy kick-off luncheon. You can find our full video interview above.
When asked about the absence of his trademark cap, Rob humorously remarked, “I mean, they told me no hats. This is a fancy event. It’s not as fancy as a castle but, you know, a little bit fancy.” During his time on The Traitors, he often found himself the target of jests from fellow contestant Bob the Drag Queen, who commented on his wardrobe choices. In response, Rob quipped, “All Bob’s looks weren’t so great, so it’s kind of hard to argue.”
The tension escalated when Bob suggested that Rob and the newer players might be Traitors, which ignited Rob’s competitive spirit. “Going into any of these types of shows, I’m going to have a target just because people have seen me do what I’ve done,” he explained. “And when I entered late in the game, the existing Traitors were hesitant to cooperate with me. Seeing that divide, I’m not someone who will sit idly by; I’m going to fight back, and I think that’s something they found challenging.”
Shifting the conversation to the Emmy Awards, Rob expressed confidence in The Traitors securing the title of Best Competition Program once again, declaring, “The show was the best this season. We brought the heat. It’s the No. 1 show. Everyone’s tuning in and enjoying it; I don’t see why they wouldn’t vote for us—unless they want to get banished.”
When labeled a “villain,” Rob embraces the title, seeing it as “a badge of honor.” He elaborated, “I understand my role. Whatever the situation, I strive to play at my best, which often leads to captivating television. While I may not always emerge victorious, I guarantee an entertaining performance.”
Boston Rob & Dylan vs Bob The Drag Queen #TheTraitorsUS pic.twitter.com/nVdEH0kDuW
— Mel (@melbrown00) January 17, 2025
Reflecting on the Season 3 finale, Rob discussed the unexpected outcome of the four heroic Faithfuls—Dolores Catania, Dylan Efron, Ivar Mountbatten, and Gabby Windey—triumphing over a deceitful faction of Traitors. He commented, “Once trust was lost between me and Bob, it became every person for themselves. It’s not meant to be a team game. Their unique victory was intriguing, particularly through the conflicts among the Traitors. Future seasons may see increased suspicion among Traitors about each other.”
Rob also shared his support for Eva Erickson and Joe Hunter on the currently airing Survivor 48 on CBS. “I admire their interaction. I discovered that Eva is a hockey player, which resonates with me since I play hockey too, so I’m rooting for her in her autism advocacy.”
A viral moment showcasing Joe comforting Eva during a challenge has struck a chord with audiences, causing an emotional response amongst Survivor fans. Rob praised the show’s ongoing success, stating, “After all these years, it remains impactful.” He credited Jeff Probst, Mark Burnett, and their teams for the show’s enduring excellence.
When considering his ideal participant for Survivor 50, an all-star edition decided by viewer votes, Rob expressed his desire to see Dylan compete alongside him, highlighting his social and physical prowess. “We would work on refining his strategy, but we could make it happen,” Rob said, though he noted that Dylan has yet to make an appearance on Survivor, making this dream pairing unlikely for now.
The Traitors is currently available for streaming on Peacock, while episodes of Survivor can be viewed on CBS and accessed through Paramount+.
Source
www.goldderby.com