Peacock’s The Traitors Andie Vanacore And Quentin Jiles Spill All The Tea About What Went Right And Wrong

Few interviews are as fun as the one I had the pleasure of conducting between Peacock’s The Traitors Andi Vanacore and Quentin Jiles. Fans of the new reality competition show, part Mafia and part The Mole, instantly fell in love with Andie and Quentin. There was something truly authentic about the pair that made it all the way to the end only to be betrayed by their closest ally Cirie Fields. Now months after shooting, the pair broke down all the essential parts of their time in the castle, the competition, what went wrong, and whether they would do it again.

I admit to watching more than my fair share of reality television. I’m a sucker for good games, and I particularly like the ones where lying and scheming are involved. I enjoy rooting for the underdogs and the “good guys” who rarely have a chance against the “puppet masters.” Those players who, against all odds, make it to the end and sometimes(but not usually) win. The Ozzy’s and the Johnnie Macs of the game are the ones I cheer for.

The Traitors make things especially hard for honest contestants to win because there are three conpersons in their midst who are plotting against them. Chosen in secret at the beginning of the series, this three-person block “murders” 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 someone will walk away with a wad of cash when it is all over. If a Traitor is still in the game at the end, they get everything.

That means you better know who you are standing next to or go home empty-handed. In every episode, the Faithful try to vote out a Traitor instead of losing a member. The concept is obviously to ferret out the Traitor and banish them. That proved to be a tall order, though, and even when Traitors went home, it was usually because Cirie decided it was time for them to go. Unfortunately for Andie and Quentin, they were duped by Cirie, who picked her protectors and allies early while secretly working against them. Finally, in The Traitors’ finale final moments, Cirie reveals she was a Traitor and walks away with all of the money, leaving Quentin and Andi stunned.

Andie and Quentin were easy favorites. They made the series which could have been boring knowing everything up front, fascinating to watch. Unlike the contestants, we knew who the traitors were. We knew everything all the time, yet it was compelling binge-worthy television because of this pair and the antics of a few others(looking at you, Kate Chastain, and Brandy Glanville).

Quentin and Andie were incredibly generous with their time giving insider information and unique perspectives about what we did and didn’t see. Both said Alan Cumming was as fabulous as he appeared. They both commented that he was kind and thoughtful on and off camera and had impeccable style. The other nonhuman character, the castle, also provided as much psychological scarring 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 could be cold and isolating. Andie mentioned how psychologically taxing it was to be in the castle after they were sequestered for the evening. “You were alone with just your thoughts,” Andie said. They mentioned it was hard not to lose “your intuition.” Not being able to trust yourself made this pair vulnerable to Cirie, who was always working them. Quentin also said giving up all contact with the outside world made you begin second-guessing yourself. They both said you have to really know who you are as a person, and Andie said being “mentally tough” was essential.

When asked who was the most fun, Andie said Kate was always good for a laugh. They said,” you never knew what she would say, but she was so smart and so sweet.” Quentin also listed 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, which inadvertently secured Cirie the win. Quentin said his raw emotions nearly got him in trouble but probably also made him seem more trustworthy. He said he tried to be himself. Both of them said they weren’t capable of the kind of deception necessary to win in the end. Anyone who saw the heartbreaking finale knows they were genuinely shocked.

Andie listed their openness in representing the LGBTQ+ community. They said,” I gave up a piece of me to be on the show.” Their authenticity as a nonbinary, trans person of color is rare in a series today. It was vital for them to show that underrepresented community. Their realness came through on the screen, and I could see why the contestants universally trusted them. They also applauded the entire cast and crew for continually making them feel seen and respected. They were never misgendered. Any discomfort the pair felt was a result of the game’s difficulty.

Resoundingly they said the missions were as difficult as they looked. Quentin said the barrel mission was physically demanding(except for Kate, everyone joked), but both became animated when talking about the cabin in the woods mission. The creepy crawlies nearly got the best of both of them. Andie almost tapped out at one point but could continue because of Rachel, which made her banishment later so hard for them personally. Andie genuinely 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 cabin’s other side and were thankful they didn’t. A simple error in recognizing the entrance made all the difference, and Quentin could avoid the worst of the bugs. He said he might not have been able to handle the other side.

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

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

When asked what comes next, they responded with exciting things. Both are focused on their new parental duties, and Quentin keeps politics in a place of importance. He added, “We all pay taxes. You might as well know where the money is going.” He also has big dreams that include his own talk show. He is so gregarious I can’t help but think he would be wildly entertaining. Andie 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 watch Andie and Quentin play honestly. These two were genuine, kind people who played the way we wish we all would-with integrity and respect for everyone. If only that had been enough to win. The Traitors is currently streaming on Peacock.