The Maine Edge: Rupert, I had no idea you would be the first one out.

Boneham: I would've bet a million dollars I wouldn't have been the first one out. But when they put a scenario in front of me where I have to decide if I love my wife or the game more, there is no contest. I love my wife. I'm going to take my wife out of jeopardy and put myself in jeopardy.

TME: Do you think if you hadn't swapped you both would still be on the island?

Boneham: We probably would both still be on the island. Laura probably would've made it through that challenge a little better than I. Her balance is better, her eye sight is better. She is able to keep herself a little more calm. I was so crazy going into that arena, I couldn't even find my wife for the first few seconds. Just like I told Laura before we went out to the game, the people who win challenges are the people who can keep themselves calm, and I was not able to keep myself calm. 

TME: How much has it changed since the first time you played?

Boneham: Ten years ago it was a different game. There weren't the extra little twists. There weren't hidden immunity idols, redemption island and all the stuff that is going on now. They didn't give you food on the first day. I have to say I liked it when it was more a survivor-ish kind of game - if you didn't have food and couldn't catch it, you starved. If you couldn't make a shelter or hut, you froze. I still love the game and would love to play it again but I do like the survivor side of the game more than the conniver side.

TME: What do you think will be the demise of the returning players?

Boneham: All of us returning players have never had someone out there that you truly love. It's not the same game as playing with a bunch of friends or strangers. It's going to be interesting to see if this scenario actually destroys relationships or empowers relationships. I'm glad to say my wife and my relationship is even stronger.

TME: What do the loved ones need to do to finally get a win or beat you guys at your own game?

Boneham: It's a tough lesson to learn that calm and steady game play is so much better in the challenges.

TME: Anybody you wished would've returned for this season that you didn't see there?

Boneham: Although he's got a few years on him now, my favorite player of all time is Rudy Boesh. I never met him in my life but I would've loved to play with him.

'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' airs every Wednesday night on CBS at 8 p.m.