April 16, 2008 (Eviction 10)
Some of the variables might've changed, but in the end, Natalie was still sent packing and was (somehow) reasonably shocked that she was evicted. Though she had a couple of inspired weeks in the house following Matt's eviction, her divine mission has come to an end. Look out Mattie, she's coming for you!
As I had feared, Adam and Ryan let their power run wild, and held a house meeting in which they called out Natalie for playing both sides. Although I liked seeing Natalie squirm, I would have been even happier to see her be completely blindsided by her eviction. This way she had a chance to explain herself, and the boys gave her a clue that perhaps she wasn't safe in the house. However, it also gave Sheila an easy way to explain her rationale for evicting Natlie.
That's right, in perhaps the smartest move of the season (or at least the week), the boys split the vote and put the responsibility back on Sheila. She had hoped the boys would do her dirty work, and while they were willing to go along with the plan to evict Natalie, they were wise enough to know that splitting the vote
might keep Natalie from exacting revenge by voting against them should either of them make the final two. Plus, if Sheila wanted Natalie out so badly, she should have to stand behind her moves. I was very proud of the boys. I guess we will see if Sheila actually makes Adam's life "a living hell" as she promised she would if the vote was split.
Julie had some decent questions tonight, and in classic form, Sharon answered one of the questions in a way that perfectly explained her strategy: "I just sit back and let them say what they had to say." Additionally, I believe only Adam would actually pick a deserving player over an easier player to beat in the finals. I think everyone else just jumped on the band wagon.
Even out of the house, James continued to add a little flavor to the show, this time in the jury house. Even though I don't believe he was trying to be malicious, he told the truth about Chelsia's exit speech damaging his game, bringing her to tears. She needed someone to point out how immature and classless her actions were, and at least with the news coming from James, she probably took it to heart.
The HOH competition was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat. Sharon, after surviving her fifth straight week on the block (and still a dangerous player to have hanging around) was in the driver's seat for the entire competition, which had the houseguests whether statements Julie read were fact or fiction. Somehow, Ryan clawed his way back to within one point (Adam never really had a shot) with one final question remaining. Though the final question was a bit of a trick (that the guinea pigs were a previously existing couple still in the house) Ryan was smart (or lucky) to go against the obvious answer - which was the only way to tie Sharon since she went with fiction - and he ended up tying her. He made the closer guess in the tiebreaker to become the new HOH. Yes, Sharon was probably robbed by a tricky question, but I am very happy to see Ryan walk away with a victory.
So, Sharon and Sheila will most likely be finding a seat on the block this week. Both Sharon and Sheila will have to step up this week in order to ensure their safety, but unless Sharon wins the POV, I predict a Sheila, Adam and Ryan final three.
Who do you see making it through this week? Are you happy with Natalie's eviction? What do you think will happen when Matt and Nat are reunited in the jury house? Show some comment love and check back Sunday for the latest! -
Adam
