April 22, 2008 (Eviction 11)
What has
Big Brother taught us once again this season? You have to win competitions to go the distance. Sharon, the ultimate mole, survived much longer than she probably should have, but aside from winning one HOH with Joshuah, she's had a dry run. I would have been spilling the same story had Sheila (and her sob stories) been sent packing. Ryan (who it's no secret I've been pulling for from the beginning) really flexed his muscle this week, winning HOH, the luxury competition with Sharon and then the most important POV of the season. That's not to say he's got the game sewn up, because in my mind, he made a few mistakes this week. But we'll get to that later.
First, how great is it that we get three doses of Julie this week? She popped up tonight for the eviction, and will be back tomorrow to determine the final three and, of course, for the finale Sunday. I never thought I'd say this early on, but I can't believe this edition is almost over. Oh well, bring on the summer! [In my best Julie Chen voice] But first
Adam really almost messed up what has been several weeks of good, smart gameplay tonight. He was already on thin ice with Ryan after mouthing to Natalie how he voted last week, and tonight he spewed even more lies. Though I give him credit for his smarts. When he put Sharon on the spot with his "deal," he picked up that hesitation right away and correctly assumed she and Ryan might have an alliance. I'm honestly surprised that Ryan kept the decision making in Adam's hands. Based on Ryan's goodbye message to Sharon, he was shocked (perhaps a move for a vote from her in the jury house) that she was evicted. But Adam remained loyal to Sheila, evicting Sharon, which didn't seem to shock Ryan as much in the house as he let on in his message. Ryan and Adam may have reached a mutual understanding, but Adam just might've turned his back on Ryan enough that to keep himself from being taken to the final two. The way I see it, either Adam or Ryan could beat Sheila in the head-to-head vote, simply because she hasn't won any competitions, other than the one given to her. Sympathy votes won't win the game.
Similarly, Ryan probably should have kept Sharon in the house. He may have been too afraid that she would have evicted Adam, but at least it would have been two-on-one in his favor, instead of the two-on-one scenario he finds himself in now. I honestly would have no qualms with any of the remaining players winning, except maybe Sheila, who even after 72 days can't be nice to Adam. I was glad to see him getting under her skin and (literally) pulling her chain when they were shackled together. I just wonder how he's stayed loyal to her after all the trash she's talked about him, right to his face. Sorry Sheila, that's not very "deserving."
So here are my predictions, assuming the jury bases its decision on gameplay (as they should) rather than vengeance.
If Ryan wins HOH: He probably takes Adam. Sheila is maybe an easier win, but he's been closer to Adam throughout. He can probably beat them both in the end, but a battle against Adam would be much closer.
If Adam wins HOH: I think he will take Sheila. He'll probably have many unintelligible diary room thoughts about how conflicted he is, but I don't see him breaking that bond. Plus (again), Sheila is easy to beat as sympathy shouldn't win her the big prize. Ryan's still got a shot, I suppose, but if he ends up third, it will be because he let Sharon go home. And as he said tonight "second (in this case third) is still last."
If Sheila wins HOH: I might just faint. But if she does, she'll take Adam. And she might earn a little respect and make it close. At least she'll have something to take home to her son.
So what do you think about tonight's eviction. Who do you think will win HOH, and who will they bring to the final showdown? Share your thoughts, and check back tomorrow for more! -
Adam
Plus: Don't miss our special Sunday post, which will feature a full analysis of the Big Brother 9 finale from both Krista
and myself in a very special IM format!
