On the last Paradise Hotel James was barely saved after being named the least trustworthy out of all the guests in the Hotel. He was then given even more power to send someone home and used it to better himself in the game. This week that power came back to bite him as everyone now turned against him. He tried to talk himself out of it but nobody seemed to care. If you remember James could have chose to send himself home over Myrna and chose not too. Several of the guests, including his once best friend Krista, disagreed with that move, ensuring that he’d probably be the next to go.

The next morning it was announced that Stephanie and Zack had “crushed” and have become the new love couple since Tanya left a few episodes ago. The girls’ breakfast was then shown with them discussing the game and the random nature of it as they never know what’s going on. At lunch time an infamous envelope was presented that let Zack know that he and the girls would be getting their own excursion. The three remaining guys would be sent on their own adventure which would lead to more James drama.

Zack and the girls were taken to a ranch where they rode horses along the beach. I wish they would have brought some of these excursion into play throughout the entire show as it gives a nice break from the regular hotel setting. After their horseback riding was over the four sat down to have some desert and yet another envelope appeared. TD read it and let Zack know that he had choose one of the three girls to spend the night with him in the “romantic setting”. He chose Stephanie for obvious reasons and the excursion was then over for TD and Krista.

The three guys also got some vacation time and spent it at a small beach. They swam a bit in the ocean and threw some football and then it was all down to game talk. Well kind of… James was the only one to talk game since Mike and Ryan wanted to forget about it for the time being. Mike seems to be annoyed with James’ active game play and feels he’s playing it way to hard. Why do half of the people on the show forget they are on a competition reality show…. not a dating/hang out show.

When the guys returned to the hotel they found it completely empty. This sent them in a small panic as they expected some type of twist to play into the excursions. All three thought people would returning or someone new would be joining the game but alas they found that was not the case when TD and Krista returned. They also had some fear that a twist or sudden elimination ceremony would take place and were shocked when nothing happened.

While at their “romantic setting” one on one, Stephanie and Zack become much closer. At first they thought no cameras were present but quickly realized one was hiding in the corner. As Stephanie tried to make a move on Zack it quickly was revealed that wasn’t going to happen. Zack wanted nothing to do with a “public showing” which angered Stephanie a bit. He brought up her shower scene with Ryan a few weeks ago. Stephanie then began to cry and their romantic evening was cut short.

The next morning the two returned to Paradise Hotel and everyone was back in play. It seems new alliances were being created as the OGs fell apart. James realized that he couldn’t rely on Krista anymore since she wasn’t going to choose him last round and he continued to tell her he almost sent her home. He then started to work on TD who he was once close with week one. She realized this was all game play and seemed somewhat confused on if she could trust James or not. Another friendship that was changing was with Ryan and Mike. They were always tight but after James’ sudden change Ryan became Mike’s best buddy. It’s funny how it changed so quickly and everyone James was close with seemed to disown him. The third friendship that shifted was Krista and Stephanie. They were always close but now it seems that Stephanie may be favoring Krista over TD.

At dinner another envelope was brought into play and all were told that the next elimination would be the last. This meant the couples would be locked in and no more room selections would occur. Everyone seemed stunned but it was obvious this was to happen. It also sent everyone into thinking what twists could accompany the news and all ideas were being spit out. The largest was that whoever was chosen to be the odd man out would also take out a couple. Everyone assumed that James would be the one eliminated so they feared the worse. He and TD formulated some sort of plan in case the twist was brought into play but it was never really said what the plan was.

At the elimination things went as predicted. The girls were the ones sitting and the guys were on the chopping block. Zack was up first and although he and Stephanie were fighting he went to her. Mike was up next and kept his same roommate in Krista as they both are “being themselves”. Next were Ryan and James and both ended up going to TD as planned. What happened next sent James packing with no more power in the game other then saying goodbye. TD, for some strange reason, chose Ryan to stay and sent the latest trouble starter: James out of paradise and out of the game.

Next week the power is given to one more player as someone is given the chance to send a couple out of Paradise. Those voted out since Zack came into the hotel then return to crown the winner in some sort of vote. Drama once again ensues as old enemies turn into friends and friends turn into enemies. Which couple will take home the grand prize? Make sure to tune in next week as I’m sure it will be a shocker!

Bookmark It

After two severe blindsides in a row I really didn’t think Survivor could top it’s self for a third time. But tonight proved just why the show is so amazing and why it’s returning for at least four more seasons. It all began where the last left off and that is with James’ finger. After the last Tribal Council he was sent, by Jeff, to the medical boat where they gave him a few shots. They also told him that if his finger wasn’t better the next morning he would most likely have to be taken out of the game.

The next morning it seems we have another injury on our hands with Alexis. She took a tumble during the night and got a scrape on her knee. That’s all we saw at least but I’m sure she has some major damage, unless it’s all in her head. Amanda and the others then worry about James possibly leaving the game. Amanda knows that James is her closest ally and going out would greatly hinder her game.

The reward challenge was an oldie but a goodie and actually one that Cirie won in Exile Island. I was rooting for her to repeat her win but also knew it would be tough. She isn’t the “most liked” this time around as everyone is kind of spread out with the love. That’s exactly what the reward was actually, a visit from a loved one. The challenge had each survivor fill out a questionnaire in private. They all then gathered back together to answer what they thought the majority said. If they guessed correctly then they got to chop a rope of another player. The last person remaining would win a visit to the famous non-electric jelly fish lake and would bring their family member along with. Parvati was out first followed by Erik, James and then Natalie. Cirie was the last out and had to choose between Amanda and Alexis winning. She chose Alexis to take the reward and she returned the favor by selecting Cirie and Natalie to go along with.

Directly following the challenge James’ finger was once again looked at. The nurse then told Jeff that the infection had set in pretty bad and she worried that his finger could be lost or worse. James didn’t seem to want to go but apparently they didn’t give him the choice that was given to Jonathan. He was then allowed to say goodbye to Parvati and Erik and was then boated out to the hospital where his infections where treated just in time for Tribal Council.

At the jelly fish lake the three girls and their family members spent some time hanging with the jelly fish. It was pretty cool to watch as it’s an amazing site and I’m glad they brought it back again. The small clip showed just how bad Alexis’ leg was and also showed how Cirie is still changing thanks to survivor. She seemed less “frightened” by everything this time around but still has some of that Exile Island scare in her as she finally realized everything isn’t going to hurt her.

Over at Exile Island, where Amanda was sent thanks to Alexis, the clues and idol have returned. They seemed more easy at first considering all the clues were at the initial island she started at. After finding a clue in the ocean she was told to dig in a line made by the hut and an island. After about 30 feet of digging she finally found the last clue which told her the idol was hidden back at camp. Under their tribe flag to be exact. It was kind of a bummer as she just dug how long just to find the clue but I’m sure she’s happy now she dug that much cause it really helped her in the end.

When the three girls returned they quickly learned that James was out of the game. This quickly sent the four girls, including Parvati, into a thought bubble as they knew if Erik won the immunity idol they would then have to vote out one of their own. During a small chat Parvati let it slip she wouldn’t vote out Amanda since they were so tight the entire game. She then went on to ask Alexis if she would want to go thanks to her knee which was a pretty dumb move. Obviously Alexis would think she’s going now if Erik wins and put some doubt in both Alexis and Natalie’s mind.

At the immunity challenge Amanda quickly learned that James was gone. She didn’t seem to happy but the game moved on. The challenge was to use a high powered gun to shoot down three colored bottles. The first to do so would win the immunity and would be safe. In the first round Natalie, Parvati and Erik hit their bottles giving them a point. The next round saw only Erik hit a bottle which put him in the lead. The last round saw Natalie catch back up and Amanda hit a bottle. Erik hit his third and last and gave him the immunity that he needed.

The girls weren’t too happy with the outcome as their easy vote was for Erik to go. Natalie and Alexis then made it known that Amanda would be their vote as they scooped up Erik as well. Amanda knew she was going and told Parvati where the hidden idol was. She also went on a very huge show to show the others that she didn’t have it. They believed her and at that point she was telling the truth. Before she started to search for the idol Amanda worked on both Erik and Cirie to help her stay in. Erik told her flat out that he would be voting for her to go while Cirie seemed on the fence. She told Amanda that a “purple rock” would come into play had there been a tie. I don’t think that would have happened but rather the fire challenge would take place but we really don’t know. While everyone was eating the chicken Amanda went to work on the idol. Parvati helped a bit by saying she went to wash since she “told her she smelled” and it gave Amanda enough to find the hidden idol.

At tribal council we were left without knowing that Amanda did find the idol as they never did say for sure. She played it up SO much and SO well that she was going that I honestly didn’t think she had it. As the jury walked in James was oddly missing. He then walked in as the jury sat down and everyone was in for a shock. He came in with IV bags and everything. The jury had not known what had happened and Eliza said it all at how shocked they were. During the tribal chat everyone told Jeff that Amanda would be going. Nobody had any idea she had the idol and it played out beautifully. Right as Jeff was about to read the votes Amanda quickly pulled out the idol. Her mood changed so quickly from depression to over joyed as she laughed at everyone sitting there. Natalie and Alexis most stunning, knowing one of them would leave, and that they did as Alexis walked out of the game. Next time it seems like the drama continues as the girls turn to Erik to make sure they get one step closer. Crazy Natalie comes out once again apparently, will it be her downfall?

Bookmark It

On last weeks episode we were left with a teaser that Raheim, the hotels bad boy, would be returning to the game for a very special reason. This week he did just that and his choices resulted in another double elimination. It all started as the guests were put through another Pandora’s Box. Once again the explosions occurred as this time it seemed Myrna was being targeted. In his question James outed Myrna as having no connection to any of the remaining guys. Another question was then asked about Myrna where she failed to defend herself. When it was her turn to ask a question she turned it around which erupted in an argument with Mikey. She ended up making herself look even worse but that’s what usually happens when Pandora’s Box is brought into play. The last question of the night was then read by a very special guest. Raheim walked through the door to let everyone know he was there and there to “do a job”.

With Raheim there everyone was on their toes. Some where scared, such as TD and Stephanie, while others were excited to see his return. He wanted the night to go well so he told them all to simply party the night away and that they did. James, Stephanie and TD seemed to cling to him right away knowing he would have some sort of power in the game. Myrna and Zack did the opposite and thought if they tried to stay as “outsiders” they would avoid the drama Raheim was sure to bring.

The next morning things changed quickly as everyone tried to get their chance to talk to Raheim. While most were doing that Zack pulled Krista aside to let her know that James, who she trusts, wanted to get Ryan out last round when Zack was immune. She didn’t like this too much and realized then that James was playing the game “too hard” and she felt that was a bad thing to do. Throughout the rest of the episode Krista’s hatred towards James builds but it ultimately helps both him and her in the end.

When it came to discussions with Raheim everyone seemed to patch things up. When he talked to Stephanie she let him know that everything between them was a huge misunderstanding. He seemed to believe her, even though she was telling the truth, and it somewhat assured that Stephanie wouldn’t be going home thanks to Raheim. TD was next up and the conversation was very similar. He told her that he understand why she did what she did and wasn’t upset that she had to make an alliance with the new people to further her in the game.

Next up was a crucial one as Krista pulled Raheim aside to let him know about James. She told him how James would tell her he had to get Raheim out and also mentioned what Zack said about getting out Ryan. He wasn’t happy with the news she just dealt him and pulled both James and Mikey inside. He asked both if they ever wanted him out of the game and both said no. Later Krista told James what she told Raheim and also told him she couldn’t choose him as her roommate. It’s interesting how one person coming back into the game changed several relationships. It almost brought everyone together in a way which I would have never have predicted.

James and Raheim then had a private conversation before the elimination could occur. Here James admitted that he did say he wanted Raheim out at some point but blamed anger and beer. Raheim seemed to understand but then laid it all out. He told James that nobody in the game trusts him anymore and anything he does there really isn’t anyone he can choose that will keep him in the game. James seemed to know this was the case but I don’t really think he knew how bad it was for him, game wise.

When it was time for the elimination to occur everyone wanted to know why Raheim was there and what he would be doing. Amanda then very simply asked Raheim who was most trustworthy and least trustworthy still at Paradise. He chose Mikey to be the most and James to be the least (oh what a shocker! not). The twist the producers probably had in mind then backfired as Amanda revealed that both Mikey and James were safe and were actually given the power to send one person home each. It’s kind of unfair but I guess the twists in Paradise never are. Raheim chose both people who were his friends and it guaranteed that two newbies would be leaving. In the end Mikey sent Aaron home while James chose Myrna to leave. Raheim also left the hotel leaving the game in its final seven. Next week more drama ensues thanks to James and it seems even Mikey is turning on him. Then we get back to normal as a single elimination occurs that declares the final three couples.

Bookmark It

With the game of Big Brother 9 down to its final two it was time to crown the winner of the $500,000. It has been the series first winter series and broke new ground with twists galore. By starting with pairs for the first time ever to three players returning the game was different then ever before. Some loved it while others hated it but you must admit it was nice having a double, and now triple, dose of Big Brother in only a year.

The crowning of the winner had to start somewhere and that was with Sheila joining the jury house. Everyone seemed to think it would be her and were even talking about her as she walked through the doors. She seemed very upset with Adam at the time as she realized he threw the last challenge to make sure Ryan won and took him to the end. The rest of the jury seemed somewhat split as at times they favored Ryan and other times they favored Adam. Natalie, James and Chelsia seemed to take the idea that Adam was the better player, Joshuah, Sharon and Sheila seemed to fight for Ryan to win. Matty was the only one not going either way with who he wanted to win since he was friends with both.

It was then time for the questioning to begin and it once again seemed split. Ryan took the first heat as he told everyone that he would give Jen some money if he won. Everyone didn’t like that comment too much considering Adam said he would surely give $100,000 to open an after school program for kids. A followup question to that was from Chelsia who asked Ryan if he still loves Jen. He told her yes and the reasons why but Chelsia didn’t seemed to like that answer. I knew his relationship with Jen would hurt Ryan in the finals but some seem to be basing their vote simply on that. Adam then started to take some heat, especially from Sheila and Joshuah. Sheila tore into Adam as she felt he didn’t give her credit for him getting to the finals. She also felt Adam lied to her in the house throughout the game. I still don’t know if Sheila was just continuing her “act fighting” with Adam or if this was truly how she felt. Joshuah, on the other hand, tore into Adam as being not being a player. He didn’t agree with Adam throwing the competitions and also disliked the way Adam was “screaming at the screen”. In the end it still seemed unclear as to who would win and I’m still blown away by the vote.

With the votes then locked in Julie then told the jury members that one of them would be winning $25,000 thanks to a vote by America. They also had a few segments of talking with both jury and non-jury along with a few video clips. The first was a small discussion with Natalie and Matt and how they felt about each other. Julie told Natalie she may be in for some surprises when watching the show. This led to Matty apologizing to Natalie for anything she may hear before she even hears them. Next up was the feud between Jen and Allison which still seems to hold. Jen let loose and let everyone know she disliked Allison’s words about her after she was evicted and her thoughts that she was better for Ryan then herself. Allison defended herself by saying she had no feelings for Ryan and doesn’t feel the same for Jen now that she did in the house. The next few clips showed Ryan that Adam did in fact tell Natalie how he voted and also showed Joshuah’s fake tears that convinced Adam. I’m not sure why they squeezed these two clips in as talking to the other jury or non-jury members would have been more exciting.

After that small boredom it was time to crown the winner. Matt’s vote was up first which was for Adam along with Natalie’s who was also for Adam. With two votes for Adam it was Joshuah up next. He voted vote Ryan making it 2-1. Sharon was up next and surprisingly voted opposite of Joshuah which was for Adam making it 3-1. Sheila’s vote was next and it was like fate that her key gave Adam the win. With four votes there was no way Ryan could catch up and Adam leapt into the air, knowing he won the game and half a million dollars. After some time the two finally walked out of the house and all the houseguests waiting outside rushed the door. It was a great feeling to see them finally excited for someone to win the game as it came to a close.

But before we could leave Big Brother world until the summer it was time to give away America’s Favorite Jury money. It was pretty obvious who would get it as people somehow fell in love with James and he was in fact the winner. Sheila came in second which should give her some joy as I feel she did deserve the money as much or not more then James. In my final post for BB9 I’d like to say it was a great season to cover as there was continuous drama and random things that happened this season that will probably never happen again. Although it may not have been the best it did bring some enjoyment to our winter and hopefully even more this summer as BB10 returns on July 13th! Make sure to check back often for any after the show BB9 updates and BB10 news as it comes in!

Bookmark It

First off I have to say what the heck got into Natalie? She’s gone from a mute to a crazy woman and is really making herself out to be one of the craziest and most insane survivors I’ve seen in a LONG time. So before I can get into crazy Natalie we must go back to the beginning. It all began directly after Ozzy’s departure where Amanda and James weren’t too happy. They realized Parvati screwed them over and are no liking it. James and Amanda therefore created a strong pact, which was not seen in China, which I feel will continue throughout this game. Overall both said its finally time for them to start playing the game and that they did.

Back at camp Erik was sucking up to everyone, telling them that it was the “right move” to not tell him Ozzy was going as he would have told Ozzy. Erik agreed that it was good to get Ozzy out but I have a feeling deep down he misses his “zoo keeper”. Everyone then realized Amanda and James weren’t happy and it seems as if they were kind of avoiding everyone back at camp. Parvati took the most head from the two and spoke to each separately. As she talked to Amanda it seemed as if things were ok between the two. Amanda then told us in private that she has to make Parvati believe she isn’t angry since she is running the show right now. That’s a good move for Amanda to make considering it seems the game has shifted in favor of the ladies.

Parvati then spoke with James who reprised his famous “don’t bite the apply quote” but this time referring to Parvati voting Ozzy out. He told her to her face that things weren’t good between them anymore and let her know things will be akward. He also pulled the quote out as they spoke giving Parvati a shocked look on her face. I don’t understand why she feels that James wouldn’t be mad. Ozzy was his number one ally in the game and she, someone he used to be able to trust, just betrayed him and his friends.

At the reward challenge a familiar favorite was played, the Survivor auction. This time around there was a slight twist as players could not share money or food like in previous seasons. Food was won most of the time as Cirie won a hot dog and fries, Erik won some nachos, Amanda won a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and James won some bats. Technically Natalie won the bats but James ate them for free since she didn’t want them. Next up was a prize that would change the game dramatically. Natalie, who began her crazy streak right here, won a “note in a bottle” to send someone to Exile Island. Jeff also said that the hidden idol was re-hidden with new clues since it went out the door with Ozzy last round. Natalie quickly sent Jason to exile and also received all of his money. She then won a cake in the next auction where she quickly chose Cirie, Parvati and Alexis to share it with. She went somewhat crazy here saying she didn’t have any food so they couldn’t “hog the cake”. Another catch was they only had a minute to eat which led to a very interesting chow down of chocolate cake ending in Erik licking the rest off of Cirie’s fingers.

Back at camp it seemed as if the rush of sugar caused Natalie to go all bi-polar and become a psycho woman. How can we never see this girl on the show and then BOOM she becomes the star. All the girls were in a pow-wow and knew that Jason would find the idol on exile island, which he did end up doing. They then came up with a plan for Natalie to speak to Jason at the next immunity challenge to tell him to let anyone else but himself win. Natalie would then tell Jason that she and the other ladies are voting James out of the game, making Jason think that he is safe in in a result not play the hidden idol. I must admit it is a genius plan but Natalie’s reactions to her new found craziness was priceless. She had to call Jason “that bitch” about 20 times in two seconds and discussed how she will get all the guys “at the jugular” then floss her teeth with their jugular vein. She then simulated this and the thought seriously makes me wonder how this girl passed the psych test.

At the immunity challenge all went to plan as Natalie got a chance to tell Jason not to win. They didn’t want James to win since that was their second choice to go and they all wanted Erik to stay since it was his birthday. The challenge was a rehash of past challenges they had. The first four to break a clay dish and drop puzzle pieces would move to the next round. James, Jason, Erik and Amanda moved on where they had to dig up a key, unlock more pieces. They then had to put together a puzzle wheel and lower two planks. The first two to do this were James and Erik and both moved to the last round. The first of the two to get across a rope bridge using the two planks would win immunity. It was tight up until the last second where Erik beat James by mere seconds. The girls on the sidelines had some nice reactions as they knew if James won their plan wouldn’t go down as planned.

Back at camp the girls were jumping for joy as their plan could go into action. When Jason went to catch some fish Natalie sprung into action and searched through Jason’s back for the idol. She did indeed found it and then went to Jason to tell him James would be leaving. Of course she knew James wouldn’t be leaving but had to make Jason think that he was so he wouldn’t use the idol. James, thanks to the girls, did think he was in fact the one going that night but Amanda told him otherwise. She didn’t really tell him the plan but told him enough that he probably understood what was going to happen. In the end the blindside took place once again with a deja vu moment. Just like last week Jason and the idol were sent packing thanks to the girls. Next week it seems we may have another medical emergency as foreshadowed by earlier in this episode. James’ finger is pretty bad and even Cirie, who is a nurse, acknowledged it wasn’t getting any better. Will another favorite been sent home thanks to an injury? We’ll have to wait and see.

Bookmark It

With BB9 at its final two its time to predict how the jury will vote:

Bookmark It