Episode 10 Recap- The Not So Amazing Jeff

The foam party ends and things are back to reality. Johnny Mac asks Vanessa if James threw the comp but in reality, he just sucked. James blames his suckiness on sexism because girls and patterns. Ok. You dumb. With James believing that Audrey is the backdoor target, he thinks he’s pretty safe this week. Golden Boy and his crazy socks arrives in the HOH room to discuss the official target with Vanessa. Her hopes is that she can keep the nominations the same so James can go home. Austin, still wants Jeff gone. The twins swap and they still whine. Liz complains that Julia is not her. Bubbly! Oh and COVER THE TOOTH! I sense a plot line to come! Audrey brings herself up to question Vanessa to ensure she’s safe. Vanessa and Austin ensure she’s safe. The fish fry is focused on Jeff and James because the longer Audrey stays, the bigger her target remains.

Gronk's Veto Challenge

Jeff brings himself up to hang with his bro Austin. Jeff thinks they’re tight and Austin is totes gunning for Shelli and Liz. Austin lets Jeff run his mouth because, well, he’s a moron. It’s veto comp selection. Before Vanessa pulls her chip we get a glimpse of Trainwreck Becky! AHHH! Welcome back girl! So Vanessa grabs Shelli. Johnny Mac gets houseguests choice and picks Austin. Smart move my man. James pulls his worst fears and takes Audrey. Jason is mortified. AHHHHH! Vanessa wants Audrey to win so the nominees stay the same. Oh this will be a good comp! Audrey comes up to the HOH room because girl loves the drama. Audrey is ecstatic. The POV challenge arrives and it’s the dice game from seasons of yore. Oh wait, who’s hosting the POV? It’s Becky! Now she speaks! Congrats Trainwreck! In Gronk and Roll, the players get in the dice and must roll their die back to their platform with the correct number facing up. Vanessa, poker diva herself, challenges Audrey with the number 2. Vanessa plays real bad and makes it appear that the die is hard to move allowing Audrey to win. John challenges Audrey. Uh oh. The number is 3 and John is rockin’ easily beating Audrey. James is up and takes on Goliath himself, Austin. James is just rolling while Austin looks like an animal but it’s the animal who beats the Hillbilly. Shelli is up next and challenges Goliath. The number is 4 and Austin frogs to victory. It’s now down to the finals between Austin and John. Rock Doc vs Judas. Who will it be first to 1? It’s the Rock Doc Pawn Master winning Veto AGAIN. I have to say, John in the Diary Room sessions are like a college kid on drugs. Wild, crazy, and uncomfortable to watch. And at this rate, Johnny Mac will be here to stay for a long time.

John celebrates his victory by falling into bed and listening to James. He knows how ridiculous he sounds as he says he feels safe. But now with Veto in his hands, Vanessa is screwed. And thinks Austin may have thrown the competition. They spat and Austin backtracks. Their fight goes in circles as they both think they’re right while clearly it’s Vanessa since we already learned via the DR that Austin kinda maybe threw it. 

Gronk's Shower Party

It’s time for Gronk’s first official party. So anytime Gronk calls a party, if you don’t show up, you get a party fowl and become a have not. Shelli is WAY too excited. The first party is a living room toga party. It’s not very killer. Next up is a pool party. And then a shower party? Huh? Uhhhh…ok. And then we get a New Year’s Eve Party which means KISSES! It’s cute until Clay and James kiss…and then any dream of kissing Clay is ruined. Oh man. Another? Costume party. And then we get a montage, thankfully, to spare us. Parties when you’re sleepin, parties when you’re cookin’, party to limbo and conga, and of course a hot tub party. Those parties sure are exhausting! No time for strategy? Psssh. It’s Vanessa and Jeff talk time! Vanessa claims she’s struggling on what to do. She uses the “Audrey’s cause” excuse. Jeff tries to convince her that Audrey really is the appropriate target as she is the source of all dramz. Jeff goes around and whines about the lack of Audrey going up. And of course he shoots himself in the foot by spilling his guts with Clay around. Jeff even asks Austin what her deal is. Jason catches on to Austin’s plan of working with Vanessa. Jeff, on his reign of uh oh, continues to try to sway Golden Boy away from Austin. Jeff, you are awful at this game. Go back to running around the globe. Clay goes right to Austin who goes to Vanessa who come up with the plan of giving her a reason to nominate Jeff. Operation Expose Jeff! Austin immediately approaches him in front of Shelli and Clay. Smart move! He claims that he told him that he can’t trust Clalli. Dramz! Austin then pulls Vanessa into the room. Vanessa calls him out and they go at it! Fate sealed. Jeff, sayonara. The BBTakeover music arrives and Gronk returns. Anyone who won a competition this week gets to play in a competition to win a Gronk cruise. Jason, John, Meg, Vanessa, and Austin get to play the first luxury comp! All ya gotta do is select a cup and chug! Simple. And the winner is Meg! She gets to travel with Gronk and his family on a party ship. Good luck darling. Don’t celebrate too long because it’s Veto meeting time. With John inevitably taking himself off, it’s inevitable that…wait. Gronk party? Way to be a buzz kill Gronk! The party’s over for Jeff as he gets to be John’s replacement on the block. It’s now Jeff vs James and things couldn’t be any worse for that alliance. Jeff isn’t buying it beyond being Audrey’s puppet. Austin is thrilled as he is bloodless. And Audrey is shocked she is still alive. 

The battle is on. James may actually have a reason to feel safe with Jeff sitting next to him. Will Jeff have an amazing time going home? And what will the next BB Takeover be hosted by? Cross your fingers it’s someone good! 

Episode 9 Recap- Foam Boy Hunting!

Life post Mama Day finds us in a world ruled by Vanessa and Austin and Gronk’s party is the most excitement to come. Please tell me there is hope in this world because this ain’t my party scene. With Da’Vonne gone, Audrey should be enemy number 1. Vanessa, hours before the eviction, learns the truth about Liz and Julia. How will this work to her advantage? With Julia coming out to Vanessa, Julia has plans post official switch, but getting there has to happen first. Vanessa needs to protect Liz and Julia so she goes to Shelli and Clay about the truth. Shelli understands how this could work to her advantage if another number comes in. Clay warns Julia that she can’t be alone with the other side of the house. Shelli is so happy for one reason and one reason only. SORORITY SISTERS! ugh Vanessa goes to Austin who is completely in the dark about the truth. So dumb. With the Twin alliance in power, how will they secure 3 more evictions? We’ll find out soon but first it’s HOH room time. Oh wait, not yet. Meg and Jason and Jeff and James praying they’re not targets. Austin finally gets his Julia moment where Austin reveals to us that he actually likes Liz. But not necessarily Julia. Even though he had no idea which was which. Hillbilly and Amazing Race Douche are freaking out about Vanessa because they have no idea what she’ll do. But Austin and Vanessa decide that Jeff, Jason, or James should be the ultimate target making the house think Audrey is the real target. It’s a risky move but with the pieces in place, it could secure a better chance getting Julia into the game. 

It’s finally HOH room reveal. Vanessa gets to see a picture of her girlfriend and her puppies. Austin finds baby pictures and Clay Aiken music. Austin is a Claymate? HUH! In the twin swap, Julia reveals to Liz that her new alliance knows everything. She goes straight to the HOH room where Vanessa clearly has no idea who is who. Clay arrives in a sexy bathrobe to greet real Liz. Liz is relieved until she understands how mean the rest of the house are. STOP FAT SHAMING! But as Liz reveals the differences between the two, these houseguests are morons. As is Austin with the dumb alliance name. The Sixth Sense. Well, actually that’s not half bad. 

In the backyard, Clay and Steve play with balls and bro out on the hammock. Wait, strike that. They fall right off. Sorry Stevie, you’re a dork. James knows he and his group are going up until they theorize about Liz. The Rock Doc plays detective about Liz and the crown on her tooth. Rock Dock intrudes the HOH and plays fake paparazzi until Liz gets onto him. Jeff pulls his podcast bro Austin into a room to tell him that his bestie is a twin. Austin plays dumb, which he does well, because he knows he is about to slam a knife into his Jeff’s back. Jeff wants the Liz reveal to happen but Austin will protect his ladies! Austin, Vanessa, and Liz try to pick their nominees for eviction. Vanessa wants Austin to nominate Meg and she’ll pick John. But they need a deal with him to play the pawn again. Vanessa and Austin him safety through six evictions. He agrees because he can’t say no at this point. Oh and has anyone noticed Becky hasn’t been seen at all this episode? Poor Becky. So pointless. 

Austin/Judas and Vanessa reveal their nominations

It’s nomination time. What is about to happen because Judas is in the house! Austin and Judas decide to nominate Meg and Jason because of Da’Vonne. Vanessa selects James and John for game purposes. Jason is pissed to up with Princess Pretty Pawn. Johnny is mad because James took his picture spot. He’s becoming more and more lovable. Audrey is on the outs and breathes a quick sigh of relief. Meg is upset because she doesn’t want to continue to be a pawn. Well go talk to Johnny, Princess Pretty Pawn. Meg and Jason are collectively made because unless it’s bedazzling, putting up a play, or cooking a frittata, they’re gonna lose up against the dudes. James tries to hype up the Rock Doc but he doesn’t buy into it because he’s in a good spot and can’t reveal it. 

Gronk's Foam Party Battle of the Block

It’s a foam party in the backyard at Club Gronk. Wait! There are non houseguests in the house! WHAT! The Battle of the Block this week is find the matching patterns on items to the party goer. Oh and there’s a maze involved. James’ strategy is to find the hot chicks. Jason is so “disorientating”. Johnny Mac is throwing it but also can’t breathe through the foam. Poor kid. Meg notices the man with the murse because how can you miss a man with a murse and immediately finds his matching pattern. James is clueless because all he knows is camo. The gay man and the New York hipster chick are destroying the competition. Partially because James sucks at this. Jason is thrilled with all the cute boys in his VIP lounge. Jason and Princess Pretty Pawn win dethroning Austin, who gets foamed in the process. With James and John on the block, will Audrey be the target as the house assumes or will Jeff find himself up there if a veto is used? Oh NO site of Becky until the credits. Poor train wreck. 

Episode 2 Recap: The "Amazing" Twist

Tonight’s second part of the two-night premiere is so big there is no time for a Julie “but first”. So let’s just get on with it! We are immediately teased that the BB Takeover will begin with a guest. We all presume that involves two more houseguests but before we need to meet our next six.

(l to r): Julie Chen, Liz, Jason, John, Becky, Vanessa, Steve

The formula is the same so let’s just get the highlights of the introduction packages.
- Liz is a feisty Capricorn without a filter
- Jason believes working for minimum wage isn’t a good look
- Vanessa has 4.5 million from poker
- John rocks out… and wants money
- Becky loves the outdoors (it’s a theme…and apparently everything about her)
- Steve plays with K’Nex (like a child)
This group of six is pretty tame in their package. Vanessa tells us that love is love and how she’s now a lesbian. John hates superfans. And as Liz is packing, she’s conveniently packing in front of a mirror…but who was that packing was it Liz or a POTENTIAL TWIN NAMED JULIE. Oh and like Clay, Steve’s house has their family name plastered on the front. Maybe it’s a clue. Or just a stupid coincidence. 

After we meet our second six, Julie brings them out like she does and immediately reveals the twists to the six. I think they were smart enough to figure out the Battle of the Block the second they walked out in a group of six, but they need some drama. The BB Takeover Twist? Well John was not having that at all. Get used to it Rock Doc. Julie sends them on in to meet the first eight and what ensues is just another adorable meet and great. John is intense. Like cannot handle himself. And perpetually drunk with that slurring thing he does. When Jace and Becky meet, Jace tries to be super chill and calls her home state “Rado” which, according to Becky, no one does. I smell tension! In the Diary Room sessions, Vanessa admits she is playing. Analyzing and getting information immediately about the first HOH. But we learn that gets spilled quite soon to all. And then Liz says something with a knowing look that clearly foreshadows that she’s the Twin Twist. Editing or complete inability to make this twist last? You decide. Da’Vonne, who seems to have an opinion on everyone, does not believe John is a dentist and thinks Jason is the equivalent to Pee Wee Herman. And then James, the guy with the baby at home, is still melting for the hot girls. 

We return from break to meet our first guest Taker Over. And it’s Phil Koeghan, host of The Amazing Race, confirming what we already assumed. After showing some clips of previous BB couples on The Amazing Race, Phil reveals it’s time to throw some racers into the BB House. And we get Blind Date twist couple Jeff and Jackie. They admit they are close friends and that’s it. How will this play out? No need to wait, get them in there! They meet the rest of the house to a mix of previous knowledge and complete and utter ignorance. I mean Da’Vonne calls the show they were on Gulliver’s Travels. Let’s just keep Da’Vonne longer than she should be on the show because her DR quotes are epic. 

Jackie and Jeff of The Amazing Race

After a harmless introduction, Julie gets ready to reveal the next HOH. But first, another houseguest must sit out. This time it’s Vanessa who takes a gamble and agrees. The rest of the house agrees that they won’t put her up as well leaving the available number of houseguests to nominate to ten. THAT is a gamble. The movie joked about in the first HOH is the theme of the second HOH. The houseguests must hold onto their stake before getting sucked into the UFO. Simple enough, right? That is until alien slime is shot onto them. It was #grossnasty. And speaking of grossnasty, can we talk about the abysmal production value with the laser beams? It was embarrassing. The Post Production team should be fired. But alas, we’re here for competition and just like that, Steve is out. The others seems to be holding on well including super cocky Jason. Jason, the token gay boy, loves to run his mouth and I think this will make him a super easy target very soon. Jeff, one half of the BB Takeover Twist, decides to throw the challenge as to not make the target on his back bigger. And just like that we’re down to…nope, John’s out. And Becky. And now Liz. Making the final two Jackie and Jason, a very unlikely pair. By this point, Jackie is way up on her stake and knows time is running out. Jason wants to win so badly that he foolishly agrees to make a deal with Jackie and not nominate her. She immediately agrees and Jason wins. This makes two tiny people the HOH for the week. But wait! We still don’t know what will happen to Da’Vonne and Vanessa! I think the best twist would be to take them out of the house and make them do The Amazing Race instead. But Phil returns and teases that “sometimes with risk comes reward.” Thanks Mr. Vagueface. 

And just like that, the jam packed episode is over. We now know our official 16 houseguests. So what do you think of Jeff and Jackie being in the house? And how will the power dynamics shift with Jason and James as the HOH? Who will they nominate? We’ll find out on Sunday!

Power Rankings

So after every Thursday episode, we will do a re-ranking of the Power Rankings. This first re-rank is simple. HOH to the top and The Amazing Race to the bottom.

        1. James (7)
        2. Jason (4)
        3. Clay (1)
        4. Meg (2)
        5. Audrey (3)
        6. Da’Vonne (5)
        7. Jace (6)
        8. Steve (8)
        9. Vanessa (9)
        10. Becky (10)
        11. Liz (11)
        12. Austin (12)
        13. Shelli (13)
        14. John (14)
        15. Jackie (n/a)
        16. Jeff (n/a)

Big Brother 17 Official Cast Portraits

CBS has released the official Big Brother 17 cast portraits! Thank goodness because those selfies were not doing it. What do you think of the cast?

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Big Brother 17 Houseguests Predictions and Pre-Season Power Rankings

The Big Brother 17 cast list has been released which means, summer is here! To get us ready for next week's big two night premiere, let's get to know a little about our 14 new houseguests vying for that half million prize and make some first impression predictions! At the end, you'll find my, the Reality Ace's Pre-Season Power Rankings. Let's see how accurate I am! My pick was number 2 last year!

The Houseguests

Audrey Middleton

Age: 25

Hometown: Villa Rica, Georgia

Current City: Villa Rica, Georgia

Occupation: Digital media consultant

Audrey is a first. She is the first transgender contestant in Big Brother history. This could be impactful. But with the wrong group of people, they will hold it against her. On the surface she would have been forgotten, but with a story, be prepared for Audrey to be in for the long haul if she hooks up with the right people. You may be an early jury boot but she won’t be lost in Big Brother oblivion.

PREDICTION: Jury

Austin Matelson

Age: 30

Hometown: Woodland Hills, California

Current City: Woodland Hills, California

Occupation: Professional wrestler

Big personalities are a killer in this game. Austin certainly has a big personality. By looks alone, this former WWE wrestler is the odd man out this season. But unlike last season's Donny, Austin may not be as likeable due to his brazenness. And top hat. And split personality. On the flip side, he could use his “celebrity” to wow. Austin is the epitome of wildcard. But for me, he's a goner. Sorry pal, you're expendable.

PREDICTION: Pre-jury

Becky Burgess

Age: 26

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Current City: Denver, Colorado

Occupation: Retail manager

Becky is the generic pretty girl. She's more of a Jessie than an Aaryn and could get lost in the fold. She seems completely harmless which could work in her favor. That being said, she will get used and abused in her alliance because she's so sweet. Finding the right people to work with will be Becky's key to success. But unless she has some tricks hidden up her sleeve, Becky will receive the fate of those like her who got mid season boots.

PREDICTION: Pre-jury

Clay Honeycutt

Age: 23

Hometown: Dickinson, Texas

Current City: College Station, Texas

Occupation: Graduate student at Texas A&M

Well someone's got a pretty face! Clay looks like he'll be the object of every lady's (and maybe some guys) affection. Clay has that million-dollar smile with that appealing southern charm. Clay seems to be a genuine good guy, like a Cody from BB16. Will he experience the same fate and only be worthy of the nice guy number 2 prize? Clay is athletic, which is always important in the Big Brother house. Don't be shocked if he gets approached by nearly everyone in the house for an alliance. This could be something good or hurt him right off the bat if the ones he doesn't pick get wind, and numbers.  Clay will go far. Finals or close to it.

PREDICTION: Finals

Da'Vonne Rogers

Age: 27

Hometown: Inglewood, California

Current City: Los Angeles

Occupation: Poker dealer

Da'Vonne has fight in her. She has a poker background, but unlike Vanessa, she's on the other side of the table, thought she claims that she is a great poker player. She's a strategist and knows it. She could fly under the radar if she is smart but if she’s loud, she’s lost. As long as she is read right, she will go pretty far. See her in the jury house and bitter about it.

PREDICTION: Jury

Jace Agolli

Age: 23

Hometown: Dunwoody, Georgia

Current City: Venice Beach

Occupation: Personal trainor

Filling the double Hayden quota (and the Jase quota for that matter), Jace is chill and fun and a complete non-threat. He seems the physical edge that others do not with a hidden smart side with a way with words. He seems like he'll be a blast and win over the house instantly. If he plays it cool, he’s good until the end. But I don’t see that happening. He seems like a player from the start and that could be bad move.

PREDICTION: Jury

James Huling

Age: 31

Hometown: Sumter, South Carolina

Current City: Wichita Falls, Texas

Occupation: Retail associate

James seems to have shopped around Donny's closet before entering the Big Brother house. His story is intriguing. And he is not a stereotype whatsoever. If he plays his cards right, he'll garner some love and sympathy. He also has potential to rub certain people the wrong way with his Southern ways if he boasts about it. As long as James finds the right people to align with, James has a real shot. Physically not a threat, James needs to blend in. And he has the camo to do so.

PREDICTION: Jury

Jason Roy

Age: 25

Hometown: Fall River, Massachusetts

Current City: Swansea, Massachusetts

Occupation: Supermarket cashier

Oh Jason. You are a goofball. I have a feeling he'll bring the entertainment of the season. Jason is certainly a charmer with a high-pitched Massachusetts accent and I see him buddying up to the ladies. But thinking he can lead an all-girls alliance is quite hilarious. He knows the game inside and out but he lacks the physical aspect to bring him far. Jason will suffer the Zach-effect. Be brought along for entertainment but cut short (pun intended) when the numbers start dwindling.

PREDICTION: Jury

John McGuire

Age: 27

Hometown: Scranton, Pennsylvania

Current City: Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania 

Occupation: Dentist

John, a superfan, is a dentist. Unless you're also a dentist, no one likes you. John is a self-proclaimed king of nicknames, which proves his ego. And let’s not start on that laugh. He has aura of a Jeremy or Nick from 15. If he gets loud and obnoxious, he will be out of the house faster than he can belt the chorus of "Dentist" (That's a Little Shop of Horrors reference). He seems like he might be athletic, but ego looks like his downfall. He could go far if he’s quiet, but I don't see that happening, so he’s a likely early boot.

PREDICTION: Pre-jury

Liz Nolan

Age: 23

Hometown: Miami

Current City: Miami

Occupation: Marketing coordinator

Meet your Season 17 Victoria. To put it nicely, Liz looks clueless but claims she's a brainiac. She looks like a ticking time bomb of emotion. If she finds a group to bond with, she'll float pretty far. If she has a mental breakdown because she can't handle the stress and rigor of the game, she's a goner. I think she'll be liked to a point before she's thrown to the hounds. She's either being tossed right before or after the jury sessions. Unless she flirts her way to the top.

PREDICTION: Pre-jury

Meg Maley

Age: 25

Hometown: Collingswood, New Jersey

Current City: New York City

Occupation: Server

Meg is a server in NYC which is code for Meg is an actress. This could work in her favor. Put that BFA to the test! Meg is extremely likeable and has the ability to be a chameleon, blending into the character others need her to be. While this is a strong strategy, some may view this as floating and we all know the fate of floaters in the Big Brother house! Oh wait, never mind, the floater theory was debunked last season (cough cough Victoria). Bearing she allows some of the bigger personalities take the early fall, Meg can definitely make it to jury. Beyond that, she'll be a target because she could be tough to vote against in the finals.

PREDICITON: Finals

Shelli Poole

Age: 33

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia

Current City: Atlanta

Occupation: Interior designer

In this group, Shelli is the cougar. She seems to be someone searching for love rather than having her eye on the prize. Being a couch fan is different than actually playing the game. How will she fair? I don't see her going far at all. I can see her being out early and instantly forgotten.

PREDICTION: Pre-jury

Steve Moses

Age: 22

Hometown: Gouverneur, New York

Current City: Gouverneur, New York

Occupation: College Student

Aww the innocent straight edge college kid! He may say he's a smart guy, but Steve looks like he'll be easy to manipulate. He'll likely be strung along to an alliance to be the resident smart kid, but once his use is over, he'll be the first to be disposed. If he gets in the numbers, he'll make it to jury. After that, see him in the jury house early. He wants to avoid being the next Ian Terry, but taking after a winner is always a good strategy.

PREDICTION: Jury

Vanessa Rousso

Age: 32

Hometown: Las Vegas

Current City: Las Vegas

Occupation: Professional poker player 

Vanessa is a poker player. And a good one at that. She'll be strategizing from the start. Whether or not she knows the hand of Big Brother is a whole other story. As long as she lets the wind blow at the start and not over think, Vanessa could be sitting pretty. But if she goes balls out from the start, she's a major threat to be an early eviction. The other key for Vanessa is not revealing her profession and net worth. If the players find out she's already a millionaire, there is no way in hell Vanessa goes far. Keep quiet and she's golden. Early jury is a logical place for her.

PREDICTION: Jury

Preseason Power Rankings

Going off of interviews, pictures, and bios alone, here are my official Big Brother 17 Power Rankings:

        1. Clay

        2. Meg

        3. Audrey

        4. Jason

        5. Da’Vonne

        6. Jace

        7. James

        8. Steve

        9. Vanessa

        10. Becky

        11. Liz

        12. Austin

        13. Shelli

        14. John

Check back weekly once the game is underway to see how the power shifts in the house and in the rankings!