Okay, so this is All-Stars but I’m not really seeing any Big Brother All-Stars.  The last game had Chill Town running the show and getting away with control.  The old-school Big Brother players have not learned that it is a new game yet.  You have old grudges going on with Memphis planning to target Ian because he won over Dan which really doesn’t make any sense.  Hey, Memphis!  This is Big Brother and your are supposed to be out for yourself. 

A Breakdown on Where We Stand

From Live Feeds, Memphis and Cody want Nicole A out.  The logic doesn’t make much sense.  Memphis is mad at her because she didn’t play in the Safety Suite.  Of course, he wanted all to play since that would leave him the automatic winner next week.  Memphis let’s Tyler, Dani, Enzo and Nicole F. get a pass?  And as for David, Memphis doesn’t feel that David knows how to play the game.  Memphis’s logic makes no sense and will see him go down fast.

Nicole A has been having panic attacks since she’s on the block.  She feels that Janelle and Kaysar haven’t worked hard enough to help her.  As it stands now, she probably will be leaving as most of the house guests are scared to vote other than “with the house.” 

Big Brother Alliances

I’m not sure how many are still active.  Ian and Nicole F still seem to be active and Christmas and Ian seem to have an unofficial one as she saved his this week.  Kaysar/Janelle and Da’Vonne/Bayleigh’s are still strong.  Cody has a final two with both Memphis and Enzo.  Tyler and Bayleigh are still together and Kevin and Nicole A. has turned toxic as Kevin is giving her bad advice. I’m still not sure that Tyler and David have a true alliance.  I honestly think that Cody has more alliances than Tyler.

Newly discovered alliances:

Enzo and Cody have switched up their alliance of Tyler, Dani by taking Nicole F and Christmas out.  Now Bayleigh and Da’Vonne are part. Their name is the Slick Six but Cody has told Nicole F that they’re still good.  Also, there is a new development with Tyler as he has aligned with Christmas.

And Now for the Show

After a recap, we are told the battle heats up but don’t see it.  Memphis tries to reason with us in the Diary Room that Nicole A isn’t working with him and David isn’t playing.  Dani is a little upset about how Memphis is acting at the present time and she doesn’t respect his game.

The after-veto scenes have Tyler and David talking with Tyler encouraging David.  Tyler tells us in Diary Room that Memphis is lame.  He also feels that Memphis’s game is coming from the 1940s (Tyler, the show wasn’t on then).  Tyler plans to play Veto and keep David safe.  Meanwhile Janelle is trying to help Nicole A.  For Janelle, Nicole A. leaving is bad for Janelle’s game.  Janelle goes to talk to Kaysar and Memphis about this.  Memphis uses his same lame excuses.  Memphis is on a major power kick.  Janelle is trying for a back door and suggests keeping Nicole A. while pushing for the nominee to Janelle be Dani and Cody.  Janelle has overplayed by naming two of Memphis’s allies. 

Enzo talks about his kids and how he would do anything for his kids.  Nicole F talks about her marriage to Victor coming up in December.  Kevin reveals he wants to have a child. If Kevin wins the money will go to staring a new chapter by adopting a child.

Cody and Memphis meet to discuss their dislike for Kaysar and Janelle.  Memphis tells Cody that Janelle and Kaysar mentioned every member of the alliance which means, as Cody says, they are now a target.    Kaysar and Janelle think it is Nicole F is the head but we all know that Cody thinks he is the mastermind.  Memphis is not ready to take a back door shot at either one.  Cody tells Dani things are spiraling out of control ad have a meeting of the group minus Memphis.

Veto and New Developments

Now, whee, it’s time to pick players for the Power of Veto.  Memphis as HoH chooses first and picks Ian.  Nicole A. picks Tyler.  David’s pick is Nicole F.  Okay, what’s wrong with this.  Almost every pick but Ian is in the alliance and know that they’ve been named by Janelle and Kaysar.  Is it smart to win or lose?  How bad would Memphis take it if one of them won and took one of the nominees off?

Big Brother All-Stars Wars is Ian’s punishment.  He will be hero, Dirk Spacerunner (I think that is right).  His costume looks like a silver space suit but with a female crown head piece.  He has to read/act a story and the rest respond.  Others will be called to read the script and act it out as well.  Let’s put it this way.  Like everything this summer, the rest if the cast just isn’t into it but Ian tries.  Ian must act whenever a buzzer sounds.  In the middle of the night he has to do a scene and Janelle is very unhappy.  Big Brother makes commentary on Ian’s performance.

The alliance has a meeting with Janelle and Kaysar as the topic but people don’t seem to trust Memphis.  Nicole F. doesn’t understand why Janelle is coming for her and knows that Janelle wants her gone.  How many times can Nicole F repeat the same phrase over and over in different sentences?  Tyler has an idea to win and take David off the block.  Memphis will have to show his cards then.  Right Tyler, you only seem to play the second half of the game.

Enzo is hosting this late night Power of Veto game.  The game is Oh Sorry I Am … (whatever).  They have to hold a ball on a paddle. The game looks like the old tennis game we played of how long can you hold a tennis ball on the racket.  If they drop the ball, they are out.  It seems to be a little hard to balance ad Nicole A is eliminated first followed by Nicole F.  The guys are left.  The only think I can say is this one seems to last longer than some of the others.  As David, and Tyler lose their concentration, Memphis wins.  Memphis wants to keep the power and total control.  He says he will get what he wants (and the rest will have to put up with his power trip).  And another cry by Nicole A. in the Diary Room.

In the aftermath of the competition, Nicole A’s diary room session shows that she is upset with herself.  When Kevin offers sympathy in the storage room, she shuts down. Is this our sweet little Nicole A from last year.  Nicole F. and Christmas talk about Kaysar and Janelle.  Nicole F sees ian as playing both sides and doesn’t trust Memphis.  Dani tries to reason with Memphis about using the veto and taking down Kaysar or Janelle.  Shows who is the smartest right – Dani.  She sees Janelle coming for the group hard.  Cody even pushes for Memphis to use the veto but Memphis has the power and he’s in control.

At the veto meeting, Memphis announces that he will not use the veto.  Ian gets called to act out a space drama scene.  Why couldn’t it be to put the evil king up for eviction.  Memphis’s speech is arrogant toward his nominees. He’s not willing to play toward his alliance’s advantage.  Dani and Nicole F. are really upset over this.  I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them doesn’t take Memphis out for stupidity.

For Next Time?

Will Nicole A hold a house meeting like she’s being urged to do by Kevin (or is it Tyler or does anyone care)?  At least it would give us some action.

Will Nicole A or David stay?  That’s still up in the air. 

Does anyone care unless this group really starts playing?  The ratings will only tell. 

There will be an eviction tomorrow night but will the real culprit go.  I wish someone had a coup d’etait to play and put Memphis up. I’m getting tired of this power kick and it is much worse than Cody’s from last week.

So Big Brother tonight was basically the results of the Head of Household competition from Thursday. We get Memphis who quickly gets a big head. We get Cody playing his second in command. We get the rest of them eyeing each other. Big Brother is big on alliances but this time around none in the alliance seems to trust the others. But more on that later.

Alliances

The show has no big move on alliances but on what I call the second string. They seem to be intact as I listed them on Thursday so I won’t say anything here. Memphis though now thinks he controls their every action. They must/should follow his commands or possibly face the nominations.

Crying

Da’Vonne in Diary Room after talking to Bayleigh, Dani, and Kevin about the stereotypical roles assigned to African Americans from birth. This was something Bayleigh talked about with Da’Vonne, Dani and Kevin listening. Very emotional for Da’Vonne.

Nicole A — at the end of the show over nominations. She cried not only in the Diary Room but it looks like in several rooms in the house. Let’s just count this three and say it is normal under the circumstances.

Memphis – Head of House

You have to wonder when someone gets named Head of House on Big Brother how long it will be before they let the power go to their head. Well, with Memphis, it doesn’t take long. He knows he’s in charge and he’s happy about it. So how do others take his win? Kevin could care less as he was safe from eviction (will that change?). David probably is the most negative because he knows Memphis hates him. The girls (Bayleigh, Da’Vonne, Nicole F, Dani and Christmas) feel safe as all are in some type of alliance with him. Kaysar and Janelle feel safe because he’s old school like they are. Ian is scared but that’s another story entirely.

Have Nots

This year the “Have Nots” are going to be chosen differently. Instead of the HoH nominating or the finishing of a comp determining, the previous week’s Have Nots will name their replacement. The list goes like this:

Memphis picked David. Memphis feels like this will cause David to break. Well, we all know that he wasn’t in the house long enough the last time to experience it.

Ian picked Nicole F. who actually looked like she volunteered. Of course, it could be because of her alliance with Ian.

Nicole A. picked Christmas. I don’t really remember a reasoning for this but I think Nicole A is a little intimidated by Christmas.

Kevin picked Kaysar. Again, I didn’t get a reason for this choice.

Pre-Safety Suite and Safety Suite

Cody and Memphis has a quick meeting trying to decide who goes up. Memphis really wants Ian and David on the block but Nicole A. and Kaysar are also mentioned. You can really see that Memphis is enjoying his power in this meeting. He’s in control and not Cody. Meanwhile Da’Vonne, Bayleigh, Kevin and Dani are talking about their childhood. Both Bayleigh and Da’Vonne were raised being told what to expect. Da’Vonne tells us in the meeting that that is not what she wants for her daughter. In the Diary Room, she cries and is very emotional when explaining what it was like and why today matters. And no, there was no mention of Black Life Matters. This was done in a very emotional personal way. I admire Da’Vonne and Bayleigh for being so open.

As time draws near for the Safety Suite to open, Memphis decides that he wants everyone to play. His alliance needs to play to prove their loyalty. The added bonus for Memphis is that the more that play now means the less he has to compete against next week. He talks to everyone and tells them that they need to play. in fact he pushes Nicole A. so far that she tells the Diary Room that she’s not going to do it. I will say Nicole A. realizes that it may be the very thing that sends her home.

After planting the “command” (yes, that’s what it was), for everyone to play, he does get his wish (at least partly). The first to hit the door early was David who somehow knows that it is the only way to keep himself safe. He’s followed by Ian, Christmas, Kevin, Cody, Bayleigh and Da’Vonne. Here’s the thing. Cody is Memphis’ co-conspirator (in fact Tyler refused to play when asked by Cody). Why did Cody play? Ian knows that Memphis doesn’t like him. Christmas, Bayleigh and Da’Vonne are in some form of an alliance with him. Does this mean alliances are falling? More on that later.

This week’s Safety Suite isn’t drinking vile concoctions like I thought but serving two tables. The problem: the tables wobble and lose the drinks if not placed correctly. Each “drink” is wood and weighs a different amount so figuring out the weight will be important. If the table drops the drinks, you must start that table over again. All play and seem to have trouble but the times are surprising. Christmas wins the competition with a score of one minutes, thirty-eight second. Da’Vonne had the worse time at eight minutes, forty-one seconds. What’s so funny is that Da’Vonne thought she won. Christmas, who was worried about Ian’s nervousness, had promised before the competition to keep him safe if she won. Christmas follows through and names Ian as her partner. Both cannot be nominated.

Memphis Power and His Displeasure

If anyone knows me, I often draw from history. In this case, I’ll just say that Memphis acts like Henry VII or Henry VIII. He calls Christmas in for an audience == I mean meeting. She thinks it’s to celebrate but it isn’t. Memphis doesn’t waste any time with telling her that he’s not happy with her pick.

Now for the reason Memphis is upset over Ian being safe. It seems Memphis came into the house with the decision made that he would get revenge on Ian for Dan Gheesling. I’m not exactly following his logic on this because of what Dan did to him. The year Dan and Memphis played opposite each other, they became friends. The friendship didn’t end when Dan beat Memphis. The next time Dan played, Ian beat him. Memphis is in the Big Brother house looking for revenge for Dan???? Come on Memphis this is a game. Memphis has vowed to take Ian out during his next HoH (if he doesn’t come up with a way to do this sooner).

Nomination Ceremony

Memphis doesn’t really surprise us. He does play cat and mouse with David. His first nomination is Nicole A. Why did he nominate BB’s sweetheart? She didn’t play the Safety Suite. David is the second nominee and Memphis talked so low I didn’t really get the reason. I think it was because he wanted David to have the entire BB experience. David expected it and said at the end in Diary Room that the game was was on. Nicole A. cried in the house and Diary Room

Missing from the Episode

Tonight, Nicole F., Tyler, Enzo, Janelle and Kaysar were amazingly quiet. I can’t believe they didn’t do anything from Thursday night until Saturday. They were all in the background or talking to someone else.

Live Feed Developments

First, they have played the Power of Veto but I will not spoil that for anyone. It will be Wednesday night’s show and is up on several different sites. What I’ve read and seen is that the alliances are breaking down and suspicions are happening. Bayleigh and Da’Vonne have approached Tyler with an alliance yet Dani has tried to break it up. Dani let slip to Da’Vonne that she’s in an alliance with Memphis. Remember Memphis and Cody have an alliance with Tyler, Dani, Nicole F., Christmas and Cody. Yet, he made a side alliance with Cody, Bayleigh and Da’Vonne. Plus Nicole F is feeling left out in the cold. At least she didn’t cry tonight.

I’ll be back on Wednesday. Show will air at 8:00 PM (Eastern).

Big Brother is always live on Thursday nights. Well, tonight, it wasn’t even though Julie said it was. She did come on Twitter later and apologize saying that with Big Brother that’s how she always sees the Thursday show. And she was very actively tweeting. Well, I guess I’ll give her a pass, because that is true. It only changes if the producers of Big Brother expects trouble, especially fights and cussing. Also of note there was no audience this year. When the evictee left, a mask had to be used and social distancing which meant no hug for Julie.

Let’s forget the recap, shall we. Instead let’s deal with the better action that actually occurred on Twitter and not in the house over the past two days. Twitter heated up between previously contestants (Evel Dick, Derrick and Dan to name a few) and many verbal punches were thrown. I’m not going to say who won. That’s up to the fan base to decide. I will say we all got a surprised in the Big Brother Twitter universe when someone came on with the votes and voting order right before the show began. I wrote them down and as our house guests voted checked off the names. Each was in order. Is there a new mole to take former snitch’s {Vegas’s) place?

Alliances

The alliances haven’t changed. In fact we learn tonight that there are now many more. Not all have names. Let’s start the list.

Not only does Tyler seem to have multiple alliances but Cody also does and is using them to protect his “rear” — I mean game. Here is where we stand on the others.

Enzo/Cody alliance — no name that I can tell but: Tyler, Cody, Nic F. and Enzo. If there are others, they haven’t been revealed. Some have been proposed.

New and confirmed Memphis/Cody alliance: Memphis and Cody (The Commission), with Tyler, Dani and Nicole F.

Kaysar and Janelle with a possible addition of Nicole A.

Bayleigh and Da’Vonne.

New and confirmed: Bayleigh and Tyler.

Ian and Nic F — Previous winners alliance (Million Dollar)

Kevin and Nicole A — Outsiders

New alliance — Cody, Memphis, Da’Vonne and Bayleigh — Cody thinks that will grant safety for him and Memphis while Da’Vonne and Bayleigh plan to use them as a smoke screen

So it looks like to me, Cody and Tyler have the most alliances, Nic F. thinks she is safe with those she is aligned with, Bayleigh and Da’Vonne are working as a strong team. Dani and Christmas are in a safe position as long as someone in their alliance wins while Kaysar and Janelle know what is going on. This leaves David as clueless, Kevin and Nicole A. definitely as the outsiders. If I missed any alliance, please let me know. My real problem is Enzo. He seems to fit with Cody and has an alliance with him but so does Memphis and both are big. So where does Cody really stand? With all! He’s trying to buy safety by aligning with the most players and also being nice to Kevin before the vote.

Crying:

Nicole — once in Diary Room and once during show in the 8/12 dated Episode

Keesha — once in Diary Room on 8/12 and when she exited the house.

Kayser, Kevin with one each.

Pre-Show and Eviction

So tonight’s filler dealt with basically three things. First, we watch Janelle give Keesha a pep talk which didn’t work. She honestly waited too long to start. Then we watched Cody make alliances right and left. Finally we see Cody doing a form of vote management. He’s going to have to answer for many things after this.

As the vote starts, David gets called first and all applaud his first opportunity to vote. Remember, last season he was in and out of the house of Big Brother before anyone knew who he really was. All the others followed and the vote was unanimously for Keesha’s eviction. As I said earlier, she left in tears so I’m counting that as one “big” cry.

HoH Contest

All the house guests gather in the back yard. I knew with their dress earlier and then with the staging that it would be a question/answer or true/false game. Sure enough, it was true/false based on a “Big Brother” (read staged) family viewing party. They were to watch two videos and answer questions. The videos were rather stupid/dull/thrown together (you choose the option) and done in a Zoom format. The questions were like who appeared first, what was the background, what hand they used, etc. Memphis won although I have to question whether a couple threw the comp on purpose. He must now nominate two people for eviction but was warned that the “Safety Room” would still be opened this week.

Safety Room

And what is the safety competition this week? Well, it looked like the proverbial tasting contest where they must drink some vile concoctions. It is being called the Bar competition.

The Show’s Ending

Tonight, Julie had a very unusual show ending. It’s like one I’ve never seen her do before. She told us to remember the “Golden Rule” from the New Testament. She quoted: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?” While I appreciate the sentiment, I’ve never seen Julie do this before. Have any of you?

So next episode will be Sunday at 8:00 PM. Please let me know opinions on this week’s show.

Okay, so I let the cat (not Enzo) out of the bag. Tonight’s episode of Big Brother, to put it mildly, was boring. No big moves, no acknowledgements that slop made people sick, just a few moves and things going as planned. Come on Big Brother crew, make something happened (other than that ! and A). This group is so interesting that I would almost say I’d rather watch paint dry. Tonight was a snoozefest. But let’s get to the action.

The Tears

First up, let’s deal with the cry meter for the show. Guess what! No tears from Nicole F. Tonight Kevin teared up in the Diary Room and maybe during the looking for a partner in POV period in the bathroom. I’ll only count that as one. Kaysar had tears during his talk with Ian in the Living Room,

The Alliances

None really have names yet but let’s go through them here.

Tyler: Has a final two with almost everyone in the house. They just keep coming up and offer to go to the end with him. In Diary Room we find out that this wasn’t his intention this year. “It just happened.”

Cody has an alliance with Nicole F, Tyler, Memphis and Enzo. Now this is interesting as it is so different from the one we are getting on the feeds that Enzo has been promoting which is Enzo, Cody, Tyler, Bayleigh, Da’Vonne and Dani. Come on guys! Which is it or is it both?

Kaysar and Janelle (and possibly Nicole A). They want to work with Keesha but that seems to be a lost hope now.

Cody and Enzo has a final two.

Ian and Nicole F. — Winner’s final two. Nicole F.’s back up plan.

Da’Vonne and Bayleigh — final two.

Tonight’s Episode

Basically tonight is nothing more than a filler. Considering no action or disagreements happened in the house, it was really a drag. If live feeders thought the feeds were bad, then this was much worse for them. We had two honest conversations which were shown during the same space of time. The one that most interested me was between Kaysar, Ian and Nicole A. (one of the briefest scenes we saw for her). In the living room, Ian tells Nicole A. and Kaysar that he is missing the back yard and hammock. To him the hammock is a safe place to go. Ian suffers from a mild form of autism and he feels that he’s doing this for others like him. Ian, come on boy! Your smart and have a good life, don’t let this bring you down. Kaysar tells him to be who he is and Nicole A. tells him that he is great and she is proud. In the Diary Room, Nicole A. talks abut how proud she is of Ian and opening up about his experience. She has encountered this when she worked in a school.

Enzo and Kevin has a talk. This may be the first talk those two have had. Kevin asks about forming an alliance and Enzo shuts that down. So much for empathy here right?

We also find out that Nicole F. has gotten Kaysar and Janelle’s suspicions in overdrive. They don’t trust her and know that Nicole F. doesn’t like/trust Janelle. Later, Enzo sees Ian and Nicole F. talking about their final two mentioned early. Like the true boy scout he is (NOT), he runs upstairs and tells Cody. Enzo would like to put Ian up but as he says later, it’s too early.

The Power Of Veto Game/Ceremony

The players are picked. Cody draws Tyler, Kevin draws house guest’s choice (Enzo), and Keesha gets Ian. The first Power of Veto has them visiting the BB Farmer’s Market where they play BB Banana Peelathon. They must rock back and forth on giant bananas (no I kid you not). When they reach 90 seconds, they must race and stack “vegetables” into a basket (table). I kid you not! I’ve seen these “vegetables/fruits” in children’s game sets. They have 30 minutes. Time begins and they start. Some quickly build up the 90 seconds others take their time. All have problems with the stacking. Enzo buzzes in with 18 stacked. While Kevin thinks he has 19, he doesn’t buzz in before 90 seconds ends and is disqualified. The rest fail to finish. Great POV right? I hate it when there is no real contest. Enzo celebrates the victory in the Diary Room sounding like a rapper while looking like an idiot. Side note: Twitter fans were mad because it looked with Enzo knocked Keesha’s over during the competition with an elbow. If he did, and I’m not sure because I didn’t see the elbow, I’ll call poor sportsmanship.

Kevin did make a pitch to Enzo to use the Power of Veto on him. If Keesha did, it wasn’t shown. In the end, after talking to Cody, Enzo decides not to use the Power of Veto because “it’s too soon.” You know, I can remember this coming back to bite someone years ago.

Take Aways from the Live Feeds and Tonight’s Show

Good thing! Nicole F. didn’t cry during the show in the Diary Room or on screen. That may be due to the fact she got little air time.

Bad News — Slop made all the “have nots” sick. If it’s that bad, how will they tell if the players have COVID or slop reactions.

Enzo talked like a teenage thug and acted like a rapper. Good news is that very few “meows meows” were heard.

Tyler understands that he has made too many final two alliances. He just couldn’t stop people asking. He admits it will hurt him later.

The only two winners in the house have a final two. Wonder how long Nicole F. will keep it. Better question: Will Ian find out about her alliance with Cody.

Tune in tomorrow as one Big Brother contestant departs. Right now, it looks to be Keesha but hey, they’ve got 24 hours to change their minds. Of course, with this lack of action in this group, it may be another boring show.

Okay Big Brother fans! Let me admit, I’ve checked the feeds occasionally and most of what has gone down on the live feeds is just talking to each other and trying to keep one self’s clean. So far, it’s been boring. These people don’t seem to realize that socializing will help your game. You need friends to vote for you or else it will be against you. They’re off in their own little huddles with the same assurances offered every time. The only one really trying to set up alliances is Tyler and he’s making them with all like usual people. By that I mean EVERYONE! Cody seems to have let the power go to his head (as usual with an HoH) and teamed up with Nicole F, or is it Tyler, or is it Memphis, or is it “meow man” Memphis or is it . . . He seems to be listening to Nicole F (I mean Nic) more than anyone else and I bet that she hates having another girl in the house with her name. Oh and why hasn’t Enzo outgrown the “meow” label. It was cute for all of six weeks the first time around but he is older and should be wiser.

This was your usual filler episode except for the items listed below. I’ll put the big things separate.

• The “Have Not” room. I mentioned in my last update that it looked like a basement with first and heating pipes. That’s exactly what it looked like when they got in. (Note: Reports out of the house yesterday said that Memphis, Ian and Nicole A are all having issues with the slop. Nicole A. even went to be bed early last night with a bucket beside her.)
• Nicole F (Nic from now on) has her first cry in the diary room. Not sure why but I think she feels no one likes her especially Da’Vonne. I know she later said to Cody that she’s being trashed on Twitter about pre-gaming. Well, Cody did talk to Derrick who admitted in an interview that he planned to bring a phone in with him. (Sorry I didn’t hear all of this due to a news blurb about the earthquake on my phone.)
• Nic and Cody talk with Nic suggesting that she will set up an all-girl alliance and report everything back to him. I didn’t hear him say he’d tell her about the all-guy alliance. And since no one seems to be following up on the all-girl alliance (and no one really trusts anyone else), I don’t see this happening.
• Cody doesn’t like Janelle — she’s too smart. He doesn’t trust Kaysar because he’s too smart. And Cody thinks Tyler should open up more. Duh, Cody, this would give his game away.
• Memphis wants an alliance with Cody and Nic.
• Enzo wants Tyler out.
• NO BIG MULTI-PLAYER ALLIANCE YET. There seems to be some small groups aligning but they don’t seem to last for long (Kaysar, Janelle, Nicole A for example).

SAFETY SUITE

Cody calls a meeting and hands out VIP passes. Each week, players can enter the Safety Suite and play for safety. This allows them to remain free of the noms during the “Nomination Ceremony.” Once they use their VIP pass, they can not play for safety again. They will be called and the time will set on the screen. They are given one hour to decide whether or not to use their VIP pass to play the game. If they win, they get to name one person who will also be safe but must take a punishment.

The announcement is made, but no one makes a move. The reason: no one wants to look nervous about their fear of nomination. As the time almost runs out, Kaysar and Janelle (Cody’s unofficial, unspoken noms) decide to play. The game is “Don’t Miss a Beat” and they each will enter the room alone. The room is spacious and set up like a DJ center. They must listen to the tune then play it back with the buttons given. They each will hear the tune, hit each button to see where it corresponds and then remember the location to play the song back. It’s not easy (think the childhood game Simon on steroids), but Kaysar and Janelle won’t let it ‘beat’ them. When Cody reveals the time, Kaysar did it in 7:55 while it took Janelle 16:36. He earns the safety and must immediately name the person he will keep safe with him. Kaysar, seemingly knowing that both he and Janelle are at risk, give her the other safety. Poor Cody is left with no nominees. Janelle’s punishment is a “star” costume. Considering Nic’s record with these, I know she is hating this.

NOMINATION CEREMONY

Cody must now make a change to his nominees and he’s not happy. He talks it through with Nic and then gets a visit from Kevin who seems to be acknowledging that he hasn’t had any “social game” with Cody. Kevin goofs up big here and plays on emotion which Cody admits in the Diary Room that he doesn’t like.

The noms are in and it is Keesha and Kevin. The reason: no relationship has developed and nothing personal. Kaysar celebrates in the Diary Room the foiling of Cody’s plan. Just how much does he know?

For the Rest of the Week

Power of Veto is played — I haven’t confirmed who won and would not include it here for spoiler free people.

Will we get a big alliance this week?

How will Keesha and Kevin react toward Cody and his noms. ?

First let me say that real world got in the way which is why this is later than I had hoped. Please excuse typos and bad grammar. I’m saving that for the editing I just received. Secondly, I was glad to see the house guests wearing masks until they entered the house last night and hear Julie’s comments about distance (12 feet) that she had to stand from the contestants. Then I wanted to remind everyone that I wrote in a post on May 2nd, the following.

Filming of television shows/movies

• Temperature and health checks as people enter and leave the set.
• Hand Sanitizing and frequent hand washing locations near the set.
• Close sets with only those required present.
• Taped with fewer crew members.
• Space between host and participants.
• New sets that are aware of distancing.
• No sharing of “spaces” or “beds”.
• Limited punishments (like Big Brother’s ‘have not’ room or Survivor’s Exile Island).
• Possible quarantine for 14 days before filming begins.
• Less alcohol as that tends to lead to fights.

Looks like I guessed right on some of the above or most of the above. I found it interesting that the 12 foot rule came into use with Julie and the house guests. Let’s see what happens inside the house. I may need to comment more. Now on to the show.

We, of course, had been spoiled on who might enter the house. Thus, there were no real surprises. I will be honest and say that I liked how the house guests entered and played the game. The contestants intros from home and family gave you a real feel of the mix. I also found it interesting that the first group of ladies included Nicole F., Dani, Da’Vonne and Christmas. Of this group, many seemed surprised about Christmas because she left a son at home and was a Paul stooge. Nicole F. seemed ready to get to the game and Dani and Da’Vonne showed real potential.

The second group of women held no real surprises. I’m honest, I expected Bayleigh to be in the crew. I actually see her as more confident now. Janelle and Keisha are probably the oldest women in the house while Nicole A. is probably the youngest. Of this group, I see Janelle aligning more with Dani and Da’Vonne than with Nicole A. Keisha to me is a wild card. I don’t remember her well from her season.

So, let me give you my take on the women quick. I think if Janelle aligned and set up an alliance with Dani, Da’Vonne and Nicole A. that they might go far. Nicole F. seems to be acting like the confused child from what I saw last night and playing up the girl next door. Unfortunately, Dani and Janelle, I personally think, are well aware of who and what she is capable of. The ladies may be the strongest group as long as they band together and not lose their focus.

The men are a strange mix of characters. The first group included Tyler, Ian, Kevin and Enzo. Of this group, I could done without the “Meow” man, “Enzo.” I’m honest. I didn’t like him in his season and I’ve got a long way to go to be convinced that he IS an all-star. The second group of men consisted of Kaysar, Cory, Memphis, and David. David is the real non-All Star because he didn’t really get a chance to play. I see this as hurting him as all are aware of what happened. He’s going to have to win comps to stay viable. Also, while I like Kevin, his cut wasn’t good during his seasons of Big Brother. He came off more as a Jessie fan but swears he wasn’t. Yet, Kevin was strongly aligned with Jessie, Natalie, Lydia and what’s her name. Of these, I look for David and maybe Kaysar to be a target but I think I would put a bulls-eye on Memphis and Enzo.

The Head of House comp was a two parter. The first part was played in groups of four. Due to COVID, I think we can expect much more of this. This one was a puzzle game of putting the ball in a room location that matched the object in the picture. It seemed much harder than usual with Christmas and Nicole A. being the only two women making the final and Ian, Kevin, Memphis and Cody making the grade for the men.

The second challenge was more physical. The one with the best time would become Head of House. While Memphis finished in a minute, 12 seconds, Cody followed and set the mark for the rest with a time of 22.06. Both Christmas and Nicole A. had problems and many fear that Christmas would break a foot again. Ian and Kevin both fell during their time. It seemed to me that Ian forgot which block on purpose. He did say during his package that he planned to lay low. This is not a good strategy though with All Stars. Those losing had to take an envelope with a good or bad prize. Christmas got the cash ($5,000) while Nicole, Memphis, Ian and Kevin are “have-nots” for the week. So much for luxury as the “have not” room reminded me of a basement with boiler pipes and fires to keep people warm and cot beds. Oh, and did I mention, you must crawl to enter the room. I’m sure Memphis and Kevin will LOVE that. Slop is never fun and they didn’t even get a special welcome dinner.

Of the house guests, I don’t expect any showmances this year. At least seven (I believe are married and around half the cast have children. Also, it seems Big Brother went all out with “training” this year in inclusion and sexual harassment. This tells me that they’re going to be extra strict.

In the closing minutes, there was much smoozing as the house guests got to know the newbies and caught up with each other. With the huge group, it seems hard for any alliance talk to begin. I didn’t catch any of the live feeds but did check Joker’s this morning. There seems to be some unity with Tyler and the Renegades. Dani seems to have found a bond with Da’Vonne. Those two would make a unified, tight team. Nicole F. seems to be feeling her way to an alliance while Nicole A. seems to be trying to learn all the others. Bayleigh and Tyler seem civil but that situation needs to be watched.

If I had to make nominations now, I’d put up Christmas (for winning money and a foot injury) or Nicole F (since she’s won several prizes before). David or Enzo would be my choices in the men. Reason for David is obvious. He’s never played the game. While he needs the opportunity to prove himself, many would question whether he has the right to be there. Enzo is just annoying. He never really did that much for the Renegades and I’m not sure he will do much for any alliance this time.

As to alliances, it’s too early for that. There are some powerful women who, if they bond together, could go to the end and win. As to the guys, Tyler and Kevin would have a good chance as long as they move without being in view. Kaysar needs to cut down on the tech talk and blend in a little more.

More after Sunday’s show. And, if I see something interesting on the feeds (yes, I have them this year), I’ll send an updated blog.

Okay before I start my recap of Riverdale, I assume everyone knows that this is probably the last new show we will get until the next season comes around (whenever that is).  All of the rumors that were coming out said the show would start five years in the future.  Well, personally I don’t see how that can happen now with Riverdale’s ending.  It did end on a potential season ending finale but it left too many questions for a time jump.  We’ll get to that later.

Let me also state that when I saw Riverdale’s episode title, “Killing Mr. Honey,” I immediately thought of an old 1990’s movie called “Teaching Mrs. Tingle.”  Get this!  Not only did it have a connection to the actor who play Mr. Honey, Kerr Smith, but it also had a connection to one of the parents.  “Teaching Mrs. Tingle” had a similar plot to the story Jughead wrote and starred Katie Holmes (co-star of Kerr on Dawson’s Creek) and Molly Ringwald (Archie’s mom).  Coincidence.  I think not!  Now on to the recap.

Real Time at Riverdale High

As the story opens, more films have been delivered.  This time, the movies are still echoing events in Riverdale (seasons) past.  More voyeur than real, the film enacts scenes from the four seasons and the lives of the characters.  But for the videos, the characters are wearing masks to reflect the person they represent (think Midge’s murder).  Okay — we know that there was a voyeur room at the local video store that Ethel revealed last week.  Isn’t this taking it a little far.  While the discussion rages on why, Betty sees the potential that someone is using these films to set up a real murder.

Later, in a meeting with Mr. Honey, Betty learns that he has cancelled the yearbook.  She’s been working on that night and day but he says that she missed the deadline and he has to approve every page.  Thus, no yearbook which upsets Betty.

Archie, Ron, Jug, Reggie, Cheryl, and Kevin are hanging in the lounge at school when Jughead receives a letter from the University of Iowa.  He must submit a story to complete his acceptance and he is on a deadline.  He has writer’s block though.  To add to the misery, Betty arrives with the bad news that there will be no yearbook which sends each down the road of remembering all the bad things Honey has done to the gang all year.  i won’t do the list now because it’s too long and I’m tired of it being repeated (it’s more fun to watch).  They’re trying to come up with something to do to Honey.  While Betty suggests killing him and gets strange looks, Reggie suggests the ultimate senior prank.  And I figure it will be lame which it turns out to be!  Also, I’m not surprise at Betty’s suggestion.  Remember, she has the serial killer gene.

Reggie arranges the senior prank.  He, along with Archie and Kevin, glue Honey’s chair seat and his phone.  Honey sits down, realizes he can’t stand, reaches for the phone and finds it glued to his hand.  Okay — I could have given specifics but I’m feeljng my “Southern Lady” roots tonight (as Dawson’s Creek was filmed in NC).  Riverdale High watches as Honey is wheeled out attached to his chair by the paramedics.

Next day, Honey gets his revenge.  He’s cancelling the prom so Betty and the rest go looking for skeletons in his closet.  It seems that at every high school he has served, the prom has been cancelled.  Archie, Betty, Kevin, Veronica, Betty and Jughead talk to their parents who all show up to talk to Honey about cancelling the prom.  When he says his decision stand, Mary cites legal standing that will get the prom held, Hiram pulls out he’s mayor and will have Honey fired, and Alice promises a document.  Honey asked what FP and Kevin’s dad will do and they answer they’re the muscle (can you imagine that scene if Luke had been there).  Cheryl goes in to the meeting with the parents and returns to announce the prom will be held and celebration ensues at Pop Tate’s.

But wait!  The next day, Betty and Jug are called to the principle’s office where Charles (their FBI agent brother) is waiting.  Seems there is another video tape but it is not a voyeur tape this time.  Honey sees it as a threat to the school as all parts of the school are filmed.  He cancels the prom again due to school safety.

While Jughead returns to his story (I’ll get to that in a minute), Betty and Charles review the movie.  Betty’s eagle eye finds a glimpse of a mirror that shows Honey is filming.  To make a long story short, Honey is confronted and is forced out of Riverdale High.  As the gang watch the “dead man walking” (as Archie calls it), we learn that Honey was expecting this and has a job at Jug’s old school “Stonewall Prep” (or Baker’s Murder High).  And I will finish this in a minute after I relate Jughead’s writing assignment for Iowa State.

Jughead’s Story for Iowa State

After all that Honey has done, Jughead has his story idea.  He’s going to write a story called “Killing Mr. Honey” and change the names before he submits it.  In the story, the core seven confronts Honey and Reggie roughs him up.  First, Jug thinks of killing him, but then writes the story that Honey is taken to a cabin to be held until he agrees to hold the prom and forgive the participants of his kidnapping.  The story takes a turn her and echoes the Midler/DeVito’s move, Ruthless People.  The core seven hold Honey prisoner until he agrees to allow the prom.  Riverdale is nothing if not smooth.  Honey plays on Cheryl’s weakness for being a leader but she doesn’t let him loose.  Next up is Archie and Veronica who find him dead.

So what do the gang do with a dead body.  Well, it is Riverdale and they decide to bury it where no one will find it.  Reggie has a big case of guilt going and is flipping out.  When Kevin, who didn’t help bury the body, tells them that the local scout troop (think Dilton Doiley and his crew from the premiere episode) found Honey’s glasses, well Reggie loses it.  He also spills the beans on the murder to Mad Dog in the locker room which shows Archie that Reg is out of control.

So the next bit of the story has Jughead killing Reggie.  Reggie’s brakes on his car is cut and he has a horrible accident.  Yes, the gang was involved.  Now Ronnie is upset and . . .

Back to the Real World

As the group of seven gather in the lounge, they’re celebrating Honey’s departure.  The secretary, Mrs. Bell, is upset.  All Mr. Honey wanted to do was prepare them for the real world (oh really Mrs. Bell.  In whose view?).   She hands Jughead a letter that Honey was sending for him to Iowa State.  When Jughead reads it later at home, he finds a glowing recommendation which makes him change the story to Archie and Ronnie saving Honey’s life.  As Betty and Jug discuss the changes he made to the letter, Jellybean comes up.  A new video has arrived.

Jughead and Betty (without Jellybean) go to the living room to watch the movie.  In it, there is narration of the letter as they a video with no voyeur of a cabin.  Jughead recognizes it as the one where Hermione and her lover, the former sheriff, met (where he also died at her hand).  They go there and find movie equipment and a screen.  In the video recorder is a movie that they watch.  As Jughead’s letter is read, the tape shows Jughead and friends killing Mr. Honey and the scene closes.

Now where will we go next year?  That’s a good question and I know Roberto will never tell us.  I do have one big question though.  Why is the technology VCR tapes from the 80s?  Come on guys!  Are we supposed to see this as a “Stranger Things” show or something a little more current.

As we wait to see what the COVID-19 virus does to the production of the show, i’ll be waiting.  Now all of us will wonder:

Where is Honey?

Did  he do the videos alone?

Just why is Charles there?

Fomr me to you — goodnight.

As we watch Washington Apprentice play out in the White House while the nation is ravaged by COVID-19, television is becoming slim on new shows.  Television production has had to shut down due to the virus, stay-at-home rules, and quarantine which means we will not get some of our season finales.  More than that, it has put a hold on reality programming which has always been a staple of the summer season.

So where do we stand.  Let’s start with the regular shows on television.  Unless they were lucky and finished filming the season before the planned season finale, we will not have a regular finale for the season much less a show finale.  Production was shut down in Vancouver and Hollywood.  Atlanta has been hard hit with numbers of those with the disease as has New Orleans.  If production begins in August, we may have a season of new shows by late September or early October.  That will depend on the spread of the virus and the quarantine restrictions.

I turned to two friends for their input on the next season.  I’ve known bacali and ponytail (yes lower case for both) for years on discussion boards.  Both are fans of Big Brother and The Amazing Race.  Their fears echo mine with each worried about Big Brother and The Bachelor that was to air late spring and summer.  I’ve already heard rumors that if Survivor has a finale for this season, it will be without an audience.  Now I’m hearing they may not be on the stage at all but the finale will be done through Zoom.  The Amazing Race has at least one season filmed but the filming for the most recent was halted and all flew home when the virus outbreak happened.  It’s doubtful that they will ever complete that season.  While there have been rumors of Big Brother, it’s safe to assume that it will not happen until the quarantine is lifted.

So where do we stand with the competitive shows.  The Masked Singer had enough to finish this present season.  American Idol is trying to do the show from home but it is confusing to watch.  America’s Got Talent was in the auditioning stages when the pandemic happened and it usually airs during the summer.  According to EW, it will happen but production is in limbo.  World of Dance had wrapped production so it will be a normal season.  Rumors also have circulated that two new seasons of Hell’s Kitchen exists but I have seen no official word.  The Bachelor appears to be heading toward retrospective shows.  The Voice and other shows with audiences are in limbo as of what I have heard.  What is filmed will air.  Questions arise for the future.

So what will television look like when we return to “normal?”  Maybe I should say what will the “new norma”l be like when we move into the 20-21 season?  As I write this CNN (fake news to the Celebrity Apprentice) is airing in the background with a news story that we are just seeing the outbreak of the pandemic.  Dramas and comedies may be able to adjust.  Some game shows (like Family Feud, $10,000 Pyramid and Match Game) may be able to return with no audience, reduce staff, and wider spaces between the participants.  Let’s face it though.  Reality series rely heavily on participants who conspire and use cunning and backstabbing to make it to the end.

Thus here is what I see as the face of television in 20-21.  Good news is that it won’t be as bad as the writer’s strike.  Bad news is that we don’t know what the normal will be as we move into the usual flu season.

For All:

• Temperature and health checks as people enter and leave the set.
• Hand Sanitizing and frequent hand washing locations near the set.
• Close sets with only those required present.
• Sets that put more space between participants.
• Longer production schedules as programs must sanitize the locations more often.
• Less filming on location as fans tend to flock there to observe.
• Less emphasis on foreign locations and travel.

Dramas and Comedies

• Taped with fewer crew members.
• Actors more aware of physical (social) distance and putting more space between their characters.
• Fewer scenes of close interaction and less people in police dramas leaning over a body.
• Medical dramas that may focus on interaction and less on surgery as the equipment is needed in “real world” situations.
• Comedies filmed with no studio audiences.
• Possible temporary shutdowns due to health concerns.

Competitive Game Shows

• Those with studio audiences with smaller participants or none at all.
• Space between host and participants.
• New sets that are aware of distancing.
• No trips to foreign lands as prizes.
• Limited travel opportunities.
• More cars and money prizes.
• Tickets given out with no lines for those wanting to watch production

Reality Shows with interaction

These will be the hardest hit because they rely on close participation (Dancing with the Stars), schemes and backstabbing.

• No travel to foreign lands.
• If travel occurs, the set is closed.
• Participants monitored daily for changes in health.
• No sharing of “spaces” or “beds”.
• Limited punishments (like Big Brother’s ‘have not’ room or Survivor’s Exile Island).
• No home or town visits for shows like The Bachelor.
• Possible quarantine for 14 days before filming begins.
• Less alcohol as that tends to lead to fights.

I’m sure I’ve missed some things but this is what I see.  Give me opinions please.  Is reality dead?  What do you expect on your weekly comedy or drama?  I also look forward to the summer and fall previews from the networks which will happen shortly.  Some people feel that Dancing with the Stars will be a go and The Bachelorette, which is planned to film in one location, are safe.  Time will tell as the COVID-19 rates rise and fall.  Maybe I should get busy on that pandemic book I am writing in my head.  It might actually be a good solution for a producer during this terrible time.

Well, it’s been awhile since we have seen Riverdale.  So, what can we expect?  We know Jughead is no longer dead.  What does Riverdale  have to offer us that is new?  Oh, right!  It’s the high school musical night!  Will anyone die like they have in the pass.  Which of the older cast members will sing or make a fool of themselves.  I have a feeling Honey will be in that category because I’m beginning to wish he would get kicked off the show.  As they say in show business — let’s get on with the show!

Okay, Riverdale started with “Wicked Little Town” (the only song I know from this) while everyone is either at home or at Pop’s watching a video of their business/home.  This is so boring to us but worrisome to the citizens of Riverdale.   Jughead has to make up much school work due his death and change of school.  He’s also going to be doing some work for Charles but doesn’t want Betty to know.  Will Jughead suddenly find out that Charles is doing the videotaping?  Actually, it’s old school like “Stranger Things.”

Kevin and the Honey square off over the song choice that Kevin wants to do because of the controversial nature of the show. from which it comes (Hedwig and the Inch?).  He wants Kevin to sing a song from Carousel or another old fashion musical.   Kevin leaves the office with an old school boom box blaring and gets bumped in the hall.  He goes into a classroom and the Vixens and Archie (with super red hair) join in.  The students go back to the hall and empty their lockers with streamers. Honey will cut Kevin’s song if this keeps up because he is boss.

Archie meanwhile signs up for the variety show with the Archies and has a new guitar.  When he talks to the group, they get interrupted by Kevin in drag singing a song from the show.  Kevin kisses Archie and all laugh. By the way, I know nothing about the music so don’t expect me to list lyrics.  Oh, and did I mention that Honey arrives in the lounge and gets mad.  He throws Kevin out of the variety show but that doesn’t stop Kevin.  That is, until Honey pulls the speaker’s plug.

Betty, Veronica, Cheryl and Toni are having a pajama party and has invited Kevin to come.  Kevin is very upset about not being a part of the variety show.  He felt he was reconnecting with the town and school.  Reconnecting — oh, right, from the cult.  The girls try to cheer him up.  The girls put a big wig on Kevin’s head and he joins in the fun.  As the song continues, the girls do a make over on Kevin.  And what is a pajama party without a pillow fight?  Evidently nothing.  Betty suggests that they all sing songs from Hedwig and Cheryl declares war.

The next day, at Pop’s, the Vixens give Honey another taste of Hedwig with all the Vixens singing.  Honey tries to stop it but can’t.  Finally, Cheryl comes over and Honey gives her the bad news.  Any student who performs a song from Hedwig and the Inch will be barred from Senior Prom.

Archie hears that Hiram fell.  He admits that Hiram has been working out at the teen center which sets Ronnie off.  Next time, Archie should drag him to the doctor and by the way, why didn’t he tell her.  Betty catches Jughead trying to solve a crime.  She’s upset because he’s not studying seriously.  The two of them fight it out because he’s a different person since he was hit in the head with a rock.  Now he breaks out to sing (and what a set of vocals are coming from him).  The song is split between the two groups as they fight over their differences.

Honey’s secretary shows up and lets him know something is going on in the hallway.  Kevin has a peaceful protest going on. Honey is not happy and sees the protest leading to violence.  Honey is going to cancel the variety show completely.  Later Betty shows up late for the Archies practice.  Archie had forgotten to tell her that rehearsal was cancelled.  He formed the group because he wanted to have fun.  Both are sad and hurt.  Archie remembers their sophomore year when he froze on stage.  When Archie saw his dad (a salute to Luke Perry), he could perform.  Betty suggests they rehearse.  Oh my, the heat is rising.  Do we have the start of a new duo of Betty and Archie.  Ronnie meanwhile is thinking of Archie while Jughead watches video of houses and both feel guilty about what they have done.  This foursome can sing.  Oh my! What an ending!  I’m sure the Barchie’s are celebrating at around 8:45.

Later, both Jughead and Ronnie make up to their respective others who are feeling so guilty.  Ronnie also has news.  Kevin has made a suggestion that the Archies still perform.  It will happen at her club in a few days.

The Archies take the stage at Ronnie’s club with some of the parents present.  Archie is on guitar, Ron has vocals (no piano for her).  Jughead is playing drums and looking at Betty while Betty has a tamberine and casts sly looks at Archie.  They include Choni (great shout out to the names we give the pairs) in their song.  Cheers ring out as they say Kevin.  Choni, while not taking the stage, joins the song.  The group leaves the stage only to reappear on Pop’s roof with a spotlight going.  All of Riverdale High appears to be in attendance which makes Cheryl happy.  FP and Alice look so proud.  Jughead sees someone with a camera and offers his narrator voice about evil still alive in the town.  He has a vision of someone with a Jughead crown standing in the forest with a Betty character sneaking up to hit him from behind.  What gives?  Are they rewriting the narrative again?

Next time!  More Barchie.

 

 

 

 

 

Please be sure to include children’s name, grade in school, birthdate, and cell phone number for parents. If you are not from Burlington, please include what city you live in.

Picture 1 — What color of egg has a tree design?

Picture 2: What color is the rabbit?

Picture 3: What type of flower is this?

Picture 4: How many black eggs are there?

Picture 5: What color of egg is saying “Oh”?

Picture 6: How many purple flowers are in the picture below?

Picture 7: Be creative! Name the rabbits.

Picture 8: What is this bunny wearing?

Picture 9: What type of flower is this?

Picture 10: How many Easter Eggs are there?