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LindaM:
We had fall arrive yesterday with off and on storms.  The ones last night were supposed to be bad (but weren't) so I didn't recap.  I won't recap tomorrow either.

Big Brother #23 – And Soon There Are Three (9/23/21)

Sorry I missed last night. I’ve actually taped it but haven’t had the time to watch.  We were in and out of weather alerts all day and night.  I figure it is more of the Kyland’s woe story and I honestly lose his thoughts after his first line. 


So how did we get here?  Let’s review.  The on-air premiere had the group divided into four teams of four members.  Frenchie won the HoH and made the promise that he wouldn’t nominate a PoC or a woman.  Unfortunately, it came down to one of his final two alliance (of which there were many), Travis, who left.  Unknown to Frenchie, the PoC (minus Derek X.) had formed a secret (silent) alliance called the Cookout which would eventually lead them to the final 12.  The six Cookout members took a “pawn” from their team to hide behind. Unfortunately (for the Jokers), Azah and Derek F. had to share Britini while Xavier had Christian and Alyssa.  And as the game continued, we came down to the Cookout final six.  With Tiffany ahd Hannah leaving, we have the final four of Xavier, Derek F., Azah and Kyland.  Xavier won both the HoH and PoV so nominated Kyland and Azah.  So who would go?  Well, Twitter and Facebook think Ky is leaving tonight.

Pre-Eviction Ceremony

Julie reminds us that Xavier is the Head of Household and has the Power of Veto but cannot be the sole vote to evict.  We get the recap with reminders of who promised who to take them to final two.  To me it is funny!  No one really trusts Kyland (or they’re tired of his overthinking and over-talking everything).  Xavier definitely wants Kyland to leave but Derek F. is having problems forgetting the deals with Kyland and Xavier.  Xavier, of course, is playing this best for himself.  And yes!  We have Jury House.

On Day 79, Julie welcomes us to Kyland’s Blindside.  Then the program gives us Big D and his dilemma.  As Derek goes back and forth, Kyland puts on the pressure to keep him.  Kyland uses the words, words, words and in Diary Room, the gist of his speech is ‘keep him and get Azah out.’  Derek asks: “is it worth having his best friend, Azah, leave against his showmance/friend, Kyland.  Hey Big D.!  You may think of Kyland as a showmance but I don’t think he does.  Azah tells it true.  Kyland is a gamer.  And Xavier, Derek and Azah talk and talk and talk about the Kyland eviction.  In Diary Room, Azah makes her wish to send Kyland out.  Oh Azah and Derek have had some --- er – verbal skirmishes.  And Azah tells us no one carried her to final four.  Actually, Azah, the group of six carried each other to the final six. You and Derek did the floating while others did the scheming.

Jury House

I’ve always said that at this point in the game, the 24/7 coverage should move to the Jury House.  Why, you may ask?  Because the final four/three are usually boring as the game play is very limited.  I also advocate for the show to cut the period between the final four and the finale in time.  They take the feeds down and nothing is going on (also in the past few years, people could care less who wins) so a reduction in days makes sense.

As the jury gather outside to greet the new person, they speculate on who is coming in next.  Alyssa wants answers since they know about the alliance.  Derek X. hopes it is Kyland but Tiffany arrives.  Tiffany admits that the men saw her as a threat.  Scared, Tiffany is happy to be able to reveal the Cookout’s mission to jury.  As they watch the video, Alyssa is shocked about the three HoHs in a week. Tiffany admits that she had a final three with Kyland and he had to have the votes to get her out to make the move.  Tiffany thinks that the three guys had something going.  Ky wouldn’t send her out because they had a deal.  And Claire says “Kyland’s got a lot of blood on his hands” and worried about whether to vote for him because of his game or the blood on his hands. 

Tiffany explains the surprise of what happened when she walked in the house.  She saw so many like her and realized never that there had never been an African-American winner.  It began as an understanding and then the Cookout emerged.  The six agreed to do their part to get the six to the end with Tiffany doing the master plan.  This surprises all that she was the mastermind.  She explains the pawn plan and Claire calls it iconic which will make Tiffany a master of the game.  They all admit they were out-played.  Tiffany tells that each of the six gave up what they wanted and best for their game for the overall purpose of the mission.  She tells us that they respected the other jurors.  Then Tiffany drops the double eviction bombshell.

Next up is the arrival of Hannah.  She is still in shock because it happened so fast.  Tiffany gives her a hug and wonders what happened.  Tiffany confirms to us that she and Hannah were interchangable.  They get down to the show with Azah winning, putting up Xavier and Hannah, and Kyland getting the PoV. 
Hannah said that she and Azah made a deal but Ky ruined it.  She had to win the veto or be gone.  When Ky took Xavier down, she knew she was gone.  Sarah says it is a  waste of Azah’s game.  Hannah said Ky couldn’t look at her.  Tiffany is now sure the guys are working together and thinks Azah will be the next juror.  Derek X. says if it comes down to Kyland or Xavier in the final two, he’s not voting for Xavier.  Sarah still shows she is bitter but likes Kyland.  Hannah is rooting for Azah to win the game.

Live Veto Meeting and Eviction

Julie asks what will happen and will Ky see it coming?  Xavier is asked whether he is going to use the veto or leave the nominations in place.  He stands and announces he will not use the veto.  Both can plead their case.  Azah makes her plea thanking God for letting her play the game.  She asks Derek to look at them, two Jokers who cried, cook and laughed and made it to final four.  She’s glad she found a true best friend and being on the East Coast know they will see each other (Julie thanks her for giving God the glory.)  Ky is thankful for being in the game with them and wants to stay.  Now Derek must cast the sole vote to evict.  Derek tells them that he loves both.  From the game level, he played the game for himself.  He cast his vote to evict (not evote) Kyland. 

Kyland isn’t happy and not going out quietly.  He and Xavier have words.  Derek tells him from the game point of view, he can’t beat Kyland.  By now, I’m yelling:  “Kyland, please leave.”  He’s trying to argue his way into staying.  The other houseguests have gracefully exited but it takes Julie ordering Kyland out to the stage multiple times for him to leave. 

Interview with Julie

As Kyland leaves, Azah thanks the guys for keeping her.  Julie asked if he was surprised that Derek evicted him.  I think Kyland said that he was surprised but not surprised (double talk again).  Julie asks Ky about the pre-Veto event with Derek.  Kyland says he wouldn’t give Derek the assurance because he would lying (Julie gives him the words). Kyland doesn’t see it as lying and off he goes on another tangent.  Julie asks if the final two agreement with Xavier was the one he would honor.  He talks about the “gentlemen” but Kyland goes off on representation and I didn’t get his true feelings.  Julie asks about Xavier not using veto on him.  Kyland says he understands it but I didn’t get anything out of the rest of the speech.  Julie asks about Derek’s vote.  Kyland said Derek wouldn’t have done it without all agreeing. 

Azah in her message says that she hopes they can be friends outside of house.  Derek said that the veto meeting was what sent him home.  Xavier said Kyland was too competitive and Xavier made an early agreement to take Derek F. to the finale.  Kyland looks a little surprised.  Now Kyland is asking to return next year.  Please producers no.  We can’t take another year of him talking all the time. 

America Favorite Player

America’s Favorite Houseguest will win $50,000.  To vote for your favorite, text the houseguests’s name to 97979.

Friday will be a special episode with family’s video and the recap show.  Tuesday’s show will be competitions and Wednesday at 9:00 will be a two hour finale.  Julie’s last words to us:  “Love one another.”  In the Big Brother house, champagne is poured and the final three toast. 

LindaM:
 Brother #23 – The Final Three  (9/26/21(

Big Brother 23 has been one of the most enjoyable seasons on record.  It’s the only time an alliance of People of Color has made it to the final six.  Now three of them are sitting ready to take on each other to see who can win it all.  What is more important is the fact that this season’s cast became friends.  They kept the house live feeds most interesting, had very few fights, and showed what true strategy is.  In my mind, they could teach the Survivor cast how it’s done.  But enough of this, let’s get on with the show.

After the Eviction

Okay!  Have we ever had an exit like that from the Big Brother show? Have we ever seen that much discussion as someone exited.  Sure, we have had someone walk out over the table and barefoot, but Id do not recall someone who stood there and argued like he thought lodging a protest would allow him to stay.  Let’s give Julie Chen Moonves a big Big Brother appreciation clap of our hands for getting Kyland out of the house before blows were thrown.

Julie is on stage and welcomes us to Big Brother.  After the recap that reminds us that Kyland left (and we didn’t get a repeat of the drama), we get down to the HoH competition.  Xavier, Azah and Big D makes it to the finale.  But first, we get a retrospective of how Xavier, Azah and Derek got to this stage of final three.

Xavier’s Road to the Final Three

Xavier is first.  Just remember, he claimed to be a bartender but was a lawyer.  Xavier didn’t want to be seen as a threat and he didn’t want distractions (showmance).  He built alliances with Derek on day one then Frenchie with Slaughterhouse and Royal Flush.  His loyalty though was to the Cookout because the goal was important.  He felt that Big Brother needed to crown an African American winner.  He tried to be strategic and take “one” for the team (or several losses for the team).  For Xavier, trustworthiness was important.

Let’s not forget that Xavier made power moves.  He nominated and got Brent out.  He was four times on the block.  While he regretted losing Alyssa, he had to do it to keep the Cookout together to the final six.  He used Kyland to get Tiffany out and got Hannah out because she was Tiffany’s right-hand person.  During the final four, Xavier won both the HoH and the Veto which ensured that Kyland left.  Kyland was a threat, so he had to go.  Xavier shares that he lost his brother shortly before coming in the house.  He promised his brother that he would take care of his brother’s son.  He playing to have the money to do this.

Azah’s Road to the Final Three

Azah’s path wasn’t an easy one to the final three.  She came in and wanted to be strong but soon realized that it wasn’t going to be easy.  She realized the comps were hard and there were many big personalities in the house.  Azah realized that she needed social game and became part of alliances, the Jokers and Cookout.  Now, she is glad she didn’t win early comps because her “hands are clean.”  Keeping a low profile allowed Azah to build genuine relationships that will continue outside the house. 

Azah always wanted to be honest with people.  This honesty made her call-out fellow Cookout members when she didn’t agree with their game play (Tiffany and Derek X. stacking Britini’s cards so she lost).  Once the group had made the final six, Azah felt that she could serve as a role model for other PoC children and show them that they can be/do anything they set their minds to do.

Derek’s Road to the Final Three

Derek Frazier is the son of Smoking Joe Frazier, a famous boxer.  Derek came into the house to be dominant and “tear the house apart.”  He wanted to represent the PoC and the “big people” out in the world.  Derek knew he had to play a social game and make people laugh but he needed allies so he built those with Frenchie (who he loves) and Xavier (final two) and Kyland (final two).  His real best friend, though, was Azah, who he felt close to as a fellow Joker at first and a real friend as the game progressed. 

While Derek didn’t win competitions, he felt he didn’t need them because he could align with whoever was HoH.  He wanted to be the first “black winner of BB” (I typed that as he said it folks) and made the claim to forming the Cookout.  He saw his role as the one to keep them together and to hide the group from the other house guests outside of the alliance.  While he had arguments (with Tiffany), he did serve as the one to keep them together and running smoothly.  He evicted Kyland because Kyland became a target.  This and his personality should help Derek make it to the final two and win the show.  By the way he wants to win for him mom.

HoH Part One.

Each of the house guests are sitting on a “boat” (I see it as a float).  It works like a bouncing bull seen in bar movies. The game is called “Bounce Back Boat” with the final person on their boat winning part one.  While the boat rocks up and down/back and forth, the sea creatures rain down and water falls.  Derek gets hit by a plastic shark during the game.  Each find it hard to hold on.  Each is wondering how their play will influence final two.  Derek feels either of the other two would take him to the finals.  In Diary Room Derek refuses to leave anyone in charge of his game.  Xavier tells us he wants to win because it guarantees he will be in part three and he wants to win.  It won’t be easy and he has his work cut out for him.  Azah tells us she doesn’t want to “blow” this competition.  Derek has trouble, makes noise while playing, and is the first off.  While Azah is hanging on and wants to win, she’s the second one off.  Xavier wins part one. 

Azah and Big D will face off for part two and the winner will go against Xavier.  Azah feels she can go against Derek and beat him.  As the group get ready to go in, Derek starts playing with a toy shark.  Before you know it, Xavier is also.  In the house, Derek and Xavier shake and discuss the next stage.  Derek hopes to win the next comp and go against Xavier in part three.  Meanwhile Xavier thinks of the people who have left.  Azah and Derek discuss the game on the couch counting juror votes and apparently having a fight.  Even though they get mad, they get over it.  They give each other pep talks.  Azah tells us that she is nervous, and no one has her back.  She must win so she has a better chance of winning it all. 

On Wednesday, we will get a two-hour show.  It will be live and include the last comp live, jury with Kyland, and all coming back for the finale.  (Of course, comp two and jury will have to be taped).  Remember to vote for America’s Favorite House Guest and the $50,000 prize.  To vote, text the name of the house guest you want to win $50,000 by texting their name to 97979.    One vote per day (so no robo voting).

LindaM:
Big Brother #23 – And the End of a Good Season

Big Brother 23, let me start by saying thank you!  You finally, after more years than I want to discuss, gave us an interesting season.  Not only did we have a cast that enjoyed themselves, but we only had one showmance, game play that no one saw, and an alliance of six that made it to the final six.  Of course, there was controversy.  Many on Twitter wasn’t happy with the Cookout alliance but if you look back through history, this one has finally given us many firsts.  We did have an exit with Kyland that got messy, but I believe everyone who watched Big Brother was expecting it.  I don’t know who was in charge of the casting, but please let them do it again.  We got an intelligent lot with most knowing the game.  That made it so much better.  And if there are typos tonight, remember!  This is a two hour episode I’m trying to get up in an hour.

Round One to Xavier, Round Two Goes to ...

Julie reminds us that one of Xavier, Azah or Derek F. will win the $750,000.  After the recap of the entire history of the Cookout (and a reminder that Xavier promised to take Derek to the end), Derek evicts Kyland and Xavier wins part one. 

Julie tells us that 85 days have passed.  The second round of the HoH competition is called “Four of a Kind Slots” and looks like a huge slot machine.  They have to use their feet to line up the answers to the questions with four people who answers the questions.  Once a questions is correct, they get their next question.  It’s tough and both Azah and Derek (BIg D) have problems.  While Azah doesn’t get the answers right, Big D has problems with his knees and gets hurt.   In the end, Azah beats Big D with a better time (Azah 13:19, Big D. 20:22).  Big D did try to use his father’s fights with Mohammad Ali as inspiration.  He tells us in Diary Room that he did the best that he could. Azah celebrates in the Diary Room and is ready to take on Xavier for the money.

After the competition, Big D is upset because he didn’t do well.  He’s also worried that Azah is infatuated with Xavier (but not in a showmance way due to Xavier’s choice).  He’s getting very paranoid.  It doesn’t help when Azah asks him who he wants to set next to in the finale.  And they fight and disagree.  This seems to have been the tone during the last few days.  Xavier is happy even though he’s often caught in the middle.  One thing Azah seems to forget is that she hasn’t won!  My thoughts is that neither Big D or Azah did much during the early weeks.  They both seemed to fall in love with the bedroom and their separate beds.  Xavier does tell us that the more they argue, the better chance it will be for Xavier to be in the finale versus Azah.  But what will Xavier do if he wins?  (Oh, and Big D’s biggest regret is taking Kyland out.)  They do (as always make up.)  Azah tells us that she is confused and doesn’t want to lose Big D. (Derek) as a friend.

The Jury House Greets Kyland

The group is waiting for the next juror to arrive.  They debate who will be next and Tiffany hopes it is not Kyland.  People want it to be Xavier but really don’t see surprised to see Kyland.  After Tiffany asks him “what happened,” Kyland lets it fly and tells them that Big D was the one to evict him.  Then, they get down to how to determine the winner.  Tiffany says they must look at strategy, social lgame, etc.  Xavier had the relationships but he was always guarded and playing the game (per Claire).  Kyland lets it be known that Xavier threw competitions.  Tiffany adds that Xavier never had “heavy conversations” or game talk.  Big D and Azah flew under the radar.  Azah had relationships outside of the Cookout and was good at making relationships with people she liked.  It’s going to be hard for Azah if she sits next to Big D.  Big D. had a social game.  Derek X. jokes that they share the same name.  Big D talked a lot and disguised the Cookout from Sarah Beth (and others).  He hasn’t win competitions.  It was not because of strategy because he couldn’t.  TIffany sees that he gave the game his best and his will power cannot be overlooked.  Kyland is talking about winning competitions and Claire rolls his eyes.  Kyland has now apparently made the jury mad and Tiffany says he’s insulted Hannah.  Kyland sees Big D and Hannah as interchangable.  Britini makes the point it’s going to be determined on how they answer the juror’s question.  Wait!  No Dr. Will Kirby this year.  Well, it’s probably due to Covid.

The Final HoH

This will be a question/answer game called “Houseguest Headliners.”  They have to look at headlines and three statements.  One statement is a lie.  After viewing the video about the juror, they must choose which is the lie.  I don’t think studying this would have necessarily helped.  Azah is nervous and she misses the first question.  At the end, Xavier beats her by one question.  (And a question to readers:  How do you like how “buff” they made Derek X. look.)

Xavier gives each a chance to make a plea.  Big D reminds him that they bonded day one and he’s had his back since the start of the game.  Azah tells Xavier that she appreciates his game and thanks him for starting the Cookout (that’s three that takes credit for that!).  Xavier is told that he’s guaranteed at least $75,000 and must decide who to evict.  It’s the different between big money and second place.  He chooses to evict Azah and she joins Julie on stage.

Azah and Julie

As they watch, Big D. cries and thanks Xavier while Xavier grins and tells him Xavier has had Derek. Big D. can’t believe his luck and says this proves anything can happen.  Julie asks Azah how she feels and she is upset.  She knew the first question but overthought it.  She doesn’t regret anything.  When asked who she would have taken to the final two, she says Xavier because he did visible things in the game.  Against Big D., she didn’t have a chance.  With Xavier, she would have gotten votes but it would be close.  Julie congratulates her on making history (Cookout).  Azah’s final thoughts are that she’s still trying to process everything.  She knows she messed up and wonders what the purpose for her being in the house was.  She knows there is a reason and she can’t wait to find out what it was.  Julie tells her that “God has a plan.”

Jury Questions Begin

Jury is now on the stage and Julie calls them rowdy and asks who they think is the final juror.  Sarah Beth hopes it is Derek but it’s Azah which seems to surprise them all.  They welcome her.  They’re told that Xavier as the last HoH and chose Derek F. But now it’s time for juror questions to the two. 

The first question is Kyland who asks Xavier what is the most important factor to crowing the first African-American Big Brother.  Xavier says he never got personal.  He did lie and hopes he didn’t disrespect anyone.  To him, he played the best game.

Britini asks Big D. what decisions he made on his own.  Big D. tells them that he started the Cookout.  He went to HoH to protect the Cookout every week. 

Alyssa asks Xavier what his biggest mistake was.  Xavier feels that it was watching her leave.  He doesn’t really regret anything.

Hannah asks Big D whether he was only in it for fame.  Big D. tells her that he wanted to be on television and help his mom and had made that clear throughout the game. 

Derek X. asks Xavier what move he made that the jury didn’t know.  Xavier admitted to throwing two competitions because of the Cookout.  He talked around that answer though. 

Sarah Beth goes to Big D and asks what he contributed to get to the final six.  He tells her any time there was an HoH won, he was in their ear to benefit the Cookout.  If something had to be executed, he made it happened (even if the Cookout didn’t like it).

Azah asks Big D what he did to deserve the $750,000 more than Xavier.  Big D tells her he gave it his all.  He didn’t think of himself but the rest of the Cookout.  He made himself a pawn (to protect the Cookout).  Big D. showed everyone his heart (and I’ll give him that).

The final pleas are made.  The winner will be the first African- American champion of Big Brother.  Big D says he deserve the prize and he came in wanting to be the first African-American winner.  He tried to win comps but couldn’t.  He knew he wanted to start the alliance of six.  Xavier tells all that he played a team game because he had to do that to get everyone to jury.  He won when he needed and gives his credentials. If length of speech counts, Xavier wins.

Jurors cast their votes.  They will vote one at a time and insert the key with the name that should win Big Brother.  Of course, they congratulate the two as they cast their votes.  (Of all the jurors, I think Sarah Beth is still bitter.)  Kyland, of course, has to give a long-winded speech.  Azah makes a joke about not evicting and scares Julie. 

The rest of the evicted house guests join remotely.  They’re as rowdy as the jurors.  Julie says that they saw what America saw and talks about the Cookout.  Christian found out as soon as he got home.  He says that the Cookout is the greatest alliance in BB history.  When you put a bigger purpose in the game, history can be made.  Julie says “unity,”and Christan says yes!  Xavier said Christian said it perfectly but Big D and Kyland nodded.  Brent was most surprised by Tiffany and thought all she did was hair and braids.  He was surprised by her undercover game.  He gave her credit and didn’t see it coming.    Julie asks TIffany if she ever thought the plan wasn’t going to work.  Tiffany admits that she did and it really hurt when she had to evict Claire.  She admitted that the other strong people in the Cookout told her that she had to do it.  Julie then asks Derek X. if he knew about this when he was in the house and was only a pawn in the master plan.  Derek X. says he didn’t know he was played.  He had only seen two seasons. 

The house guests’ secrets are revealed.  Julie shows the clips of Hannah saying she’s a protegee, Sarah Beth revealing her job, Claire and math, and Britini’s black belt.  Claire is asked about which surprises her the most and she tells all that it is Hannah.  Of course, the Cookout is the biggest. 

Big D is then asked to share his secret and Xavier does “the Thinking Man” pose while Big D stands.  Derek F. tells them that his lifestyle and other things he said was true.  What he hid was that he was the youngest son of “Smoking” Joe Frazier.  Xavier gets up, smiling, and jumps in his face laughing.  Derek F. was afraid that the house guests would think he came from money, but he doesn’t.  Xavier says you think you know a man.  Derek tried to cover up the Frazier tattoo. Xavier says he still would have taken him to the final two. 

Now it turns to Xavier about his occupation and Derek props his chin and says, “oh yes.”  Xavier tells all that most of what he said is true.  He has done bartending at wedding.  He omitted that he’s a college basketball player and a fully licensed attorney and Derek F. gets back at him with the fact that Derek F. guessed it.  Julie admits they have that on tape from an early episode. 

Britini has asked to share something on stage.  She stands and announces that she did have a black belt but now she wanted to reveal a secret she kept from the house guests.  At 22, Britini was diagnosed with autism. She didn’t want any of them to think that she was anything but Britini.  She’s much more than her disability and is so proud of her Big Brother journey.  Derek X. hugs her while Derek F. wipes tears and Tiffany and others around her take her hand or hug her.

Kyland is asked about the exit confrontation which he still doesn’t regret what he said.  Xavier tells him that he shouldn’t have made it personal by bringing up his nephew.  Xavier says that it is a game after all. 

Hannah is asked about her feelings when she left the house on day 65.  Hannah said while it was a shock.  When she opened the door, she knew it was one of the happiest moments of her life because the Cookout (and she) had made history.  She was so proud of being a part of the alliance.

And the winner of this year’s Big Brother is Xavier by a unanimous vote.  Xavier and Big D. hug and Julie tells them to come out.  Big D does hang back and let Xavier have his moment in the confetti.  Xavier’s parents/family/friends are watching live.  Hugs and celebration ensue.  Kyland and Xavier have a word (but I think there will be more).  Tiffany consoles Azah. 

American Favorite came down to Derek X. and Tiffany as the two top vote getters.  Tiffany wins.  Tiffany thanks America and tells her son that the money is all hers.  Xavier is asked how he feels.  He’s thrilled.  He loves all.  Xavier gets $750,000.  BIg D. gets $75,000 (plus what he won at comps).  Derek F. wants
the money to change his mom’s life and will do so.  He thanks the Cookout. 

As the show ends, Julie thanks all the house guests for a wonderful season (and I agree whole heartedly).  She announces that you can apply for Big Brother next summer (please use the same casting director).  Then she announces Celebrity Big Brother will return in February.  She will see us then! 

ponytail:
 Yep! Good season, but fairly predictable that Xavier would win I think. And he deserved it. He played a cool, calm and collected game. I loved the variety of characters this year. Looking forward to Celebrity BB!

bacali:
Only season I remember not having really big fights.
And, sorry this is so long in coming , Linda....thanks so much for putting your blogs on.
We all loved reading them. :88:

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