Big Brother 26, Week 6 Review- Now THIS is Big Brother

I don't care who you're rooting for this season. This was one of the best weeks of Big Brother in recent memory. It had everything that makes the show special, culminating in one of the most exciting Eviction Nights. Last week, I predicted this could be a season-shaping week, but I never anticipated this level of a shakeup. It took one bad idea and a few missed opportunities to see the final nail in the coffin of one of the season's biggest characters.

The AI Instigator Strikes

I should've known that an "America's Vote" was going to be won by Tucker. Yet, here I was assuming someone like Joseph was going to get it. The reveal of Tucker as the AI Instigator was genuinely surprising to me. We didn't know who it was before the Sunday episode and logic would dictate it wasn't Tucker after the first bit of AI misinformation targeted Tucker and Rubina's relationship. We got to see during the episode that Tucker felt it would allow them to be more affectionate without having to keep it a secret. We didn't get to see all of his messages during the episodes, but it largely felt nonsensical. I don't think this was a terrible addition to the game, especially since it didn't end up affecting anything. It was a good way for them to theorize things that weren't remotely true. 

Yankee Swap Returns

I'm a big fan of the Yankee Swap, solely for the prizes and punishments. The competition aspect is always hit or miss because it grows increasingly repetitive since it's five rounds. I always derive more pleasure from seeing what everyone wins, or "wins" in some cases. The punishments are especially interesting. This year's crop of punishments was rough. This was the first time during the season that I felt an ounce of sympathy for Angela. Her backyard cleanup looked painful, especially with the slime that she had to endure. I also felt kind of bad for Joseph during his 24 hours of solitary confinement. Having to listen to AI Matt talk nonstop for an entire day would drive me insane, too. I hated it and I only had to listen to it for a few minutes during the episode. Tucker's punishment and costume weren't that bad. Honestly, I might've enjoyed it a little more than I should have if I were in his position.

T'kor's HOH Week

That two Sixth Avenue members were on the block on Thursday night really isn't a big deal considering Tucker volunteered and Angela wasn't ever a wanted part of the group. T'kor was gifted three nominees this week. She wasn't working with Cam or MJ, and Tucker volunteered to go up, even if he really didn't want to. While she didn't want the nominees to change, Cam won the veto, meaning someone was going to need to replace him. Fortunately, Angela painted a giant target on her back by turning on Tucker and having that information leak. Even if Leah had gone up instead of Angela, T'kor wouldn't have done much heavy lifting. T'kor can't even claim much credit for the eviction, even if it will likely help her in the long run. 

Eviction Thoughts

Shame on me for making assumptions going into Thursday night. When CBS showed the preview of the AI Arena competition on Thursday afternoon, there was no doubt in my mind that Tucker was saving himself. CBS knew they could milk Tubina to death and gave Tucker the type of competition he should've dominated against MJ and Angela. Then, the most shocking thing happened. MJ dusted Tucker, setting the stage for another incredible blindside. 

As fun as Tucker's game was to watch on the live feeds, his downfall falls squarely on his shoulders. He allowed T'kor to put him up as a pawn, choked during the final round of the veto competition, failed to make a compelling pitch to the rest of the house, and misunderstood the rules of the AI Arena competition to send him out the door. His favor in the house soured with his outward affection toward Rubina, allowing Chelsie to rally some votes and ignite the flip. This brings a sad end in the house to Tubina, just as they were starting to get more screen time. You can't be too sorry for him, though. He did earn $20,000 for his work as the AI Instigator.

I had a love-hate relationship with Tucker in the house. He brought so much energy to a game that sorely lacked it in the early stages. There's a reason the casual fans love him as much as they do. However, for all of Tucker's bravado and mannerisms, Tucker was very stuck in his ways. It was his way or the highway and there were no exceptions. Tucker felt that he was owed something for everything that he did. Tucker wanted Leah on the block as the renom after Cam won the veto. Instead, T'kor put up Angela and Tucker pouted about it. He was fun to watch, albeit infuriating at the same time.

Week 7 Preview (WITH HOH SPOILER)

After his first reign was conducted under the veil of the Deepfake HOH, Quinn now gets to be a little more above ground with his time upstairs this week. This is exactly the type of HOH winner I was hoping for. After weeks of going head-to-head with Tucker, Quinn now gets a chance to play without the added presence of Tucker. His plan is to nominate Angela, Rubina, and Kimo, with Kimo being his pawn. The only concern I have is that Cedric was the pawn during his Deepfake week and ended up going home. I don't expect this to be as straightforward, though I also don't think any of the nominees stand a great chance at winning the veto, given the other names that could be drawn to play. This might be the first week in which the veto isn't used to save someone on the block.