Turtle

I find it hard to believe Da'Vonne would slip up this early, without crazy stress and/ or alcohol. Not saying it didn't happen, just saying I'd be really surprised, and I don't trust Grodner. Hell, I don't trust Austin to pick up a hundred dollar bill much less an inadvertent misstatement. Also might be a tad paranoid. Have either of you heard them talking about it more? Just curious about details and I can't watch for a bit. I don't know if the house knowing she's a dealer would hurt her, but everyone knowing she lied probably would. I'm thinking Vanessa really did get choked up over homesickness and decided to roll with it, which seems like a poker champ-type thing to do - playing the hand you're dealt and all. Maybe exaggerated it, dragged it out a little longer to use it to her advantage. ETA: finding it "hard to believe" Da'Vonne would slip up was over-stating it. I guess I'd just be surprised. But not incredulous.

Hold the phone- Dante and Valerie's kissed??? Obama was on my last 15 minutes and I haven't hunted it down on YouTube because, why bother? I don't like cheating drama between Dante and Lulu, but I can't get too worked up about it. One, there is so much more about this show that makes me apoplectic, I have to pick my battles. Two, they have had a really long fidelity run by soap standards for any couple under the age of 70. Three, I'm doubting either will actuall finish the deed, so to speak, and they'll find their way back to each other. Surely Valerie isn't long for this show. Forgive me for repeating myself, but SABRINA, YOU SHUT YOUR DAMN PIEHOLE!!! I really regret letting all of you sunny optimists lure me in to thinking maybe she was just helping Michael see the bigger picture. She really thinks he should just give AJ back and let bygones be bygones!!! What the ever loving hell. I'm fine with Michael letting go of some of the hate and anger for his own sake, and I'm even fine with Michael having cordial interactions with Sonny and Carly and occasionally letting them see AJ. But just forget about it all and give AJ to them, knowing what happens to Sonny's kids??? Michael suffered the worst of it, and by now Sabrina knows most of it. Is she crazy again? It makes less sense than almost anything I have ever seen on TV. And I watch The Dome. ETA: just realized my accidental pun, "sunny optimists" and "Sonny optimists"! I crack myself up. Of course, I'm well into a box of wine, so maybe it's not really funny? Don't care. I'll laugh.

James got to pick have nots, and didn't pick himself. Maybe he just crashed in there for a while for some ridiculous reason? I can't imagine why anyone would choose to sleep in a dentist chair even for a nap, but whatever. Best I can tell, Jason said something to Austin as they were going out to play veto that got Austin suspicious. I don't know what it was, but I think it was the kind of thing people say when they want you to know that they know more than you do about something without actually telling you what it is. That seems to have somehow been the catalyst for whatever the hell has been going on all afternoon. I think Vanessa is going to be fine for a couple of votes because several of these people are playing too hard too fast and putting huge targets on their backs. Austin and Jace seem to be annoying people, Audrey has already drawn too much attention with her nonstop game talk, Jeff thinks Jason is a mastermind or something- there are a lot of other targets people will be gunning for before her. Anybody what was going on with how the house treated Steve before the feeds came on?

I love the plan to backdoor Jace but these fools are already imploding. There is no way that they keep the plan the same until Thursday. I doubt they'll be able to keep it together through the veto ceremony. Maybe they'll still go with Jace but there is a lot of hard gameplay going on already and who knows what they'll talk themselves into and out of. One thing I do know is that there is no way the show will let Audrey go first. Steve definitely won veto. With this many people, there are always several off camera somewhere and I can't help but obsess about where they are and what they're doing. I'm sure it's nothing interesting, but I can't get it out of my head.

Cameras are all on HOH room, which seems weird. Guess they didn't think Vanessa sobbing was very entertaining. But where is everyone else? It sounds like almost everyone is in on the Jace plan. Definitely Audrey, Meg, Clay, Jackie, Shelli, Jason, and James. Almost definitely Da'Vonne, Steve, John, Jeff, and James. Probably Becky but no one seems sure. Not Liz because she's close to Jace and Austin. I think a backdoor for first eviction would be great, but I'm not sure that many people can keep a secret for that long. I need to go to sleep! No self control over here, at all.

I'm liking Steve. I don't think he's nearly as awkward as Cochran or Ian, and he seems like a decent guy. He's also a big fan and so might actually do some strategizing. Plus, Jace is terrible and I don't think I can handle him for long. Seems like there are more real fans than usual this season- a bunch of these people are really familiar with how the feeds work, and the dish and why come on, and past seasons or players. Vb68, from the first episode I thought I was going to like Austin. I was wrong.

Steve picked Jason for veto, so he's the sixth player. There are have-nots too- Da'Vonne and Austin definitely, maybe Becky, not sure who else. Totally agree about Jackie- it's so annoying!!

Best I can tell, Jackie, Steve, Becky, John, and James. Steve drew houseguest's choice, and I think James pulled Becky's name, so there should be one more but I didn't hear any other names when Jackie and Shelli were talking about it. I cannot for the life of me think of who John is, but Jackie said his name several times. ETA: duh, he's the dentist.

I think Audrey and Meg were saying that they want Jace put up if veto is used, and I think James said he would. Sounds like Jace is in fact annoying everyone.

He's still screaming shout outs! He and Austin seem to be traveling through the house screaming pro-wrestling style, including some weird bro code things. I hope he's driving everyone crazy and they boot him. ETA: if they've done noms, shouldn't there be four people nominated?

This is not an auspicious start. Jace is emcee-ing this by screaming terribly loud intros for each person before it's their turn. Actually, they are *all* screaming, as if they don't realize that they and the entire house are mic'ed, but Jace is assaulting my ears. I've never watched the feeds from minute one before, so maybe this awkwardness and awfulness is normal? Good god, he just introduced himself. I need to turn this off before I punch my tv! It's way too early in the season for me to hate them this much.

Well. They're on, and Jace is annoying. He keeps screaming at "big brother" to find out if the feeds are on. And he's demanding that everyone do a shoutout to friends and family. Sigh.

SABRINA, YOU SHUT YOUR DAMN PIEHOLE!!!! I'm really hoping you guys are right and she was just trying to let him sound off and think it through. And maybe the "give AJ back" suggestion was her intentionally pushing a little too far to help him see that he was being insane. I hope tomorrow we see him back off a little and thin it through a little more carefully. Like maybe start by having a conversation with one of his parents. Tenn maybe lunch. Maybe eventually letting them see AJ while he's there. But completely forgiving them and giving them the baby??? Oh, hell no. I was just starting to like her and was hoping it would continue. Still enjoying Nik. I like that he's not a cool calm villain but rather an angry and volatile one. Plus, he's new at it- he needs some time to find his best villainous personality. And I agree- the "happy recanting!" was wonderful, and I think it was supposed to be funny. Poor Morgan. Michael stole Sonny's baby, and his parents *still* like Michael more. Sonny flat out calling him dumb was great (and I think you all know how much I hate Sonny, so this is a big statement for me to make!). I also enjoyed Sonny being all "you poisoned him, of course he's mad!" And then poor dumb Morgan replies "he's fine!" as if that makes it totally fine. Morgan really is Sonny's son, isn't he?

I thought the feeds were coming on right after the episode. I guess they're waiting until the wast coast ep airs? How annoying- I want to start bitching about these people! Plus, since all the BotB and twists stuff is going to take up so much air time, feeds are the on,y place we'll ever see any actual game talk.

I mostly liked Derrick, just hated all the nominating "who the house wanted" and voting "with the house." Which is why I'm still so mad that Battle of the Block is back. I just cannot even imagine how the decision to bring it back came about. Especially to bring it back right away. It just boggles the mind. I'm neutral-to-oaky with Jeff, but not at all a fan of Jackie. at least it wasn't really that big of a twist to just have two more people in the house. I'm sure most of them will not be that benign. I was just talking to a friend about BB only casting stereotypical flamboyant gay men. Why not just cast men who happen to be gay occasionally? Hell, even cast a bear or two sometimes! I have nothing against the Jason types, but they don't represent the entire population of gay men and it's annoying.

After all the nice things I said about the last couple of episodes, this is the thanks I get? Hated today. I refuse to comment on the Sonny, TJ, and Jordan situation. Just can't. I know it's for plot reasons but couldn't they even make an attempt to have Dante and Lulu act in character? Given the relationship I've seen over the years, Lulu would never keep this secret from Dante, and he sure as hell wouldn't creep around spying on her just based on the word of someone he barely knows- he'd ask his damn wife about it. All I'm asking for is a little bit of effort, writers. Was it only Monday that I was enjoying the ELQ story? How long ago it seems. And just like that, Michael's gone and Nik is CEO? That was quick. And sad. Stupid illogical out-of-character Lucy.

I also can't believe BotB is back. I guess we're in for another summer of every HOH refusing to make any big moves and instead just nominating "who the house wants" just in case they get dethroned. Yay. So exciting. Can't wait to see the masterful strategy... Last season may have been popular, but it sure wasn't because BotB was a good twist. Plus, we will never *see* any strategizing that does happen because all the air time will be eaten up with the BotB comp, plus the announcement and implementation of the Twist of the Week, in addition to the HOH and Veto comps, nominating and veto ceremonies, and other stuff that is actually important to the game. I really wanted to enjoy this season but with all these twists, it's going to be hard (for me and for the HGs!) to keep up with alliances and whatnot. I really don't want another summer of unanimous votes! Meg and James are already grating. No one else bothered me. Yet. Liked Austin more than I was expecting to, which was a nice surprise.

From the first episode I thought Benji said he'd spent a lot of time working on other extreme reality type shows, and I think ten other camera guys did too, and I'm guessing that at least the cameramen had some additional training. Which is good, given how clueless so many of these guys are. I'm fine with Ernest's reason for leaving. His son is only three and it seemed Ernest hadn't realized how hard it would be to be away from him. These guys seem to be doing this for the experience (and a stipend) rather than a competition and huge prize, and if the experience taught him that he wanted and needed to be home and to spend more time with his family, I can't fault that. Given his story about his and his wife's families not showing for a baby's funeral, I understand why he was really feeling that he needed to be home. Is it the choice I would've made? Probably not. But I can understand him not realizing how strong that desire was until he'd be gone for a bit. But it's a shame, because I liked him and it seemed the other guys did too. You could not pay me enough to have a colon full of coconut husks and crab shells. No way no how.

I didn't like today as much as yesterday, but Tuesdays are always the worst. And I don't mean for just the show- I mean in life overall. Hate them. Laura calling Jennifer out about wanting not to rape Luke worked for me. Luke certainly wasn't going to do it because he still occasionally creeps awfully close to the coercion line and clearly Jennifer wasn't going to call herself a rapist. Also, I think a rape victim talking about rape makes sense, and even gives her credibility. Obviously, MMV. Speaking of Jennifer-- I didn't mind when they brought up "that actress who looked like Jackie Templeton" and even thought it was amusing. But the Whitie Parrish and other name dropping was too much. Please, writers, learn the secret to accessorizing: put on what you think is the right amount, and then remove a piece Don't encourage them to bring back vampires!!ETA: I guess I sort of liked Laura calling it rape because it proved that the *show* knows it's rape, and we often don't get that acknowledgement and are led to believe that the show thinks it's all just fine.

I believe it's possible. All of Helena's hostage holding and medical "research" cannot have been cheap.

I'm liking most of the ELQ stuff, and I'm kind of loving Nik. I like a less soft and cuddly Nik and I think his "lifestyle to which we've become accustomed" was perfectly Cassadine. It was easy to be gracious when he had the world served up on a platter, but the fear of losing it is bringing out some inner darkness. I like it. But I like Spencer too, so what do I know. Didn't mind the Lulu and Val scenes and I liked that it wasn't the customary shrill ladies attacking each other conversation. I'm sure we'll get there, but today seemed like a relatively mature conversation (true or not). I hate the L&L stuff, in part because I just don't care, but mostly because it's dumb and gross.

I liked yesterday's show, for the most part. Jake did seem condescending to Sam, but I got the sense that he thought he was doing so in a funny way, what with the little bow forward down to her and clasped hands. And it was kind of funny. I even liked Maxie and Nathan's scene. It makes sense that Maxie is doing some personal shopping, especially after her stint working for Kate. And I for one have no need to see it. Anyway, I thought their banter was fun and it was nice to actually get some insight in to what Maxie was thinking for a change. I can't help myself, but I do enjoy Morgan and Ava together, even if she's being Denise. Rosalie catching them wasn't terrible. But boy, did Kiki ever bring that scene crashing down. I hope Morgan and Ava get it on right in front of her and she finally throws herself off the docks for good.

Do you think Dan has ever that expression about "If you think everyone you is an asshole..."?

Morgan may actually be even dumber than Sonny, which up until now I would have thought am impossible feat. Watching that conversation caused actual physical pain. Morgan's all "La di da, Mikey and I are fine, I'm sure I could convince him to let the two people he hates most in the world to see that baby, and even if I wasn't I'd say I was so my own parents will like me, and also I can't even recognize the lady I slept with for a while (was it months? Days? Years? It's so hard to know with this show)." I had completely forgotten about Olivia and Ned and the baby. Wouldn't Julian be a little suspicious about all this? Olivia lied to him about the baby and admitted she didn't want him anywhere near the baby. Olivia claimed the baby died while Julian wasn't in the hospital and a known sketchy lady said the baby was cremated. Olivia *and* Ned disappear immediately. Julian really must be the worst criminal mind ever if none of this rings any bells. And as a woman who went to notable lengths to keep a child away from a monster, Alexis must be an even worse lawyer than I thought to not be able to piece this together. I really want Rosalie to be busted for her spy-tasticness, while letting the Nik stuff play out a little longer. Or maybe I just wish some of this corporate espionage stuff was being played a little more smoothly. I like a business story, and I think this one has potential. However, it turns out I think the Rosalie character is a terrible one, and her role in this is way too obvious and plot point-y and boring. I'd prefer she was a random day player mail room employee or something who was eavesdropping and reporting back.

And last season. And earlier this season. I had a crazy thought that Cersei might actually be humbled by that walk of shame, but them I remembered who we're dealing with. I figure she was crying out of purely selfish and prideful reasons rather than any remorse and sister is going to go N-U-T-S next season. Someone like her, even when hurt and humiliated, or even especially when hurt or humiliated, is much more likely to lash out than anything else. And I'm kind of looking forward to it, just to see how much she ratchets it up! I adore Tyrion and Varys together, and I find that really surprising because I did not care for either at the series start. It's a case of the sum being greater than its parts, I guess.