by David McAlpine

Last time on Big Brother 11, Russell struck a deal with Jeff at the HoH to keep him and Jordan safe, then honored it by nominating Ronnie and Lydia. Michele won the Power of Veto for the second week in a row and opted to keep the nominations the same, prompting Ronnie and Lydia to scramble for votes. Despite Ronnie’s last ditch efforts (and much to my delight), he was sent packing 4-3. In a close Head of Household competition, Chima came out victorious, but America awarded Jeff the Coup d’Etat power, giving him the chance to do whatever he wants this week.

It’s already obvious that there’s not much to show this week when the show opens to Jeff and Jordan talking about spiders, their webs and how spiders have sex. I mean, come on—we know Jeff has the power this week, but you could at least give us a little drama.

Then we get a little too real when Chima brings up that she was raped by a serial killer. No joke, she was being 100% serious, especially about the fact that the guy was killed by the death penalty. I have to say, that changes my view of her, though I don’t know how comfortable I would be if that happened to me and then it aired on national television. Still, props to her for being a survivor.

Now, I can understand Chima, but then Jessie, Natalie and Lydia start getting sympathetic edits as the awkward love triangle between the three starts to build more friction. With Natalie having gunned for Lydia last week and now that they all think they’re safe under Chima’s reign, chaos can break loose between the three. It’s almost as if Jessie really can’t pick between the two and they’re not giving him any other choice. If Jessie weren’t such a huge egomaniac, I could almost feel bad for the guy. Almost.

However, Chima has a plan of her own (which actually seems pretty smart): target Lydia so that Jessie and Natalie can step out of the spotlight for a little bit. I have to say, I’m starting to like Chima little by little now that she’s actually playing the game. Of course there’s still the Coup d’Etat (which everyone in the house is calling “The Wizard” now…what?), which could change the whole game. Chima, however, doesn’t seem to care, and it willing to be yet another victim of the line of fire directed towards Natalie and Jessie (remember Ronnie and how he just walked out the door?).

Then there’s always the matter of the Have/Have Not competition, which doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal in the house anymore. This week’s special guest is Jeremy Piven, promoting his new movie “The Goods,” about a used car lot hiring a salesman (Jeremy Piven) to turn their Fourth of July sale into a big profit. So for the competition, the houseguests had to stuff themselves and other various items worth different points into model cars. Russell ended up winning $10,000, while he, Chima, Natalie, Jessie and Jordan all won privileges for the week and a private screening of “The Goods.” Meanwhile, Jeff, Kevin, Lydia and Michele were left as the Have Nots and eat whatever America chooses for them.

It’s nominations time, which is one of those special moments we can all laugh about because we all know it doesn’t matter, but the houseguests don’t know that. Staying true to her alliance with Jessie and Natalie, Chima chooses to nominate ex-showmance Russell and third wheel Lydia for eviction this week. Had there been no Coup d’Etat this week, I think Chima would be making a great move for her game because, all in all, the house is generally happy with her nominations. But with the Coup d’Etat this week, there’s a good chance both these guys could be staying, which could spell big trouble for Chima.

Tune in to Big Brother 11 on Tuesday at 9/8c on CBS to see who wins the Power of Veto (saving themselves from the Coup d’Etat) and if they choose to take either Russell or Lydia off the block!

(Image courtesy of CBS and RealPlayer)

For more Big Brother 11 Links visit Sirlinksalot.net