Sooooooo, this season has been very...eh.
Season 18 of reality juggernaut Big Brother started off rather promising, with a diverse cast with varying personalities, as well as the major twist of bringing back four memorable veterans- Nicole, Da'vonne, James, and Frank- to shake up the dynamic of the house.
Oh, but all good things fall apart.
With each passing competition and blossoming showmance, the once promising season has turned into a huge puddle of predictability. And with most of the likable and/or villainous competitors officially evicted, this season looks to finish as one of my least favorite.
BUT!
There's a glimmer of hope that I always hold on to when it comes to this crazy game I so love to watch. In fact, it's that same glimmer that fueling the energy I need to complete this listicle.
Who will be this year's champion? Below are my rankings:
10. Zakiyah
Odds: Very Slim to None
What She Needs to Do to Win: I love Z's chill personality, but her type of chill is never good for the game of Big Brother. Although we've recently seen some glimmers of keen observance, it's just a little too late for the brown beauty. Her best bet at this point is to win Wednesday's veto (which would be a miracle, seeing as she hasn't won a competition yet). At best, she'll last one more week.
9. Michelle
Odds: Very Slim to None
What She Needs to Do to Win: Michelle was my wild card this season. She was seemingly a floater, but exhibited enough game knowledge to stay abreast of the power dynamics in the house. But, she got comfortable. And after aligning herself with Z and Da'vonne, and her recent emotional outbursts, it's a sinking ship for her. Currently on the block with Z this week, she would need to win Wednesday's veto to last this week, and try her darnedest to win next week's HOH competition. In theory though, her plight is the same as Z's, and to be honest, I only ranked Michelle higher than Z because she has won one of the competitions.
8. Natalie
Odds: Slim to Moderate
What She Needs to Do to Win: I loooooove Natalie! It's no surprise why she won America's first care package, and will more than likely win America's Favorite Houseguest. Unfortunately, that bubbly personality seems to be all that she has. She's been kind of close to winning a couple of competitions, but ultimately has found safety under James' wing. At best, Natalie can make it to the Top 5, but that's only if both her and James are able to avoid the upcoming double eviction. If I was her, I would grab James and the remaining girls in the competition and stage a coup against Team Friendship. But this is Natalie so *insert Kanye shrug*
7. Bridgette
Odds: Slim to Moderate
What She Needs to Do to Win: Bridgette...I tend to forget about her, frankly. What I can say is that she's been the surprise of the season (which isn't THAT much of a surprise, but nevertheless a surprise) by teaming up with this season's villain, Frank, and winning a few competitions. Unfortunately, she's played this game relying on the word of one of the guys in the house, and has never really made strong moves for her game. At best, she can make Top 5/6, but is honestly at the mercy of The Executives *rolls eyes* on how long they want to keep her around. For proposed strategy, read Natalie.
6. Nicole
Odds: Moderate
What She Needs to Do to Win: Nicole, Nicole, Nicole. I had high hopes for the ER Nurse, as she got royally screwed over in her first season. But, clearly history repeats herself, because she's setting herself up for a similar outcome this season. Finding "safety" in another showmance is going to cost her in the end, especially in a season dominated by the guys, who are looking to dispose of when convenient. Unfortunately for Ratcole- er, I meant Nicole- she missed a golden opportunity of a true shot at the big prize for turning on Da'vonne, instead of turning with her, and the rest of the now-defunct Fatal Five (minus Tiff), on Frank. For proposed strategy, see Natalie.
5. Victor
Odds: Moderate
What He Needs to Do to Win: Victor, we were rooting for you. We were ALL rooting for you. The self-proclaimed "Puerto Rican Sensation" was sent home originally by Paulie, but thanks to the Battle Back competition, is now back in the house and working with...Paulie. As an avid Big Brother watcher, I can say that it's definitely one of the dumbest moves I've seen in recent memory. On the upside, Victor can win competitions, so with the right moves (which I doubt he'll make) and the mercy of Paulie, Victor has a legitimate chance of making the top 3/4. (Sidetone: can we talk about the unwarranted attack on Zakiyah and Michelle at this week's nomination ceremony? I'm so sorry Zakiyah doesn't like you over Paulie and Michelle voted to send you home originally...ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE HOUSE!!!)
4. Corey
Odds: Moderate
What He Needs to Do to Win: There's not much to say about Corey. He'll make top 3/4 solely because he's a guy. And...that's it!
3. James
Odds: Moderate to High
What He Needs to Do to Win: James is going to need a miracle to win this season, but if anyone has a real shot of pulling it off, it's James. He's proven he can win a competition, as well as game effectively. He's the only one using his showmance to the fullest, and if he can survive double eviction, and win HOH at the right time, he can make a run for the top spot. The key is to make sure that Natalie goes home before he does, make sure Victor doesn't make it out of the double eviction, and prove that he is a better candidate for Paul and Paulie to keep over Corey. I'm praying to Jesus and the heavenly angels that he can somehow pull this off because I can't stomach seeing a member of Team Friendship win this season.
2. Paulie
Odds: High
What He Needs to Do to Win: As much as I dislike Paulie, I can't front that he's played a near-flawless game so far. From getting rid of Frank and Da'vonne early to keeping Bridgette around to getting on Victor's good side, Paulie has received nothing but small victories the entire season. Although he is the sure favorite to win it all, his now best buddy is standing in his way. In order for Paulie to secure the win, he has to make sure Paul and James don't make it to the finale with him. Otherwise, he might come up short in the end.
1. Paul
Odds: High
What He Needs to Do to Win: If you would've told me when the season began that the supremely arrogant Paul would have the best chance of winning this season, I would've laughed hysterically in disbelief. However, Paul has played the best game this season, slightly edging out Paulie by a hair. He's gone from an outcast to the top of the food chain in just five short weeks by winning competitions and strategically aligning himself with the most powerful guy in the house. If all goes according to plan, he can easily snag this year's prize money. Even though I think Paul can take Paulie head to head, it would be safer for him to carry Corey or James to the finale with him to ensure the ultimate victory.
What do you think? Who do you think will win Big Brother 18?
