It is time to see who wins the $500,000 grand prize. Liz, Vanessa and Steve are in the final three. Who will win the final HOH? Who will the jury vote to win the game? Who did America vote as your favorite houseguest? All these questions are about to be answered.
The winner of part 1 of the final HOH means they get to advance to part 3. This is an endurance competition where they must swing on apples and see who can stay on the longest. I was torn on who I’m pulling for. Vanessa has dominated the game but has also lied to everyone. Steve has played a different type of game while Liz has had her moments. Steve is the first one to drop. Vanessa or Liz will be advancing to the final round of HOH. Vanessa then goes to playing her usual mind games on Liz. Liz tries to ensure that Vanessa will take her to the final two. I guess Liz believes her and decides to drop. Risky move Liz.
We then see the second round of the HOH competition for Steve and Liz. They must complete a giant crossword puzzle using clues from this season in the fastest time. Steve should dominate this competition. Steve does fairly well and I think he should win this. It is challenging because not only are you solving a puzzle, you have to move up and down quickly. In a close match, Steve won part 2 of the HOH over Liz by three minutes. Steve finally realizes what I have been thinking all season…he can’t beat Vanessa in the end and must win the final HOH. I’m officially on Team Steve!
The Jury meets with Big Brother legend Dr. Will Kirby. They meet the next jury member…Johnny Mac. Austin admits that it was tough pretending to be friends with Vanessa. The majority of the jury is there because of Vanessa. They are torn on their feelings about Vanessa’s gameplay. They believe that Steve won the comps. when he needed to. He also had good connections with the entire house. They are also torn on Liz, she has had a target on her back and she made questionable moves. I like how they always bring Dr. Will back to chat with the jury. He is truly one of the best, if not the best player of all-time.
It is time for round 3 of the final HOH between Vanessa and Steve. The winner must quickly evict the final HG. I would love to see Steve win this and make the BIGGEST move of the game. It is the usual competition where they must finish statements made by the jury members. The pressure is on since they are doing this competition live. Steve leads early 2-1. We are tied 4-4 as we head to the final question. Of course. BOOM! Steve is the final HOH of the summer. He must now immediately evict Liz or Vanessa. I really hope Steve goes through with his big move he has planned.
It is time for Steve’s major decision. Vanessa looks terrified. It has to happen. Steve gives his speech and sounds like he can barely talk. He calls her the strongest female ever to play this game. Liz and Steve are the final two. I’m so happy that Steve took her out. I gained so much respect for her. Vanessa is very intelligent and I give her credit, she played a hell of a game.
We meet the jury as they prepare to interrogate the final two. Vanessa is the final jury member. I feel the jury is very happy to see Vanessa sitting with them. They have prepared three questions for the jury. Johnny Mac reads the question asking Steve what changed because he was using other people(Johnny Mac/Vanessa) to make moves. Becky asks Liz what was her own strategy and not a combined one with Austin. If I was casting my vote, it would have to go to Steve.
Liz claims her strongest move was aligning with strong competitors. Steve answers these questions very well. Liz and Steve make their final statements to the jury. Liz claims she has a passion for this game. Steve gives a much more technical, strategic speech. I still give Steve my vote. I’m getting some possible deja vu from Big Brother 14.
It is voting time. Shelli votes first, from her heart. Jackie votes for the person that “dreamed” of this aka Steve. Becky’s vote i’m unsure. Meg is also very torn. James is letting “Jesus take the wheel.” He is absolutely going to win America's Favorite Player. Julia and Austin are obviously voting for Liz. Johnny Mac is also hilarious. Vanessa looks so upset. She is also going to vote for Liz.
I’m sure Shelli is thrilled to reunite with Clay. Da’Vonne asked Austin what happened to ‘Judas?’ He is caught so off-guard. Vanessa reveals that she has won four million dollars playing poker. I’m glad she is out. I’m glad Jason called out Vanessa for crying. Audrey says that this experience has changed her life. It is funny to see the HG reunite.
It is the final act. Who wins the game…Steve or Liz. Vanessa votes for Liz. Johnny Mac votes for Steve. Austin and Julia vote Liz. 3-1 Liz. James, Meg, Becky and Jackie vote for Steve…making him the winner of Big Brother 17!!!
Steve comes outside to a thunderous ovation. I admit i wouldn’t mind going to a Big Brother finale. America has voted James as their favorite houseguest. I totally agree with that. I will admit that this season was not one of my favorites, but I overall enjoy the show and I can’t wait for season 18 next summer!
Good night from outside the Big Brother house!
image of Julie Chen courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com.