The Turning Point of Season Six

Occasionally on “House Calls,” the online BB talk show, the hosts take time to ponder the pivotal moments that entirely change the direction of the game. Sure, alliances are made and broken countless times each hour, but hindsight allows us to recognize some strategic decisions that really matter.

Some would contend that the reveal of season five’s Twin Twist qualifies as an earthshaking occurrence. Others may say the reintroduction of Amy altered season 3 irrefutably. But to me, one event rises above the rest as a moment that changed the game.

Recall week 6 of season 6. Despite unparalleled incompetence, Howie won the HoH competition and it appeared as though the "Nerd Herd” were in his scopes. This was a much-needed victory for Janelle, James, and company, who had lost their beloved leader Kaysar only hours before.

But the joy was short-lived, as Howie took buffoonery to new heights. Left without the buffer of his alliance-mates, he quickly buckled to Maggie’s requests, promising to protect not only her, but the entire Friendship alliance.

Rachel, Howie’s secret pre-show partner, said it best when she called Howie a moron. The HoH should call the shots, not take orders.

Yes, Howie had good reason to question the loyalty of James, but by nominating James and Sarah he alienated the only people he could (reasonably) depend on. Sadly, Sarah went home way to prematurely (setting off a fire in James that was a force to be reckoned with.)

Most tragic, however, is that this massive blunder didn’t provide any karmic comeuppance; Howie’s pitiful performance at competitions and lack of strategic decision-making caused him to be viewed as a non-threat and he was allowed to linger in the BB house until the final five.

But, think about how differently things could have ended had he nominated differently. Sure, Sarah wasn’t much of a gamer, but she was a number, and Big Brother is a numbers game. Had a member of the Herd gone home instead, it would have been five Sovereign versus five Friendship. Not great odds, but at least equal footing. Once Kaysar was resurrected a week later, they would have definitely had the numbers advantage, and the final three would have looked a lot different.

Oh well. There’s no need to continue at length about Howie’s ineptitude, that is well documented (remember 'Big Boy'?). But there's no disputing that Howie turning against his team, is a moment that changed the game.

Photo courtesy of CBS.com