Cliff Hogg had a truly unprecedented week in the “Big Brother” house. First he was evicted, then he won the Camp Comeback Comp, then he became the new Head of Household, then his reign was threatened by Christie Murphy‘s Panic Power. After Jackson Michie used the Veto to take himself off the block, Cliff decided to keep his word to Christie and nominate Isabella Wang in his place so that Christie wouldn’t have to use her power. Did the loyal HOH end up making the right move in the long run? And who did the house vote to evict live on Thursday night: Bella or Jack Matthews?
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Big Brother” recap of Season 21, Episode 14 to find out what happened Thursday, July 25 at 9/8c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite houseguests on CBS’s reality TV show, who annoys you the most and who you think will ultimately join the “Big Brother” winners list. Keep refreshing/reloading this live blog for the most recent updates.
9:00 p.m. — “Previously on ‘Big Brother’!” In Wednesday’s 13th episode, Christie went into full-blown panic mode when trying to decide whether to give her power to Michie. On the one hand, Michie promised to use the Diamond Power of Veto to put up Bella in his place, which was good for Christie’s game. On the other hand, Christie wanted to hold onto her power for a while longer. In the end, Cliff promised to put up Bella so that Christie could keep her power, which likely means that the house will now vote to send Bella home. Let’s go!
9:10 p.m. — Nick Maccarone is furious with Cliff for putting his girlfriend Isabella on the block. Nick doesn’t understand how Cliff could just take the side of an alliance that voted him out a week ago. That’s a good point. In Nick’s mind, Cliff should have at least forced Christie to use her power. Isabella is a puddle of tears, and quite honestly, it’s hard to feel bad for her. Cliff is explaining himself to Nick, but Nick is upset that he, Cliff and Sam Smith will be alone now. But Nick and Bella are a sinking ship and Cliff doesn’t see them as his path to victory. Nick and Isabella wander off to have a pity party and profess their love for each other knowing Isabella is totally screwed.
9:20 p.m. — Cliff is outside bonding with Jack and Michie in hopes of joining a more powerful alliance. Cliff says nobody would ever suspect the three of them working together so he throws it out there in hopes the Six Shooters will eventually turn on each other. Jack and Michie seem genuinely interested in bringing Cliff into the fold, so maybe Cliff made a smart move. Meanwhile, Holly Allen and Kathryn Dunn are bonding over their pageant queen history. Holly really likes Kathryn, but she’s not fully convinced she can trust her. Kathryn tells Holly that they should form a final two deal and Holly agrees. Could this be the secret power duo nobody sees coming? Kathryn has played a killer social game and Holly seems to have her head on her shoulders so far, so who knows? Later, Cliff pulls Bella aside to explain why he had to put her on the block. She still plans to fight to stay in the house and Bella hopes to pull Nicole Anthony, Jessica Milagros and Kathryn over to her side. If Bella can force a tie, Cliff would have the tie-breaking vote to get rid of Jack or Bella. Isabella pleads her case to Christie and Kathryn, stating Jack is a much bigger threat overall, but Isabella still has a bigger target on her back than Christie and Kathryn. Kathryn isn’t sold that this is the time to get rid of Jack, although she knows it has to happen sooner or later. Next, Bella has to grovel to Jessica and Nicole, both of whom she has already betrayed. Nicole and Jessica are going to think it over.
9:30 p.m. — We get a chance to see the Cliffomaniacs AKA Cliff’s family in Houston, Texas. They’ve gathered around for a barbecue to celebrate Cliff’s performance on “Big Brother” and give some insight into who Cliff is at home. His wife says Cliff loves to build things and he’s incredibly intelligent. Cliff’s family wasn’t surprised at all when he won the Comeback Challenge and took over as the reigning HOH. If Cliff’s son could give his dad some advice it would be not let this HOH go to his head. He’s still got a target on his back.
9:40 p.m. — It’s now time for the live vote and eviction! Isabella pleads for her safety by emphasizing how strong Jack is in competition. She points out he’s part of a majority running the house and they’ll just continue to do so. Jack talks about how much he loves everyone and how much integrity he has. Meanwhile, he’s dressed in athletic gear so he’s clearly thinking he’s about to be playing in the next HOH competition. As the votes are revealed, just Nick and Sam vote to save Bella as she’s evicted by a vote of 8-2. Isabella gathers her bags and walks out to meet Julie Chen-Moonves. Nick bursts into tears and runs into Sam’s arms for comfort.
9:59 p.m. – It’s time for the HOH competition! As the outgoing HOH, Cliff is not eligible to compete. In “Pose In Ivy,” players must hang on to their vines for dear life. If a player falls off, they’re eliminated. The last player holding on to their vines will be the new HOH. As an added twist, when players fall off they must grab a chip from the “Punishment Box.” Two of them will receive the “Poison Ivy Punishment,” and they’ll find out what that is later. Let the game begin! Everyone is hoisted into the air on their vines and this competition will take a while. Jessica and Nicole are the only players to fall before the episode is over. Find out on Sunday who won HOH and what two houseguests are nominated for eviction. But first – Julie gives us a hint that on Thursday’s episode America will be able to impact the game by sending three houseguests on a field trip that will put one of their games “on the line.”
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