The end of Big Brother 26 is near. As the show approaches its finale, every player still in the game wants to be in one of the two chairs on finale night. This night is very important, and every player wants to be there.
To make it to the end, they need to win competitions or count on an ally to take them to the finale. With two alliances battling for control this week, the majority helped ensure that their alliance will have all its members present on finale night.
Big Brother is hosted by Julie Chen Moonves and has been a popular summer show on CBS since it began in the year 2000. This reality program brings together a group of Houseguests who live together in a house and compete for power, safety, and advantages.
There are cameras and microphones everywhere in the house, so there is no place to hide. Every moment is captured, making it exciting for viewers. With unexpected twists and turns happening throughout the season, Big Brother 26 has provided fans with one of the best seasons in recent years.
When is ‘Big Brother 26’ on TV?
Viewers should prepare for surprises because the schedule for Big Brother can change based on the viewer’s time zone. The show usually airs multiple times a week, and as the season goes on, the schedule may shift to fit CBS’s programming.
Currently, the upcoming schedule is different since the CBS fall season has started. Big Brother 26 will air on Sundays at 10:00 PM and Thursdays at 8:00 PM. It is important to note that there will be NO episode on Wednesday nights during this part of the season. This means that viewers must pay attention to the schedule to not miss any exciting moments.
Fans should also check their local listings to ensure they are watching at the correct time, as special events and changes may affect when Big Brother airs. This is important because sometimes other shows or events can change the planned schedule. Fans should stay informed so they do not miss any crucial episodes leading up to the finale.
Where Can You Stream ‘Big Brother 26’?
Fans who want to watch Big Brother 26 can catch it live on CBS. The show is also available for streaming. Viewers can watch live and on-demand episodes on Paramount+. This streaming service offers two options. Paramount+ Essential costs $7.99 a month, while Paramount+ with Showtime costs $12.99 a month.
Still from Big Brother (Credit: CBS)
Where Can You Watch the ‘Big Brother’ Live Feeds?
The prices for Paramount+ are the same as mentioned before: $7.99 a month for Paramount+ Essential and $12.99 a month for Paramount+ with Showtime. Both services allow viewers to try Paramount+ free for a week, so they can show all the content before making a financial commitment.
For fans who prefer free options, Pluto TV is available to viewers at no cost when they set up a profile. This means that fans can stay connected to the action without spending any money. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans who want to keep up with their favorite contestants and events in the house.
Who Won HoH Week 11?
After an exciting and somewhat predictable Double Eviction, five players remained in the running to win Big Brother 26. The competition is fierce, and every week brings new challenges. This week, the players had the chance to compete for the Head of Household (HoH) title, which gives the winner power and safety for the week.
Unfortunately, Chelsie Baham could not compete in the HoH competition. This put her in a tough spot as she hoped that her ally, either Makensy Manbeck or Cam Sullivan-Brown, would win HoH. Winning this title is important for all players because it can protect them from being nominated for eviction.
The competition was called the Tiny Stack competition. In this challenge, players had to build a tiny puzzle in the shortest amount of time.
This type of competition tests both speed and skill, making it an exciting event for viewers. When the competition ended, the winner of the Head of Household was Makensy Manbeck. Her victory gave her a lot of power and set the stage for the week ahead.
Who Was Nominated Week 11?
With only five players left in the game, the focus was on numbers. In Big Brother, the number of players can often determine who stays and who goes. With Makensy Manbeck now in power as the Head of Household, she had already formed a strong bond with Chelsie and Cam. Because of this, it made sense for her to keep both of them safe from eviction.
Still from Big Brother (Credit: CBS)
However, Makensy faced a difficult decision. She needed to think about who to nominate for eviction. If one of her potential nominees won the Power of Veto, they could save themselves from being evicted.
This would force her to replace them on the block with another nominee. Rubina Bernabe tried hard to convince Makensy to change her mind. Rubina tried to make Makensy believe that Chelsie wanted to target her.
Makensy went back to Chelsie with this information. Chelsie explained that if she really wanted to get Makensy out of the game, she would have done so during the Double Eviction. This conversation helped Makensy feel more secure in her alliance.
Ultimately, Makensy focused on her remaining alliance members. She decided to place Kimo Apaka and Rubina Bernabe up for nomination. This decision was crucial as it shaped the game moving forward. With nominations set, the stage was ready for the next Power of Veto competition.
Who Won the Power of Veto?
The classic BB Comics Power of Veto competition made a return this week. This competition is a fan favorite, as it brings a fun twist to the game. In this challenge, players must select the right images as quickly as possible. Each Houseguest, both evicted and remaining, is represented in cartoon form as their superhero alter ego.
This season, the BB Comics characters included a variety of fun and creative names. Cedric Hodges was represented as “Young Cedric,” Chelsie Baham was “The Micro Chip,” Tucker Des Lauries was “The Instigator,” T’Kor Clottey was “Cro-Slay,” Rubina Bernabe was “The Roller Rebel,” Kimo Apaka was “Vol-Kimo,” Makensy Manbeck was “Mech-Kensy.”
Cam Sullivan-Brown was “Cam-eleon,” Leah Peters was “The Chubby Chaser,” Quinn Martin was “Quinnsanity,” Matt Hardeman was “Crazy Eyes,” Angela Murray was “The Atomic Mom,” Brooklyn Rivera was “The Charcuter-Thief,” Lisa Weintrub was “The Glitter Critter,” Joseph Rodriguez was “Rewind,” and Kenney Kelley was “Sweet Kenney K.”
In the end, the winner of the BB Comics Power of Veto was Makensy Manbeck. Winning this competition gave her more control over the game and allowed her to influence who would stay and who would go. After her victory, there was a lot of discussion among the players.
There were concerns that Cam Sullivan-Brown might be throwing competitions because of his poor performance this season. This worried some players, leading them to consider putting him on the block instead of Rubina. However, in the end, Makensy decided not to use the Power of Veto. This marked the first time this season that the Power of Veto was not used, ending a historic streak for the show.
With this decision, Kimo Apaka and Rubina Bernabe remained the final nominees on eviction night. Their fates rested in the hands of the other Houseguests, and the atmosphere in the house grew tense as eviction night approached.
What Happened in the Jury House?
Every season, the Big Brother jury is kept in a special house after they are evicted from the game. This jury watches the game unfold from a distance and has the power to vote for the winner at the end of the season. This week gave fans a first look into the jury house and how the current jury members felt about the game and the remaining players.
As the evicted Houseguests arrived one by one, they joined the first juror, Quinn Martin, in the jury house. The first to arrive was T’Kor Clottey, who was excited to tell Quinn about what happened during their time in the game. T’Kor shared stories about the drama and alliances that took place in the house.
A week later, the two players evicted during the Double Eviction arrived at the jury house. Leah arrived first, and Quinn was thrilled to see her. Their friendship in the house carried over into the jury. Shortly after Leah, Angela Murray joined them.
During their time together in the jury house, many of the jurors expressed that they believed Chelsie was playing the best game. However, they were divided on whether they wanted to see her win. Some jurors admired her gameplay, while others felt she had played too hard.
One of the most surprising moments came when Quinn and Leah confessed their crush on one another. This unexpected twist led to a budding romance, often referred to as a “jurymance.” Fans of the show enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they shared their thoughts about the game.
Who Was Evicted Twelfth from the ‘Big Brother’ House?
As eviction night arrived, Kimo and Rubina were on the block. Their fate came down to two crucial votes. The tension in the house was palpable, and every decision could change the course of the game. Cam Sullivan-Brown found himself in a tough situation. After hearing a rumor that he could save Kimo and evict Rubina, he had to make a choice.
Still from Big Brother (Credit: CBS)
However, this plan meant that Makensy Manbeck would be the tie-breaking vote. Cam knew that this could work against him, so he decided to stick with the original plan. Ultimately, Kimo Apaka was evicted by a vote of 2-0. Cam and Chelsie voted to evict Kimo, and he became the twelfth person to leave the Big Brother house.
This eviction was significant as it marked another shift in the game. With Kimo gone, the remaining players had to adjust their strategies and alliances. The competition grew even fiercer as players prepared for the next rounds of gameplay.
What May Happen Next?
And then there were four players left in the game. This is one of the most crucial moments in Big Brother history. The winners of the upcoming Head of Household and Power of Veto competitions will help determine the endgame. Their choices will dictate who makes it to the finale and who goes home next.
The winner of the final Head of Household competition will automatically secure a spot in the final three players. This is a critical advantage that can shape the entire outcome of the game. The winner of the Power of Veto will have the sole power to decide who gets evicted on eviction night, further increasing the stakes for everyone involved.
With only four players left, each decision carries a heavy weight. Friendships and alliances will be tested as players fight for their chance at the title of Big Brother champion. Viewers are on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting to see how the game unfolds.
As the season progresses, anything can happen in the Big Brother house. Every player knows that one wrong move can cost them their chance to win the grand prize. The pressure is high, and the excitement is palpable as fans gear up for the final stretch of Big Brother 26.
The finale is just around the corner, and everyone is anxious to see who will walk away with the title and the cash prize. As the tension rises and alliances shift, viewers will be glued to their screens, wondering who will ultimately emerge victorious in this thrilling season of Big Brother.
Many people think they have seen all the stories from World War II. Steven Spielberg has shown us the chaotic battles of Normandy and the moments of kindness in hopeless situations. Quentin Tarantino has added humor and creative twists to the story of how the U.S. fought the Nazis.
We have also seen love stories, zombie movies, and children’s tales set in this time. Most famous WWII films focus on the bravery of allies, especially the U.S. and Great Britain, as they fight against Hitler and Nazism. However, it is rare to see how the war affected people far from the frontlines, such as single mothers, the working class, and people of color.
Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen aims to change this by taking viewers into the lives of people in London during the Blitz of 1940. McQueen does not want to glorify white male soldiers or romanticize a time filled with tragedy and loss. Instead, he wants to show the strength and unity of humanity when facing great challenges.
What Is ‘Blitz’ About?
“Blitz” tells the story of Rita, played by Saoirse Ronan, a working-class woman living in the East End of London with her father, Gerald, and her young son, George.
Rita is trying to make the best of her life amid the chaos of war. George’s father is a Black man from Grenada who is not in the picture, leaving Rita to raise their son alone. This setting gives us a look into the lives of people who often remain unseen in WWII stories.
The film takes place in September 1940, marking the beginning of the infamous Blitz, during which German forces dropped bombs over London almost every night.
One night, after a frightening evacuation to the underground tube station, Rita makes a heart-wrenching decision to send George to the safety of the countryside. It is a choice she does not make lightly. George, upset and feeling abandoned, angrily tells her he hates her as the train pulls away, leaving Rita devastated.
Rita’s friends at the ammunition factory try to lift her spirits, but nothing can fill the void left by George’s departure. Meanwhile, George, already feeling isolated and bullied for his race, decides to return to London.
He jumps off the moving train, beginning a dangerous journey through a city in ruins. His adventure exposes him to various characters, including a kind soldier who cares for him and a group of thieves with darker intentions.
A Boy’s Journey in a War-Torn City
At first glance, a boy’s journey home to his mother might not seem like a compelling plot for a WWII film. It might remind some viewers of fantasy stories rather than a serious film from a respected director. The journey is also ironic because George, the so-called “hero,” only faces more danger.
From the moment he jumps off the train, viewers anticipate an adult will come to rescue him and return him to safety. However, it quickly becomes clear that George’s journey is not the film’s main focus. Instead, it serves as a way for McQueen to reveal the harsh realities of life in London during wartime.
We also see Rita’s struggle to cope with life without her son. She can no longer ignore the harshness of reality by drinking with friends or flirting with soldiers. Flashbacks show Rita enjoying life before the war—dancing, drinking, and falling in love. But now, the war has hardened her.
She volunteers at a homeless shelter, where one of the most powerful scenes unfolds. A character named Mickey, played by Leigh Gill, gives a speech about the importance of community during desperate times. He emphasizes that people of all races and classes must come together when hope seems lost.
His comment about Jesus sounding like a Communist, as Christians follow the teaching to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is one of many lines in “Blitz” that challenges long-held beliefs that have divided communities for years.
Steve McQueen Shines a Light on Minorities During WWII
What Steve McQueen is doing with “Blitz” reminds us of the work of Irish playwright Sean O’Casey nearly 100 years ago. In 1926, during a time when Ireland celebrated its independence from Great Britain, O’Casey highlighted how war and violence affected the most vulnerable: children, women, the mentally ill, and those in the working class.
O’Casey faced protests for challenging the glorified view of war, showing it was not the triumph everyone thought it was. Similarly, while McQueen’s film may not feel revolutionary today, it offers a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by narratives featuring white male heroes.
The character in “Blitz” who resembles the traditional soldier we expect in such films is Ife, a Nigerian-British soldier played by Benjamin Clementine. He meets George while the boy is showing a museum about the British Empire. In this moment, Ife slowly realizes how people who look like him have faced systematic cruelty throughout history.
When a white man tries to divide the shelter based on race, Ife intervenes, refusing to let hatred create a barrier. The heroes in “Blitz” are not the high-ranking military figures but rather the everyday people working to protect the vulnerable.
Immersive Experience of War’s Danger and Horror
Steve McQueen is known for showing the cruelty of humanity in his films. His 2013 Best Picture winner, “12 Years a Slave,” features intense scenes of physical abuse against Black slaves. In “Blitz,” we do not see as much violence between people. Instead, McQueen allows the dangers of war to speak for themselves.
The film opens with firefighters struggling to control a raging fire in bombed buildings. The scene’s intensity is heightened by a chilling score, drawing viewers into the chaos of the moment.
“Blitz” stands out as McQueen’s most immersive film. Each setting, from a flooded train station to a lively jazz club, makes viewers feel as though they are in the room with the characters. This connection makes the tragic scenes even more powerful.
One particularly striking moment occurs during a vibrant night in an upscale club. People celebrate engagements and enjoy the performances of talented musicians. Just as the audience revels in the joy, the film shifts to show George being forced by thieves to steal jewelry from the dead bodies of those who were just alive and full of hope.
London as the Main Character
It is a cliché to say a city is a character in a story, but in “Blitz,” London is truly a central player. While Rita and George are the main characters, the film focuses on the diverse individuals they meet along their journeys.
McQueen gives each character depth, ensuring that none feel flat or unimportant. Even the antagonist, a thief named Albert, played by Stephen Graham, illustrates what happens when individuals with severe mental illness do not receive help.
Saoirse Ronan shines as Rita, skillfully portraying the worried mother. Although it may not be her most demanding role, she excels at showing Rita’s struggle to find hope amidst destruction. Ronan captures the essence of a conflicted person trying to help her community while dealing with her pain.
George’s relationship with Rita drives the film, and the young actor Elliott Heffernan matches Ronan’s performance beautifully. He maintains a childlike innocence while confronting heavy themes like racism, grief, and the realities of war.
A standout moment occurs when Ife enters the story, providing a calm presence in George’s chaotic life. While Ife may not fight on the frontlines, he embodies the best of humanity, demonstrating that kindness and respect are important in times of despair.
One disappointment with the cast is the underuse of Harris Dickinson, whose character simply longs for Rita from across the street. While his performance may not shine, the focus remains on the essential messages conveyed through the characters and their experiences.
McQueen’s Skillful Storytelling
After creating one of the best historical epics of the 21st century with “12 Years a Slave,” expectations were high for Steve McQueen’s return to historical dramas. He not only meets these expectations but surpasses them. Although the film is not without flaws, such as a rushed and anticlimactic ending, it offers a powerful scheme of humanity amid chaos.
Still from Blitz (Credit: Apple TV)
For viewers seeking the emotional depth and broad scope McQueen showcased in his Oscar-winning film, “Blitz” delivers a compelling experience. It serves as a slice-of-life story, focusing on the human experience against the backdrop of one of history’s deadliest conflicts.
The film evokes a whirlwind of emotions, from despair to hope, as it immerses audiences in the everyday struggles of Londoners.
With impressive action sequences, heartfelt character moments, and outstanding performances, McQueen demonstrates his talent for bringing personal human stories to life on a grand scale.
“Blitz” reminds us that even amid war and destruction, the resilience of the human spirit shines through. The film is not just about Rita and George; it is about all the people who lived, loved, and struggled in London during a time of crisis.
“Blitz” stands out as a vital addition to the canon of World War II films. It highlights the importance of community, empathy, and the shared human experience in the face of adversity.
Steve McQueen’s thoughtful storytelling sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of ordinary people, proving that their stories are just as important as those of soldiers on the battlefield.
