It was a week of Brain boots, challenge throws, backstabbing and blindsides, gross candy gorging, and “pulling a James” (aka going home with two idols). What a JAW DROPPING week 😛 I’d also like to send love out to Georgia for being the biggest damn boss lady for handling her medevac situation, if you haven’t read her post on Instagram and what really happened check it out! This week I have some main staples in my Sliding Seven and some welcome new additions – we can’t let things go stale and moldy like Joe Anglim’s hair (Thanks Abi <3)! And as always Annabel is here with a ‘pawsome’ Spice Rack!
SLIDING SEVEN
EMMETT
Emmett, sliding into my seven this week and hopefully out the next. I didn’t think it would ever come to this. I was super impressed with Emmett’s composure and ability to deal with the ever-changing minds of his tribe mates. Firstly, he’s had to manage George and Cara (nuff said), then had to calm Kez’ farm down when she decided to be flippy floppy playdough and vote with Laura – thankfully this didn’t eventuate. AND he’s had to pick up the slack in most of the challenges. What an exhausting week for Emmett! He may not be good at math and the more complex Survivor strategies like splitting votes, but he knows what needs to be done to keep him and his Brawn mates strong. It’s such a shame he won’t be able to buddy up with Simon in the merge (RIP Simon </3). We did have some epic head-to-heads in challenges while they were on opposing tribes though which was fun!
LAURA
Finally, the Brains “won” an immunity challenge after a couple of episodes of predictable boots. Hooray, Laura has officially made merge! She began as public enemy #1 last week and has outlasted beyond measures. Not seen as an immediate threat, I look forward to seeing how Laura navigates merge with her old mate Andrew still in the game. I’m unsure at this stage if she will trust Hayley or not, but the Brains/Brawn lines are still drawn. There are much bigger players out there and with the fallout on the Brawns tribe Laura should be able to sneak by for a while. Also, kudos to Laura for NOT spreading chocolate on her arms for Ron*! *later on
DANI
It’s been a few years since I’ve watched the epic film that is The Blindside, and I don’t think I’ve seen Sandy Bullock in anything since Bird Box, so THANK YOU Dani for bringing her to light. It was brilliant seeing Dani explain her game plan; aligning with the alpha, being the 2IC and eventually taking them down. Was it the right time to take Simon out? I think so. You want to go into merge without the biggest physical threat, because let’s be honest, Simon would have whooped everyone’s ass in individual challenges, and just have a clean slate – this is where Dani’s game really starts. She now has the challenge of entering without Simon, a solid alliance number (as I’m sure he thought he could beat her at the end), dealing with Emmett’s response to the move and also Hayley who is gunning for her. I’m not sure Dani’s straight-laced, tough as nails game style will help her moving forward, but I think she will garner a lot of respect for taking down Simon.
BADEN
The man of few words said a few more in the last episode of the week and man is this guy the un-stealthiest player?! The way he hinted to George and Cara at tribal, HE MAY AS WELL HAVE JUST SAID IT OUT LOUD! Haha. You could see Baden quivering at tribal, the amount of times he stroked his beard I wasn’t sure if he was going to get the message to his old mates. Hayley must have been freaking the f*ck out!! Nevertheless, I really enjoyed Baden and seeing him and Hayley strategise together and good on him for wanting to be the messenger to George and Cara. Baden’s in a great position at the moment, sitting in a solid alliance and he’s got many options going into merge. Sometimes being silent isn’t such a bad thing!
GEORGE
What can I say? George is saved time and time again. And not to discredit George’s decisions, I really do think he’s aware of the game and what’s happening. I think he’s well aware he’s not part of Emmett and Co’s long term plan, but was never going to vote with Laura to get to merge. There was no need to. Anyone else also notice George looks better than when he started? And he’s discovered his own abs by wearing his shirt open more as the season progresses. Haha! Heading into merge it will be interesting to see if he can find anyone willing to align with, finds another three idols and whether he will trigger Wai’s anxiety… It’s going to be fun, chaotic, frustrating and I cannot wait!
CARA
“Who’s the split vote?” F*cking Cara! Hahahaha. You need not know! My goodness Cara cracks me up. Cara drew the short straw and somehow ended up going into the Candy Reward first (it doesn’t work that way Kez). She found the advantage to attend the Brawn’s tribal council and it worked out well for everyone! Cara’s had a pretty smooth ride and she’s just loving life to be honest! Zero cares in the world. She’s definitely making the most of her second chance.
HAYLEY
Can we just give Hayley the million now? Or is it $250k? I can’t even remember. But I just want to give Hayley a prize or medal or a f*cking stick and I will legit cry if she doesn’t win. Hayley had a seemingly cruisy week in terms of not having to attend too many tribals, but she was working her butt off within the Brawns to make her next move. The way she took Flick on side, worked Dani and gathered information on the Simon blindside and ultimately working a plan to throw Dani under was like watching a seasoned Survivor player. Girl, you’re going to be right up there with the Parvati, Sandra and Wentworths of the world! Hayley had backups for her backups, BUT it would’ve been that much sweeter if someone hinted to Simon to play his idol so Dani was blindsided instead. Now, Hayley has to face the wrath of Dani (if she finds out who voted for her) and try to keep her BIG THREAT cover underwraps. By far the pre-merge winner this season – praying this continues. She’s done an excellent job slaying and staying under the radar. It’s been flawless to watch thus far. #HayleyForFanFavourite
THE SPICE RACK
Still reeling from losing a gay icon this week (Simon’s speedos). But in all seriousness, every time we lose a queer contestant this season, someone somewhere forgets to pack the poppers. Crushing, night ruining. That said, the most iconic character to come out of Brains vs Brain is, without a doubt, Doug – George’s Maltese Terrier. In honour of our lord and saviour Doug, this weeks Spice Rack exposes the scientific analysis which revealed what kind of dog breed each contestant would be.
WAI – Whippet
Instagram bio indicates she is a ‘working dog’ but it is clear that by ‘work,’ she means being famous on the internet. Has a lot of extremely fabulous outfits.
SIMON – French Bulldog
Having somewhat of a renaissance -who would have guessed he would have such appeal amongst super-fans. Stocky, would beat the shit out of your cavoodle if he had to, has a neighbourhood nemesis.
DANI – German Shepherd
Ironically, a breed favoured primarily by cops and criminals. You cross the street when you see one coming. Will kill you without a second thought.
GEORGIA – Beagle
Here to sniff out your bullshit. Under appreciated. Good at chasing rabbits.
EMMETT – Poodle
Will tell you he is one of the smartest dog breeds but you raise an eyebrow. Will turn up his nose at anything less than organic filet mignon but secretly eats homebred tinned food when he goes to stay with your parents.
GEORGE – Chihuahua
Very meme-able, hilarious from a distance, will seriously maim you if you get too close.
GERALD – Border Collie
Universally adored even during controversial scenes in Babe. A babe. Would die for you.
BADEN – Pitbull
Loved by lesbians and meth cooks. “He’s great with the kids.” Has probably killed someone.
CHELSEA – Jack Russell
Feisty, wants to to wrestle, very cute but keeps escaping.
SHANNON – Dalmatian
Stunning, iconic, a Shonee favourite, actually impossible to train.
CARA – Afghan Hound
Who IS she? More fabulous than you. Actually chaotic – my Granny owned two and they destroyed everything. Totally worth it though.
ANDREW – Staffy
Secretly a total psychopath. People know this but no-one seems to be doing anything about it. We had one when I was a baby and its name was one of my first words but also it ripped the ear off a neighbour’s dog just for fun.
HAYLEY – a Cat
Extremely sneaky. Plotting your demise. Much smarter than you.
FLICK – Golden Retriever
Stunning, adventurous, genius, if you don’t love her I hate you.
LAURA – Pomeranian
‘There’s more to me than being beautiful’, tenacious. Will bite your finger off without hesitation.
RACHEL – Rescue Greyhound
Has done more for the queer community in the last few years than any of you have. Deserves a long nap.
KEZ – Corgi
Credited with royal energy, but secretly mega aggressive.
Blog by Lynda Olson. Guest writer Annabel Clair.
ALL IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT CHANNEL TEN & ENDEMOL SHINE. THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG AND ALL GIFS AND VIEWS ARE MY OWN.
