I honestly do not think Big Mess’s survival was “magical.” I’ll even go so far as to say her (and Reality Show players like her) advancement at this stage of the game is quite predictable. “Players” like Michelle are most vulnerable in the beginning of the season...unless of course they happen to be on a strong team/tribe, or in Michelle’s case was carried by Category-4 early on. That gets them to the mid-point of the season where many are able to punch their golden tickets to the end game because cutting someone like Big Mess loose now would be perceived as a waste of an eviction.

One of the words you failed to mention about Paulie when he felt incline to lash out at Natalie for sticking her snoot in their shomance was “hypocrite.” He was OK with himself referring to the “fake things on her chest,” yet apparently had no issue whatsoever with Zakiyah’s plastic boobies??? I’d suspect Paulie would respond by saying Zakiyah didn’t prance around the House and showcase her fakeness like Natalie has. Whereas that’s probably true, I still regard it as hypocritical in my book.

And on the subject of hypocrisy, Natalie openly admits to being “flirtatious” and feels it’s OK…for HER. But God forbid if Paulie is flirtatious?

If you want to give props to James and Natalie for their “backbones” I’d give a lion share of the credit to Paul. His (and his puppet Victor’s) flip away from Paulie/Nicole/Corey and to the other side of the House provided the Vitamin D and Calcium their backbones needed.

I just have to reiterate your assessment on Zakiyah: ”Was confused by love, was confused by the game, is apparently confused by life.” ROFLMAO!!!