Big Brother 27 delivered another dramatic twist on Thursday as Zach Cornell was sent packing in an 8-2 eviction vote against his ally Vince “The Egg” Panaro. Tears flowed in the house as Head of Household Ava Pearl’s plan seems to have taken hold, and the episode underscored just how quickly loyalty can bend in the game.
Zach’s exit wasn’t for lack of drama, but for a decision that many viewers saw as self-sabotage. He chose not to use his secret power or cash in the $10,000 he won in Week 1 to secure his safety, and he also pressed ahead with keeping Morgan Pope off the block. It’s a classic “play to save a friend, risk your own security” moment that left fans debating whether his confidence in the numbers or his hero instinct cost him the game. Host Julie Chen Moonves even teased the moment, lightly chiding Zach for what many called a misread of the situation.
The eviction vote broke down with Zach receiving votes from everyone except Rachel Reilly and Will Williams, who chose to keep him in the house despite not being immediately aligned with his inner circle. In a parallel thread, Keanu Soto continued his strong streak by winning the BB Block Buster, and the women Zach has leaned on—Morgan, Lauren Domingue, and Mickey Lee—flipped their stance against him in short order, illustrating how fast alliances can shift once the pressure ramps up.
With Zach out, Week 6 HOH competition is officially up for grabs. When the live feeds returned, it was revealed that Rachel Reilly had claimed the HOH key, signaling a potential reshuffling of power. Flooters should strap in, as this development promises another season of strategic maneuvering, side alliances, and potential firestorms in the house.
What this means going forward
– Rachel’s HOH could set the tone for Week 6, potentially re-centering power around the more experienced players and reshaping loyalties.
– The alliance dynamics in the house are already shifting after Zach’s departure, particularly among the women who pivoted away from their previous loyalties to stay competitive.
– The question now is who Rachel will target and how other players respond. Will the plan include pressuring Vince or breaking up lingering partnerships, or will everyone try to float and ride the new power structure?
Summary
Zach Cornell’s eviction reshapes the house’s balance of power just as Rachel Reilly wins HOH, inviting fresh strategic moves and new alliances as Week 6 begins. The episode underscored how one misstep can cascade into a larger reshuffle, even for players who once looked solid in the numbers.
Positive spin
The house is entering a pivotal phase where smart, adaptive play can turn a strong position into a lasting run. With Rachel in control, there’s room for new strategies, surprising alliances, and opportunities for players who read the room quickly to re-establish themselves.
Additional notes for readers
– Viewers should watch for how the new HOH prioritizes protection versus aggression.
– The evolving relationship between the so-called floaters and the core players could determine who makes it to the later stages of the game.
If you’d like, I can add a brief breakdown of possible Week 6 targets and a quick “what to watch” rundown for upcoming episodes.