The next morning is all about Brian, Dan, and Jessie being irritated by Renny and pretending they weren't talking about her when she sits down next to Dan. When they fall silent, Her expression demonstrates that there's a difference between being foolish and being easily fooled. Dan and Brian are already planning their strategy: suggest Renny and Jessie to Jerry as the first nominees. Brian takes some one-on-one time with Jerry, bonding with him over their shared history in the service. Jerry suggests a secret signal, which is that they cross their forearms to indicate the "X factor" alliance of Big Brother 10. Dude, you're 75. This is embarrassing. Brian DRs that he'll "keep Jerry around" for as long as he's useful, and then talks Jerry out of nominating Dan, putting Renny and Jessie up instead. Jerry's on board with the plan. X-FACTOR! Sorry, couldn't resist.

It's nomination day, and various players discuss what it means. For Jerry's part, he says he's going to feel bad no matter what. After loading the key box, he calls everyone in for the nomination ceremony. I don't know how Steven does it, but when he slumps forward, it makes the "PURE GRAVY" text on his t-shirt read temporarily as "PURE GAY." Good thing he's being so discreet. But anyway, the nominees are Jessie and Renny, who saw it coming. Jerry says his nominations were designed to force people to deal with "the conflict" themselves. Jessie says that voicing his opinion bit him in the butt, and Renny angrily vows in the DR that "[Jessie's] gonna need all his muscles." Jerry considers his nominations "extremely safe," and adds that he's here to stay. Brian congratulates himself on being the puppetmaster. A little early for that, Air Force. "Act like a baby," Renny mutters bitterly at the kitchen counter. Is that her advice or her strategy?

M. Giant is a Minneapolis-based writer with a wife, a son, and a number of cats that seems to have settled at around two. Learn waaaay too much about him at Velcrometer, or just e-mail him at m.giant[at]gmail.com.