Going into the penultimate episode of the season, we knew the formula for this episode:

  • See never-before-shown footage at the Final 3 Dinner
  • Check out the jury’s reaction to Melody becoming juror No. 5.
  • Get a sneak peak at Part I of the three-part final head of household (HOH) competition.

For that reason, this recap is mostly going to be giving my opinions of the final two scenarios. I’ll reserve my thoughts for the entire season once we crown a winner Thursday night.

#ButFirst, Melody this season has been vocal to the newbies that she did not enjoy Angela on Season 26, let alone this season. We got a glimpse of a reason why in the jury house, as Angela openly attacked her game and said there’s a reason why Taylor was always on the block as the pawn and not her.

Nonetheless, let’s look at the voting scenarios for Thursday’s finale:

  • Taylor (HOH) vs Drew: In this scenario, I believe Taylor would have the votes of Lala and Yash while Drew would get the votes of Melody, Barrett, and Devens. I don’t think Angela respects Drew’s game enough, so I would pencil her in for Taylor. That means Dee would be the deciding vote. Dee has said inside the house she would vote for Drew over Taylor but does Taylor winning final HOH sway her vote? It’s possible, thus giving her the win. Prediction: Taylor 4-3
  • Drew (HOH) vs Taylor: Let’s say Drew wins the final HOH and cuts his “dad” at final three. This would mean he would have eliminated both Survivor’s from the game. I think this would ultimately earn all of the icons votes, plus Barrett and Melody. There’s a possibility this earns Yash’s vote as well. Prediction: Drew 5-2.
  • Drew (HOH) vs Devens: There’s no way Taylor’s not voting for Devens over Drew, even if the “kid” wins HOH. In her mind, he is playing for second place. Drew would only get Barrett and Melody’s vote at this point. Prediction: Devens 5-2.
  • Devens (HOH) vs Drew: Nothing changes if Devens is HOH over Drew. Prediction: Devens 5-2.

The only scenarios I’m not including is Taylor vs Devens. Neither will take the other to the end. Drew is guaranteed second place at worst. Devens and Taylor are battling for either first or third place.

I’ve been vocal in these recaps about rooting for an icon this season. Out of all of the icons, Devens was my favorite in the game from start to end. He made big moves, he had fun, and he was strategic in his alliances. This is the farthest he’s ever went in any reality TV game. Can he finish the job come Thursday?

Drew played the middle all season, making friends with the icons and the newbies. Despite how some feel about this strategy, he guaranteed him second place at worst in this complicated game, and he won competitions when he had, too. He may be a brighter 22-year-old than the houseguests give him credit for. His story that his mom learned English from watching the show may sway a vote or two in the jury as well, which could be the difference.

Taylor played this game from the shadows, listening instead of talking. She was on the block six times and survived all six. That is also a testament to her social game. If she wins the final two HOH’s, it should be enough to crown her the ultimate player of the season.

Who do you want to see win Big Brother 28? What do you make of my final two predictions? Let me know down in the comments and come back Friday morning to read the recap of the season finale.