BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID.
Reactions to Ashlea's departure include Sarah's wistful farewell to the innocent days of the BIG BROTHER house, and Eric's "See ya, don't let the door hit your butt on the way out."

Last episode's HoH competition came down to two finalists, Eric and Janelle. Victor Eric sums up his opponent: "Out of everybody…it had to be Janelle, who I have absolutely no use for at all!" But according to Michael, Eric's victory tears are of relief, because fearless leader Eric ain't so brave when it comes to brainy bombshell Janelle. Kaysar voices his mistrust of their new HoH, and Janelle cements the sentiment with, "I wasn't excited at all when he won. In fact, I felt like throwing up in the pool."

A weeper Eric might be, but it turns out he and James have been pulling double duty on the strategy front. The pair planned the decoy second vote to turn their housemates against Michael. Janelle and Kaysar wonder who cast the other vote against Kaysar, but are left guessing.

Cappy heads to claim the HoH Room and his treats, which include energy drinks, low-carb beers and family pictures. With tears in his eyes, Eric shares a public hug with an equally tearful Maggie, setting off James' suspicions. Janelle has ceased to be snowballed by Eric as she snipes, "Eric's always crying. I swear to god he's an actor. He's crying every fricken five minutes! He cries at the drop of a hat!"