THE PLOT THICKENS
On the eve of the impending vote, Rachel reveals her pact with Howie: whoever remains will make it their mission to break up the Friendship Allies. "We're coming after you," Hurricane Howie warns. When it comes to his chances of staying in the BIG BROTHER 6 house, Howie's forecast is grim, because of his 48-hour tirade against "Busto" (April) last week. "Maybe it's time for me to go," he sighs. Rachel is adamant that unless the "Friendsters" vote with a "vindictive" focus, she will be the one leaving.

Meanwhile, enjoying some R&R in the backyard, Beau dares Howie to streak across the lawn. Howie, ever pleased for an opportunity to shine in the spotlight, agrees on one condition: that Beau, Ivette and Maggie swear on the Bible that they will not vote him off. But all decline. "Big fat Maggie refused to swear on the Bible!" Howie wails, disappointed that they won't guarantee his safety, and possibly that he doesn't get a chance to show America his goods.

Maggie, playing quietly behind her more vocal allies, seems to be the one HouseGuest still focused on James, whom she considers the "biggest threat in the game." In a hot-tub conversation, Maggie, Ivette and April discuss the scenarios of their members making the final pair. It is then that Maggie realizes James' master plan. "Oh my god," she gasps, catching on. James, she whispers, has to get rid of the Friendsters to have a chance of winning the Grand Prize. If any of her group is in the final pair, they will be voted the winner by the Friendship Alliance-heavy jury. James has been brilliantly playing them like pawns in his ultimate chess game.