Overview

• A special Wednesday episode used the Mastermind mechanism to trigger an immediate elimination challenge and a public vote recorded as 2–0.
• The pivotal sequence occurred during a multi‑hour live‑feed blackout, fueling fresh complaints from viewers and some former players about fairness and transparency.
• One houseguest secured both Head of Household and the season’s final Power of Veto and kept nominations unchanged heading into the decision.
• Late‑season competitions continue to concentrate control in a small group, elevating challenge outcomes over traditional social‑game voting.
• CBS shifted this week’s schedule, airing a shorter late‑night hour on Wednesday, a 90‑minute live eviction on Thursday, and a two‑hour finale on Sunday.