The show began the way all Thursday shows do: with the Chenbot standing proud and smiling. She was sort of the sparkly, Asian answer to Sarah Plain and Tall. Anyway, Julie came to us in a dark pantsuit with gentle flourishes of ruffles and glitter. It was pretty much as close as we'd get to seeing her wearing a figure skating outfit -- which would be awesome. I'd love to see Julie take on Sasha Cohen on the ice.

Well, the Chenbot gave her standard opening speech, which was happily punctuated by the night's only "But First." As we then segued into footage from the house, Julie noted, "Some say it's really Will and Mike Boogie who are calling all the shots." You think? The two guys who no one dares to nominate are the ones in power? Say it ain't so! Seriously. Say it ain't so. I can't bare to think that my favorite players have succumbed to such obvious mental games!

Anyway, we then saw as Marcellas reeled from his new perch on the chopping block. As you can imagine, he was not happy, but he brushed it off, saying, "It is what it is." That, by the way, has quickly become the new, tiresome catchphrase of this season. "It is what it is." Stop saying it, people. Just say, "Oh well." It's much more efficient. But what can you do? It is what it is. Dammit!

Later, Erika asked Marcellas if he was going to talk to Janelle about the situation, but he shook his head and replied, "No, that's not my style." He then added, "I'd much rather talk shit about her behind her back." He then told Erika that he wouldn't campaign against her, which was nice and all, but of course, as soon as she left the room, he immediately turned to Danielle and said, "D, I still need you to vote for me." I guess maybe that doesn't necessarily count as campaigning against Erika but... well.... it is what it is!

For her part, Danielle was caught in the middle of this mess (much like everyone else in this game). "I have a promise with Marcellas and a friendship with Erika," she said, as if she had any control in this situation. You're a slave to Dr. Will and Boogie. You'll do what they say. Don't try to act like you're caught between two people!

Unfortunately for Marcellas, Legion of Doom wanted him out. However, kicking him out would be a bold move because it would essentially reveal to Janelle and Howie that something was afoot. Let's not forget that Chill Town convinced Janelle to put Marcellas up as a pawn and then lied and said they'd protect him. If they didn't, it would reveal their lack of loyalty. It would be a rude wakeup call to Janelle who's been frustratingly entranced by these two jokers. Of course, it wasn't guaranteed that Marcellas would necessarily be going (okay, it was. But just indulge me here for a second). Will had concerns about Erika's presence in his alliance. "Chill Town is the Beatles of this show," he told us. "I'm the Paul McCartney and Mike Boogie is the John Lennon. Unfortunately, Erika is the Yoko Ono. She's been in this band entirely too long." Does that make James Ringo? Because I could totally see that. But then again, not sure if I buy Danielle as George. I've probably taken this analogy a bit too far...

Image courtesy of our trusty intern.