Is Jessica playing the best game on Big Brother 19?

We’re coming to a real crossroads with one Jessica Graf.

Jessica’s a tough character. Initially, she was almost unanimously despised and her relationship with Cody was kind of nauseating. But since then, as Paul has evolved into a master puppet master and the house has almost entirely teamed up against the showmance better known as Jody, a new strain of sentiment has emerged for Jessica: That of begrudging respect.

Keeping in mind the awful things she’s said and done — even in Wednesday’s episode, she spoke of straight-up wanting to drown Alex — she’s become one of the foremost players of the game. And let’s acknowledge — there is a limit to how “good” or “nice” anyone on Big Brother is. The show brings out the worst in everyone.

Still, as Jody has entered this “us against the world” fight, Jessica has revealed herself to be quite adept at keeping the couple in the game. A lot of this hinges on the halting hex power she currently has, which would allow her to defer the eviction and allow her and Cody, both of whom have been nominated, to stick around another week.

And as devoted as she is to Cody, Jessica has shown herself to be open to considering her long-term game. The deal she’s asking of Paul, what she’s demanding in exchange for not playing the hex and implicitly allowing Cody to go home, is two week’s safety and Alex’s eviction. She’s not dumb, though she may very well believe she’s smart enough to pull Cody through with her without trading the hex for future safety.

In any case, with one more day to go until the live eviction, keep an eye on the live feeds. Jessica has a game and she’s playing it to the best of her ability. Paul, watch out.