Oprah’s Big Give, the Finale: Friends In High Places

It’s the final night of The Big Give, and the tension couldn’t be any thicker. After an extended recap from Oprah and speculation by the judges over who will win, O and the final three meet in Chicago’s Union Station, also known as The Crossroads of America, for the final challenge, The Shirt Off Your Back. The reason for this name? The contestants have 48 hours to give big with nothing but their “big ol’ hearts.” They must work in a group, but will be judged individually.

Oprah sends them on their way and they run to their cars. By the looks of Cam’s running, I can see why he made his millions through the internet and not sports. Cameron checks out his competition, speculating that Stephen is the one to beat. Stephen announces that he wants to lead the group again, but Brandi is tentative and thinks she needs to step up to prove she deserves to win. You think?

Stephen immediately gets on the phone with Chicago Hope Academy’s Bob “Buzz” Mezikowski, the president of a poverty-stricken college preparatory school. Stephen says he has known him for twelve years and rather arrogantly declares that Chicago Hope is where they must go. I keep expecting Mandy Patinkin to come from around a corner, but (spoiler alert!) am sadly disappointed.

Cameron and Brandi are none-too-pleased by this “frat boy” reunion, and secretly text back and forth while the guys rekindle their bro-mance. Buzz goes on to tell tales of violence in the neighborhood while Cameron and Brandi struggle to keep their eyes open. Finally, the meeting is adjourned and the decision is made to help the school build an athletic field.

Meanwhile, back in the car, Brandi and Cameron vent their frustrations about Stephen. Cameron thinks the idea behind the challenge was to help individuals in small ways, a la walking old ladies across the street, rather than throw giant fundraisers.

Once they reconvene at the Big Give Headquarters, Brandi suggests going to a children’s hospital and throwing a talent show for the kids with her beauty queen friends. Stephen thinks beauty queens would be sprinkles atop of a cupcake and that they need to think bigger. As Cameron and Brandi detail their party plans, Stephen condescendingly bites his lip and plots their demise.

It’s day 2 and the deliberation continues. With all the past suggestions out the window, Cameron continues thinking small and throws out the idea of soup kitchen hopping. Brandi is set on her idea of reuniting separated lovers, and Stephen and Cameron shoot each other “girl, you crazy” looks while half-listening. Brandi is feeling discouraged, while Cameron tries to calm everyone down and stop complicating things.

Just as Brandi’s cabin fever begins to get the best of her, Judge Jamie makes a surprise visit and is annoyed by their progress, or lack thereof. He gives them a tough-love speech, warns them of looking like bloody idiots, and tells them beggers can’t be choosers when Brandi says she isn’t into the Chicago Hope idea. He splits the group up and Stephen is off to the school as Cameron gets a $10,000 donatation from some contacts. Cammy also shoots an email to the Blue Man Group, who are performing in town, and they agree to do a show for the kids and donate Cameron’s asking price of $100,000. Now that the ball is rolling, the group is feeling much better – but no less catty!

Stephen shows up at Chicago Hope and announces to the school that Blue Man Group will perform as Brandi and Cam solidify the arrangements. The others are pretty pissed when they learn that Stephen did none of the work but got all the accolades at the school. Stephen’s defense is that the kids needed to know the surprise so they could get permission slips signed, but the others ain’t buying it.

The next morning, Cameron is going on to the camera about all the things he has done and all the things Brandi has not. Brandi confronts Stephen about ruining the surprise and vents her frustrations with the guys before heading out on her own. She wants to spend time getting her hands dirty rather than focusing on getting donations from giant corporations. Brandi tells us that she thinks Cameron is a wuss and can’t do anything without the group. Now that seems like the pot calling the kettle black! But sure enough, Cam pops up in the parking lot, hoping to tag along with Brandi.

Brandi goes back to her children’s hospital idea and reminds us that she herself had scoliosis as a child and knows what it feels like to live in a hospital. Brandi wants to have a cooking class with the kids, among other things, but Cameron rushes her out the door so he can get to the Chicago Hope luncheon. Finally, Brandi puts him in his place and tells him to go there while she deals with the hospital, and promises to prove him wrong.

The day goes on and Stephen and Brandi continue to make it all about them, sending negative comments back and forth via their confessionals while Cameron rides the fence and continues to fly under the radar. Brandi is able to secure Rosebud Restaurant’s Chef Anthony Reyes to teach her cooking course, and she is more than happy to rub it in Cameron’s face since he doubted any chef would be willing to do it with such short notice. Um, Jamie Oliver seemed to be having a pretty laid back afternoon in his W Hotel robe and slippers when he popped in, but that’s besides the point.

Stephen, meanwhile, goes on to complain to the Blue Man Group about Cameron and Brandi’s late arrival. Stephen is livid and embarrassed as, due to traffic, the others still have not arrived by the time the performance is to start. Brandi tells him to start the show without them.

Stephen finally calms down and is able to enjoy the show. Cameron and Brandi sneak in the back mid-show and are a bit surprised to see the judges, who can’t turn down free Blue Man Group tickets! Cameron is quick to grab the microphone afterward to be sure the judges know he was responsible for getting the group there. Stephen gives Buzz some accolades in front of the kids, then presents a check for $60,000 for their baseball field. Blue Man Group gives $50,000 to go along with that, plus another $50,000 to a music and arts fund, plus fifteen brand new guitars and a piano. Cue the cheers, the tears, and the John Mayer track.