Displaying items by tag: Big Brother 24

Big Brother! Are you listening? Have you taken any of my suggestions to heart? I doubt it (for a variety of reasons) but I am only going to deal with four issues this time. These issues would be easy to solve if you only apply your mind. And, with time, might save this show. 

Issue One: What about spoilers? This year, Twitter has been alive with spoiler people with some more vicious than others. All claim to have insider information. All claim to want to keep the fans entertained. And yes! But at least one has gone so far as threatening other spoiler people to stop. (Sometimes, these arguments have been more entertaining than the show.)

Regarding spoilers, CBS you need to answer this question. Do they help build your audience? The answer there is yes. Some people read the spoilers (and feeder updates for that matter) and decide to tune in or out. Look, we have too many other options to watch. The issue is how the spoiler person treats the reader. If they make fun of the reader or ask for adulation, they just want a fan base. If they are knowledgeable and treat readers with respect, they are respected. We don’t ask for much! Just the tidbits of competitions and if everyone is okay.

I went to the debunker of spoilers (and spoiler people), N1L3 Cr4n3 (some think it is McRae, others a stan account), and asked him. His reply was simple: 

Spoilers are fine and have been around for as long as I have been in the community. The problem I have is when they have spoilers that can never be proven or disproven. It’s an old medium’s trick.

His statement is so true. How do you know who to believe? Who really has contacts on a set that would be willing to risk their livelihood to help promote the show (RealVegas) or only uses them to make themselves look important? Or who would dangle the odd rumor in front of someone and beg them to ask for more?

Issue Two: What rating demographics does CBS want? Sure the show brings in the 24-40 contestants and manipulates people for showmances and controversies but why? This game started as a game of strategy. This game started to show all types of people at all stages of life. They’ve even tried to help families reunite in the early years. If they think audiences want what we have seen this year, they are sadly mistaken. Even the younger audience couldn’t stand the showmances that were established or the treatment of people which led to controversies of bullying and rage. Maybe you need to monitor Twitter and not Meta and listen in on the discussions found on Twitter.

Issue Three: The theme and sets have been lame lately. Don’t you do market research? If you did, you would know those backstage carnival areas needed to be cleaned up and not look like it was pre-planned and a sideshow. If you wanted a rock festival, then keep the house guests busy!

This crew was lazy. The backstage workers, who should have been working, were a lazy and back-biting crew. It didn’t look like any money went into production or was spent to build an interesting set. Everything appeared to have come from earlier seasons of the show. It was just thrown together with odd bits and pieces. Maybe a futuristic theme would be better or high-end/low-end?

Issue Four: This is a biggie. I was asked to give my opinion on a Twitter discussion on how to improve the show. I’ve thought long and hard about this. My simple suggestion is to take it back to the grassroots of where the idea came from, the book 1984. So, here goes:

Do away with the HoHs, the Have Nots, the Nominees. Instead of the inmates running the house, have someone who is impartial to the cast run the house. Bring in teams of people to work eight-hour shifts (non-production). These people will decide what the house will do (theme, games, etc.). In addition, they will assign chores. If your chores get done, you get a “good” meal. If they don’t, you get demerits and slop. 

Do not let producers become a voice from the sky. Orders will be issued by the unbiased unseen being over house alerts. Games and themes for weeks will be laid out well in advance and no changes will be made during the course of the show to help specific candidates.

If the “boss” sees bad behavior or bullying, the game is stopped instantly. On 24/7 feeds, the houseguests will be called together, and the issue will be announced. The cameras can then go to “be right back” as a court setting is held. The person who has done the most work will become the judge and a jury will be determined. If the situation is bullying, almost criminal (fighting), or if mental problems seem to be developing, the judge and jury can evict immediately. 

The mystery voice using the demerit system determines the two with the highest number of demerits. They will be on the block for eviction.

These suggestions may never be accepted. Granted they are just a quickly drawn-up list. But if a future seasons go like the past few seasons of Big Brother, there may never be another Big Brother season. Ratings are not what they were in the show’s glory days. If gossip is leaked the way it has been leaked, fans who love the show may turn on the show. If money isn’t spent to make sets more stylistic, people will think CBS is cheap no matter the prize money.

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Big Brother this is the second part of my series on how to improve the show. Each year, you tell us to “expect the unexpected” but each year, it’s more of the same old, same old (especially in competitions). From casting to set design, I must wonder if your production crew lives in the real world or some imaginary world of the network or production company’s creation.

This week, I’ll try to limit it to five (again). Let’s start with one I touched on last time and expand it.

Number One: The house guests. I will straight up and say this. The Big Brother 23 cast was the best you have had in a long, long time. They came in and seemed to be aware of the “real world” outside of the bubble. Their sincerity was evident from the first show. They also had a smart cast. There is no way I would have suspected that a group of six could come together and get as far as they did. I don’t know if it was the splitting of teams or the “common goal” but it worked.

Let’s deal with this year’s cast. On paper, for production and to present to the network, it might have appeared to be stellar (cough). It wasn’t! To me, it looked like you took a casting list and went down the line checking off characters. I’m going to apologize to Turner here. I compared him to a surfer dude from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Just like the character of Spicoli, Turner proved us wrong. Turner, like his character at the end of the movie, showed that he knew what went on around him. The other characters also didn’t play out as you planned, did they? May I ask, what made you think that a “mean girl” would accept a “beauty queen?” Didn’t you suspect that a “mean girls club” could exclude her? And on the guys’ side, the “Pooch” should have raised alarms as he was so sure he would oversee the men’s team. Then you made him the “backstage boss.” And by the way, did any of them do any of the “training” they were supposed to complete before entering the house? This time, asking for the Twitter community.

Second, this leads me to the next issue. The set décor. You said you wanted a “fest” or “festival”. If so, why did it look like a cheap carnival for the backstage area? Your games to pick teams were stupid. The selection of games looked so rigged. And the dress that Jasmine wore? I hope you paid for it to be cleaned or provided it to her as a costume. This looked like one of those fly-by-night carnivals minus the rides. And then you said that Pooch had won the “Backstage Boss.” Well, he looked more like the evil lord on his throne from movies like Something Wicked This Way Comes.” (He didn’t look smart enough sitting there to be a character from Game of Thrones.)  Handing out the backstage passes also was problematic. The backstage people at a carnival operate the rides or do grunt work. The backstage of a music concert has them moving things quickly on and off stage and acting as security. These stooges got away with no work and had a good week (until Paloma started to spin out of control).

Third: While we are on set décor, who came up with the cheap hotel theme and “Drye Fest?” The décor of the hotel has been used before during various seasons. Didn’t you have a budget to get anything new? It looked like it was out of the 60s and a rundown beach hotel. This entire design setup was an alarm bell going off in my head. Too much cheap color was used in locations that needed some calm.

Now let’s deal with sticking half the group outside for a week. I have friends in California who are complaining about the heat. Who, in their right minds, would choose to send five people to live outside in heat of 105 degrees with no tents or cooling tents? What would you have done if a storm had come up? Oh, that’s right. When the wall yeller happened, you supposedly moved the Broh-ella upstairs and the others supposedly came in. I don’t know since we were blocked from 24/7 feeds. Now, there has been wind (which supposedly messed up a competition) for the Drye side. I’m sorry! Why not announce there would be have-nots and arrange something safe? I’d hate to read that a contestant on Big Brother was taken to the hospital by extreme weather conditions while playing the game.

Fourth: The “twists” of teams. I understand that week one threw you. You had to come up with something unique. Plus, you had someone that the whole house wanted out staying but really – “festie besties.” If you were thinking this through, you would realize that Nicole’s plan could have happened with any of them. They could have chosen their target (Taylor) in the hope that their popularity would keep them. Nicole though was so obvious in her scheme and Monte and others started to wise up about what the girls were doing to Taylor. Getting Taylor out that way didn’t work to Nicole’s cost. And let’s not even deal with the Drye Fest which I listed in number three. Schoolyard picks seem fair but it always comes down to the last picks feeling like they didn’t count. Back to bullying again!

Fifth and the worse: The gross treatment of Taylor. Look, this has been said in many of my posts before. There comes a time when the show needs to step in and take control. You can’t let the bullying and insults fly as Daniel and Nicole did. You can’t let a group of people isolate one! If it was a misunderstanding (like between Nicole and Taylor), talk it out – not mistreat the individual or yell it out. If it is a game strategy, stop it from being used. If it is just control (like I feel it was with Daniel), take the cameras down, call Daniel out in front of the house guests, and check on Taylor’s well-being. A lesser person than Taylor could have been scarred for life by the attacks and isolation she faced. Do you want to read that it led to attempted suicide? You’re supposed to have counselors on hand. Do you? If so, did they talk to Taylor? Did they try earlier than when Paloma asked to leave to talk the matter through with her? Or did some producers see it as good television and let it run?

I have a few more issues, Big Brother, but I think this has given you enough to think about for today. Next week, a new list and many more questions. Actually, I may include a big issue that’s been simmering over there since Celebrity Big Brothers and spoilers.

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After this season’s Big Brother, I honestly think the show needs to make some major changes. The show had a good season in 2021 with players being more socially aware and understanding the “supposed” training that the producers gave them. This season, they had a house guest leave the show during the first days of production due to mental stress. 

The blame cannot be placed only on the players. It also must be placed on the network, the production company, the executive producers and production crew, and the contestants. CBS needs to decide if the program is worth the headache and bad press. If so, Big Brother and Fly-on-the-Wall Production need to make some changes and I’m going to list a few here.

1.  All problems start at the top. Since this is not a CBS-owned program, we need to start with the people that Fly on the Wall put in charge. The major player there is one Allison Grodner. When hard decisions are made, it is up to the executive producer to make them. Ms. Grodner seems unable or unwilling to call people out for bullying, racial slurs, and comments as well as overall basic bad behavior in the house. This year we have had Taylor bullied, three house guests (Kyle, Michael, and Brittany) who have discussed using race to get people out, and one house guest (Terrance) who has a deep hatred toward women (especially Taylor). At times, I have wondered if Terrance would turn violent. These are issues that she didn’t try to deal with or hide from the public. With live feeds 24 hours, 7 days a week you can’t hide this type of ugliness. If not seen, your button pusher isn’t always fast enough to kill the live feeds during production and the live-feed updaters hear what happened and report it.
   
   
2. Predetermined winners. While on the subject of Ms. Grodner, let’s add another issue, shall we? The Celebrity edition of Big Brother in the Winter of 2022 leaned heavily toward the two finalists. There were times that it looked like “production” stepped in to help these two make it to the finals. Even they mentioned that they had help. Producers should not play an active role in who wins and who loses. This should be determined by the house guests. Also, house guests should not be allowed to “practice” before an event.
   
   
3. America’s Vote: Have you ever wondered if the results are true in any of the America’s Votes? Speaking from the viewpoint of someone with large questions about telephone/internet polls, I honestly don’t think that the winners are determined by America unless we see the final poll results. A good example of this is what happened in my state during the Taylor Hick’s win on American Idol. Many of us supported Chris Daughtry as he was a resident of North Carolina and very familiar to the clubs here. When we called (and I do mean we as about 20 friends had this happened to them) to vote for Chris, we got “Thank you for voting for Hicks/McPhee.” This happened on all of Chris’s lines. We had the local affiliate call only to be assured our votes went to Chris but did they really? The phone lines/tabulation was controlled by producers and fans knew they liked Hicks. How do we know that we are giving the correct winner in America’s Favorite vote? Questions were asked after Celebrity Big Brother because the winner seemed off. Show the vote so no questions are asked!
   
   
4. The Big Brother Bible. The show makes so much of a thick rule book that the players have in the house to question certain topics. Have fans ever wondered just what the “rules” of Big Brother are? I have and I know other critics have wondered. If there is such an important element to the game, the least you can do is give the rules to those who cover the show so we can reply to questions like: “Is that in the rule book or did the producers make it up for their favorites?” Hey, I’ve questioned if something was invented specifically for a situation a couple of times myself!
   
   
5. The contestants: All of the fandom have heard that the casting directors have just walked into a restaurant and hired someone. We know from contestants that some of them have no idea about the game. Shouldn’t contestants be people who KNOW the game? Shouldn’t contestants be fully screened? Shouldn’t contestants have a mental evaluation before the game begins? Shouldn’t contestants have training on racial/sexual biases and bullying? Shouldn’t actual health concerns of the house guests and food allergies be a concern of production? The show tells us that they are but from this season’s cast, I don’t think so.

That’s it for this piece. Next up is the actual content of the games/shows/etc. itself.

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Tonight, Big Brother is bringing the drama, and once again the talk of racial issues has reared its head. After the Jack and Jackson issues of Season 21, I thought the sensitivity training and other workshops would kick in. Evidently, Big Brother's counselors don’t know what to do to weed out the riff-raff and get people who care involved. I didn’t want to address this regarding Big Brother ever again but after reading FaceBook, Twitter, listening to podcasts, and seeing news articles, I find I need to clear my head and this is my technique. As a journalist, I have been taught to observe and be objective. So to do that, as always, I have gone to the very beginning of this Big Brother season to trace this saga and to look at the facts.

Week One – No make that day one – Paloma developed an intensive dislike of an African American contestant, Taylor. There are really two reasons: her talking to the guys in a sexy swimsuit and her beauty queen identity. Let’s be honest. To play this game to win, you need a social game. I went back and watched this incident and other Paloma’s blowup today. She was always raving about the beauty queen and the superior attitude she felt Taylor had. These reasons got her followers (with Amerrah as the co-head) to separate Taylor from the girls by ignoring her and making fun of things she did (like crying).

Paloma never gave Taylor a chance and the other girls saw a leader and followed. Whatever Paloma and her second in command, Amerrah, said was true. Did any of them try to get to know Taylor? No! Instead, they formed the Girly Girls group and even shunned Britney out (due to being different). Now, what kind of girls alliance is that? Later Paloma would tell Monte and others that Taylor made fun of her in the shower. When did a joke and a look become bullying? When Monte told Taylor after they became friends, she explained how she felt. No one but Paloma took offense and Paloma is still talking about the bathroom incident that she saw as bullying. Paloma wanted Taylor out and used whatever means she could to do it. Instead, Paloma went out of control and left the game by her decision for mental health issues.

I will say this. There was no sign of racial tension in those early weeks. Taylor, though, took the brunt of the anger and micro-aggression of the other houseguests. If something happened in the house they didn’t like, Taylor had to be behind it. She was on the block four times because the others saw her as being the one who got Paloma to leave and hated her for that.

Then the “festie besties” (one of the worse twists ever) occurred. Nicole chose Taylor as her festie buddy because Nicole knew she would be safe if nominated for eviction. Who wanted the chef (Nicole) to leave? What Nicole and the “Mean Girls Club” didn’t realize is that Monte, Kyle, and others were noticing the things that were happening. They were hearing comments from the girls that didn’t meet their vision of what Taylor was doing. She wasn’t aggressive. She was forced to stay by herself.

Everything and everyone seemed to make her cry. If Taylor hadn’t been as strong as she was, she’d probably have broken down and either tried suicide or asked to leave. She didn’t and I applaud Taylor for that.
Monte and Kyle were members of the Pound with Turner and Joseph. They decided that Taylor was being treated unfairly. Then Taylor thought Nicole’s mom was worse and made a statement that Nicole might need to be with her. She and Monte even prayed for Nicole’s mom. Nicole took it the wrong way and found a way to target Taylor. In front of the entire house, she jumped down Taylor’s throat about what she had said. In the process, Daniel took Nicole’s side and verbally attacked Taylor in the living room reducing her to tears. The Pound was shocked. That’s when the idea of a larger alliance started. The meeting was held in the HoH Room and “The Leftovers” was formed. Now let me fill you in on the membership. Monte and Taylor were the African American members, Joseph was the Middle Eastern member, and Kyle, Turner, Michael, and Brittany were the Caucasian members. Does that sound like the Cook-Out? No way!

Now, here is where things went downhill. Kyle and Alyssa began the path to a showmance. Yes, they even had “10-second sex” several times. Now, as the house had lost Ameerah, Nicole, and Daniel (to their comments and attitude toward Taylor), Kyle realized it was only a matter of time before Alyssa would be facing the same fate. He started looking at “his” alliance differently and started thinking them of as “The Cook-Out 2.0.” But, instead of only including the original members, Kyle deleted Turner, Michael, Brittany, and himself. He turned Monte, Joseph, and Taylor into an alliance and added Jasmine, Terrance, and Indy to the group.

Didn’t matter that Indy didn’t meet the PoC definition. She was from Brazil after all and wanted to be the first Brazilian native to win the American version of Big Brother. I honestly guess Kyle was thinking more with his body than his mind or he would realize how stupid this sounded. There is no way that this could be considered the Cook-Out 2. But Kyle, in his confused little mind, saw it not only as a way to keep Alyssa longer and get to the end and win. So, he started looking for allies.

Kyle’s big mistake was the people he first approached. His first two were Michael and Brittany and he pitched that the three of them with Turner could form a new group that could counter any Cook-Out that came to be. Kyle's logic was that Monte, Taylor, Joseph, Terrance, Jasmine, and Indy were banded together like the original Cook-Out. Don’t ask me where he got this logic! This wasn’t what the first Cook-Out was about because they did work as a team to get the first Person of Color as a winner. . He surprised Michael and Brittany who appeared at first in the live feeds and a brief clip on the show to consider it. Apparently, Diary Room (and possibly second thoughts) showed them what the optics would look like and they dropped the idea. Evidently, Kyle had the same discussion with the Diary Room because he mentioned it in a conversation with Brittany where she tried to use logic on him. It just didn’t take. Kyle saw this logic as his means of winning the $750,000.

Now here’s where it gets messy. Turner was in for it as he saw strong players being taken out. He didn’t care that they were African American. That’s not the messy part. The teams were now divided and everyone knew that Jasmine would leave the indoor group. When Terrance (an African American) went for his nominations (as HoH), he chose Turner and Joseph. Somehow Kyle convinced Terrance that Joseph wanted him out (which Joseph did) and the network didn’t bother to allow live-feeders to see it. For at least two days, feeds were down in the backyard as the show tried to figure out how to play it. In the end, it was brushed over. Turner won the PoV and Kyle went up. But the die was cast and Terrance with Alyssa's urging, put up Kyle to make sure that Joseph was sent to the jury. I don’t want to talk optics but the images of 1930s movies moved in my brain. Kyle spread the Cook-Out 2 rumor by broadcasting the “Leftovers” and implying that something bigger was brewing.

It all came to a head this week when the groups reunited. The outdoor crew had decided to blame Joseph for outing the Leftovers and took much glee in telling Taylor that (a) Joseph hadn’t cared for her and talked trash about her and (b) he had outed the Leftovers. The more this was spun, the more Monte and Taylor seemed to see through it. Why would Joseph have done that? When Turner won the HoH, he put Taylor and Brittany up for eviction. Turner gleefully could care less who went but he did state he wanted Taylor out due to the first weeks of the season. So, his alliance saw that he was untrustworthy. Terrance wanted Taylor out because he blamed her for getting his friends, Paloma (making her spiral out of control), and Nicole and Daniel (trickery) evicted. Now, remember Terrance is African American but he played turncoat this week.

Did I say Michael and Brittany decided that it was time to out Kyle? The reason: they saw that Turner (with Kyle’s encouragement) was going to use the two of them to get Michael out. Michael and Brittany first approached Monte and Taylor with all that happened. Then it was on to Alyssa and the rest. Alyssa with her big mouth told Kyle who went to Diary Room where he stayed (and apparently cried) for five hours. We’ve been promised the house meeting but will the producers protect Kyle as they have been for a few weeks?

Tonight’s show opens with Julie talking about the house meeting and the reveal about Kyle that Brittany and Michael made. We open after Kyle leaves the Diary Room (5-hour blackout). He goes to Brittany to talk and she looks worried as she should be. Both are straightforward with each other. He admits he knows about the talk in the house (from Alyssa) and she hides nothing from him. Brittany reminds him that she talked to him about his Cook-Out 2 comments on Day 43. He admits he remembers but now Kyle realizes what she was saying but is he getting it now? She said she had to pick and she picked the “right side.” Brittany says she doesn’t think he’s a racist, but he hasn’t realized how his thoughts came across. Kyle next approaches Terrance and Monte and tells them he realizes that they were close with Joseph and Taylor. Kyle wanted to break them up.

Excuse me, Kyle, Terrance hates Taylor. Kyle knew it would break up the alliance but everything to him added up to a new Cook-Out. He apologizes (again) and Monte reminds him that all of the Leftovers had been transparent. If he had questions, Kyle could ask them at meetings. Monte is disappointed in Kyle and tells Kyle the thought process was based on race and lies imagined. Terrance feels that Monte, Taylor, and Joseph were running the “Leftovers” (because he was not included). Kyle calls himself foolish and asks for advice. Later Monte and Terrance talk to Turner about Michael and Brittany’s timing. If this came up weeks ago, then why Sunday? Turner thinks they need to do the house meeting and talk about it. Monte tells him to use it as a life-learning event and learn about relationships. Terrance on live feeds would talk about keeping Kyle and sending Taylor to the jury.

At the house meeting (which we only see some of), Michael discusses that during his HoH, Kyle had come to him with a plan for a new alliance. Kyle felt that Michael and Brittany were his closest allies and he didn’t know where he stood with the People of Color. Kyle uses Taylor’s failure to put up a “black” woman. Kyle implies he was sheltered and had no experience with how she felt. Kyle is asked why didn’t he ask in the meeting about it and Kyle wishes he had. Terrance turns to Michael and Brittany and feels they are “smart people.” Terrance wants to know why the house is only hearing this now. Brittany says she wishes it had happened sooner and she wishes she had put herself in their shoes. She didn’t want to hurt them. Michael uses the “fests” as his reason for holding back. How could this be discussed with the group's split?

Terrance tells all that if he had known this, Joseph wouldn’t have left during his HoH and sees it as a slap in his face. Taylor tells Kyle that she won’t hold this against him. She will hold Kyle accountable but he must earn trust. Monte hopes he uses it as a learning experience in the real world. Taylor tells Kyle he needs to address the issue and offers to help him. Kyle seems sincere in his apology and calls himself an “imperfect person.” Kyle knows he is going to the jury and plans to take the next days to start changing and apologizes about Joseph.

At the veto meeting, Michael uses the veto on Brittany (and people were upset that he didn’t use it on Taylor). Turner then announces that Kyle will replace Brittany on the block. Taylor and Kyle hug and hug all around. Kyle tells them all that he wants to have conversations and allow them to talk and forgive him. Monte doesn’t like Kyle’s actions but he will talk with him. Kyle cries when he talks to Monte because they played the same game. Monte didn’t do anything wrong. Monte shares his high school experiences and culture. His relationships with high school individuals that were not like him ended sadly. To Monte, when Kyle attached his actions to Monte’s race, Kyle thus will lose Monte’s trust. Alyssa tells him that she can’t trust him because he put himself first in their relationship. She ends the relationship (at least for now).

Monte talks to Taylor about the timing of Michael and Brittany’s revelations. They agree that there was something wrong with it and it will color any relationship in the future. Monte wants to win the HoH and put them up and Taylor agrees.

During the Eviction, Kyle tells Taylor she has style and grace. He addresses all with Alyssa the last. Taylor's speech about the stay in BB has been a journey of strength and offers Kyle and the others her love. With a vote of five to zero, Kyle is evicted from the Big Brother house and to the jury. He hugs all with Taylor the first and Alyssa the last. He exits to polite claps to talk to Julie.

Kyle tells Julie that the week has been tough but he’s thankful for the experience. Julie mentions the Cookout and his “proposed” alliance with Michael, Brittany, Alyssa, and Turner. Kyle realizes that what he said didn’t click in his mind and how terrible it was. Julie asks if this discussion affected his game. Kyle admits it went into his decision-making. His decision to out the Leftovers was to safeguard his game (my words) as he knew he was on the low end of the group and their decision-making. He wanted a group with Alyssa thus the After Party formed with Terrance and Turner.

Next Thursday is another double eviction! The HoH competition is a Zingbot’s Festival called “Burning Bot” featuring a puzzle and a visit from Zingbot.

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Most people who know me know that I go into Big Brother each year with high hopes. I’ve watched it since season six. I’ve lived through the “four horsemen,” Evel Dick, Jessie and Dan’s funeral, and the Derek/Frenchie era with little or no complaints. I’ve seen good contestants like Jordan and Jeff and awful contestants like – well I’ll not name them. I’ve recapped and watched hours of live feeds. This year’s Big Brother has done me in. I thought the bullying at the start of the season was bad enough only to have it come back, without the “mean girls,” but led by the following: a lying, cheating weasel, a PoC who hates women, an original “mean girl” who I thought had learned, and a floater with no sense of loyalty or who really seems to care. There. Was I honest enough?

The show had more issues than this. Let’s start with the cast list. There’s something off when we have no cast list until two days before the show premieres. Yes, I know Covid reared its head again and one supposed contestant did America’s Got Talent, but we weren’t even given a whisper. Then, to have the house guests enter live (only Julie in the audience) made it a little suspicious to me. Typical house guests though led this year by a 20-something (who will remain nameless) girl who had a bad case of paranoia (being kind) and took an instant dislike to one of the other girls. The reason: she was a beauty queen, said things that the silly leader didn’t like, and had nice clothes (or that’s how I saw it). She poisoned (yes I said poisoned) the rest of the girls. While things changed for our beauty queen, it was four weeks of isolation (which now seems to be returning). The paranoid contestant – left the game supposedly of her own free will – but left the poison behind. (She would make a great “Lady Macbeth!”)

The second major issue as the show aired for me was the theme. They said “beach days” and summer carnival. Instead, everything seemed off. Instead of a beach theme, it appeared the show was going for backstage at the sleazy side show and recked of slimy, underhanded games. Even the throne that was won by the “backstage boss” looked like it came out of an old movie like “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” I also don’t think that people were “randomly” assigned to their game. I honestly think that this was rigged as the contestant and contest came up too quickly. I have to question if the players had a fair shot at winning. Remember, in the messy first game, it went straight down the line.

Moving along, shall we to the “gimmicks” or “themes.” Gimmick is a better word. The plan was to have three under the backstage boss with a free ride until the first eviction. The one with America’s vote of the three would be safe while one of the others would go up for eviction. Great scheme until one backstage member became paranoid and left the game. So, quickly, the show came up with “festie bestie” which set the teams up with a “bestie” for three weeks. On paper, this looks good until you realize that one of the “mean girls” took the isolated girl as her partner just to get her out. Funny that this would have actually worked if six players hadn’t begun to realize what was happening. So, after four times on the block, the group (Leftovers) saved her, and a new alliance and hope for the season was born. I actually thought I might make it through the year.

While the backstage, carnival gimmick wasn’t bad enough, we got the “fests” with one group attending an in-house “Coachella” style while the other group outside at “Drye” fest. My question to producers (especially Allison) is: what would have happened if the notorious LA weather had gotten bad? The heat was bad enough but what about smog (breathing), torrential rains and flooding, or tornados or strong winds? Oh, that’s right. You did have gale force winds which allowed you to get out a fan favorite during Thursday’s eviction.

And that brings me to the real problem with this year’s Big Brother. While “The Leftovers” was truly a very good alliance, an alliance is only as good as its weakest link. Their weakest link turned out to be the one who founded the alliance, Kyle. If I was to describe Kyle as seen by production, I would say the “fair hair kid.” As a feeder and viewer who knows that television only broadcasts what the producers want, we saw a man-child who liked to snitch. Not only a snitch, but he also fell for the old showmance theme. Granted, it took him several weeks to move into that mode but when he did it was with a “mean girl” who accepted him for the sweet boy he appeared even having a “10-second fling” under the covers. Little did she know that he was running back to the larger group with her team’s information. I think Kyle will probably win the game with his lying, cheating way because he gives production what they want – a showmance. To me, he will always go down as “Allison’s good boy” who did what she asked. It’s happened before – remember Jackson who won!

And Kyle brings another angle to the story. When he first appeared, I didn’t see the underside of his character. He came out as a racist in a big way by plotting his all-white “Cookout 2”. Producers have managed to keep this from the casual television viewers but it’s there. It’s evident and known by feeders and those who read the feeds for what happened inside the house (more on feeders in a minute). To the casual viewer, the show has been traditional Big Brother. To the feeders and readers, the show has been one atrocity on top of another. From the “mean girls” savage behavior to Kyle’s actions, we have followed it all. 

How bad has it been? It’s been especially bad for People of Color. I’m Caucasian but loved the Cookout due to their strategy. So, for me to watch as a PoC, Terrance, has attacked other people of color and women, I’ve become angrier as it progressed. Terrance gets a special mention as he has made women cry, called Taylor all sorts of negative names (which I refuse to type), and even made racial slurs against the only Middle Eastern person, Joseph, in the cast. The last two happened this past week. I don’t know if he thinks this will win him a prize (maybe booby) but it was about the last straw to break my viewing back.

This article is already too long.  Big Brother doesn’t deserve the press. I’ll end it with a few facts:

The show has won its time slot but think of it this way. During this season, it constantly won its time slot. On Sundays I covered Riverdale. While Big Brother won, Riverdale wasn’t that far behind and neither ratings are good. Use to be in the 6 and 7 million. Now they’re lucky to pull 3 million. Granted, we have many more viewing options (and I plan to start watching other series myself). The rise of streaming gives us that option now and we don’t have to rely on broadcast television.

The show has given us interesting characters, especially Season 23. Season 23 was an abnormality. It had contestants that cared for each other with no bullying and strategic play. Point that out to me for this season please and I’ll reconsider.

The show is still strong in the 18 to 45 age group. Really? Neilsen Ratings don’t really know how many members of a family watch at any given time. I know, my family when I was growing up was one! In conclusion, I want to offer my sincerest thanks and well wishes to “Hamsters,” “Joker’s Update,” “Big Brother Daily,” and too many more that I can’t remember to mention. I’ve been in your shoes and you have my admiration for sticking to this heavily produced “for casuals” show. Thank you for giving me recaps so I don’t have to suffer the show that has been ruined by production. Hopefully, we get more original producers who care for the contestants, and the audience, and don’t cast according to script next year. Also, could we please have better themes and a new house location? If the producers and CBS do not change, I cannot speak to Big Brother’s future.

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It’s Time for Big Brother! Not! It’s time for the marvelous maneuvering of the Leftovers against whatever the others are calling themselves now. Is it “Fly Swatters.” I don’t know (and I really don’t care)! And with the departure of Daniel, Terrance figures to move into the main role of leader. I thought that was Jasmine.

For those who follow the feeds, you know that Jasmine is still using her injured foot for sympathy but that is wearing thin with her “festie bestie,” Turner. Last week, she broke a glass in the bathroom and didn’t clean it up. What gives and why does Big Brother give her a pass? Well, it’s on to the show.

Thursday’s Eviction

After the long-winded recap, we get into the show. CBS, please talk to the show producers about being brief with this. We’re here to see the game, not listen to the rhetoric. When we get past the old, we see:

• Julie announcing no more “festie besties” and the wall competition.
• House divided? Daniel had figured out the alliance and he and Nicole called it the “Sorry Six.”
• Jasmine’s “wheels are turning” on alliances. 
• Daniel plans to shake things up.
• Terrance plan was an epic fail but his new plan has Kyle leaving. 
• The “Convenience Stores” hopes to keep the “Leftovers” from meeting.
• Muffingate is still going on.

So basically after trying to win Alyssa to his side, Daniel realizes that he’s not got a chance against Kyle. He still works the crew for votes and uses with others that Michael is a comp beast, the showmance, While Terrance and Jasmine agree, they don’t know what to do. Kyle, meanwhile, is playing both sides to keep his love, Alyssa, safe. 

Julie gives Daniel a chance to plead his case. He’s ready to go and hang out with Nicole. Daniel’s smart. He reminds all that Michael has five wins and Monte is strong. He’ll be there for the rest if he remains for the season. Oh, and Daniel, don’t plea for votes and call people clowns. Kyle knows he’s staying because the Leftovers don’t know about the new alliance he’s trying to form with Michael, Brittany, and Alyssa. I’ve written a piece about this and won’t go into details here. Kyle’s speech just doesn’t make sense to me. With Monte casting the first vote and Terrance staying true to vote for Daniel, Daniel leaves with a vote of eight to one.

On stage, Julie asks Daniel what he told Terrace. While I didn’t get the gist of what he said, it was basically to watch his back. In Daniel’s opinion, they need to watch Michael or he will win everything. He blames Nicole’s eviction on the different stories he got before using the Veto. When Julie approaches Daniel about Taylor, he again uses the stories, that he believed Paloma. Daniel admits his anger was over the top and is shocked to learn the Leftovers formed after his blow-up at Taylor. The good news is that Daniel plans to take responsibility for what he says and plans to rewatch and talk with Taylor after she leaves the house. 

Outside, the Wall Comp is set up as a spaceship and involves “conspiracy theories.” They are on a ledge with silver aluminum hats on their heads. The poor intern who had to make them. When we leave the competition, Jasmine is the first to fall.

Sunday’s HoH
After the recap, we get straight to the HoH. It all comes down to Kyle and Taylor left on the wall. Kyle’s having problems and ends up dropping given the win to Taylor. She’s excited because she finally has won something and an HoH at that. From the most hated to the one in power – Taylor has to be relieved.

Next up is the jockeying not to go on the block. While the other side suspects that Taylor belongs to an alliance, they make it look real by all going to the HoH room. The Leftovers come in after all are in bed to discuss noms. While all want Jasmine out, Taylor doesn’t feel right putting her up. This has been discussed by the Leftovers before and Monte understands her reasons. Basically, Taylor said before she entered the house that she wouldn’t put up another woman who was a Person of Color. While many condemn Taylor for this, is it any different from what Frenchie said last year? Anyway, they decide to put up Indy and Terrance with no real preference on who goes. Most want Indy though because she has been playing hall monitor. The backup plan is to put up Alyssa which is NOT what Kyle wants. He has to keep his “love” safe.

So Kyle gets to work convincing Michael and Brittany to join him in his plan to start taking out the Leftover alliance. And, it looks like Michael and Brittany are considering it. With those two, you never know what they will do. Michael and Brittany already have a final three with Taylor (which they don’t mind breaking).

At the Nomination Ceremony, all are anxious. The Convenience Store hasn’t been kind, friendly, and insulted Taylor. Turner understands why Taylor won’t put Jasmine up but tells us that Jasmine doesn’t have the same respect for her. The plan will be to backdoor Monte who agrees. But wait, Joseph first offers himself as a “pawn.” Hasn’t he learned anything? Taylor nominates Indy and Terrance. The reason Taylor nominated them is that Indy has no relationship with Taylor. Terrance is told she wants him to prove himself by playing and winning the veto.

Wednesday
And tonight’s big question is: How much will they show of Kyle’s maneuvers? After the recap, we get into the Power of Veto and that ceremony. 

Taylor has a talk with Terrance where she tells him that Monte is her target. While Terrance doesn’t understand, he does think Taylor and Monte are working together. Indy and Terrance have no moves to their credit. Taylor tells Indy that she didn’t know what to do. She tells Indy she has to win so she can get her plans complete. Taylor doesn’t want Indy to go during her HoH. Now Alyssa is another story…

The Five (Fly) Swatters meet (or at least Indy, Joseph, and Jasmine) to discuss what is happening. Joseph admits in Diary Room that he’s a double agent taking back to the Leftovers. Jasmine thinks Joseph is stupid for bringing information back to them (oh please, give her a brain). Joseph talks to Taylor about what he has heard, and he suggests going up. Taylor really wants Alyssa up there but Kyle will never agree to this.

Let the campaign begins with Terrance making the first move to Joseph (I don’t count the Fly Swatters talk). Joseph, of course, reports to Taylor and Monte. When Michael joins Taylor and Joseph and they tell him about Joseph’s plan which is labeled dumb. Kyle and Monte join to take Joseph out of his plan to go up. In the Storage Room, Michael and Brit talk. They wonder if they should take a chance that would make them a bigger target. Michael also doesn’t like Joseph playing both sides of the house. Wait! What about you and Kyle?

And it’s time to pick for the Veto comp. Taylor, Terrance, and Indy step forward and are joined by houseguest choice (Alyssa by Taylor), Jasmine (Terrance), and Kyle (Indy). Taylor talks to Alyssa about what she would do if she won. Monte tells us Taylor wants Terrance out but the rest want Indy gone. Taylor does admit that she’s fine with Indy leaving. 

The Power of Veto is Punkarella played on a big guitar. They must bounce a ball to get points from the frets. Turner is hosting. When they get out, they smash a guitar for the prize but the next person can take any prize they want. In order of exits:

First — Terrance (wins veto but ends up with tattoos).

Second – Indy (wins tattoos but takes PoV).

Third — Taylor (wins a London trip for two but gets a “chained together punishment)

Fourth — Alyssa (wins punishment and takes Taylor’s trip thus earning a possible renom)

Fifth – Jasmine (wins $5,000 but takes the London trip from Alyssa)

Winner – Kyle (wins punk a tard/drums but takes the PoV from Indy).

In Diary Room, I’ve never heard a worse British accent. Monti reminds us how Alyssa goofed taking the London trip from Taylor. She does admit it may have been a mistake, but Kyle has PoV. Taylor wants Kyle to use it so Alyssa can go up or the plan of Joseph can occur.

Oh, a Kyle and Alyssa edit. They’re discussing the PoV. She realizes that she should have taken the Veto (really?). Four of the Leftovers talk about Alyssa’s dumb move. The target is now on Alyssa and she won’t have to deal with her. Michael joins the conversation, listening. Turner arrives. 

Michael thinks the reason for the trip is a stupid reason for getting Alyssa out. Oh, wait. He’s part of Kyle’s brand new no-name alliance. I thought Michael knew this game. Evidently not. This worries Michael about the future of the alliance. And I thought he was smart. 

We’re told that tomorrow, the new twist will split the house in two. 

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Big Brother, with all your sensitivity training, nothing seems to work. We had that horrible Jackson/Jack season and then All-Stars. While All-Stars, regarding being aware of others, was fine, there were issues. Then last year, we had the Cookout and an awareness of personal worth with the contestants. This season, we have spent the first three to four weeks in a bullying situation. Now, Kyle, the mouse, has come out as letting personal feelings get in the way and thus race has reared its head. How did this happen? Let’s review, shall we?

When we started, Kyle was the first to realize that Monte, Joseph, Turner, and he needed to form an alliance. By Week Three, Kyle and Monte were realizing that Taylor was being bullied and decided to do something about it. The way it was presented in the group was that when it got down to seven, Taylor would be the first to go. So they brought Taylor and the other two outsiders, Michael (comp beast) and Brittany (his best friend) into the circle which Taylor named the Leftovers. All seemed like it could go to the end, and then a showmance reared its head with the help of production. Alyssa wanted a boyfriend and seemed focused on Kyle. Finally, Kyle gave in and kissed her, and the rest is history. Saturday, the duo consummated their love, and he will now do anything to keep her in the house.

So far, nothing racial implied but we need to go back to when Daniel left. The Leftovers are made up of two African Americans (Taylor and Monte), one Middle-Eastern (Joseph), and four Caucasians (Turner, Kyle, Michael, and Brittany. Kyle decided that Alyssa need to have a place of safety in the group. Alas, Alyssa had been one of the bullies of Taylor so getting Alyssa in good with the others would be hard. Also, Kyle saw another Cookout forming (say what?). This makes me question his sanity and real personal beliefs. Did his “love” make him blind to the number of players in his alliance? There is no way that this could be considered another “Cookout.”

Still, it nagged at Kyle. His scheming earned him the name KKKyle on Twitter. He approached Michael and Brittany about forming an alliance of the non-People of Color to win the finale. He is also planning on approaching Turner to join the group. With this, he thinks he can control who wins (with it being he). Not only is he part of his newly designed alliance (with no name), but most of them (sans Alyssa) is part of the Leftovers so he is covered.

Well, he was right to a point! Taylor won HoH. That’s good for the Leftovers but left Taylor with few nominees — Jasmine, Indy, Terrance, and – guess who – Alyssa. And how can Kyle keep Alyssa safe if she is nominated? He decided to use rumor, gossip, and any skill he had to keep Alyssa off the block. First, it was Jasmine going up but Taylor made a promise before entering the house that if she won HoH, she would not nominate a POC. So it came down to Terrance and Indy on the block. This was good but what would happen if one of them won the Power of Veto? While Joseph volunteered to go up, the Leftovers suspect that he will end up tied to Taylor in a punishment stunt (again due to Alyssa’s bad decision skills). Thus, Alyssa is the one to go up and Kyle made plans to control the PoV.

He met with his “secret allies” who supported him. Basically, if any of them won the Power of Veto, nothing would be changed. Then Kyle got pulled to play POV and won. This meant for the Leftovers plan to work, one of the nominees would come down and Alyssa would go up.

Kyle wasn’t having it and started his maneuvers. First, he tried to convince his allies. Whether that worked or not, who can say because Michael and Brit seem to never really say what they feel? After putting it out to them that Alyssa wouldn’t hurt his game, Kyle approached Taylor in the HoH room about the nominees. Per live-feeders, this was a long meeting with Kyle making promises that we feeder viewers know he won’t keep. Taylor seemed okay with whatever he decided. He lied to Taylor though. He hadn’t spoken to all the alliance when he said they were indifferent and it wasn’t discussed as a group until after Kyle met with Taylor. According, again, to the live feeds, he promised Indy last night that he would use it on her. This morning he changed his mind.

While I’m not sure what happened or what was said at the PoV (no live feeds). Kyle said something that set Taylor off. I think Monte, Joseph, and Turner are getting vibes that if it is left to Kyle, Alyssa stays until the end. The question is: how do his new alliance friends feel?

Turner is a question mark at this point. He’s in the Leftovers and seems to support everyone in the Leftover group. Turner’s one foe, Jasmine, is annoying but Turner has fun playing tricks on her (Muffin-gate, Cookie-gate, Balloon-gate). As a POC, Jasmine would never have been Taylor’s choice. Brittany and Michael, on the other hand, haven’t taken a strong stand against Kyle’s new alliance. Some online feel that Michael is concerned over Taylor’s Diary Room numbers. Hopefully, after whatever happened today, Michael and Brit have begun to see that Kyle is only playing for himself. Maybe that has happened. It seems from the live feeds that they are standing away from Kyle. Jasmine, Taylor, and Monte are aware that Kyle’s thinking is impaired by sex (yes, that happened), and he’s going to take Alyssa as far as he can – regardless of what he says. So the question is: will Kyle be true to his alliance or do they vote him out sooner than later?

My question is: Is Kyle a racist? He didn’t appear to be in the early weeks but as time has gone by, his actions and his words don’t seem to agree. He speaks the right words to the Leftovers, but he’ll do anything for Alyssa. And this could be his downfall and a problem for his future. He is a TikTok artist and it seems that he will be met with the same type of flack (or worse) that Amerrah, Nicole, and Daniel have. Actually, with his Twitter nickname (KKKyle), he may face worse blowback. With people in the house wising up, how long will he be safe? The Leftovers are good at hiding their real feelings. Plus, the new twist may make it hard for Kyle’s protective cover for him and Alyssa to work. Give me your opinion. This could get good. But we can’t forget that Big Brother again is letting the racial aspect play into the game. Isn’t it time that all are treated as equals?

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THURSDAY
On Thursday’s show, it was a little long on the Kyle and Alyssa romance, dear CBS. They really have no chemistry and are boring. Kyle is so caught up in the “love affair,” that he could care less for his alliance and thus his hands are getting dirty with his protection of Alyssa. He would sell out any member of the Leftovers to (a) cover his love, Alyssa, and (b) keep the game safe for his partner, Daniel. I don’t really want to issue the real problem but will. He has come out and openly said he didn’t want a “Cook-Out 2.0” More on this later.

As expected, CBS, Nicole was voted out nine to one. Daniel was the one vote to save her. Alyssa, Jasmine, Indy, and Terrace chose to vote with the house. CBS, I really don’t understand this. On feeds and in conversations you showed, Indy especially hates Taylor (and I want a reason) while Terrance has called her just about every ugly name in the book. Their attitude won’t change and that is a shame. I thought sensitivity training was given to all house guests before they enter the house. Apparently, it was lost on this crew.

I give Taylor applause. While her speech to be safe did pinch a few nerves, she didn’t go full-out truth on Nicole (and some of the others). Kudos to her. The farewell messages finally finished putting the Leftovers together for Nicole and she seems contrite at what she’s been told of her actions toward Taylor. In exit interviews, she said she went against instinct and listened to others in the house.

Of all the people left in the house, Daniel is probably feeling the most alone. Not only did he aid in getting his alliance member out but he encouraged it thinking Taylor would go. He’s an Elvis impersonator. He should be able to read the house better than this. 

By the way, if you had cut the Kyle/Alyssa romance in half, we could have seen the start of the HoH.

SUNDAY
This is my first time watching it on CBS as it is broadcast in the Eastern time zone. Let’s see what you chose to show.

As the show opens, Taylor is just happy to be in the house but her “besties” may not be happy. Indy is afraid of Taylor and I’m not sure why. It seems to be because of Nicole. Daniel is pouting and he said they both had a lot of support behind them. Alyssa comes in and they have the “why” debate. By the way, turn the music down because we can’t hear his talk with Alyssa due to the horns. When they finally get Daniel out of the bedroom, he throws Monte and Michael’s names out as influencing the game. Monte stands up for himself and Daniel seemingly backs down to start up again. Hasn’t Daniel learned anything from the Taylor confrontation? He makes all uncomfortable. And his bestie, Kyle, is afraid of going on the block. Taylor just munches chips as the drama unfolds.

The HoH Contest is an obstacle course. There is a fire hydrant and doghouse so Poochapalooza is on. They must walk on a balance beam and if they fall off start over. There are several routes to choose from in “Mind Your Step.” which of the three routes to take? With statues of Pooch and Ameerah (with bags of dog poop in their hands) watching, the contestants must go one at a time. Daniel has a time of 16.49 seconds but can he be beaten?

Of course, he can. Michael does the course in 11.79 seconds. Kyle says he doesn’t know if he will choose his alliance or Alyssa. So the doubt was there before the competition (and Kyle lost by .1 second). Also, like with Indy, the clock seems to go faster than for others! Turner takes a bad fall but gets up and seems okay. The winner of HoH is Michael (and Brittany). 

Even though a Leftover, Michael sees the need to start taking things seriously. Britany and Michael meet to decide that Daniel is the most dangerous to their game. Taylor joins them and the celebration continues.

Of course, Daniel is being discussed as the target. Taylor feels safe because of her final three with the HoH pair. Taylor joins her “festie besties” and all Indy can see is the negative which is Taylor putting Indy on the block. Meanwhile, Kyle starts a game outside (stupid finger snapping). Jasmine, who falls and hurts her foot, is playing it for all its worth and Turner is so over her. Please CBS don’t let them use an injury as minor as this that she’s been cleared from as strategy.

Monte and Joseph strategize over Michael’s HoH. Wait! It is Michael who makes the final decision. Monte suggests going up because it will prove Michael isn’t working with them. Of course, it will be the opportunity to get Terrance out. Joseph and Monte agree to go up. And it seems that all are beginning to have issues with Kyle.

And we have Muffingate. Jasmine finds the muffins Nicole made. She puts two in a bag for later. When she returns, one is half missing and Jasmine goes on the search for “The Muffin Man.” Turner says being with Jasmine is driving him slowly crazy. I love Turner (because he is doing this). She questions everyone but can’t find the culprit. Turner claims to know nothing. She returns them to the kitchen. Even the Diary Room won’t tell her what happened. Turner tells Taylor and Joseph (I think) what he did and attacks them again by eating a bite in the Diary Room. 

The Leftovers gather to meet about the nominees. Taylor points out that Daniel is the number one target but partnered with Kyle. Turner volunteers to go up but Monte points out that if his group goes up there are three and would prove they’re not working together. They agree with the backdoor planned for Daniel. Michael said would taking out Daniel be the best move for him or Monte. Kyle looks upset because he’d be up with Daniel, ruining his plans for a new alliance.

Oh great, Alyssa and Kyle have a meet-up in the Storage Room to discuss showmances. Do we really need a no chemistry showmance? Come on! The fireworks don’t work for me, production as Alyssa says they would be happy and Jasmine asks about the muffins. Now that’s funny.

Daniel pitches to Michael to stay. He points out that he’s won more competitions. Daniel will take out whoever Michael wants him to do as the season progresses. Michael is listening but not buying (because Taylor is Daniel’s prime target). Michael, though, thinks that he might be able to work with Daniel. No! Michael don’t do it! Terrance, Monte’s team member, might be the best as a cover due to their competitive nature (and Terrance, of course). It would also be unexpected which Michael and Britany like. Maybe, it’s time to throw away the Leftovers? Is it the week of making a big move?

At the Nomination Ceremony, Michael calls all together to reveal the nominees. He has chosen: Monte, Joseph, and Terrance. While Daniel seems relieved because he’s not nominated but he seems to forget; To ensure safety, Daniel needs to be picked for veto and win. Monte points out they agreed to this. They plan to win and the Leftovers to keep him safe. To Michael, this is the best option moving forward. 

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday night we get the veto competition and ceremony. For the veto, it is OTEV (one beloved by all). Please CBS – no Alyssa and Kyle show! Oh, and Daniel has switched his target. He wants Monte out of the house. Jasmine wants Monte gone too so is rallying the Girly Girls. 

Terrance wants to work with Daniel so anything Dan says is the law. Terrance is an idiot. If he wins, he won’t remove his team from the block. Say what?

Jasmine is still into Muffingate. She is watching the kitchen by hiding to figure out who did the crime. The only problem is, that all of them can see her. Jasmine goes to interrogate Turner as the guilty party in taking her muffin and he agrees. He confesses but she evidently doesn’t think that is enough. Turner turns from saying he did it to he did not do it. I hope that she’s not around for the PoV Hide and Seek! Brit, Taylor, and Michael are still working together as a threesome alliance. Daniel and Kyle meet with Michael and seem to be pitching something new. Kyle doesn’t want to be there on the block due to his showmance and bestie with Daniel. Michael, though, has the deciding opinion on whether to disband the Leftovers.

Oh, we get the hint of a potential romance between Taylor and Joseph. Yes, they make a cute couple, but CBS let it happen naturally. They are also making fun of the Lays Potato Chips. Michael thinks they’re her “festie bestie.”

OTEV looks strange. Terrance, Joseph, and Monte are joined by Michael and Britany and the pick of Jasmine and Turner. Well, Jasmine still has a “bad knee” so will that last long? For ETOV they are dressed as cows with OTEV as a singing stage roach. The contestants must bring back sauces while being hit with what – manure, mud. OTEV will sing and they must look for the correct sauce. Jasmine is loving the music and the game is afoot. Brit is the first one out (and it’s not shown but has a bad cut on her knee). She’s followed by Jasmine, Turner (who according to feeds, dislocated knee), Joseph, and Monte. It’s between Michael and Terrance with Michael winning.

Jasmine, Terrance, and Daniel have a meeting to figure out how to leave Monte on the block. With this move, Terrance thinks he can play this game (yeah, right). They’re going to use: “Monte will win, it’s time to take a big player out.” So Jasmine talks to the girls with Indy and Alyssa in. Terrance talks to Michael and Brit. Brit has a hard time “NOT” laughing. Of course, Terrance doesn’t pay attention to her. He’s followed by Jasmine, Indy, and Alyssa (“The Convenience Store”). Will Kyle make a pitch? First comes Daniel. Michael thought of making a move but the “Convenience Store” with the same story is suspicious. The Leftovers find it funny with Turner never agrees with Jasmine. Terrance is playing the game and is “killing it.” Michael spills to Monte who sees this as bad playing. 

At the PoV Ceremony, Terrance finds outs that he’s not as convincing as he thinks. Monte, Joseph, and Terrance come down and Kyle and Daniel go up. Brit has a smug look as she calls it all together. Michael starts the ceremony and announces that they will use the power on the Terrence team and Daniel looks worried. The new nominations are Daniel and Kyle. Taylor, Turner, and Joseph look to have trouble not laughing. 

Michael tells us he saw right through them and we get a little “Chill Town.” Daniel tells us it was not a smart move. Terrance tells us Michael isn’t brave enough to take a big shot but he will. Taylor compares it to a bag of chips as she smiles. Thursday night. One will go home (Daniel, I hope) and we get the infamous “wall” competition.

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Eviction Day for Week 3

No address this week for my Big Brother letter/recap. I really don’t know who to address the issue to because bullying has been an ongoing theme. I’ve mentioned the issue before but the nasty fight that was aired on Thursday, July 28th, was over the top. Nicole and Daniel want to belittle and make Taylor feel bad at all costs. I hate to write this, but to me, it’s almost like they want to cause Taylor to have a mental breakdown. I fear for Taylor’s safety around those two. The good news is she has allies now in the form of the Leftovers.

Let’s look at what caused the problem. Nicole was acting depressed. Little did the houseguests know it was because she was going to lose a competition because she wanted Taylor to go home. For Taylor to leave, both Nicole and Taylor would have to go on the block. To Nicole (and Daniel) this meant that it would be Taylor. The whole house was worried about Nicole. What they thought was her mother was worse. Instead, her hatred for Taylor caused her behavior over being chosen for PoV. When Taylor, trying to be a friend, approached Nicole, things got ugly. Taylor told her to take care of herself and that no one would blame her. Nicole heard quit already. Need I say more? First Nicole attacked her in front of others in the bathroom. Then Daniel verbally attacked her in the living room. Taylor can’t win.

The person who was out last Thursday was a charter member of the “Mean Girls” club, Ameerah. Ameerah in all her interviews said that they didn’t think they were bullying Taylor but she did admit that Nicole and Daniel had taken it to a new, higher level. Ameerah tried to be nice to Taylor (yeah, right) and even talked to Nicole and Daniel about the situation. And this was the first time that the vote wasn’t unanimous. That’s because “The Leftovers” alliance hasn’t been discovered yet. Oh, and poor Terrance with no partner, joined Kyle and Monte’s pair (which was a good choice).

The HoH Ceremony was based on the new movie, “The Invitation.” The basic premise was that the houseguests, like in the movie, are invited to a country home for a dinner party. Envelopes reined down and they had to find a red invitation to go to said party. As Julie said goodbye, the houseguests were looking for their invitation with Jasmine, of course, the first to find one.

Sunday Night – Reveal of HoH and Nominees
On Sunday night, the HoH was revealed. The players advancing were: Jasmine, Terrance, Brittany, Monte, Daniel (who is mad), Joseph, and Nicole. Isly and Alyssa found one at the same time and Alyssa got to the spot first. The second part is set up as a classic 1890s dinner party. Here there are three tables with numbers on them representing points. When they hear a scream, they must slide a goblet down each table scoring points. They get three tries, one per table in 40 seconds. The one with the highest score wins. No skill is really required. Nicole has an excellent score of nine but loses to Monte who scores an eleven. And the new HoH is Monte. The “Have Nots” are Turner and Jasmine.

As they reenter the house after the competitions, Amerrah’s allies are upset. Nicole is upset because she didn’t get to say goodbye to her best friend in the house. Alyssa is in tears because she’s lost her best friend. Isly looks to be mad at the world. All look to have anger issues. None of the girls liked the blindside that just happened to them. They’re upset because none of the guys had told them how they would vote. They also didn’t like that Taylor sided with the winning side of the house. Nicole has trust issues now with her alliance as does Daniel (her chief ally). The Leftovers are playing it cool but Nicole already is scheming about finding out why and who voted Ameerah out.

Daniel and Nicole talk. They pin Michael with a vote as well as Monte. They’re trying to figure out how to manipulate Monte (as if they can). Alyssa and Isly join the Nicole pity party to complain. Alyssa could be pinned as being dumb. In the Storage Room, Monte, Terrance, and Joseph celebrate being safe. Terrance is a wild card and Terrance has been a friend of Nicole's. The Girly Girls are meeting (without Taylor) and Jasmine continues to trash her (oh and still playing her energy). Production, please have her lose that fake accent. Jordan’s was real but Jasmine’s comes and goes.

Kyle talks about Alyssa. She’s a friend and Kyle decides to support her in the loss of her best friend. Alyssa wants Kyle for a showmance so Joseph and Turner fill him in that Alyssa wants a romantic relationship. Kyle doesn’t want that at all. Kyle feels this “romance” is needed by Alyssa because she is missing her boyfriend. (I think she’s boy crazy.) She plays up to him (almost stalker level) and you can tell Kyle is nervous. Kyle just wants to be friends.  

The HoH reveal happens and all go upstairs to find the traditional items (pictures, letters, etc.) Michael feels closer to Monte as the letter is read. He is seeing Monte as a real person, not an athlete. Monte actually gets emotional. Monte explains it is because he is grateful for all he has. All are sitting there and the Leftovers need their own time in HoH room to celebrate. Finally, the non-alliance members leave, and the Leftovers cheer and talk strategy. Nominees are the big issue and Taylor doesn’t trust any of the girls (except Brittany). 

At the Nomination Ceremony, Monte turns the key to reveal Allyson and Isly. To get Nicole out, he will have to put up Taylor who doesn’t want to go up. Monte does the meetings and of course, Taylor’s name comes out of all the ladies' mouths. Alyssa doesn’t want to be on the block. Monte always points out Nicole and Taylor as a backdoor while pushing to get Alyssa and Isly to agree to go up. Isly pushes for the guys. I honestly think Isly thought she was getting through the game without facing the block. Nicole and Taylor are next with Nicole trying to present herself as being an advantage to Monte’s game. Taylor, after the meeting, asks if he has a target. Apparently, it is Nicole and Alyssa. He tells Taylor he wants her trust and will protect her. While he didn’t want to target Nicole due to Taylor, the renomination might have to happen. 

At the Nomination Ceremony, Monte makes it official. He nominates Isly and Alyssa. The Leftovers keep straight face. Monte tells them they are not his targets. 

POV Contest — Wednesday’s Show                                                                                                              
Now for the note to CBS: Between the drama on Twitter and the reports of one of the houseguests wanting to use her cane on a fellow houseguest, I have to ask: Where is the civility training? Even Evel Dick didn’t offer this type of word for Jen. We won’t talk about season two (it might give the present house guests ideas). Now, not only Daniel and Nicole have offered threats of violence but Isly and Jasmine have joined the circle. It’s getting to be a little too much. The question is: Will you show it in the recaps tonight?

Tonight’s POV could be interesting. Remember, the Leftovers want Nicole out but Alyssa and Isly are the only groups without a Leftover member in it. Well, Taylor has a clue that Nicole is the backdoor target and she’s not happy. Taylor though is in a small group with Michael and Brittany. So, Taylor, Michael, and Brittany have made a final three alliance. Daniel meanwhile goes snooping and talking to Monte. Monte tells him that he knows people want Taylor out. That’s right Monte! Feed Daniel bull. The one thing I’m thankful for CBS is the casting of this joker. He thinks he’s so smart but he overanalyzes everything. Nicole gets jealous when she sees anyone talking to Taylor. Well, the first houseguest who exited really did a number on the poor girl’s reputation, didn’t she?

Also, CBS, can we discuss the use of showmances? Kyle and Alyssa don’t seem to “fit” yet they are in a showmance together. Kyle knows it is a game (or I think he does) but Alyssa wants marriage. Alyssa tries to talk game but Kyle is several steps ahead of her. In Diary Room, he tells us that “She’s so great.” 

Nicole and Daniel must be going to spend the episode strategizing about Taylor. Why do both of them seem to hate her so much? Why do they always talk about her? Daniel now wants to win the veto and keep Nicole safe. And with that, we go to the information on the veto. So, Monte, Joseph, Terrance, Alyssa, and Isly are in it with the team of Kyle and Daniel playing. If only one of them wants to use the veto, it’s used. Guess what Daniel. You don’t control the game. By the way CBS, these after interviews are hard to hear especially if there is noise in the background.

The PoV is keeping with the festival theme, only 60’s style. The one (or two in a three pairing) must go on the “slop drug trip) and come back and tell their partner what they saw to complete the “Trippy Watch Party. “ The contest has the feel of gossip but with a visual angle. Let’s see who remembers that! The acting of leaving on the “trip” is really strange (read stupid). They’re supposed to remember what they see but Joseph and Terrance don’t seem to know what they saw. You would think two of them would have got it right. Instead, it’s Kyle and Daniel who win the veto and now one of them can change the nominees. 

Now, we get the “what do we do” stage of this. Kyle and Daniel are not a team in this. So one could choose to change the nominees and the other really has no say. Now wouldn’t it be funny if Daniel uses it and puts his Final Two on the block? Kyle and Alyssa talk and he acts concerned. Will Alyssa be safe? The Leftovers meet. Michael tries to convince all to leave the nominations the same. Taylor can see it but Monte says that it might be the best thing to keep Isly and Alyssa on the block. Kyle is late to the meeting but the plan is explained. Each explains their view. Kyle has feelings for Alyssa but doesn’t want to lose his alliance.

In the end, Monte decides to (double) talk to Daniel. His goal is to convince Daniel and Nicole not to use the POV. This of course has the opposite effect. Monte tells them he doesn’t want to look like a fool with people voting against his wishes. Nicole knows when someone is lying. She has the numbers to stay so why not use it? Daniel says Monte lied to him about Ameerah. So using reverse psychology, Daniel decides to use the veto. He tells Kyle that Monte is the reason he’s going to do it. Kyle at least can act when he has to. Let’s give him a round of applause. Kyle tells us in the Diary Room that Daniel is “going to make one of the dumbest moves in BB history.”

In the veto meeting, Daniel speaks and tells all that Isly and Alyssa are safe. Does Monte look worried? Not really. Monte stands and nominates Nicole and Taylor as Jasmine grins. Monte tells them that this is the best decision for his game. Did Daniel goof? Is Kyle really in love with Alyssa (by becoming her Savior)? Taylor wants safety and doesn’t know whether to trust the Leftovers but Nicole is celebrating being on the block because he feels she has the votes to stay. Tune in Thursday at 9:00.

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CBS! I have hope for Big Brother after all. The live feeds give me hope that it’s not going to be the season of the “Mean Girls” and “Locker Room” guys. My hopes are so high that this recap will be submitted after Thursday’s show. But let’s get to the suggestions.

Let’s say I am not surprised that Pooch is gone. In fact, I’m somewhat happy. The thing that got me was his attitude toward Julie. You should tell the contestants that Julie is their friend and to respect her. From Pooch’s attitude, he was mad that he had to leave and wanted anything but to talk to Julie. His anger comes out of being upset by being ousted by a 12-0 vote but he volunteered. Shouldn’t it be included in the show’s bible to consider that volunteering doesn’t mean you are safe? And while he talked about being friendly, he wasn’t that friendly with Taylor, now was he?

Now, I must rescind my opinion of Turner from last week. This guy is sharper than any of us, much less the other house guests, I think. He not only manages to win the HoH (Get Lit) but makes Jasmine (his bestie by default) pick the “have-nots” (Alyssa and Indy). Jasmine now has blood on her hands. That’s good CBS but did she really put up her allies? Also, could you have Jasmine lose her fake Southern accent? Most of the Southerners I know are insulted by it.

The HoH was cute – that’s the best I can say – but variations of it have been played before. And the setting of tables would only work if they were in the VIP session (I’ve set in the grass at Tina Turner). It would have been so much better if they were in the crowd. I was upset with how their partners were done. Instead of hiding their alliance, they amplified it and one, Nicole, set herself up to “take one for the team.” It would have been so much better if they had had to pick someone of the opposite gender/sex.

And, regarding the alliances – you really need to work with these contestants on picking “alliances names.” While they think Po Pack, Oasis, Girls Girls are great, they make no sense for the contestants. With that, the alliances show just how isolated Taylor is. She’s not part of any.
Diary Rooms are great but give us more. We don’t necessarily want reflections on what happened but what they feel and how the others are reacting. Yes, Taylor realized that she had to win and Nicole had a plan. Nicole, though, in particular, came across as a little cold-blooded and angry (as she did the entire show).

As of Sunday’s show, it appears that some of these people are growing brain cells. I just don’t understand why Nicole always comes across as loud and angry. She’s always coming across as angry. Let’s address the elephant in the room – Taylor’s treatment. While Nicole picked her as a partner, Taylor doesn’t trust her. And Turner is catching on. He sees through the girls' plan and is a little surprised by all the suggestions that Taylor is the problem but Turner hasn’t seen it.

And someone needs to teach alliances like the Girls, Girls that they need to cover their tracks more. Turner sees through it and Michael and others are wising up. Does this mean that someone in the house is actually growing some brain cells?

My production notes from Wednesday:

Daniel even in the preview is a rat. Maybe we should have seen more material on why this is the case. I hate to judge with little information (except feeds) but editing is everything. I’m quickly losing respect for Nicole who wants her partner, Taylor, to go and she is expecting a special power. Do the house guests realize that their every action and Diary Room words are edited for the casual viewers with points of view coming into play.

The Girls Girls give all sorts of reasons for getting Taylor out. Taylor’s not making friends. All of the girls want her out (with Ammeerah as the spokesperson).

Just a note: I love how Turner is processing his HoH. So far, no case of HoH-itis. He listens when people talk. He does talk to Nicole about not being his target and he’s smart and has Monte with him. Nicole’s bragging in Diary Room is showing how much she brags and she lies easily.

Taylor knows she is the target. She knows people are cold. Taylor does open up to Monte but is he seeing the real Taylor. He now knows that there were lies told about Taylor. Taylor knows they have to talk about what is happening and what needs to happen to implement change. Monte gets it – thank God, but he has seen wishy-washy before.

Monte, Kyle, Joseph, and Turner are having a meeting. Monte has a clue the girls have an alliance. This meeting starts like any other but quickly progresses to putting things together: girls working together to get the guys out, Taylor as loyal. Suddenly, they realize this is playing into Ameerah and the girls' hands. They also realize that Alyssa snitches everything the guys say to her to the girls. Ameerah is a power player. Kyle thinks they can work with Michael and Brittany and agree to include Taylor. Yes! Kyle realizes that the girls are a dragon with Ameerha in the head. And the plan is made and the troops start their mission. Kyle wants this to work. I like him so much better now.

The PoV is announced and the “bestie besties” will compete. Only three pairs will compete. The HoH and partner with Michael and Brit will be joined by one additional team – Taylor and Nicole. Nicole as always makes it about herself. She hopes someone else will win because she doesn’t want to “throw” another competition.

Nicole runs to her “friend” Daniel and is first upset that when Taylor leaves, there is no superpower for her. Turner finds them waiting in the HoH win. Nicole says the game is real and Taylor’s there and she’s not happy. Turner looks disgusted but turns it into concern. This plays into the plan to backdoor Ameerah and blame Dan and Nicole. Nicole says “I’m a competitor” and “I’m an athlete.” She doesn’t know fair play and teamwork.

Later, Nicole is crying in her bed. While talking to Daniel, realize that she’s a cold-hearted person (won’t use what I really think) and Daniel is a creep. The group thinks something has happened to her mother. When Taylor goes in to talk, with Ameerah as a witness, Taylor of course takes it the wrong way.

Taylor makes the move to comfort Nicole and goes in and basically says, do what you need to do for you. Nicole in her anger and looking for a way to get rid of Taylor takes it as she wants Nicole to leave the house. Nicole immediately goes to the bathroom and finds Daniel and tells him that Taylor was trying to make her leave. Daniel isn’t going to take it. He’s already lost one “friend” during week one who spiraled out of control (as he puts it). Taylor is passive-aggressive. (Note to Dan and Nicole: That’s the title Nicole won tonight.) He confronts Taylor and calls her manipulating. In the living room, Taylor tries to apologize but Dan’s not having it. Taylor isn’t supposed to speak to him again. The spiral that the two of you plan is against Taylor. She would have already broken if she wasn’t so sweet and strong.

To skip ahead for a minute, after the veto, the boys (except for Terrance and Dan) call a meeting. Michael, and Brit are to be included and Taylor is told to come upstairs to the HoH to talk. Instead, the group for a new alliance, “The Leftovers” (chosen by Taylor). They will support each other and the guys tell Taylor they realize that both she and Brit have been excluded. The goal of the Leftovers is to get Ameerah out of the house and then get rid of the rest of that alliance.

The veto comp has Turner and Jasmine (the HoH pair), Michael and Brit (nominees), and Taylor and Nicole. Nicole will take one for the rest to get Taylor out. While “Woodstack” takes communication skills, it doesn’t happen with Nicole. Let’s just say that by Nicole’s action, she and Taylor loses. Jasmine has a fear of heights and passes out even before she gets lifted off the ground making it so Turner and she don’t compete. Micheal and Brit win and Turner plans to take Ameerah out.

CBS, Wednesday night’s show redeemed this week. I’m sure Ameerah will have much to think on tomorrow night as I feel she leaves. I’m not sure who does the picking of contestants, but my kudos to you for picking a group like the Leftovers who “FINALLY” saw through the lies and manipulation. Tell them thanks. And for those who picked Daniel and Nicole? You need a new type of evaluation to weed this type of self-centeredness out.

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