Showing posts with label Cast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cast. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Big Brother 16 - ALL NEWBIES

Welcome back BB Addicts! It's nice to "see" you again!

After much anticipation, speculation, rumours, twitter wars and spoiler mayhem, the BB16 cast has been officially announced and I for one am thrilled it's all newbies! No offense to the BB alum, a lot of whom I would love to see in a few years time, but I'm happy it's going back to basics as much as BB casting can.

Sure, it's a TV show whose "reality" needs to amp up its curb appeal with good looking mactors, tempered by a couple of geeks and odd peeps. They are predominantly in their 20's with a couple of older house guests to "even" things out. I'm going to dive into their interviews, see what I think.

Amber Borzotra - 26
She's a model/esthetician whose agent probably told her to apply and she got in immediately. She sure is stunning. She's watched the show but says she didn't know too much about it until recently, meaning after she was cast. She wants to keep things positive and is looking forward to the competitions. She wants to ally with women. Let's see how that works out.

Brittany Martinez -29
She's an event planner and a single mother of three. She's another recruit who knew nothing about Big Brother until she was cast. Geez, really?! She plans on being herself, have fun, read people and yeah. She's not planning on holding back on competitions and flirting herself into an alliance with a "strong man player" while getting rid of people who make her life miserable. She has a mellow demeanor but we'll see how mellow she'll stay up in the hizzie. She hopes people will root for her because she's a single mother. Ask BB9 Sheila Kennedy how well that worked for her.

Caleb Reynolds - 26
He's an adventure hunting guide and ex-military. He auditioned for Amazing Race with a friend of his but was contacted by Big Brother which means he too was technically recruited. Before this he would watch BB if it was on which means hardly ever. He's a competitor and probably an early target for an alliance with bros. He will need to insulate himself with an alliance because the others will most likely gun for him whether he plans on "laying back" or not. We'll see where all the hunting aggression will come in.

Christine Brecht - 23
She's a barista and a self-proclaimed bubbly eccentric. The question remains will she be an engaging eccentric or an annoying one? She submitted a video and auditioned during an open casting. She's a BB fan who's seen every season and is looking forward to Endurance. ME TOO!! We have our first geek! She's planning on creating a secret 2 alliance and a bigger alliance. Cool it Christine! Don't overplay!... Too late. She wants to win the first HoH. Girl. Make a coffee and chill.

Cody Calafiore - 23
He is a sales executive and another recruit. Are we seeing a pattern here folks? At least he's been watching BB since season 11. He's another one who's looking forward to the competitions. I must say this is promising for the fans. At least we'll be witnessing some hardcore competitions. He wants to ally with someone he doesn't have to talk to every day. He isn't planning on going full hog in the beginning which is a good strategy.

Derrick Levasseur - 30
He's a married police officer with a 17 month old daughter. He's been watching BB for a few years and auditioned this year for the first time. He seems level-headed and is planning on using his job skills to suss the situation in the house. He wants to have one ally he can trust and blend in while operating behind the scenes and using manipulation. He should have gotten some tips from Tony Vlachos. Who knows? Maybe he did.

Donny Thompson - 40 
Psst. Kenny Brain called and he wants his beard back... He's a school grounds keeper who's watched every season of BB. His girlfriend encouraged him to audition. He wants to work his social game but try to win competitions. His plan for alliances is to wait for someone to come to him. He doesn't want to be perceived as someone trying to make deals with everyone. That's a good strategy unless no one comes to him and he's the first out. Unlike everyone else, he would go for a big threat should he win HoH.

Devin Shepherd - 26
A former pro baseball player, he is a motorcycle salesperson and single father of a 2 year old daughter. (Let's see how much criticism he'll receive for leaving a baby behind like his female counterparts have in the past and probably current seasons.)  A potential showmance with Brittany? Anyway. He has a big personality. That could be good. That could be bad. He auditioned for Amazing Race, never heard back but was recruited to play BB as a result. He says he's a huge fan and "happy to participate because it's America's game." He's planning on playing an honest and moral game. I hope it works out for Devin. Good luck with that. It didn't work well for Howard Overby; but then again, the latter was in a house with some champion crazy.

Frankie Grande - 31
He's a YouTube personality, if the hair didn't clue you in and Ariana Grande's half-brother. He's a "huge fan" of Survivor and Big Brother, having applied to the former. Then "he was given the idea to apply to BB". So a recruit. He's excited to be in the house, but is planning on bringing all his personality in the DR not in the house. Famous last words. Sounds like he's planning on being the "whisperer" behind the scenes, if he's not recognized. He wants to make an obvious alliance with a girl but a true secret alliance with a "jock" whom he'll use as a mule. He has big plans, solid ones. If he follows through, his chances are pretty good.

Hayden Voss (that rhymes with Moss) -21
He's a pedicab driver who reminds me of a cross between Casey Turner (Banana Man) and Frank Eudy. Yes, I know. Weird combo. He's yet another recruit and yeah, Kassting needs to fulfill the list of cast stereotypes that usually backfire in their faces. He's been doing his research on BB meaning he didn't watch before. He's looking forward to competitions and will go for it. He seems like a happy-go-lucky guy who will play honestly as long as he can (5 minutes) and then get cutthroat. He hopes that someone comes to him for an alliance or ally with other friendly people.


Jocasta Odom - 33
She's a minister and mother of 2 little boys. She submitted a video to BB for the first time this year. She's a big fan who's been watching the show for years. Let's pray that she doesn't go in there heavenly guns blazing, because that does not go over well with the housemates or most of the fans. She wants to form a woman's alliance knowing that they can be catty but she wants to overcome this. Preach!

Joey Van Pelt - 27
Hello blue hair. Will you be getting along with pink hair? She's a make-up artist who was recruited and has zero experience with reality TV or BB. She doesn't even have a TV. WTF? Okay. I guess they don't have enough auditions... She too wants an all-ladies alliance because she gets along well with women. As a fan of irony, what are the chances that she, Amber and Jocasta will butt heads immediately?

Nicole Franzel - 21
She's a recent nursing graduate who describes herself as flirty and nerdy. As a self-proclaimed superfan of BB, she auditioned. She too wants to have a secret alliance with a strong male (hmm, who could that be?) and be a part of a larger alliance. She's planning on winning as many competitions as she can. She better have an alliance or she will be out the door.

Paola Shae - 27
She a DJ whose strategy is not to be herself too much "haha". Well that doesn't bode well... She claims she's very special and one of a kind. Okay, now I get it. She's another recruit who sort of watches the show, but is on it to further her career. She gets my vote for the most obnoxious at first impression. She'll no doubt butt heads with others. She will go after the ones she considers most annoying. Can she nominate herself? She's another one who wants an all-girl alliance which probably means that alliance is doomed.

Victoria Rafaeli - 22
She's a photographer and a huge BB fan who's been recruited. She's another fan of the competitions. I expect LONG endurance competitions, people! You best not disappoint! She plans on being both a manipulator and a "coaster" by making an unlikely alliance. She talks the talk, will she walk the walk? That remains to be seen. If she follows through, she might go far as well.

Zach Rance - 23
He's a recent Economics graduate who went to a casting call without being a huge BB fan. He says he's not looking forward to anything in the house except bringing home the money. Can the first evicted do that? He's making me want to pre-evict him just from the interview. When he says that he will make every person in the house feel like he/she is his best friend, I cringe. He reminds me of Andy Herren which is not a good thing. And as I read his bio, that's who he admires. Someone has to.




Okay so let's recap. According to the interviews, there will be a massive girls' alliance. The competitions will either be to the death because they all say they're competitors or very quick because everyone will throw them. There are a lot of "personalities" so may the best one win. Whoever is perceived as a "jock" will have it made because a lot want to be in a secret alliance with him. It will only be a matter of time that all those secret alliances implode. The rest is routine. A showmance. A couple of bromances. The cattiness will doom some alliances. The Alpha maleness will overcome the chill tudes that they are sporting in their interviews.

I say bring it on! It cannot be worse than BB15. Although I am fond of Helen, Howard, Candice, Jessie and Elisa, the rest of that cast made me never want to watch BB again, let alone get the feeds and blog. But this cast promises a fresh start. I probably won't like all of them (Who am I kidding? I won't) but it feels like I can handle this cast. Of course, talk to me when the show and feeds start.

What am I saying? I'll be blogging. Like I wouldn't. lol

Stay tuned! :)

p.s. I don't CARE that Frankie Grande is Ariana Grande's brother. I'll judge him on his time/game play in the house not who he's related to.

Images courtesy of CBS.com ©

Monday, March 10, 2014

BBCA2: Let the Cluster Begin

One HG evicted, a new HoH, and chaos has crashed down onto the house. Andrew originally nominated Paul and Neda with Kyle being the backdoor target. After Kenny won PoV and took Neda off the block, Andrew's plan came to fruition. This prompted Adel to say he "gave up" after 3 days of ranting, raving and terrorizing the volatile Sabrina. Lawd, the drama. Between Adel's rages, mooing taunts of Sabrina and her crying fests, it's making it entertaining for the feedsters. Well, when they're not causing the feeds to black out...

So where does everyone stand now?

Top Shenanigans ratings (meaning the ones with the worst games) go to Adel, Kyle, Paul and Sabrina this week. The three man Destructo Team have done nothing but ensure that one of them, probably Kyle, go home this week. They get gold stars for alienating everyone in the house with their ghoulish behaviour, burning more bridges than Genghis Khan and painting huge targets on their backs. Paul's obvious attempts to manipulate people have backfired. His "plan" to make himself a villain to go to F2 is hilarious. Kyle's decision to ally with one of the most obnoxious people in the house, Adel, has made him the focus of eviction. His game is not smart and his physique is not helping him. Andrew wants to be the one with the biggest 'guns' in the house.

But why is Sabrina is this dubious grouping? She ties with Adel in Drama Queen of the week. They've been going at each other since practically the beginning of the game. Her terrible hysterics after each episode have inspired sympathy to her face but annoyance behind her back. It's doubtful that they will tolerate her ceaseless need for reassurance and being in the spotlight of attention. Blech. Glad I can turn her off.

Who's playing the best game so far? Arlie is, as predicted. He put on a great show of heroic loss during the HoH competition, is well liked by everyone in the house including the Destructo Trio and has not been mentioned as a target by anyone. He's also considered as an ally by the Jon, Kenny, Rachelle and Ika foursome as well as the Andrew, Sabrina and Sarah threesome who with Arlie and Kenny have formed an early alliance. That leaves Heather and Neda floating around like rafts in the rapids. Heather's not trusted but tolerated. Ika is trying to form a girl's alliance. We all know how well that works in BB... They're not in any immediate danger but if one of the girls gets HoH, look to one of them being nominated.

What of the secret trio? Scott's need to be stage center will no doubt cause huge drama in the house which might work for or against him. He's got a crush on half the boys in the house which might not be well-received. Allison is an astute observer and mellow chick. She will almost certainly cause a huge wave of jealousy among most of the girls should she walk into the house. Nate has the most laid-back personality which will probably cause him not to be voted in. Should he however make it in, he probably has the most chances of not being an immediate target. I would like to see Allison go into the game because she might shake things up in the catty house.

Wow! Week 2, game on!

Stay tuned! :)

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

It's a Man's Game.

Well, two evictions down, one to go. The men are being taken down like rotten trees in an orchard. I don't want to draw the gender line, but the women are kicking some serious booty this season; and I'm loving it. Women have been getting a raw deal in this game, being almost always the most criticized even when they have won the game. From the 14 previous seasons, only 5 women have won Big Brother and only up against other women.

Lisa Donahue was the first woman to win BB in season 3, sitting next to Danielle Reyes who is arguably one of the best players to never win the game, losing it because her sarcastic DR comments angered her former fellow housemates. This loss prompted production to introduce the sequestered jury. Interestingly, Dr. Will Kirby who was openly brutal to his fellow housemates, did not lose out as a result,

Jun Song, who turned "floating" into an art form, maneuvered herself expertly to win BB4 against Alison Irwin. However, rather than being praised for her masterful game, Jun was considered the least likable and respected house guest from her season. Yet, male counterparts who won the game equally brutally like Drew Daniel (BB5), Mike Malin (BB7) and Dick Donato (BB9) had huge support from the community and fans.

Maggie Ausburn won BB6 against one of her alliance members Ivette Corredo. She is one of the most hated house guests from one of the most hated BB Alliances, the "Friendship Alliance", dubbed the "Nerd Herd" by the more popular "Sovereign Alliance" of the same season. The fact that she and her alliance not only stuck together to take out the competition, but made it to the final 2 chairs should be something for which they received accolades, yet all they got and continue to get is disdain. Yet, when the Brigade, an all-male alliance from BB12 did the same thing, they won high praise for burning through the house.

When Jordan Llyod won BB11, everyone was quick to say that she was "carried" to the end by her sole alliance and showmance, Jeff Schroeder who was evicted at Final 5. Though she and Jeff have been at the top of the all-time fan faves, many game purists maintain that she was one of the least worthy players to win Big Brother. The ultimate "pawn", Jordan survived 5 nominations to go on and win the final HoH against Kevin Campbell and Natalie Martinez. She is ranked by many as the "least deserving" to win, even below Adam Jacinski whose game, remarks and despicable lie that he worked and will donate to Autism Society surely should win him that spot.

The last female to win Big Brother in season 13, against Prosche Briggs, was Rachel Riley, one of the most polarizing personalities to be cast on the show. Fresh from a much despised appearance on Big Brother 12, Rachel re-entered the game as part of a twist of vets versus newbies along with Dick Donato (who left week one), Daniele Donato, Jordan Llyod, Jeff Schroeder and Brendon Villegas. She entered with the intent to rehabilitate her image, succeeding in winning many fans over to her side. Her win has been criticized as assisted by production with the notorious "Couples Twist" that came into play when Porsche opened Pandora's Box, against her alliance's urging not to.  Despite winning 4 HoH competitions, including the the final one, and managing to redeem herself in the eyes of the fans, Rachel occupies the second to last "least deserving" ranking of all time.

It's not surprising that mostly the female winners of this game have made, in one ranking or another, the least deserving title. Fans, game critics and the media have not been kind to the females of this show. They have been attacked on a deeply personal and superficial level, more so than any male to walk through the Big Brother doors.

Is this simply a manifestation of the deeply rooted, misogynistic double-standard that runs throughout many societies? Will the women of this game be constantly splattered under the microscope?

Let's talk about the women in this season.

Elissa, who has the bad luck of being Rachel's sister and has been given the "unfair advantage" in the MVP twist, has already been attacked for her looks, her mannerisms (which are diametrically opposed to Rachel's) and her lack of game play, despite the fact that she's used the MVP to take out two and possibly 3 male threats from the house. The fact that she's been able to keep a calm head despite being the target not only in the game but on a personal level in the house is ignored. The fact that she created a strong and understated alliance with Helen, Andy, Amanda and McCrae is brushed aside. The fact that she can see through lies and manipulation in a game clouded by paranoia is glossed over. I have asked many times, yet never received an answer to the following question: Would fans have been as critical if it was a male relative of a former houseguest that was liked?

Helen, who is part of the MoM Squad with Elissa, has played a passably good game up until this week, working hard to get two and, more than likely, three of the males of the hate-filled "Blondtourage" alliance evicted, despite Elissa being their target, This week, she faltered, mostly because of her propensity to talk too much and give too much away to everyone in the house, succeeding in putting a huge target on her own back. She forgot the cardinal rule of being HoH: make them come to you,  get information and say nothing. Her need to turn the BB house into a Disney pavilion has lessened her chances considerably of making it far in the game.

Amanda, who has been a puppet master in the house, managing to turn McCrae away from his initial all-male alliance and getting the votes to evict David and Nick has been vastly criticized for her looks, for the very strategic game she's been playing, for every breath she takes. She's been called a "whale" and other derogatory terms, terms that have not been used to describe any male in the game. In fact, the males have not been criticized for their looks, no matter how imperfect they are.

Candice was the first to sniff out the "Moving Company", yet none of the women would truly listen to her until it all blew up in the air. She has been one of the chief targets of racism in the house but has refused to back down. She has great instincts in the game but has not been given any credit for them. Her friendship with Howie, who has been another target of the disgusting racism in the house, has put a target on her back. Why? Because Howie had the audacity to lie in order to protect his secret alliance that went belly up in week 2. How dare he lie and form alliances in Big Brother? They will both have a hard road ahead of them in this game, but, I fear, Candice will bear the brunt, being a woman,

Jessie, whose interviews in the first episode did not win her any fans, has shown a remarkable backbone, standing up to the bullies in the house. She's mellowed since the first night of the show, but I doubt anyone will take her seriously inside or outside of the game, as a result.

The other women, Aaryn, Kaitlyn and GinaMarie are basically one category of female cast member: the recruits who were chosen based on their looks (They are beautiful women on the outside. They need to work on their inner beauty.) and the concept of what roles they will play in the house. I don't think production could have possibly known what a hot mess of crazy and inappropriate those three would represent. Their lack of social game, their bullying, the racial/homophobic slurs, their focus on finding love on the wrong show make me want to disown them from the female race. But alas, there they are. Any bad publicity they have and will get, they have earned with their words and actions in a game that is transparent to the public.

If Elissa, Amanda, Candice and even Helen make it to the final 2 chairs, these women will have earned their place in the winner's circle. But they probably won't get the props. History has proven this.

Stay tuned. The men are next. ;)


Thursday, June 20, 2013

I'm Back B*tches!

Okay, I have caved to peer pressure and I'm back for yet another, no doubt crazy, season of Big Brother.

The hamsters are safely squirreled away (wow, a double metaphor already) in sequester. The fans are chomping at the bit. The rumours are flying and the early reports about the HGs are splattered all over the Internet. I'm going to be a purist and just make my judgments based on these interviews.

This season is supposedly the 'no floater" season which is a long time coming. It will be interesting how production will pull that off. I would love to see them throw down some old-school punishment for those who try to sleep their way to the end (and I don't mean in a sexual way). Here are the complete interviews from We Love Big Brother.



Let me break this down for you: After each blurb I will be giving them a  C score of 0 to 5 of their chances of making it in this game. (0 being the lowest and 5 the highest) and an S (for Shenanigans) score of 0 to 5 for their ability to cause mayhem in the house.

1) Elissa Slater aka Rachel 3.0 is the familiar face that managed to pull off the miracle of being in Greece and in the BB15 house at the same time. *eyeroll* She has a lot in common with Rachel, making it next to impossible for her to keep this relation a secret.  She will fess up if asked directly. She says that she won't be emulating BB12 Rachel's persona and mistakes. We will see. I think the cards are stacked against her in the game and with the "fans". Rachel was a polarizing personality, making it very hard for Elissa to shake it off. C-2 S-2

2) Nick Uhas is this season's Shane Meaney. He seems like a happy-go-lucky guy who might get steam rolled into an Alpha male alliance or a showmance. He's a Yale graduate who lives in Manhattan. "I'm a mega sucker for girls". Yikes, showmance it is even though he says he will avoid it. (Famous last words). He likes girls with red hair, green eyes, petite who are nerdy. That's pretty damn specific for someone not planning a showmance! C-4 S-4


3) Andy Herren says he watches the show religiously but is not a super fan who hasn't watched the feeds. He compares himself most to Ragan Fox because he teaches and he's gay. In the game, he most wants to emulate Danielle Reyes. He wants to stir the pot but not in an obvious way and create down low alliances but befriend anyone. This might make him a big target right off the bat. C-4 S-5

4) Amanda Zuckerman is LOUD! She wants to make others think she's a floater even though she's a competitor. There is no way this chick will take a back seat in the house. Chances are she will be one of the first nominated. She's not a girl's girl. That ain't good. "If you don't like me, I don't care. If you like me, we're best friends." Yup. First nominated and possibly evicted. C-4 S-5


5) David Girton is a cross between Hayden Moss and Braden Bacha from BB11. If he's lucky enough to get into a solid alliance, he will stick around; otherwise, he will be one of the first on the block. He talks a lot about women and showmances. We all know that always bodes well for the game... C-0 S-1

6) Candice Stewart is a pediatric speech therapist from Houston and a pageant girl. She has elements of Monet Stunson's looks, Danielle Reyes' savvy and Jordan Llyod's charm.  This might very well be a winning combination. I would be surprised if she doesn't go far. And as I'm typing this, she says she identifies with Jordan. Damn, I'm good! haha C-3 S-4
7) Gina Marie Zimmerman is Italian (with not an Italian name) from Staten Island and a pageant coordinator. She's going to be popular with the guys in the out of the house. She seems to have a good balance of chill and ballistic. She has already stated that she will get HoH. C-2 S-5




Early prediction: The women this season will either annihilate the men and take control of the house (I wish) or kill each other (more likely).

8) Helen Kim is a very confident campaign consultant and mother of 2 boys from Chicago. She says she doesn't want to come off strong which will be difficult because she is very eloquent and polished. She is my early favorite. If she can maintain this open poise, she will probably go far in the game. C-5 S-5


9) Jessie Kowalski who is an unemployed U.T. graduate with acting aspirations from San Antonio. She is super bubbly and girly but seems down to earth. She is a super fan who has been compared to Britney but "not as catty". And not as funny. C-3 S-4



10)Jeremy McGuire is a part-Cherokee Houstonite who is "a captain of [his] own ship". He is planning on a showmance with a smooth smarminess that is immediately off putting. He states that it is almost impossible to win the game without a girl. (Watch for a Dr. Will copy cat.) He's a self-proclaimed "all-around package" who is "agile like a gazelle". He will either be the leader of the Alpha Male pack or he will be one of the first on the block. I don't think he will be getting a lot of MVP votes. C-4 S-5


11)Howard Overby comes in with his smooth bass voice from Mississippi. He oozes southern charm when he states that he's an unemployed youth worker. Although his physique screams Alpha male, he has a laid back confidence that will charm the others without trying. "I will surprise you... I will be the first African American to win." Git 'er done, Howard. C- 4 S- 5


12)Judd Daughtery from Tennessee reminds me immediately of a combination of Howie Gordon, Frank Eudy and Zane Knight from Survivor: Philippines. He compares himself as a mixture of Russell Kairouz and Dan Gheesling. I don't see it. Sorry. C-2 S -3


13)Kaitlin Barnaby is a bartender from Minnesota who just broke up with her boyfriend. She's open to a strategic showmance. She proceeds to talk about liking edgy and intelligent men. Sorry Kaitlin. Nothing like that in the house. She never heard about BB (gasp!) until she was recruited (ugh!) by a casting agent at her bar. She seems very personable and laid back. Her strategy is to be flexible.... We'll see. C- 3 S-5

14) Aaryn Gries is a Texan pageant girl who is now a Psychology Major. She has Cassi Colvin and Kara Monaco vibe to her. She hates mean girls and cocky guys, most identifying with Frank Eudy. (That's an interesting connection.) C-3 S-3



15)Spencer Clawson is railroad conductor from Arkansas (I still heard ArkansaW, Jim Early!) who is extremely laid-back  and confident. He compares himself to Enzo Palumbo (I don't see it.) and becomes irked when he is compared to Adam Poch (Don't be dissing the Baconmeister!)  He wants to be the girls' friend which is a non-threatening strategy that often works.  C-4 S-4



16) McCrae Olson is delivery pizza boy from Minnesota who is a fun-loving super fan. He has a vibe that's a cross between geek and rocker. He won't be on anyone's radar which gives him a big chance of making it far in the house.
C-5 S-2



Fandom is being brought in with voting for a weekly MVP. What that means and how it will impact the game is yet to be seen. The campaigning has begun in forums, groups and sites.  I can tell you right now, it's not going to be pretty.

My overall impression of this cast is a positive one but they have yet to go into the house. We all know that stepping through those doors chemically changes people and continues to do so as the days, all 100 them go by!

That's it for now! Stay tuned!