I don't like stating the obvious, but Big Brother is a TV show. It's not a professional sport. It's main credo is to make money from sponsors by getting ratings. Their mandate is to keep things exciting and fans tuning in. "Expect the Unexpected" is a pass for production to manipulate and attempt to change the course of the game in order to please the fans. Not all fans, but the majority. Their twists are designed to help the house guests that the majority of fans love or love to hate. It's unscripted in that they cannot possibly know the outcome of competitions or the way the house guests will react but is it manipulated? Indeed it is to enhance the drama and the struggle. So what? WWF is totally staged, yet many enjoy and support it.
Every time there's a twist with fan involvement, there is a faction of fans who protest in outrage that it's rigged or unfair or whatever. But let's examine some of the most contentious twists in order to see if this in fact is true.
During BB8, Eric Stein was "America's Player". He became instrumental in the nomination and eviction of several house guests including Joe, Jenn, Dustin and Amber. This was one of the most intrusive twists ever, but since the public was involved in evicting some of their least favorites, it paid off for the show. It didn't help Eric's or those evicted house guests' game but it helped get the then fan faves, Daniele and Dick Donato, to the end. Was their win rigged? Of course it wasn't. The way they played the game and competed had a huge part in that win.
During BB9, the fans were given the opportunity to vote someone back in the game. The house guests were given the option of bringing back someone the fans wanted (Alex Coladonato) to return or newly-evicted James Zinkland. They chose James. Production had no way of knowing which the HGs would choose but it was a win-win situation for them. Alex was a fan fave but James also brought in fans because of his sheer moxy and drive to win. Rigged? No. Manipulated. Yes. It's the name of the game.
In BB11, Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Llyod were decidedly the fan faves. Their innocent showmance/love story and their underdog status in the house caused a vast majority of fans to root for them. When Chima was HoH and was clearly targeting them, production reintroduced the Coup D'Etat in the game. It was previously used in BB7 All Stars in a competition which Mike 'Boogie" Malin won. He never used it. In BB11, this power was voted on by the fans and of course it went to Jeff who used it, reversing the nominations and succeeding in getting Jesse Godderz (not a fan fave) evicted. Was this vote rigged? No. Jeff was indeed the fan fave, Did production know that this is how it would go down? Sure they did. They were banking on it.
In BB13, two twists were introduced that cause a lot of controversy mostly because it involved two house guests that were polarizing the fans: Rachel Riley and Brendon Villegas. One was when fans were asked to vote a previously evicted house guest to compete with whomever was recently evicted to get back in the game. Brendon was voted back in over fan darlings Dominic Briones and Cassi Colvin. This sparked a storm of rigging accusations, but the vote makes sense. Brendon and Rachel were closely allied with Jeff and Jordan, uniting their enormous fan base with Rachel's growing fan base to trump the Dominic/Cassi fans. Did production know this would happen? Of course they did.
The second twist in the same season was the "Couples Twist" that was unleashed when Porsche Briggs opened Pandora's Box. This allowed the house guests to pair up with another house guest, being both saved by the PoV. This sparked outrage from some fans, saying that the twist was introduced to save the vulnerable Jordan and Rachel. Of course it was! But there were too many factors in play that production could not control. Porsche could have chosen to listen to her alliance and not open Pandora's Box. Rachel could have not won PoV which she did. Were the majority of fans pleased that "Jorchel" were saved? Yes they were! Was this production's goal. You betcha!
This season, the MVP twist was introduced and Elissa Slater (Rachel's sister and the only HG related to a vet) came into the game with it. Was this a fair advantage, given that Rachel rallied the troops to vote for Elissa? Sure. It was also cancelled out by the distinct disadvantage of Elissa being the chief target for eviction for the first two weeks of the game. She and her alliance used this advantage to their benefit by turning the tables on the alliance that was in power and terrorizing the house. Many have accused that the MVP results have been rigged. But have they? Sure the Riley army has had a big hand in these results; but the vast majority of fans have been outraged by the bigotry of those targeting Elissa who has proven to be a very likable and smart player. The MVP twist has not kept Elissa safe, her and her alliance's use of this twist has done so.
Bottom line, yes this is a manipulated show. Their credo is to keep the drama high, feature the good versus bad struggle and give the fans what they want. I am not a fan of this production but I do have to give credit to the fact that they know how please the majority of their fans.
If some people want this show to be a fair, untampered competition, they need to watch reruns of the Olympics. This isn't the show for them.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
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. ;)
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. ;)
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Face Palm
So yeah, a lot changes in the BB house over the course of a couple of days. My elation at Helen winning HoH turned to horror when I witnessed on the feeds (Thanks for letting me get them CBS. I'll send you the doctor's bill.) Helen turning her golden opportunity into an absolute clusterf*ck.
Her sole task was finding out who "lied" to her (umm, it's Big Brother.) about the hinky vote and when Howard finally confessed she cried, forgave him, told him to keep it to himself, then proceeded to turn him into her target. Yes, over the people who have been gunning after her alliance and bullying the house. Yes, over Jeremy.
What's worse is she laid out her strategy and intentions to everyone she talked to, including the people who have been gunning for her "alliance," because she said she trusts Aaryn and Jeremy more than the people who "lied" to her. Let me quote Amanda, though at this point I don't want to, "What game are you playing?" Helen is pissed that they didn't fess up to the Moving Company alliance, questioning their loyalty. I guess only she's allowed to make multiple alliances...
So she outed Howard to everyone causing Amanda and McCrae to want to target him over the people who have been on the opposite side of the house. This lead to them pressuring Elissa to put up Howard with the MVP nomation, intending to show Howard the door. Over people who have been gunning for them. Sigh. So, McCrae, at Amanda's prompting, told everyone that he was MVP, reassuring them that Howard is his target...
This backfired when Elissa decided not to put up Howard (Yes, there's mention of production tampering but she is either using it as an excuse or misinterpreted the questions they asked. But who cares?) She put up Spencer. Oops! Now, McCrae was stuck with his pants down and his testicles in Amanda's grasp, having to switch up his story. My question is WHY LIE WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO?
So what did Amanda do? She told Kaitlyn about the plan to back door Jeremy., prompting Aaryn and Kaitlyn to decide to throw the PoV so they can protect Jeremy who, by the way, will not return the favor.
Yeah, so the PoV competition is today. Helen, Aaryn, Kaitlyn, Spencer, Candice and GinaMarie are playing. At this point, I hope Candice or Spencer win this and foil the idiots in their unnecessary plots. This was supposed to be a no-brainer week. Not a week with no brains.
Stay tuned.
Her sole task was finding out who "lied" to her (umm, it's Big Brother.) about the hinky vote and when Howard finally confessed she cried, forgave him, told him to keep it to himself, then proceeded to turn him into her target. Yes, over the people who have been gunning after her alliance and bullying the house. Yes, over Jeremy.
What's worse is she laid out her strategy and intentions to everyone she talked to, including the people who have been gunning for her "alliance," because she said she trusts Aaryn and Jeremy more than the people who "lied" to her. Let me quote Amanda, though at this point I don't want to, "What game are you playing?" Helen is pissed that they didn't fess up to the Moving Company alliance, questioning their loyalty. I guess only she's allowed to make multiple alliances...
So she outed Howard to everyone causing Amanda and McCrae to want to target him over the people who have been on the opposite side of the house. This lead to them pressuring Elissa to put up Howard with the MVP nomation, intending to show Howard the door. Over people who have been gunning for them. Sigh. So, McCrae, at Amanda's prompting, told everyone that he was MVP, reassuring them that Howard is his target...
This backfired when Elissa decided not to put up Howard (Yes, there's mention of production tampering but she is either using it as an excuse or misinterpreted the questions they asked. But who cares?) She put up Spencer. Oops! Now, McCrae was stuck with his pants down and his testicles in Amanda's grasp, having to switch up his story. My question is WHY LIE WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO?
So what did Amanda do? She told Kaitlyn about the plan to back door Jeremy., prompting Aaryn and Kaitlyn to decide to throw the PoV so they can protect Jeremy who, by the way, will not return the favor.
Yeah, so the PoV competition is today. Helen, Aaryn, Kaitlyn, Spencer, Candice and GinaMarie are playing. At this point, I hope Candice or Spencer win this and foil the idiots in their unnecessary plots. This was supposed to be a no-brainer week. Not a week with no brains.
Stay tuned.
Friday, July 12, 2013
The Valiant and the Vile
So yeah. WOW! What a night last night!
During the show, watching the blindside
and Helen win the HoH, after a nail-biting competition, many felt like this:
It was a relief from last week, to have a sane and likable person in power in the BB house.
It didn't last long.
It started with what was to become a seven HOUR jag of torrential mourning and crying fits because GinaMarie lost her BB boyfriend to the game.
No matter what the topic of discussion was, Gina Marie's meltdown progressed to unimaginable magnitude.
We started to look like this:
Kaitlyn, Aaryn and Gina Marie, pissed that the power and their plot to vanquish Elissa did not pay off, went on a tirade including bullying Jessie, taking over her bed, making her feel uncomfortable, flipping Candice's bed and refusing to see sense when sense was smacking them in the face. Jeremy, though he would profess to anyone who would listen, out of his harpies' ear shot that he was not getting involved in the "cat fight", chose to plant himself on Jessie's bed even though she told him she was feeling uncomfortable.
This escalated when Aaryn, being her usual compassionate self, mocked Candice when the latter confronted her about the filpped bed, with "What you gon' do girl. What you gon' do girl?"
And Gina Marie getting in Candice's face saying "you want to bring the black out?"
Howard, knowing that Candice was about to go somewhere beyond return, grabbed her and physically removed her from the situation,
While the widow took a break from her self-pity, to back-up her buddy Aaryn.
By the way, this all happened just after the HoH reveal which we couldn't even enjoy because of this outrageous situation.
Howard tried to calm Candice down. He explained that if he were to act, he would not be able to rein himself in, getting himself in trouble in a house where racism is rampant and production remains silent. "They must want this to happen or else they would stop it"
Candice kept repeating, "I don't want to give up the bed." That bed represented to Candice everything that she and many have struggled with; backing down to the oppressor, giving up her rights, letting them win. She broke down and many of us did with her,
When Elissa, Helen and the others got wind, they took her into the HoH to calm and soothe her. And Howard quietly broke down in prayer for strength, as BB repeatedly called him to DR.
And this is how I felt.
And this:
Calmer heads prevailed as the others rushed to comfort Candice, Jessie and Howard who bore the brunt of the horrid alliance of bullies, thugs, racists and creeps.
Meanwhile, Gina Marie continued her wake, even getting comfort from Howard and Candice throughout the night.
Ironic, no?
What's more ironic is that Howard and Candice chose to sleep on the floor in the Have Not room. Because, yes, they gave up the bed.
There are no words to describe the absolutely heartbreaking horror of witnessing these events transpire in the house. Production will not interfere. That's a given. The house guests are there to deal with the situation themselves. This season more than ever, it has truly become a battle between the good and evil as is manifested in society. All we can do is speak out against racism, homophobia, sexism and all the other injustices. And root for them to overcome this nightmare.
And in a night of unspeakable human horror, two champions have risen to the challenge, to defend those being targeted.
Amanda told it like it is, yet again, to Aaryn et al, not backing down. Aaryn, unfortunately, is incapable at this moment, if ever, of acknowledging her misdeeds, not even seeing them as such.
Judd came to Jessie's rescue multiple times against the harpies that continued to attack her throughout the night.
And finally these two:
Who did not allow this situation to get the better of them and rose above the ugliness. Even though they had to sleep on the floor.
Stay tuned.
During the show, watching the blindside
and Helen win the HoH, after a nail-biting competition, many felt like this:
It was a relief from last week, to have a sane and likable person in power in the BB house.
It didn't last long.
It started with what was to become a seven HOUR jag of torrential mourning and crying fits because GinaMarie lost her BB boyfriend to the game.
No matter what the topic of discussion was, Gina Marie's meltdown progressed to unimaginable magnitude.
We started to look like this:
Kaitlyn, Aaryn and Gina Marie, pissed that the power and their plot to vanquish Elissa did not pay off, went on a tirade including bullying Jessie, taking over her bed, making her feel uncomfortable, flipping Candice's bed and refusing to see sense when sense was smacking them in the face. Jeremy, though he would profess to anyone who would listen, out of his harpies' ear shot that he was not getting involved in the "cat fight", chose to plant himself on Jessie's bed even though she told him she was feeling uncomfortable.
This escalated when Aaryn, being her usual compassionate self, mocked Candice when the latter confronted her about the filpped bed, with "What you gon' do girl. What you gon' do girl?"
And Gina Marie getting in Candice's face saying "you want to bring the black out?"
While the widow took a break from her self-pity, to back-up her buddy Aaryn.
By the way, this all happened just after the HoH reveal which we couldn't even enjoy because of this outrageous situation.
Howard tried to calm Candice down. He explained that if he were to act, he would not be able to rein himself in, getting himself in trouble in a house where racism is rampant and production remains silent. "They must want this to happen or else they would stop it"
Candice kept repeating, "I don't want to give up the bed." That bed represented to Candice everything that she and many have struggled with; backing down to the oppressor, giving up her rights, letting them win. She broke down and many of us did with her,
And this is how I felt.
And this:
Calmer heads prevailed as the others rushed to comfort Candice, Jessie and Howard who bore the brunt of the horrid alliance of bullies, thugs, racists and creeps.
Meanwhile, Gina Marie continued her wake, even getting comfort from Howard and Candice throughout the night.
What's more ironic is that Howard and Candice chose to sleep on the floor in the Have Not room. Because, yes, they gave up the bed.
There are no words to describe the absolutely heartbreaking horror of witnessing these events transpire in the house. Production will not interfere. That's a given. The house guests are there to deal with the situation themselves. This season more than ever, it has truly become a battle between the good and evil as is manifested in society. All we can do is speak out against racism, homophobia, sexism and all the other injustices. And root for them to overcome this nightmare.
And in a night of unspeakable human horror, two champions have risen to the challenge, to defend those being targeted.
 |
| "What game are you playing? Cause we're playing Big Brother." |
 |
| They were two girls acting like animals not human beings." |
And finally these two:
Who did not allow this situation to get the better of them and rose above the ugliness. Even though they had to sleep on the floor.
Stay tuned.
Monday, July 8, 2013
What Show IS This?
I'm still confused. I could have sworn I set my DVR to record Big Brother, not Bachelor Pad. But someone forgot to tell some of the cast. Kaitlyn, Aaryn, GinaMarie, Jessie and. to some extent, Amanda seem to be under the impression that they are in the house to hook up. No wonder ABC didn't run the show this season, Allison Grodner et al stole their cast.
"Don't look at MY man!"
"She was mean mugging me!"
"Who does she think she is? She thinks all the guys like her. but they like me!"
"I'm the prettiest here!"
"She's so this, that and the other thing (fill it in with whatever derogatory remark you want)."
"She's hogging too much of his time!"
What the f*ck? The meltdowns, the cat fights, the full on make out sessions, the soft porn, the jealousy, the whining, the possessive obsessions and stalking, the absolute cluelessness about how to even play the game convince me most of these chicks don't even know where they are.
Of course, this plays into the hands of the men who are using these women to further their game and take them closer to the final 2 chairs. They play into their insecurities and confuse them so much that they won't even see what hit them as they exit the game, one by one. Meanwhile the women who seem to have actual working brains: Helen, Candice, Elissa and Amanda (she has what it takes to play the game but is blinded by her connection to McCrae) are going to be taken down by the Moving Company first because they refuse to "accept their place".
I have given up on the idea of a girl alliance in this game because the women who have been cast recently, are not cast to win but to look good. In the preseason, all people could talk about was how hot or pretty these women are. What difference does it make if they look good but make our ears bleed?
Helen and Candice have figured out the Moving Company but refuse to allow themselves to take it to the next level, pull Amanda and Elissa in and form an actual alliance. Amanda is extremely savvy but her connection to McCrae isn't going to do her game any favors. Helen, despite her doubts, tells Spencer everything. Candice can't keep her mouth shut.
Many people have been irate because Elissa has "not played a good game" but I respectfully disagree. She's been target number one from day one, on the block both weeks, a Have Not both weeks, the object of derision, marginalization and derision both weeks. She managed to use the MVP advantage last week to save herself, but if she puts Nick up today, it will spell the end of her game.
Elissa has a better chance of staying if she puts up Kaitlyn who, despite the fact she is Jeremy's mate in the game, literally, does not have a lot of fans in the house. Even her alliance members, Aaryn and GinaMarie, have turned on her out of jealousy for her connection to the most obnoxious HG to enter the house.
I doubt Elissa's attempt to put doubt in people's minds about Nick being related to Dan Gheesling will work. The Moving Company (Nick, Spencer, Howard, Jeremy and McCrae) will make sure the women puppets vote with them and evict Elissa.
Once Elissa is evicted, no matter how smartly or well Helen, Candice and Amanda play, they will not be long in the game. The MC will target them next and keep the Bachelor Pad rejects in and distracted with their insecure need to get validation from men.
Le sigh.
Stay tuned!
"Don't look at MY man!"
"She was mean mugging me!"
"Who does she think she is? She thinks all the guys like her. but they like me!"
"I'm the prettiest here!"
"She's so this, that and the other thing (fill it in with whatever derogatory remark you want)."
"She's hogging too much of his time!"
What the f*ck? The meltdowns, the cat fights, the full on make out sessions, the soft porn, the jealousy, the whining, the possessive obsessions and stalking, the absolute cluelessness about how to even play the game convince me most of these chicks don't even know where they are.
Of course, this plays into the hands of the men who are using these women to further their game and take them closer to the final 2 chairs. They play into their insecurities and confuse them so much that they won't even see what hit them as they exit the game, one by one. Meanwhile the women who seem to have actual working brains: Helen, Candice, Elissa and Amanda (she has what it takes to play the game but is blinded by her connection to McCrae) are going to be taken down by the Moving Company first because they refuse to "accept their place".
I have given up on the idea of a girl alliance in this game because the women who have been cast recently, are not cast to win but to look good. In the preseason, all people could talk about was how hot or pretty these women are. What difference does it make if they look good but make our ears bleed?
Helen and Candice have figured out the Moving Company but refuse to allow themselves to take it to the next level, pull Amanda and Elissa in and form an actual alliance. Amanda is extremely savvy but her connection to McCrae isn't going to do her game any favors. Helen, despite her doubts, tells Spencer everything. Candice can't keep her mouth shut.
Many people have been irate because Elissa has "not played a good game" but I respectfully disagree. She's been target number one from day one, on the block both weeks, a Have Not both weeks, the object of derision, marginalization and derision both weeks. She managed to use the MVP advantage last week to save herself, but if she puts Nick up today, it will spell the end of her game.
Elissa has a better chance of staying if she puts up Kaitlyn who, despite the fact she is Jeremy's mate in the game, literally, does not have a lot of fans in the house. Even her alliance members, Aaryn and GinaMarie, have turned on her out of jealousy for her connection to the most obnoxious HG to enter the house.
I doubt Elissa's attempt to put doubt in people's minds about Nick being related to Dan Gheesling will work. The Moving Company (Nick, Spencer, Howard, Jeremy and McCrae) will make sure the women puppets vote with them and evict Elissa.
Once Elissa is evicted, no matter how smartly or well Helen, Candice and Amanda play, they will not be long in the game. The MC will target them next and keep the Bachelor Pad rejects in and distracted with their insecure need to get validation from men.
Le sigh.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Crossing the Line
When someone signs on to be a part of the show that is accessed, "uncensored" via live feeds, that person steps in the public eye. When a production company is paid to run said show, it too shares the spotlight.
Big Brother has been a polarizing show that has caused public outcry almost every single season, multiple times. Often, that's based on personal pets peeves of the cast's personalities or their moves in the game affecting certain fan faves but sometimes, it goes beyond that.
The latest backlash is centered around one the BB15's cast: Aaryn Gries who is one, but by far not the only, cast member to spew racist and homophobic comments in the house, as witnessed on the live feeds. She has been fired from her modelling agency based on those comments and the public outcry that has ensured. If you want to read the story it's here.
Some have compared this to the hate mail, threats and attempts to destroy Shelly Moore because she turned against the fan faves Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Llyod in BB13. This is nowhere near the same thing. Shelly made a game move which she thought would assist her in winning the game. The psychotic behaviour that affected her and her family was nothing but criminal and must never be aimed at anyone for whatever reason.
The same happened to Dan Gheesling in BB10 and BB13 with people threatening to call the school that employed him as a coach because of moves he made for game purpose, only.
Last year, Danielle Murphree became to the crazed focus of some fans' ire causing them to post her nursing and education records, threatening to call her employers because they didn't like her lies and personality. That is an immoral response perpetrated by individuals who clearly need therapy and a ban from the live feeds.
This has nothing in common with what is happening to Aaryn. There is not public company in the world who would want her as a spokesperson. Maybe she should have thought of that before she sprayed her bigotry and hatred all over the feeds. Her words as well as the network's (CBS) and production's refusal to deal with this is in a speedy and satisfying manner has brought on such a backlash as to possibly threaten the future of this show. And, frankly, as long as Allison Grodner et al produce this show, nothing will change.
This public outcry is warranted because, by not addressing this issue, CBS and the producers seem to condone it. Censoring Big Brother after Dark (BBAD) or manipulating the feeds is not the proper response. Aaryn, Kaitlyn, GinaMarie, David, Jeremy, Amanda and Spencer have all shown themselves to represent a part of the population that is still stuck in the past when those comments were not only tolerated, but encouraged.
People have fought, were tortured and died in this part and many other parts of the world to have the right to be viewed as human beings, regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, religion, politics, and gender. Many others will continue to do so in countries where oppression still has a vice grip.
It is irresponsible, immoral and criminal to condone this behaviour. Turning a blind eye, trying to silence those who would speak against it, editing it out is condoning this behaviour.
Aaryn being fired is just the beginning. CBS will soon feel it in its coffers. As all facets of the mainstream media pick it up, if they do not address this satisfactorily, they will find the lowered ratings for BB plummet even more; and their advertising partners will start to pull out. As they should.
This could all have been avoided had the casting process and the show's credo had not been directed by such ineptitude and shortsightedness. Fly on the Wall Entertainment has stopped entertaining us a long time ago. This show is supposed to be about strategy and human behaviour. REAL human behaviour. If this production company continues to force this "reality" show to follow their script, they should be fired so they can produce soap operas. Though, they too would probably suck.
Be careful CBS, you don't want to be seen doing to civil rights what Jeremy did to Elissa's hat last night:
Update:
And it continues. GinaMarie has been fired as pageant director.Another one bites the dust of her words
.
Stay tuned.
Some have compared this to the hate mail, threats and attempts to destroy Shelly Moore because she turned against the fan faves Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Llyod in BB13. This is nowhere near the same thing. Shelly made a game move which she thought would assist her in winning the game. The psychotic behaviour that affected her and her family was nothing but criminal and must never be aimed at anyone for whatever reason.
The same happened to Dan Gheesling in BB10 and BB13 with people threatening to call the school that employed him as a coach because of moves he made for game purpose, only.
Last year, Danielle Murphree became to the crazed focus of some fans' ire causing them to post her nursing and education records, threatening to call her employers because they didn't like her lies and personality. That is an immoral response perpetrated by individuals who clearly need therapy and a ban from the live feeds.
This has nothing in common with what is happening to Aaryn. There is not public company in the world who would want her as a spokesperson. Maybe she should have thought of that before she sprayed her bigotry and hatred all over the feeds. Her words as well as the network's (CBS) and production's refusal to deal with this is in a speedy and satisfying manner has brought on such a backlash as to possibly threaten the future of this show. And, frankly, as long as Allison Grodner et al produce this show, nothing will change.
This public outcry is warranted because, by not addressing this issue, CBS and the producers seem to condone it. Censoring Big Brother after Dark (BBAD) or manipulating the feeds is not the proper response. Aaryn, Kaitlyn, GinaMarie, David, Jeremy, Amanda and Spencer have all shown themselves to represent a part of the population that is still stuck in the past when those comments were not only tolerated, but encouraged.
People have fought, were tortured and died in this part and many other parts of the world to have the right to be viewed as human beings, regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, religion, politics, and gender. Many others will continue to do so in countries where oppression still has a vice grip.
It is irresponsible, immoral and criminal to condone this behaviour. Turning a blind eye, trying to silence those who would speak against it, editing it out is condoning this behaviour.
Aaryn being fired is just the beginning. CBS will soon feel it in its coffers. As all facets of the mainstream media pick it up, if they do not address this satisfactorily, they will find the lowered ratings for BB plummet even more; and their advertising partners will start to pull out. As they should.
This could all have been avoided had the casting process and the show's credo had not been directed by such ineptitude and shortsightedness. Fly on the Wall Entertainment has stopped entertaining us a long time ago. This show is supposed to be about strategy and human behaviour. REAL human behaviour. If this production company continues to force this "reality" show to follow their script, they should be fired so they can produce soap operas. Though, they too would probably suck.
Be careful CBS, you don't want to be seen doing to civil rights what Jeremy did to Elissa's hat last night:
 |
| A true asshat he is. |
And it continues. GinaMarie has been fired as pageant director.Another one bites the dust of her words
.
Stay tuned.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Big Brother 15 Casting: Epic Fail
I've been struck silent since this season has begun. Not having the feeds is not the reason. I'm airing on the side that CBS did us non-U.S. citizens a favor. I would probably not even watch the feeds if I had them. I've heard enough from those that do to make me even question if I want to watch this show again.
Every season carries with it a certain level of nastiness, bringing the seedy underbelly of people to the forefront. Every season, some HG says or does something that causes a fury among the fans. Every season has heated debates, campaigns of outrage and bouts of inexcusable behaviour from those who call themselves fans. Every season, people threaten to stop watching while remaining glued to the feeds and to the TV.
This season is different.
This season has shed light into such vileness as never seen before. Racism, homophobia, bullying, character assassination, sexual promiscuity and a level of game play that cannot be excused with the phrases: "It's just game." or "The house brings out the worst in people." or "It's a matter of perspective." This season, I will break my own rule of not slamming the players.
This season will probably unseat BB9 as the worst cast ever.
Sure, there were awesome players in BB9 (neither of which made it for F2); and there are awesome players in BB15 who I pray will make it to the F2 chairs. But, this season is ruled by people who were picked based on looks alone. "Beautiful" people who are so rotten inside, the rot has seeped to their faces, making them the ugliest cast ever.
Worst yet, we know that production will probably spin them into the characters they cast them for, whether they deserve these roles or not. Jerry MacDonald of BB10 comes to mind. While his mouth spewed ugliness on the feeds, he was portrayed as a valiant older man, one worthy of being a fan fave in the show. Expect that to happen again.
At the forefront of this monstrous behaviour are some of the members of the self-proclaimed Blondetourage, dubbed as Bieber Fever by Amanda and YUCK (Young Unsavory Cretinous Knuckleheads) by me: Aaryn, Jeremy, Kaitlyn and David.
The Blonde Vileshell
Aaryn was probably cast to play the role of "America's Sweetheart" but the only sweet thing about her will be her departure from the game, hopefully, pre-jury. She has made racial slurs against Helen and Candice, homophobic comments against Andy and sexist comments against those of her own gender. In her preseason interviews, she claimed to hate mean girls, yet she makes them look like the members of Sister Act. She is a bully and an instigator, just for the fun of it. She is insecure and arrogant at the same time. It will be a feat of editing to portray her as anything close to a "darling". Whoever compared her to Jordan Llyod needs a stronger dose of medication.
The Dickhead
Jeremy was probably cast to play the part of Great American Hero, someone whose Cherokee roots would break the preconceptions of Native Americans. The Cherokee Nation needs to disown him. He has zero redeeming qualities. He is a flaming sexist, a homophobic bully who unfortunately is part of one of the worst Brolliances ever (The Moving Company) simply because he is in it. I try not to pay attention to rumours that come via social networking, but the early news of him being a woman hater are verified by his behaviour in the house. Many have compared him to Jacob of the Twilight series. As much I as I cannot stomach those books or movies, Taylor Lautner has done nothing to deserve that comparison.
The Mark
Kaitlyn is one of the recruits this year. Note to casting, don't have a few too many before selecting who will be on the show. She has been labeled the "Bella" to Jeremy's "Jacob". There ain't no Bella there. As much as Kristen Stewart's acting blows and she has the personality of cardboard, the comparison is horrific. More Cruella than Bella, this piece of work has not only engaged gleefully in bullying with her cohort in slime, Aaryn, she has spouted such racist and homophobic comments that have made people's stomachs curl. She has already engaged in sexual activity with Jeremy, making her image irredeemable in many people's eyes. Jeremy, of course is using her, but I can't even muster a molecule of sympathy for her. Not one bit.
The Schmoe
David has the personality of car grease. Relying on his 'bod' and looks, he joined the "cool kids" racist banter. Since he, hopefully, will be the first evicted on Wednesday, I don't even want to spend the time to type about him. Should he leave, my hope is that his will be the first of the consecutive evictions of those in his alliance (minus Nick).
Jerkey Girl
GinaMarie was not one of my early faves but she did have some fans. That's dwindling. Although she has been conscious of using the word "retard" in the house, asking everyone to call her out when she uses it, she should have the same sensitivity towards the racial stereotyping and slurs that come out of her non-stop mouth. Those who compared her to Jo Jo Spatafora better be apologizing to Jo Jo, and double time.
Amanda's mouth never stops, (Yes, I predicted it.) and it has nothing good to say about anyone. Spencer, has spewed racist, homophobic and sexist statements all in "good fun". We shall see. I doubt either of them will change my mind.
When we found out that the cast will contain all newbies, we were ecstatic. The pre-seaon ire was aimed at Elissa Slater simply because she's Rachel Reily's sister. That's died down pretty fast. Elissa only infinitesimally resembles Rachel in personality, but even if she were the spitting image of Rachel, and even Rachel herself, would be a welcome relief.
Casting jumped the shark this season, Why can't they just cast people who want and know how to play the game and stop casting based on looks and roles they want them to play? It's beyond ridiculous that they won't, can't or are too inept to see that their formula does not work. IT DOES NOT WORK!
My only hope is that the real people, the ones who may not be perfect but are worthy of fans, McCrae, Helen, Nick, Howard, Andy and Elissa (yes Elissa) make it far into the game, thereby cleansing the house of the poltergeist that are haunting it.
As to the nature of this blog. Needless to say, I won't be blogging as I did before. Expect to see one every Monday with others in the week should something happen in the house that restores my faith in this game.
Stay tuned.
Every season carries with it a certain level of nastiness, bringing the seedy underbelly of people to the forefront. Every season, some HG says or does something that causes a fury among the fans. Every season has heated debates, campaigns of outrage and bouts of inexcusable behaviour from those who call themselves fans. Every season, people threaten to stop watching while remaining glued to the feeds and to the TV.
This season is different.
This season has shed light into such vileness as never seen before. Racism, homophobia, bullying, character assassination, sexual promiscuity and a level of game play that cannot be excused with the phrases: "It's just game." or "The house brings out the worst in people." or "It's a matter of perspective." This season, I will break my own rule of not slamming the players.
This season will probably unseat BB9 as the worst cast ever.
Sure, there were awesome players in BB9 (neither of which made it for F2); and there are awesome players in BB15 who I pray will make it to the F2 chairs. But, this season is ruled by people who were picked based on looks alone. "Beautiful" people who are so rotten inside, the rot has seeped to their faces, making them the ugliest cast ever.
Worst yet, we know that production will probably spin them into the characters they cast them for, whether they deserve these roles or not. Jerry MacDonald of BB10 comes to mind. While his mouth spewed ugliness on the feeds, he was portrayed as a valiant older man, one worthy of being a fan fave in the show. Expect that to happen again.
At the forefront of this monstrous behaviour are some of the members of the self-proclaimed Blondetourage, dubbed as Bieber Fever by Amanda and YUCK (Young Unsavory Cretinous Knuckleheads) by me: Aaryn, Jeremy, Kaitlyn and David.
Aaryn was probably cast to play the role of "America's Sweetheart" but the only sweet thing about her will be her departure from the game, hopefully, pre-jury. She has made racial slurs against Helen and Candice, homophobic comments against Andy and sexist comments against those of her own gender. In her preseason interviews, she claimed to hate mean girls, yet she makes them look like the members of Sister Act. She is a bully and an instigator, just for the fun of it. She is insecure and arrogant at the same time. It will be a feat of editing to portray her as anything close to a "darling". Whoever compared her to Jordan Llyod needs a stronger dose of medication.
Jeremy was probably cast to play the part of Great American Hero, someone whose Cherokee roots would break the preconceptions of Native Americans. The Cherokee Nation needs to disown him. He has zero redeeming qualities. He is a flaming sexist, a homophobic bully who unfortunately is part of one of the worst Brolliances ever (The Moving Company) simply because he is in it. I try not to pay attention to rumours that come via social networking, but the early news of him being a woman hater are verified by his behaviour in the house. Many have compared him to Jacob of the Twilight series. As much I as I cannot stomach those books or movies, Taylor Lautner has done nothing to deserve that comparison.
Kaitlyn is one of the recruits this year. Note to casting, don't have a few too many before selecting who will be on the show. She has been labeled the "Bella" to Jeremy's "Jacob". There ain't no Bella there. As much as Kristen Stewart's acting blows and she has the personality of cardboard, the comparison is horrific. More Cruella than Bella, this piece of work has not only engaged gleefully in bullying with her cohort in slime, Aaryn, she has spouted such racist and homophobic comments that have made people's stomachs curl. She has already engaged in sexual activity with Jeremy, making her image irredeemable in many people's eyes. Jeremy, of course is using her, but I can't even muster a molecule of sympathy for her. Not one bit.
David has the personality of car grease. Relying on his 'bod' and looks, he joined the "cool kids" racist banter. Since he, hopefully, will be the first evicted on Wednesday, I don't even want to spend the time to type about him. Should he leave, my hope is that his will be the first of the consecutive evictions of those in his alliance (minus Nick).
GinaMarie was not one of my early faves but she did have some fans. That's dwindling. Although she has been conscious of using the word "retard" in the house, asking everyone to call her out when she uses it, she should have the same sensitivity towards the racial stereotyping and slurs that come out of her non-stop mouth. Those who compared her to Jo Jo Spatafora better be apologizing to Jo Jo, and double time.
The jury is out on these two:
Amanda's mouth never stops, (Yes, I predicted it.) and it has nothing good to say about anyone. Spencer, has spewed racist, homophobic and sexist statements all in "good fun". We shall see. I doubt either of them will change my mind.
When we found out that the cast will contain all newbies, we were ecstatic. The pre-seaon ire was aimed at Elissa Slater simply because she's Rachel Reily's sister. That's died down pretty fast. Elissa only infinitesimally resembles Rachel in personality, but even if she were the spitting image of Rachel, and even Rachel herself, would be a welcome relief.
Casting jumped the shark this season, Why can't they just cast people who want and know how to play the game and stop casting based on looks and roles they want them to play? It's beyond ridiculous that they won't, can't or are too inept to see that their formula does not work. IT DOES NOT WORK!
My only hope is that the real people, the ones who may not be perfect but are worthy of fans, McCrae, Helen, Nick, Howard, Andy and Elissa (yes Elissa) make it far into the game, thereby cleansing the house of the poltergeist that are haunting it.
As to the nature of this blog. Needless to say, I won't be blogging as I did before. Expect to see one every Monday with others in the week should something happen in the house that restores my faith in this game.
Stay tuned.
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