Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Week 1 Player Analysis (First 8 Houseguests)

Big Brother 16 premiered tonight and we got to see the first 8 houseguests enter the house, create alliances and compete for HoH. Here is my analysis of each of the 8 houseguests and what I think their move should be this first week and beyond.

Frankie
As winner of the first HoH, Frankie needs to be careful not to be too ostentatious and threatening this week, especially since his nominations might not be permanent. I think Frankie could succeed as the first HoH, as he doesn’t seem like a huge competition threat (though agile, smaller, but toned guys tend to be bigger threats than muscular guys). He should spend this week cementing relationships, making 2 week deals (particularly before the Battle of the Block) and trying to make himself seem friendly, funny and nonthreatening. If he can keep the laughs going and the game talk to a minimum outside of deals, he can bulldoze this week with few mistakes. My biggest hesitation with him is that he seems dramatic and like he needs a lot of attention. If he starts to freak out too much about the HoH twist or require too much attention that he exhausts the other houseguests, he could easily be a target next week.

Amber
I appreciate that Amber was the last girl in the HoH competition, but I respect her even more for throwing the competition. Though her fake out when throwing the comp was among the worst I’ve ever seen (even next to Arlie in BBCAN 2). Amber was my absolute least favorite houseguest before the show, but she’s quickly moving up my list. I feel like she’s considering her moves and actions before making them, which is more than most non-fans do in the first few weeks. I feel like Amber has very strong listening skills, which is a huge asset in Big Brother, particularly in the first few weeks. This week, Amber should spend most of her time getting to know the girls in particular. I think her biggest distractions this early would be a possible crush on Devin and her devotion to the all girls alliance.

Nicole
I think Nicole will need a week or two to feel comfortable, whereas the more extroverted characters seem like they can easily adjust to the BB house. Nicole should spend her time one-on-one with her houseguests. As an introvert, she is quieter and more uncomfortable in groups, but I think she can really come out of her shell in one-on-one talks. Her focus should be on bonding with Frankie, who I think can bring her out, Joey, for the same reasons as Frankie, and Donny, because it seems like they could really connect and they both already like each other.

Donny
While I think Nicole should spend this week playing up to her natural disposition, I think Donny should spend this week breaking out of his comfort zone. He needs to stay up late with everyone, go along with whatever is going on (truth or dare, hottubbing, etc.) and try to insert himself into the group dynamic.


Devin
Devin needs to spend this week toning it down a bit more than we saw in the premiere. He not only greatly contributed to the creation of the Crazy 8s, he also made a secret alliance with Donny. I don’t think early alliances are a huge deal in creating an unstoppable trajectory (usually), but Devin is at great risk of playing too hard, too fast. I really hope he doesn’t make secret alliances with everyone, and just leaves it to Donny. Devin truly is naturally charismatic, which he needs to use to his advantage. Devin can also greatly benefit from one-on-one conversations, because I predict that he has the ability to make someone feel like they’re the only person in the room.

Joey
Joey is in an interesting position this week. Normally, I would normally say that she’s in a great position because she had an instant connection with the first HoH, but this could actually hurt her immensely. If the new HoH is threatened by Frankie, or even threatened by a growing friendship, Joey could be put up by the other HoH. Joey should spend this week getting to know everyone (I know I’ve said everyone should do this), I just fear that Joey is the type of person who attaches herself to one person. I don’t predict that Joey will make any big or interesting moves in the game, so she needs to begin her social game immediately.

Paola
Paola is officially my least favorite houseguest. Her ego deserves its own key. Paola has no idea what she’s doing and I hope it gets her evicted sometime within the first 3 weeks. She should spend her first week listening, instead of talking nonstop like she seems to be doing. She tells everyone what she’s thinking and feeling at any given time and she has no subtlety (i.e. her interactions with Cody), so she will likely destroy her own game by showing her cards. Paola is also at risk of playing too hard too fast. I don’t have much faith in El Cuatro and I think Paola will go down along with the alliance.

Cody
Cody is the most boring houseguest who’s entered so far. He should spend this week trying to muster up a personality, tell a few jokes and obviously get to know people. He should try to nurture a friendship with Frankie, which shouldn’t be forced, considering the chess scene. Obviously, he’s going to get into a showmance with Paola, which will destroy them both. If Frankie or the other HoH has only the first 8 to pick from and the romance has already sprouted, they’re an obvious first pick. Cody could win POV or let Paola dig her own grave if they both stay on the block.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Least Favorite Houseguests

Six houseguests impressed me the least for various reasons. I want to give the disclaimer that these are only first impressions, and I'm VERY willing to change my opinion on any and all of these people. 

Paola Shea

Part of me likes Paola and part of me already dislikes her. For one, I really don’t think she’ll play a game at all, but rather sunbathe and use the summer as a vacation. I also think she’s very ostentatious, which I tend to enjoy on reality shows, but her zany personality comes off as insincere. I also feel like CBS wants me to like her, which creates the opposite effect.

Frankie Grande

As the brother of pop-singer Ariana Grande, Frankie has received the most media attention since the cast announcement. I know on Reddit, everyone already hates him because he already has such a large following (over 500,000 Twitter followers and a popular YouTube channel). Since “Team America” will be voting for random things throughout the season, it seems like Frankie could potentially win any and every advantage. However, I want to give him a chance regardless of his popularity or controversy. He’s in the bottom six because he’s on Big Brother for fame and not for the game. In his Jeff interview, Jeff asked everyone if they’d rather win Big Brother, but be hated by America, or lose and be loved. Frankie said he cannot even fathom being hated, so the only possible option would be for him to be loved and lose. Obviously, I don’t like his ego.

Jocasta Odom

I only put Jocasta in the bottom because she’s very longwinded. Even her bio answers were longwinded. I don’t really mind when someone can’t stop talking, but it can get really annoying on the live feeds. Something about her seemed disingenuine too, but I still feel open to getting to know her more.

Brittany Martinez

Brittany is the most forgettable houseguest this season. I kept scrolling through the cast list and forgetting she was on the show. Brittany bothers me because she very clearly is not here to play and has never seen the show (before sequester). I think she’ll be very boring and continue to be forgettable. Good news is, I definitely foresee her eviction within the first 2-3 weeks.

Victoria Rafaeli

After reading her bio, I had decent, to slightly above decent feelings about Victoria. I liked how close she is to her parents and I felt like we could really see her grow as a person in the house. However, her interview with Jeff instantly made me HATE her. Victoria is a pretty girl who knows she’s pretty. When someone claims that people are jealous of them, it instantly signals a red flag to me. She was also snotty toward Jeff, which is unnecessary. I foresee Victoria whining and being very difficult to live with, which could potentially make great TV (we’ll see). She reminds me of Sabrina from Big Brother Canada 2.

Amber Borzota

Amber is my least favorite new houseguest. After reading her bio and watching her Jeff interview, she would have placed probably above Jocasta, but she did an interview with Rachel Reily on Reality Relapse that changed my opinion of her. Not only has Amber never really seen the show, she’s convinced she’ll be able to seduce everyone around her and make a guy take her to the end. What’s most annoying is that she very realistically could. She seems very insincere to me and I feel like her sweetness is contrived. I feel very positive (99% positive), that she’ll spend the summer sunbathing. I’m pretty sure she’ll attach herself to one of the guys or to Brittany, and she won’t bond with anyone else. To top everything off, her favorite previous houseguest is Andy. She’s filling up a spot in the house that should have gone to someone more deserving.

Middle of the Pack Houseguests

Here are my first impressions of six BB16 houseguests, who I rank as being in the middle of the pack. 

Nicole Franzel

I almost put Nicole in my top 4, but I think her shy, awkward nature might hold her back from playing a great game. I do think her demeanor and shyness is sweet, but I would like to see some good game play, and I’m not sure she can deliver. However, I appreciate that she’s a super fan and am very open to giving her a chance. I want her to surprise me.

Caleb Reynolds

I initially didn’t like Caleb that much in his bio because he said his strategy was to use women, which I don’t find interesting, plus everyone that claims they’ll do that, never does. But he won me over more in his interview with Jeff. I’m not sure if he’ll be a big gamer, but I definitely think he’ll pull some wins out. In his interview with Jeff, he gave a weird fishing analogy, which pretty much explained how he wants to use someone as a shield to do his dirty work, while he’s in the background making the moves. I’m not sure how strategic he’ll be, but at least it sounds like he’ll try. He also seems like he’ll be entertaining, regardless of how he plays.

Hayden Voss

My first impression of Hayden is that he’s a surfer, which hasn’t panned out well for Braden (BB11) and David (BB15). Hayden plans on using his fun personality to distract houseguests while he plays a strong game. My only hesitation with Hayden is that he defines a strong game by winning competitions, and I don’t know how he thinks he’ll secretly win competitions and not become a threat. He’s in the middle for me because his strategy seems silly, but he seems fun and at least he’s willing to think about the game.

Cody Calafiore

Cody seems a little bland to me, but for some reason, I feel hopeful that he’ll join a strong alliance and make a few moves. He reminds me of Big Jeff, but with 80% less personality. He says he’ll only think about game strategy once he’s in the house, and while this can be wise, people that say that in pre-game interviews tend to float through the whole game.

Devin Shepherd

Devin seems like such a nice, genuine guy - the Jeff of BB16. I placed him in the middle of the list because his strategy is just to make friends with everyone. I know that a social game is necessary and smart, but I prefer strategic players over social players. As the biggest houseguest, I do think Devin will instantly be seen as a threat, and if he loses or throws competitions, people will be suspicious of him immediately. It might just be a better idea for him to try to win his way through the game - winning the first HoH is a good idea for him.

Joey Van Pelt

Joey seems like a super entertaining and fun houseguest, but I am 75% certain that she will have virtually no game. I’m actually okay with a few houseguests that are merely entertaining and don’t play a great game, but I’ll always favor strategy over laughs. I actually didn’t like her very much in her bio, because she mentioned twice that she’s a nice/good person, which makes me instantly think the opposite, but she won me over in her Jeff interview.

Top Four Houseguests

The Big Brother 16 cast has been revealed, and I'm here to share my first impressions. My opinions of everyone will obviously change, but I already have strong opinions about everyone.

Here are my top 4 houseguests: 

Christine Brecht

After reading Christine’s cast bio, my first impression is that she’s the female Ian Terry, which I am VERY excited about. There’s never been a female geek on Big Brother, and we’re long overdue. Christine is both a superfan (live feeder, seen every episode) and plays strategy board games, which I think will aid her game. In her interview with Jeff, she said she plans on making a secret alliance with someone on the opposite side of the house and keeping each other safe. I’m a huge advocate of secret alliances (most notable, Danielle and Jason in BB3), however, I think the strategy could potentially blow up. The first problem I foresee is that her main ally would be working with the opposite side of the house and spending all of their time with them. This means that they will bond with other people, but still be expected to remain loyal to Christine, who they won’t be spending an immense amount of time with. This is exactly what happened with the infamous Moving Company in BB15 - the members all spent time with various people in the house to “manipulate” them in favor of the MC, but they were more bonded with their non-allies than the Moving Company. I also think it can be difficult to keep someone safe if they’re on the other side of the house. People will begin to suspect both Christine and her hypothetical partner if week after week, they have excuses to not put each other up, which would put them both at risk.  Obviously, pre-game strategies aren’t worth much, but I’m glad that she has thought about the game and seems to have a great personality. I think she’ll actively play the game and not just be a floater.

Derrick Levasseur

I’m very intrigued by Derrick. He was an undercover cop for years, which I think will aid his game. He also plans on keeping his profession under wraps, and I’m curious how long he can keep the secret and what career he’ll claim to have. Lying about your career is one of the most common first lies in Big Brother, and I think it can say a lot about someone. Derrick will lie about his career because of the mixed opinions people have about cops, which I can understand. Other people that lie about their careers seem to be overestimating how intimidating their profession is (i.e., Ragan lying about not having a Ph.D in Communications in BB12 and Danielle lying about being a nurse in BB14). From my impression, Derrick’s greatest problem will be relating to the other houseguests. He seems very militant and disciplined in his bio and video - we haven’t seen a lighthearted side of him yet. Unless he makes up a believable career, I also think everyone will see right through the lie, since he really comes off like a police officer or soldier. Derrick also claims he will learn as much about his houseguests as possible, then use it against them later. Being a good listener, especially early on, is key to a strong social game, and is one of the factors Dan contributes to his success. I like the idea of him using things against houseguests, but I’m not sure when he plans on striking. Big Brother is a game of timing, and if he plays this card even one week too soon, he’ll be evicted immediately. Most big game moves are, and should, after jury, which could actually be about 7-8 weeks in with such a giant cast. I like that Derrick wants to play the game and is willing to get blood on his hands, however, he needs to make sure he doesn’t play too strong, too fast.

Donny Thompson

Donny seems like such a genuinely nice guy. Donny says he will have a hard time lying to people, but he will if he has to. He worries that he’ll be kicked out first because he expects to be older than everyone else (which he is). Donny’s fears are very realistic, so it would be wise for him to really put himself out there socially, but not physically. He’s so charismatic and funny, that his social game will be a true threat. If he teams up with a strong guy and a strategic player, he could make it far.

Zach Rance

I do have somewhat mixed feelings about Zach, just because I can tell he’s putting on a persona to be more outrageous. I’m fine with personas (i.e. Dr. Will), I just don’t know if I’m buying it. However, I think Zach is willing to be crazy and entertaining, and he’s willing to play the game. I don’t know if I believe he can manipulate and control everyone, but I’m interested to see what he’ll do, which is more I can say about some of the other houseguests.

Welcome to Big Blogger

Greetings! Welcome to Big Blogger. I'll be blogging about Big Brother 16, which starts June 25. I've watched every season of Big Brother, and with the exception of seasons 1 and 15, I've seen every season twice.

I am going to provide you with analysis for season 16, focusing immensely on strategy and positioning within the house. Each week, I will analyze each player's standing in the house and discuss what their best game moves would be, given their position, strengths/weaknesses, and the mentality in the house.

Join me in analyzing the game - I'm always open for debates or differences of opinion. Let's enjoy BB16 together!