Dick Crowned Winner of BB8

In a much wider margin than I would ever have imagined, Dick was crowned the winner of Big Brother 8. I can't believe it. I don't even know what there is to say - there were no good choices, and I suppose that the jury recognized that even though Danielle was the brains of the operation, Dick did the grunt work. Go figure.

The finale itself was pretty good. I liked that Amber called out Danielle about cheating on her boyfriend with Nick, and it was clear that her relationship with him (her boyfriend) is over when she hugged Nick when she got out (with no boyfriend to be seen). And supposedly they are going on a trip to Europe together. I guess she knew it was over when her HoH letter was from Nick, not her boyfriend. And the reaction of the players to learning about the America's Player twist was good too.

So that's it for BB8. I already miss it...

Summer of the Donatos

I know it's been awhile since I've blogged about Big Brother, and now that I have the time I'm just too annoyed to do it. Grrrr...

The "America's Player" twist this summer changed the entire game. I can't imagine that if Eric was acting on his own he would have let Dick & Danielle make it so far in the game. In fact, I don't even think that Dick would have made it to the jury house if Eric had had his way. It's such a bummer. I really liked Eric, Jessica, and Dustin, and they got screwed by the twist. I really hope that they let Eric come back next season to play again on his own. I also love that the love between Jessica and Eric seems to be real (and didn't you just love Dustin's comment about the thin walls in the jury house on Thursday?).

I'm also really dismayed at how some of the events of the summer were handled. The worst, to me, were the anti-semetic comments made by Amber. Those, though, I understand why they couldn't do anything about (other than not show it again on CBS). But Dick's constant attacks (especially against Jen) were absurd. The producer said that they didn't punish Dick for dumping iced tea on Jen because of Jen's reaction - so, apparently, because Jen put up a brave face each time she was attacked, Dick received no punishment. How ridiculous. I felt the same way about the fight between Jen & Dick that involved Dick's cigarettes and Jen eating. No question that Jen needed to receive a penalty for eating while she was on slop (though maybe it's a signal to the producers that they need to bring back PB&Js next summer...in fact, did they even have any more food competitions after that?). But destroying Dick's cigarettes? CBS directed Eric to destroy Jen's property earlier in the season. I also question the "enemy" twist, since Danielle & Dick have had an alliance all summer - CBS clearly thought that this would be a good story.

So, now we're left with Dick and Danielle in the final two. I don't know how the jury can even choose. Dick spent the summer being truly ugly to everyone on the jury. And Danielle was crafty beyond belief. She betrayed each and every one of her alliances, and cheated on her boyfriend on national television. And she did it while saying that she didn't lie to anyone. There's no question that she's a fierce competitor, but I have to wonder if she would have done as well if her dad hadn't been in the house to deflect the heat off of her. She'll likely win by default. All I know is that when Eric reveals the AP twist, it will be the highlight of the season.

Evel Dick

That's right, this week on Big Brother really has been all about Evel Dick. He is imploding before our eyes. There's no question that he is the most entertaining of all the houseguests. But I'm done with him. I understand that he was purposefully trying to be obnoxious, but he has crossed so many lines that I think he will have problems when he gets out of the house. That's what I never understand on all reality shows...do people really not believe that what they do on a reality show won't affect their "real life"? I take real offense to some of the things he
has said - game play or not, you should never attack someone's sexuality, mothering skills, or religion. (yes, I know that a lot of it is probably just to get a rise out of people, but still, some
things should just never be said)

I also found Danielle interesting last night. I think that her outburst about her dad in the HoH room was real, but I also think that she is one of the craftiest players ever. Under all that blonde there is a lot of game play going on. If they are smart they will boot her next week.

Speaking of voting, I am nervous about Dustin being up. I understand why they did it - it really is a slap in the face to Dick to be beaten so soundly by Dustin (and is a show of confidence to Jen). BUT, with that America's Player twist, there is the distinct possibility that
Dustin will go home. If Jen & Zach stay true to Danielle, they will vote to evict Dustin. So will Danielle. That's 3-3, with Jessica breaking the tie. But if "America" votes to have Eric keep Dick, the vote will be 4-3, and Dustin will be the first in the sequester house. I'm surprised that Eric didn't do the math on this in his head and realize that it could backfire for him personally.

I'm torn about who I think will actually go home tomorrow. I really don't know who I even want to go. If they think things through (and that's highly unlikely...), they will evict Dick. I think that a lot is in the editing, and the past few weeks, whoever we thought was going home
stayed. A lot can happen between now and the votes tomorrow night. To me, the key vote is Jen. She's playing dumb, but she's got a few brains up there. She reminds me a lot of Janelle in that way - that she plays the dumb girl, but she knows exactly what she's doing. I mean, we all thought she would be gone weeks ago. I think that however Jen votes, Zach will vote. And if it looks like the house will vote to evict Dick, it really is in her best interest to vote with the house.
Did you notice last night (or maybe it was Sunday) how careful Jen was to not promise Danielle anything? Very smart game play.

In any event, I think that they need to watch out for Jen & Danielle...they could easily be the final two.

Kail is Voted Out on Big Brother

What an episode! First, I am glad that Kail was evicted. I am watching her right now on the web show, and she said that she was so homesick, and that because sequester starts next week, she was hoping she would go home. She didn't want to be sequestered - she wants to go home. (I guess then, that they know when sequester starts...last season they started sequester early, so it was a bit of a surprise) That being said, I am shocked at some of what has happened. First, have you seen any of the articles about Amber? One of them is here at tvsquad.com. It's shocking. I'm clearly appalled, and am ready for her to go home.

I don't understand her tirade on last night's episode. Yes, it was wrong of Eric to use her secret against her. But what is she thinking sharing her deepest darkest secrets on a reality show? Doesn't she realize that even if it's never shared (which, of course it will be) it will be seen on tv? It's crazy. And I don't know how she is not walking around constantly dehydrated from all the crying.

I also don't understand Eric's reaction after Kail was voted out. After the vote, Dick was interrogating people again about the mystery vote. He should have right then and there stood up to Dick and said something about how clearly these mystery votes aren't coming from him since he didn't vote this week, and maybe he should take his witch hunt elsewhere.

I was glad to see Jessica win HoH, and figure that she'll likely put up both Dick & Danielle this week. And what was all the commotion after the HoH competition. I hope CBS shows us some of that on Sunday's show!

I'm Back...Thoughts on the Last Week in Reality TV

After another short vacation (don't you just love summer?) I'm back. Of course, reality tv didn't take a break, and things were nuttier than ever. Some thoughts on the past few weeks...

Age of Love
Yes, I actually stuck with this until the end. What a horrible show, and it only got worse as it went on. And if you're shocked that he chose a 20-something instead of the 48 year old, please stop reading this blog now. Not to be rude, but come on - are you really that stupid? I mean, did JEN even think that she would be chosen over Amanda? And how creepy would it be to introduce your boyfriend to your son, and realize that they're closer in age than you are? Ugh.

Fat March
This one is a new one, and I loved it. I know, I love any show where fat people are on scales. And these aren't just fat people - these are 500 pound fat people. The premise of the show is so basic that it's interesting - fat people walking. And with the monetary twists (that they personally lose money when people drop out or are voted out, and they don't have to vote anyone out), it's a mind game as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.

Shaq's Big Challenge
I know, I haven't really written much about this yet, mostly because I sat and watched the entire season in two days. I don't know why - it was on my tivo, and, once again, I like watching fat people on scales (even fat kids, I suppose). Parts of it were really interesting to me, especially the parts in the school. As a teacher, I am appalled by what is served in most school cafeterias, especially considering that it is the one hot meal that many of our students get each day. Frozen foods that are just reheated are the easiest way to go, but certainly not the healthiest. And even in schools where fresh, healthy foods are a choice, so is ice cream and cookies, so can you guess what most students buy? I applaud Shaq, Tyler Florence, and the school for being so willing to make the changes. I also am shocked at the lack of physical education in most schools. It's not that hard to work PE into the schedule - it's just a matter of doing it. As for the show itself, well, it made me realize why I don't teach middle school anymore. Let's just leave it at that. :)

Big Brother
What a few weeks it has been on Big Brother. So much has been going on...I was bummed beyond belief to see Nick get voted off, especially in the way he was. He didn't deserve to be back-doored like that. I also really feel for Eric. He's playing a rough game by voting the way that America tells him to. I thought that he would always have the option to do what America said - that in the end, he could decide how to vote. That would have been a good choice with the Nick vote - if he had voted off Nick, then it would be very easy to pin the vote from the week before on Nick. Sigh...

I thought that the plane thing added a very interesting wrinkle. I saw an interview with Nick last week, and he said that the planes fly over all the time. Usually they lock them all inside until the plane is gone (Nick actually asked people to stop sending planes because it stinks to be on lockdown inside!). But with the HoH, I guess they just had to let them see it. It could completely alter the outcome of the game. Even if Eric pulls out the vote, it has changed his alliance and has cast a shadow of doubt over his game play. I do, though, wonder what CBS will do if he gets voted out. Here's hoping that he figures out a way to pull it off.

So You Think You Can Dance?
The dancing was SO good again last week. I was shocked the week before that Kameron went home, and totally bummed last week to lose Dominic and Sara. Sara lost the dance lottery. Her hip hop routine was good but completely overshadowed by the horrible costumes (and did you love how Adam Shankman asked if they had been Punk'd by wardrobe?). And Lacey's first routine wasn't very good, but she (by the luck of the draw) got to dance Mia's routine about her dad. There's no way anyone was going home after dancing that. So we had to say goodbye to Sara and Dominic. This week is the last episode before the finale, so they'll be dancing to get in the final four. And my pick for the final four (being written before tonight's episode airs...)...Lacey, Sabra, Pasha, and Danny.

Oh yeah - I don't normally comment on the "game show"-type reality shows. I like both of the singing shows, but only because I know all the lyrics (they're actually both pretty bad, but I like to play along). But last night I tried to watch Power of 10. I say tried, because I could only make it through 10 minutes. What a horrible show. I can't believe that Drew Carey got the Price is Right gig after that.

Evel Dick Gets Even

Last night's episode of BB8 was a good one. I liked the softer, gentler side of Dick. I also liked what one of them said about voting to evict Joe instead of Dick - if he's going to stab you, it'll be from the front. I also thought that the bit with Nick having a list of guys he would date if he was gay was hilarious. Who does that??? :)

I liked the food competition too. I was wondering when we would have a competition like that. It seems that Big Brother does one of those every few weeks to make sure that no one eats slop all summer. (and what's the deal with the slop anyways? I miss PB&Js...)

Oh yeah - I started to pay attention to whether or not the scenes are shown in order, and they DEFINITELY weren't last night. There was a scene with Jen in her normal clothes, then they were all sitting around the table and Jen was back in the darn unitard.

Anyways, no surprise with the nominations, but if neither girl wins PoV, it will be a close vote. Should be good! :)

Eviction #2

Eviction night in the Big Brother house, and another live show. I love the live shows...I am such a nerd! :)

I wasn't surprised at all the Joe went home. He realized it as soon as he got nominated. I thought he had a chance when Dick started shouting at Kail, but it was pretty clear at that point that unless
there was a clear majority voting to keep Joe, no one would. And even though I don't like him, I was glad Dick won HoH...Jen and Kail will be nominated for sure. Of course, if he's smart, he won't nominate Jen. He could nominate Kail and anyone else. Kail would go home. THEN...if Kail wins PoV, he can nominate Jen, and Jen will go home. Either way, Dick will get one of them out of there. I just don't know if Dick is that smart of a player. (or that kind of a strategist...it so often seems like these people haven't watched any of the other seasons!)

I also thought it was interesting Nick's reaction to Julie asking about him and Danielle. Guess that was a secret! Should be interesting to see how THAT plays out in the house, especially since Danielle has been so upfront with everyone (including Nick) that she has a boyfriend. I'm also interested to see the pictures in Dick's HoH room...will there be pictures of Danielle in there?

Big Brother

I don't know about this season of Big Brother yet. I loved all stars, but DH and I love Chill Town. There's something about Dr. Will that is just genius. There are no real characters on this season, at least not yet.

That isn't to say, of course, that there aren't people that I hate. Because there are - and Jen is #1 on my list. I have never seen someone so self involved (though, I LOVED the Jen drinking game). Who makes shirts like that? And with her currently prancing around in the red unitard, they simply must make her put on underwear. Has anyone else noticed that they aren't showing her from the waist down from the front? Yikes. I feel bad for her family - they must be so "proud." I also wonder how this will affect the rest of her life. I can't imagine anyone hiring
her as a nanny after this. There have been lots of instances where being on a reality show has affected jobs for former contestants. Some it's been good - some people leave a reality show and are inundated with job offers. Others have been fired because they showed their "true side" on air, and have found it hard to find another job. (for example, there are lawyers that have gone on these shows who are now "no longer practicing law") I'm really just embarrassed for her.

I really like Eric, and I wish he wasn't "America's Player" - I would like to see how he would do playing on his own. If he doesn't win (which is still a possibility), I think that the producers should let him come back and play again next summer on his own. I also wonder if they have a plan for what happens when Eric gets nominated/evicted. Hmmm. I also think the producers are being a bit too strict with giving him credit for tasks completed. He should have gotten credit for the sleepwalking (which was hilarious). I think the producers realized how expensive this could get, and are making it harder for him to"complete" the missions - they announced last night that he only gets the money for completing the assignment if the person America has him
vote for actually gets evicted.

I didn't really care about Carol leaving last week, but I'm not such a fan of this week's nominations. I didn't like Danielle being put up against Dick. And now that she has the POV (and when do the others realize she's a threat in the competitions?) I'm not sure about Joe being nominated. I have no idea who would be better to go home, but whoever is left will be going after Jen hard. For a brief moment I thought Jen would nominate Nick. It would have
been for a dumb reason, but if she was smart, it would have been brilliant strategy. Everyone would vote to evict Dick, and therefore she would have the person off that she wanted. But now, I think the vote will be close.

Oh yeah, the strategy in the veto competition was ridiculous. Anyone who got out early should have picked one of the good gifts that had already been picked instead of trying to get the gift with the veto (since if a middle person got the veto, each person after them would have stolen it anyways). It just seemed stupid to me.

Big Brother 8

I'm pretty excited that Big Brother is back. Of course, it's tempered with the fact that I'm leaving in a few days on a vacation to an island where I won't have tv. Really. (I know, I'm as shocked as anyone that I scheduled a vacation with no tv during a week with the start of Big Brother and, more importantly, the All Star Game...thank God for tivo...) So a few quick thoughts before I get back to figuring out what exactly you pack for a trip to an island with no tv...

It was a good first episode. It seems like an interesting cast, and I like that they're mixing it up with some new twists this season. The fact that three of them have a "rival" in the house is interesting, but I don't understand why only 3 of them have a rival. Two summers ago when they did the "secret relationship" twist, didn't they all have a secret partner, not just a few? Anyways, I'm a fan of the ex-boyfriend (Dustin), but the other two are already getting on my nerves. I'm also not sure of how CBS is handling the fact that Danielle is under 21. She shouldn't be allowed to drink on the show, yet I could have sworn she had champagne with the others. And her bio online has her favorite alcoholic drink listed as margaritas. Something doesn't add up. And did Joe admit on national tv that he had gonorhhea? Interesting choice...

I do like the "America's player" twist. I had already been thinking that I liked Eric, and I like him more now that I get to help him play. (insert evil laughter here) I can't wait to start to tell him how to vote...