Two blogs in a row now I will be starting on a somber note. Earlier this week, I was informed that my best friends’ sister passed away. She was 34, married, and had two children. It pains me to know my friend is going through something like this at a time that should be filled with nothing but wonderment (he’s expecting his first child with his wife in early September). I know words are never enough, but I wish I could offer the right words to help him get through this difficult time in his life. Him and the rest of his family. It doesn’t seem right, or fair, to be going on with my life as if nothing has happened. But, moving forward is all you can ever do when you lose someone, as difficult as that may seem. I ask that you send any thoughts and prayers my friends’ way. I know most all of you don’t know him, but God knows him, so it will get to him. God rest another soul.
I know it’s never an easy transition to go from serious to funny, but we try:
I remember in past seasons, I would read about what was happening on the live feeds, read the spoilers, know exactly what was going to happen, but still enjoy watching the episodes that aired on CBS. People would say funny sh*t, girls would walk around half naked, people would yell at each other for inane reasons, a-holes would bang pots in people’s ears, couples were formed and they didn’t mind banging on national television, in front of their friends and family, and so much more. For some reason, since I started writing this blog, that joy for the episodes has gone away. Don’t get me wrong, I still love this show, love the idea behind it and everything, I just think the casting has gotten lazy, which is obvious since these past two seasons have been all about bringing back previous houseguests. I don’t know what it is, but I think, next week, I’m going to NOT read about the live feeds, and who wins Veto and just see if watching the show without knowing does anything for me. I think I’m getting the feeling that this season is about to become extremely predictable, so it won’t even matter if I read the spoilers or not, because I can pretty much guess what will happen. But, I’m going to give it a shot and see how it goes. Wish me luck.
We start the episode with something Big Brother loves to waste time doing, and that’s rehashing where the last episode left off. They showed the “headbutt” that R.I.B. gave to Juggles, and we then received confirmation from Ian, himself, that he did indeed sh*t himself because of the confrontation. Although, in his defense, wearing nothing but a towel, the last thing you want to do, in front of attractive women, is get involved in some sort of scuffle that will, no doubt ably (seriously, spell check is telling me this is how it’s spelled – f*ck you, Weber’s Dictionary, I feel like the doubt and ably should be connected and be one word), release the towel and leave you in all your non-glory, in Ian’s case. He did the right thing by running away.
After the houseguests are informed that Willie has been removed from the game, Janelle, Boogie, and Frank all celebrate in the HOH room. Whatever the hell Frank was doing with his arms should never be done again as a “dance” move. But, Boogie is pleased, mostly, because they get to eliminate two players this week, since their plan the entire time was to get rid of Willie. Personally, had Willie stayed, I don’t think they should have gotten rid of him. When everyone in the house wants someone gone, you keep him around. Keep that target off of your back as long as you can and let someone else do the deed. I know that’s a dangerous thing to do, but in the case with Willie, he would have been voted out eventually, but I would have used my 2nd week HOH to get a more “important” player out of the game. I put important in quotes, because I don’t necessarily mean that Danielle, Shane, or JoJo are important to the game, but just important to get out since getting them voted out would either get rid of a coach, or cripple another. But, had Willie stayed, it would have been obvious to get rid of Danielle and just end Dan’s reign in the house.
Boogie throws out the suggestion of NOT nominating Shane, and nominating one of their own team members, in hopes to backdoor Shane. I didn’t understand his strategy, and didn’t think it fit, because you never know who would play in the Veto competition. It’s not like it was houseguest choice and they were guaranteed to have their players in the competition. Let’s say they nominated JoJo and Wil. What would have happened if Danielle, Shane, and Ashley were the chosen players. Then, it would all be up to Wil or Frank to win, and then use the Veto. I think that would have been much too risky, which I’m sure they all concurred with, but just wasn’t shown on TV, in order to add “drama” to the episode and make us viewers all THINK that, possibly, Frank may run with the idea. You almost got me on that one, CBS! You guys are good!
Danny Zuko is pissed now that he’s a target. News Flash, Grease Lightning, you were ALWAYS a target! Even if Willie stayed, you probably would have been nominated right alongside him. I understand the frustration over the thinking that he’s screwed you by leaving, but Big Brother is a quirky game, and you had no idea whether or not you had the votes over Willie to stay. That is the obvious thought since everybody in the house hated his guts, but you never know what would have happened. He could have won Veto, or he could have struck deals with a few people and got them to change their minds on who to vote.
I have been reading Reality Steve for years and have never commented (mostly because as a blogger/writer myself, I tend to read A LOT of blogs and only ever really have the time to comment on those that belong to people I am somehow otherwise connected to), but without even getting through the first page of the column today, this:
“no doubt ably (seriously, spell check is telling me this is how it’s spelled – f*ck you, Weber’s Dictionary, I feel like the doubt and ably should be connected and be one word)”
had me laughing so hard (WITH you, not AT you, I swear), that I just had to chime in and say… I think “undoubtedly” (get rid of the “no”) was the word you were looking for. 😉
If it makes you feel any better, I was writing about strep throat last week and trying to describe tonsils as “puss-y”. Yeah, there really is no good way to do that without it just looking really effing wrong.
Now that I’m here, I will just say that I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s sister and they will definitely be in my prayers.
Also, I have really enjoyed reading your recaps the last few seasons. Summer in Alaska is short, and when the weather is good I tend to be outside. As such, even though this is one of my favorite reality shows of all time, I STILL haven’t had a chance to even glance at this week’s episodes. So thanks for keeping me informed and in the loop. And I’ve got to agree, casting the last few years has been rough. But at least it’s better than The Glass House. Have you seen that train-wreck? ABC should be ashamed of themselves. And CBS should be laughing… because if that was supposed to be a Big Brother knock-off, holy hell did they ever miss the mark!
Now, to actually finish your column and find out what I’ve missed!
I am not in love at ALL with the idea of the coaches coming back into the house….although i got online to try and vote and it said the voting was already closed???? Will’s assessment of the game thus far was dead on. Thats why i love him so…its like he reads my mind! I dont really understand Janelle. Maybe i am just not watching the live feeds or maybe i missed something on the episode but she and Britney were working together and then all of a sudden Britney is on her own. Did I miss something?
A few thoughts:
– THANK YOU for telling the JoJo-Joe cigarette story. I’m assuming that’s what Britney was referring to in her exit video to JoJo about how she should have laid low? I found that comment confusing with how the show was edited because we didn’t see JoJo do much scrambling after the Veto Meeting.
– I know you seem to dislike people who fly under the radar, but I think it’s the smartest way to win. There’s a difference between flying under the radar and riding on someone’s coat-tail, where you do absolutely nothing to further your own game and are just there by default. I think this early it’s best to lay-low and then orchestra big moves later but make someone else do the dirty work and get the blood on their hands. Maybe I mixing my Survivor strategy up too much with my Big Brother strategy, but I sort of agree with Dr. Will that Ian has a decent shot of winning.
– I appreciate your continuation of the Dick vs. Douche comparison 🙂
– I think the coaches will all want back in. I agree that Boogie’s the only one who isn’t at an advantage to join as a player, but with Janelle, Dan and Britney being added, he and his team would get overthrown quickly. If I were Boogie I’d do it just because the other coaches will now have votes.
Thanks for a great recap! 🙂
Trust me, “alaska” (I can call you Alaska, right?), you wouldn’t be the first person to laugh at me, so I’m not offended at all. Someone sent me the correct word I WAS, no doubt ably looking for, but I appreciate your help, as well.
I also appreciate your words for my friends’ sister.
And, I have seen the first few episodes of The Glass House. Whereas, I do think the show is RIDICULOUSLY STUPID, I really believe they have a good premise, they just missed the boat on casting, as well. The people in there are all lame and are trying too hard. I think it would have done better to have been a winter season show and not directly competing with Big Brother. That was a dumb decision on ABCs part. But, nobody ever said these big executives were ever all that smart, right?
In all honesty, I don’t remember what the initial reason was that Janelle decided to not work with Britney was. It happened almost immediately after they made their pact, though. I think she just realized working with Boogie was a much better decision.
Also, @stina2bina (thanks for always commenting, by the way, love it), I was DYING laughing when I read about the cigarette trade, so I absolutely had to tell that story. As for “flying under the radar,” I don’t really have an issue with people who do that, because it’s even possible for people like Frank/Shane to “fly under the radar” as long as there are players like Willie in the game. But, for the most part, if you are “flying under the radar,” chances are you aren’t doing anything and the only reason you end up making “big” moves later on is because, guess what, there is nobody else left! But, I do agree that is the way to approach the social aspect of the game. Never make waves, don’t lie to 10 different people, don’t start a showmance, don’t gloat after you win something, just be funny, actively seek out non-game related conversations with people, and stay away from all the drama, don’t even gossip about it after it’s done and over, stay above it and you’ll be “under” the radar.
that last paragraph is pretty awesome. lol
I have to agree, the casting sucks this year and I DO NOT want to see those coaches go into the game but I’m sure most of voting public will disagree… because they are fans of douchebaggery.
I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that America’s Vote is just a formality, though I did vote no the maximum ten times. Everyone I talk to and any site I see is almost unanimous in their distaste for this “twist.” Yet, somehow the “vote” will pass and here come the coaches into the game. I’ve always believed that CBS guides the players in the game, but it would go a long way in restoring my faith if it turns out I’m wrong and the vote doesn’t pass.
Can someone please tell me why the house decided on JoJo over Dani? Was it the showmance with Shane?
New comer to your site and you crack me up each blog so far!!
Scott, my most sincere condolences to your best friend on the loss of his sister and my sympathies to his sister’s spouse and children. It’s just heartbreaking.
Thanks for, once again, an awesome recap – especially for the Power of Veto episode, which I missed because my TV lost its feed that evening due to severe thunderstorms in the area.
At least I had the unmitigated joy of watching Jo-Jo get voted out of the house! Sorry I can’t agree with you that Jo-Jo is “pretty” – I found her downright fugly with her perpetually-wrinkled forehead and her ugly mouth (which looks like it has spent its entire life as a petulant pout on Jo-Jo’s face).
As a veteran insomniac, I have particularly appreciated watching BB After Dark several times over the last couple of weeks. I don’t know why BB didn’t show any of Jo-Jo’s attempts to ‘work’ the other contestants in her efforts to remain in the house, because she certainly was very actively trying to do so. She failed miserably in every attempt (maybe that’s why BB didn’t show it), but she did try, inarticulately lobbying Ashley, Jenn, Ian & Frank during the time I was watching.
Britney’s imitation of Jo-Jo was spot-on and hilarious! And I like Britney – she is followed frequently in the After Dark shows and her sarcasm/humour is unrivaled by anyone else in the house.
For all her “hard-rock, punk-rock, emo” look, Janelle is actually a very sweet person. And, unlike Danielle, she doesn’t have to tell the others that that’s what she’s like. They already know.
Joe (Juggles) – *after* the fact of Jo-Jo taking back her ciggies – spoke to someone (I think it was Frank) in the storeroom about his vote-for-cigarette deal, and suddenly “found” some integrity, saying he wasn’t going to sell-out for cigarettes because it was just wrong. Hahahahahaha!
I didn’t watch the season with Boogie (& Dr. Will), so I really don’t “get” the history; I’m guessing I miss a lot of the inside jokes and references to their past playing methods.
Watch for lots of game this week with the other players trying to get in good with Shane & Britney. So far, Dan & Danielle have got some kind of alliance in-the-works with the Douche & Britney, and the four of them are trying to figure out a way to woo some of the weaker players.
Finally (sorry for the long post!), I would just HATE it if BB allowed the coaches back into the game-proper. Let them play out their own game for the $100K and leave the new contestants alone! Jeeeeeeezzzzzze!!
Condolences and prayers to your BFs family. No words can comfort a loss of a loved one.
If Frank is thinking theres even a remote chance of the coaches coming into the game, he SHOULD be working with Shana to get them out ASAP. Janelle & Boogie would win too many comps if they get rid of Shana too quickly.
@cfolliott – I agree that CBS has every intention of putting the coaches in, regardless of what the public is REALLY saying. Its their only option of even attempting to make the season bearable after their brilliant casting people effed up royally.
After having to endure Rachels whining, tantrums, crying and over-the-top mood swings, I was really hoping they would bring it back to basics with newbies who had game and personalities.
Sigh….
Hey Scott,
First off, I want to tell you how much respect that I have for you. A few weeks ago, I left you a message that I wasn’t happy with your column. You posted a reply that I just read. It means a lot that you actually read my comment and responded to it, wanting to know what I didn’t like about your column. In my post, I think I said something like “be more yourself.” I have read your last few columns and want to give you my condolences for your best friend’s wife’s passing. And also to let you know that I have enjoyed your columns much more than the first one back. I am glad you’re back writing and look forward to future posts. Take care.
Wow, a lot to comment about in the comments, let me see if I can concise it down. I will say that they decided on JoJo because they know they can get rid of Danielle at any time and also CBS told them not to vote her out because they want Dan back in the game with rest of coaches. Also, I never really said I thought JoJo was pretty, just that she is pretty-ish. And, the ratings are down this season and CBS knows the coaches twist was a dumb idea so of course they are letting them back in the game no matter what the votes are. And, “lucky,” I appreciate your kind words and that you like me again! 🙂
And, I want to thank everyone for their condolences. I appreciate that so greatly.
Oops! In my earlier post, I named Janelle as the punk-rock chick … actually, it’s Jenn. Sorry about that.
I receive/watch the After Dark show from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. (here in Ontario, Canada), and was up with my good friend, Insomnia, and watching the whole thing this morning.
Very crazy show, it being Wil’s birthday!
The show started with all 4 coaches + Danielle + Shane enjoying an outdoor sushi-bar feast as a “prize” of some kind that coach Dan had won. Don’t know what that was all about …
The rest of the houseguests, indoors, went wild celebrating Wil’s birthday. Their meagre alcohol supply consisted of 6 cans of beer and one bottle of wine & the bottle of wine was given to Wil to have on his own as his birthday gift. Much (very loud) hilarity ensued.
When the sushi-eaters returned to the house (kindly bringing with them a few plates of dessert from their feast to share with the others), things got REALLY loud and very silly.
I’ll be interested to see if BB shows Ian once again “streaking” through the kitchen totally bare-assed (damn, that guy’s butt is hairy!), covering his package with the same hat he used the first time.
Wil went nude as well – also covering his assets with a hat (his own, thank god!) – in a mad dash to the pool for a very short skinny dip. By the way, Wil has a great ass.
At one point, they actually played spin-the-bottle. Don’t know what BB will show, but highlights included a fairly long kiss, complete with tongues, between Ashley & Boogie (!!ewwwww!!!); a kiss between Shane and his “stalker” Danielle (passionate on her part; not on his); and a peck between Ian & Ashley.
Highlights on How-Pathetic-is-Danielle?: Her giggling with Janelle and Brittany about her “first kiss” with Shane; her heart-to-heart talk with Brittany about why Shane was “acting so weird” after their kiss and not looking at her; and the most uncomfortable scene of them all …. Danielle laying in bed with Shane, stroking his arm and talking about their “first kiss” while he’s laying there with his eyes closed, yawning hugely and talking about how tired he is! (As in, fer-gawd’s-sake-girl-get-the-flock-out-of-here-and-leave-me-alone-so-I-can-sleep-without-you!).
Danielle is going to be enormously embarrassed when watching the show after the fact when she realizes that (1) Shane was the only person who voted to have her evicted when she was up against Jo-Jo; (2) Shane was “into” Jo-Jo; and (3) Shane was/is NOT into Danielle … and that she’s missing every single massive cue that he’s giving her about “not being into you”.
P.S. To anyone from Ontario, Canada … Ashley looks very much like the hideous serial murderer Karla Homolka (for people who don’t know her, Google is your friend – search Homolka & her husband, Paul Bernardo), right down to the spooky, half-lidded eyes. Poor girl!
so sorry to hear of your friend’s sister….. Dr Will would be a great host of BB. or you! or just about anyone beside Julie Chen! (Boring!)
Prayers are with your friend’s family.
I think having the coaches are so dumb!! This forced teams that probably never would have been together, to have to work together! It sucks for them because all they are doing is playing the coach’s game and being stuck with whoever their coach wants! I think either all or none of the coaches have to go in to play the game. If two go in and two stay as coaches, How stupid would that be! I think Boogie will go in also because all he see’s is the green.
Thank you, again, for the condolences. I really do appreciate them.
As far as Wil’s birthday party, you have to know CBS is going to show the nudity on air, so we’ll see that. I don’t watch After Dark, but I did have some people write me and tell me that it was hilarious to see, so I’m hoping to catch up on that at some point. I’m doing my best NOT to read any spoilers, so I can’t go right now and read them, otherwise I would know for myself what exactly was so funny about these folks partying it up with 6 beers and a bottle of wine.
The whole Shane-Danielle thing is just sad. She’s a smitten kitten and he’s a penis. I don’t feel bad for her, really, because until girls learn that guys are like this and they’re so obvious with their behavior, you can’t really feel sorry for that! He’s doing everything but telling her to her face he doesn’t like her, to spare her feelings (and also keep her vote), and she should really be smart enough to catch on to this.
Lastly, I would LOVE to host this show! Julie is married to the President of CBS, so I don’t think she’s losing her job anytime soon. She does a halfway decent job, she’s just lacks expression on her face, which is annoying to watch. Grow some inflections in your voice…
Just wanted to acknowledge your best friends’ loss 🙁
I was so sorry to read that.