After a year hiatus, Big Brother Canada is back for another season of romance, strategy, and of course, drama. Premiering March 15th on Global TV, the series follows its traditional format, with a twist! Eight former houseguests are playing the game with eight newbies. Interesting, right? Yes, but we have seen this particular twist executed on the United States version more than once. So, let’s see if the Canadian houseguest will rise to the occasion.
The Series
Since the Canadian series premiered in 2012, I’ve had a new international version to commit to outside of the United States.
Big Brother Canada is a television reality game show based on the original Dutch TV series of the same name, created by producer John de Mol in 1997. The show is titled Big Brother Canada to differentiate from the American version of the franchise, which airs in Canada during the summer. The series follows a group of contestants, known as HouseGuests, living together in a custom-built home under constant surveillance, while completely isolated from the outside world. The contestants are competing for a $100,000 grand prize, with weekly competitions and evictions determining who will win the show.
So, why Big Brother? Since the tender age of twelve, Big Brother has been a guilty pleasure of mine over the last two decades. It takes me back to the days where my family would sit around and watch Big Brother over a full course meal, yelling at the television during every live eviction. Two hundred thirty six houseguests and eighteen seasons later, the competition based reality show is still one of my favorites.
The Houseguests
As mentioned above, Big Brother Canada 5 follows the United States format, with a major casting twist. Eight houseguests from previous seasons will compete against eight newbies.
Based on my current knowledge, I have speculated predictions for each houseguest below, separated by status (Newbie and Veteran).
The Newbies
Jackie
On Big Brother Canada, a female has gone home first every season, and I think Jackie fills the redshirt archetype. Based on her looks and personality, the females would be easily intimidated, and plot her demise. In order for her to survive in the game, Jackie needs a potential male partner or be in a male dominated alliance early. Otherwise, she will be sent packing on early.
William
Raul 2.0? William is seems like a game player, but his mouth may get him into trouble. I’m not too sure how he will handle himself socially, but William does seem like the type to actually play the game. Hopefully, he doesn’t check out the BBCAN house too early. There is potential for drama in every direction. If he can find the right alliance to join, I can see William making it far into the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if the veterans take him out early.
Dillon
Meat heads are a hit or miss in the Big Brother house. Dillon may also fall victim of playing hard too early. I’m not sure how I feel about this professional boxer just yet. However, he seems like a perjury boot. Dillon may be too good at physical challenges to keep around.
Demetres
The leader or assistance of a bro-alliance, Demetres is going to be all about his boys. I could defiantly see him forming an alliance with both veterans and rookies. Depending on his actual strategy, I could see Demetres going far in this game. Once the alliance is targeted though, I can also see him becoming the first casualty.
Karen
The motherly figure of the house rarely makes it to the jury BBCAN. However, I see potential in Karen. If she can lay low and play a great social game, I can see her sliding into the final four. With so many targets around her, Karen has to sit back and watch the other houseguests rip each other apart. On the flipside, Karen could serve as the season pawn, sitting on the block every single week.
Dre
On the surface, Dre is a pocket full of sunshine. I’m not sure how this will play out in the house though. If she can take it down a notch, Dre will be the next social mastermind. I see her getting along with both sides of the house. Her downfall? That mouth! We already have Ika, and I’m not sure if the house can handle two opinionated minds.
Emily
Sweet as button, Emily is the typical girl next door. This particular type of houseguest is either the first eliminated or sitting in the final three. Depending on who she aligns with, Emily’s fate will be determined early. I can see her as a forgetting houseguest during the early weeks of the game. Once the newbies start getting picked off, she will start playing the game.
Mark
The hearthrob that is going to be a part of a showmance, guaranteed! He seems like a very level headed guy, but I can see him making a few moves in the game. Whether they are good moves, is a different conversation. Hopefully, Mark can win enough challenges to keep himself safe in the game. He may be considered an early target though.
The Veterans
Gary
“Glitter” Gary is back again! During his stunt on season one, “Glitter” Gary was evicted, returned, and became the accidental runner-up (Thanks Topaz). So, he has quite the reputation. Beyond media success after leaving BBCAN, Gary may feel a little entitled with his major accomplishments. Since his personality is already over the top, a little bit of cockiness may due him a huge disservice.
Cassandra
I’m claiming it, Cassandra will be out first or win the game. A deadly combination of Allison (BBUSA 4) and Rachel (BBUSA12), with a hint of Victoria (BB16), Cassandra has to work on her social game to keep the females off her back. Her manipulation skills came in handy on her season, and we expect her to rise to the occasion this time around.
Dallas
Dallas was a little too vocal his first time around last season. I can see him making the same mistake twice. Dallas is already considered a competition beast, and should work on his social game. I can see him getting in a situation where he becomes expendable on both sides. If Dallas can make it to jury, I will be thoroughly surprised.
Ika
Fan favorite Ika is back after shredding letters on season two. This time, she plans on taking it down a notch. If she stays focused, Ika has the potential to go very far. She is very social, good at challenges, and knows how to speak up for herself. Now, if Ika can actually tone down her personality in the house, she can easily fly under the radar. Unfortunately, I know someone will tick her off during the first week in the house. Sad to say, she will be an early jury member.
Sindy
I have a good feeling about Sindy with an “S” this time around. We already know she’s not afraid to make big game moves, which is always plus. In addition, she is not a real threat. With that being said, I can see Sindy being the complete wildcard this season. I actually think she will be one houseguest to turn on the veterans first. Good luck!
Bruno
Although Bruno wasn’t the most entertaining, I respect his gameplay. Like Kevin, Bruno was in a good position until he was evicted by a twist. That particular week, he did a poor job at keeping his enemies close. For this season, I see Bruno being an early target. With all these young people, I can see him becoming a social outcast. He better hold on to the veterans tight.
Neda
Regarded as one of the best female houseguests to play BBCAN, the queen herself is back. This time around, Neda has something to prove. After losing out to her partner in crime in the final three, Neda has her eye on the prize. I can see the newbies feeling a little star struck and wanting to work with her instantly. Her established relationships with some of the other veterans will take her far as well.
Kevin
During season three, Kevin was sitting in a good position. I thought he was going to win. When the triple eviction went down, all bets were off. This time, Kevin should follow his original strategy to lay low, win challenges, and find a cuddling partner. I can see him taking it to the end. Hopefully, BBCAN keeps the number of twists down to a minimum.
Big Brother Canada Premieres Tomorrow, March 15th!
It sounds like were in store for a great season. Be on the look out for Big Brother Canada tomorrow! Not sure how I plan to watch it in the states, but I’ll figure out a way.
See ya,
-Bryce Lennon