Category Archives: Reality TV

Big Brother Canada 5: Week One

March 20, 2017

Source: Global TV

The BBCAN Odyssey has officially launched into deep space. For three months, our houseguests will compete in a series of competitions to win the ultimate grand prize. Before we dive in to the premiere, take a look at my cast assessment if you haven’t done so already.

The House

Source: Global TV

Before the first group of houseguest enter, host Arisa Cox is back with our live audience to show off the newly renovated Big Brother house. The house itself looks straight out of a science fiction movie, equipped with space and time related furniture. For instance, our houseguests are sleeping in a hibernation pod, with a solar system theme. Sounds trippy, right?

The Newbies Enter

Source: Global TV

After the house tour, Arisa introduces us to the first group of houseguests. Dillon, Dre, Mark, and Jackie are up first. Without any hesitation, the four houseguests enter the house like a flock of birds, ready to embark on their new journey.

Source: Global TV

The second group, consisting of Emily, Karen, Demetri, and William follow shortly after.

The Veterans Enter

Source: Global TV

Before the newbies, get too acquainted with each other, they interrupted by a new houseguest entering every couple of minutes. Ika Wong from Season 2 makes her way into the BBCAN Odyssey first. With fear in their eyes, the new houseguests greet Ika with joyful cheers. Shortly after, the houseguests are greeted by other returning players including Kevin (Season 3), Dallas (Season 4), and Neda (Season 2). As Neda enters, you can tell she is ready to play the game right away, especially with her warm greeting from Ika. The next group of veterans to enter the BBCAN Odyssey includes Sindy (Season 3), Bruno (Season 3), and Cassandra (Season 4).

Source: Global TV

Of course they save the best for last (not literally) with Gary closing out for the veterans. As expected, Gary enters the house like he owns it, greeting each houseguest. I found it really interesting that he whispered to Sindy that he wanted to work with her right away. Based on her lukewarm response, you would think Sindy would be the last person anyone wants to put up with.

Head of Household

The houseguests are paired up randomly (The newbies were paired up with a veteran) for the HoH challenge. This was an endurance style competition where the paired houseguests hold on to each other (One houseguest is harnessed by a cable while the other is holding on to his or her partner), while being suspended above the ground. As time goes on, the cable is extended more. When one person drops, both members of that team are eliminated. The last team standing wins. The Pairs are as follows: Ika and Dre, Neda and William, Kevin and Demetres, Karen and Sindy, Dallas and Mark, Bruno and Dillon, Emily and Gary, Jackie and Cassandra.

One by one, each pair begins to drop like flies, leaving Ika and Dre to face off against Karen and SIndy. After a few minutes of deal making, Ika and Dre drop, allowing Karen and Sindy to take home the win. The pair decide and let Karen take the complete reign of HoH for the week. Karen as HoH means trouble for some of our big threats in the game.

Nominations

As a newbie, you would think Karen would immediately go after two of the veterans. Luckily, she is not biased with her power. Karen has her eyes set on physical threats, regardless of newbie or veteran status. She has her eyes set on nominating Kevin, Mark, Dillon, and Demetres. After conversing with Sindy, Karen nominates Demetres and Mark for eviction, keeping the veterans safe for the time being. As expected, the newbies are questioning Karen’s true motives by not putting up any veterans.

Power of Veto Competition

Karen, Mark, Demetres along with Bruno, Ika, and Kevin were selected to participate in this week’s veto challenge. Remember, the winner of the power of veto can alter the Head of Household’s nominations, by taking one person off the chopping block.

For this week’s challenge entitled, “We Want Veto,” the six houseguest will race through a tar pit to collect tiles of historic emojis to match the paintings found on their cave walls. Once the matching tiles is brought back, each houseguest will use the letters to solve the mystery phrase. The first houseguest used to solve the phrase will win the power of veto. After a close race with Mark, Bruno won the power of veto.

Power of Veto Ceremony

Since Bruno was in no real danger this week, he decided not use the power of veto. This solidified Demetres and Mark as the final nominees for the week.

Live Eviction

Source: Global TV

In a seven to six vote, Mark was the first houseguest evicted this season. Based on the vote, the houseguests were very conflicted with their decision. Although Mark is all around a nice guy, he is a huge threat. If he would have stayed longer, Mark would have been a shoo-in for a potential showmance and final four deal. So, I can see why he was targeted early targeted.

Shockwave Time Wrap

Source: Global TV

Before closing out, Arisa introduced Canada’s Time Warp twist. For twenty fours, viewers have been voting for to transport one houseguest into the “future.” This houseguest will be safe until jury and can’t be nominated until the jury begins. However, this houseguest is allowed to compete in competitions. The houseguest that Canada decided to keep safe until jury was, Neda! No brainer there! Neda, by far, is one of the most popular housegeusts to play BBCAN to date. So, it’s no surprise that the viewers would want to keep her safe. I’m really excited to see how this twist plays out, especially since Neda is a huge gamer.

Predictions

Source: Global TV

Depending on who wins HoH this week, I think another newbie will bite the dust. Out of the seven left in the game, I can see Dillon, Jackie, Emily, or Bruno getting taken out. Votes aside, Demetres is on the good side of many veterans. Since he has this random beef with Dillon, I can see him projecting his opinions on everyone else. Jackie and Emily will only go home if they are in a bad pawn scenario. Pawns are equally disposable in Big Brother, and I can see the house voting to evict one of these ladies if they are sitting next to a more social houseguest. Bruno is the only vet I am worried about this week. He hasn’t done anything too major, but I can see why someone would want to get him out early. I honestly don’t see a veteran leaving the house until week three or four though.

What did you think about the premiere? Please let me know in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

-Bryce Lennon

Big Brother Canada 5: Cast Reveal

March 14, 2017

Filed Under : Reality TV - This & That

After a year hiatus, Big Brother Canada is back for another season of romance, strategy, and of course, drama. Premiering March 15^th 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

Think Piece: Fixing the Real World

October 4, 2016

Filed Under : Reality TV - This & That

Source: MTV

This is the true story…

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, and reminisce about MTV’s longest reality show, the Real World. A social experiment that once addressed “Real” issues like domestic violence, HIV, and systematic oppression, the Real World helped pioneer the genre of reality television. Remember all those iconic characters like Puck, Ruthie, Pedro, Coral, Trishelle, and Alton? These individuals, among others, are still considered household names. Even my girl Tami Roman got her first stunt on MTV before making her way to Basketball Wives years later.

In 32 seasons, the show’s format has significantly changed over the years. Since The Real World Ex-plosion, we have been subjected to poorly executed twists, stock casting, and reused locations. So, where do we go from here? Should MTV pull the plug? Being the optimistic person that I am, there’s still hope! In order for the Real World to regain its iconic status, some things have to change. With the Real World Seattle: Bad Blood appearing on October 12^th, I have listed some ideas on how to save the show moving forward.

Location

Source: Wikipedia

Seriously, how many times can we go back to Vegas, LA, and New York? Although these locations worked in the past, it’s time for something new. Remember the Real World Portland? That season had the last authentic location, and the casting was amazing! So, maybe MTV should explore other locations in the United States. For example, the Real World hasn’t filmed in the dirty south since Back to New Orleans in 2010. Can you imagine a season in Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis, Houston, Charlotte, or even Charleston, South Carolina? That already sounds like great television! Come on, give us something new MTV! Let’s take it a step further. We can even do the Real World Puerto Rico.

MTV the options are there. So, let’s just make it happen already!

Casting

Source: MTV

After 32 seasons, we finally receive a minority-majority cast since the Real World Hollywood’s multi-racial group. However, there’s not much diversity when 75% of the cast has the same ethnic background. Although their personalities and backgrounds may be different, MTV needs to appeal to every demographic. For Pete’s sake, there has never been an Asian male casted yet. That’s really embarrassing.

(Imagine casting a roommate with a child, someone with cancer, a former porn star (I forgot Dustin), anything is better than what we have now!)

I know people want to see eye candy on television, but we have to stop taking this “model-esque” approach. One or two runway hotties are fine, but not the entire cast! How about we cast someone that’s a little overweight, you know pretty face with a thick waist and an explosive personality.

Source: MTV

What about a Muslim? Remember Parisa and Sahar? We don’t because they were boring. Cast a Muslim that isn’t afraid to speak up for themselves. Yes Parisa, you were public enemy number one on the Real World Sydney, but you have become a distant memory.

Source: MTV

What about a man of color that’s not always a “ladies man,” overly chill, or just “there?” The great thing about roommates like Karamo, Greg, Nia, and CeeJai is that they were black, yet they brought the drama without playing into their perspective roles. Karamo was an opinionated, gay black man that shunned Shavonda for hooking-up with Landon (The white roommate). Ironically, Karamo had a new love interest of his own and guess what, this new lover wasn’t even black. The irony! That was real TV back in the day!

I make all these references to say that casting plays a big part on the iconic status of the show. Throwing in the same cookie cutter roommates is not only a failure, but a disappointment. All that melanin on Bad Blood is a step in the right direction though!

Twists

Source: MTV

Take seven complete strangers, throw them into a luxurious house, and watch these egos collide. This was MTV during its prime! Since the original concept has changed so drastically, it would be impossible to recapture its nostalgic presence. With that being said, I have listed some potential twist ideas below:

Worlds Apart: Cast ten young twenty something year olds; five were born into wealth, while the other five were born into poverty. Put this group in one house, and sure enough, something will go down. Don’t tell the cast that this is the twist. Have them figure it out on their own. Also, the two groups should work at two separate jobs. The “wealthy” group should have to work for a community wellness center (A way to humble them from their life of privilege). The less privileged should get a job for an entertainment company, where they get to work with celebrities and radio personalities (For exposure in their respective fields). Jealousy is going to be an understatement. Will these two groups ever be able to co-exist together, or do they have more in common than meets the eye?

Source: MTV

Ex-plosion II: Let’s raise the stakes here. Rather than putting one ex in the house for a short period of time, let’s add two at the beginning of the show. The season starts off with eight roommates. From the jump, tension arises as connections are made. Each pair realizes that they dated the same person at some point. Then, the person that they dated moves in to the house as well (A total of twelve roommates). It’s a small world out there, especially when your partners begin to overlap. Sounds like a complete crap show.

Late Registration: The Real World buys a house off campus at one of the Big Ten schools. Seven students must co-exist, attend class, party, and deal with their personal issues together. Imagine BET’s College Hill done the right way. Frat parties, daddy issues, pregnancy scares, and of course graduation. What’s more to ask for?

Source: MTV

As mentioned above, these are just some ideas to play around with. So, what do you think? Can we save the Real World, or is going to join the cancelled syndication circuit with its sibling Road Rules?

Make sure to tune in next Thursday for the Real World Seattle: Bad Blood.