Big Brother All Stars - Official Discussion Thread

[Daval]

‘Big Brother’ brings power to the people
This time around, viewers will get to vote in the new crew

By Ree Hines
MSNBC contributor
Updated: 1:50 p.m. ET June 22, 2006

With yearly promises of spectacular twists and turns, CBS's "Big Brother" saved the best hook for its seventh season. Following in the footsteps of its more successful network sibling, “Survivor,” “Big Brother” takes a shot at the all-star angle.

Some of the most popular contestants ever to play the game are returning for another chance to live in the human Habitrail. The difference with this ensemble: viewers get to pick from the pool of past favorites and cast six of the 12 houseguests joining the show.

On Wednesday night's special episode, host Julie Chen introduced the 20 “stars” America can choose from. Don't expect an equal selection from each season. Most viewers hardly remember the first season and wish they could forget the fourth all together.

Thankfully, the action-packed years (two and six) are well represented. To help voters cherry-pick a balance of nice guys and villains, here's the rundown of the good, the bad and the unnecessary — with a hint at the drama each could deliver:

The Good Guys

Bunky (Season 2)
While he was a total bore when the things went his way, the slightest friction brought out the tears. Unless loved by all, and that’s just not going to happen, expect Bunky to flow like Tammy Faye.

Advantage: Waterworks.

George (Season 1)
Better known to fans as “Chicken George” from his hen-tending days back when "Big Brother" had livestock. His big power play: very nearly convincing fellow houseguests to walkout three weeks before the finale. He's also the lone candidate from the series premiere.

Advantage: “Big Brother” pioneer.

Howie (Season 6)
A self-proclaimed Jedi master and all-round funnyman, Howie made a habit of hurling exceptionally entertaining schoolyard insults at opposing players. He started out even-tempered but turned into a name-calling, wild-eyed opponent when the numbers stacked up against him.

Advantage: Spaz.

Janelle (Season 6)
Hiding her strengths behind the image of a snobby, blonde diva, Janelle turned out to be one of last year's most strategic players. Her ability to outlast her allies and her frequent challenge victories proved her an unexpected powerhouse.

Advantage: Novelty (i.e., actual skills).

Kaysar (Season 6)
Voted out and then back in, Kaysar turned the game on its ear. He made his greatest maneuver by busting up the band of his rivals known as “The Friendship” alliance.” It also earned him his final ticket home the following week.

Advantage: Fearless.

Monica (Season 2)
Not making a big impact at first, Monica finally snapped when she realized others plotted against her. She claimed the spotlight with her repeated declarations that “it's awwwwwn!"

Advantage: Sound bites.

Jennifer Nakomis (Season 5)
Along with a brother she never knew she had, Nakomis was one of the fifth season's sibling reveals — a clunky “Maury” aspect of the game. She masterminded the “six-finger plan,” nominating members of her own clique to gain control of the veto and ultimately oust Jase.

Advantage: Sneaky.

The Bad Guys

Alison (Season 4)
Disliked by most fans and houseguests alike for her gleefully bitchy performance; Alison used lies, flirtation and fake friendships to her advantage. And, hey, it got her to 2nd place (not to mention a spot on another CBS reality show, “The Amazing Race”). While unlikely to be voted in by the viewing audience, don't be surprised if the show's producers put her in to stir the pot.

Advantage: Malevolent.

Danielle (Season 3)
She's one of the greatest players not to win the game. Danielle single-handedly orchestrated the boot of many of her competitors. The strategy? Convincing her roomies that what was in her best interest would actually be their smartest move. While she remained friendly face-to-face, she spoke her mind in the diary room. Before the days of sequestering the jurors until the final vote, she suffered the fallout of her own confessionals.

Advantage: Calculating

Ivette (Season 6)
Whether it was jealousy toward challenge winners or intense anger for no apparent reason, Ivette’s emotional instability was the hallmark of her stay. Well, that and her near-obsessive attachment to in-house pal “Cappy.”

Advantage: Insane.

Jase (Season 5)
He’s the obnoxious narcissist who played the part of lapdog to his TV girlfriend, Holly. Jase never recovered when his alliance dwindled, falling victim to the aforementioned “six-finger plan.” Most impressive are his skills in preening and ego inflation, which rival those of Howie and Will combined.

Advantage: Attitude.

Marcellas (Season 3)
A fan-favorite well known for making the worst move in the history of the game, Marcellas allowed hubris to get the best of him. In a grandstanding gesture he chose not to use the veto on himself and, predictably, he was voted out that night. Still, he was the house gossip and always had something hilariously mean to say about the others.

Advantage: Catty.

Mike “Boogie” (Season 2)
Most important fact: He’s exactly the sort of guy who gives himself a name like "Boogie." Easily the most irritating member of the “Chill Town” alliance, from his white boy wannabe-hip-hop threads to his not-so-sincere marriage proposal to fellow “chiller” Krista on the finale.

Advantage: Exasperating.

Will (Season 2)
The Richard Hatch of “Big Brother” (sans tax evasion scandals!), Will’s machinations showed the world how to play the game. He lied his way to victory with the novel approach of being upfront about the fact that he was lying.

Advantage: Devious

The Filler (no advantages)

Dana (Season 4)
Dubbed “Mantroll” by a fellow houseguest (though it’s unclear what she did to earn the name, or what a mantroll is for that matter), other than her occasional temper tantrums, Dana didn't leave much of an impression at all.

Diane (Season 5)
She kept her head in the competition until she fell in love with the cute guy instead of getting rid of him. Said cute guy, Drew, sent Diane packing after they made it to the final three.

Erika (Season 4)
Attractive and nice but when did that ever make for good TV? Yawn.

Lisa (Season 3)
A bland spot among a few standout players, Lisa raked in the big prize due to the jury’s anger toward Danielle rather than her own merit. In the casting special she said of herself, “I was the pretty girl in the bathing suit all summer.” That pretty much summed up her appeal.

James (Season 6)
He only stayed in the game as long as he did due to frequent veto wins, but he was clearly more impressed by his own strategy than anyone else.

Michael (Season 5)
Nicknamed Cowboy, he was the other half of the sibling debacle with Nakomis. He joined in the odd alliance of “The Four Horsemen,” who carried him to a second place finish. He didn't bring anything special to the show, but he was good for an unintentional laugh or two.

Predictions?
The same flash that made “Survivor: All-Stars” a show to watch should do the trick for “Big Brother.” There's no trudging through a slow start while getting to know new faces and figuring out the loves and the love-to-hates. And since most contestants already know each other, the mind games should kick in from the very first episode.

Ultimately, whether this season takes off or not will all come down to who plays the game. The best viewers can hope for is a good mix. While one or two obnoxious housemates make for good times, a trifecta of Howie, Jase and Mike “Boogie” would grate. There's only so much goofy sideways hat-wearing that even the biggest fans can endure.

Source

Well folks, I just watched the opening episode of Big Brother All Stars and I am pretty happy with the candidates for the house. Hell, I'd rather forgo the voting and put everyone in the house.

I thought the premiere episode was pretty funny with the comments people were making about ex housemates.

Who is on your dream list?

[fresnelly]

I only watched Season's 1 and 2 and maybe some of 3, but I can't remember. I lost interest as the focus turned from free form voyerism to game show competition. I can't stress enough how much voting procedures and strategizing are a turn off for me.

That said, some of those season 1 and 2 players were, um ...interesting, so I'll check out the next episode to see how they're doing. It'll be fun to see what Chicken George will bring to this. He's a true wildcard.

I don't really have a dream list, but I'm disappointed the purple haired chick from the first season isn't returning. What was her name again?

[Daval]

Brittney! I was so hoping for her too!

[Ample]

I watched either season 2 or 3 everyday that it was on. The following season not as much, and havent seen it since. Honestly, if they showed then nekkid like they do in the UK version, or even uncensored video streaming. I might watch it again.

[Daval]

Heh, ANY other version of big brother seems to be full of sex and nudity, the US version is boring in comparison.

[thespian86]

Good god, I know James (although you may not be a fan he was strong and certainly devious) Kaysar (my favorite of all time) and Jannelle (really annoying but a smart and cunning character; plus she stirs shit up) must come from season six. We need Gay Will, Allison, and perhaps marcelles... we need many an egotisical male, many a gay man who will hate them, and many coniving bitches to play both sides... let the games begin. Kaysar better win.

[Daval]

I was dissapointed that Tonya wasnt in there, gratuitous nudity is a good thing!

[simonrex22]

Isnt anyone following the new season?

[Daval]

I am indeed, I was thinking we should ressurect this thread

So Alison and Nakomis are gone. With the editing I thought Diane was leaving but they tricked me again.

James as HOH is a wildcard in my opinion, I don't think he is as tight with the Season Six people (seasic) as they may think, I think he's gonna play both sides and his nominations could be almost anyone.

Howie is really annoying this season. I almost wouldnt mind seeing him leave, its just wierd.

[cookmo]

I love Kayser, but I really think he screwed up with his nominations. However, with James as HOH, seasic will be ok.

Howie needs to pull some new tricks out of his bag, we have seen them all before. The Jedi thing is really old, how many times have we seen that. And following Will around like a puppy, I would never degrade myself like that. Definately not on t.v..

[simonrex22]

I agree that James could go in any direction with his nominations, im really anxious to see what he does. But i think Kaysar may have made a smart move with his nominations....As long as Diane doesnt win HOH. If he had put up people like Will and Boogie, it just would have put a huge target on his head. His nominations may have hurt the Season 6 alliance, but in the long run i think it may have helped him individually. If chill town does get HOH they probably wont put him up.

[thespian86]

Kaysar is my favorite allstar along with James. I am seasic (ba dum cshhhh). I diasagree that Kaysar made a strong move this week nomination wise, last year he did the same thing, unwisely and needlessly putting his trust in an opposing alliance. Although, I think that speaks wonders about his character; but certainly not his abilities as a player. James is likely to be far bolder than Kaysar was this week but Seasic is safe.

I love the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" idea; very entertaining.

[Locke7]

OK, I'm in. I've watched since season 2. I was even contemplating getting the full access pass thing where you could watch all the time. There is a free 3 days if you want to try it. It's pretty cool, I just don't have the time to get that addicted.

I about died when Kaysar put those 2 up. He's my favorite player in BB history, but man he makes some weird ass decisions (last year, giving up that competition, then getting voted off). I don't know, I just don't trust Chilltown at all. I think if they would have won HOH, they may have just put him up.

James winning was awesome, but I'm not sure about the people he put up. It could be interesting. If you were any of the other players, I would think you'd want to have george be an ally before Will mainly because of his tight alliance with Boogie. I don't know, this is going to be a fun season. I'll be checking back after each show, lets keep this thread alive!

[simonrex22]

No surprise James' nominations were totally unexpected. I love the reason he gave when he put Dr. Will up. I cant see the whole house wanting Chicken George out of the house, so this might be the end of chill town.

Who do you think is the most dangerous player right now. Im thinking Jase. He's playing under the radar and not pissing anyone off. And on top of that he has a lot of influence on the floaters and the ability to manipulate. Other than that I would say James because of his uncanny ability to win competitions when he needs to.

[Locke7]

Except that S6 was talking about Jase, that means he's not totally under the radar. I think everybody is keeping track of him, at some point he's going to mess up and someone will catch him going back forth between the 2 main alliances.

And I wonder if that Mr./Mrs. Smith thing is for real. He did look really ackward when Janie said something about it to him.

[Daval]

I'm looking forward to tonights episode. From what I've been able to gather most of what you guys have mentioned should be addressed tonight.

[thespian86]

I'm officially nuts; bought the livefeed and have watched it forever now. Got an update site too with vids (ww.jokersupdates.com). Check it out.

[simonrex22]

is there audio with the live feed? Otherwise i dont see myself getting it.

[Daval]

i've been reading Jokers Updates for years now I read the daily archive, i love it.


Simon, yes, there is 4 video feeds with audio. They are running a two week trial period, give it a shot.

[thespian86]

hmmm it's really great because you can see everything.

[Locke7]

Jedi Jannie. WTF?? I think she took all of the advice from everyone, mucked it up, and then came up with those nominations. She pissed off her alliance, she pissed off the floaters, and she pissed off chilltown. good work LOL

[silent_jay]

Seems to be a good season so far. I like to cheer for the underdog so Chicken George is the main person I'm cheering for, but damn Chilltown just liikes to piss everyone off, so I'd like to see either Will or Boogie win as well. Just watching this Thursdays episode now, not too sure who I want to leave James or Kaysar, tough choice.

edit: Did anyone else notice that although Kaysar was supposed to already be gone, he was at the BB seance? Seemed like an editing goof or something.

[streak_56]

Kaysar is gone... so the only person I really want to win is Howie.

[Locke7]

I noticed that Silent. I think the reason they did that is it was a setup for the HOH competition that happened right after the live eviction happened. So they needed to do it before time, and they didn't know who would be gone so both James and Kaysar needed to be there. It was odd, but it wasn't a goof.

Jani makes stupid decision after stupid decision, she's blinded by the lies everyone is telling her. Man, is she going to be pissed when she gets home and see what is really going on.

[cookmo]

I feel bad for those two stupid girls. Getting played is bad enough, but on t.v!!!!

[silent_jay]

Fucking right Chicken George wins HOH, thats great, I really wanted him to win it. Double elimination, I wonder how much ChillTown\Legion of Doom will be talking to George and trying to get Jani gone?

[silent_jay]

Dr. Will and Boogie are my heros. How dumb is Erica? Boogie wears a shirt that says 'showmance' all the time and she still thinks he isn't playing her.

[streak_56]

Mike won... and I'm very happy that Janelle won the "jury" prize. They made Mike to be a very good a-hole.

[kofspades]

And Erika saying that she was playing Mike as much as he was her..... classic.

[silent_jay]

Yeah I laughed my ass off when she said she was playing him, you could see her heart breaking when they were showing the clips of Boogie shit-balling her after they voted out Will.

It was good to see Janelle win the jury prize, she's a hell of a player.