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... The More Things Stay the Same
July 21

We're now a week into this summer's edition of Big Brother, and there's all kinds of stuff to talk about. What amazes me is how little changes over the course of these competitions—we've only seen nine other BB games, nearly twenty of Survivor, you'd think that people would learn from previous mistakes. But no. Right out of the gate, one of the players made an early bonehead move. The thirteen contestants had to divide into two teams of six in a contest to see which group would earn food for the week, and which player on the winning team would win a classic car. Without knowing the details or the prize, Jessie volunteers to sit out the first game. No vote, no persuasion, he fell on the sword and took a powder. I was gobsmacked. Maybe that wasn't as dumb as Erik giving away immunity in the last Survivor game, but golly, you just don't sit out on the first day like that.

I continue to be surprised by people who sign up to play, and then are surprised that they'll have to get their hands dirty in order to win the money. And yet, out of the blocks, Dan confesses in the blue diary room about how he'll have to go against his Catholic leanings to play, and Jerry removes his military garb when he addresses the group to flip on his old alliance. A primer for those unfamiliar with the premise: you have to vote people out, and then convince them to give you the money. It's not wine and roses for three months.

Unfortunately, another thing that didn't change was Julie Chen's sanctimonious monotone delivery. As we watch her introduce footage of what happens inside the house, we're forced to listen to her deliver lines such as "In order for there to be a blindside, there must be a traitor." As if we had no idea how a flip would happen, and without her sage assistance, assumed that it would just materialize on its own. Perhaps the problem is that Julie only interacts with the players over the intercom and TV screen, and only sees the evicted players after they're already out.

Or it could be her delivery. Yow.

I suppose it's all moot anyway. If you like this sort of thing, you're probably already watching and enjoying just like me. If not, this really isn't going to change your mind all that much. If you are watching, just be aware that this year isn't any different: it's still thirteen rubes playing the game you've watched for eight years now.

Travis Eberle has a nifty alliance brewing. Get in on the ground floor with an e-mail at traviseberle@gmail.com.