Big Brother 27 Week 1 is officially in the history books. While the new Head of Household (see spoilers if you wish) plans their nominations and Week 2 officially gets underway, let’s take a look back at the highs and lows from the first week of BB27.
Best: The AI Arena is back!
Only now it’s called the Big Brother Block Buster. That’s two words, not one, just in case you get confused and think it has anything to do with the defunct video rental chain. I was thrilled about this because the AI Arena was the best game twist since the Golden Power of Veto was introduced. I say GAME twist and not casting twist. There have been some solid casting twists. But most of their game twists have been terrible. AI Arena did what they hoped Battle of the Block would do. Which is actually make the game more interesting and give them another competition to fill out an episode. Not sure why they think they need a competition for every episode, but someone sure thinks that. At least now we’ve got one that’s actually suspenseful and enjoyable. Not to mention one that actually shakes up eviction night in a way only the Double Eviction can do. No longer, do we know on Mondays who is going home for the week. And the dreaded “vote with the house” mentality happens far less.
Worst: The Mastermind
I am OK with the mystery theme this season. It offers them a lot of possibilities for twists and powers. But someone tuning in to see that Mastermind character speaking to a house full of reality show contestants makes me feel embarrassed. But I will say he’s a step up from Ainsley and Janky!
Best: She’s Back B*tches!
I don’t like seasons with returnees, unless it’s All-Stars. And by All-Stars, I don’t mean that horrible covid mess that was Big Brother 22. But before I get off on that tangent, let me get back to Rachel. I think after last season’s gold that was Angela, they couldn’t risk just trying to find someone as dramatic and bold in a typical casting pool, so they looked to guaranteed gold – Rachel Reilly. To be fair, Rachel has softened a lot sine Big Brother 12 and 13 and her times on The Amazing Race. She’s a mom now, after all. But Rachel is still good TV, love her or hate her. And I am here for it. I want her to bring on as much drama as she can while she’s there. Whether that be two weeks or all season.
Worst: Still no key wheel.
This is such a minute issue, but I have to find something to complain about! When Julie Chen teased the old theme song pre-season, I kind of thought we might see some kind of blast from the past. And Rachel doesn’t count!
Best: Ashely Wins Veto
I think Ashely will not be my favorite player this season or anything, but I love when a target (who is a target for no good reason) wins the veto. So I was happy Ashley won and that opened the house up to looking at actual real threats – like a bro.
Worst: Vince nominates Kelley
I had such high hopes for Vince, but his HOH was nearly a flop. For him, it kind of was a flop. But for us, it turned out just fine. But to nominate your Day 2 Final 2 deal just because she thinks she’s the female version of Tucker is not a good move.
Best: Kelley Wins the Block Buster
And what might have been a bad move, like I just said, became neither here nor there because Kelley did in fact win the Block Buster. I think Kelley is completely wacky, but I’m all for her staying to bring as much mess to the season as she can.
Worst Move of the Week: Houseguests not weakening Rachel
I say this as someone who wants Rachel to stick around. But as a player, it was a terribly move to not take out Amy to weaken Rachel. But at least they did take out Zae. It’s ALWAYS good to get a strong man out early, especially where there’s an all-bros alliance as there is this season.
Best Move of the Week: Rachel’s Coaching
Rachel spent a lot of the first week coaching players to do things that will actually benefit her. Even though some of those things backfired, it’s still be a smart strategy. And I can’t stop laughing about her pushing people into showmances to keep them “horny and distracted.” Love it
What do you think the best and worst moments of Big Brother 27 Week 1 were?