Welcome to Derrick’s new regular column, “Weekly Warriors,” as he takes a closer look at the Big Brother 17 Houseguests and their game play each week. We hope you enjoy it. – Matthew
Big Brother is very comparable to a game of chess. You have to think multiple steps ahead and prepare for all possible scenarios. Part of the reason I love this game so much is because if you watch long enough, you can actually see a player’s strategy unfold.
As the season progresses, I will highlight a few houseguests each week that I feel have improved their strategic position, setting themselves up for weeks to come and also those who have dropped down a few spots because of judgmental errors. The game of Big Brother changes by the second, so the person in an advantageous position this week can end up on the block the next. As always, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic of the house changes as the game progresses.
We all know it is very difficult to obtain an accurate depiction of the real game that is being played just by watching the episodes. With that in mind, my weekly analysis will be based on not only the episodes, but the Live Feeds as well. With that being said, lets get in to it!
We’re almost through week one of season 17 and I think it’s safe to say that most of the houseguest’s have been BUSY! Someone needs to tell these guys that Big Brother is a marathon, not a sprint. Maybe this whole “Amazing Race” twist has these houseguests thinking this a timed event?
So who are my “warriors” for the week? Well, there are a few. You have all heard me say that the first couple weeks in the game, you don’t want to be seen! Yes, you may not be trending on twitter, but you will be in the house long enough so people actually learn your name.
When it comes to being “off the radar”, no one is doing it better right now than John McGuire. This guy is barely on the feeds! He talks very little game and does very little to draw attention to himself. While all the other houseguests are throwing hand grenades at each other, John is sitting back watching the show. Everyone views him as this awkward, weak player and let me tell you, there’s nothing wrong with that!
Speaking of awkward, how can I not mention my man Steve Moses. Yes, he’s weird but no one views him as a threat to his or her game. With the fireworks going on in the house right now, Steve is the least of everyone’s worries. He is absorbing as much as he can right now without actually making any waves. As a student of the game, I’m sure he loves the big personalities. If history repeats itself, most of them will go before him and he knows it.
The only problem with both John and Steve (which we already saw this week) is that they are both ideal candidates to be recurring pawns. They don’t appear to be real competitive threats and are not protected by a large alliance, so most Head of Households will find it enticing to use the same pawns week after week.
As far as who has not done so well this week, I think this will come as no surprise to anyone that Audrey Middleton is in a lot of trouble. People don’t understand the mental strain the game can have on you until you’re actually in there. Audrey is prime example of someone who let the paranoia get the best of her. She has played too hard too fast and is very aggressive in her approach. Most houseguests are on to her and barring her winning HOH or a dramatic change in the temperature of the house; Audrey will most likely find herself on the block next week.
Keep an eye out for next week’s article to see who has improved their position in the house and who has some work to do. Feel free to follow me on twitter (@derrickl) for exclusive sneak-peak content for upcoming episodes.
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I like how Derrick characterized BB as not a sprint but a marathon. It was an ‘aha’ moment for me.
I was hoping you would share your perspective on Clay and Vanessa. They are the two that I kept going back and forth on. Clay.. Because of the “attachment” and blind trust of Audrey and the possible showmance
I agree/disagree with your thoughts above. I didn’t realize there’s an ‘attachment’ between Audrey and Clay, and perhaps, a possible showmance. From what I’ve seen (and it’s not much) of Audrey’s behavior, I don’t think she’s capable of getting any warm fuzzy feelings in the BB house. Of course, I could be wrong, and time will tell (if she manages to be in the house longer than another week or two). After what I saw on BBAD last night, I doubt very much that she’ll make it past next weeks eviction.
Cuddledud! The possible showmance is with Shelli. By “attachment”, I didn’t mean attraction. It just seemed to me that Clay was dead-set on an alliance with Audrey from the get go, and had no desire to see or wanted to hear about any issues others were having. I thought it was odd.
sorry ~ the meaning I got from your 1st sentence was that there was a chance of a shomance between Clay and Aud. My mistake ~ I won’t be as quick to jump to conclusions in the future.
My Cuddledud, it’s understandable. LOL.. I type before I think things out and sometimes I go back and change posts right after posting and re-reading them, because they are unclear even to me.:(
I may have ‘caught’ a few (or more!) of them b4 you changed them ~~ thought my mind was really going bonkers because when I came back later, ithe wording had changed. Thanx Karendeer, I feel better now!
I always try to do it before anyone reads the rawness of my mind. :)
sometimes I’m lookin’ over your shoulder
Someone needs to. You’re too quick for me, Cuddles.
Guardian Angel is more like it! HA!
I’ll take that. :)
Yeah, u want a Guardian Angel sitting on your shoulder?
I — w-i-l-l — s-l-o-w — d-o-w-n ~~ just let me know when it feels comfortable.
Uh….I have a headache?
Let me get my hands warmed up and I’ll give you a massage.
Feeling better? I hope so ~
My Goliath.
Got stones, Cuddles?
Got salonpas? lol
You’ll need something stronger than that! hehe
You don’t think I need to start editing myself? …it’s gonna be boring huh? lol
Please Cyril, don’t ever think about editing yourself. You’re definitely one of a kind.
So, what are you getting paid to deflect? I see you.
haha. you’re smart that’s why I like you
Meeee’s got loads of Rocks!
Yes, my David ~~ I’m armed and ready with my styrofoam (sp?) rocks ~~ be careful David, just be careful~~~
My Cyril … did you fall outa your chair? Is Cyril your given name? Is it ok if I call you My Cyril? What do we do with Goliath? I’m in a quandry ~~~ HELP! LOL~
yes!
so you accept my proposal?
yes
Thanks for clarifying that, KSJB. Clay has an odd attachment to Aud, but it sure isnt romantic. Its fair to say Aud is asexual in this house, maybe even in life. Who knows?
I’m glad someone else gets the “odd attachment” impression besides me. He may be trying to break away from it, but I’m not totally convinced yet.
I think Clay is a gentle giant type. He always wants to be the gentleman who watches out for the underdog. His chivalry went to Aud and to Steve alike. I think it was hard for him to adjust his self perception in regard to Aud from gentleman to fool. I dont think he is accustomed to being used like that.
I can see that being the case, regarding Clay.
Nessa really is a puzzle. I think she missed out on the big alliance during her breakdown and is now grasping at straws to get in the game. She is flailing in the water and is on the verge of drowning if somebody with game doesnt scoop her up.
Welcome to writing for BBN, Derrick! It’s good to have you here. :)
One thing I disagree with, is that Steve is definitely on a lot of peoples radar. People talk about wanting him out daily. Agree with everything else said, but I think you’ve missed out on the feeds when this has happened. He has not flown under the radar.
You’re right..he lurks in plain sight! haha
Derrick…loved your game. You were my fav early on to win last year. I agree with recent post. Audrey has created a real problem for herself. Time will tell how THAT will all pan out…
Yawn
BB17 are all smart compared to last year’s dummies, Donnie had the brain,hoping Betsy goes far,or Steve.
I’m picturing how BB will look without Jace and Audrey. My guess is that Austin will be the next “Big Villian” followed by????? Day maybe. What do you all think??
Oh and Derrick! Wow am I glad to hear from you!! Glad your here in the mix.
Other cast members will spring into action. Dont worry. It wont be dull. Jackie is an Amanda in Jmac clothing.
I have nothing but respect for Derrick. He played the perfect game, and he did it with dignity. He never made an enemy and even shed tears for some he had to get evicted. He’s a class act all the way.
This article is classic Derrick. He even has compassion for the mostly despised Aud. He makes a great excuse for her, which was insightful and maybe even credible.
Thanks, Derrick, for being a good guy.
Jason.. I couldn’t have said it better. Do you think we have “another” Derrick this year?
Hi Darby. I dont think most casts have a Derrick. I cant think of a candidate in this years cast. I think that Clay is guileless and a decent guy, a gentleman. The way he took Steve under his wing and built him up last night was pure quality. But, he doesnt have the strategy.
Derrick, Adam, and Matthew should do a strategy roundtable podcast for this site.
“They don’t appear to be real competitive threats and are not protected
by a large alliance, so most Head of Households will find it enticing to
use the same pawns week after week.”
Speaking from experience, Derrick? ;)
This season needs a Britney Hayes for levity. It’s way too intense all the time.
I think our dentist has potential but with any BB, it’s still too early to tell. I love Meg and so far she’s my favorite but only time will tell.
Oh god what about the yelling, though? He doesn’t talk, he screams.
He’s a musician too; he’s probably mostly deaf!
Derrick’s article was a great read! I just need a little clarification on one aspect of the article: Derrick wrote the following about Steve/Stefon (new nickname per last night’s bbad episode!) and Johnny Mac, “They don’t appear to be real competitive threats.” Steve won the first veto and Johnny Mac won the first battle of the block, so I am a little confused about how they are not appearing to be real threats. If anyone could explain this to me that would be great!
“competive threats” may be referring not to the actual hoh, bob, and veto competitions, but to the mental aspect of who is controlling the house, who has the most allies, etc.
Good observation, thanks soupdogg!
One person not mentioned is Jackie. She might be on the block but has remained out of all the fighting and drama. Also she hasn’t campaigned very hard letting Jace dig his own grave. That to me smart game play this early in the game.
Or she just doesn’t know how to play the game quite yet. But she’s starting to get the hang of it gradually!
Derrick you got lucky by having an idiot like Cody on your side. If had been me, in Cody’s position, I would have brought Victoria to the final 2, and stabbed you right in the back. No fucks given.
Derrick still had a 50-50 shot at the end there to win the whole thing anyways. Part of the game is finding a 2 who will also take you, which Derrick did.
Cody was an idiot. Derrick was on the block once the whole season, and Cody had the chance to evict him, and win the $500K. By far one of the dumbest moves in the history of BB.
Yaaaaahhh, Derrick!