Big Brother has had problems lately with bullying and negative comments being made by house guests.  This year, it’s back and has made the appearance as a “mean girl” conspiracy.  I’m very familiar with the movies Heathers and Mean Girls and have watched both more than once and the comparisons are there.  While I won’t annoint a “Queen Bee” or even add Day to the mix, I will focus on the three that are the worse and I’m not even going to rate them.  They’re each are bad (and not in a good way) in their own right.  Also they each want a “care package” from America.  If there is a care package out there with punishments, let’s give it to all three of them!  Don’t you think they deserve one.  Here’s just what they’ve done to Bridget (thanks Reddit).  I haven’t seen one on Bronte or Natalie, but I hope they’re coming.  It’s entitled “The Bullying of Bridget.  https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBrother/comments/4v7c4f/the_bullying_of_bridgette_now_with_dates/.

And the means girls are:

Nicole — Nicole was the sweet innocent in her first time on Big Brother but now she has turned into the most annoying player for many this season. She has had final deals with just about everyone.  She has fallen in love with Cody for her showmance.  Nicole has been the ears of Frank and then said he picked on her.  Frank didn’t pick on Nicole. He knew the dirt on her and the secrets she had told. Now she’s running to Paul/ie to tell them everything that is going on.  By telling and gossiping, she hopes to stay off the block and home free.

Nicole’s best move would be to come clean but there’s no way she’s going to do it.  Before you say it, I know she agreed to go on the block but she didn’t mean it.  She’s catty and petty and holds grudges.  They guys are on to her, especially James and Paulie.  She’s now a target.  Wonder what she’ll do on the block?

Michelle — Michelle came into the Big Brother house wanting “to experience every aspect of the show.”  Sure, she’s won comps but she has never been a have-not or on the block due to being on Frank’s team.  You would think she’d be loyal to Frank while the teams existed, wouldn’t you.  Oh, no, she strayed from that alliance because “Frank is ignoring me for Bridget” (or something like that). She decided to go after James but found that he was protecting Natalie.  Thus both Bridget and Natalie are targets for Michelle because she didn’t get what she wanted.

I honestly think Michelle wants to win and also have a summer showmance.  When she didn’t get the showmance, she decided to attack any and all who did.  Only problem is that she was in the 8-pack alliance with two of the four so she vindictive words have been focused on Natalie.  Then seeing Bridget’s friendship with Frank and Bronte as part of the small group,  Michelle moved her target to all three.  She’s been catty, petty, and insulting and Natalie knows it.  Her comments about body image is not what a nutritionist should do.  Presently, she thinks she is cool because Paul/ie likes her. They are on to her and she’s also riding for a fall.

Zakiyah — Zakiyah may be the most catty of this Big Brother bunch.  She seems to have been the instigator in many of the comments made and has served as the cheerleader to get the others on board.  She has teamed herself up with Paulie who seems to be running the house and thus has never had to take responsibility for her actions.  She has about being discriminated against but doesn’t seem to think that she’s doing the same thing only based on looks and personal opinions. Her bullying is much more obvious that both Michelle and Nicole combined.

Where the others take things to the catty level, Zakiyah manages to take it more personal and uses the Big Brother staff to help.  Around Bridget’s birthday, Zakiyah didn’t throw Bridget a party.  Oh no, she threw her stuffed giraffe a party.  Say what!  A real person is more important than a stuff toy.  And the other mean girls supported her and the guys went along with it.  Frank stood up for Bridget and her two outsider friends were there for her.  Heck, Day even has lied about asking for the cake mix  specifically for Zak’s toy now.  The fact remains that Zakiyah knew what she was going.  As for the game, she thinks she’s above being put on the block and uses tears to try and get her was with Paulie.  She doesn’t even see that he’s on to her antics and is playing along.

Big Brother’s trio of mean girls could give the Lohan version lessons.  They have got the art of spitefulness down to a new level.  The team of Michelle, Nicole and Zakiyah take the term bullying to new levels.  While Michelle, at least, is wondering how it will affect her image, Nicole is only worried about fan base.  I think Zakiyah is worried but not sure why.  As the season plays out, and they’re forced on the block, what will they do? Will they cry, scream or torment any lady left in the house?  Only time will tell.

Well, Comic Con has come and gone and another year that I wasn’t there.  It’s just so hard with my “real job” to travel to San Diego in July.  One day, maybe!  Anyway, IR…

Source: Once Upon a Time and Comic Con

Dear Frank and Bridget: I know it’s been so easy on both of you.  You have been on the same team. You haven’t had to be “have nots.”  You haven’t had to face going on …

Source: Big Brother 18: An Open Letter to Frank and Bridget

Well, Comic Con has come and gone and another year that I wasn’t there.  It’s just so hard with my “real job” to travel to San Diego in July.  One day, maybe!  Anyway, I’ve just finished reading the reviews of the Comic Con Once Upon a Time session news and found it interesting.  Let’s review the clips shown at the event!

Regina and the opening of season six!  Regina’s past is reviewed as both good and bad.  Have a look at the YouTube link:

It’s interesting that they show both sides of her personality and how she struggles all the time.  I especially like that they draw from all seasons.  There were even hints in season one that she might not be totally evil.  On another note:  I love the song used in this promotion/clip!  Regina expresses her desire for happiness but is told that she’s never going to get it.  From what I’ve seen in the two hour season finale, I’m betting she’s going to be struggling with herself and coming to terms with what she is or what she could be.

On another note, we get a surprise clip introducing us to a new character, Aladdin.  I’m going to say up front that he looks interesting.  See what you think.

Not only do we see a brief glimpse (again) of Jafar (which I hoped we never would see again after Wonderland) and a different “savior”.  This one is a him and appears to be Aladdin of all things!  And the comments about Aladdin is surprising.  Seems Jafar sees all saviors must “come apart  at the seams” and become a shell of themselves.  Wait, didn’t we just hear Emma say that in about every season of show.  Hasn’t she been looking for her happily ever after?

Other surprises include:

• that Henry and Violet may still be a couple.  I won’t mind this too much.
• that Prince Charming looks inside himself and his perceptions. Well that would be a novel twist.
• that Zelena and her sister bond. Which sister?
• Some sites are reporting that the Olympus crystal properties may not be what we thought.  Wait a minute.  I asked Horowitz on twitter is Hood was really dead and he said yes.  I still think there is something fishy about how Hood died and how Hades died!

 

Dear Frank and Bridget:

I know it’s been so easy on both of you.  You have been on the same team. You haven’t had to be “have nots.”  You haven’t had to face going on the block.  And Frank, you lucky guy, you’ve won Road Kill so many times that it isn’t funny.  Now, all of a suddenly you find that life has changed and wonder why.

Let me address this first bit to both of you.  You both have been arrogant.  You both have made fun of people.  You both have entered into other alliances. You both have isolated yourselves from the main group because you were in control.  You both assumed that the rest of your team was loyal.

Bridget, I’m going to give you a few home truths first.  It’s Frank who I am the most angry with. You had the spy girls and it became obvious that you, Bronte, and Natalie were friends. Remember in case you get asked to play again that you should play down alliances.  That goes for Frank too.  He may have been protecting you but he WILL only do it so long.  If you start hurting his game, you become a target.

Bridget, you didn’t socialize.  You gravitated toward Frank and that eventually hurt your game.  By aligning so solidly with Frank, anything he did would spill over on your.

The “mean girl” tag.  I know Bridget that the other girls have made fun of you.  They may actually be more of the “mean girl” movie theme than you but think for a minute. How many times have you said something about Michelle and knew it could get back to her.  How many times were you catty with Bronte about all the other girls.  While Natalie may not have been your target, I remember a few remarks addressed toward her.

Now Frank, where do I start.  Okay–let’s start with the obvious.  Your arrogance.  Do you really think Boogie and Dr. Will played the game like you have — pompous and as a king.  No, they had fun but not by poking fun at others.  They were smart with their alliances and never really lied.  You’ve held yourself above everyone else because your team was winning and there was no way you were going on the block.  You have lied to so many people and told so many stories that no one can keep them straight.

Frank you made too many alliances.  Day two you were making alliances with Nicole and Day.  You tried to make one with James but I honestly can’t remember if he agreed.  You had an alliance with Paulie.  You had an alliance with Bridget.  Your alliances were so many and so detailed, I couldn’t keep track of all of them (and I usually can!).  You don’t make that many alliances because someone will always spill the beans.  And you don’t make alliances that quickly.  Boogie and Will’s lasted because they kept the alliance fun and as a joke.  You never did that.

Your self-assurance.  Yes, Frank, that’s good in business but when it comes to reality television, it’s lost.  Too many reality shows, too many “stars,” and all play with a certain amount of self-assurance.  I’ve often thought it is the more humble that gets the television time but not in your case.  It’s like you sense where production was and aimed for the cameras that were on.

And on production, Frank, you know you’re not supposed to talk about it.  Now you have spilled about the special stipends that returnees get.  If I was the executives of Big Brother, not only would you stipend be pulled but a court case may ensue.  And, since you are already on the block, I think a penalty vote is in order.

I could say a lot more (and may later), but on one final note to both Bridget and Frank — you came across as bullies.  When things went your way, you were fine and didn’t mind throwing your luck in other faces.  When things started changing, and the tide turning at Bronte’s exit, you decided that you should get in people’s faces and start throwing insults.  That’s never a good move and why you are on the block together now.

 

Every year Big Brother brings us new contestants who have big dreams.  Each year, we see them say, I’m playing my game. Each year, they promise to make non-stupid moves. And each year, they c…

Source: Big Brother and Contestants Promises

Every year Big Brother brings us new contestants who have big dreams.  Each year, we see them say, I’m playing my game. Each year, they promise to make non-stupid moves. And each year, they c…

Source: Big Brother and Contestants Promises

This week, Abby Lee Miller of Dance Moms, faced a judge but not really on the charges expected (bankruptcy fraud).  It seems Abby Lee took it a step further and brought money back into this country from Australia and didn’t declare it.  In exchange for a plea deal, she agreed to enter a guilty admission on this charge(and one other)  if the others went away.

Is this fair?  Probably not but we’re not the Feds who made the decision.  The real problem is that Abby thought it was right.  Sure she wanted money.  We all do.  But there are ways to go about legally making a fortune and this is not one.

And the worse part of the story is that how she did this.  She took the money, put it in plastic bags, and scattered it through “employees” suitcases.  Now, some have said it was the dancers luggage but since we don’t know who she used as her “money mules” that is not for me to judge.  The fact that she wanted to spread the blame is enough to show the measures she will go to not to declare her earnings.  If the person with the money had been caught, it wouldn’t have been Abby facing the questioning.  It would have been the person involved.  Abby risked their reputation, livelihood and future instead of owning up to having the money herself.

People who really know me know that I am not a big Abby Lee Miller fan.  They know I think she plays favorites too much, ignores the dancers she dislikes, and hates for anyone to shine besides her favorites.  While she claims the producers introduced the pyramid of shame, I’ve heard too many tales which make he question her behavior. For her to use “employees” to carry her money, just is the icing on the top.

Will she learn anything from this?  Will she get jail time?  The answer to the second will be determined either on October 11th (or before depending on a slightly different case). The answer to the first is what will be her behavior going forward.  Many Dance Moms fans now are left in wonder how much of the reality show was real and how much scripted.  I think we’d find much more was scripted than we thought!

Every year Big Brother brings us new contestants who have big dreams.  Each year, we see them say, I’m playing my game. Each year, they promise to make non-stupid moves. And each year, they come in and do the same old thing.  If I was associated with Big Brother, which I’m not, I’d make a list of what they say and hit them with it when they are stupid.  This probably is going to be the first in the Big Brother rant line but here we go.

Promise One:  “I’m not going to play too fast.”  Well, what was it?  Day One?  And we had our first alliance which I will call “Get the Returnees Out.”  Now Paul made this pitch even before the game was afoot.  Granted, no Big Brother newbie wants to see a past season person show up but that’s what always happens.  Expect the unexpected but know you are getting more of the same.

Promise Two:  “I’m here to have a good time.”  I’m going to be friends with everyone.  This promise is made to be broken.  Once you become part of an alliance, you immediately turn against the “other side” of the house.  If they’re not with you, they are against you.

Promise Three:  “I’m not going to say anything that people may find offensive.”  Guys and gals, you may think that the production crew is editing out the negative but guess what, the live feeders hear it and post it.  I’m not even subscribed to the live feeds this year and awakened to find tweets of “Do you know that Bronte and Paul made offensive comments about James?”  Seems James ethnic background was offensive to the two of them and immediately we get the stench of past Big Brother seasons and lack of respect.

Promise Four:  “I’m not violent.  I wouldn’t hurt a fly.”  Remember the “Ger the Returnees Out” alliance?  Well, most of them ended up on the block and are facing eviction.  And Paul has not only made a ethnic comment against James but threatened him with violence and promises to start punching people if Jozea is evicted.

Promise Five:  “I treat everyone the same.”  This should read:  I treat everyone the same as long as they don’t go against my wants and do exactly what I say.  Folks, this is Big Brother.  There can only be one winner.  Of course you will not treat everyone the same.  Of course, you will stab people in the back.  Get over yourselves.

Most Big Brother contestants come in with stars in their eyes and dreaming that the show will make them a television star or a name to be remembered.  In truth, the show may give you 15 minutes of fame and that is about it.  Very few of the house guests go on to be big television stars.  And to be remembered?  While I remember Jeff/Jordan, Rachel/Brendan, Dr. Will and the Chilltown crew, it will always be Evel Dick who left his mark on the show.  No one has topped him since he came on the show and I don’t think anyone will.  Sure you can play the quiet game and have others do your dirty work, but it’s much more interesting when you know others are against you and use their dirty tricks to your advantage like Dick did.

For now, I’m signing off.  I’m sure as the season wears on (and if Paul stays), I’ll have MUCH MORE to say.

For all those Dance Moms fans, I think two camps exists:  “I Support Abby and Maddie” or “Get the Show off the Air”.  The verdict is split and the fans just can agree.  All admit there is trouble with the show but no one can admit what it is.  It doesn’t help when the “star,” Abby Lee Miller, throws shade on the producer for “controlling” every detail down to what the girls do.  And where has Collins, in Collins Production, been this year.  He usually hosts the reunion shows?  But here are some things we know.

The Zieglers are gone.  For Maddie fans, I think you have to accept this as a fact.  Maddie has either decided she doesn’t need the show or gotten so many offers that she doesn’t have time to do the show.  Since I don’t have any idea what her status as a “star” is now, I can’t comment on this.

Abby’s Legal Problems.  Just today (June 21, 2016) ABC News reports that Abby will “take responsibility” for all her legal woes.  While we don’t know what that entails yet and the case won’t go back to the judge until around June 30th, we won’t know what type of detail has been worked out.  If she is allowed to continue teaching, the show may continue.  In my eyes, her cred though has slipped with her shady actions.

The Status of Elite Team. If the show does continue, what will the status be of the Elite Team that has been on for six years?  Brooke, Paige, and Chloe who were on the show originally are long gone.  Maddie and MacKenzie are gone.  That leaves Nia and she’s hitting Broadway this summer. I’m not sure how long her run will be, but will she have time to return?  While JoJo is up for returning, the others have stayed quiet.  Abby has also been more attention on the minis and seems ready to move on.  Would she give the Elite team to someone else?

The Mini Team.  Sure they’re cute but can they hold an audience? Are their moms what we expect? I mean so far I haven’t seen a Holly type mom who can hold the team together.  There are many Jill-type moms but there isn’t a voice of reasons in the squad.

For me, it is time to wrap the show up and move along.  There is not much more that can be done with the present set-up and the minis just don’t hold my attention.  I’m honest.  I probably haven’t watched a show all the way through in a very long time.  I usually refocus for the dances.  For the “Abby/Maddie squad,” I hope you will continue to support them but realize that life is hard. Things may change.  And until I hear that LifeTime has picked up Dance Moms for season seven, I won’t buy into the audition hype or anything else.  And that doesn’t mean the episodes that haven’t aired being labeled “Season Seven!”