The "magic" ain't there!

[Joy]

I would bet my last buck that CBS thought they would capture some of the "magic" of last season by the couples format. They made a huge error because this year's hamsters are nothing close to Eric and Jessica. It is early in the season to make such an assumption and if I have crow feathers sticking out of my mouth later on so be it.

[Crazy]

The problem with this season, IMHO, is that whatever happens it won't be magic. The producers have gone out of their way to cast the most lascivious people they could find, and even gone so far as to call them 'soulmates'

Typically in BB past, relationships with other house guests dynamically effect the outcome of the game, either they control the house through an unshakable alliance, or become a target and one of them goes.

The same dynamic is still in play, except that everyone's 'partner' is a team vote. Sharon falling for Alex probably won't have the effect of saving Alex and Amanda, it will more likely seal their doom. Matt's snubbing his partner, and trying to get on every other girl in the house doesn't help his situation either. Nor is it likely that any relationship forged in this house will seem worth forfeiting the prize to a percieved lover.

The only true to life drama that this series might bring is perhaps Allison stealing Ryan or Natalie making an honest man out of Matt. Neither seem remotely possible at this point.

[moviegal]

ITA - the problem is that you can't force magic. Jess & Eric were so appealing last year because we watched their relationship develop honestly and genuinely (all game play aside). Plus, Jess had a very healthy dosage of self-respect, competitiveness and fun - which seems to be missing from many of these HG's. She also was very shrewd. Eric was definitely the best player in the game - it was a shame he was saddled by the AP (even though the money he won wasn't shabby). I would have loved to see these 2 play their own game.

You can't replace honest emotions with sleaze. If you had told me last year that I'd be missing beer pong and quarters, I'd never have believed it.

[dumblonde]

If I wanted to watch soft core porn I would turn on Cinemax. These people have no game. All they want to do is get naked & screw each other. I am not a prude, I could even take the skanks & their nudity if they would have some game play. This is no longer BB or a strategic game. It has turned into some misguided attempt at I dunno what (sexcapades? a titty bar? a bad high school reunion?) by Allison Grodner. Every year people whine that the show sucks & CBS needs to fire Grodner. I have never been one of those people... until now. I think it's time for a fresh new producer with fresh ideas. If I didn't have a live feed update commitment that I cannot break I would have turned the feeds, TV Show, & BBAD OFF for BB9 already.

If the summer BB10 is anything like this one I can honestly say without a doubt I am done with BB

[moviegal]

I am not a prude, I could even take the skanks & their nudity if they would have some game play. This is no longer BB or a strategic game. It has turned into some misguided attempt at I dunno what

I couldn't agree more. I have BBAD, and when you look at this group compared with the erotic, sensual ads for The Tudors during the breaks, it just makes me flip over to On Demand and watch reruns of The Tudors. Much better looking cast, and much better TV.

What I loved about BB is the game - and I don't see much of it happening here.

[Crazy]

I think a lot of us feel the same. Not only is there no game, this season's twist has put intellegence to a detriment.

To start we had 14 people (less than most season's anyway) but paired made for 7 couples, one of which was eliminated by the power couple, so down to 6 couples. Additionally, every elimination knocks out two people, so J&P gone leaves 5 couples. Very early in the season we're at endgame, and already the possibility of a 2-2 split.

Since they are coupled with someone already, making friendships such as the bond between Shiela and Allison, still splits a vote as Adam wanted Ali gone. Sharon getting close to Alex (something genuine) only served to put her on the radar and seal the fate of A&A.

Quite the opposite of the challenge BB ought to be. Worst. Twist. Ever.