Royal Purple

Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Web Extras

Bremer [Click to enlarge]

I've always subscribed to the belief that one man's trash is another man's treasure. If this is indeed true, than the ongoing havoc wrought by Hollywood's writer's strike has got this treasure seeker striking gold in Davy Jones' locker. And the booty: the unanticipated early return of "Big Brother" on CBS.

I know, it's rather tacky to rejoice in splendor while the "Desperate Housewives" have been evicted from Wisteria Lane and Mcdreamy has been recovering in intensive care. We all knew it was coming though.

Ever since the battle for fair compensation amongst TV's hottest writers began, it was clear that it would only be a matter of time before an onslaught of reality programs would be dominating the airwaves, compensating for the absent sitcoms.

While many viewers are ready to dump unscripted television and label as worthless replacements for their favorites, I am all too happy.

The mystery has been solved for inquisitive fans of "Big Brother" as the ninth installment premiered last night on CBS. Rumors had been circulating for months as to whether or not CBS, in lieu of the strike, would push the show back from its originally scheduled [July] airing date. For those whom have not yet experienced the addiction of "Big Brother," allow me to sum up the premise of this drug.

A house is filled with 14 people and equipped with thousands of cameras that watch their every move. The houseguests fight each week to win their food, luxuries and to avoid eviction. The most coveted position is that of Head of Household. That presidential houseguest is safe for one week, gets his or her own bedroom with gifts from home and the responsibility of nominating two people for that week's eviction. The remaining houseguests then vote between the chosen two.

OK, I'm aware that at first glance it appears to be a "Survivor" rip-off. Oh contraire.

What I love about "Big Brother" is there are no camera crews. Instead, the house has motion-detecting cameras mounted to the walls and ceiling, as well as ones hidden in mirrors and such.

The behavior of the houseguests seems less contrived and acted out because they are less aware of a camera's presence.

Continued...

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