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THE FOLLOWING POST INCLUDES A VERY LENGTHY AND EMOTIONAL RANT ABOUT THE RECENT BITTER OUTCOMES OF THIS REALITY-TV GAME SHOW, ALONG WITH AN EQUALLY EMOTIONAL AND SOMEWHAT PERSONAL LETTER/PLEA FOR THIS SEASON’S MOST WONDERFUL PLAYER, REILLY SMEDLEY. ANY OPINIONS DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE WERE VOICED IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT, IN SHOCK AND DISGUST FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT REILLY, WHO RETAINS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.
Wednesday, August 16, Day 15
Hisam won the VETO, again, and chose not to use it, again.
Wow, and he spoke out against Reilly, saying she needed to go so he and the others could pursue the relationships they desired?! Just cuz she foolishly told him he was one of her targets (which was really dumb on her part). [And, if you can see where Hisam is coming from, as a target of a person who leads the young majority, he fears the mob will target him, increasing his distress, resulting in this retaliation…public retaliation. But, it still was a heavy public hand to play on the somewhat delicate flower of positivity in the house.] Bastard. Jerk city. He needs to go.
[Even if Reilly is/was a threat, you could have A) kept the target talk to whoever you spoke with privately and/or B) kept the speech less hostile by saying Reilly is your target because she targeted you…not that she’s a bad person who needs to go.]
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Thursday, August 17, Day 16
Hisam addresses his “older party” like a stereotypical shopping woman, who asks someone’s opinion of two options and then, after hearing half of another person’s opinion, goes with his own choice and says everyone is in agreement…right? He’s not taking input; he’s seeking agreement.
Cameron gives a humble, simple speech at the vote. No expectation either way. Reilly is lousy at giving speeches…as I probably would be without preparation…and seems unsure how things will go (so how much did she overhear and how much didn’t she?). [But, she looks amazing in a near-skin-tone dress. And, Cameron actually cleaned up, too, with his white cutout button-down shirt and cowboy hat.]
I look at the two of the nominees in their seats. Both look nicely dressed. Usually, whoever dresses nicely is aware they are on the way out; the casual dresser usually can join those who hug the loser goodbye and stay inside the house. Reilly is wearing a dress! That’s usually the sign!…she knows/assume’s she’s in trouble! Reilly doesn’t wear dresses; she’s a halter-top-and-jeans gal from Nashville (which has been on my list of cities in the USA to visit, since 2010)! [But…everyone said they were going to surprise Hisam and save her. Didn’t they?] Cameron has his hat on; that seems like an “I’m out of here” decision. Yet, his speech didn’t sound TOO convincing about him leaving…while Reilly bit her tongue, as if she was going to expose information on TV too soon?
CORY VOTES TO EVICT REILLY! ^%CK! HE NEEDS TO GO, TOO!
MATT, WHO WAS CRUSHING ON REILLY, VOTES TO EVICT HER! JACKASS! Olympic fail!
CIRIE, WHO SWORE REILLY HAD SUPPORTED HER IN THE BEGINNING AND DESERVED TO BE REPAID…AND REILLY FURTHER OFFERED SUPPORT AT HER EXPENSE UPON HEARING THIS FAVOR-RETURNED SPEECH!
EVERYONE IS TURNING ON HER!!!
MOB MENTALITY!!! NAZIS!
12-0! SICK! HORRIBLE! [Even Frankenstein had at least one human in his corner when they came after him with torches and farm tools.]
THE SHOW SPENT A HALF-HOUR SHOWING PEOPLE BEING SHOCKED BY HISAM AND TURNING IN FAVOR OF REILLY, JUST FOR THEM TO BACK DOWN AT VOTING TIME! TYPICAL AND STUPID FOR THIS SHOW, ONE MORE SEASON!! EXPECTED! I *HOPED* AND ANTICIPATED REILLY BEING IN THE FINAL THREE. BUT, I SHOULD EXPECT THIS TREATMENT OF PEOPLE I LIKE. I’M REALLY STARTING TO THINK THE SHOW NEEDS TO END. IT’S ANOTHER WASTE OF CREATIVITY ON THE STUPID! THESE PLAYERS ARE DUMB, FOOLISH AND WASTEFUL OF A SPIRIT LIKE REILLY’S, IN FAVOR OF A GUY WHO IS SO INTO HIMSELF HE CAN’T SEE PAST HIS SPORTS BOTTLE! COWARDS! CON ARTISTS! [AND, I’M THE BIGGEST FOOL, EVERY YEAR, FOR WATCHING AND TRYING TO ENJOY THE ARTISTRY…AND CRUSHING ON PEOPLE WHO DO STUFF LIKE THIS.]
I HAVE NO REASON TO CONTINUE WATCHING! IF BOWIE JANE SOMEHOW PROVES HERSELF A COMPETITOR…OR AMERICA, IF SHE DOES ANYTHING OTHER THAN SIT AROUND LOOKING PRETTY…MAYBE I’LL CATCH UP, LATER? BUT, THIS IS NUTS. IT’S OFFICIAL, I CARE ABOUT REILLY! I’M NOW GOING TO FAIL AT THE QUIZES ABOUT WHO DID WHAT WHEN, BUT WHO CARES! THE REST OF THE HOUSE SURE DOESN’T. LITTLE WEASEL CORY IS NOW SURE TO RISE TO THE TOP AND SURVIVE SOME NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST BY BEING A TATTLETALE COWARD?! HELLO, MR. NICOLE! AND, GOODBYE! TAKE THE BIG PRIZE; YOU DESERVE IT…IT’S EXPECTED OF YOU TO WIN. THERE; NOW SEE IF HE WINS, WHEN I EXPECT IT. I ALSO EXPECT JARED AND CIRIE TO WIN. AND, HISAM. I’LL EXPECT EVERYONE BUT ONE. ‘SEE HOW THAT WORKS.
AND, WHAT’S ALSO SO MESSED UP IS THAT SHE’S WILLING TO HUG ALL THOSE PEOPLE ON THE WAY OUT, WHEN THEY TURNED ON HER! I WOULDN’T TOUCH ANY OF THEM! ESPECIALLY HISAM! ASSHOLES! WOULD YOU HUG SOMEONE LIKE A BOYFRIEND WHEN THEY’RE JUST GOING TO DISRESPECT OR ABANDON YOU? WOULD YOU CALL SOMEONE AN ALLY/FRIEND IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO SAVE YOU WHEN YOU’RE IN DANGER? WHAT KIND OF FRIEND IS THAT?! MY HEART IS IN PAIN. IS THIS HOW THE WORLD WORKS OR JUST CBS MADNESS?
Had the vote been split, I would feel okay; I’d say some people stuck to their word and care for Reilly (at least, after what Hisam did and continues to do). Had the vote been against Reilly, 7-5, I would bite my tongue and walk away, mildly upset. Had the vote been 9-3, I would nurse a headache and accept a shocking loss. But, 12-0?! You people are… I will not repeat myself more than I already do! I’m just livid.
When asked if Reilly knew about a “relationship” in the house, she thought Blue and Jared were getting cozy…she thought ROMANTIC! as I would. Another reason her and I are in sync.] But, of course, Julie Chen’s poor choice of words fails to suggest family connection. So, no one who doesn’t already know doesn’t guess correctly.
The goodbye messages are pathetic and agitating. Say whatever you will, spill your regrets for voting with the mob. Oh, you’re all so afraid of what would happen if you supported “your girl.” You’re all full of shit. Plain and simple. Mob mentality and cowardice sucks in this game! I swear on a stack of whatever books you want to stick in front of me, I would refuse to go with that mob, no matter the risk. Going with the mob isn’t going to guarantee you anything; you live the rest of your time in that house, always uncertain of what tomorrow may be because 1) you’re not winning competitions; you’re floating…and 2) you’re not deciding anything for yourself, you’re hoping what others do will benefit you.
You’ll see her on the outside? In 74+ days, you’ll be lucky if you remember who sat next to you and said what on the hotseat when the quiz arrives, if the show continues its obnoxious pattern (for being “unexpectedly expected”). In 74+ days, you’ll all be thinking about what you’re going to do, now, that the party is over (and you dressed up for nothing). Don’t give me any BS about your resumes, because this earns you a fat nothing except Facebook time. Enjoy the additional tens and tens of views of your nothing-space, if you have one. I’ll never see you, again, because I don’t want to see people who follow mob mentality for supposed safety. Cowardice! Heartless cowardice!
If you put yourself at risk by supporting Reilly, would you really be the next out the door? If you want to be completely honest, with Hisam in control of the van, do you really think your chances are better by picking on Reilly and supporting Hisam’s speech? I guarantee you’re just as likely to go next week, and you’ll look twice as stupid when you do! Whoever goes out next is the biggest idiot in the game, because they sided with Hisam, who could just as easily win another competition and kick them out with his dictator-mindset. Hail, Hitler.
[On that note, if Jag was next to be evicted, I guess that WOULD make him Reilly’s ride-or-die, because he’d go right with/after her. But, I doubt that will happen, considering he’s a “first. You see…firsts don’t usually go quickly. The show loves to pitch firsts. Reilly isn’t the first bubbly blonde beauty to be in the house; she’s “common.” Yet, to say that sounds hurtful; I don’t think she is common. I like her, very much, which is a bit strange, when I know she and I have similar mindsets. Is this me loving myself?…through another person (with better hair)?]
If I was Reilly, and this was the definite end of her game, I’d write the whole thing off and get on with life as it was, sadly, not that long ago. Cripes, she barely had a chance to light up the house. I honestly don’t care what any of her enemies or supposed allies have to say; they didn’t even have enough time to fully know her. It’s all CBS PR BS. You know it is.
I’m walking away to medicate my heart with something sweet. I am not an emotional eater…but I am, tonight. And, as I find myself talking to myself…incessantly venting, ranting…I hear myself talking exactly like Reilly! Am I sick? I hear her voice in my mouth! It’s weird! But, it’s happening!
Reilly Smedley! [By the way, I bet you got heckled in school with that last name. Right?] We think alike…we play alike (although I’d like to think I’m a bit more strategic and cautious…yet would never cave to mob mentality at the expense of my “ride or die”–Jag!–or a girl I like–other guys!)…we joke alike. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this way about any other female player. I’ve been attracted to other women in this game. But, you’re certainly someone special, not just for your looks. You have wit and brains and are so, so SO full of light.
At the very least, you should have stuck around until, maybe, Day 70, not Day 16. Booting you so early is a crime against nature. Who needs plants? Who needs sunlight? Not that house. Talk about “havenots;” those people “have not” an ounce of good sense or respect. Even if you told each of them to let you go to save Cameron, they had the chance to prove their respect for you by voting in your favor. They didn’t have to accept a martyr speech. I wouldn’t, unless I saw no reason to spare you. I saw no reason to HATE you. I can think of at least five other people I’d paint with a big red target as both threats and jerks. You’re not among them.
Why would I favor you over Cameron? What’s wrong with Cameron? Nothing. At least, he hasn’t had enough time to shine. You’ve certainly, already, been given greater focus. So, this is all obvious? Is that why you leave?…so Cameron gets air time? He couldn’t breathe with you in the room? You people have 90 days to shine. I’m sure he’d get some, eventually. He’s an SNL look-and-sound-alike. I’m sure he’d find a way to represent himself and do just fine. His luck doesn’t hinge on you…yet, I would imagine, if he cared to keep playing, it would have been really easy to turn people against you, because Hisam was already leading the charge. But, what does that say about Cameron’s respect for you? Wasn’t he part of one of your alliances? How worthless is that?
Let’s try looking at this situation, another way. [How many ways have I already tried?] Let’s say this is like an anime I watched some years ago, in which every competitor has a story, a reason to win. In that anime, tough decisions were made; eventually some heart-breaking cases had to be slighted in favor of someone else, telling viewers the continuing champion(s) had better reasons to win. Let’s say you’re just a lucky gal (lucky to be so bright, charming, beautiful and witty) taking a gamble without any heart-breaking story to go along with your reason for playing. You find out everyone else in the house is playing for their family or to pay medical bills…something like that. You realize your claim on the prize is worthless; so you bail. [But, why did they pick you in the first place? They needed a blonde starlet? Was that all they saw in you? And, your age? Your birthday coinciding with opening day at the fair? Were you just a number and a pretty face?]
Don’t bow to and kiss these people and tell them you’ll hang out with them, later, if your game can be cut so quickly and heartlessly. It astounds me how quickly people can cry crocodile tears over a loss and the paint smiles on their faces the next day. Me? I’d be mourning your loss in the house for weeks, most likely. Unless I had sufficient reason to hate you, I’d miss you and not just let that go. It would leak out of my pores…unless the TV crew somehow washes that out and makes it look like I’m not mourning? Which would be cruel but expected.
I confess to falling to mob mentality when I was a kid, when I should have defended my best female friend. I should have stood up and said I loved her as more than a friend, instead of just saying she was a friend to avoid scrutiny. That omission hurt and, eventually, cost me that friendship. It still hurts. But, it taught me a lesson, too. It taught me to not repeat that mistake. Some people you just have to take risks for; no prize money (and no public humiliation) can replace a lasting friendship. And, I wouldn’t throw away you for any wish for a prize, if I truly knew and liked you enough to call you a friend, or even a “ride-or-die.” [Seriously, people disrespect that term! You don’t say stuff like that and throw it away unless you’re stabbing someone in the back!]
[If they take a vote for best houseguest, and you don’t win?…the whole CBS network sucks! I cannot think of anyone else I’d want to hang out and party with in that house. You might be the first bartender I feel compelled to tip, and I haven’t even sat at your bar! Sure, again, I am still rooting for a few other people who I think have/deserve a chance. But, you, Reilly…I cannot say enough. In just a few episodes, you’ve lit a fire. And, for anyone to put that out this way…not even a split vote. That’s an abomination against human spirit. Did I miss something? Should I look over some non-broadcast footage to see you as a monster? Did you ever do or say anything the way Hisam has behaved? Did you speak out of turn (and get ratted out by a weasel) the way Luke did? I doubt that. So, why? Why the mob attack? Why kick the batteries out of the entertainment system? Why throw the party favors away before the party?]
Do you know the real, genuine meaning of “ride-or-die?” I don’t think anyone in that house did, especially Jag. If Jag had a vote and voted against you, he’s not your ride-or-die. [He’s my brother, not literally.] And, if you tell him it’s okay to vote against you to save himself, that’s very nice…but stupid (no offense, just truth). You came into this game for a chance to win; take it! Don’t give it away so quickly! I guarantee people like Cory and Jared will not sacrifice themselves for anyone (except Cirie, the queen alien, when she finally eats Jared for her last meal on the island); they won’t say they’re okay with losing to spare another person’s chances. I’m not saying you should tell Jag to throw himself under a bus, but there’s no reason to be a martyr this soon! You’re no more a risk to him than he is to himself! Don’t let one slip of the tongue shut you down! If you were MY ride-or-die (and I say this every season to anyone I see value in), I’d vote to save you, at my own risk.
This is as much a game about moral codes as it is prize money. If moral codes can kick someone out for saying something inappropriate, it can surely do something about this mob mentality problem. Is Hisam innocent for picking on you and Luke guilty for a casual slip when he was sort of speaking in support of Kirsten, who you unintentionally left railroaded by your own swift decisions? Heck no.]
[I said the same thing when Christmas was in the house…and then she foolishly broke her leg and became a sort of unhappy “floater,” which was really awkward to watch. I was convinced she needed to win, if I didn’t win (which I wasn’t going to, considering I wasn’t actually part of the game!).]
I would not put the gleam of the big prize above my chosen partner. The risk would still be the same. If I vote for you and get kicked out, my chances were not any better by voting against you. Anyone who disagrees is a coward living on a razor’s edge. 25 seasons into this game, every damn player should know better. You all should be smarter if you bothered to watch any of this.
I haven’t even watched every season, but I see between the lines. There is the televised propaganda, and then there is what really happens between people, some of which gets muddled and confused by the pressure from the cameras and crew. I get it. And, I don’t like it. But, I know I like you. And, I’d risk losing for you (unless I was able to learn some dark secret I don’t currently know, something that would go against my moral fiber).
** Reilly, if you can read this or my thoughts, I’d really like to speak with you, as a better friend than the house was to you. And, you know what? It’s okay if you don’t get a chance to go back into the house. [I’d love to see the show let you back in, but then I’d feel sick, again, because I fear you’d just face another round of crap and get booted, twice.] Because, not to sound arrogant, but…you’re too good for that lot. If they can’t see the sense in going against one gay man’s tide to keep a spark of joy in a house that’s going to be a trial for 90 days…if they can’t wait to evict you until you REALLY are a threat…they’re not worth you. Let them figure out how to entertain themselves and get over their upsets, because they chose to evict vitality, wit and charm. **
…Just to be fair. If you were placed in the same position as your housemates, would you vote against your allies? Would you vote against Jag, if he truly was your “ride-or-die”? I don’t know if Julie ever asked that question (of you). If you would have given up on Jag that easily, then you’re not much better than the rest of the houseguests. But, I’d like to think there’s more to you than that…even if you could do something so cowardly and gut-wrenching.
Isn’t what you do today as important as what you might do/receive tomorrow? Shouldn’t someone who respects his/her fellow players enough to stand by their word, at all costs, be more worthy of the prize than those who bend to every dictator out of fear?
As I tried to warn you from day 1, alliances suck. [But, at least, Hisam’s alliance can fudge the truth about being loyal, because his “side” followed orders.] Apparently, winning is all that matters. You win, and you become top of the food chain, for a week. Everyone nods in favor of the champion. Everyone hugs the loser goodbye, after stabbing the poor fool with a knife/vote. It’s all crap. Strategy even bends to mob mentality in this game. So much air time is wasted on every player’s strategy…when only the winner can actually claim his/her strategy, if he/she used it, worked. More often, luck turns a blind eye to the effort and favors the lucky fool who sat beside the laborer, the contender. Thus, you’re better off trying to make friends than chase the prize. But, I’m not sure any of those people deserve friendship if they couldn’t spare a vote for saving you.
[Again, what was the real risk? Are they all afraid of Hisam? ‘Sickening! If I had a circle of “friends” turn on me like that, I would not feel like being their friend, anymore. Nope. Now, sure, maybe Hisam feels the same way. He’s a person, too. He has feelings. But, you both said foolish things; he said his more publicly. Thus, he’s no more innocent or deserving than you. So, defend yourself! And, if no one sides with you, forget them! I really need to zip my mouth and stop repeating!]
If I was you, or in your shoes, the only reason I would have said anything to Hisam about him being your target would be if he outright threatened you (as he sort of did once he harbored fear of you leading a charge against him). And, even then, I’d be aware of how things I say can bite me in the ass. This game…you’ve got to be paranoid about your every move, which is why some bend to fear and go with the mob, thinking that will save them. Alliances work the same way; you think linking together will spare you loss. It doesn’t work. But, ride-or-dies should. The only reason a ride-or-die should fail, in this game, is when one of the two is evicted.
Tell me. Is the show pre-determined? Is this all phony hype to gather an audience, when the real winner(s) is/are already decided? Is it, as I suspect, a “firsts” thing, now?…if not always? Last season, it was the first “black” person (particularly an African-American woman). Actually, I think that was probably the only first to get special attention. Before last season, there were other firsts, but they were like shades of California living versus ground-breaking television. Ooh! First person to be the sibling of a previous player! Special attention! Oh! First returning houseguest from five seasons ago!…they really don’t have a life to pursue! You don’t have to say a word. NDA. I’m sure. I get it. ‘Sucks. But, I get it.
And, if there is no way we could connect/meet, if the forces of the CBS/Disney empire stand in the way of everything humanly possible, I’d like to think meeting someone (just) like you would certainly light up my life. Take that as you will. But, you seem like the sort of person who would make life so much easier to enjoy, allowing me to be far less self-conscious and take more risks, just to fall together and laugh away the mistakes we make. They wouldn’t even feel like mistakes, because we’d be too busy making jokes about them and rolling along, chasing the next adventure. I see you as a sort of female Huckleberry Finn (and me, Tom Sawyer…or flip those rolls, if you prefer to be Tom), who’d be the best person to share a raft rolling down the river of life, never knowing exactly where it goes but feeling safer going along for the ride with a friend.
HASH TAG…SAVE REILLY (BUELLER). [chick-a-chick-aaah…]
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