(S08E33) After 33 episodes of psychologically draining television, Big Brother finally announced a winner tonight, and the results may come as a shock to some people.
Well, they came as a shock to me anyways.
I'm pretty sure most of the reading audience was astute enough to realize this is how things would turn out. Hell, there's probably even a little piece of me that knew this is the way things would turn out, but I didn't want to accept it - couldn't fathom this was even within the realm of possibility.
I'll wait to bore you with that when I wrap this all up with some final thoughts. Until then, let's relive what was and what came to be.
America's Player - Who should Eric campaign for to win Big Brother 8?
As expected, Eric was tasked with convincing the other jurors to vote for Dick. He made some pretty compelling arguments that included:
- The fact that it wasn't in the rule book that you had to be polite or honest or trustworthy at any point in the game.
- Daniele was a sniveling little baby and a brat since week two. I can't disagree with that one.
- Dick's assitude was a clearly defined strategy from the onset.
- Daniele rode her father's coattails the whole way. I do disagree with this one.
- The fact that Dicks best move was targeting the correct person at the right time consistently.
- The fact that Daniele's best move was letting her dad take the bullets for her.
- The fact that Dick won 3 HoHs and won the veto that saved his own life.
Well stated Eric. I still think he would have won this thing hands down if it weren't for this seasons twist.
At this point Zach and Jessica appeared to be favoring Daniele by pointing out that she was a strong competitor and that she'd won five PoVs over the course of the game. I think that statistic alone proves that she didn't totally ride her fathers coattails to success.
The Juror's Questions for the Final Two
Moving on, the jurors had the opportunity to pose a quick question to the Donato's. I was totally expecting to see a softer side of Dick during this questioning session, and I was completely way off base. His answers stayed true to form which meant he was sarcastic and blunt.
The highlights during the sequence occurred:
- When Eric asked who else Dick felt deserved to be sitting there with him in the final two. For the most part Dick said he didn't really think anyone else deserved it aside from Eric and maybe Zach who turned up the heat near the end.
- When Amber asked Daniele why she deserved her vote considering the things she did with Nick while her boyfriend watched from home - to which Daniele replied, "If your basing your vote on my personal life, than I don't even want your vote." Umm, Amber will you be paying by cash, check, or debit card tonight, 'cause you just got served.
Jameka probably had the most interesting question when she asked what Daniele and Dick which strategic moves they credited themselves during the game.
Daniele mentioned her move to get Eric out of the house. Dick went right on the cusp of starting to campaign for himself by saying that he played hard, never floated under the radar, and was most proud of the manuever he made to build an alliance with Jessica and Eric. He also mentioned that he felt bad for having to turn on them later in the game.
Dick's response really irked Daniele because apparently the two of them had promised not to campaign for themselves during the questioning. Daniele expressed how "crappy" she though her dad's responses were, but the edit didn't really go into much detail. Apparently, this was a big point of contention between the Donato's for the last few days.
Daniele getting annoyed with Dick prompted him to say, "Great, something else for her to be pissed at me about!" I found that line hysterical.
JJ is an Idiot
At this point I would like to record that I asked my wife who she thought would win. She said Dick and I stuck with my guess from the previous post and said Daniele. Have I mentioned I'm an idiot?
The Juror's Final Word
At this point we were outside of the Big Brother house in realtime, and the jurors were allowed to make a final statement before casting there vote via key.
- Eric said, "Congratulations once again. This was a clear cut choice for me."
- Jameka said, "Congratulations Donatos. My vote is going to someone who has gained my respect."
- Dustin said, "Actions speak louder than words so I'm basing my vote on strategic actions and not words."
- Jen very comically said, "Honestly...I'd prefer to vote for anyone besides either of you in the house." Oh how I love Jen.
- Zach said, "I was in the house longest with both of you both competively and personally." I'm pretty sure that's all he said. Perhaps he'll finish the thought later.
- Amber said, "Congratualtions to both of you. I was close to both of you and had ups and downs with both of you. I'm basing my vote strictly on game, strategic, purpose." I wasn't sure what the last part meant, but I was happy that she didn't shed a single tear the entire finale.
- Jessica said, "Congratulations. I'm voting for the person I enjoyed more in the house. May the best Donato win."
The First Five Evictees Make an Appearance
Moving right along, we got to see the likes of Carol, Mike, Kail, Joe, and Nick and they all got to speak to kill a little bit more time.
- Nick said, Hi Daniele! See you in a little bit I guess,: and Daniele threw out the trademark, "Awwkkwarrdd." I wish these two would just make some babies already and get it over with. If I could go to Vegas right now and bet my life savings on these two getting together and procreating I'd do it without thinking twice. Of course, I'd only make about $200, but it's money I didn't have before, right?
- Carol said she was proud of how Jessica handled herself despite some of the hurtful things that she said in the house
- Joe said it was enjoyable watching Dustin fall apart from home, but he did congratulate him for getting so far. Dustin seemed irritated and had no response.
- Mike said he was rooting for Zach to make it to the final two.
- Kail said she was not surprised that Dick made it to the end.
America's Player Revealed
Eric finally got to let the players in on the secret he's been holding in all season long. He let them know about the mustard incident, the mimicking of Dick, the traumatic story he told Kail, the silent treatment he failed to give Jessica, his failed attempt to molest Joe while sleepwalking, and the fact that his targets and votes were defined by America. He also let Dick know that America saved him during the week Dustin got evicted.
Eric looked so relieved during this sequence, I thought he was going to cry. You could just tell a giant web of deceit and lies was lifted from him. He just looked thankful to clear his name with the players.
He also let Dustin and Amber know that he would have never turned on them if it wasn't for America. Then he let Jessica know that the love connection that occurred between them in the house was 100% genuine and not some directive from the nation.
The Votes are Revealed
Eric/America - Dick
Jameka - Daniele
Dustin - Dick
Jen - Daniele
Zach - Dick
Amber - Dick
We learned a bit later that Jessica voted for Dick as well, but it didn't really matter. With Amber's vote, Dick was proclaimed the winner of Big Brother 8.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever heard the saying, "Fantastic things will come your way if you're a craptastic person"? Me neither, but someone needs to stick that quote in fortune cookies and disseminate them across the country because it proved to be true tonight.
Never in a million years would I have imagined that someone who acted so cruelly and so hatefully would be rewarded for his actions, and by the people he did it to no less.
I think the jurors were right to call Dick's dickiness "a strategy", but what they failed to distinguish was that that's how Dick really is. His son even confirmed this when Julie asked him, "Is your dad really like this?" and he said, "Yeah, pretty much."
I'm pissed that this misogynistic, homophobic, tattooed, chain smoking SOB can win a half a million dollars for being a complete bastard, yet millions of us go to work each day, without cussing people out, without mocking other people's faith, without farting and burping publicly, without burning people with cigarettes, without pouring beverages over people's heads that we dislike, and make 10-15% of that in a full year. Life is completely unfair.
And what about the message we're sending to the children?!? Do we want them to think that this type of behavior is acceptable? That society rewards the vile and punishes the good guys?
I'm repulsed, I'm disgusted, and mark my words. I'm not watching anything remotely related to the show Big Brother. In fact, I have a Big Brother. His name is John. I'm not going to talk to him ever again. I'm done.
[And for the record, I really don't take this whole thing as seriously as I'm leading on. I'm just trying to get some people worked up so they'll sound off in the comments. It is the last episode for a year after all. Only 9 more months until the next season. Can't wait! Congrats to Dick Donato. Spend your money wisely. Make up with your daughter. Change your look. Tommy Lee was so 1982.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
9-19-2007 @ 1:24AM
Jim Starkweather said...
I got up to the point where Eric was coerced by money to lie and propagandize to the other jurors and said to my wife (who has been a devoted watcher) this is B-Fing-%#$ and walked out. Never to watch another Big Brother again.
Thanks CBS for freeing up my summers so I can do far more productive things.
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9-19-2007 @ 1:26AM
Cyantre said...
In the part you wrote about the first set of evicted houseguest, you wrote Justin instead of Joe.
Dick may have been very cruel at times, but he called it like he saw and it didn't hold back. Watching a show like this you just have to love the person who calls everyone else out, it's great.
I'm glad Evel Dick won, he deserved it. He had a strategy set from day one, and he wasn't always this horrible person. He apologized and gave credit where it was due several times, and that's commendable. There are so many people in the world that think they are the be all end all person, and I'm glad that he wasn't one of those people. Everyone on this show came to play a game, and Dick knew that from day one.
Last season Dr. Will and Boogie played everyone in the house and balanced two showmances, specifically with the intent of furthering themselves in the game. In the real world, manipulating women the way they did could also be seen as deplorable... but it's a game.
It's important to distinguish real life from what is shown on TV, even in a "reality" show. Besides, this isn't exactly the show to watch if you want to teach your kids about morals. =P
Congrats Evel Dick and Daniele, truly the best team to ever play the game.
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9-19-2007 @ 2:04AM
Pinwiz said...
There's no "neither" vote on the poll?
I'm done with this show. DONE! Thank god Damages was on tonight.
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9-19-2007 @ 2:38AM
dan said...
Although i watched every episode.....I am amazed at the amount of my co-workers who have declared "never again" - and tuned this show out weeks ago.
i wonder too if "Dick" went so far that they have alienated a bunch of viewers for the future...
I "love" BB , but even I just got off the couch several times and clicked off early because I just couldn't take anymore.
Their casting did a great job of creating controversy, but perhaps too much controversy ?
too much god
too much antisemitism
too much cruelty
too much hate
too much nasty
but hey..I'm a glutton..I'll be back for BB9
dan
southern cali
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9-19-2007 @ 2:38AM
Sandy said...
I'm offended you like that trashbag ho Jen. Opinions vary. America hated Jen and like Dick. Deal with it.
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9-19-2007 @ 2:58AM
Ryan said...
Definitely Dick over Daniele. Basically it's voting for the person who has been hateful to your face versus the person who has been hateful behind the scenes. Plus since episode one at least Dick has had a "nobler" reason of sticking around i.e. getting reconnected with his whiny daughter. Not until the latter half of the season did Daniele actually start "caring" for her father, and really it's most likely because by that point she had alienated everyone else.
In any case it's all just very ironic. Daniele of course wanted her dad to be in the final two, because she (and everyone else) was so sure it'd be a slam dunk win if you're up against Dick. The ironic thing is that Daniele was probably the one and only person that Dick could've won against.
Now can BB give Eric an automatic BB-All-Stars spot? Because Dick was so right when he said Eric was the best player this season. He would've gone to at least the final two if he weren't limited with America's votes. Would he have won? Eh, debatable, then again it's all moot now.
Another season done and of course every year I say I will never watch this show again. Then I watch the premiere next season and it's love/hate at first sight all over again. Damn you, television!
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9-19-2007 @ 3:12AM
Stormie said...
I am very very disappointed in this year show. I don't think that either of these people (Daniele or Dick) deserve the right to win Big Brother it shows people that if you are nasty, back stabbing and out of control that you can win at things. I hope if you decide to do another Big Brother that the end results are better then this. It just makes me sick!!!!!
Storm
Northern CA
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9-19-2007 @ 4:44AM
KIKI said...
I wish you had included none of the above, donate the money to New Orleans to rebuild houses. I have watched BB for all of the seasons and even with the Boggie and Will you loved to hate them. With Dick he was disgusting with his tactics and if I never have to watch the man spit I will be forever happy. Danielle did win POV's and tied Janelle's record but Janelle was fun to watch and you wanted her to win the POV's. I hope they don't do America's player again, get rid of slop, bring back PB&J and not have relatives competing on the same show. Maybe Dick will buy a new look so he doesn't look like a recylcled 80's band member that was dug up from rehab.
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9-19-2007 @ 7:46AM
MikeS said...
Gladly it's over. Not the best BB USA season.
The producers should watch BB8 UK on video and watch the finale show on how to do a finale show........
http://www.channel4.com/bigbrother/live/
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9-19-2007 @ 7:55AM
KMF said...
Yeah I bailed out on this season's BB. I probably won't be back either. Even for Survivor. The shows are turnign into audition tapes for wannabe stars, not a cross section of America. I wasn't feeling it this year, and I didn't like Dick or Daniele. It's kinda sucky that being a jerk will get you ahead in this world where as being a decent human being gets you the shaft.. Such is life.
I betcha Dick will blow through his new found money in less than a year.
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9-19-2007 @ 8:04AM
Kaley said...
I wonder why Danielle's boyfriend was not at the finale show. You would think that they would want to see each other after all that time. Maybe there is some truth that he is pissed off at her concerning Nick. Anyone have any updates on that end? Just curious.
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9-19-2007 @ 8:10AM
Kaley said...
Did anybody notice besides myself that someone was absent from the festivities last night? "Danielle's boyfriend". Why wasn't he there? Do you think they have broken up because of Nick? Just curious. Thanks for any input.
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9-19-2007 @ 8:11AM
grumpyoldman said...
The Jury was right to vote for Dick over Danielle. That vote just p-o-ed her. And Dick couldn't really celebrate, or it would have alienated his pissy daughter.
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9-19-2007 @ 8:35AM
jpn said...
When I found out it was Dick and Danielle in the final two I was annoyed - I don't like either of them. However, I thought to myself that the only good thing I'd like to see is for Dick to win for a couple reasons:
1) Danielle wanted to win so bad
2) Dick just goes on and on about how special it is to be reunited with his daughter, doesn't seem to be a BB fan and probably doesn't care as much about the title as Danielle
3) I hate Danielle
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9-19-2007 @ 9:10AM
Angi said...
I also was not a happy camper to find the Donato's as the final two. However, Eric pointed out something that WE did. We voted for Dustin to leave and thus changed the game. Did Dick play a strategic game, yeah BUT he could have gone about it completely different. I'm glad that he got the money over Danielle because she is such a whiney brat. Whenever she didn't get her way, we had to listen to "This Sucks" way, way too many times. She DID say that she wanted to be next to her Dad b/c she thought no one would vote for him. I'm glad she didn't get the money to show to her (although I doubt she gets the clue) she isn't as liked as she likes to believe herself to be.
I didn't really have anyone I would have rather win the money. My top three would have been Eric, Jessica & Zach. Although Eric was annoying to watch his facial expressions and such, he was VERY good at the job he took. I'm glad that he is getting rewarded for that (funny that the payments weren't mentioned last night?!).
I hope Big Brother learned a lesson this year and gets a good group next year. With Dr. Will, Boogie & now Dick, everyone is going to try and play the Evil way and it's going to bring the show & viewers down. I would rather see a show like BB6 again. I was hooked that year. This year, I had to almost force myself to watch & only b/c I'm a glutton for punishment.
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9-19-2007 @ 9:19AM
Tammy said...
I guess you didn't watch the first season of Survivor. Sometimes you have to acknowledge how they played the game and forget who they are as a person. Dick was the one doing the strategy and plotting who to get out when. Danielle was playing for herself but she got to the point where she discussed everything with her Dad. If she really wanted to win this, she should have voted her dad out when she had the chance. Dick was the brains behind this and maybe not being a BB fan was to his advantage. He could see the current game for what it was and not try to do what former BB players had done.
I do think Eric was screwed over by America too many times and deserves more money than he got. I still think he should have had the option to not to do it if it was going to jeopardize his place in the game. Also I was hoping that America would be able to get him messages like who said what and who is working together, etc. Once again, BB screwed up a good opportunity.
Overall, a very poor BB season.
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9-19-2007 @ 9:36AM
cynthia said...
This was not the best big brother. I didn't bother to watch the ending last night with father and daughter who cared. Danielle is a spoiled baby who always has to have her way. I agree Dick deserved to win over the two but I would like to have seen someone else beside Danielle in the fianal two. Zach and Eric played a good game. I will watch next time BB is on but I hope they don't have a different format than this year. This is the only season I didn't like.
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9-19-2007 @ 10:00AM
Lorieann said...
Purposly missed the last two episodes of the season. Reason? Well, it has been practically unanimously said, BB8 "SUCKED" these last two seasons and I wish not to further pollute my mind with the taste CBS has for contestant players.
I have to agree with the one viewer about not watching survivor as well. I have a strange feeling CBS"s reality show with children may be a switch because children strive to present maturity, unlike adults who lose it after 21... 16 even.
Actually, the way technology has been progressing at a fast pace rate, TV will soon be a thing of the past. tha...tha...tha...thats all folks!!!
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9-19-2007 @ 10:24AM
brm said...
ENOUGH ALREADY !!!
I absolutely LOVED BB this year. It was the most exciting one yet. Every one needs to get over it and except that DICK and DANIELLE were the best players in this years BB.
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9-19-2007 @ 11:05AM
sdunb9 said...
I notice a lot of people say they will not watch another season of BB (because of sour grapes). I said the same thing last season and I came right back this year. CBS is not intimidated by the whiners that say they will not watch anymore. There are plenty of fans that will watch as long as BB keeps airing. I love this show and this year was the best. It is always great to see GOOD triumph over EVIL!!!!
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