Big Brother 14...The Price Of Arrogance

     It seemed like Dan's game to lose. He had successfully perpetrated the longest con in the history of Big Brother and executed what many agree are the boldest moves the game has ever seen. So, what happened? The "master" made a mistake. He underestimated the impact that his lies, manipulations, and betrayals would have on the people in charge of his fate.

     Britney reminds us during the staged jury deliberations that Big Brother is a game without rules, but it is the heinous liar in the role of pot that cries foul, declaring the kettle to be in violation of the rules of life. Apparently, some acts of immorality are not to be tolerated when anyone other than Frank commits them.
     I have always opposed the decisions of emotional juries. I think that votes should be cast based on game play, not to avenge real or perceived wrongs. But, when a player behaves the way that Dan did last night, then jury nullification is the inevitable result.

     A successful player on any reality game show usually has a good social game. Dan either forgot this or deemed it unimportant when it counted the most. He was glib as he proudly acknowledged that he played a ruthless game and checked his morals at the door. He attempted to discredit Ian every time Ian spoke by talking over him or shaking his head in disagreement. He told a lie involving a jury member, which Ian immediately disputed. He shamelessly pandered to the jury while they were voting, showering them with compliments that rang with the same truth as everything else he spoke this season. He was overconfident, insincere, and he reeked of entitlement. And that's when I knew that he was going to lose.

     Ian was a justifiable alternative for the jury. He was everything that Dan was not. He spoke to them with respect, and from the heart. He could cite his competitive wins and moves that furthered his game, relying on "probability, statistics, and heart" rather than the practices often associated with a "dirty" game. His most compelling argument? Dan's advantage at the beginning of the game, being awarded "three lives" to Ian's "one". It was more than enough for a jury looking for valid reasons to not award Dan the prize money. And give those of us that opposed the vets being allowed to play this season a reason to celebrate.
     Anybody that wants me today knows where to find me.
     What's Fair Game now that Big Brother is ended? Survivor: Philippines, of course. I have a few choice words regarding those "returning players"...