Saturday, January 17, 2009

Balloon On A Stick

CBB6 Day Fourteen


Is this series of Celebrity Big Brother too long? In the 'not famous' version, in the summer, the 'housemates' are usually totally compliant in relation to everything that is asked of them, no matter how taxing a task might be. They are so terrified of being ejected from the house, because that would almost certainly end their bid for lasting fame.
Even the higher profile 'non celebrities' from the decade of summer Big Brother find it hard to sustain anything resembling a career, once they are outside the house. As a consequence, they are virtually self-programmed to stay to the (often) bitter end, to maximise their chances of staying 'famous' for more than fifteen minutes.
The celebrities don't have that fear; they're famous already, and so they don't need the oxygen of publicity that Aisleyne or Nikki seek so voraciously. For the celebrities, it is almost a bonus to be voted out, so there is no real incentive for them to 'play the game'. Literally, in the case of the shopping task, which led to Coolio and Tommy going on strike, and Verne and Michelle giving up (personally I don't blame them).
Perhaps if the whole caboodle was squashed into (maybe?) two weeks, then there may not be time for this "whatever" attitude to sink in. Either that, or they are advised that their personal fee, or their charity donation is at risk if they don't 'join in'.


There was a vain attempt to make Ben appear even a little bit interesting and worthy of some screen time, when he was given the somewhat simple task of scaring someone. He 'hid' behind a chair and emerged, rather than leaped out at Ulrika, and as he did so, he tried to sound like a roaring dragon. Unfortunately, he sounded more like a mouse with a throat infection.


The 'dance on a keyboard' thing worked well (but there is an oddity that LaToya always seems to be given tasks that involve her being tucked away from the group for hours/days at a time, to 'rehearse') and in a surprising twist, it was Mutya that took on the dainty role of dancing along the keyboard (rather cutely, it must be said) and Latoya who had the simpler role of plonking her toe on the bass notes. For all of Mutya's whining and moaning, she does transform into a whole different personality when she undertakes a role or task that she clearly enjoys.


A couple of highlights in an otherwise rather an unmemorable day:
Tina, saying three times in sixty seconds, "I'm not being foony". Too true my dear, too true,
and Terry, who must be a major contender to win, as he can see through the absurdity of the whole experience, plays along, and still manages to come up with some great 'one liners'. As Coolio was, again, trying to swagger and promote his 'gangsta' image, Terry told him he should start his reign of terror with a balloon on a stick. It brought to mind this wonderful image of Coolio striding the mean streets of Compton, and claiming it as his territory, whilst threatening all those who challenged him, with his little balloon.
Marvellous stuff indeed.




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# posted by Terence : 7:37 AM




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