Unveiling Big Brother's Mind-Boggling Twists: Unearthing Secret Pairs and a House Divided
From mind-bending Power of Veto challenges to unexpected twists like Project DNA, 'Big Brother' has redefined reality TV Brace yourself for the most jaw-dropping moments in the show's history, where secret alliances and game-changing competitions take center stage
Big Brother adheres to a basic formula each year, but fans are well aware that unexpected production twists are part of the experience. While certain twists have posed challenges to players, such as Eric Stein being chosen as "America's Player" in season 8, other houseguests have skillfully utilized these unforeseen circumstances to their benefit.
Jun Song, for instance, feigned animosity towards her ex-boyfriend, Jee Choe, upon his arrival in the house as a part of the unexpected "X factor" twist during season 4. Contrary to appearances, the two former lovebirds harbored a covert alliance throughout much of the competition, ultimately leading Jun to claim the coveted grand prize. Explore further to uncover the most astonishing plot twists in the history of Big Brother.
The Power of Veto
Once upon a time, the Power of Veto was not a core component of Big Brother, but a twist introduced during season 3 in 2002.
The twist, known as the Power of Veto, has become a regular feature in every following season, serving as a method to counterbalance the authority of the Head of Household. In 2004, houseguests Marvin Latimer and Nakomis Dedmon introduced the Big Brother strategy called the backdoor, with the help of the Power of Veto. Jase Wirey was the first person to fall prey to this technique during that season.
In an effective backdoor strategy, the Head of Household strategically selects two pawns for eviction instead of directly targeting their intended individual. Subsequently, the HoH orchestrates the utilization of the Power of Veto on one of the chosen pawns, effectively placing their desired target on the eviction block without affording them an opportunity to participate in the competition for safety.
The X-Factor
In 2003, season 4 of Big Brother started with eight houseguests. However, the competition took a surprising turn when it was announced that five additional contestants would be joining. What made this twist even more dramatic was that all five of these new houseguests happened to be ex-lovers of the original eight.
The impact of this revelation was immediately felt, as Scott Weintraub reacted explosively when his ex-girlfriend Amanda Craig entered the house. In a fit of anger, Weintraub resorted to throwing furniture, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the game due to his unacceptable behavior.
Project DNA
In season 8 of the X-Factor, a twist unfolded as Joe Barber stumbled upon the shocking realization that his former boyfriend, Dustin Erikstrup, was also a participant in the game. This surprising development caused a stir among the contestants. Similarly, the following season, another intriguing twist unfolded when Sharon Obermueller and Jacob Heald, who happened to be exes, were paired together to compete as "soulmates." The unexpected reunion sparked intrigue and added an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
Bill Inoshita/CBS
Project DNA, comprised of Secret Siblings and the Twin Twist, was introduced during season 5.
The Twin Twist involved Adria Klein and Natalie Carroll, who were identical twins. They took turns playing as Adria without the other houseguests realizing. They managed to keep this secret until week five, when they both joined the game as individuals. This twist was also used in season 17 in 2015, with Liz Nolan and Julia Nolan finishing in second and sixth place.
In Project DNA, Nakomis and Cowboy Ellis, who were half-siblings and previously unknown to each other, were brought together. Their relationship was revealed in week two.
Summer of Secrets
In season 6 of 2005, every contestant in the game had a concealed partner whom they were acquainted with before entering the house. This unexpected twist included friends, couples, former coworkers, ex-roommates, neighborhoods, and sorority sisters.
Initially, every secret pair believed they were the sole duo with an external bond. In the event that both individuals of a twosome made it to the final two, they would be awarded twice the original prize money. The participants in the house soon discovered this twist, and it was formally acknowledged by host Julie Chen Moonves following the third live eviction.
America’s Player
CBS
Implemented in 2007 during season 8, the America's Player twist granted viewers substantial control over Eric's game trajectory. Fan votes occasionally swayed Eric's voting decisions and determined which housemate he targeted for eviction. Despite this disadvantageous twist, Stein remarkably secured the 5th place finish.
America’s Player made a comeback in 2008 during season 10, with Dan Gheesling emerging as the victor. In contrast to Eric, Dan held the title of America’s Player for just one week. He managed to secure $20,000 by skillfully completing all three missions assigned to him, one of which involved targeting Jessie Godderz and voting to evict him.
Coaches
In 2012, several Big Brother alums, including Dan, Mike "Boogie" Malin, Janelle Pierzina, and Brittany Haynes, returned for season 14 to participate in the Coaches twist. Each of the four coached a group of new players, with the promise of winning $100,000 if one of their players emerged as the game's victor. However, during the third week, the coaches were given the opportunity to compete as individuals. All coaches, barring Mike, accepted the offer and subsequently entered the game.
Throughout the season, Dan, who reached the final two alongside Ian Terry, executed a highly significant strategic move known as "Dan's Funeral," which has become legendary in the history of Big Brother. By feigning his own demise and creating the illusion of discord with his primary ally, Danielle Murphree, Dan effectively persuaded his former opponent, Frank Eudy, to keep him in the game.
Battle of the Block
Debuted during the 2014 season 16, the Battle of the Block brought about a unique twist to the game. At the beginning of each week, two Head of Households (HoHs) were crowned. These HoHs then had the responsibility of nominating two houseguests each for potential eviction. However, there was a twist - the nominated pairs had the chance to compete against each other in a battle for their safety and the opportunity to overthrow the HoH who had nominated them. It is worth mentioning that Frankie Grande made a remarkable achievement by winning a BotB competition all by himself when his partner, Caleb Reynolds, discovered his betrayal and chose not to participate.
Split House
The resurgence of BotB in season 17 sparked controversy among avid Big Brother enthusiasts. A portion of the audience expressed their disdain, perceiving this twist as a means for dominant alliances to retain control with ease each week, resulting in a monotonous and anticipated gameplay.In season 24 of 2022, the cast was split into two separate groups for a double eviction. For an entire week, the two groups, with five players in each, were completely isolated from each other. One group stayed inside the house at "BroChella," while the other group stayed in the backyard at "Dyre Fest."
This twist resulted in Joseph Abdin's downfall as he was separated from several members of his alliance, known as the Leftovers. Taking advantage of the Split House twist, Kyle Capener, a member of the Leftovers, revealed the alliance to his showmance partner, Alyssa Snider, and the Dyre Fest Head of Household, Terrance Higgins. The Dyre Fest group then targeted Joseph, leading to his eviction, which came as a surprise to the other side of the house when the twist came to an end.
