Big Brother 11 Preview: High School Non-Musical

Ever since I started watching Big Brother (just a few seasons ago), I’ve quickly learned that summertime at RNO is full of news about BB episodes, live-feeds, rumors, and commentary. There’s usually a Hall of Shame induction or two thrown in there as well. This summer we’ll be treated to yet another season of America’s guilty-pleasure fishbowl show, this time with the theme of high school. The houseguests will be split into four cliques, reported to be the popular kids, the off-beat kids, the jocks, and the brainiacs. School may be out for the next few weeks, but we’re about to check in for a summer session.

Just last week the identities of the new houseguests were revealed, so we finally know who we’ll be rooting for or against this season. Well, almost everyone we’ll be rooting for or against. The identity of the 13th houseguest is still under wraps and won’t be released until the first episode on Thursday, July 9th. But more on that later. Here are the 12 new Big Brother players:

Braden, 28, Santa Monica, CA – Braden is described as a “cocky surfer,” so expect him to be in either the jock or popular clique. Ironically, he’s afraid of drowning, so we might not see him in the pool very much. Braden is into fashion – he designs his own jewelry – and is very laid-back, so one has to wonder why he chose to live in the Big Brother house. As Braden “constantly boasts about his self-perceived intelligence, looks, charm, and overall desirability,” I doubt he’ll become a fan favorite.

Casey, 41, Lakeland, FL – One of only three married houseguests, Casey is a fifth-grade teacher, which means he has to be well-versed in cliques and juvenile drama. Unlike Season 9’s Adam, who was inducted into the Hall of Shame thanks to his attitude towards autistic kids, Casey actually enjoys working with kids in less-than-ideal situations. He also has three of his own, a 19-year-old and a 9-month-old. Casey seems like a fun guy (his only two fears are his wife and the IRS), but I can’t quite figure out which clique he would be placed in.

Chima, 32, West Hollywood, CA – Yes, Chima lives in Hollywood, but she’s not an actress or a model – she’s a freelance journalist. (Score one for the writers!) She’s described as “educated,” so she might be in the brainiac group. Chima is very close to her family, especially her mother, who is in poor health and who Chima expects to care for in the future. I hope that doesn’t distract her from the goings-on in the house. She wants to play hard, breaking alliances and destroying her competition.

Jeff, 30, Norridge, IL – Jeff is an advertising salesman who seems to fit the jock category. He admits straight out that he wouldn’t be adverse to having a showmance. Jeff lives by the golden rule, but he also likes getting his own way, so it will be interesting to see how he marries the two. Even though he describes himself as having a big heart, so far I haven’t seen much substance in him.

Jordan, 22, Matthews, NC – Speaking of little substance, Jordan is a naïve, guarded waitress from a small town. She’s clearly in the popular group. She’s willing to flirt for votes, and I’m guessing that if any one of the women is going to be up for a showmance with Jeff, it’ll be her. Jordan thinks her social skills will help her go far in the game, which is good because I’m not sure what else could do that for her.

Kevin, 29, Chula Vista, CA – Kevin fits the niche that every reality show seems to need to fill – he’s a gay former Jehovah’s Witness (though usually we get gay former Mormons). I’m putting him in the off-beat category. Kevin is a graphic designer, and though his family and friends have cut him off and he’s been excommunicated, he enjoys his life. He worries about the duration of the show doing him in, so he plans to set small goals for himself. Kevin is also willing to “throw a few battles if it means winning the war,” and he’s ready to deceive his houseguests, as he’s learned a few tricks from his years spent in the closet. He hopes that his appearance (and possibly success) on the show will make his parents proud of him.