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And so with a burst of confetti and a rousing standing ovation, this tenth and wonderful season of Big Brother 10 came to a close tonight, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I found my way into the audience. Come hell or high water, there was no way I was gonna miss the chance to see the entire cast assembled in one place — and let’s not overlook the chance to hobnob with some of the past alums (don’t think that finally meeting Julie Chen fulfilled all my Big Brother stalking needs). In typical fashion, I grabbed my fellow BB enthusiast, Jash, and together we ventured into the San Fernando Valley for one last trip to the Big Brother household.
The experience did not disappoint.


Things started off normally enough when we arrived at CBS; although, we should have known tonight would be a special night after the guard at the gate told us we could park on the third floor of the garage. Normally, we’ve been relegated to the dreary upper regions of the fourth floor or above, but not this time! It was actually unfortunate because as I pulled up to the guard’s gate, I told Jash that he always gives the same spiel: park anywhere you want on the fourth floor or higher, no cameras, no cell phones, and take your parking ticket with you for validation. Well, being the impatient bastard that I am, I decided that this time I would move things along by saying, “Park on the fourth floor or higher, right?” The guard looked at me, stuttered, and then restarted in a slightly annoyed tone — almost as if to say “If you just let me SPEAK I could tell you that you sir are WRONG.” Sure enough, this time we were on the third floor. Huzzah!
Anyway, Jash and I parked and then got in line in the audience holding area, but unlike previous visits, we weren’t surrounded by throngs of anonymous people from all across the country. No, on this line, we had the likes of Matty and Adam from season 9, and Nick and Jen from season 8. Excited? OH JUST A TAD.
Okay, we weren’t gushing or anything — although, the sight of Jen does prompt instant adoration — but we were amused nonetheless that these former cast members were now stuck in the same pedestrian line as the rest of us. Big Brother: the great equalizer.
Actually, it wasn’t all an equalizer. Other alums showed up but didn’t get in the line. We saw season 8’s Joe and Zach, all-stars James and Erika (who arrived with her boyfriend Adam from Survivor: Cook Islands), and season 9’s Parker, Sharon (beep boop beep), Joshuah, and the most troublesome one of all, CHELSIA. And yes, she was still sporting that VERY modern hairstyle. Oh, and of course, I can’t forget my favorite rocker / Mom-Jeans-enthusiast, Evel Dick. I let out an audible groan when I saw him, but fear not, he was far away from me (poor Jash lives in the same building as Dick — a regrettable twist of fate).
Well, after a while, the audience coordinators finally ushered us to the soundstage. It was a five minute walk, but not for the cast members, who got special shuttle service care of a golf cart and a production assistant. Amusingly enough, by the time we arrived at the stage, the cast members were just showing up. It made me feel oddly triumphant knowing that the entire golf cart process was less effective than actually hoofing it. Small victories, people. Small victories.
After more waiting, we were finally let into the stage, whose pleasant semicircle of seats had been replaced with two towering rafters. It felt like Big Brother’s ode to Aztec temples (assuming those temples were made of chairs, not stone). Jash and I were placed all the way at the top of one rafter (second to last row), which was actually great because we could see so much. Unfortunately, seating was tight, and I for one wound up wedged between Jash and another guy for way too long, thus engendering two gargantuan pit stains in my previously dry underarm regions.
To my delight, we were also seated behind the aforementioned James (not the Crazy/awful one, but the guy from seasons 6 and 7) and Bunky, the latter of whom was wearing a loud, ridiculous shirt that may or may not have been sewn from a Hefty bag. Look, I’ve met Bunky before. We did a roundtable on Fox Reality once, and he was very nice. The shirt though? Awful.
Speaking of that roundtable, when Bunky sat down, I tapped him on the shoulder and said hey, reminding him of our previous meeting. He clearly didn’t remember me. Well, I shouldn’t say “clearly.” At first I thought I had retriggered his memory of me as he was all “How are you!” but later in the taping, I tapped him on the shoulder again to ask him a logistical question about something or another, and after he finished telling me his answer, he asked, “What’s your name?” I told him, and he said, “Nice to meet you!” Um, did he completely forget that we had not only met previously, but I had just reminded him an hour earlier that we had met? I did what only a man in my position could do: I did the old “Nice to SEE you too.” As in, “I won’t say ‘MEET’ because we’ve MET before, and I’ve just established that AN HOUR AGO.” He really is a nice guy though. I’ll just chalk it up being overwhelmed with finale excitement.
Of course, I’m not sure he or James would necessarily admit that they were excited. They (mostly James) kind of acted like those people who’ve just finished freshmen year at college and come back to high school graduation and act so OVER everything. And again, let me stress that they weren’t being dicks or anything. They just didn’t seem to be owning the fact that deep down inside, they were probably kind of stoked to be back “home.”
Sitting behind the two of them, we also picked up little tidbits of gossip. Well, only one that I can remember. Apparently Beau from season 6 (who walked in with Ashlea after we had taken our seats) had a fiancé, and that fiancé was super loaded, thanks to a burgeoning club empire or something like that. I didn’t get all of it, but if it’s true, I wouldn’t be shocked. You had to figure that Beau would end up with a sugar daddy of some sort (possibly the deaf kind).
Anyway, before the show began, the producers handed out signs and posters to the audience (and yes, there were people who brought their own signs), and guess who was lucky enough to receive one? That’s right. ME. I wound up holding a super bright, fluorescent yellow thought bubble poster (the only one of its kind and color) that said “MARRY ME, KEESHA!” (Gotta respect the inadvertent Arrested Development reference.) It was so bright and oddly shaped that I just knew it would wind up on camera. Sure enough, I was right. Every time Jash and I raised it to the heavens (it was a joint effort), I would steal a peek at the overhead monitors and see our stupid BUBBLE bouncing around above the audience. It was actually quite convenient later when we watched the show back as it immediately indicated our location at any given moment. The only thing better would have been a flashing neon arrow that said “THEM.” Jash was actually quite visible on TV because he wore a light pink shirt that seemed to reflect any and all light. I, however, opted for a dark, long-sleeved tee; so I kind of disappeared into the crowd during the wide shots.
Well, as usual, the producers warmed up the crowd with all sorts of Big Brother trivia, and man, the audience participation was hilarious. People were screaming out answers in that enthusiastic, loud way that instantly made Jash and I cackle. For anyone who’s seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall, it was akin to the moment when Mila Kunis’s character yelled out “MORE DRACULA!” And yes, I did yell that out at one point.
Eh, it’s hard to describe.
The guy behind us, however, was a massive answer-yeller. And even better, his voice was semi-Rennyish (but without the charm). Later in the taping, after Dan had won and we were in a commercial break, the guy yelled out “HEY DAN, WHERE’S YOUR PLANE?” or something like that. I imagine it was a reference to some comment Dan must have made about a plane waiting for him or something like that, but it was so bizarre and out of context that everyone just eyed him strangely, including and especially Dan who just sort of screwed up his face as if to say “What the?” and then shrugged and turned away. Real smooth, PERSON BEHIND ME.
(Oh, and speaking of real smooth, how about that guy in the very front row who the camera caught cheering with all the joy of a gospel choir on Easter morning? Now that was embarrassing.)

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The highlight of the pre-show quiz, however, was a showdown between Ashley and Monica, the girlfriends of our finalists Dan and Memphis. Jash and I predicted an all out Thunderdome on stage, but alas, the two girls were very nice to each other, with nary a hair pulled or nail broken. What sort of cat fight was this? Oh well. I guess I’ve gotten too used to Keesha’s drunken rampages.
Nevertheless, the taping got underway, and Jash and I happily raised our sign whenever we could. It was so silly and funny that we were even doing it in the first place because neither of us are what you’d describe as “sign people”; although, I did once make a poster for Santana Moss at a football game that said “Can’t Beat Santana” — an acrostic for CBS, the network I would later appear on several years later thanks to… A SIGN! The irony! Anyway, we shook the poster around, and whenever we saw that it was on TV, we rattled it mildly violently for full attention-grabbing effect. So if you go back and see a spastic, bright yellow poster bouncing around in the audience, that’s us. At one point, you can even see me pointing at the ceiling with my free hand. Why I did it, I don’t know. But I was in the bubble zone, and pointing upwards just seemed so incredibly right. How could I resist?
WELL. When the jury strutted on out onto the stage, we of course went to town with the bubble, shaking it vehemently when Keesha’s name was called. It was all fun and games to us, cheesing out in the audience, when suddenly we noticed that Ollie and Michelle were not only staring at us, but pointing too. Oh gosh. They think that we’re Keesha fans. And even worse, that we want to MARRY her. Look, I like Keesha, but I would never make a homemade poster for her, let alone seek nuptial bliss with her. But the damage was done. Ollie and Michelle tapped Renny and Keesha, and then they too turned and looked at us.
“Oh God. They think this is sincere!” Jash and I said to each other. But that didn’t stop us from keeping up the act. In fact, when Keesha laid her eyes on us, we both WAVED at her gushingly as if we really did want to marry her. I mean, what else were we supposed to do? Give her the finger? Besides, Renny looked so happy that Keesha had two suitors in the audience. We really couldn’t do anything less than give Keesha her ego-boosting moment.

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Note that as Keesha walks out, we’re the only ones brandishing a sign.

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Keesha staring at us. How awkward.

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And yes, now the rest of them are looking at us. Except Jerry — he just sat down.

And that’s when the fear set in. What if Keesha found out our bubble was a bubble of LIES? She’d stab us in the face! And what if we ran into her after the show? Would we be able to admit that our adoration was as phony as Memphis’s promises? Surely she would not take well to that, and the last thing we wanted to do was feel the brunt of Keesha’s rage, especially if it involved getting a wine glass upside the head. We were trapped in an untenable situation: a forced stalk of Keesha.
But on the bright side, we had everyone in the jury looking at us at one point; so that was cool. And no, we didn’t do it by being obnoxious like Shelly. Okay, we were obnoxious, but it was a socially acceptable level of obnoxiousness. And as such, towards the end of the show, we started getting downright silly with the bubble. We were really only supposed to bust out the bubble right before and right after commercial breaks, but when Keesha won the audience prize (over Renny? WTF?), you’re damn right we took out that bubble. THAT WAS OUR DAMN FIANCE DOWN THERE! You think we wouldn’t support her via thought bubble? So again, if you go back, you’ll notice one solitary bubble bobbing up and down excitedly as Keesha accepts her award. Way to go, us.

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Once again, a lone dollop of yellow enthusiasm rises above the audience.

Eventually, the taping came to an end, and after an enjoyable Early Show exit interview, it was time to clear out (sadly, we left the bubble on the stage, fearing that it might be cumbersome to drag around). Instead of going to the garage and leaving, Jash and I decided to sneak our way into the VIP Lounge, inside of which we found all the aforementioned Big Brother alums as well as a litany of hors d’oeuvres and dips. It was delightful. I unfortunately did not have my digital camera as I wasn’t expecting such an opportunity, but Jash and I did manage to put our cell phones to good use, snapping away some pics with various former stars (the current cast was in the backyard talking to the media).

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YES!

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Here’s me with Matty.

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Here’s Nick, who was the nicest guy. And on top of that, he reads this site. So everyone say hi to Nick.

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Jen from season 9, who was also very nice. Although, after I walked away, she did tell people I was a racist. I JUST KEEEDING!!! She was very sweet.

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Joe from season 8. Yet another friendly person. I took this picture with him mainly because I wanted to document his hair. He told us that he and Dustin are on very good terms these days — but that being said, DUSTIN still gave him the clap.

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What’s that troubling beacon of light in the darkness? Why, it’s Chelsia and her VERY modern haircut.

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Me doing what I do best: attacking free food.

At this point, we decided to put our cell phones away and head on out. We didn’t really interact with any other former house guests; although, I guess I bumped into Joshuah because he made a little joke pretending to be prissy, but then he followed it up with a “I’m just kidding!” I didn’t really hear his joke though; so I was just confused. I smiled politely and let him continue walking along. Oh, and we also thought we saw Sheila, which would have absolutely made our day, but alas, it was just a fake Sheila. Thank goodness I didn’t approach her about a photo. That would have been uncomfortable. Yew know wut? Yew don’t owe me the real Sheila, but ya kinda dew!
So that’s pretty much it. What did you all think of the finale? Were you happy with the outcome? Surprised? And most importantly, did you see our bubble?

34 replies on “INSIDE THE BIG BROTHER FINALE: That Yellow Bubble Sign? Yeah, That Was Us.”

  1. I must say was looking at interviews and finale of bb10 and ran into your experience and just loved and laughed more than I can say of your play by play of what you yourself went through this night!!!! It was the best and it made me go back and watch the show to see you and the hgs reaction to the sign that you were holding from live show, just the best. I couldn’t stop laughing that I woke up family members and they began laughing too. Best of all is I didn’t notice the guy in front row until you pointed him out and all I could think is him responding with a “hallelujah”, ROFLMAO…. Must say wish you could be doing interview think your take would be just the best. Thank you for the real behind the scenes facts. Just wish we could have some shots of the Monica and
    Ashley preshow. Again this is the “real” deal and view of what goes on in a finale show, tell you friend Jash better than most reporters have done all season.

  2. That sounds like an awesome night! SOrry for Jashj living by Dick. I bet that keeps the rent low though. Thanks for another great season of reviews.

  3. I saw the yellow bubble!! Actually, the damn thing kept getting in the way each time I would look for you in the audience…you know, I`m starting to feel a bit stalkerish(I know, that is a real word..)with each live show I sit home and scan the audience trying to find you.
    And I did notice when the jury was looking and pointing into the audience, however I couldn`t figure out if the had seen a previous BB houseguest or a secret door out of the house.
    Congratulations on making it to the finale and into the VIP lounge!
    Can`t forget to say hi to Nick!

  4. I did see the yellow bubble!! The damn thing kept getting in the way each time I scanned the audience trying to figure out if you were there. And all that time you were hiding behind the yellow bubble….
    I agree, I would have also enjoyed seeing Monica and Ashley talk about their guys.
    It`s unfortunate that the camera didn`t focus directly on April and/or Michelle`s face when they announced that Keesha was America`s favorite juror. I`m sure it must that would have been priceless.
    I also love the way that Brian called out most of the jury about the personal attacks and gave props to Dan and Memphis for playing the game as a game and not making things personal.
    In my opinion, this is the best final 2 in a very long time. I could actually say that I was ok with either guy winning.

  5. SpecialK and I were scanning the audience for you, too. Alas, we did not find you. I am so happy that you and jash were awash in a sea of BB alum. (Holla, Nick!)
    From your angle you might not have seen this: when Memphis came out of the house, a guy (in a form-fitting white sweater) literally sprang out of the audience and attacked Memphis with a huge bear hug. We in the Pub scrutinized that footage like the Zapruder film. It honestly was a wonder that security didn’t haul the Memphis-grabber away immediately.
    Good job getting into the VIP lounge (again, right?). You are The Master of the free buffet.

  6. I was also looking for you in the audience, I was hoping you were there so we could have a final in audience recap for this season. That’s awesome that you made into the VIP party, it’s great that you got some pics! (Hi Nick!)

  7. I think that holding up a sign on TV constitutes a legally binding contract. I wish you and Keesha (and Jash) many happy years together. Perhaps you can use her $25K prize money on the wedding.
    Great recap and thanks for the insider insight to the finale. I was surpised that Dan swept the vote (no luv for mixologists and v-necks?), but he deserved the win. He was almost out the door after Brian and played hard (and smart) enough to win the whole thing. I agree with hardlyworking about Brian’s statements. Both Dan and Memphis kept the game as a game (which is why I was glad they made the final two) while all of the jury members were willing to make personal attacks. I love the “what, me?” look from Michelle when he called her and April out about making fun of Keesha’s appearance.
    Great season, BSide. Now the long wait until the next BB begins.

  8. I’m so glad you made it to yet another live taping! Beth is probably not happy at all.
    Way to go with the free food score.

  9. I loved the finale but would have loved any of the first four evicted houseguest to rat out Michelle for the banner that she claimed had a message…She lied about that all the way thru, but thought she was outing Dan for taking her on the trip!! That would have served her right for lying….Thanks for all the updates to the finale!!

  10. An excellent report! I absolutely noticed the worshiper in the front pew and was delighted by his enthusiasm. I thought he was about to burst out speaking in tongues.
    Hi Nick! Good job trading up from Danielle to the fabulous Jen. A Jenius decision!

  11. LOVED your post! Thx for putting it out there for us. Dude, where’s a pic of m’grrrl BB8 Jen?? Love me some Jen. My All-Stars picks so far are: BB8 Jen, Renny and Brian.

  12. Sounds like a fun night. Wish I lived closer so that I could go!
    You know what’s funny, (or not), I read your site all the time so when the show came on, I looked for you in the audience. I couldn’t pick you out of the crowd but I did notice the sign! Bubble signs rock.

  13. B, thanks for sharing. With your amazing writing talent, it’s easy to live vicariously through you. I like that you guys have so much fun.
    Hey Nick!

  14. You guys are fricken hilarious. Can’t believe I haven’t seen your blog sooner. I’m going back to my TiVo to find you and your bubble.

  15. Now I’m going to have to get out of the habit of scanning the audience for your face when I watch TV. I’m glad you pointed yourself out this time, I never would have found you.
    Nick. You complete me. Oh, and holla Jen!

  16. Damnit, now I’m all depressed that there won’t be any more of this until next year. Can you just go to tapings of random shows every week for us?
    Is it sad that I’m the most jealous about you having an encounter with Chelsia’s troublesome hair?

  17. I saw the bubble sign and stuff yall were Funnnnnny..:) There were some peeps on this season I wasnt much into, like Ollie losing his “Manhood”, dont have to have one first?? and Michelle and Ape thinking they were the HOT CHICKS this season, which they werent hahhaha..But, I like Dan and Memphis they are both kewl..
    I saw Jen and Nick 2gether woohoo, Hi Nick are you not selling anymore stuff on ebay?? Looks like Jen got her man way to go JEN, u go girl..:) Give Nick a hug for me..:)
    STEVEN

  18. holding that sign was all FUN AND GAMES until keesha and the jury were pointing it out and it went from FUN to INCREDIBLY AWKWARD in about a split second.
    “oh were having fun”
    “they are pointing at us!”
    “OMG KEESHA IS GOING TO STAB US IN THE NECK”

  19. MARY ST JOSEPH you shouldnt propose marraige to a girl via thoght bubble that you have never met IT”S INAPPROPRIATE
    Good job on the audience gig and VIP crashing.
    Yet another BB summer comes to an end….sigh

  20. You are just telling a story about that sign being given to you. I saw the other part of that poster board in yout trash and the scissors and markers were on the table. You better stop lying to the people Ben and fess up. They might even like to know that there may have been a very nice ring in your pocket.
    The people have to know.

  21. I wonder who would win in a fight over Keesha’s affections…B-Side or Jash, hmmmm.
    Heya Nick! Maybe you can find out the status of my Jensa membership…..

  22. At least you didn’t have to hold up the sign that said “The Renegades are the new Chilltown”. I love Dan and all, but that’s just blasphemous.

  23. Dude! What a blast for you guys.
    Joe looks great! And of course Nick is the nicest guy! He’s from Minnesota. They have a term around here- it’s called “Minnesota Nice”. I am actually embarrassed to admit that.
    I can’t believe Shelly wasn’t at the finale. I must admit, that disappoints me a little. I like the Shelly stories.
    And I am kind of surprised that BB makes up fake signs for the audience to wave around. What the hell is that? I wonder if Keesha knows that it was all a BIG FAT LIE???
    Thanks so much for sharing your stories, B. We love living vicariously through your L.A. experiences. Let’s see… what’s next? Survivor, Amazing Race, Housewives of who the hell knows where… Thank God there are plenty of other shows for you to write about. But of course, there is only one Big Brother.
    Here’s to the end of a great summer!
    p.s. Hi Nick!

  24. “At least you didn’t have to hold up the sign that said “The Renegades are the new Chilltown”. I love Dan and all, but that’s just blasphemous.”
    I agree, WTH! BSIDE thanks for sharing. No picture of Jen (BB8)? Luvs her!

  25. B-Side – you are hilarious! I am causing a scene here at my office becuase I am laughing so hard at your BB comments. Keep it up!
    Hey Nick! Tell Jen a fellow BGSU alumni was rooting for her…go Falcons!

  26. My first time here. I really like your site and your writing. I was born and raised in San Fernando Valley and now live in Lodi. I think next year I will plan a trip down to be in the audience. You have made it sound so much fun. I would have acted the same way just out of the excitement of the situation. Couldn’t you have snuck into the backyard also, just act like you belong there, or make false credentials? Afterall you are reporters.
    Love this place and I will be back and wil share with my many BB friends. thank you.

  27. Thanks Cillysue and everyone else.
    By all means, everyone keep coming back in the non-BB season. I’ll be posting about other shows and other things! DON’T LEAVE ME!!!
    (as for the backyard, my friend was there interviewing house guests for three hours. That’s a bit much for me.)

  28. I rewatched today so I could see you with your yellow sign. SO CUTE!
    You and Jash did very well. Suck it Beth!
    Hi Nick! I’m glad that you didn’t end up with Danielle b/c I REALLY didn’t want you to get a pet monkey. Jen’s a million times better than her anyway!

  29. I rewatched today so I could see you with your yellow sign. SO CUTE!
    You and Jash did very well. Suck it Beth!
    Hi Nick! I’m glad that you didn’t end up with Danielle b/c I REALLY didn’t want you to get a pet monkey. Jen’s a million times better than her anyway!

  30. very funny recap and the yellow bubble was too cute. i’ll bookmark the site to read your recaps for survivor and the amazing race.
    hey nick, please tell jen hi!! i saw her in the audience on tuesday night and she looked great. glad to see her back for the food comp as well. best house guest on season 8.

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