Betty Yirsaw's first impressions of BB26

Nearly three years ago, I embarked on a wild journey into the world of Big Brother Canada—looking back, it's astonishing how delusional one can be. I thought relying solely on my personality and charisma would be enough to win the game. It's all quite amusing to me now. As BBUS gets going, I want to take readers through my favorite type of reality TV players, what they bring, why I advocate for them and the similarities to my own experience. 

As a new season begins and in getting to know the cast, I couldn't help but reflect on my own audition tape. The nerves were palpable throughout the entire process—the mindless conversations with producers, the lengthy aptitude and sanity tests required to move forward, and the constant state of being kept in the dark. Typically, there's a tight timeline between knowing you're in contention and entering the show, and even then, you might spend weeks in a room without knowing what comes next, yet still be captivated by the process. Despite all the barriers and uncertainties, the passion and drive contestants have to enter the reality TV world, or in this case, the Big Brother house, is truly remarkable.

There are so many player archetypes, and the best part of a new Big Brother US season is getting to know the cast in the first couple of weeks. Usually, it starts with a short introduction video of some sort under five minutes long, setting the stage for assumptions. In some cases—let's be honest, we all do it—we start speculating. I find myself reflecting on the diverse archetypes that reality TV showcases and their profound impact, particularly those that feel genuine. These archetypes often share a resemblance with the 2021 version of Betty: charismatic and perhaps a bit delusional, but extremely eager. 

I’m thrilled to dive into my favorite player archetypes and make some playful predictions about which BB26 contestants might mirror my top BBCAN players. It’s a charming way to pay tribute to BBCAN and sprinkle a bit of fun into the beginning of the new season!

The Villain/Antagonist: Brooklyn Rivera’s cast video instantly struck me with the impression that she’s going to give it her all. Everything about her seems top-notch from day one—her drive to win, her determined attitude, and her willingness to play hard. Although she mentioned Tyler Crispen as her favorite player, adding a personal touch, there’s something about her assertiveness and dominance that hints she might end up being a bit of a villain, whether she intends to or not. This reminds me of my good friend Joshua Nash and highlights an interesting point about delusion. You might start with the intention of being an ally or advocate, but in the diverse and intense world of Big Brother, your role can shift unexpectedly (often with the help of some clever editing). That’s what makes the villain archetype so intriguing—when played right, it adds a dynamic edge to the game.

The Strategist: As I watched Kimo Apaka's introduction video, his palpable enthusiasm and evident admiration for Dan Gheesling caught my attention. His approach to the game struck me as reminiscent of my friend Kevin Jacobs, the Big Brother Canada 10 champion—though with a slightly less intense flair! Kimo brings a powerful "I'm here to strategize” energy to the table, a vibe that echoes Kevin's own winning attitude. Whether it’s his superfan dedication or his meticulous review of 26 seasons, Kimo is clearly ready to bring his A-game. 

The Underdog: Quinn’s player archetype struck a chord with me, mirroring my own drive to excel and master the game. As I watched Quinn’s introduction, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my own Big Brother journey. With my HR background, I approached the game with a similar determination and strategic eye, much like Quinn’s. In my role, I assess candidates to gauge their fit and potential for collaboration, and I see that same keen discernment in Quinn. Embracing the role of the underdog, as I did, Quinn is likely to face challenges but also have the opportunity to make a significant impact. I predict a compelling journey for Quinn, echoing my own path through the game.

The Comic Relief: Chelsie Baham captured my attention the moment her video started. I instantly felt like I was going to adore her. Her charisma, humor, and the fact that Da'Vonne is her favorite player all added to the excitement—she exuded a true "lights, camera, action" vibe. Chelsie embodies the comic relief archetype that a show full of twists and turns truly needs. She reminded me of my good sis Summer Sayles, bringing the pizzazz and flair essential for a show like Big Brother. While these players work hard, their core essence is joy, and that's exactly what I expect to see from her.

The Showmance: Every Big Brother season inevitably brings its share of showmances, and while predicting their success is always a bit of a gamble, I’m ready to have some fun with it! Based solely on their cast photos, I’m betting on Makensy Manbeck (MJ) and Tucker Des Laurier as this season’s hot couple. There’s just something in the air that screams showmance, and my intuition is definitely picking up on it. Of course, let’s not forget the iconic Canadian showmance, Dem and Ika. They got engaged during BBCAN 10 and tied the knot just before the official cancellation was announced. It’s almost too wild to believe how these twists and turns play out. 

The Competitor: Cam Sullivan Brown shines brightly with his irresistible smile and undeniable charisma. His clear lack of extensive knowledge about the show hints at a common pattern: contestants like him often dive headfirst into the "comp beast" role. This strategy, marked by high energy and fierce competition, has proven both entertaining and effective. We saw a similar approach with Ty MacDonald in the recent BBCAN 11 season, where his relentless drive and competitive spirit ultimately led him to victory. Cam’s vibrant energy and infectious smile immediately evoked memories of Ty, highlighting a striking resemblance in their dynamic approach. It’s evident that Cam is infusing the game with a refreshing and familiar energy that’s bound to captivate audiences.

The Fan Favorite: Matt Hardman’s endearing eyes, subtle smile, and heartfelt pride in Filipino culture, especially his reference to Kaycee Clark’s win (BB20), add a soft, gentle touch that we all need. I have a strong feeling he will become a fan favorite, much like Kiefer Collison (BBCAN 9) did. If you know me, you’ll understand that my decision to apply for Big Brother Canada was heavily influenced by watching Season 9 and seeing Kiefer's raw, sensitive, and determined approach while consistently paying tribute to his community in Haida Gwaii. This archetype is the one you instantly connect with as soon as you turn on your TV—and, in my case, it was the very reason I chose to be a part of the show. These player archetypes not only define the game's dynamics but also reflect my own journey and the reasons I was drawn to Big Brother.

Finally, Arisa Cox, despite not having competed on Big Brother, is a pioneer in her own right: Our Hero. As the face of the best Canadian television show, she has embodied poise, class, and allyship. Her presence predates many of us becoming superfans, yet she laid the foundation for approximately 180 BBCAN players to follow. I am not mirroring Arisa with anyone, she is beauty and grace and there can only be one Arisa Cox.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the show, this season promises a thrilling adventure with a blend of familiar faces and fresh personalities. While many contestants will enter the house, the ones I've highlighted today are the ones that truly captured my attention.

So, let’s dive into the anticipation, savor the unexpected twists and turns, and watch how these new players bring their own unique flavors to the archetypes that make Big Brother so captivating. Here’s to a season filled with excitement, strategy, and the delightful unpredictability that keeps us all glued to the screen! Also LONG LIVE BBCAN 😊

-Betty

Betty Yirsaw was a fan favorite on Big Brother Canada 10. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

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