BB12 Fans Vs. Faves?

"Big Brother" auditions are underway for the upcoming season. There's been a lot of talk about the possibility that 12 might be a Fans vs. Faves season, but I hope not.

"Survivor" managed to produce a season of Fans vs. Faves, and since that time, many fans of BB have hoped for something similar for "Big Brother." The two shows are so completely different from one another, however, and what works for one is not necessarily destined to work for another.

"Survivor" is a team effort initially, so it was easy to divide the teams. "Big Brother" on the other hand, is mostly an individual effort with some team elements. While the producers have dabbled with the team concept in the past, it's never worked well, and they usually end up "divorcing" the teams prior to the midway point.

In fairness, since season 8, there's talk every year of a possible Fans vs. Faves season, and this year is no different really. Except for the fact that last year, BB producers moved from teams of two to three and four. That little fact makes a huge difference, in spite of the fact that the teams clearly did not last long and there was significant animosity between team members. The producers may be looking for a whole new look and feel to this show that is already 11 seasons old.

So what does that mean for the viewers?

Fans vs. Faves would differ dramatically from an All Stars 2 season. Fave house guests are not necessarily the best players. In fact, unlike "Survivor," the faves of BB sometimes don't even make it to the merge. Many have no gaming skills, but were among the most popular when they were evicted. Another important factor seems to be involvement in a showmance, though not necessarily all the time.

The faves would probably be selected from season 8 onward. The reason for this is simple, season 7 was the first All Stars, and many of the previous six seasons' favorites have already had a shot. Face it, Chicken George is quaint but two seasons of him are more than enough. Kaysar Ridha was a favorite during season 6. So much so that he was brought back after being evicted during that season only to be evicted shortly after. The following season, he came back and showed no more game skills than the previous season.

So who would probably be invited back for a season of Fans vs. Faves?

Season 8
Nick Starcevic - Nick's lack of games skills is nearly as legendary as Kaysar's. He really lacked any viable BB knowledge. His corny quotes made him a fan favorite to the point where he managed to set eBay records for BB merchandise after his eviction.

Jessica Hughbanks - Jessica won two HoH's during her season, but other than that, she was mostly Eric's mouthpiece. Still, her selection as the potential leader of the "Popular Clique" last summer makes her selection as a Fave almost definite.

Season 9
Alex Coladonato - Alex too, possessed few game skills and was quickly evicted, along with partner Amanda Hansen. Fans were asked to vote for "America's Choice" to go back into the house, and Alex won the vote. So, he would more than likely be a prime candidate to return to the BB house.

Chelsia Hart - While not the most likable in the house, Chelsia has a solid fan base outside the house and I believe it would be enough to bring her back. Besides, there are few other choices from this misfit season of BB.

Season 10
Brian Hart - No relation to Chelsia, Brian became instantly popular upon his eviction. If you were to ask Brian about his game play, he would most likely say that he was a successor to the "puppet master" Will but his strategy was so poor, his house mates rebelled and sent him packing the first week. That being said, he was extremely popular among fans in spite of the fact that he stayed only one week.

Keesha Smith - Keesha won the season-end prize for her popularity. She's one of few popular favorites that made it so far in the game, and she would deserve another shot. I doubt, though, that she will make an appearance on BB this year, as wedding plans are in the works.

Angie Swindell - Angie was another favorite made so mainly because of her unceremonious departure at the hands of Keesha, along with her association with Brian. Her game play was average and it seemed to me that her heart was never in playing the game but she would probably take the place of Keesha.

Season 11
Jeff Schroeder - While Jeff managed to get further in the game than any man on the list, it would not have happened without the help of America and the Coup d'etat. Jeff lacked a clear game plan but somehow managed to get by. As he exited the BB house, he became quite possibly the most popular player in BB history.

Jordan Lloyd - The only winner on the list, Jordan struck BB gold in her relationship with Jeff. Somehow or another, Jordan pulled out the win and stepped out into a much different life. Jordan possesses a certain charm that's at least one part naivety that sets her apart.

A lot of people might disagree with this list. For instance, some would argue that Evel Dick would deserve a shot because of his obvious popularity, but I don't think he would be brought back during a season like this. One reason being that Dick is a wild card, and producers may not be interested in trying to reign him in. They also may not be ready for the criticism that would come with the decision.

Another potential choice for a favorite would be Daniele Donato from season 8; however, her game skills make her a viable choice for All Stars.

Game Play
That being said, the game play during a season of Fans vs. Faves would be totally different from previous seasons. If the faves did not study up on the logistics of the game, they will probably be eliminated quite quickly. There's also the risk of egos getting involved like never before as each one would feel the need to assert there place in BB history.

Then there's the fans who might be like Ronnie in his obvious hero worship of Jessie. It's very possible that true fans of the game would be so "star struck" by the Faves that they would be eager to keep them in the game.

Really, it's a toss-up as to who would have the upper hand.

Two Houses?
For the past several seasons, the rumors circulate regarding a second house. People are posting online that they've seen it and swear to it. Yet so far, no season of BB has ever included a second house. But, that's not to say that it will never be. There's always a possibility and a Fans vs. Faves season might be the one in which a second house debuts.

How would it work? One possibility would be to have a house with luxuries while the other house would be bare bones. Kind of a have/have not twist, only the entire team would be affected.

All New Players
Personally, I don't want a season that features popular, but unskilled players. I would love to see a season comprised entirely of fans who have watched at least five seasons. I think we would see some great strategy!

Dear BB Producers,

Please give us a season of great strategic players. Don't hand us a bunch of recruits who look good on screen but flail through the game without goal or purpose.

Thanks much!