‘Big Brother 28’ season review: Let’s do the time warp again

The summer may be over, but a new Big Brother winner has been crowned! No need for a time machine – we could’ve seen this outcome coming. For Big Brother’s iconic 28^th season on CBS, we were in store for three months of blindsides, alliances, and twists that left us reeling. Some moments took us on a roller coaster of great news, hitting highs at the edge of our seats. While other times, Big Brother 28 hit lows that nearly spelled doom for the summer. Now, looking at the overall season, Big Brother 28 delivers an exciting and high-octane competition, despite the troubling imbalanced decisions that muddied the waters

A trip through time.

Big Brother 28’s overarching theme focused on time travel. While many initially theorized this meant time traveling through Big Brother’s history, the reality dealt more with world history. The houseguests “travelled” to key time periods and moments competing for big prizes. And of course, even bigger power!

One thing that is a Big Brother staple is the campiness of its season twist. For instance, the houseguests spinning around on the dining room table and “time traveling” to their moments. Sure, it’s goofy in the grand scheme, but it’s so Big Brother. At least the show enjoys being in on the joke, especially if it’s willing to poke fun at itself. Even when Big Brother is serious about its theme, its self-awareness adds to the humor. Let’s not forget that iconic Big Brother houseguest Rachel Reilly got thrown into a volcano by a dinosaur. (Yes, you read that right, and yes, it was done with all seriousness during the season premiere.)

As a supporting element, houseguests were voted into the “Time Capsule” room for the chance to win a classic Big Brother power or punishment. The Diamond Power of Veto, the Never-Not pass, the Lord of the Latrine punishment, and so forth. If Big Brother 28 couldn’t have more returning players competing, this twist at least honors its history. Seeing these familiar twists returned spiced up the first half of the season, adding new elements that shook up the game. Some of these twists are welcome to come back again; others… not so much.

Icons vs. newbies.

Why were the icons the only three houseguests to compete in the first Head of Household (HOH)? Why is the Time Capsule twist determined by fan vote, and how is it fair for newbie players? And why did everyone sabotage their games to benefit the icons? For first time watchers, you’ll be left baffled by some of the decisions, and the sheer surprise of these dominant houseguests making it far. The reality TV icons flexed their past experience to out-strategize the house, and in many cases, they dominated competitions, amassing plenty of power.

The debate rages whether the reality TV icons had it easy from start to finish. Or did they have to work harder to overcome the huge targets on their backs? Ultimately, it’s a bit of both in this case. There are frustrating moments during Big Brother 28 where it feels like production has an agenda, one where Angela or a Survivor player wins the game. But other times, it’s the newbie houseguests causing the errors that got them far. It’s not a simple answer, it’s just a reality now that a Survivor player (Rick Devens) won Big Brother 28.

A full house.

With the exception of a few players (i.e., Chuk), most houseguests came to play. Whether it was strategic, physical, or social, they got involved in the house. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not all at the same skill set, and the players weaved in and out throughout the season for when they became active players. However, it’s rare to leave a season where a majority of the house became strong characters and made an impact to the story.

For example, the downfall of Rome, Jason, and Lyric were big characters that systematically got taken out one-by-one. Jason was a drama magnet, and the Rome/Lyric showmance flamed out their games. And that was just between Weeks 2-4! Alternatively, houseguests like Mallory, Melody, Lala, Kamu, Haley, Drew, etc. shined on screen. Regardless if it was good or bad, you walked away with some kind of impression, a rarity in cases. We know who they were, and many have strong potential for returning in a future season. Or, in a more likely case, making appearances on other reality TV shows.

The downside, however, is that the treatment toward each other was frustrating. For instance, the growing microaggressions and comments made about Taylor and Lala (particularly from Drew, Devens & Angela), Yash’s bias and comments against women, Kamu’s bullying against Jason, etc. There are moments throughout Big Brother 28 where there seemed to be something more under the surface, one that ruined the spirit of the game.

A twist on a twist.

Big Brother 28 delivers on iconic scenes. The Tea Party, the Lyric blindside vote, the Medieval eviction, the Diamond Power of Veto, the BB Bribe, Lala winning the Wall competition, Melody winning the BB Blockbuster and HOH, etc. These moments changed the course of the game, making us cheer for and against the players. Arguably, the first 2-4 weeks of Big Brother 28 were its most frustrating – it painted a picture of The Toolshed alliance dominating everything. However, one blindside saved the season. We need future players to make big moves; it can positively help both the house and its viewers.

However, the use of the BB Bribe exposed a glaring error. Specifically, Big Brother needs to enforce its rules and be very clear about what a power can and cannot do. Shockingly, Yash accepting Dee’s deal prevented him for nominating any of the reality TV icons until he was HOH again. That’s a huge power; it not only helped Dee, but it helped several players. Good job to Dee for negotiating, but Yash didn’t have to accept the deal – he caused this mess, one that took the game for hostage. It’s an important reminder for future players to understand what they’re agreeing too.

Also, Big Brother needs to relook at its twists and game mechanics again. Why does the BB Blockbuster last until the Final 6? Why didn’t Devens get a punishment for accepting the Pharoah’s Curse? It takes so long now for a Double Eviction to happen; Big Brother fans love those impactful eviction nights. Also, the BB Blockbuster prevents blindsides from occurring. Sure, it’s changed the game and flipped some important eviction votes, but something needs to be tweaked to make it fit just right. Maybe it should last only until jury?

The bottom line.

Big Brother 28 is an eventful season of high highs and frustrating lows. The game keeps to a fast-moving momentum, pushing it forward with surprising challenge wins and baffling game moves. Some twists and decisions are suspicious, particularly as it favors certain players. However, the overall casting benefits on the stronger side, introducing many new favorites and returning players.

The winner of Big Brother 28 Rick Devens performs strongly, delivering a powerful strategic, social, and physical performance. And most of the cast works to compete, many giving the dominant alliance a run for their money (if only they followed through). Big Brother 28 keeps you entertained and talking, albeit with moments that drastically swing you from hopeful to frustrating.

Big Brother 28 is available to stream now on Paramount+.

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Images courtesy of CBS Broadcasting, Inc and Paramount+.