The failing of Big Brother

[Roll Deep]

In my opinion the reason behind Big Brother failing to really grip its viewers, was the core notion that everyone involved in the whole sham was fundamentaly aware of. Safety.

The contestants, viewers and those responsible for the show all knew that the 'guinea pigs' would come to no serious harm. This core repetition of policy was what really ruined it for most. We never saw them at their most desperate.

I'm not for one second suggesting that any sort of harmful menace be introduced to the house, be it a virus or dangerous animal. Just that the people who designed the house and the staff behind the mirrors excercised a bit of imagination when it came to manipulating the stresses and moral of these strangers who were living in such close proximity to each other.

For example...

Some of the main doors such as the ones that allow access to the bedrooms should've been able to lock. Not to facilitate any privacy for any amorous housemates, but to initiate what alot of viewers really wanted. Anxiety followed by mental and emotional torment. When all the housemates were safely tucked up in bed the Big Brother staff could lock the doors and subtly wake them. They would notice that in the communal area the lights were on and would proceed to investigate 'knowing' the doors would open. Upon finding the doors don't open they would become perplexed and wonder why they don't open. Then their attention should be drawn to the figures in the inaccessible comunnal area wearing Hazmat suits looking under cushions and carrying out tests on the drinking water. All knowledge of this nocturnal activity would be flatly denied by the Big Brother team.

Other methods of mental breakdown would be to cut off communication with their Big Brother custodians. Again, after a week normality would return and any hiccup would be flatly denied.

Turn off the drinking water for a week. Imply that a housemate may have been hoarding the valuable resource.

So there you have it. Nothing that would invite litigation upon the release of the tortured souls, but enough to ensure the audience nibbles through their Hobnobs faster than usual.

That's all.