'Big Brother' Under the Microscope

Since I moved back home with my parents nearly two months ago, I've spent a lot of time sitting in front of a television screen with them. One of the programs my mother and I watch together is Big Brother 8.
While she has followed the show since its inception in 2000, this is my first time seeing the "reality TV" game show where 14 houseguests compete for $500,000. (We don't subscribe to the live feeds nor look at Big Brother After Dark.) Each week, someone is voted out of the house until there are two people remaining; the last seven evictees choose the winner.
Its premise feeds into society's fascination with voyeurism -- which makes for addictive viewing, but provides no intellectual stimulation. Self-preservation brings out the worst in the houseguests, for deception is the only way to avoid being nominated for eviction. And in an environment where it's difficult to trust anyone, paranoia can override common sense.
I respect Dick for his honesty, but his "evil" strategy has worn thin. (Yes, Jen is more self-absorbed than a sponge ... but pouring a glass of iced tea over her head was wrong.) And while his crude manners are oddly endearing, he's not someone I'd want to live or work with.
Another person I don't care for is his estranged daughter, Daniele. Watching her play the "woe-is-me" card is irritating -- especially when she's using Dick's behavior for her own benefit. (The confrontation she had with the houseguests over his tirades in Episode 18 shows she's light years ahead of Jen when it comes to manipulating people.)
Speaking of hypocrisy, Eric is the biggest charlatan of them all. He's supposed to be playing the game on behalf of the audience ... but he's so full of himself until it wouldn't bother me if he lost the contest. Meanwhile, Jessica has emerged as a strong competitor ... but doesn't seem to have a mind of her own. Her loyalty to Eric makes me wonder if she's a pawn in his game or if she's playing him.
On that note, Zach has yet to win any Head of Household or Power of Veto competitions. He needs to step up his game and stop flying under the radar if he wants to be the last person standing. The same sentiment applies to Amber, whose crying spells are nauseating to watch.
Seeing Jameka invoke religion into the game is pathetic; God has more important matters to address. But what's really mind-boggling is her decision to not compete for Head of Household for five weeks -- making her an easy target for eviction.
As the show winds down, its problem is there's no one contestant to rally around. In a story that needs a protagonist, everyone's an antagonist. Dick has played that role to the extreme, with two wins and a bold coup to show for it. For those reasons, I predict he'll be $500,000 richer come September 18.