God, what is this show's obsession with mixing vets and newbs in the same season? Nobody in the fanbase seems to like it so just stop it already! At least Paul was more tolerable in this episode than he was most of last season. As long as he tones it down a few decibels and doesn't screech about "friendship" at every opportunity I'll manage.
Cody was hilarious, especially the way he refused to beg Paul for one of those dumb bracelets. He seems over the experience already; why did he even come on the show?
I think its pretty clear from his pre-game interview with Big Jeff that he is playing a character. He wants to be the villain, the snarky jerk. Mind you, he is doing it very well, so I am totally on board. I much prefer the villains like Dr. Will, Matt Hoffman, or Dan who know that they are villains and own it rather than someone like Paulie or Frankie Grande who lack any type of self-awareness. My only critique is that he probably should've kissed Paul's ass. I get that he wants to play the apathetic "Paul doesn't impress me" villain, but he only hurts himself by not sucking up. In that moment, Paul held all of the cards. And even thinking long term, you know production is going to do what it takes to protect their investment. Why, on night one, would you alienate the guy who has complete power at the moment? It was a case of cutting off his nose to spite his face.
As to why production mixes vets and newbies . . . well, at this point, since the first time they did it (season 11), they have done it in more seasons than they haven't. Its just part of the show. It is what it is. Fans *****, but let's face it . . . the best season of Big Brother is 14. It is the best season largely because of the returnees. I think fan reaction is just a matter of who they pick.
Personally, I find Paul to be entertaining and a fairly decent player, so I really don't mind it. Plus, with only one of him in the house, it is a manageable advantage for the newbies to handle. Plus, I thought the friendship bracelet was a great idea that caused some early drama, gave us a lot of insight into the new players (how they campaigned said a lot about them), and created a good sense of suspense and tension for the viewer. So I appreciate that it was done in a fairly unique and interesting way.
