Keep your enemies close on ‘Big Brother’

It’s that time again: A summer filled with alliances, back stabbing and manipulative showmances is just around the corner. The voyeuristic reality TV staple “Big Brother” returns on July 5 for its eighth season. And while some things never change in the “BB” house, a new season promises a couple of twists and turns and, if viewers are lucky, an interesting cast of characters to boot.

Warning: Possible spoilers ahead, so stop reading now if you want the show to surprise you.

What’s what
The theme this year is “Worst Enemies,” with some of the 14 contestants getting an unwelcome surprise in the form of an old foe who's also been installed in the house. Once again, the producers have eschewed the original concept of a house full of strangers in favor of insta-drama. Sometimes it works (see season five’s “Project DNA”), and sometimes it doesn’t (see the fourth season’s awful “X-Factor”), but it’s always an early game shaper. Hey, with vendettas to mete out, this could be one time when flying under the radar actually works.

As usual, along with the new hook comes new décor. Getting a facelift from last year’s “Good vs. Evil” scheme, everything has taken a turn for the fanciful in an “Alice in Wonderland”-like house. How do tiny beds, huge dressers and a backyard teacup ride relate to the “Worst Enemies” theme? In no way, that’s how. It appears to be a completely random “wouldn’t it be neat” addition.

Then there’s the twist: “America’s Player.” This covert houseguest is a puppet for the viewing audience to control. After each episode, watchers are given a chance to vote on the next personal or strategic move the mole makes. Of course with no special immunity in play, an early eviction could make this more of a fizzle than a twist. No word yet on what happens if the other houseguests figure out something’s up.

Who’s who
In the end, the game’s not about the gimmicks. It’s about the desperate attention-seekers who sign up for it. It’s the good guys, the baddies, the flirts and the manipulators that make it all worthwhile.

Amber, 27, cocktail waitress
With such favorite outdoor activities as swimming and “laying out,” it’s a safe bet Amber will rarely be seen sporting more than a bikini. Not bad really, considering that was the winning strategy for Lisa Donahue in season four.
Player type: The vixen

Carol, 21, student
A member of the University of Kansas Spirit Squad (as a Rock Chalk Dancer), Carol’s destined to be a team player. Expect her to find an early alliance and stick with it, possibly to her detriment.
Player type: The loyal ally

Danielle, 20, waitress
“Hooter’s girl” Danielle is easy on the eyes and shouldn’t have any trouble fitting in the mostly 20-something crowd. And given that her CBS bio lists margaritas as her favorite alcoholic drink, it’s safe to say she doesn’t let the legal drinking age hold her back.
Player type: The party girl

“Evel” Dick, 44, bar manager
While 44 is still young in the real world, on “Big Brother” it practically qualifies for the senior discount, but with tatts and a rocker style, Dick won’t fall into the old guy role. In fact if his angry, cursing MySpace rants are any indication, he may be the star of the show. Possible spoiler alert: That MySpace page reveals something else, too: Dick is the father of Daniele. Familial enemies?
Player type: The troublemaker.

Dustin, 22, shoe salesman
According to Dustin, his favorite hobby is laughing. He doesn’t really get what a hobby is. And considering that his Friendster page states, “i hate tv.…it numbs the mind,” he probably doesn’t get what “Big Brother” is, either.
Player type: Cute but clueless

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