Big Brother legend Rachel Reilly was shockingly “evicted” on the September 10th episode. The TV Watercooler had the opportunity to submit a question for season 27’s first jury pool exit interview, which Rachel participated in, focused on her disappointment in a key ally, strategic missteps by others, her own competition mishap, and her lasting legacy in the game.
Out of this season’s newbie players, who would be worthy enough to compete with OG Big Brother All-Stars?
Wow – I don’t know? I mean, could any of them?! I think the closest player that we had this season who played a great Big Brother game was Mickey.
She was messy and kind of blew up her own alliance numerous times! But I think she’ll learn from that when she reflects on it. I think she’ll play a better game next time.
Keanu is also super messy, but he’s a comp beast and was able to listen to some of my Big Brother coaching, and he’s made it as far as he’s made it. Socially, his game has changed. He does do weird things like put his own allies, that would have never targeted him, on the block. Which was probably not the best game move! But he has been able to form relationships that have gotten him this far in the game while being such a big target. He’s been able to save himself when he’s needed to. I think that Keanu could also compete with some of the big OG Big Brother players.
Those are my top two picks but I’d also love to see Jimmy play again. I loved playing with him and thought that he was a really fun character on Big Brother! He was fun to get to know.
I think it would be fun to see a “legends” season with some of the people from this house or at least see them play again.
Some highlights from the other questions that Rachel answered:
Feelings of Betrayal and Disappointment
- Eva is the player Rachel feels most betrayed by, despite their “Double the Fun” alliance and Final Two deal. Rachel felt Eva didn’t listen to her, especially regarding a “strategic twist” (likely her eviction).
- Rachel was very disappointed that Eva picked Vince over her to do the puzzle (in the veto competition). She saw this as a strategic mistake for Eva’s own game, as Rachel was a loyal ally, while Vince was a “wild card” whose intentions were unclear.
The Hamster Wheel Competition
- Reflecting on her eviction competition, which she calls the “hamster wheel of death,” Rachel believes she messed up the direction of the maze, specifically the “360 with the desk.”
- She admits she was unfocused and “all over the place” during the competition, emphasizing the need to be “present and focused” when her “Big Brother life is on the line.”
Relationship with Keanu
- Rachel describes her relationship with Keanu as “very interesting,” initially trusting him and wanting to work with him to the Final Two.
- However, she lost all trust after he “betrayed” and “backstabbed” her by trying to get her evicted.
- She calls his gameplay “messy” and says she would not have sat next to him in the Final Two due to the lack of trust and his “story” as a strong, comp-winning player, making him a difficult opponent to beat for the win.
Big Brother Legacy
- Rachel hopes her legacy isn’t “tarnished by this one twist” (her eviction). She hopes fans saw her “evolve as a player” and a strategic and social gamer.
- She believes she played a much better game than ever before and “truly did believe” she could have won Big Brother 27, hoping her journey adds to the “Rachel Reilly legend and Legacy.”
Thoughts on Remaining Houseguests and Past Moves
- Failure to Use Her: Rachel expresses surprise that houseguests, especially her allies, didn’t utilize her knowledge as a past winner and Big Brother veteran more often. She expected them to “pick their brains 24/7” and ask more strategic questions. She felt they didn’t “use me enough.”
- Regret about Evicting Mickey: Rachel admits Mickey would have been a great ally and shield, but she had betrayed Rachel previously. While she loved Mickey as a person and wished she could have stayed, she felt Mickey was playing “like a sprint.” Strategically, it “always made sense” to keep Ashley over Mickey, as Ashley was a closer ally, wasn’t going to target her, and Rachel believed Ashley would vote for her in the jury, which Mickey might not have.
- Worthy Newbie Players (for an All-Stars Season): She picks Keanu (who is “a beast” and has made it far as a big target) and Mickey (who she thinks will learn from her “messy” game). She also mentions she would like to see Jimmy play again.
Ranking Remaining Players:
- Keanu (thinks he would win if he makes F2 due to his story of surviving as a target and winning comps).
- Vince (not impressed, but recognizes his social manipulation skills, like convincing people to use the Veto on him).
- Will (great social game, well-loved).
- Eva (decent game, winning comps, playing a great social game).
- Ashley (well-loved, but a bigger target).
- Lauren & Kelley (tied for 7th/8th; unimpressed with their gameplay, feeling they let others make moves for them or played poor social games).
- Floater in Need of a Life Vest: She ultimately names Ashley, stating she wants to see her “step up and take more initiative in the game.”
Big Brother next airs Sunday, September 21 at 10 p.m., Wednesday, September 24 at 10 p.m., and Thursday, September 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS and Global TV.
