Rachel Reilly Redefined Big Brother Greatness, but a Controversial Twist Ruined Her Historic Gameplay
The 25th anniversary season of Big Brother, Big Brother 27, kicked off with its intriguing “Hotel Mystère” theme and a promise of unpredictable gameplay. And no moment was more thrilling than the arrival of Big Brother 13 winner (Big Brother icon) Rachel Reilly as the season’s surprise “mystery houseguest.” Entering the game shortly after the other houseguests moved in, Rachel faced an unparalleled challenge as the only returning player—and a former winner—in a game that included up to four nominees per week.
Despite these odds, she dominated for eight weeks and positioned herself as a top contender to become the first two-time Big Brother winner. Though, in the most unsettling way possible, her masterful gameplay was cut short by the controversial White Locust Resort twist, an elimination-based challenge (drastically different than the established Big Brother formula) that robbed her of a fair shot at victory.
Here’s why fans are genuinely devastated, and why this twist tarnishes a season elevated by Rachel’s historic run.
Rachel Reilly, Big Brother 27 | CBS and Paramount
Defying the Odds: Eight Weeks Nomination-Free
Rachel’s solo all-star return was a high-stakes gamble from the very beginning. As a known reality TV veteran, having previously competed on The Amazing Race and The Traitors, she brought a unique skill set (and reputation) to Big Brother 27 that made her a huge target. Unlike her earlier seasons, where her competitive edge and outgoing personality often defined her, this Rachel was forced to refine her strategic side, blending some cutthroat decisions with a newfound social finesse. Her impressive ability to evade nomination for eight weeks—despite four players being nominated each cycle—was even a testament to that newfound adaptability. In a house where returning winners (or returning players) are instant targets, Rachel’s survival was insanely impressive.
No other returning player has ever faced such a steep uphill battle without extended safety or other veteran numbers (literally, though), with the entire cast aware of her legacy and eager to dethrone her.
Social Mastery: Building a Game-Changing Core
While Rachel found herself in several alliances, she managed to establish a (mostly) reliable core group that proved she wasn’t looking to coast or piggyback her way through the game. She immediately navigated several conflicts with other big personalities, even transforming adversaries into loyal supporters (your fave could never).
Her social core allowed her to subtly influence nominations, some of the votes, and the ability to steer (or at least predict) the game’s direction without sitting on the block. This unprecedented social glow up marked a significant evolution from her earlier, more confrontational style, proving she could dominate without relying solely on competition wins.
A Pivotal HOH: Reshaping the Game
Rachel’s Week 6 Head of Household reign was a total game-changer. Her HOH shifted the entire house dynamic, forcing other players to elevate their strategies to keep up. She targeted key threats to her game (a trio that would have gone unchecked otherwise) before ultimately orchestrating a pivotal Riley eviction that disrupted emerging power structures and solidified her reputation for taking big swings.
Her nominations even offered “new school” Big Brother players a masterclass in a long-term strategy, weakening opponents while strengthening her own alliances. This move caused a ripple effect through the house, with players scrambling to adapt to her bold play. Keanu even reheated her nachos weeks later—because that’s just how impactful her vision is. And above all, Rachel’s HOH reign (and follow-up week) proved that she was a major contender to make Big Brother history as the first two-time winner.
The White Locust Twist: A Devastating Blow to Classic Big Brother Gameplay
Then came the White Locust Resort twist, a gut-punch that ultimately ended Rachel’s run. After eight weeks of flawless gameplay, the mysterious “Mastermind” introduced the twist, stating, “Someone will check in, but not everyone will check out.” When the live feeds returned after a prolonged blackout, Rachel’s picture was grayed out on the Memory Wall, confirming her elimination—not through a traditional eviction vote, but via a chain-based competition.
This twist, devoid of the strategic voting that defines Big Brother, felt like a betrayal of the game’s core principles. Rachel, (who had outmaneuvered a house initially gunning for her on reputation alone), was removed without a chance to fight through the social and strategic channels she’d mastered. And let’s be honest, the game was already catering to less effective social players with the blockbuster odds—so taking Rachel’s standard chances at safety (a vote, veto, and blockbuster) seems like a disservice to the game’s balance of both social and competitive aspects. What are we really doing here?
Big Brother 27 Might Be Over, but Rachel is Still the Queen
At the very least, Rachel’s Big Brother 27 performance was still a masterclass in resilience and evolution, proving her undeniable potential to claim a second title. However, the less successful White Locust twist will officially be remembered as the tragic moment a legend was unfairly denied her chance at a second crown, leaving a void in a season she defined.
Rachel’s legacy as a Big Brother icon—bridging old-school grit and new-school strategy—also remains untarnished. Big Brother 12 introduced us to a new icon; Big Brother 13 gave her the crown; and Big Brother 27 proved the point—Rachel Reilly is the blueprint.
We’re not worthy!
