Every so often, Big Brother launches with a breakout star. They defy the odds of being both a great player and excellent television. When the season began, all signs pointed to Angela Murray as the face of the season. She was an older woman, an archetype that rarely appears on the American version of the show, and she was willing to get loud and make feeders become glued to their screens. But the more viewers got to know Angela, the less they became enamored with her. So Big Brother needed a new face. And his name is Tucker Des Lauriers.
Big Brother 26 is already off to an explosive season. With AI as the central theme of the season, Big Brother 26 has implemented new rules and games to keep things spicy while presenting a refreshing cast of characters that continue to reflect America. This season has already had a massive blowup and a massive blindside, and fans are eager to see what’s to come. But when a star is born who is willing to give fans exactly what they want, things are bound to just get better and better.
Tucker Is Defying His Archetype
On paper, Tucker Des Lauriers seems like the typical male archetype you don’t necessarily cheer on during a regular Big Brother season. He’s good-looking and seems a bit dim. He is a macho man. But this guy, he’s the best! He is defying his archetype in all the best ways possible. Tucker has become an adorable little puppy dog, even leaning into this trait in the Diary Room. Perhaps he was told to act like a dog by a confessional producer. He did, and they said keep that up, because whether he’s talking about sniffing out biscuits or his love for puzzles, he’s turned on puppy mode. Who doesn’t want to cuddle up with him? Tucker knows the cameras are on him, and he’s reminding us he’s in on the joke. He’s a character who seeks revenge on his kitchen rival and glitter vixen, Lisa Weintraub, and then subtly shades her by wearing her hairdo on the night she gets evicted. He’s giving viewers the big personality that pops off the screen. And it’s working! Fans are gushing, as are his fellow players! Leah Peters has professed her crush on him on the televised show, while some Live Feeders think that Kimo Apaka might be crushing on him as well. And on top of all that, he’s hilarious! He leans into the campy nature of Big Brother while having a great time.
Big Brother has been known to expose the indiscretions of many individuals as the cameras and microphones capture every word and every action. So far, for Tucker, he’s proven that he’s a really great person. Viewers have learned that family is important to him, as the youngest of three siblings. He shared on the move-in night that his father came out as gay. He may not be a celebrity chef, but he loves to cook. And he was willing to make sure there weren’t too many cooks in the kitchen. His mission to evict Lisa was excellent television. It was such a fun one-sided rivalry that played out over the week. He is endearing. He is charismatic. He’s goofy. He’s everything you would want from a roommate. He’s even willing to wear that silly bucket hat for comedy’s sake. The Boston native has a panache for theatrics as a model and actor. While that may seem like a turnoff for Big Brother fans, by displaying a genuine personality, he’s breaking the code. So Tucker has the personality to cheer on, does he have the game prowess to match? He certainly does!
Tucker Is Playing a Fascinating Game
When Tucker moved in on night one, he walked in first. And he acknowledged the infamous Big Brother “first in curse.” But as a fan of the show, Tucker is hoping to destroy the curse and become the first winner who walked through the door first. He knows the game. He’s not coming off as a gamer, but his knowledge has put him in an interesting place so far. His game prowess is much stronger than the other Houseguests are giving him credit for. For two weeks in a row, Tucker has volunteered to go on the block and be a nominee, whether as a replacement or as an initial nominee. It has allowed him to make it appear like he’s taking one for the team and will be able to use that stat against others when they might need to sacrifice themselves as a pawn. Tucker knows that he is a challenge threat. As one of the few physical threats in the house, Tucker has decided to expose that he is a challenge threat rather than pretend it’s nonexistent. So far, as seen on screen, he has won the AI Arena, allowing himself to be safe from the vote and ensuring the final vote for the week was between Angela and Lisa. Moving into week 3 of the show, Tucker has already proven that he’s got game. A very interesting game.
The televised version of Big Brother can be very different from the Live Feeds. Some casual fans rely solely on what’s seen on TV. But for the Live Feed loyalists, they have been eager to see how Tucker’s game will turn out now that he made a major gameplay during Week 3 of the season. Spoilers ahead! After volunteering to be a pawn for Head of Household Cedric Hodges, Tucker ends up winning the Power of Veto. Now, here’s where things get interesting. With Cedric knowing that Makensy Manbeck had the America’s Veto power, he was willing to let Tucker make a shocking move. Rather than removing himself from the chopping block, Tucker decided to remove fellow nominee, Angela. Yes, that’s right. But with Makensy saving herself with the power she earned, America will now vote for the replacement nominee, who will have the ability to save themselves from eviction should they win the AI Arena. It has now put Tucker in a precarious position, as some of the Houseguets are not necessarily willing to sacrifice the person who is up against America’s Veto nominee, feeling this twist is not entirely fair. Tucker still has a high chance to save himself again, but could this bold move backfire on him? Just turn on the charm Tuck! You’ve got this!
Tucker has the ability to get to the very end and win the heart of America in the process. Keep an eye out for this one. He’s a perfect blend of character and gamer, something rarely seen within his archetype. Tucker Des Lauriers begun his reality television career thanks to his charisma. He’s proving that his star power is what will keep this season afloat. But should he go away sooner rather than later, Tucker will surely find an offer from The Challenge to play their diabolical games.
Big Brother 26 airs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday on CBS. Paramount+ subscribers can watch the Live Feeds. All episodes are available to stream on Paramount+.