Netflix’s hit social media competition show, The Circle, came back for another season of alerts, blocks, and catfishes, and the new "singles" twist definitely changed the game. Though the format of the competition is relatively similar to prior seasons, The Circle season 5's brand-new twist threw a wrench in the game. In the "singles" twist, all the contestants were either single or pretending to be single. Branded as The Circle: Singles, the latest season featured both genuine and catfishing players all getting flirty and trying to use their singledom as a power move, rather than a strike against them.
In past seasons, the vulnerability and connection that has come from contestants feeling like they were flirting with one another created some of the most interesting gameplay the show has seen. Though The Circle season 5 had a new format that was sure to work in some ways more than others, the benefits of all players being able to use flirtation and romance as a manipulation tactic far outweighed the costs. Regardless of whether the players’ intention behind flirtation was pure or simply for gameplay, putting them all on equal footing was an interesting way to start off the game.
How Did The Circle’s 'Singles' Twist Work For The Game?
Overall, The Circle’s singles twist worked well for the game by giving the players the ability to move freely throughout chats with others, and use any tactics they’d like. Playing as people who are unattached to others outside the game gave the players the freedom to flirt, which created a quicker, deeper connection within the confines of the chat-based game. If the players aligned with others faster, and on a deeper level, they had a better chance of their allies keeping them safe during blockings. For Big Brother's Brett Robinson and other players with tougher personalities, smooth-talking or flirting their way to safety can be an asset.
The Circle's 'Singles' Twist Could Hurt The Game
Though most players on The Circle go into new seasons with an open mind, they know that the game must shift and change slightly to keep it entertaining. However, having new twists can make the show less exciting. The singles twist is not an exception to this rule, and it could be hurtful to the integrity of the game. For one, some contestants have bonded over being away from their partners in the past, which is something that was missing from The Circle season 5. It was also a concern that the singles twist will change the style of gameplay tremendously, making The Circle all about romance, rather than the mental competition everyone has come to know and love.
While there are some nay-sayers, the twist has yet to morph the show into a dating competition. For those who are invested in the gameplay, the fact that The Circle contestants are still able to catfish ensures that the game is still the same at its core. Though there is likely more romance involved which can change the style of play, the twist is able to make the game more fun, intense, and interesting for seasons to come.