 by brianNavigation |
"Project Runway" recaplet (5.03): Ciao! Manhattan
Without us she's nothing: Sandra Berhnard That's right, this week's challenge was all about the energy, look, and attitude of New Yawk City. Well, at least that was supposed to be the idea. In reality, it was all about throwing the designsketeers on a double-decker tour bus in the middle of the night, making them take pictures around the city in the rain, and then making them design clothes to be judged by fashion icon Sandra Bernhard. What's wrong with that sentence? Everything. If they'd really wanted to give the kids a taste of New York, they'd have taken them to an overpriced club for watered-down drinks with yuppie jerkwads who hog the bathroom, then made them take the subway home at 3AM trapped in a car with a guy who reeks of feces and sings, then mugged them at the door to their own building. Not that I'm bitter. We of course start out with a recap of last week's elimination (bye again, Wesley!) and a reminder from Neenahgarceea that short, tight, and shiny is the fastest way to look cheap. Cue this:
We then go through the Culling of the Models ceremony but honestly I'm too distracted by Kelsey (Kilty? Colty? Kitt Kittredge: All American Girl?) and the enormous blue flower in her hair that I can't focus. The kids are told that they are going out that night with Tim, and a few of them are actually dense enough (coughBlaynecough!) to think that The Divine Mr. Gunn is taking them out to The Rainbow Room or to some elite A-list knitting circle or something. Ha! In reality, they're picked up, given parkas and cameras, are loaded onto one of those horribly embarrassing double-decker tour buses that have a record of mowing down pedestrians and getting flipped the bird by anyone who lives here and are told that they have to find inspiration for an outfit that's all about being out on the town in NYC. Somehow the kids manage to quibble, with Stella (who can't work her camera because it isn't made of "leathuh") and Emily (one of the more vaguely discernible Girls, Interrupted) getting all up in Keith's business about being too competitive. Whatever, kids. But at least it gives us our first Keith testimonial, with him talking about how it was hard growing up gay in Utah in a Mormon family. All I gotta say is, I lived in Salt Lake City twice, and if Keith had been legal at the time he'd still be in my basement at this very moment. Rawr.
Anyway, Keith does disappoint me a titch when he falls prey to the Reality Competition Catchphrase of Doom: "I'm not here to make friends." Watch and learn, my love. The designsketeers get to go to Mood (finally! after three days weeks!) and we settle in to Workroom Mode. Leanne is being cautious after last week's Spaghettios Airways debacle and is trying not to be "too creative". Mighty Straight Joe thinks Kitt Kittredge's fabric looks like a "Fort Lauderdale lawn cushion" and he's totally right. Stella, aka Rosie the Riveting, pauses in the middle of hammering hardware into her 7,304th pair of leather pants to note, "what a gay little grommet," which of course makes me imagine this: Gay little Gromit
Loads more, including who was eliminated, after the break! Keith is in his wife-beaty best, Blayne is trying to freak out Kitt Kittredge by staring at her and saying he's going to eat her (what, has he been possessed by that little girl from Night of the Living Dead?), and we finally get to see the source of the delicious promo clippage where Tim gets all "street" after the kids teach him to say "Holla at ya boy!" For a second the fabric of the workroom (not the literal fabric) rends as Tim for some reason allows himself to be made the Funny Old White Guy from countless Chris Rock movies. (No comment that he's being schooled on hip-hop by an orange gay kid from Seattle.) But in his journey to comprehend the lingo and its meaning, Tim cycles through a few pronunciations of "holla", and at one point seems to think that they are going to throw loaves of kosher bread at him: Challah at ya boy!
The Best: Leanne's was definitely my favorite this week. It was classy, simple, innovative, and incredibly well-made. I guess they made the right choice in not aufing her Interrupted self last week. Leanne's dress
Kitt Kittredge's is cuter than it should be with that fabric, mostly because of the structured shoulders and tailoring, which is pretty cute. But I'm with guest judge Sandra Bernhard (who wore her best pantsuit!) in that the shape around the thighs would be best used to hide some sort of "goiter". Kenley's dress
Otherwise I liked Jerell's: Jerell's dress
And ... that's about it. Not really loving it this week. The Worst: Oh, where to begin. I'm looking at my notes for Emily's dress, and I wrote down two words: "Gutted Carp". Seriously, the poor girl looks like she was working the Whitehall alleys and got jumped by Springheel Jack: Emily's dress
Also wasn't a fan of Blayne's neon monstrosity of the week (seriously, how is he still here?), which would have been appropriate for the Grand Marshal of a Gay Pride parade: Blayne's dress
Jennifer has said several times now that her style is "Holly Golightly at a Salvador Dali exhibit". One, that's a double name-drop, and no one likes a greedy Gertrude. Two, this outfit is more "Rosie the Robot at a nursing home formal": Jennifer's dress
And lastly, Keith ... oh, Keith. I love ya, kid, but I don't know what the hell you were thinking this week with your Kleenex couture abomination. I seriously thought that you were history, but thankfully the show knows good beefcake television talent when they see it. Keith's dress
The Emilinated Eliminated: Yes, Emily was sent packing this week for her entrail-accessorized dud. She seemed legitimately pissed in her exit interview, and I personally loved that she had her pack of American Spirits out of her purse and in her hand before she even gave her ceremonial "I'll miss you guys" to the rest of the crew. Oh, and they surprise us all by giving Kitt Kittredge the win. I totally thought Leanne had it, but I guess that the 80's really is back. Gentlemen, dust off your Nagels! Moving on. Keith-O-Meter Lucky for us, we had considerably more Keith time this week. We had Shirtless Sleeping Keith, Wife Beater Keith, Mormon Castaway Keith, and unfortunately Hideous Tissue Monster Keith. As long as it's not Don't Let the Screen Door Hit Your Ass on the Way Out Keith, I'll take it.
Planet RunGay Status Check
All our gays were safe this week, so the fickle-yet-fabulous Overlord of Planet RunGay is cooling his lasers this week. We'll see how the boys do next week when they have to outfit ... a track team?
Submitted by on Thu, 2008-07-31 09:24. |
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Boring!
Jerrel, Kenley, and Leanne made lovely dresses. I don't even remember what some of them looked like, the others. It was a rather dull episode.
Even though it was boring, I still love Suede to death. His line about "Suede loves his model" had me all sorts of smiling. And then there was Stella's hammering. Love her.
And why is that Orange monstrosity Blayne still here? Vomitlicious.
Actually I can't stand him
Thoughts on Episode 3
It wasn't until Keith was standing with the other 5 girls that, besides Terri, I realized I really can't tell any of them apart. At least one was eliminated to save me the trouble (I had no clue there was an "Emily").
I do agree Keith should have been in the bottom three and I agree it wasn't the worst outfit so good that he's still here. I hope he continues to make bold statements but in the other direction. Also, according to his website, he may also be able to make men's garments so hopefully they'll have a men's challenge like the Sports one last season.
Blayne needs to go... Timlicious!? Holla at your boy!? Tanning in Times Square!? No. Everytime he scratches his head I feel like lice is flying out of the screen and his grin makes me think crazy (orange) old man or a blond Oompa Loompa from Family Guy.
Challah at ya boy!
That is almost exactly the image I had in my head during that scene.
The great thing about it was it made Tim look cool and Blayne look like an idiot.
Blayne is my least favorite
Blayne is my least favorite in a "class" of rather boring designers. He always looks like an idiot and was obviously trying to be this year's "hot mess" guy but obviously doesn't have it. I have no idea how they got cast since they don't seem inspiring either as reality personalities or designers.
Even better was how the eliminated contestant ignored Tim's advice while had heavily praised the skirt or one of the top contestants and suggested she not overpower it with her top.
They kept Kleenex guy because as bizarre and poorly executed it was, his dress at least dared to go somewhere. Given a choice between dull and weird, they'll ax the dull designer.
I said the same thing about
I said the same thing about Blayne's dress! I saw it and said, "That's little too gay pride for me." I wasn't too hip on Sandra Bernhard being the guest judge. I mean really she had no other way of promoting her tour? The challenge was ok, but it reminded me of the one back in season 2 where they had the final 4 go around New York and take pictures of something.
Springheel Jack!
What are you complaining about, B? (subway edition)
You make a good point
CTA stalker/mugger
Killing PR Softly?
Another good recaplet of an utterly forgettable episode, Brian...
But what gives here? Is this season's group of designers truly bland (even the bad stuff hasn't been memorably bad) -- or is Bravo deftly working to make Project Runway a dull, by-the-numbers reality competition before its move to Lifetime next season? (I'm beginning to thing it's the latter, folks...)
I mean, it's just weird watching the show this season. Even though fashion is hardly my passion, I've always thought PR did a surprisingly good (and consistent) job of taking us inside the creative process of many of its contestants. And I have been regularly inspired during the previous four seasons just by sheer creative moxy, innovation, and desire to create something -- anything! This season, not at all...
Sigh.
Anyone else?
The exact same thoughts raced through my head
I'm glad someone else agrees. I thought the very same thing last night, these designers are soooo boring and completely forgettable. I can hardly tell some of those girls apart. Bravo may indeed be trying to sabotage the show by the looks of it.
Maybe we were just spoiled from last season which was chock full of talent. But even so, in past seasons i definitely had a favorite right from the get go (or at least a few episodes in), but this is not the case this season. Gone are our Andraes, Austins, Santinos, Kara Sauns, MIchaels, lauras, Rami's, etc etc.
Also I hate Kenly, she just very much annoys me and no freaking way she should have won, it should have went to plain jane-1 with the tree planter that was amazing. Emily had to go, that beef curtains dress...no no. Also in the live(?) aftershow on bravotv, Sandra Bernhardt said she absolutely hated kenly's design, but that she really had no say in the winner and it was decided without her. Also in the aftershow, apparently she got into it with Tim Gunn over her design but they didnt show that. HOW DARE SHE TALK BACK TO TIM.
...oh well, i guess i'll still watch in hopes of getting to see more of keith shine...
http://www.youtube.com/user/HalunkeXGast84
I've been thinking the same
I've been thinking the same thing. I don't know why this season seems so bland compared to last time (well, I'd shout CHRISTIAN, but that's just one factor).
I can definitely understand that approach though, in terms of deflty transistioning it from a Bravo eyecatcher to something that has a little more appeal than a syndicated show.
By the way, is it just me or am I the only one who thinks Keith is a little arrogant?
It could be a matter of timing...
There may be some slippage...
But honestly, I really don't like any of these reality competitions until they thin the herd a bit, in any season. It's still quite early and there's a lot of fat that needs to be trimmed. I bet by episode six the quality will be improved a bit from a storytelling perspective.
As for the production, it does feel rushed. even the promo pics this season look like they were taken by an intern.
Ugh Blayne
Can someone please tell me why this Oompa Loompa is still on the show? Seriously? If your life revolves around Fashion and Tanning, darling that position has already been filled by Donnatella Versache and Michael Kors, we don't need another orange Hero.
That being said, I will agree that this season of PR hasn't been THAT engaging as it normally is. I am very underwhelmed and I can tell that PR isn't really happy about the move to Lifetime and it seems they just aren't putting that much effort into doing anything new.
Oh and yes, Keith is Hot, but honostly I prefer Paulo from Shear Genius. I have this thing for furry bad boys.
Leanne should have won
Her design was elegant, beautiful. I thought the other two designers in the top 2 didn't really deserve to be there.
DB wants to strangle Suede.
When they introduced Sandra Bernhard my partner and I were both struck dumb as we stared at each other. I've never seen her wear anything other than jeans, a sloppy suit or little black dress.
ROFLMAO
HAHAHAHAHAHA. The third person virus is spreading. hahahaha.
Suede speaking in third person is getting annoying. I don't think he will get very many audience votes at the end for personality. He better have an amazing design.
Side Note: What is it about Keith that makes him so hot? He seems so average, but there is just something about him that makes him the hottest person on the show. Maybe it's his sincerity.
What makes Keith hot
Have you seen the clip on
Have you seen the clip on Bravo's website with Keith being so nurturing with the model who almost passes out because she hasn't eaten in months (allegedely)?! The guy is so sweet (and big) I could die.
And when he talks about how difficult it was being gay in Salt Lake City? And he calls Tim "buddy" but not in an arrogant way.
That said, he really took a chance on that dress... I hope to see much better designs from him.
Brian- Best recap to date "Fastest way to look cheap" Priceless!
Yesterday's show was the first one this season to mildly entertain me, but Brian-vision takes it where it needs to go. I love the inter textual references because that is all the crosses my mind when I watch most of ATWT and PR. The latter used to laugh at itself and allowed viewers also laugh at it. These days there is too much of the latter and little of the former.
Low lights:
1) Even though they were standing next to one another, I am still convinced that the two earthy/granola (ever worn make-up) girls are the same person or one of them is a clone gone wrong as we are 3 episodes into the season and I still can't tell one apart from the other;
2) Stella (what Cher would look like if she had not made it big) - Did Stella go into rehab during the series? This broad makes Amy Winehouse look downright radiant. No eyelashes turn into Jersey Cabaret and she's always hammering out some frock for a Bon Jovi/Whitesnake video circa 1986.
3) Suede, how do I hate thee? The 3rd person crap is more cringe-worthy than having a Blayne (I want to see his hatch certificate as the name can't be real) nightmare in which everything surrounding me would glow in the dark.
4) Keith, how do I love thee? But that dress? A mess and a half. Thank God that you are apparently nice on top of being HOT.
5) Sandra B. on the show, why? Amanda Lepore, the Olsen twins, or even one of the lowly New York Housewives (if Bravo wanted to cross-promote) would have been more inspired than Sandra. Love Boat casting!
6) Clothing - Jerrell's dress was cool. I liked the skirt on the crunchy girl's edited version of last week's mess, but the top and Britney Spears model did not do it for me.
7) More Brian and .... someone please check the obits for Stella and Blayne on a daily basis. They scare me.
8) Is it too late for a few "surprises" like sneaking in Santino, Laura Bennett, crying Andre (not Ricki) or even any lower-tier contestants from previous seasons who were fun/talented? This group is dull and needing the help of consultants :-)
Guillermo's Media Guillotine: Entertainment, journalism, politics, and popular culture.
http://springintoaction.typepad.com
Sandra
The challenges have been
I've always suspected that
I've always suspected that Wallace and Gromit were life-partners. Wendolene, I suspect, was just a momentary distraction.
Great photo of the truth of Gromit!
Keith
At times, Keith seems arrogant, but I tend to think he's just competitive, like that one girl said on the show, which I don't find unattractive.
Why I like him best among the others:
I found it relatable that he mentioned his family in Salt Lake City and his growing up. Also, he's not as flamboyant, or as caring about appearance (although he does have a good look going on) or as stereotypical as other people on television, which is hard to come by. And by people, I should say "real" people. Fictitious gay characters can be made as straight as possible which is nice for everyone to see and understand, but that just means they're brave/good actors and straight people can think that gay people come in all types. A lot of the reality characters, however, are still pretty stereotypical and that makes me think well what if that's what a majority of gay people are like and I'm different so I won't be able to relate to many other gay people in the world. Keith's speech is smart and educated, and his demeanor is respectable, courteous (in the house and while in the workroom), and refreshing. That's why I'm drawn to him.
I think Suede's whole
I think Suede's whole affected double-handed kiss blowing thing irritates me moree then the third-person thing. And I once hit someone for refering to themselves in third.
I can't imagine them putting Stella on the show with an entire portfolio of tight leather pants, so she must have worked with something else at some point.
A leather jock maybe?
I hope that they do a prom-like theme if only to see what Stella looked like in her younger years. I would be hilarious to discover that she was all Laura Ashleyed out at one time.
Guillermo's Media Guillotine: Entertainment, journalism, politics, and popular culture.
http://springintoaction.typepad.com
Stella and Leatha
Okay, I'm all for 'Leatha'. I am. But seriously Stella, she is taking that New York/New Jersey Accent to it's breaking point. If she says "I like working with leatha'" one more time, I may actually explode. This season has gotten way below the bar, so low in fact that I am afraid of what I may find if/when I watch the next season on Lifetime.
More than likely if they did do a Prom challenge it'll go down something like this.
Stella - Leatha' Ball gown with punk rock corset to boot
Suede - Something that Suede would probably wear, cause Suede is cool, isn't Suede?
Jerrell - Bitchy Elegance
The Plain Jane Twins - Conservative with Dahli's Head on a Stick
Keith - Innocent Devil
Blayne (Here on out dubbed Oompa Loompa) - Something that looks like the Gay Rainbow, Mardi Gras, Flag and two other white guys exploded all over the dress.
Daniel - Wild card...I'm never sure what he may churn out.
All the rest, I assume they will go slightly more traditional. Maybe Korto will throw in some much needed flavor, but as of right now, the above mentioned are exactly who I will be watching SHOULD the challenge come up on this season.
That does it, I'm reading
I met Blayne tonight
So I live in Seattle and randomly met Blayne tonight...and it was um...well...interesting. I pvt messaged Brian about it because I think what I found out was pretty, um, well important. Anyway...WEIRD!!!!!
p.s. according to Blayne he probably should not be on the project runway "wheel of auf'd gays" if y'know what i'm saying.
Not looking good
Sandra looked so botoxed! A bad drag queen with bad make-up.
Season 5 doesn't look anywhere as fierce as season 4. And now my pretty boy Wesley is gone! Why did he have to go and touch all over the ugly satin and overwork it? There's no more pretty gay boy, except perhaps Daniel. Such a pre-disposed factor don't you think? Daniel = future gay boy. Daniel V from season 2 was such a good-looker. He's sooooooo lovable.
Season 4 held a very high standard - the final 3 were very strong, especially Rami & Christian, who are both so unique yet mesmerizing. I'm banking on Jerrell, Kenley and Leanne. I love meself a gay boy but Keith will be out soon, I predict.