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March 14, 2007: Party Poopers
Unfortunately for this group, even the prospect of a party leads to turmoil. (Of course, they might've had more fun if they'd been able to celebrate afterward with their own party and some of that Bacardi.) But team challenges among these unique, strong-willed designers who are used to working independently and who are stubbornly loyal to their visions only yield a lot of angst. (And all this conflict comes even though Ryan has left the building!)
Once the six remaining contenders were divided into two teams and attempted to work together designing an upscale "sensorial" bash for Bacardi Limon more product placement, we were subjected to a hefty dose of bickering, complaining, he-said/she-said, idea stealing, bossing, ignoring, eye rolling, even crying. (Thanks, I didn't get enough of that earlier tonight.) In fact, in the first half hour, nearly every comment was some kind of gripe and neither team seemed to agree on design, execution, time management, order of projects.... No one was happy.
But when the show was over, I was happy. I'd been thinking lately how underutilized and underrated Matt has been. This time, his talents outshone the dramatics of teammates Michael and Carisa. And we saw some kinks in Goil's armor, but no kinks in Kelly's hair (thankfully, it was tastefully pulled back).
I'm still stunned either team was able to pull it all together in time. And to me, both of their festive setups looked good. Granted, the Matt/Michael/Carisa team put forth a sleeker, more cohesive product. Andrea, Erik and Goil's result was more cluttered and scattered. But I thought Andrea's low, dark red "furry flowers" were cool and different and perfectly exuded one of the five senses (touch) that were required in the challenge. (Speaking of which, just which sense was Doc Holiday as bouncer supposed to invoke? I didn't have a problem with him per se, but the judges seemed to put undue emphasis on the bouncer in their critique of the entire design concept.)
I'm also still on the fence about Goil's plight. While he should have better pursued his vision and made his voice heard, he was on a team — one that had two days to make a plethora of design decisions and construct a party place. If I were him, I would have stepped aside, too, and put all my energy in just getting things done. I wonder if the judges would have told him he wasn't a team player if he'd been more stubborn. I mean, Matt stepped aside on his team and let Michael and Carisa battle things out, and the judges perceived his actions as "keeping a clear head." Ah well, Matt had the better design to back it up; Goil's (or Andrea's) chandelier tiers were clunky disasters. Regardless, it appears Goil isn't a calm, easygoing architect, and he (and Carisa) will have breakdowns again next week.
Other thoughts:
— Winning only a single extra hour of time in the next design seems like a small reward.
— I was disappointed to see Erik go; I cannot believe Michael is still around (I mean, go-go dancers?). I guess his team's winning design saved him this time, despite his and Carisa's innumerable arguments.
— And thanks for holding down the fort while I was away. Good job!
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Mar 15, 2007 1:34 AM
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Michael needs to go, or I do. He makes me sick!
Otherwise, the correct room won. I thought the losing room was really too cluttered and themeless.
I can't wait until they do individual rooms. That's definitely the best.
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Mar 15, 2007 2:56 AM
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I could believe it was a team challenge again. This show has more team challenges than anyone before. We need to see individual talent.
I can't stand the judges. None of them have really good taste in clothing. Particularly, Jonathan Alders, he has no fashion sense, he needs some help from Tim Gunn.
I hope we can have more individual challenge for next week since there are only 5 left.
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Mar 15, 2007 8:21 AM
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I first need to point out the fact that it appeared that Goil was wearing a bullet-proof vest during the judging. What was that?! Okay, with that out of the way: I do think the correct team won; however, I really wish Michael had been the one to go last night. I do like Carisa; while most people seem to find her abrasive, I think she at least projects her personality, unlike wet dishrag Matt. I couldn't believe Michael, who is consistently raked over the coals by the judges, just wouldn't listen to Carisa's suggestions, despite having a couple of wins under her belt. I did think she was a bit catty in suggesting that the whole design was her idea and not Matt's; you won, honey, just take it and move on. I really think that Goil was pushed to the side by Andrea and Erik. And I do think, had he spoken up and stood firm, that the judges would have blamed him for not being a team player. Andrea and Erik seemed borderline mean to him towards the end of the challenge. Andrea needs to get over herself. It's a Bacardi party, why does everything need to be a little "off"? The rum will eventually take care of that, thanks. Sidenote: It's not like Bacardi Limon is new, why were they even designing around it at all? Why not design a party around one of their newer products? Anyway, between Andrea & Erik, I would have liked Andrea to go first, but oh well. Maybe whiny, delusional go-go dancin' Michael will go next week. Who would even think of go-go dancers, anyway? The bouncer was equally random, but I guess it worked out for them in the end. Please, Bravo, next week give us an individual challenge!!! This unnecessary group drama is getting on my nerves!! It does appear to be individual next week, so we shall see...
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Mar 15, 2007 11:04 AM
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tvbecky, I noticed the bullet-proof vest Goil was wearing, too!! I thought 'is he using symbolism, because he believes he's going to be shot down?' He seems like he would be that melodramatic. Would be interesting to know.
I also hope next week's challenge is an individual one, and Michael will be sent home. However, from the previews, it appears that Goil is falling apart under the pressure while Michael continues to be delusional regarding his talents, so we might not get our wish.
I do think Carisa is talented, but I did not appreciate her taking credit for the whole design. It appeared that way from the editing, but I don't think we are seeing the whole picture. I agree with the judges that the design had Matt written all over it. It was sleek, sophisticated, and upscale, which is what has been producing all along. And I still think he should have won that garage sale challenge over Carissa. I am glad that he finally won something. And an extra hour doesn't seem like much, but, man, when Tim gives them the warning of 20 or even 5 minutes, I'm always amazed at what they achieve in those last few minutes. So imagine what he can do with 60!
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Mar 15, 2007 12:14 PM
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I'm on the fence about Carisa. Though she claims the design is hers, in the idea segment she is always corrected by Matt and Michael: Matt argues that her distribution of tables is cluttering the entrance and they need to have a more open area, Michael points out that there is too much seating in the design and people like to stand and mingle at these events, Michael also later argues that her one level seating idea is too flat and they need to create different tables that are higher, etc. So, no, the design was not her idea and was a team effort.
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Mar 15, 2007 2:23 PM
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I agree if this is Top design why are there more group challenges than indiviual challenges. I actually found the winning teams design boring. I've seen it all before.
I would rather have explored the losing team because it seemed more orgional.
Goil is still my favorite. I actually like Carissa too. I think she was in the right in her arguements with Michael. Also love that Michael was forced to admit the go-go dancer was a bad idea.
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Mar 15, 2007 2:46 PM
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I liked the winning design alot. It looked professional and sleek. The coffee table with the fresh lemons was absolutely beautiful. I also love calla lillies. Plus, the entraceway with the bouncer standing there did give their tent a "can't miss event" feel.
I can't believe that Carisa and Michael didn't kill each other and Matt was able to reign in their collective talents to make a wonderful presentation.
I liked alot of the other team's design elements, but I think they needed more time to pull them together. The colors of the red flowers did pop, but unfortunately the judges didn't like them. I'm sorry to see Erik go, as he seemed like a very nice person. Goil seems to be self-destructing, which can only be good news for Matt. I think Carisa has good ideas, but she wants the credit for all of the finished product, not just her piece of it.
The lady judges did look great this week. But, the head male judge still looked like he was dressed by Ringling Brothers. And seriously, he needs to retire the "See you later, decorater" sign off. How lame. He sounds like a four-year old. How about, "We bid you adieu, decorator you." OK, don't throw eggs.
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Mar 16, 2007 11:24 AM
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