NY2TX

I like Michael and think he is among the more talented designers this season. I don't like his behavior in this episode, though we have to wait until next week to see if there is more back story. Somehow I doubt it, but you never know. I do fee;l as if Margarita made a concerted effort to get Michael worked up; I hope he quickly realizes how unattractive and unnecessary that type of drama is, and goes back to focusing on his work. I still don't understand what Margarita's problem was. I understand what she thought had happened, but I just don't see it. And I HATE this cliffhanger nonsense. One more episode that leaves the resolution until the following week, and I'm out for the season.

ATK and Cook's Country are so much more enjoyable with Bridget and Julia doing the hosting duties. It's hard to identify why, and admittedly I've watched both shows regularly for years. But there was something slightly annoying about Chris; I always found myself wanting him to talk less, and the others more. While I would be a faithful viewer with or without Chris, IMO the change has been a definite improvement.

Like most, at first I was hoping to see Shawn go, and agree that she and sis' can be a tad annoying. So it's a bit strange to find myself defending her, in some measure anyway. I have to remind myself that these episodes are primarily challenges, and some of the better designers through the years have been in equal parts unbearable. I don't think Shawn's design was the worst, nor do I find her intentionally mean, as many contestants have been in the past. I actually think she and her sister are fairly authentic, and not purposefully affected. That doesn't mean they aren't grating, or annoying at points, but is that a reason to want someone to go home? Sentell was far and away the bottom of the barrel last night, though I'm not certain we've seen enough from anyone yet to know what their real skill level is. But more than anything I have a problem with these team challenges. For all the talk about design being collaborative, it certainly isn't in the sense of the forced group think we see on PR. Staff that work in a top designer house certainly collaborate, but all are subordinates. Project Runway is looking for designers with individual voices, and those without a specific point of view are constantly reminded they need to find a clear identity as a designer. You would never have Michael Kors, Issac Mizrahi, Zac Posen, Karl Lagerfeld and Vivienne Westwood thrown together and asked to come up with a cohesive selection in a day or two. It would be disaster, and rightly so, just as these team challenges always are. Each season I hope we've seen the last of them, but sadly they allow for easy tricks and drama...."who do you think should go home" and other nonsense.

I expected so much more from Nurse Jackie in its' final season, but sadly, it's been a complete disappointment thus far. There have always been elements of the show that weren't particularly successful, but its' strengths greatly outweighed its' weaknesses....and by some margin in my opinion. That isn't the case anymore. None of the story lines, or plot devices employed this season have been believable, and we're having so much thrown at us so quickly it's all but impossible to care about anyone. Jackie in a wreck with a ridiculous amount of drugs pilfered from the hospital, Jackie in jail, Jackie detoxing, Jackie in a lawyer's office, Jackie stealing from a patient but all for the greater good, Kevin taking all equity from their home without Jackie's knowledge (really??), Jackie blackmailing Kevin, Jackie back in lawyer's office, Jackie back at work at the hospital, Jackie really really really misses nursing (except we really really don't believe that)....none of it works. Nothing has been more disappointing than what we've seen transpire with Zoey, a role was so brilliantly written in seasons 1-6, and so perfectly portrayed, it makes this season's hot mess all the more difficult to watch. I was so looking forward to season 7 but am checking out after two episodes.

Tim's advice to Sean had nothing to do with adding fringe to every garment, or even including more pieces with fringe in the collection. His observation was that Sean had two completely different collections, which was absolutely true. Had Sean included both sets it would have been disastrous, and IMO he would have finished last among the four (yes, even behind Char). Tim's suggestion to leave the pieces out altogether is the single best piece of advice he gave to any designer during their respective home visits. I don't necessarily agree with this, and no doubt the designers were thrilled with the opportunity to visit Rome (whatever the reason behind the trip). And I don't think any of the designers altered their original plans to any great extent. Rather I think they re-worked their individual narratives to fit the newly introduced twist, or so-called inspiration. I don't get all of the criticism regarding product placement; that is always going to be a huge component of this type of show. Personal likes and dislikes are to be expected, but some of the comments seem silly. Like the person who referred to Belk as "a store I've never even been to." Well, guess what, it's one of the largest department stores in the country, and millions of people do shop there. We're in Season 13 and it's only natural that we're going to see a wide range of both sponsors and products featured.

I think the judges gave the feedback they felt was appropriate for each designer, based on the looks they were presented with. And perhaps their feedback was more pointed with Kini because they have particularly high expectations from him, based on his work throughout the season. And IIRC from prior years there have been designers who took the judges feedback to heart and were duly rewarded as a result; perhaps that's the arc we're going to see with Kini. I do think his final collection is going to have a much different vibe than we got from the three pieces he showed the judges in the preview, but I guess we'll know for certain next week!

I disagree with a few who've characterized this season as boring. I have been a loyal viewer since the beginning and this may be my favorite season yet; it certainly ranks near the top in my book. I think we've seen our fair share of dramatic looks, and the overall skill level has been on a par with prior years. And IIRC Tim characterized the rainway challenge as the strongest of any in PR history. That's not the same as saying this season, or group of designers is the strongest, but it is fairly high praise given the context. And while it's always important to separate personal opinions about the designers from their actual work, I will also say this particular group is by far my favorite ever. Korina notwithstanding (and she may be my least favorite ever, which is saying something; not in terms of design ability, but with respect to attitude), it's remarkable just how many of this season's designers seem like genuinely nice people (Kini, Char, Alexander, Sean...and how lovely and gracious was Emily when she was the final designer eliminated prior to fashion week). In fact, other than Korina, I can't think of anyone I don't like on some level. Even Mitchell, who rubbed some the wrong way at the outset, did a complete turnaround in my opinion. And Sandya, who clearly wasn't feeling the love from some of her fellow contestants, never took the bait, or allowed herself to get drawn into any petty conflicts. I'm going to miss most of these designers. That's surprising since I am usually more than ready for an extended break once the season is over.

I really like the pre-show feedback session. I do wonder if it actually occurs a day prior to the collections being shown, or if the designers have a bit more time to make adjustments. If the issue is solely styling the timeframe doesn't matter, but re-working, or even replacing pieces would be difficult to accomplish in less than 24 hours. Perhaps not for Kini, which is good since it appears he has the most work to do. I'm not certain what Sean can do about the amount of fringe in his collection. Simply removing it from a handful of garments wouldn't work because the remaining pieces would look incomplete. And the judges didn't just recommend taking away some fringe; they also asked for additional ideas and techniques to be introduced. I'm looking forward to next week!

Oh well I was only going to watch because of Chris (in particular because there are others in the cast I am definitely not interested in spending time with again). They should employ him as a permanent workroom sidekick; not in lieu of Tim, or in any kind of advisory role. Just have him sit there and hold court while everyone else works. Love his energy and banter.

I can't imagine anyone other than Kini winning. He is supremely talented, his work is effortless, and he is as skilled as any contestant we've ever seen on PR. Skill alone does not a designer make, but his garments are also beautiful, and the fit almost always insanely good. The fact he is genuinely nice, and drama-free, is icing on the cake How rare is that, in particular when considering how much better he is than most of the competition. I wonder if his demeanor (in part) results from confidence in his abilities, just as the behavior of some (more volatile) contestants is borne out of insecurity. I think Kini knows he isn't ever going to put out a disastrous garment. If his first effort doesn't work, he'll make another. Or make two are once and pick the best. Or make a third if that's what's required, and still get it done with time to spare. He is that good. And the results thus far clearly show that. He has only been in the bottom once in twelve episodes, and never in the bottom two. He has been in the top group for 8 of the past 9 weeks, with 3 victories. And let's be honest, he could have just as easily (and probably should have) won numerous other challenges. How many comments were made about him finally getting that first win, as if recognizing that it was long overdue. I can't say for certain, but my guess is we haven't ever had a designer reach this stage of the competition with as strong a record in the weekly challenges as Kini. Admittedly I would be pretty devastated if Kini isn't the winner, but I just can't see that happening. I think he deserves to win, and will win.

The few comments about not blaming Korina completely miss the point. The issue isn't one of blame, or understanding Korina's feelings; participation, in whatever capacity, is a function of her appearance on the show. Designers aren't sent home subsequent to elimination. They may no longer be housed with the remaining contestants, but they are still present, and on-call, until filming ends. Designers are brought back for a myriad of reasons; a Tim Gunn 'save', in the event one or more contestants leave (withdraw or are dismissed) prior to elimination, or to assist the remaining designers during one or more challenges. Of course her return came closely on the heels of her elimination; episodes are shot back-to-back. Korina was upset about what transpired. Clearly she feels she is a better designer than Char, and that her garment/s in this particular episode - whatever their shortcomings - were stronger than what Char sent down the runway. So what? There have been more than a few designers eliminated over the years that many feel are stronger, or more skilled than others who remained to sew another day. Eliminations don't occur in descending order, from worst designer to best until only the cream of the crop remain . On the other hand, no one believes the designer with the worst garment is necessarily the one always sent packing. On the whole I think an effort is made to see the strongest designers reach the latter stages of the competition, and finale, but up to that point there are probably a myriad of factors that influence the judges weekly decisions. Korina's actions give the impression she is a victim of the most egregious injustice in PR history. Not even close. Could the decision have gone the other way? Yes. Is Korina a vastly superior designer to Char? Hardly. All designers know exactly what they are signing up for when they agree to appear on the show, including accepting their fate when the judges make the determination their time is up. Participating in additional episodes, or reunions, when required is also a part of the deal. And most accept those terms without hesitation. Each is receiving more exposure than would have ever been possible otherwise, as well as a host of other opportunities. It is sad that Korina chose to squander all of that by acting like a complete ass. I feel for her, but don't think immaturity is an excuse for her behavior. Perhaps she'll be one of those who make a comeback in a future season. I would be open to seeing a new and improved - and humbler - Korina.

Like others I'm a bit perplexed by the over-the-top praise heaped on Sean's dress. I liked it, and agree with the more general comments regarding effect, and styling. But singling it out as among the best ever (or best, or her favorite, I can't recall Nina's exact comment)? That type of hyperbole rang false. Perhaps it was a way of elevating Sean as a legitimate contender to Kini, or creating some measure of suspense, since it appears the latter has increasingly distanced himself from the remaining designers. I also liked Amanda's look, and thought it clearly reflected her aesthetic (something the judges pay particular attention to at this stage of the competition). Yes, it evoked a familiar silhouette, but dismissing it as a 'Mrs. Roper' re-hash is hardly fair. Whatever you think of the style, it was well done, and moved beautifully on the runway. I also thought her combination of color was particularly effective. Kini. Wow. The fit on that red dress was crazy, but hardly unexpected; IMO he has been the real star this season (umbrella dress bodice, another wow moment). Not only does his work look effortless, it actually is; his skill is unlike anything we've seen before on this show, and that includes two of my all-time favorites, Christian and Dmitry (and without the requisite drama, or bitchiness). I should know better than to get too invested in any one contestant, but in this case it's unavoidable. I would be absolutely stunned if he doesn't come out on top at the finale, all the moreso considering a handful of other recent results. Comparing one season to another is always a slippery slope, but even thinking about Kini as a potential runner-up, and Anya or Gretchen as winners...I refuse to let myself go there.

I completely understand Sandhya winning two of three challenges thus far; her looks have been wholly different than anything else on the runway in their respective episodes. Yet they didn't feel forced, or give the impression she was putting out unusual garments solely to separate herself from the other designers. There was thought, and a clear story behind each look. More importantly, she is fearless. There is so much gamesmanship on this show, with designers calculating how far they can push the envelope without risking an early departure. Or they assume they can put out 'safe' garments that are well-executed, and perhaps skate by for an extended period of time. For many the goal is to simply make the latter stages of the competition; they want to avoid elimination, as opposed to winning (and potentially losing) challenges. There is none of that going on with Sandhya; she has a POV and isn't deterred by fear of losing, or even words of caution from Tim. Obviously that mentality can backfire as easily as it can prove beneficial, which we saw in Episode 2. Yet the harsh feedback she received on her unconventional garment didn't cause her to second guess herself the next time out. I love that about her, and expect we'll continue to see up and down results for the duration of her tenure in the competition. I should also say her unique story, clear POV and fearlessness won't trump a disastrous garment, and I disagree with those who say she won solely because her garments were so much different than everyone else's. You may not have liked them (as was the case with Heidi in this challenge), but you have to respect the effort, and can't really argue with the decision to give her the win. As far as Tim's comment about euthanizing a garment, I actually thought he was referring to another designer. I will have to go back and watch the episode again, but IIRC he made the statement immediately after Zac attempted to defend Sean's look. Whatever the case, I am always wary of editing. There is always a great deal more that happens during designer feedback sessions that we actually see on-camera, and it could be Tim gave someone very specific advice that was totally ignored. If the designer does okay in spite of it, the panel is none the wiser. But if he is ignored, and the look is disastrous, I think that is the kind of information the judges want to be made aware of. I am surprised Mitchell's garment wasn't in the top. I thought the whole relationship to water, and global warming, made perfect sense, and I thought it looked amazing on the runway. It certainly turned out better than I expected it was going to.

While my favorite garment was Char's, and I had hoped (and expected) her to win the opening challenge, I completely understand why Sandhya came out on top. And upon further reflection, I agree with the decision. IMO Nina's comment about Sandhya not being afraid was particularly telling. The judges were making a statement at the outset that they expect strong choices this season; those who play it safe, and don't have a clear POV, or a readily identifiable aesthetic won't be around very long. Ultimately Sandhya was rewarded because there was a story behind her garment, and she did something both unexpected, and that the judges had not seen before. I think the judges liked that she was fearless, and more importantly, didn't second-guess herself. I just think she is coming from a much different place than the other designers, and the judges responded to this. OTOH I also think she straddled a fine line in this challenge, and I can potentially see her results being all over the map going forward. But she has my interest, that's for sure. I am actually happy Mitchell wasn't eliminated. His garment certainly wasn't the worst, and I was intrigued by his story of having a tough early life, though we weren't provided with too many details in the initial episode. It's a bit early for me to classify him as another Josh, though he may well end up moving in that direction. I would have been happy to see Angela make a quick exit; I find myself getting anxious every time she's on camera. Perhaps we'll see something different next week, but thus far she looks the most likely candidate for an early emotional meltdown.