Fantastic episode - I found this much more fun than a lot of regular episodes, because:
(a) Really cool theme, that didn't automatically imply or enable everyone should do a monster character
(b) Seeing the judges NOT be judges and kid around with each other, and compliment each other
© NO DRAMA! Just awesome teamwork, no manufactured team issues or whining
(d) Great all stars - am always glad to see Laura come back, but I was surprised they didn't have Rayce as well since they had other winners
(e) Beautiful work - I don't think there was really a bad piece in the entire set
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I was pulling for Neville the minute I saw his concept, and boy did his final pieces deliver. I have to admit I generally appreciate sculpting over fabrication, and Neville's team TOTALLY delivered on that. Those forms were absolutely incredible - I couldn't believe some of the lines and shapes they achieved. I also thought they did the best job with relating the two characters, having the best backstory (loved how Neville described it as a high powered evil religious figure corrupting the altar boy), and really reflected their two characters the most. They were also the two most striking characters to me - they did a great job of a really dark gleaming bishop and a super light and pale pawn. I'm babbling now... off to go look at the pictures on the site.
Can we just have Judges week EVERY WEEK?!