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Kaiju Ballet

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  1. Me too! I kinda hope now the "big beautiful monster" will be recurring...that gives me hope for a fresh take on political commentary moving forward. And Steve Kornacki!!!!! Wondered when he had time to film this. And what Leslie Jones has to say about it, lol! Anyone know which writers supposedly boycotted this episode?
  2. That's an intriguing thought. I also saw the hesitation, but I thought it was due to her stance on killing (she doesn't).
  3. Not just the magic, I also enjoy the non-martial arts storylines/dynamics more. Or if there is going to be a fight, I think it's hysterical when it's not shown, as in the episode a few weeks ago when Nicky came across the support group of her haters. Otherwise you know she'll either win or not based on what the plot needs. That being said, I loved Zhilan's return after her redemption arc. But it's becoming a huge storytelling crutch that the right reference to some obscure piece of magic or lore can easily be found in the community center's library. And I keep wondering why Pei Ling isn't opting to go back to China--wouldn't there be resources there she could turn to? As for Henry being a compass not picking up on Bo's extracurricular activities, I think they made a huge point of his not yet being in sync with his abilities. Now that they've taken away Althea's cyberwizardry, her personal development makes for way more interesting storytelling. I loved the mini-case that she solved using her smarts and some resourceful delegating of cybersleuthing. Plus she'll be even better as a character once that restriction's lifted (although she's already pretty awesome). And now I want to see where it goes with Dennis/family. He's also become a character I like a lot because of "who he's become". That was a great scene between the two of them. I'm also into the restaurant saga --the sight of Sebastian weeping in the dark really got to me. Speaking of which, I laughed at Ryan's reference to what he had to do to get Sebastian the perfect gift in a previous episode. I'm also surprised at how invested I am in Jin's political career! Chinatown has become one of the main characters of this show, and I've really come to appreciate how much they make of the Chens being a part of the community, and why it matters. As for Bo--yep, that was telegraphed pretty early. I always thought he did seem kind of menacing and volatile. When Nicki was trying to find out who was targeting her, Bo was actually my top suspect, lol.
  4. I really hate what the Voice has become, although I still watch as a non-singer. Aside from the blinds, It used to be getting to know contestants over a longer period, watching them thrive with mentorship, and occasionally being moved by a song through their unique cover. Part of the fun was seeing how the singers did on iTunes after their performances, and voting after listening to replays. Weirdly, I was more likely to watch live when the voting period was longer than a commercial break. Now it's turned into a pure singoff of contestants I barely remember from week to week. They even dispensed with the big name mentor this season, and having a three-way knockout is a joke. Sasha (John's steal) was incredible, but I don't remember her from before. A big surprise is how much I've come to like Camila as a coach. When she led Andrew (name?) on a silly run around the practice space, it really demonstrated how fully invested she is in helping her singers. And the way she shows her appreciation of a performance that moves her, regardless of whether the singer is on her team increases my enjoyment too. Weird that I wasn't really a Camila fan before, but now I'm hoping she stays as a coach. Other performances from last night--I'm not moved by Kim, but it seemed almost a given that she was going to take that round. Justin got a standing O, deservedly (especially with Camila's reaction), but I also would have loved to see the woman who rocked the Bonnie Raitt song go further -- Cara Brindisi. Special thanks to Kayla, all these years I never knew that "Losing My Religion" was a southern expression that didn't necessarily have to do with spirituality. But she didn't have a chance next to Cara and Justin. Brayden was a surprise, but superficially, he also looked most marketable (magazine cover/poster-ready) of the three, which I'm sure crossed Blake's mind. Devix was an ok pick, helped by the package about his sick mom. But I don't see him going far compared to the other ones moving on. Andrew apparently didn't get over his nerves, unfortunately, and Michael Bolton 2.0 seemed to be on 11. Gwen's surprise pick got points for doing a Queen cover, but I didn't think she delivered on it. I was distracted by what she was wearing and the background vocals, when I should have been blown away by the performance. It felt like a high school variety show, and Daysia didn't help change that. John's comment that some of the choices Alyssa made were "very Gwen" helped explain why she was chosen, leaving Sasha open to be swooped up by John. I'll probably look up Sasha's past performances, and maybe the Bonnie Raitt cover, but there weren't many others that I want to do a relisten from last night.
  5. Dropping out of Lurk mode to throw some more flowers your way @ctlady. I do enjoy the show and will miss it, but it's been ten times more enjoyable with the snark I find here! (And totally agree about Bree's scrunchypunchy facial expressions.)
  6. I did feel for Christian when the models filed in past Cyndi, and he called them out for their lack of enthusiasm/icon-recognition. I appreciated Aaron geeking out over her. Agree with @sempervivum I expected/wanted her and Geoffrey to be the guest judges. The one they did have could have been great, but I noticed there were at least two designs on top or bottom where we didn't hear from her. Instead we heard from Elaine, who seems to have the least potential to impact a designer's career. I love Geoffrey Mac, and glad to see he's doing well. (He's on my dream list of designers I'd hire for custom clothing if I ever won the lottery) Cyndi's affect may have been even more noticeable because he was so nervous in the workroom visit. I think Geoffrey gave good advice to each designer that wasn't necessarily shown, but it's a shame they chose to highlight the "go with your first instinct" to Octavio. Speaking of which, that's proof that while Christian may give very specific styling and design advice, it really is on the designer whether or not to apply it. Christian very clearly advised against those pink feathered pumps, which Octavio stubbornly went with anyway. So glad it got called out by the judges. Also thought it was a very Miley Cyrus outfit--so it might work for a video or photo-shoot, but I doubt even Miley wears that to netflix and chill. And totally agree with @retired watcher. Octavio always wears the most loose-fitting, comfortable clothes himself, and chose to interpret comfort as those garters and stockings? Will miss Zayden, but at least he left "Seen" and with a near-win under his belt.
  7. Even Mimi couldn't save that horror on the runway. I'm also grateful I won't have to keep cringing at Anna's"Daaaaaddy!!!!" flirtation. It makes sense that they aufed two designers after the Siriano save, but how did completely-miss-the-challenge-sequin-outfit stay over Zayden's puffer coat overshadowed by challenge-meeting (though ill-fitting) design? It was very cool hearing about the designer's stay at home outfits during the lockdown. Wonder if any of Bones' neighbors watch Project Runway, lol!
  8. That was a *lot* of exposition crammed into one episode. I'm still dizzy from all the twists and turns in the Temperance storyline and frankly would love a recap that maps it all out (anyone know of any?)--a bit of a letdown after the general excellence of the rest of the season. Luckily, still some shining moments , such as Agent Park's superhero origin story: beautifully written, beautifully portrayed. That quiet reveal of "she was six years old" gave me more feels than the melodramatic laddering of miseries in Charity's story. Also flurvvved the interaction between Ace and Ryan. Ace's personal growth, how he feels about Ryan's "freeloading" situation esp vis-a-vis his own....also sensitively scripted and acted. Not to mention Ace's thoughtfulness in keeping what they're going through from Nancy, because "she's going through something". This show really excels in these quiet character development moments, in the midst of supernatural occurrences. Looking forward to Bess' reaction when she finds out not only was her historical society hookup watched, but there was a supernatural entity present and active there too! That gave me the creeps!
  9. Totally agree with your first paragraph. I kept imagining producers prompting Xander and Heather to "redo" their answers for the camera until they gave the exact, correct wording for the edit. And the two remaining non-white folks? "Got nothing for you, head back to camp" As for Xander, I think along with his being the direct beneficiary of two new game devices, he’s also setting up an argument for adaptability over preparation by studying the game. Might not be a winning one, but it's a viable one for him. We’ve seen now at least three professed students of the game go home – JD, Evvie (with their mock puzzle), Naseer (with his backyard Survivor training, daughter as coach!)—while Xander is quietly formulating a story for FTC. Considering he’s a game or software developer, he’s done a great job of hiding his strategic chops – he’s survived being targeted over and over until he’s now not even seen as a threat. Still no clear rationale for Liana’s hate for him (even before that delicious moment at Tribal), although that’s led to one of the earlier episode titles of “Million Dollar Mistake”—which refers to her decision of keeping him in the game. I also think Erica made the right choice – if she had turned her back on an alliance that actually valued her, that would lead her back to Deshawn and Danny—who had once tried to throw a challenge just to vote her out (although we don’t know if she’s aware of that at this point in the game) They already see her as the next person to get out after Ricard -- or so she may think. This demonstrates her loyalty to Xander and Ricard, and keeps her in the majority alliance that has a much better chance of picking off Deshawn or Danny next tribal as an easy vote, or even take another shot at Ricard.
  10. I was with you on the non-eye rolling until I realized while they finally featured Heather(!), they cut away from the other two POC still sitting at tribal council.
  11. Interesting that both winning and losing designs were assigned footwear designers. I loathed what Katie sent down the runway, but felt even worse for her footwear designer. That designer not only lost out on a huge chance to showcase her abilities, but may even have suffered from having co-created the shoes for that outfit. Even Katie in voiceover said in hindsight she should have created slides or mules instead of the clown shoes that stomped down the runway.
  12. This makes me think of the exchange between Ace and Carson, which seemed like a throwaway at the time. Carson says something about how with Ace's tech skills, he's surprised Ace isn't a tech billionaire. And Ace says "what makes you think I'm not?" Later on, a digital payment of $100 almost instantaneously appears after Nick/George says something about Ace texting that he should at least contribute towards food. I remember thinking, that's a lot for someone working as a dishwasher in his millionaire boss's establishment....which serves food. So I'm all in on the theory that there's more to Ace choosing to work at the Klaw other than lack of financial prospects. In fact, if he does come into money (by revealing his hacked millions, being an NFT kajillionaire, or choose to work in that area for reals) he would only be another in a series of the main characters to have a sudden financial reversal of fortune: starting with Nick, Bess (even though she's cut out....for the moment), Nancy (even though she gave the bulk of it away), Ryan (as a result of Nancy's decision), and possibly even George via Teddy (sign me up for Fan Fan membership!) I even think that Bess is in line to become wealthy again on her current path of studying under Temperance. And speaking of Temperance....total shallow note. I've come to like the actor's portrayal, but I am increasingly distracted by her Dorothy Hamill haircut, which seems so random. The show has been so on point IMO with everyone else's look-- what is this style supposed to say about her character? (I may be missing it completely, but it seems the rest of her style is deliberate)
  13. Thanks! I tried to screenshot and paste the files here, but they were too big :( Instead, here's the link:https://www.bravotv.com/project-runway/viewers-verdict# and some random thoughts 1- Anna and her TV husbands? Her print really was pretty, and I was surprised her look was "safe". Like Prajje's, I didn't know if it would be "top" or "bottom" if it weren't. 2- Aaron is continually underlooked, even though I really like how he meets challenges. If I "had" to wear one of the designers, he'd be my choice this season. 3- Bone's top was typical Bones (and very cooking robe as a top) but he should have been dinged for pairing it with a solid black tube skirt. 4- Chasity's intention sounded like what Coral actually executed, my personal favorite. 5- I like Darren's personal style, but that thing he put out on the runway was seriously fug...... 6-.....but not as fug as Clown Heather Sunshine's, and I don't care for her personal style either. I was happy that one of the designers opined that it was uncool to blame that fug look on Christian, and even happier when the judges threw the responsibility for that back onto her. 7- I like Zayden, but that dress was shorter than a t-shirt.
  14. Did Liana actually say that Tiffany was charismatic? That gives me hope that she'll misplay her advantage in a spectacular fashion. Or maybe Shan will steal that too, before getting aufed by Ricard. Rooting for Erika and Naseer now to make final tribal. Maybe it's foreshadowing that both of them can make fire?
  15. Bolded for emphasis. I refuse to rewatch to confirm, but I believe Meg several times yelled "stop talking" at both Prajje and Kenneth, even in the midst of wokesplaining oppression to a POC. Being told to shut up or aggressively silenced is most definitely an act of privilege or power disparity in most contexts, and to me that's when I lost sympathy for her. I also noted that Meg was shown screaming "F*ck you" to Kenneth, which she didn't do to Prajje. I feel that if she had, it would have been shown because likely Prajje would have immediately and clearly responded (catnip for show editors!) But it seemed that she specifically felt ok to curse out Kenneth because she knew he wouldn't react with the same level of intensity or overt aggression, so he was "safe" to attack. And I couldn't help but think that she wouldn't curse out Kenneth if he were not small framed and Asian (as am I). I wouldn't be surprised if he had a history of being bullied and avoiding confrontation as a result, so Prajje's explanation that Meg was taking out her anger on Kenneth rang true to me. I too believe Kenneth came across as sincere. That was already ugly and awful to experience as a TV viewer, it must have been devastating to be in the thick of it, and have that vitriol directed at you/started off because of you. And to have to continue working in the aftermath. Although it didn't turn out well, I appreciated his attempt to try to transform the incident into something positive in his design. I'm also glad that Meg had the self-preservation to remove herself from the show's pressurized environment. I do feel compassion that she's obviously in a lot of pain --she's living proof of the adage "Hurt people hurt people"--and I sincerely hope that she gets the help she needs.
  16. Awww, I’ve actually been enjoying this season very much. I was curious to see how Trace’s departure would affect the show, and I think it’s allowed for more interesting storylines to open up. Schoolteacher Jay is sweet, and was there when Abby really needed someone to be sweet. But Jay, she’s just not that into you! With Eccentric Billionaire she has someone who appreciates the side of her that excels at what she does, and the family that is everything to her. IOW, he gets her the way that Trace never could and Jay never can. I really liked the episode when Billionaire was laid up on the O’Brien couch. The hotel/Smithsonian excavation was a really good way to give him a reason to stay, and IMO they set up quite nicely his bonding with at least one of Abby’s kids and need for a home and family. I find him really interesting, and of course the breakout character has got to be Mandrake! Speaking of—in the “Whisk away that wasn’t”--- Mandrake was ordered to drive them to the heliport, and then (presumably after a helicopter ride) Mandrake drives them to the mansion. I actually spent way more thought than the show was providing to suss out how that was possible. Did Mandrake drive as quickly as the helicopter flew? Did the helicopter airlift the car while Mandrake switched from the driver’s seat to the cockpit? Did Mandrake leave the first car at the heliport, ride with them in the copter and leap into a waiting car at the landing pad? Those are the things I fixate on, so I can handwave away all the other fantastical elements (90% of the show) I do like Kevin and Sara together. He’s kind of like Schoolteacher Jay, really sweet and supportive. But he’s always gone for someone he works with, who’s outwardly tough and rarely shows vulnerability like his ex-fiance Georgia. The total opposite of Jess and Bree in fact, who are enjoyable, but in small doses. And I do admit to having the feels when the doctor told them they were pregnant. I'm tearing up? No, you're tearing up! I’ve always loved David but has their B&B turned into a restaurant as well? To have a review claim his salmon was dry, or whatever it was, seemed really odd. Bree—I get the appeal of Parole Guy. I’ve already forgotten the story behind how he ended up behind bars except how much credit I gave writers for coming up with a sanitized, hallmark-appropriate reason. No college admissions scandal here! Asking people who have been watching the show for a while—are there characters that were your favorites before that you’re no longer into now (or vice versa)?
  17. I've warmed up to Crystal 3.0 too, although most of the time I think her clothing and makeup aren't flattering. The actress probably does the best job out of all the Crystals to work off of whoever else is in the scene, so you can believe that they're really connecting and forming a bond. It's very Alan Dale-like, which is why I will miss Anders as a character. A big shoutout to the casting for Alexis and Dominique. They are enjoyable to watch onscreen, especially together, and the divalicious makeup, hair, styling is on point. That's what's missing for Crystal. Alexis, Dominique and of course Fallon are always red-carpet/runway/editorial photo-ready, while Crystal doesn't seem to prioritize or enjoy being in the spotlight. And it helps that Alexis and Fallon look like they are RL mother/daughter. Amanda is starting to be ok, but I think it's more the character than the actress. Her Fallon's been missing a friend/confidante, and Adam has needed a new reason to keep on his toes. Her styling is all over the place though. ITA that they need to recast Stephen and bring him back. I totally stan Fallon/EG, which is why I lament what the writers have been doing to her character. Way back in Season one, she was a lot savvier, smarter and badass than she is now. It's almost like they've taken all those smarts and put it into the Amanda character, and declawed Fallon as a result. She should have been able to destroy Eva without thinking twice, or know that she could. I used to be Team Liam, but they've dumbed down his character so much that I'm wondering if next season will be about them getting back together-- only so that Fallon comes to realize "you know what? You're right, Liam--you're not deserving of me"!
  18. ITA. Although a large part of telling relationship stories is showing where fundamental differences are resolved (as in the bogus Donovan wanting to throw the tennis match in order to win over an important client vs. Abby making it clear she's doing so because she loves him but feels its not honest) or not (as in Stephanie and handyman class differences). While Sam's always been shown as a closeminded skeptic where "magic"'s concerned, it's now playing out that their marriage is working, largely in part because Cassie's largely suppressed that fundamental aspect where he's concerned, but mostly because we're told so by the Show. In all his moping around when his arm was in a sling, he still wasn't interested in anything she might be able to do? I miss Cassie with her vast knowledge of alternative healing/remedies! I'm really glad they gave her a spine instead of making it seem like she was waiting around, ready to fall into his arms the moment he asked. I like George, but he really deserved that heaping serving of humble pie she dished out! That's a great explanation for the inconsistency of Middleton magic, and why the town isn't a big tourist destination (except in the odd episodes when there's a rare blooming flower that we never hear about again)!
  19. Good point. I used to really like Donovan as a character, not sure what's been happening to him--he seems to only act as a mayor when it serves a (pointless) plot point. Even Martha, love her or hate her, is all mayor, all-the-time. Speaking of Martha, I think the relationship moments they show between her and Tom are really sweet. They have more chemistry than Sam and Cassie, and a lot of that might have to do with how Sam has two modes: smug or dour. At least when Nick was around, we could see a vulnerable side. Now writing-wise we're asked to believe that he's a "rock star" surgeon, chief of medical at the hospital, AND a literal rock star who is a better guitarist than Jimmy Page (or whomever they name-checked). Some of it's the writing, to be sure, but at the end of the day I think it's: The existential crisis he went through with his arm in a sling only made him even more unbearable. The good: Abby staying consistent, in being cocky with the other couple and challenging Donovan about throwing the tennis match. Cassie's garden! And as a poster upthread mentioned, the return of her broom! Joy's date/new girlfriend. Thank you Hallmark for ending the ambiguity about this new character as an actual love interest, and the status of Joy's ex-partner (business-only. And while we're there, thank you show for getting rid of her!). The new character already seems a lot more interesting than....well, Joy. And whoever's doing wardrobe may also dislike Joy too, because that date outfit was seriously fug. (What time was that concert anyway? Starting after their date restaurant had been closed for half an hour) "Jelly" as a nickname. I was kind of tickled by that. And it was a sweet way for Cassie to get those letters about her as a child. As others have noted, the wishes coming true all at once. The unconventional casting of Stephanie's "first kiss" guy. Although seeing him flanked by Adam and Obnoxious French Tutor made me think of Stephanie as Goldilocks with the Three Guys--although none are "just right". Maybe when Adam is reinstalled as a chaplain or whatever the right title is now that he has a church, he'll be somewhat appealing again. I think Adam as Chaplain was a bit like the male, organized religion version of Cassie. My eyes still burn from the sight of his hula hooping in the 50s episode, and it hasn't been improved with his lack of purpose and thirst for approval, from Stephanie as the girlfriend he discarded and Sam as the dour best friend who irrationally blames him for the results of a risk (injury from basketball) that Sam chose to take. The return of George's love interest! And that she turned him down after he asked her to "go steady" after ghosting her for however long he did. She came around in a convincing way. But of course that could mean she disappears again after this episode. The bad: Why is Cassie no longer the most interesting character on the show? I blame James Denton, since I tend to tune out whenever he's onscreen. The ugly: Joy's blouse.
  20. It was a good week for Danny Trejo. Thursday night on Top Chef, and less than 24 hours later, there he is on Dynasty! That was a lot of fun. Agree about getting Crystal number 4!
  21. There was a secret scene that showed Kim consoling Sarah, and the two of them bonding as a result. I thought of that when Kim dropped the fire token into Sarah's container.
  22. Not a fan of Adam, but I was surprised he still tried and whined his way through the coconut challenge.
  23. Yay, Geoffrey! It was heartwarming to see how happy his fellow castmates were, swarming him (Marquise rubbing his head!) at his win. If I won the lottery, of the four I'd want him to dress me. And I'd back his business and Nancy's.
  24. I hope the advice to keep the crocheted baseball caps as Victoria’s signature isn’t indicative of what the CFDA mentorship will be like. So surprised the judges actually put her on blast with real criticism, as if whatever Moldovan koolaid they had been drinking throughout the season wore off. I was happy that they showed quick flashes of Christian’s runway show, but surprised that what they did show didn’t seem like a cohesive collection. I was confused though, when did they see Christian' show in relation to their 48 hours before their own mini show? Was NY Fashion Week still running during that time, or was it over by the time they presented to the judges? It was really sweet of Nancy to make that observation about how Sergio could say some “crazy” things, but he never said unkind things to or about the other designers. Similarly, I’m glad they showed Geoffrey stopping what he was doing, even when time was so precious, to go over and give Nancy support. They were all so supportive of one another when unpacking their boxes and getting the first views of each other’s work. Sergio also seemed less defensive about Christian’s help, although defiantly embracing “Victorian Saloon Girl” could have worked….well, maybe with another designer. Sergio is always going to go back to that bell skirt or circle silhouette. Which isn't a bad thing, as his blue dress (the least Victorian Saloon Girl) showed. And even though (or maybe because) that kombucha looked so nasty, I did want to see what kind of clothing Sergio would make out of it. I’ve got to admit, I’m rooting for Geoffrey to win – more in a bit--and for Nancy to have a phenomenal career with adaptive design and zero-waste fashion. Her “sustain-ability” top was how to promote a logo for this stage in their careers, Victoria. And when Sergio was getting his well-deserved dressing-down for essentially using social causes as accessories, I kept wanting the camera to pan to Nancy, who walks her walk. I do like Nancy’s aesthetic as shown in her personal style, and maybe it's a bit of foreshadowing that—as the judges commented -- her strength in inclusivity, zero-waste and adaptive design doesn't translate well to runway showstopping potential. Brandon already pointed out last episode is important for the win. Which brings me to Geoffrey. He’s self-admittedly avant-garde, and his work is larger than life, which –if he can integrate the judge’s comments in time – would be more in keeping with the early Bravo PR winners, moreso than the other three. He’s had two wins where celebrities wanted to wear his designs—Cyndi Lauper and Leslie Jones – and that’s where his distinct POV would shine, much like Christian’s. I’m surprised that he didn’t go back to working some latex pieces into his collection, and I respect his choice to show the pieces that would benefit from getting critiqued. I totally get his injury and choice to work on a Disney show with Zaldy setting him way behind. It also seemed like he lived in a walkup building, and if his torn meniscus was bad enough to require a stabilizer, I'd be minimizing my trips up and down those stairs too. I also felt for him--the other three were shown to have the support of loved ones, and Geoffrey mentioned that he was going through a breakup. And was speechless when Christian ragged him about not having any female friends who could try on his clothes.
  25. I'm grateful that Sergio didn't come up with a story for his dress, although it was fun speculating what this week's cause might be. Chernobyl? Genocide? Fracking? That being said, I think he was the one that gave fabric to Victoria, and the editors teased us with the phone call of death where it seemed he has a really sweet partner. Normally I'm not a fan of Leslie Jones, but tonight, her unabashed enthusiasm for Geoffrey's dress won me over. Especially since that was probably a huge factor in his well-deserved win. He really bounced back from several setbacks quite well! He was also supersweet on the runway, about how bittersweet his win was since it meant a dear friend and talented designer would be going home. I wish I had the money to have Geoffrey dress me! Geoffrey FTW!!!! Brittany--all her dresses are starting to look like fairy manga princess outfits. I did smile when she slashed off the asymmetrical hemline. I'm glad that she helped everyone out, instead of caving to her thoughts of sabotage. If those onesies were supplied by TPTB, was it allowable to cut them up and use them in an overnight challenge? The less said about Victoria, the better.
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