Season 9 Discussion

[sugarbaker design]

The Fab 5 are in Vegas! Jeremiah Brent joins the team.

Preview: 

 

[debraran]

I started to watch this but was too tired..music changed which was predictable and seeing a new person was more of a jolt than I thought. I look forward to watching one this weekend. Hope it still has the same magic for me especially without Bobby. It's an escape in a crazy world that I usually look forward too.

Edited December 12 by debraran

[Empress1]

I’ve seen the first two episodes. I didn’t like Paula’s two-toned cabinets. The bright green was a hard no from me. Her man adores her - that was nice to see. Paula had a great reaction to her new hair. I was like “you can say ‘shit,’ girl!”

Nicole’s story was INSANE. Her abusive husband of 30 years just up and left for the Philippines one day and left behind a side chick/second “wife” (I assume that wasn’t legal since he was already married, though the side chick surely thought it was) of EIGHT YEARS who thought she was the only one. Nicole was clearly still in a lot of pain, and I don’t blame her. I loved when she told Tan she’d never felt more beautiful. She looked great in those shorts!

[iMonrey]

I've only seen the first episode so far. Paula looked great, but there was something a bit "off" about her. And I know it's shallow and it was supposed to be about her, but I was really hoping they would fix Gregg's teeth.

[debraran]

I couldn't watch the first one, wasn't clicking,  but enjoyed the second (I'll revisit other one later) I didn't realize Antoni broke up with his 4 year partner, that's too bad.

I liked this woman and I liked how they bonded with her. The new guy seemed a little awkward but he'll got in the groove. It's hard at first. I liked some of his choices and her reaction seemed sincere. Since her husband's memory was all over, she deserved a new design. The canopy......

I loved the lace shirt and shorts. You go girl! I loved the dress too, not one for cropped tops so that didn't move me but she was a pleasure to watch.

Edited December 13 by debraran

[arachne]

Seen the first two shows so far. Jeremiah seems okay, I think he'll grow into this. Liked the rock/mineral shop, and that Jeremiah seems to be into crystals. (Whatever you may think of them, they do look nice.)

Did not like Antoni's new haircut. And I always heard you should never change your hair right after breaking up with someone. 

[iMonrey]

15 hours ago, debraran said:

I didn't realize Antoni broke up with his 4 year partner, that's too bad.

Did they say that on the show? I hadn't heard that.

I'm so used to seeing Jeremiah with Nate it seems sort of weird seeing him try to integrate with this group. He and Nate have done about three different shows together, they feel like a package deal. 

[debraran]

3 hours ago, iMonrey said:

Did they say that on the show? I hadn't heard that.

I'm so used to seeing Jeremiah with Nate it seems sort of weird seeing him try to integrate with this group. He and Nate have done about three different shows together, they feel like a package deal. 

On the second episode he mentioned it to the woman Nicole  because she was talking about breakups   I looked up when, end of 2023

Edited December 13 by debraran

[debraran]

I skipped around, seems this season is a mixed bag from reviews but the Mother's Day one seemed like it would be good. It was, look forward to hearing others opinions. Lots of crying and I looked up the person to see she is still doing well and better in many ways.

This one really made me like Jeremiah and the short clip at the end with his mom on the phone might be missed if anyone shuts it off too quickly. Please stay to watch.

[iMonrey]

I'm making my way through them in order. Just saw the one with the magician. Wow, talk about a transformation. I don't get how a haircut could make him go from being basically bald on top to looking like he had a full head of hair. I guess that's a really, really good combover.

Jeremiah had next to nothing to do on this one. A dog playground? Really?

At the end of the day, it's really the haircut and the clothes. The rest is pretty much filler. 

[TiredMe]

I just finished the Nicole episode. That poor women! Between her husband and her mom she had quite a rough deal. I shed some tears during this one. I love Bobby so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Jeremiah but so far, I am really liking him. 

[debraran]

When you get to the Sean episode, Merlin gets a Makeover, this is his FB page with little update. https://www.facebook.com/hackpoet

[iMonrey]

Just watched the one with Clyde, the snack attack guy. Wow, this one was kind of hard to watch, I'm not gonna to lie. Sometimes I wish they didn't lean so heavily into featuring the saddest sob stories or the worst hard luck cases just so they can really nail the emotional gut punches. It kinda feels like Make A Wish for grownups. 

This one was strange because the guy was living in someone else's apartment and they redid those people's apartment. I guess they were all for it but it felt weird. They kept referring to "his space" but it wasn't really his space, y'know?

The show has moved so far away from its original concept of making over messy slobs who just need some direction.

The wedding episode was a nice palate cleanser. They must have spent a shit ton of money on that wedding so I guess they didn't have enough left over to do their house.

Edited December 16 by iMonrey

[Empress1]

13 hours ago, iMonrey said:

This one was strange because the guy was living in someone else's apartment and they redid those people's apartment. I guess they were all for it but it felt weird. They kept referring to "his space" but it wasn't really his space, y'know?

I had that thought too. Mr. Snack Attack had moved in with a married couple, into their space. They clearly considered him family, which was lovely, but that wasn’t his house. I guess the couple was okay with the makeover.

13 hours ago, iMonrey said:

The wedding episode was a nice palate cleanser.

Ha, I was so bored. Nice couple, but I was so bored.

[buttersister]

Agree about Clyde. It seems as though they’ve raised the stakes to keep the Five engaged, perhaps.  Jeremiah looking comfortable—what’s the over/under on that happening?

Jeremiah is making some lovely spaces. Clyde’s adopted family won the jackpot in this episode. But so did Clyde, I guess.

I figured that wedding kept the design team so busy, there was no time to redo their home. Hats off to the production people who found that olive grove. Heh, the couple was a one-off, not Clyde-needy but also, in no way a hot mess in need of saving. What was the hook? Help, her dad won’t be able to walk her down the aisle much longer and even that’s not moving their asses towards an altar?

[Empress1]

1 hour ago, buttersister said:

Help, her dad won’t be able to walk her down the aisle much longer and even that’s not moving their asses towards an altar?

I was like “why didn’t they just get married?” I mean, they lucked out by getting a free, lovely wedding, but there wasn’t really a problem for the Fab 5 to solve. They could have gotten married any time.

[Snapdragon]

26 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

I was like “why didn’t they just get married?” I mean, they lucked out by getting a free, lovely wedding, but there wasn’t really a problem for the Fab 5 to solve. They could have gotten married any time.

Yeah, I just started the wedding episode and I think I'm just going to fast forward or skip it completely.  If they really wanted to get married, they could have.  My wedding was planned in six months and there were 200+ guests (my husband and I both have large extended families).  They could have had that thing planned and done before she even started showing. 

And I can't with people who feel the need to say things like, "I don't want a traditional wedding."  We get it, you're so not like other girls.  

EDIT: Okay, I fast forwarded to end.  What exactly was "non-traditional" about this wedding?  Her floral dress?  Because all the rest was pretty standard.  

Ugh, I just feel like these people were lazy and looking for a free wedding.  I don't need every episode to be a sob story, but I would prefer it be people that need actual help.  

[cmfran]

Haven't finished the whole season, but it seems like the emphasis is now on the Fab 5's goofy antics than actually telling us about the process. They really don't seem to be doing much for the candidates, and if they are, that footage is on the cutting room floor. 

Per usual, Antoni is barely cooking. 

[Empress1]

1 hour ago, Snapdragon said:

If they really wanted to get married, they could have.  My wedding was planned in six months and there were 200+ guests (my husband and I both have large extended families). 

I know three couples that either planned a wedding quickly or moved a wedding up because one of their immediate family was very ill and they wanted that person to see it. (One couple married at her mom’s hospice bedside. Mom died the next day.) They also could have gone to City Hall. Pregnant people get married all the time. Like … just get married.

[Hanya2]

With the first woman I identified with her in some ways. Perhaps they could have shown some make-up tips for older women instead of just giving her eyebrows. Also, she seemed to have a problem with organization, with her sewing stuff strewn all over the apartment. Perhaps the new guy should have highlighted ways she could keep herself organized, so it doesn't immediately revert back.

The snack guy was cringey and painful and difficult to watch. Did they just give him two custom made shirts and call it a day?

I liked when got the magician out of the dinosaur suit. He was witty, and they seemed to really fix him up a bit. I know it's mean, but I wondered what his girlfriend really looked like under the 30 pounds of makeup.

And the young couple getting married. Fine, I guess it was a change of pace.

 

 

[Snapdragon]

My husband and I actually saw Piff the Dragon in Vegas about five years ago.  He was really good!  I'm assuming the entire purpose of him being on the show was to get himself all fixed up to propose to the girlfriend (and free promotion), because we met him after our Vegas show and he didn't come off awkward at all, so I don't think he really needed help otherwise.

[Empress1]

5 hours ago, cmfran said:

Haven't finished the whole season, but it seems like the emphasis is now on the Fab 5's goofy antics than actually telling us about the process. They really don't seem to be doing much for the candidates, and if they are, that footage is on the cutting room floor. 

Per usual, Antoni is barely cooking. 

I’m watching one with a single mom of a 9-year-old (who had nominated her for Mother’s Day!) whose husband up and left (she ended up in a homeless shelter with her daughter and they’d just moved into her first place) and they did a lot for her. She has huge breasts (which Tan kept calling bosoms, which I didn’t like) and Tan dressed them really well - she looked great in a belted green dress. Antoni taught her to cook and Jeremiah furnished and decorated the place. She had very little furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy it. She fully broke down when she saw her place. They also gave her daughter $10K for college.

Jeremiah was pretty overwhelmed by her response. He was crying and told Antoni he “wasn’t used to this.” 

[Snapdragon]

40 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

I’m watching one with a single mom of a 9-year-old (who had nominated her for Mother’s Day!) whose husband up and left (she ended up in a homeless shelter with her daughter and they’d just moved into her first place) and they did a lot for her. She has huge breasts (which Tan kept calling bosoms, which I didn’t like) and Tan dressed them really well - she looked great in a belted green dress. Antoni taught her to cook and Jeremiah furnished and decorated the place. She had very little furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy it. She fully broke down when she saw her place. They also gave her daughter $10K for college.

Jeremiah was pretty overwhelmed by her response. He was crying and told Antoni he “wasn’t used to this.” 

I just finished that one.  I kept hoping that they would offer to pay for the woman to get a breast reduction, but alas, they did not.  I've known two women that got them in the past few years (one was an E cup prior, not sure about the other as I only met her post surgery) and they both said it was a great decision.  I know it would be a massive gift but still, I was holding out hope for her.  I'd say so far that's been the best episode of the season for me as that woman and her child really needed help and she was so grateful to receive it. 

 

[buttersister]

Just finished that tear fest, too. I had the sense her place was a rental and I hope there’s a long, long lease and/or some landlord doesn’t pulll a fast one with the new kitchen (the marble backsplash is 100% the Jeremiah I’m used to).

But each of them really helped her. Even Antoni, who didn’t credit Marcella Hazan for her onion-butter-tomato sauce.  (Btw, it’s a half onion and you can reduce the butter;-) Those are the turkey meatballs I make—fast and tasty.

[debraran]

8 hours ago, Empress1 said:

I’m watching one with a single mom of a 9-year-old (who had nominated her for Mother’s Day!) whose husband up and left (she ended up in a homeless shelter with her daughter and they’d just moved into her first place) and they did a lot for her. She has huge breasts (which Tan kept calling bosoms, which I didn’t like) and Tan dressed them really well - she looked great in a belted green dress. Antoni taught her to cook and Jeremiah furnished and decorated the place. She had very little furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy it. She fully broke down when she saw her place. They also gave her daughter $10K for college.

Jeremiah was pretty overwhelmed by her response. He was crying and told Antoni he “wasn’t used to this.” 

I liked this episode FF through others. BUT a spanx like garment is not just what she needed. She needed to be fitted for a good bra, it would help more than a shaping garment and an education for most women on how we don't wear the right one. She needed more support and to look professional. I was surprised he helped a little but didn't get her fitted somewhere.

The rest was A+

[AnnMarie17]

We watched the first two episodes last night and we were both a MESS....crying and smiling throughout.  I had no idea Jeremiah was replacing Bobby and it was such a welcome surprise, he fits right in IMO.  

The last couple of season have been so-so, but these first two episodes gave me all of the wonderful feelings this show used to elicit.  I'm looking forward to watching more! 

[iMonrey]

22 hours ago, Snapdragon said:

Ugh, I just feel like these people were lazy and looking for a free wedding.  I don't need every episode to be a sob story, but I would prefer it be people that need actual help.  

There needs to be a happy medium IMO. Some of these stories are so tragic that a haircut, some new clothes and new furniture is NOT going to fix anything. There are clearly deeper issues at play.

16 hours ago, Empress1 said:

Jeremiah was pretty overwhelmed by her response. He was crying and told Antoni he “wasn’t used to this.” 

Jeremiah ALWAYS cries. I laughed when he said he doesn't always cry because YES HE DOES. He had a show on TLC called Nate and Jeremiah By Design and he cried on every single episode. Same with The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project. 

[jabRI]

Saw the first episode where Tan 'designed' new clothes for her.  Did not see the 'dancing queen' outfit as any 'new' look, and was annoyed he did not seem to give her any practical advice about everyday looks.  The dresses and going out clothes is for like once in a blue moon.  This is an example where the guys seem to be more about self-promoting than really helping, sorry.  Sure, it made her feel good to dress up and she's a beautiful woman, but there's more options beyond sweat pants or glitter.  

[iMonrey]

57 minutes ago, jabRI said:

This is an example where the guys seem to be more about self-promoting than really helping, sorry.

I wouldn't say it's about self-promoting. JVN isn't pushing his hair care products, Tan isn't pushing his clothing line, and Jeremiah isn't pushing his line of home decor. I would say it's more about formula. I agree they are rarely giving really practical advice. It all feels very paint by numbers at this point.

[Snapdragon]

1 hour ago, iMonrey said:

I wouldn't say it's about self-promoting. JVN isn't pushing his hair care products, Tan isn't pushing his clothing line, and Jeremiah isn't pushing his line of home decor. I would say it's more about formula. I agree they are rarely giving really practical advice. It all feels very paint by numbers at this point.

I would say it comes off as vanity, more than anything.  Jonathan constantly mugging for the camera and saying crass stuff just to be outrageous for no reason.  Antoni giving pouty looks in every dance transition shot.  Jeremiah seems to actually be sincere but the rest?  Eh, it seems a lot more about them than the "hero" of the week.  They're probably just bored with it after nine seasons and should have moved on when Bobby did, but here we are.  That being said, I am enjoying this season a lot...but if they announced a new cast next season (save for Jeremiah), I wouldn't be upset.

[debraran]

On 12/16/2024 at 12:34 PM, buttersister said:

Agree about Clyde. It seems as though they’ve raised the stakes to keep the Five engaged, perhaps.  Jeremiah looking comfortable—what’s the over/under on that happening?

Jeremiah is making some lovely spaces. Clyde’s adopted family won the jackpot in this episode. But so did Clyde, I guess.

I figured that wedding kept the design team so busy, there was no time to redo their home. Hats off to the production people who found that olive grove. Heh, the couple was a one-off, not Clyde-needy but also, in no way a hot mess in need of saving. What was the hook? Help, her dad won’t be able to walk her down the aisle much longer and even that’s not moving their asses towards an altar?

Clyde's FB page is more about his work but he seems to be doing well. Still smiling. I loved the exchange with Jeremiah in the store, when he said the car at 20 was "too much" and he's like "honey that's nothing, it's fine" A little snarky but in a nice way about the horse lamp, guess he couldn't resist but also honest. Not his taste but he found one for him. If he leaves he can take the bedroom stuff and lamp etc but the mural and dining stuff he might leave. Time will tell. If he doesn't mind sharing and money is better, why not?

[PRgal]

I just watched the first episode and my goodness, Paula looked about 10 years younger after she went blonde!  However, I think Gregg needs a makeover himself.  He's got a good face, and if not for the hissing teeth, he could be quite handsome.  IMHO, anyway.

[iMonrey]

Just saw the one with Sara, the mother of three. She really did look a good 10 years younger all fixed up. But that flower dress she walked out in was hideous.

I kinda figured they would get her a new car since they brought it up twice. But she's going to be stuck with a much higher property tax bill than with the used car she bought, probably. (Not sure how it works in Nevada.) Aside from that she really cleaned up. The house was fantastic.

[Snapdragon]

4 hours ago, iMonrey said:

Just saw the one with Sara, the mother of three. She really did look a good 10 years younger all fixed up. But that flower dress she walked out in was hideous.

I kinda figured they would get her a new car since they brought it up twice. But she's going to be stuck with a much higher property tax bill than with the used car she bought, probably. (Not sure how it works in Nevada.) Aside from that she really cleaned up. The house was fantastic.

Maybe she could trade it in and get a less expensive car instead?  I think you'd have to compare the extra money in taxes to the cost of possible maintenance for an older car.  

[Empress1]

12 hours ago, Snapdragon said:

Maybe she could trade it in and get a less expensive car instead?  I think you'd have to compare the extra money in taxes to the cost of possible maintenance for an older car.  

And safety - didn’t the old car die on the highway?

[iMonrey]

On 12/15/2024 at 4:44 AM, debraran said:

When you get to the Sean episode, Merlin gets a Makeover, this is his FB page with little update. https://www.facebook.com/hackpoet

Thanks, finally finished the season. It's going to be hard to keep up with the hair dye. Especially the beard. It doesn't seem like he has the money to go back to the salon every week for a touch-up, and the cheap stuff you buy at the drug store washes out in a matter of days.

Overall, the season felt lackluster because the formula has gotten stale. And again, I feel like a big part of that is the emphasis on really hard luck cases and sob stories. They are trying to make it seem like a makeover and a home reno are more profound than they really are.

I think Jonathan and Tan should just have their own fluffy, fun makeover shows, and Jeremiah should go back to doing renovation shows with Nate. And Antoni and Karamo should just go away. Honestly, those two contribute next to nothing, IMO. They really try to go for the touchy-feely moments but the reality is most of these people have issues that are so deep rooted there's no way Karamo or Antoni can help with one heartfelt armchair psychology conversation.

[debraran]

On 12/16/2024 at 12:34 PM, buttersister said:

Agree about Clyde. It seems as though they’ve raised the stakes to keep the Five engaged, perhaps.  Jeremiah looking comfortable—what’s the over/under on that happening?

Jeremiah is making some lovely spaces. Clyde’s adopted family won the jackpot in this episode. But so did Clyde, I guess.

I figured that wedding kept the design team so busy, there was no time to redo their home. Hats off to the production people who found that olive grove. Heh, the couple was a one-off, not Clyde-needy but also, in no way a hot mess in need of saving. What was the hook? Help, her dad won’t be able to walk her down the aisle much longer and even that’s not moving their asses towards an altar?

That was a weird episode. They had a kid, didn't get married, now her dad was sick which was sad, but they could have had something simple She got a dress, beautiful reception, but they weren't needy really. Jeremiah did a great job but going to Ulta for hair and all that was kind of blah. I can't believe they can't find people as they did in the past. It was much deeper then.

I don't mind light once in a while, but this was just odd.

Edited December 20 by debraran

[Renee in CA]

On 12/18/2024 at 7:35 PM, Snapdragon said:

Maybe she could trade it in and get a less expensive car instead?  I think you'd have to compare the extra money in taxes to the cost of possible maintenance for an older car.  

Nevada is a low tax state, so I think she’ll be fine.

they Didn’t really dwell on psychological issues this time. In previous seasons, I felt like they looked at more route issues. Sara will be in a better place with a good car and a better house.

[debraran]

7 hours ago, Renee in CA said:

Nevada is a low tax state, so I think she’ll be fine.

they Didn’t really dwell on psychological issues this time. In previous seasons, I felt like they looked at more route issues. Sara will be in a better place with a good car and a better house.

That's good , in my state, my daughter went from a 2016 car to 2021 car and taxes went up 250! (same type) not to mention insurance. She hopes to have it a long time but it's a consideration. One person they knew didn't have the money, I vaguely remember a gift, maybe a rent or car was paid for a year.  I remember my mom when we went to church fairs decades ago, they'd have an expensive car for raffle. She'd say if we won, we could sell it and get something more affordable. ; )

Edited Tuesday at 10:50 AM by debraran

[cmfran]

I couldn't believe the Merlin guy was only 47. Apparently Karamo couldn't, either. I thought he was closer to 60. Agree with whomever above said that he probably won't keep up with the new routine. I'd love a "where are they now?" ep of this show.