Shear Genius V. Top Design

Tonight is a new Episode of Shear Genius and I won't be missing it. I used to never watch Top Design until a rerun of it fit into my schedule. Why are these shows so dofferent? I have a few theories...

1) The judges respect edginess and risk-taking, but it has to look good above anything else.

In the first challenge on the quick cut challenge, many competitors came up with some really wacky designs, no doubt thinking that like Project Runway and Top Design, you would get an automatic "in" for being so wildly creative. And what happened? One of the best competitors ended up on the bottom because she took edginess a step too far. It has to look good on this show to make it. The judges do see potential in creativeness, but you have to pull it off or they will send you packing, and this is what judging should be on all the shows.

I think on Top Design (and even Project Runway) creativity can be held in too high esteem when it turns out some fugly results. People that should be sent home don't get sent home because they have a "strong point of view," even if it is a strong UGLY point of view. It is so refreshing to see the people with the crappiest designs go home first.

2) The judges aren't afraid to chastise or be mean.

Criticism can be tough to take, but it is the only thing that will help a designer grow. I found it hard to take watching Jonathan Adler be so saccharine sweet during judging. Margaret Russell was a bit better but they should have let her loose. Even Kelly Wearstler was a little bit tougher, but not by much. Bitchiness makes for good tv. We love Nina G and Michael K because they are so bitchy. We love it even more when one of the designers gets their feelings hurt and decides to lash out at the judges. DEEEEEELISH!!

3) We have a Mentor

While Rene Fris' English may not be the most desirable, I don't think anyone will argue that his ass sure is!! He may not possess the same rapier wit as Tim Gunn, but he sure is fun to look at. And he doesn't sound like he is reading a bedtime story to us (even though I wouldn't mind him tucking me in anytime it has to be said.) He is sometimes harsh on the hairdressers and we love this!!

4) We actually get to see some of the process

We are watching this show to see what the contestants can do. While the judging adds a level of tension, it is by no means the whole show. I watch this show in contrast to other kinds of reality TV shows because I like seeing someone do something they have a talent for. I also love to see the contestants interacting with each other more. It gives me a better feel for theit personalities and it creates its own kind of drama. The fun kind.


So in conclusion...

I am looking forward to the next episode. I can't wait to see what crazy thing Evangelin will do or say. I can't wait to see who Tabatha's next victim will be, and I really can't wait until someone sends Tyson crashing back down to planet Earth.

You see, Bravo made me care about the people on the show. Imagine that!!