I’m Miguel Centellas, a political science professor at Mount St. Mary’s University. Because of academic interests, I post frequently on Bolivian politics. I also occasionally discuss interesting books, pop culture, and daily life in Baltimore.
K8 & I are big fans of Project Runway & Top Chef (both on Bravo TV). Unlike most “reality” shows (which are garbage), these revolve around actual abilities—highlighting contestants skills & creativity, rather than backroom drama. While neither of us sews (though K8 insists she’ll someday use our still-unwrapped brand new sewing machine), both of us have found inspiration watching the Top Chef contestants. These are truly talented individuals. (And I keep encouraging some of my friends to audition for both shows.)
But the current season of Project Runway is starting as a bit of a let down. So far, in the first two challenges, the overall quality of many contestants’ designs were subpar—at least by the standards of previous season contestants. Or is it just me?
You're not the only one. I was really disappointed in the past 2 episodes. And Suede really, really annoys me.
A friend and I talked about reality shows and how some of our favorite competitive ones seem to be lacking this current season vs. past ones. I guess there's gotta be a bad year sometime, right?
Posted by
Alison
July 25, 2008 8:25 PM
Actually, a lot of this season's contestants annoy me. It's like a lot of them decided that they needed a gimmick or something. That's been the case w/ a lot of other contestants on other seasons, of course. And designers tend to develop their own aesthetic (as do most hipsters). But this season it seems a little forced.
Have you watched Who Wants to be a Superheroe? It's good cheap production values, and it's a little campy, but it's interesting. Because it's not about who can be the most conniving, or the most talented, but rather who can be the best human being (contestants get sent off for not demonstrating courage, humility, etc.). Very interesting.
I love Top Chef and Project Runway too! I think the reason the past two episodes have been kind of boring is because it seems like challenges they've done before. Make a dress out of supermarket items. Make a dress out of a unique "green" material. Boring. My favorite episode was when they had to create new outfits for the WWE Divas because it was so different and they were all outside their comfort zone.
And don't get me started on how Dale should have been in the top three instead of stupid Lisa. The only reason she even had that one win was because of Dale anyway. But I was happy Stephanie won.
I think my favorite part about these shows (and America's Next Top Model, yes I watch that) is the end result. I like seeing the pictures, outfits, and food that is made. The drama is okay but I can only hear the "F" word bleeped out so often.
Posted by
Kara
July 26, 2008 11:23 AM
We might buy the Top Chef cookbook pretty soon. But, yeah, I wasn't that impressed w/ Lisa, but thought either Stephanie or Richard should've won. So I'm happy w/ the result, too. And last season of Top Chef was great; lots of new, unique challenges.
