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« America's Next Top Model
Episode Recap: For Those About to Walk, We Salute You
Hey party people! Before I get this thing going I'd like to share a little story. I was out last weekend and I swear I saw Marvita at a bar. She had the weird fro-hawk and everything! It wasn't until my pal Gina (substitute ANTM blogger) pointed out that I was actually looking at a dude that I decided not to walk over and tell her I blog Top Model. But I swear, the two could've been twins. Anyhow, I digress. Let's get to recapping.
Things started out with the ladies reacting to Claire's elimination. Lauren was genuinely surprised that she had made it this far in the competition. I still like her but she really needs to work on that personality. I can only imagine what those Cover Girl commercials will be like. Meanwhile, Fatima made the realization that she may not be able to go abroad with the other girls since she is not a US citizen and she lost her travel documents.
After the girls gathered around to cheer up Fatima, Paulina entered the loft to teach them how to have a proper conversation and handle interviews. Anya did well but Stacy-Ann came off as fake. The lesson didn't last very long and in my opinion, wasn't very helpful either. Once Paulina left, the girls decided to cook up some potato pancakes while Fatima tried to get her travel documents straightened out. Neither of the two worked out well. Fatima was told her attempt to get new documents was too last minute and Lauren sliced open her finger while trying to chop an onion. Silly models...stick to what you're good at! A producer for the show escorted Lauren to the hospital which means this little accident is either a free ride to the next round or her ticket home.
When the girls woke up the next morning, there was box waiting for them in the living room. The box was filled with lemons and limes and a note informing the girls they'd be attending a green carpet event. Whitney expressed some worries about walking the carpet while sipping a can of 7-Up (talk about product placement!) The girls were then outfitted in Jay Godfrey dresses and sent on their way.
Upon arriving at the party, the girls walked the carpet and were briefly interviewed by a reporter from The Insider. Most of them seemed to handle the interview portion well except for Dominique who said the wrong name of the dress designer. Really Dominique? He's one of the judges for this challenge! When the interviewer asked Lauren why she should be America's Next Top Model, her response was: "I can kick the S%it out of those girls anytime!" Not exactly lady-like but totally entertaining. Once the girls entered the party it was time to mingle. Anya won the competition for being poised on the carpet and for charming the pants off of the party-goers. Her prize was a 7-Up ad campaign (which she was actually paid for) and she totally rocked it. For the first time since the cycle started I really thought she looked amazing in her picture.
Later on, Fatima found out she got an appointment to argue her case at the consulate right about the time a Tyra-mail came in making the girls believe they'd be going abroad. Did anyone actually think this was the case? In a very obvious twist, the girls made their way to the airport with their luggage in hand only to find that they were just doing a photo shoot on the airport runway. Fatima had to miss the shoot for her appointment and arrived just in time for a surprise meeting with the panel inside the airport hangar. Ok, so that one I didn't expect.
The judges came down hard on Fatima for missing the shoot which secured her a spot in the bottom two but she's way too popular with the judges to get sent home for this little screw-up. As the panel went through the pictures, the only person they really seemed disappointed with was Stacy-Ann. With that, it was pretty clear that the rest of them were gonna be boarding that plane to head overseas. Despite once again making it clear how annoyed they were with Fatima, the judges chose Stacy-Ann to take her packed luggage and head home to Miami. Before the credits rolled, Tyra revealed that the remaining 6 girls would be heading to Rome for the remainder of the cycle. She also managed to work it in that the girls hadn't quite made it to her level of success yet and so they'd be flying in a commercial airliner with the rest of the common folk. Eww!
So people, here we are in the home stretch! I was glad to see Stacy-Ann go. Her personality always seemed a bit fake to me and she was finally called out on it. Her photos weren't great either. I'm still all about Lauren, Kat, and Whitney. I so happy to see Whitney still in the competition but the judges seem to be losing interest in her. I thought she did just fine at the party no matter what Nigel had to say. Lastly, Tyra's closing comment really bothered me. She always tries to play it up like she's still in touch with her roots and then she goes and pulls something like this. I guess we should just be thankful she doesn't throw tantrums in the airport terminal (or cell phones for that matter!) So what's your take? Should they have sent Fatima home for missing the photo shoot? Is the editing on this show getting just a tad ridiculous?
And...check out the online video guide to relive all of your favorite Stacy-Ann moments!
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Apr 16, 2008 10:28 PM
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Fatima needs accutane (the strongest acne med that exists) - her skin is terrible!! Or maybe Proactiv might be good enough but she needs her skin fixed ASAP. Paulina has a great shape still and she is very pretty. Also is Fatima an idiot? Didn't she know that upon going on this show, she may need to go abroad? What a ditz! Waiting till the last minute like that. Anyway her pics were better than Stacey Ann's so I suppose she deserved to stay.
Stacey Ann has gorgeous eyes. I liked Stacey Ann a lot - I'm sad to see her go.
Can't wait for next episode to see the CG ads.
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Apr 16, 2008 10:51 PM
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I actually thought Tyra was over the top mean to Fatima about the visa thing. i don't even like Fatima and it made me feel sorry for her.
I didn't quite understand what had happened with her visa, but in any case, Tyra didn't have to repeat herself four or five times about Fatima missing the shoot. It isn't like she was out drinking instead!
I'm starting to really like Anya. She and Katarzyna are my new faves. I hope Kat wins so Tyra will have to learn to say her name correctly.
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Apr 16, 2008 11:37 PM
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I knew Fatima wasn't going anywhere. The travel arrangements are done at the producers discretion, so this was definitely producer-generated drama. Given the backlash against Dominique (did anyone else see the commercial that aired, "If you liked Dominique on ANTM, then you'll love XXXX from "Farmer's Wife"), perhaps they needed a diversion bottom 2? ESPECIALLY since even the judges apparently don't like Dominique! I mean, my goodness!!! They were ALL ragging on her tranny look this week! If the producers don't want to keep that girl around for drama, then I have no clue as to why she's still there! OH! Let's also not forget that she forgot the designer's name of whose dress that she was wearing! So yes, even further proof that she's there for DRAMA!
Why does Anya win the nude or simulated nude prizes? Either all of this Anya coverage is a diversion to masque the real winner (Natasha cycle 8 won a challenge and was/is a correspondent for Tyra now) or this is a big hint (e.g., Nicole Cycle 5 won the Secret ad campaign, Saliesha won the modeling gig in France for that one designer, etc.).
I hate party challenges. Give me the runway challenges or walking lessons over these hokey challenges/lessons any day. Did we really need Paulina teaching the girls how to act at parties? Seriously?
This was a so-so ep for me this season. This season started strong with the first challenge. It has fallen downhill for me. Between the challenges and the lame and OBVIOUS editing done to keep weaker contestants for unnecessary drama (Dominique and Stacy Ann), I am going to be glad when this cycle is over. I'm hoping for an Anya/Kat final 2, but who knows with these producers!
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Apr 17, 2008 12:16 AM
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I so agree with AfricanCanadianCaribbean on both counts about Fatima. First with her face. I was screaming at my tv to give her some Proactiv. I remember they were telling Ya-Ya in cycle 3 that she had bad skin, but they don't even mention it to her. Speaking of Ya-Ya did anyone else notice her in the Dr. Scholl commerical? And Second about her Visa. Im starting to agree with pixiedarling how it was all a set up by the producers. But even if it wasn't a fix up she should of known that she would need to get her Visa to travel abroad. This isn't the first season of ANTM sweethart. And I felt no sympathy for her. Fatima is twit point blank. I rather had Stacy-Ann stay and the twit go home instead her.
Anya and Kat are still my favorite to win. And I think Anya is the front runner here. Lauren is also my other clear favorite to win as well.
Did anyone hear Paulina say "Introdude" or "Introduce"? I could of sworn I heard her say "Introdude".
Is anyone watching that Top Model Show over 35 on TVland? Its a good one.
Im surprised they are going to Rome. I thought for sure they would go somewhere down in South America. They haven't been in S. America yet.
Oh yeah, Adam that was so funny about the dude looking like Marvita.
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Apr 17, 2008 2:45 AM
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I'm liking Anya more each week, but I also like Kat and Lauren. Lauren just looked stunning at the party - really beautiful and classy.
As for Dominique - sometimes her attitude does get to me, but at the same time, she does seem eager to learn and improve herself. I wonder if she lightened her eyebrows if it would soften her face a little and lose some the "tranny" look that has been mentioned. I'm surprised that she wasn't called out on messing up the designer's name though!
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Apr 17, 2008 10:24 AM
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I think this is my last cycle of watching ANTM. Although I still enjoy seeing the various models and how they evolve, the show it getting quite tedious and the judges for the most part are turning into morons. Anytime someone can miss a photo shoot and still continue over someone who has more personality and did complete the assignment, its just plain wrong. Plus the fact that I hate Fatima and am sick of her condensing and evil attitude. I liked Stacey Ann MUCH better.
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Apr 17, 2008 10:24 AM
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ugh. rome. could they be any more unoriginal? rome is so picturesque, it's going to be hard for the models to completely screw up the pictures.
c'mon! there's so many other fabulous places out there! show me something i haven't seen before!
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Apr 17, 2008 10:30 AM
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Was there something on Tyra's face during eliminations? I kept getting distracted by the spot beside her nose. I've never seen it before. Anybody know anything?
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Apr 17, 2008 10:48 AM
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Thank you pixiedarling, that Fats drama was fake! Tyra's a producer do you really think she didn't know what was going on? Also, all of their documents would have been confiscated for safe keeping. There's no way the show didn't know about Fats' problem before and chose to make a story out of it.
Not sorry to see Stacy Ann go. She was filler and overstayed her welcome over a couple of other girls. Was it fair for her to get the boot after the stuff with Fats? Maybe not, but Tyra wasn't letting Fats go and that should've been obvious to anyone who's watched this show long enough.
This show is highly edited so Paulina in all likelihood spent more time with them than we saw.
Whitney is getting the beauty queen edit and they are showing her making catty comments so she's not winning which changes my predictions, lol.
I like Anya (and can now see her winning) and Kat and was glad to see them actually give Kat some face time. But of course the panel still thinks she has no personality or she's got an attitude according to Nigel (I wonder if he told a joke or something and Kat didn't double over with laughter or something; he's so precious).
I still like Lauren but the commercial is going to be her undoing.
Dom of the Dead will be dragged along as long as they can get drama out of her and then they'll cut her for being too old.
Because it can't be said enough, Tootie equals worst.winner.ever. Voting? Really?
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Apr 17, 2008 11:33 AM
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Honestly, the only reason I even tolerate Dominique is because I love hearing J. Alexander talk in the exaggerated drag voice. That just makes it so worth it!
Other than that, Fatima and Dominique make me sick. They're just so awful. Although, I can't rag on Fatima that much, because I'm having the same problem right now. After the last time I traveled out of the country, I gave my passport to my mother for safekeeping. She, naturally, lost it, and right now, I have no ID at all because my learner's permit expired when I turned 21. So, yeah, she was irresponsible, especially in the context of the show, but I can't rag on her too much because stuff happens.
It's so funny that every time Anya wins a challenge, she ends up naked. I mean, what the hell?! Can she keep her clothes on at least once?! But kudos to the show for at least showing the girls attempting to cook some good Jewish food! Next time just put the frozen latkes in the oven, though, girls. It saves a lot of time and energy!
Also, why Rome?! That bugs me. It's such an uninteresting location compared to everywhere else they've gone. I really would've liked to see them go somewhere like Buenos Aires, or Tel Aviv.
Can't wait to hear what you have to say about next week, Adam!
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Apr 17, 2008 1:03 PM
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I have to admit that I was actually impressed by the way Fatima handled herself when she showed up for the elimination. I expected her to break down and cry and start making excuses when Tyra started coming down on her about not being at the photo shoot. It seemed like she was willing to take responsibility for her actions and realized that it was her fault and that whining about it wasn't going to help her any. She's still far from being my favorite, but I don't dislike her as much as I used to.
However, if this drama was so manufactured that Fatima knew she didn't really have anything to worry about, forget what I said. (It wouldn't surprise me if this was the case, because this little crisis hasn't been mentioned even once in the last seven weeks.) One thing I know is that if you've ever tried to fill out an application for something like "Survivor" (which I have), the first question on the form asks if you have the proper documents to travel abroad. If you don't, they throw your application away. Even then, they're supposed to check and make sure you have them before they put you on the show.
As someone else just mentioned, I definitely did not like how Tyra acted like she didn't know what was going on with Fatima at the panel. As the producer and host, her staff would have kept her apprised. On top of that, Mr. Jay was on the panel and he knew what was up, but he didn't tell her beforehand? Come on!
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Apr 17, 2008 1:05 PM
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I saw that zit on her face also!
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Apr 17, 2008 2:12 PM
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Tyra was totally mean about how they would travel. I see her just being mean this cycle and I am over her picture everywhere! Her ego is too big for a commercial jet!!
It was cool to see Paulina's husband, Ric Ocasek I was a HUGE fan of them in the 80s! I am OVER Dom, and Fatima. But honestly don't you think that the producers make sure EVERYONE has travel documents before they EVER get on the show?? I would think that a passport would be a requirment as it can take weeks to get one!! Just a stupid ploy to let the audience think that she would be taken off!!
It was a waste of a show but I am looking forward to the drama of the commercial shoot where they have to speak Italian!! Should be fun! How bad of an Italian accent would Anya have? I can't understand her English most of the time!!
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Apr 17, 2008 2:53 PM
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WOW! Do I have a lot to say! I did not care for Fatima AT ALL before this: thought she was the world's quietest and sneakiest manipulator ever on ANTM. However, I can understand [having experienced it and I am no dummy!] how papers and things get lost, misplaced, put somewhere for safekeeping and disappear, so I understand and sympathize. The other thing most of you are forgetting is that she only has "refugee" status in the U.S., and that would probably have changed ALL the rules regarding Visas, passports, etc., and she easily may not have known that; i.e. she may have thought that since she had been accepted into the U.S. and was living there that she would NOT need anything special to travel, since basically she is an American now [in her mind, I mean], so she wouldn't need anything more than the usual passport, which is why it only came up right before they were about to "take off", so to speak. And that's they key, I think, her "refugee" status. BUT I agree with EVERYONE who said that as Executive Producer Tyra the Tyrant wouldn't have known about this ages ago and should have begun putting things in motion. As Fatima pointed out, with all the stress the girls are already under because of the cut-throat competition of ANTM, the last thing she needs is more stress! And all at the last minute, too! Perhaps it didn't come up before because whomever is in charge of travel arrangements didn't think she would get this far in the competition? In any case, this sort of thing should be handled BEHIND THE SCENES and not dumped on the model's shoulders merely a week beforehand. And I don't understand why Mr. Jay, Tyra the Tyrant and the others were so mean to her about it? Have they ever been living in a country under "refugee" status? Do they have any clue how difficult that must be? I think if I were her I'd have played the refugee card more strongly than she did, so props to her for not descending into a pity-party and taking it all on the chin. As for Tyra the Tyrant and the rest of the judges "pretending" they did not know why she was late - BALONEY! How insulting to us, their audience, and demeaning to Fatima, their contestant. Utter B***S***!! Just how stupid do they think we are?
And what's with Tyra the Tyrant mocking her contestants and Tyra-wannabe's by thumbing her nose at them because THEY have to travel Coach and SHE IN ALL HER FIERCENESS gets to travel privately and first class? Nothing "first class" about that little stunt, Tyra, nothing AT ALL.
Now, finally, about the girls: Anya is REALLY growing on me by leaps and bounds! Once I finally figured out how to understand what she was saying, I discovered that she is very, very nice! She does not get involved in any of the "over-the-top" drama, she is kind and understanding to everyone and simply pleasant in an atmosphere that does not allow for niceness! She also seemed truly shocked by her paycheque - as was I! - as well as being humbled by it. And when she told the girls, she wasn't bragging AT ALL, she was simply inviting them to enjoy her good fortune with her. And surprisingly, no one hit THE BOOTH to complain, not even Dom who complains about EVERYTHING she doesn't win! Stacy Ann complained about not winning, but she didn't seem to begrudge Anya the win or the money. Not begrudging a fellow contestant $10,000: now THAT'S a class act - by all of the remaining girls. Tyra the Tyrant should take some lessons. And why have they suddenly started making Whitney seem like the Pageant Queen or Cheerleader-type? I thought she was GREAT at the party and actually was expecting her to win! Didn't she look fabulous? I'm sure I heard a couple of Marilyn Monroe comments, too.
My new top three: Anya, Whitney and Kat. Or perhaps I should say, I HOPE these will be the final three because there is just NO WAY ON EARTH Lauren is going to get through that Cover Girl commercial. I think she takes magnificent pictures: no one else even comes close: but in person she is simply dreadful, she will NEVER be able to walk because she ISN'T EVEN practicing the way she ought to be if she truly wanted to win, and she is no more a Cover Girl than Marvita would have been - or me, for that matter!
Have fun navigating Rome girls - in Italian, too, I'll wager!
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Apr 17, 2008 2:55 PM
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