“ANTM” New York’s Finest; Week in Review

This has been one heckuva week for America’s Next Top Model. A great new episode, next season casting calls, and one 10k strong riot in the streets of New York. I am not kidding, folks. ANTM Cycle 13 hopefuls at a New York City casting call broke into a stampeding riot after someone mistook an overheating car for a bomb. Six people were hurt, three arrested, and auditions were canceled. Those poor short girls! Petite models aren’t much desired outside of Kohl’s product magazines. Which brings me to my next point.

ANTM producers are currently casting Cycle 13, the first season open only to women 5’7″ and under. Go figure, credit for the only casting riot in Top Model history goes to these scrappy little ladies! But worse than that, no longer can I personally deride the show and fashion industry in general for discriminating against us short people. (Yes, for those who do not know, I am not tall. I feel tall, but my ego is a completely different story.) Modeling on television is now an equal opportunity industry. Perhaps I should show my support for this decision and check out the auditions. In fact, I put it to you, dear readers. If enough of you say so, I will audition for Cycle 13 and blog the experience right here at Channel Guide online. If not, I will happily continue to cover the catfights from the comfort of my couch. (Oh yeah, I alliterated.)

Speaking of catfights, on to the recap…

Recap: New York’s Finest, ep12.4

At the house, the girls play Truth or Dare. It’s all fun and games until someone actually honestly answers a Truth question. Natalie pulls the question “Who had the worst photo last week?” and answers “Tahlia.” Tahlia immediately leaves the room. She is in tears and hates Natalie now. Give me a break, Tahlia. You had one of the worst photos and you know it. Now, you’re going to hate someone for actually admitting it? This isn’t a competition for the faint of heart, no one’s going to hold your hand. Maybe instead of getting mad, you can ask Natalie why she thought so and solicit some advice for improvement. Tahlia, your insecurity is getting on my nerves. Put Aminat back onscreen.

Aminat is my favorite. I hope she will be around for a while yet. She’s so blunt and full of humorous common sense wisdom; she’s the Erma Bombeck of ANTM hopefuls. And I love her sound bytes, like when she told an insecure Tahlia: “Don’t take yourself out until Tyra takes you out.” I’m starting a new section. Aminat’s Advice? Ask Aminat? Aminat: Telling It Like It Is?

Straight Talk, with Aminat: on Natalie’s runway cockiness, “Eat some humble pie and just relax.”

At Miss Jay Charm School, the girls work on their runway walks and learn runway etiquette. Miss Jay looks very prim and elegant. He’s channeling Jackie O. Bianca and Chantal, Cycle 9 contestants, come in to help the girls practice.

Challenge: Walk the runway at a Jill Stuart show carrying large shopping bags.

It’s clear that the girls are still new to modeling and runways, but they are getting better. Some girls looked great, others not so much. Some actually took Miss Jay’s advice and improved from practice. Celia and Natalie receive praise. Nijah, Tahlia and Teyona receive criticism.

Winner: Natalie (Is it just me, or is it a bit unfair that she already had modeling experience?)

Photo Shoot: Create group editorial photos, with photographer Mike Rosenthal, based on people found in different Manhattan neighborhoods.

Allison and London: Fifth Avenue Socialites
Aminat and Fo: Wall Street Stockbrokers
Celia and Sandra: Upper East Side Nannies
Kortnie and Nijah: SoHo Artists
Natalie, Tahlia and Teyona: Times Square Tourists

Fo and Aminat work the characters on-set, talking to each other and exploring new poses. They play off each other and respond well to advice from Jay Manuel. Kortnie and Nijah are lifeless. There is no connection between the two, and neither seems able to have fun with the shoot. Celia and Sandra are both strong. London jumps into character and embraces the chance to play-act. Allison thinks she’s conveying the snobby socialite with her eyes (she’s wrong of course), and does little with the rest of her body. Tahlia still has hard feelings toward Natalie, but puts them aside for the sake of the shoot. In the end, she actually outshines Natalie and Teyona, two of the stronger competitors.

Winner: Sandra

High: Sandra and Aminat

Bottom Two: Nijah and Allison

Eliminated: Nijah

15 Comments

  1. Wow! The people have spoken. If I get trampled tomorrow, it’s on all of your heads!

    (Anyone know how to get there?)

  2. I’m tall, and I don’t like women taller than me!
    especially when they are stick thin!

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