Thursday, October 17, 2013

Project Runway: The Complete Fourth Season



WARNING - winner spoiler on DVD case
I just started watching this season on DVD and was looking at the back of the DVD case. One of the included extra features names the winner in its title. Be careful about reading the back of the DVD if you don't want to be spoiled.

Major Talent, Minor Drama
This is my favorite season of Project Runway ever. The level of talent is unparalleled. Any of the final three designers could arguably have won and most likely would have won any of the prior seasons. Some of the challenges are silly (making costumes for wrestling divas comes to mind) but they add a bit of comic relief. The guest stars are appropriate and interesting. Sarah Jessica Parker's episode is a particular favorite because not only are the designers awe-struck, but they also have to wow her with a design for her "Bitten" line using only $15 of materials. Tiki Barber's challenge is also particularly interesting because it once again showcases the differences between designing for women and men.

There is little of the bickering among the contestants that has been so prominent in some seasons. And there is no clear villain among the cast. Didn't miss either one.

As for the "extra's": We do not have Bravo TV in our cable line up, so the shows are a first...

Still a high-quality show!
Season Four of "Project Runway" starts out slow, but it builds up steam and draws you in... the show is still a high-class production and leaves other "reality" shows in the dust.

Early on, Tim Gunn pronounces this season's ensemble to be the most talented group they've had on yet... but it's a little hard to believe him since the cast lacks the dynamism and sharply defined personalities of earlier seasons. Nevertheless, a couple of designers quickly reveal themselves as unlikable or bizarre, and that always adds a little narrative spice. I would say that this season was largely packed with bland personalities, but once they drop out in the first half, the show gets more exciting, and when it becomes clear that one of the most irritating contestants has a pretty good shot at winning, the subsequent eliminations will get your adrenaline going.

This season was also marked by constant one-upping on the part of Heidi Klum and the producers -- almost every episode has...

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