Strip Search 1.7: Choosing the Least Worst Is Hard
Posted By Jen Sylvia on March 25, 2013
Katie and Ty draw it out in Strip Search‘s second elimination. Mike, ever the gallant judge, greets the two with, “Katie. Really. What is it about you that people hate so goddamn much?” When Jerry asks Ty to explain his presence in five words or less, it’s painfully clear why that interview went so wrong. Doesn’t make Ty any less the artist, but as Graham pointed out in last week’s episode, you have to be the whole package.
From the Wastebasket of Broken Dreams, it’s ‘The Future’ vs. ‘Being Lost’ for Katie and Ty respectfully Ninety minutes to stay on the show with two industry Decepticons standing at your back. Okay, okay, Mike and Jerry are Autobots. Except when they use their expert dickery stat. What? It’s good-hearted dickery. And it does have an actual purpose.
Mike succeeds in distracting Katie, drawing her into constant conversation. Her gentle honesty, and self-deprecating humor serving her well. When Mike asks her, “You mentioned that you only like the girls, does that make you a racist,” and she answers “Yeah, it does make me a racist,” watching Jerry just lose it was a high point.
And while Ty is a terribly likable guy, his verbal clarity is lacking at times. It’s clear, though, how intense and serious Ty takes his art. Jerry ribbing him about font hell and there only being 8GB for his bajillion text balloons didn’t distract Ty in the least. Still, whatever folks feel about Jerry and Mike, the guys make you think.
When time’s up, Ty and Katie are sent to the shame hole while Jerry and Mike discuss the art that’s been made. And unfortunately what it boils down to is choosing the least bad. That’s never a good thing. Ty taking the brunt of that choice, largely because the joke he chose to tell didn’t parse. Katie winning by the narrow margin of better art. She’s sent back to the house, Ty is sent to the stripmobile.
Better art wins out over worse joke.
Jerry and Mike’s final words to Ty gave me the cry face. Their critique solid and honest. I said it the first time. I’ll say it again.
Best. Elimination. Ever.
In any reality show.
And I watch a lot of that junk.
Katie’s reception at the house was warm, tinged with fear at her second elimination conquest. But, like Maki said, hey, possible strategy: Want someone eliminated? Send them off with Katie. I’m talking bets now on how many more times Katie goes to elimination. I’m betting three more, for a total of five. Unless she wins a competitive challenge. Then only twice more. Thing is, she’s so even-keeled, I can’t see the constant Dungeon Art Match crushing her. On the outside, anyway. Watching her interact with Mike and Jerry has put her back on my top three.
My current top three so far:
Katie, Tavis, and Nick
New episodes air Tuesday and Friday on Penny Arcade and youtube.
Current Standings:
Abby Howard, 20, Montreal, Quebec.
She’s the youngest and has the least experience. But she draws dinosaurs! However, will any of those things even matter?
Alex Hobbs, 22, Tempe, AZ.
This swear-word dropping free-spirit is highly likeable, but will his work be up to par? Set to graduate post-Strip Search, it’ll be interesting to see where this will take him. Eliminated 1st Challenge
Amy Falcone, 24, Noank, CT
Gamer to the innards, Amy is serious and competitive to a fault. Will that fault be her undoing? Whatever the result, quitting her job to do Strip Search shows her passion.
(Challenge #1 Winner)
Erika Moen, 29, Portland, OR
Proven work in social and sexual commentary brings her to the contest with a following that marks her as one to have eyes on.
Katie Rice,31, Burbank, CA
A soft-spoken artist with a following of her own. Some of those fans are also fellow contestants. Will she use the star power to stun?
(Kept: Elimination #1)
(Kept: Elimination #2)
Lexxy – Alexandra Douglas, 27, Carmel, IN
Also seen in Penny Arcade: The Series, she’s dealt with Gabe and Tycho’s reality egos. If that helps or harms remains to be seen.
(Social Game #2 / Seattle Trivia Winner – Wacom Cintiq HD Tablet)
Mac – Mackenzie Schubert, 26, Portland, OR
Quiet, doe-eyes Mac has a very defined artistic style all his own. It’ll be interesting to watch how his gentle soul deals with the mood swings a competitive show can bring.
Maki Naro, 31, Brooklyn, NY
While I sincerely hope this guy watches Psych, his cool logic and talent may very well be what brings him to the final set of competitors.
(Social Game #1 / Fax Machine Winner – Redraw Ticket)
Monica Ray, 22, Northbrook, IL
While seemingly quiet at the beginning, Monica’s super-power of Always Doing Something And Befriending All seems a gift. Remains to be seen if that gift implodes or explodes.
Nick Trujillo, 30, Walnut Creek, CA
Something of a philosopher and jack of all trades, Nick’s ability to be alright with people and make good art is something to watch. But will his relative newness to the industry be a detriment?
(Challenge #2 Winner)
Tavis Maiden, 31, Mesa, AZ
Bringing the attitude only a parent can, Tavis wants this more than any five-year-old screaming for the last piece of cake. He may get it, too.
Ty Halley, 25, Portsmouth, OH Eliminated 2nd Challenge
Clipped, dry witted Ty has no brain-to-mouth–filter. And, he’s using his time on Strip Search as material for his own daily life strip. That will be interesting.
All bios and links to the personal websites of each artist can be found here.
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