Strip Search 1.20: It’s Paddlin’ Time
Posted By Jen Sylvia on May 9, 2013
Day 7 begins! Graham, not giving anything away, tells the six remaining artists to pack their bags and load up the transport; it’s another physical challenge. Regrouping at the Seattle Pacific Table Tennis Club, Robert Khoo, the reigning Penny Arcade table tennis champ, greets everyone and explains the importance of the sport to the inner workings of the Penny Arcade mega-machine. Which, yes, it’s totally true, but come on, could we please see some more art?
Regardless, the episode is entertaining, with a bunch of discussion on Abby’s return. I loved Katie’s take on it, because though she doesn’t know it, she’s spot on:
I’m pretty sure everybody was expecting Erika to walk through the door because of her experience. However, I did say that I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if it were Abby because I can just see in my mind Abby sitting down and being like, “I don’t know what to do with this challenge. Fuck it.” And then just being 100% Abby and throwing out a hilarious punch line.
After a bit of training, Abby, Katie, Lexxy, Maki, Monika, and Tavis are paired off based on ability; the end result being Katie and Tavis paddling it out, Katie winning. Interjectory note: Katie’s won the most social challenges and survived two eliminations. How is she not considered a giant artsy threat?
Tavis and Katie, ballin’ like they do.
Anyway, it’s suspicious when Graham notes that Katie’s prize will be revealed later in the day, which means waiting until Friday to find out… or not, because I’m confident Katie won’t have to participate in the Penny Arcade vs. Unsuspecting Artists in the “fight” mentioned at the end of today’s episode, which from all appearances seems to be a paintball excursion, but is more likely another Table Tennis match, hence the “Training Day” title for today’s ep. Ouch. But hey, they’ll be getting a first-hand view of the office where one of them might be working soon. So there’s that.
I will admit to hoping Tavis is right, that whatever happens in Friday’s episode will be a glorious bloodbath that has us all squeeing with trollish delight. Also, if Monica somehow doesn’t go to the dungeon for the seventh elimination challenge, I’m crying foul for all the good it will do.
My current top three still remain unchanged!
Katie, Tavis, and Maki
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?
(Kept: Elimination #6)
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)
(Social Game #3 / Drawing Blind Winner – Intuos5 Tablet)
(Eliminated 5th Challenge)
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.
(Social Game #3 / Drawing Blind Winner – Intuos5 Tablet)
(Challenge #4 Winner)
(Eliminated 6th Challenge)
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)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
(Social Game #5 / Sculpt-Off Winner – Redraw Ticket)
(Social Game #7 / Table-Tennis-Off – unknown prize!)
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)
(Eliminated 3rd Challenge – BARELY)
(Returned to compete after the double elimination #4)
(Social Game #6 / SS Grand Prix Winner – Penny Arcade “First Party” Wardrobe)
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.
(Eliminated 4th Challenge)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
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)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
(Kept: Elimination #5)
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.
(Challenge #5 Winner)
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)
(Challenge #3 Winner)
(Eliminated 4th Challenge)
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.
(Kept: Elimination #3)
(Challenge #6 Winner – Black Ink Pro Kit and Airbrush Kit from Copic)
Ty Halley, 25, Portsmouth, OH
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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