Here's John-John, with a recap of last night's America's Next Top Model ...
The episode opens with Brenda talking about being in an identity crisis because of her bad hairdo, which was discussed during the previous episode.
The camera also focuses on Simone, who says that she's always been an overachiever. (She's a student at Duke University.) I'm sensing some type of major plot lines for each girl this episode.
Anywho, the contestants meet up with Miss. J Alexander and members of the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improv group, to help the girls incorporate acting into their modeling. (My psychic abilities tell me that an acting challenge will follow.)
After a quick lesson, the girls head home, and get a cryptic message from Tyra Banks about the next day's happenings.
At the house, Sally Hershberger shows up to re-style Brenda's hair. Brenda's nervous that Sally is going to shave off her hair. Sally winds up giving Brenda a cut similar to vintage Annie Lennox. It looks much better. It's high fashion.
The next scene, the girls are arriving at Times Square where they are greeted on a jumbo screen by actress Dania Ramirez.
The girls learn that they will be shooting a Covergirl commercial. Unlike past years, the girls learn they will not have to memorize the script. (No fair!) Instead they will be judged on delivering their personalities.
Each contestant has to shoot a 30 second commercial, which is judged by Dania. The winning contestant wins a photo shoot in Seventeen magazine and will appear on Covergirl.com.
Tatianna wins the competition. She’s ecstatic.
“I feel like I know you,” Dania says.
After the shoot Anslee and Alasia get into a huge screaming match over spoiled food! (Seriously?) They have to be separated.
The next day the girls go to a warehouse where Mr. Jay is dressed like Blade. Today’s shoot is all about vampire-themed modeling. The biggest catch is that the girls have to wear these contacts that make them blind. To add another wrinkle, the girls have to pose inside of a tub filled with blood.
Angelea is first. “I don’t feel the connection,” Mr. Jay says.
Meanwhile, Brenda is freaking out because of the contacts.
“I’ve never had anything in my eyes,” Brenda says.
Mr. Jay gives Brenda a pep talk, which works.
“Brenda found a way to embody the spirit,” Mr Jay says.
Tatianna, who works as a mortician, has an easy time with her photo shoot.
Raina rocks the shoot. Anslee also does a good job.
Simone struggles from the first photo. After Mr. Jay shoots at her a little she improves.
Tyra says she’s feeling Tatianna’s photo.
Nigel wants more tension in Jessica’s photo. Tyra likes the light on her face.
The judges gush about Alasia’s photo. “Sexy without trying to be sexy,” Dania says.
Simone’s photo receives lukewarm responses.
Angelea also receives lukewarm responses.
Krista’s face is wrong, according to Tyra.
Raina’s photo has energy, according to Tyra.
Alexandra’s photo also gets a lot of favorable comments.
Tyra gushes over Brenda’s new haircut. Her photo is so-so.
Anslee comes up with a ton of ecuses why she does not have a great week. Nigel quickly tells her that it is her responsibility to take control of her situation.
“Don’t make excuses. Get it right,” Nigel says. (Anslee appears to be in deep trouble.)
Alasia is judged best photo. Raina, Tatianna, Brenda, Alexandra, Angelea, Jessica, and Krista follow. Simone and Anslee are in the bottom two.
Tyra tells Anslee that her photos are falling flat, and that the judges do not like excuses.
Tyra tells Simone that she has you potential.
“You seem to be stuck inside,” Tyra says.
“In this fashion industry it is all on you,” Tyra tells Anslee as she reveals that Simone is leaving the show.
Simone takes it in stride. She says she is disappointed but doesn’t cry.
(Hey, she goes to Duke. I think she’ll be just fine.)