TV Talk: Face Off Episode 9.08 “The Gauntlet” Recap & Review

Photo Credit: Jordin Althaus/Syfy

Note: Last Week’s Recap

This week on Face Off host McKenzie Westmore met the artists for a challenge unlike any other. Three increasingly difficult challenges tackling a different skillset were presented to the artists this time around. Each stage, the artists would be ranked and at the end, whoever was ranked in last place would be eliminated.

Stage One: The artists had to create an appropriate exposure makeup based on the model’s wardrobe (the models were either stranded in the desert or the arctic). They had two hours for the challenge. Stevie, Jasmine, Scott, Ben, and Evan had desert models. Nora, Meg, Kevon, and Jordan had arctic models. I was impressed by Scott and Ben’s desert models as well as Nora and Jordan’s arctic models. The judges loved Nora and Jordan and Nora came out as the stage one winner. Wooo!!! Go, Nora! Congrats!

Rankings for Stage One: Nora (First Place), Jordan, Scott, Meg, Ben, Jasmine, Evan, Stevie, and Kevon (Last Place)

Stage Two: In stage two, the models already had prosthetics applied so the artists had to focus on creating an incredible paint job to complete the challenge. Once again, they had two hours to complete the challenge. Evan was freaking out because he’s not great at paint jobs. And he wasn’t exactly near the top of the board in stage one so it seemed he had plenty to be concerned about. We all know that Jasmine had this in the bag since her paint jobs are always amazing. My favorites were Ben, Kevon, Jordan, Scott, and Meg. The judges loved Kevon and Ben with Kevon taking the win this time. Talk about a comeback! From the bottom to the top! That’s how you do it! Woohoo!

Rankings for Stage Two: Kevon (First Place), Ben, Jordan, Meg, Nora, Jasmine, Scott, Stevie, Evan (Last Place)

Stage One + Stage Two Rankings Combined: Kevon, Ben, Nora, Jordan, Meg, Scott, Jasmine, Evan, Stevie

At this point, I was most worried about Jasmine, Scott, and Meg as it seemed Kevon, Ben, Nora, and Jordan would be fine. I didn’t want Stevie to go so if it came down to her vs. Evan, I was moreso rooting for her.

Stage Three: Every single model for this season of Face Off came in for the final stage. Whoa! The artists had to create a featured hero and two background makeups. The models were already broken down into groups of three and when the artist chose their models, only then would they find out the inspiration for their challenge. Ahhh! Meg got Witches and Warlocks as did Jordan and Ben. Scott got Goblins as did Stevie and Nora. Jasmine got Angels as did Kevon and Evan. As for what I was most anticipating, Witches & Warlocks was number one, Angels number two, and Goblins, last. The artists had four hours plus one hour for last looks to complete this stage of the challenge. Talk about nerve-racking!

I only found one of Ben’s witches to be intriguing. He himself said his creations were too subtle so I’m glad he at least knew that. I only found one of Evan’s creations to be great. I thought two of Stevie’s creations were wonderful. Nora and Scott shined with their goblin creations. Ben did great too! Kevon stood out as well with his angels. I liked Meg’s witches and warlocks but the judges thought otherwise. Scott, Ben, and Kevon were safe. The judges’ bottom looks were Meg, Jordan, and Jasmine. The judges’ top looks went to Nora, Stevie, and Evan with Evan winning stage three. Congrats Evan on winning Stage Three! Congrats Nora on winning the first ever Gauntlet!!!

Stage One + Stage Two + Stage Three Rankings Combined: Nora (First Place), Evan, Scott, Kevon, Jordan, Ben, Meg, Stevie, and Jasmine

With Jasmine coming in last, I was so disappointed in her being eliminated! She’s been a favorite of mine this entire competition and I just can’t comprehend her failing The Gauntlet. The Gauntlet failed her! Ugh. So disappointed in her leaving. Clearly, The Gauntlet was created to torture us and find a way to eliminate one of the strongest artists to shake things up. Ughhhh. I wholeheartedly believe Jasmine could have been in the final four had this not happened. So as you can probably tell, I am not taking this elimination well. It’s gut wrenching to say the least. Farewell, Jasmine! Oh how I pray it’s not long until we see your work again.

Final Eight now! Rooting for Nora to take the win this season! If I had to guess, I’d say Nora, Jordan, and Scott will be the final three. Only time will tell!

Elimination Recap
Eliminated This Week: Jasmine
Total Eliminations: Brittany, Jasmine, Libby, Meg, Melissa, Nora, Stevie, Ben, Evan, Jason, Jordan, Kevon, Omar, Ricky, Scott, Sidney

Face Off airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Syfy.