647 replies to this topic

[Miss Sargent]

Wow, this show just proves how much beauty standards vary. The women on this show really don't match my own idea of what's beautiful, at all. Some of the men are pretty hot, though.

To me, the idea that there's a "science" of beauty is so farcical. Yes, I agree that people tend to respond to certain cues, most of which are culturally inscribed more than innate. (If we actually picked our partners based on a Darwinian idea of species survival, none of us would have non-procreative sex, ever.) Color contacts, fake boobs created because the women are willing to have someone cut a bloody, gaping hole in their healthy chests with a knife, peroxide-dried Barbie hair--none of these things creep me out quite as much as that doctor's horrifically phrenological facial measuring system. Did I get my centuries confused, and it's now 1809? I was glad CJ objected.

[Senor Audacity]

Yeah, CJ seems to be the most level-headed cat in the house. I like him.

By contrast, Chelsie, or the one person he was having that heart-to-heart to, was manic depressive. I saw incredible sensitivity and depth when talking to CJ, but she was incredibly cruel in the beginning when she was fighting with, um, that guy beside the pool.

I call bullshit on the "beauty science."

I could take this show or leave it. I was flipping between this and Momma's Boys because I wanted to avoid that college football exhibition on FOX. But this is a better show than Momma's Boys if only because their music and sound cues are less tiresome and a tad more subtle. I'm guessing it was Mr. Demi Moore's idea to punctuate the "FAIL" graphic on-screen with a gong.

Edited by Senor Audacity, Jan 5, 2009 @ 11:27 PM.

[totemcat]

Chelsea (the 'unique' blonde) surprised me. She was on a lot of the commercials and from first impression - what a true bitch.
But she took the insults and keeps going. Good for her.
Which leads me to Joel. What an ass. In looks, he reminds me of Jensen Ackles but his attitude sucks.
CJ, his journal was nice and I'm glad he called out that the scientific method was not cool.
Billy is **31**. Just in case we missed that fact.

Edited by totemcat, Jan 5, 2009 @ 11:32 PM.

[While A Coyote]

The women on this show really don't match my own idea of what's beautiful, at all. Some of the men are pretty hot, though.

For me, BOTH sexes had some serious fugly. I'm not saying there weren't ANY truly good looking people there, but it was only a few.

I call bullshit on the "beauty science."

I assumed that too, until they had the panel natter on about "counting those scores". Personally, I think it was STILL bull, but maybe they forgot to tell them. The most you can measure is symmetricality, and people who are TOO symmetrical look too "perfect"---too fake. The best compromise is usually a tiny bit of asymetricality, just a touch.

this is a better show than Momma's Boys if only because their music and sound cues are less tiresome and a tad more subtle

Comparing this and Momma's Boys is kind of like comparing dog turds and cat turds though, right? They're both still turds!!!

I must admit though, the ending with the portrait being tossed into the trash by a bunch of scruffy sanitation worker types? Hilarious.

[ketose]

That facial symmetry jazz has been around for many years now. I was struck by how un-scientific the process was. Plus, was that assistant saying bitchy things as part of a hidden challenge? Because it seemed pretty unprofessional.

But I still love this show! Anytime you can use hidden camera footage to show what an ass someone is, I'm there. I don't know if whats-her-name was trying to be the villain or what, but it was hilarious to see her try to justify stuff they have on tape. It reminds me of those hidden camera news shows where the guy who ripped off a customer tries to explain that it didn't really happen the way he just saw it.

It's too bad ABC seems to be dumping off a bunch of mid-season stuff. I didn't even know about Scrubs save for the ad that was on after this show. But I'll stay with it as long as it lasts.

[lulee]

In the context of this dumb show, I don't have a problem with the beauty score because much of it was about their reaction to the enterprise.

On the whole, the contestants aren't "95"s in my book. Haydiyylah (?) and Chelsea were a fine bottom two. Haydiyylah looked plain and Chelsea looked like a scowling tranny.

[While A Coyote]

Plus, was that assistant saying bitchy things as part of a hidden challenge? Because it seemed pretty unprofessional.

Yes. Our esteemed judges made it clear that the assistant (who I'm not even sure really IS an assistant--I think she was just an actor) was a plant, saying that stuff completely with the goal of testing these people's tolerance.

[Energiya Buran]

I must admit though, the ending with the portrait being tossed into the trash by a bunch of scruffy sanitation worker types? Hilarious.

I laughed out loud and loved the idea that really, the loser is just "trash." Too funny!

I do happen to believe that there is a certain "science" to beauty though. But, mainly in terms of how people initially react to one another based on overall looks. There was a study of infants looking at what was deemed good looking versus average or less attractive. They would always look longer at the good looking photo. Also, in other studies, ones with better physical looks will always be given preferential treatment be it in a job interview, in sales or other. So, perhaps it's just our physical makeup that we cannot avoid, to me, it is kind of a science that may have some measurement based data supporting it. But...bottom line, it really is subjective...especially when you add in their personality.

That is why I loved the whole ending scene. They made her look like such a biatch. Not holding the door, looking through the files then trying to rationalize out of it. Overall, I found all of these maroons to be sorry excuses for humans. There is so much more to being beautiful and being human than ME/MY looks. To become so wrapped up in one's features just makes me think so little of them, which in turn, really makes them so ugly.

The one in the elimination with the Tammy Faye makeup? I hope she heeds his advice and tones it down. Her bumpyass face and over plumped lips just look odd.

The girl who didn't know how to wash a bowl? Really? I hope she doesn't drive.

The idiot who thanked his parents for looking so good? If your top goal in life is looking good naked, when the bar you set is so low, maybe there is hope?

The texas pagent chick? Did she even speak?

I haven't made any effort yet to put a name to these no big whoop faces. Their overwhelming shallowness has me befuddled. I think I will watch more of this tripe for the laugh!!! Loved it.

[SweetPickle]

I actually enjoyed this show. I went into it thinking I would hate it.

From the previews I really thought that Chelsea would be the shining bitch. As the show went on, I found that I really liked her the most. I was surprised.

It's hard to remember names but the guy that the doctor compared to Brad Pitt is gross. I thought his attitude was atrocious and I don't find him attractive at all.

Out of the men, I liked CJ and the "Hollywood" guy the most.

I wonder what score the good doctor would get on his beauty scale.

[dupreesgal]

I liked the hidden camera challenges. I don't know if I'll stick with it because the people aren't that likeable. The concept is interesting, but if you don't have anyone to root for in the cast, it is hard to watch. I'm sure they could find people who are gorgeous AND nice, but they probably cast the show for gorgeous and horrible for more interesting TV?

[voiceofreason]

I think this show has the potential to be a fun experiment to watch. I question the "science" of beauty but it was interesting to see the contestant's reactions.

Of course, they all believe that they are perfectly attractive people and most of them are but a person can start to look less attractive as the ugliness from the inside start to surface.

To paraphrase The Real World, I wonder how long it will take for them to stop being polite and start getting real.

It's definitely not appointment television and it will not be taking up space on my DVR but I will tune in on the Monday nights that I'm at home.

Oh, I liked the heart to heart between CJ and Chelsea as well.

[twisted sister]

Billy so far seems to be the most likable of lot, but I can't say any of them are mensa candidates. Maybe because as a store owner he's learned to play nicely with others.

Was I only one hoping that the loser would be escorted out by some singing Oompa Loompas?

I do hope they well continue not explaining the twist until after they are trashed,

[tahitigirl]

I fell asleep (perhaps indicative of the quality of the show). Can someone please tell me who left and how they did it? Response to "hidden footage", etc... Thanks.

[ginamarie]

I dunno. I took a certain sadistic pleasure in watching conceited people act like asses.

[RazorbladeSmile]

For some interesting reading on the "Science of Beauty" check out this site:
Beauty Check
Also, the girl who left was a skank ho anyway and we all know that Tyra cuts bitches.

[QueenAnne]

There was a study of infants looking at what was deemed good looking versus average or less attractive. They would always look longer at the good looking photo. Also, in other studies, ones with better physical looks will always be given preferential treatment be it in a job interview, in sales or other.

Yes, I remember this too, and I think it was tied into symmetry, at least the babies were. But then again, some people have faces that look better in repose, some flame into beauty when they're in motion. And how on earth do you extrapolate it to an entire body, which is a lot larger than a face? I don't think I've ever in my life dated a buff guy, not that I have any objection, but they don't ask me out and I like 'em skinny. I was dying for someone to ask them what they were using as the ideal body yardstick. Some people like Pete Wentz, some like America Ferrara.

Though I thought it was mean of "Brad Pitt" to rip into Chelsea considering he barely met her, I do hate her, mostly on account of all the conceited caterwauling. "THIS is the face of a star!!!!" *points*. Really, Chelsea? I thought, more "shading from boring to mannish". Hard, that's it. I would rarely think to describe a face as "hard", but I feel in my descriptor that Chelsea embodies it.

Edited by QueenAnne, Jan 6, 2009 @ 2:59 AM.

[Morbs]

So how long until naked pictures or a secret porn past is revealed about one of the contestants? I say by the next episode at least.

[AVorlon]

And how on earth do you extrapolate it to an entire body, which is a lot larger than a face?

If I recall the reseach into what makes someone attractive correctly, it’s not only symmetry of the face that matters, but also a certain symmetry of body proportions. I don’t remember what it was for the women who were looking at guys, but for guys there was a definate attraction to a certain body type, and they could measure that as waist size in proportion to hip size.

As a guy, I think that I could probably verify that, because you know a nice figure when you see one. It’s all instinctive and you don’t have to pull out a tape measure for that, you can just see it. I think Marilyn Monroe started the whole idea that 36-24-36 was the ideal figure, but it’s obvious that it’s proportions that matter, and not the exact numbers, and I think that’s what the doctor was going for here... proportions.

In that respect, I think you really can measure beauty, at least on the superficial, physical side of things.

Now, what happens when you start taking a personality into consideration is something else entirely, and some of these people are so vain and superficial that I would never want to have anything to do with them. (Actually, maybe all of them).

The black dude seems pretty cool, as does the Chipendale 31 year old, but the only woman I find really hot is Laurie, the swimsuit model. Of course, I’m sure she’ll find a way to ruin that, as the weeks go on.

Edited by AVorlon, Jan 6, 2009 @ 4:26 AM.

[glounit]

I wanna know were they got the audience from and how the contestants were chosen, I had a few chuckles over the fact that a large portion of the audience were much better looking than many of the contestants.

[JodithGrace]

I only saw a part of this show..the part where they were doing the facial measurements and then leaving each contestant alone with the files. I couldn't believe it..have none of these people ever seen a reality show before? What about that scenario didn't scream "TRAP!" Just because some of the contestants didn't look at the other files, doesn't make them morally superior, in my book. It just makes them smart enough to sense the hidden cameras and know that in Reality shows, nothing is as it seems.

And that facial measurement thing was ridiculous also. Since when has symmetry meant anything where attractiveness is concerned? The most wildly attractive people have all sorts of flaws which make their faces interesting. Look at Robert Redford with his moles (or whatever those things are) or Julia Roberts with her pointy nose and big mouth who would have failed their tests big time.

That's just what we need..more characterless, plastic people. That's why I turned it off.

[redheader]

The strange thing is that while I know we were supposed to be aghast at the contestants for cursing, arguing, or interrupting, the only people who I thought came off really bad were the "judges". Something about their attitude was very off-putting.

[Raguel]

The technique of showing these asses being asses by replaying actual footage of them being asses should be used on ALL reality shows. I loved it. Show these morons how they really look and sound. And no it's not the editing. It's never the editing. It's you, skankwad.

[NYGirl]

I was mesmerized by this show. First of all I've seen better looking people before. Second of all.. delusional much? I can't believe the bootee (don't even ask me to remember her name in order to type it) didn't think she did anything bad when she walked in the door before the guy holding the coffee and let it close on him. Not only that but she thought she was the "bee's knees" when she wasn't even close.

This show is going to be a trainwreck. I wonder if they all share one brain. I mean really.. you're on a reality show.. cameras are always there..do you honestly think they're not going to film you doing something not kosher??

[Energiya Buran]

the only people who I thought came off really bad were the "judges". Something about their attitude was very off-putting.

Maybe it was all the collagen that was pumped into Cheryl's lips? Cause that type of surgery always puts me off, it just looks awful and f-d up.

Just like a previous poster said: I too really hope they continue the "twist" once they are about to have their picture dumped into the trash bin by those 2 janitors. Don't reveal the twist until it's too late!

Oh, and the over made up chick who kinda looks like a bad Elvis Presely needs a total reality check.

[LTG]

This show could be so very good, and it turned out to be so very bad. It's just full of contradictions -- they claim to be judging the contestants based on their "inner beauty," but the two up for elimination were the ones with the lowest physical beauty scores, while the two with the highest beauty scores were saved. What if those had been the two nicest?

And the judges -- they're just kind of vapid and bland themselves. Hearing Cheryl Tiegs defend the science of beauty was priceless, however.

Just because some of the contestants didn't look at the other files, doesn't make them morally superior, in my book. It just makes them smart enough to sense the hidden cameras and know that in Reality shows, nothing is as it seems.

Or too stupid to realize what was sitting there in front of them. Or perhaps illiterate. (I did notice that one woman who picked up a file and flipped through it was holding it upside down. Either very smart or very stupid.)

Oh, and also, I watch shows like this to see pretty pretty men. And these men are just not that hot -- nice muscles, but that's it. And all the same body type. Where are the skinny pretty boys?

Edited by LTG, Jan 6, 2009 @ 10:05 AM.

[CapsChick]

This show made me laugh, which means it's worth watching again. My biggest disappointment was that outer beauty is going to count at all. I had hoped inner beauty was the only thing being "scored."

I loved that the chick who called herself "perfect" and "the most beautiful person in the world" got dumped and was bawling while claiming she didn't care. I loved that she went in the door ignoring the guy carrying two trays of coffee. Who does that?! I especially loved her "peace out" followed by her portrait being trashed. Sure it was very stagey but so what?

Chelsea is just hideous. Her face has something wrong with it. Maybe it's the bright collagen lips? And the damaged, over-processsed hair, ick! I could find someone better looking on the street in 5 minutes. I find it hard to believe she's a "model," unless maybe she does some catalog work for a local business in her hometown. I'm confused as to how these folks were selected. Maybe it's because they love their looks so much? I'm sure they were instructed to talk about their appearance, but some of them were seriously over the top telling us how beautiful they are.

Yeah, the one dude, at 31, is ancient! <<<rolls eyes>>>

And I hate to say it but WTF happened to Cheryl Tiegs? She clearly has had work done and it does not look good.

I will watch again.

[LTG]

I'm sure they were instructed to talk about their appearance, but some of them were seriously over the top telling us how beautiful they are.

I think it's a given that any person who would volunteer to be on a show that claimed to be searching for America's most beautiful person would have to be incredibly vain to start with.

[BigHig]

As much as I didn't really enjoy the show.... I'd let Joel sell me his software anyday, is all I'm saying.

[RainIsBeautiful]

I had a living room full of people watching the show last night, and one of the guys (also from the South) called Chelsea "Tennessee Trash". :/

My POV: this show is trying to tell us that she's a singer? With that voice? Heh, no way. Maybe she sings in the shower, but I don't believe she's got a music contract.

Edited by RainIsBeautiful, Jan 6, 2009 @ 11:41 AM.

[nubbs]

then proceeds to make the ugliest face I've ever seen on anyone

Word. Whenever I go to the card store I see this gag card that features a close-up of a horse baring it's teeth. Her smile was a dead-ringer for that card.

I loved Aaliyah-wannabe's parting 'Peace out' said in a tone that made it clear she wanted to strangle Vanilla Manila.

Hard for me to judge the men's looks, I really can't tell, but the women? Give me two hours on campus at Austin, or just about any other university, and I could easily drum up five better looking women.