This is when ANTM experienced its first major shift in its tone. Cycle 5 introduced a couple new elements, and unfortunately, the good were accompanied by the bad and the ugly. It’s definitely iconic, but I still haven’t made my mind up as to whether it’s overrated or underrated.
This was the cycle of pageant beauty charm, Jehovah’s lay-away plan, adult-sized diapers and an infamous mystery the likes of which could be covered in an upcoming cinematic Scooby Doo and the Mystery of British Breakfast Bars. I feel like in each of these summaries I keep saying the cycle in question is filled with iconic moments but I think this one is the fullest so far. We got a healthy dose of amazing pictures, but now with the added torture twist of half-baked moronic photoshoots and challenges.
Honestly, there were some absolutely phenomenal concepts within the cycle that were executed spectacularly, but with them came some creative concepts that belong to be buried in the confines of YouTube satirical parodies. Fortunately, the amount of high-end shoots still dominated, so there were still treats to enjoy in between the pointless tomfoolery. The drama this cycle was especially unpredictable. It would abruptly jump for peaceful rivalries to full-blown tirades, some of which even trickled into panel. At least the times we encountered something problematic this instalment weren’t as abominable, even if they certainly should be ashamed of taking advantage of issues which should not be messed with.
There were still vestiges of the original show, but they definitely were setting themselves apart from their roots to an extent, a Neoclassical era so to speak. Some of the changes were quite positive in my opinion- the introduction of fan favourite Miss J to the panel as a judge instead of just guest and runway coach is one of their best executive decisions since they knew how to balance professionalism with humour seamlessly. The addition of the one and only icon, Twiggy, was a welcome change with her kinder approach. The problems stemmed from the signs that we began to get that the show was beginning to take itself too seriously as a competition when it was still solidly within the realm of reality television. In truth, I highly enjoyed this cycle since it was incredibly entertaining both in the domestic and in the modelling, yet this is the first time I found robberies to really irritate me.
I will admit I am apprehensive with Cycle 5 since i feel like it might be the first time my rankings truly deviate from mainstream opinions, and I do not know how they will be received. I am much more confident about how my averages will come and expect less personal surprises as to the result, but as always, who knows? Those who excelled in this cycle really set themselves apart from the rest, and those who fell short did not last that long (bar one wannabe psycho).
Hold on tight for a trip into Cycle 5. Oh, and while you wait, have a cookie! x