'Face Off' Recap: 'Sinister Showdown Part II'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Here we go, the second half of the Season 10 finale. Right now Team Walter is cruising through this horror movie challenge with Team Melissa and Team Rob needing a lot redesign work. Can Melissa keep her team focused? Can Rob resist the urge to throw the sculpey at Director Bryce? Can Walter continue to guide his team to movie magic? A winner will be crowned at the end of the night so let's do this.

After the screen tests they head back to the lab where they get a pick-me-up from surprise family visits. They are all so darn adorable! Okay, enough fun and smiles, back to work people. Team Walter can keep moving forward, not having to redo anything which is a really good position to be in. Melissa and Rob have a lot of work to (re)do but they're focused and in it to win it.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Sinister Showdown Part 1'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Well y'all, here we are. The finale of Face Off's tenth season. Mel fell just short leaving us with Melissa, Rob, and Walter as this season's three finalists. Before this challenge is done, they'll all be thinking fondly of The Gauntlet. Saddle up and buckle in, it's a two-parter so let's do this.

Field trip! Off to the abandoned oil fields for thrills, chills, and big scares. Producer Jason Blum gives them their marching directions: they will each create two make ups to feature in a horror film based off of one of Jason's short horror stories about a family who moves into a house that contains a portal to hell and unleashes a demon. This is why fixer-uppers are never a good idea. Each finalist will work with a different director who has his own story-board and script and will bring the demon unlucky family member to cinematic life: Bryce McGuire, Ryan Spindell, and John Wynn. It's a lot of work but don't worry, we've brought in some help in the forms of Johnny, Anna, Mel, Yvonne, Kaleb, and Robert.

'Face Off' Recap: 'The Art of Warcraft'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Mel struggled last week with her Cyclops but in a surprise twist, the judges decided to bestow upon her the super-special save, allowing her to remain in the competition. There are no more second chances to be had for anyone now so the artists better be ready to bring it. It's on like Leroy Jenkins. Everyone ready? Let's do this.

Welcome to the World of Warcraft! WooHoo! To the non-surprise of all, there is an upcoming WoW feature film so naturally a tie-in is required. The film will feature humans versus orcs so the five remaining artists will adapt one of other six races to a more badass version suitable for the film: Goblin, Draenei, Pandaren, Tauren, Troll, or Worgen. Walter, Melissa, and Rob just about pass out from sheer gamer joy while Mel looks about ready to cry because war-what? Don't worry Mel, Chris Robinson, the Senior Art Director for 'World of Warcraft' is on hand to dispense some character advice.

Rob - Tauren. A man-bull warrior race.

Mel - Troll. They have magic and voodoo and she has a lot of questions.

Yvonne - Goblin, They're snarky and like explosions.

Walter - Dreanei. Not a zombie, just undead. Um, okay.

Melissa - Worgen. She decides on a wolf/cat/high priest-druid... thing. Sure. We'll go with that.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Keep One Eye Open'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week, we saw the end of Robert and his magical menagerie's run and we're all sadder for it, but Walter and Rob are peaking. Will the guys cruise to victory? We're in the home stretch now with only five remaining so, everyone ready? Let's do this.

Welcome to the apothecary! Oh, I hope they have a bezoar. Melissa's excited at least. Their challenge is to delve into Greek mythology, specifically the Cyclops. Each will pick an eye that will inspire their Cyclops. Oh yeah, and this is a focus challenge so, you know, focus on the face. We'll give you a little help though - really, really tall models. And a step stool.

Design
Yvonne - Satan's blacksmith. She's never done a Cyclops before so drink.
Rob - Electric Blue with aquatic pupil. He forged Poseidon's trident.
Mel - human eyeball. She's going with a human/dog hybrid and this just won't end well.
Melissa - Lizard Snake Monster Warrior. She has no real theme but is basing the sculpt on an eyelash viper. No theme, except for BADASS that is.
Walter - Pinky/Purple eye.  You know what goes really well with conjunctivitis? Wrinkles.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Bottled Up'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

The struggle was real for Anna as she was eliminated and Robert lived to be adorable another day. Hopefully he'll have learned from his most recent near-miss and take things a bit more seriously now. We're down to the top six and the margin for error is razor-thin. Going for 'safe' is no longer enough. Y'all ready? Let's do this.

Entering the lab, the top six are greeted by wings. Angels are not among us but Valkyries certainly are. Today's foundation challenge is rooted in Norse mythology and they will be creating Valkyrie goddess makeup. The guest judge is Douglas Noe and he's looking for stylized elements with bold shapes and angles, dramatic color but not flamboyant or garish. The winner gets immunity, a luxury that cannot be overstated at this stage of the competition. You have two hours; choose your wings and go!

Yvonne -  Mother Nature Valkyrie
Melissa - Fallen Warrior
Walter - Trial by Fire
Robert - Vampire Valkyrie
Rob - Uh...his was blue. I think
Mel - Beautiful Badass

Top looks
Yvonne and Melissa
Winner: Melissa

'Face Off' Recap: 'Smoke and Mirrors'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week, Kaleb was unable run the Gauntlet and was sent packing. Seven artists remain so it's time to find your best side and let's do this.

The remaining contestants take a field trip to a castle and Rob wants dragons. Don't we all?  It's a metaphor for a beautiful facade can hide something twisted and evil. Like me but without the beautiful facade part. I digress. These sorceresses however, are beautiful. Your Spotlight Challenge is to each take a sorceress and turn her into the monstrous evil being she truly is. Remember, we want to see their true evil nature on display.

'Face Off' Recap: 'The Gauntlet II'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Last time we saw the end of Johnny's journey and while he learned a bit about teamwork and humility, it was a case of too little, too late. The remaining artists may wish they could trade places with him though as this next challenge will prove to be a doozy. My money is on Dieter the Electrocuted Duck. Everyone ready? Let's do this.

Down to the the top eight, McKenzie has a surprise in store at the lab: the return of the Gauntlet, a series of three challenges each testing a different area of skills and increasing in levels of difficulty. At the end of the third challenge, one will be eliminated but in a special twist, the top two looks in each of the first two stages are exempted from the subsequent stages and earn a night out on the town.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Death's Doorstep'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Last time we bid farewell to Katie for the epic fail of her cowl and paint job, while Robert's 'Hans the Brain Worm' lived to see another day. Rob came away with his second straight win and the Mels continue to put forward strong make-ups. The competition and skill level required to stay in the game is heating up so it's time to see what new twist McKenzie and crew have in store for our intrepid contestants today. Everyone ready? Let's do this.

Walking into a printing press, they're given their Spotlight Challenge: to take inspiration from an obituary and create a whimsical ghost that reflects how they died that would be appropriate for "Beetlejuice 2: Back to the Afterlife." Get going guys and have some fun with death!

'Face Off' Recap: 'Foreign Bodies'

BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week, the guys got on the board with a win by Rob while Njoroge was sent packing. The competition is heating up and there is little room for mistakes. Everyone ready? Let's do this.

The artists enter what can only be construed as a 'mad-scientist' lab. I don't care if it's stereotypical or not but Robert is a bit too giddy about it. Their Spotlight Challenge will be to work in teams of two and use a live microbe as inspiration for body-bursting alien parasites. There's a special expert in aliens in the house, Lance Hendriksen, who advises that anticipation is what makes something terrifying and to capture that fear by using life experiences. But Lance, I've never experienced an alien parasite and it's certainly not on my bucket list. Okay guys, choose your teams and get to work.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Covert Characters'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week on "Face Off," we bid adieu to Ant while Yvonne came away with the victory and the ladies' third straight win. We've had all team challenges so far and I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm anxious to see what they can do in a solo challenge. Can the men find their mojo? Let's do this.

The artists enter Command Central to receive their assignments for a highly classified mission - highly classified mission. Their mission, should they choose to stay in the competition, is to design disguises for undercover agents tracking terrorists with supernatural abilities. If this sounds a bit specific, it is as Syfy is introducing a new series "Hunters" about this very thing. It's actually a fairly clever bit of cross promotion without being too forced. This will be their first individual challenge but more than that, it's a Focus Challenge which means focus on the face with precision and beautiful lines. Their mentor for this challenge is none other than Michael Westmore who has actually created disguises for the LAPD and Michael Jackson. Is there anything the man hasn't done? They key is the shape of the face and subtly reconfiguring the bone structure and the inclusion of elements such as freckles, dentures, and contacts. Their agents have been preassigned and guys, remember: focus on the face. You all have two days for this. Good luck.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Lost Languages'

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BY DAWN FEAKES

Last time on "Face Off," Jennifer of Team 'Jaundiced Tin Man' was eliminated, thus ensuring the wrath of the 501st upon the judges' heads but the ladies keep up the winning streak with Mel taking the top honors for the Watch Man. Anna was a bridesmaid for the second challenge in a row; can she pull off the win this time? We're weeding the talent from the chaff so let's do this.

Field trip! The gang heads out to the desert ruins and comes upon a special guest - language creator David Peterson who has created the Dothraki tongue for "Game of Thrones" and the alien languages of "Defiance." In the cave of wonders, six sets of artifacts correspond to a 'long-lost race' and David has created a language for each one. To develop the language, he figures out the people. For this Spotlight Challenge, the artists working in teams (again) will figure out the language to develop the people. His advice (which will surely fall on deaf ears) is to find the phonetic clue and design to that clue. Oh, and the models will have to speak this language so please, make sure their mouths can move.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Child's Play'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

No one likes to be the first one eliminated but sadly, Greg claimed that dubious honor last week on "Face Off." Melissa took the win so the ladies start strong yet again. It's time for everyone's favorite theme: whimsy! Let's do this.

Field trip! The remaining contestants head to the 'barn that time forgot' where they're face to face with their worst nightmares: oversized toys. The Spotlight Challenge is to find the magic in everyday objects and design a larger than life character. No whining about not having experience doing whimsical designs yet so that's a definite plus. They'll be working in teams - again - which have been pre-assigned:

Walter/Ant - Race Car
Anna/Mel -  Watch
Robert/Yvonne - Dice
Rob/Johnny - Lollipop
Kaleb/Katie - Key
Jennifer/Njoroge - Crayons

Because Melissa won the last challenge, she gets to pick the team she'll join so she chooses Team Rob/Johnny and we collectively scratch our heads.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Wanted Dead or Alive'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

We're back for Face Off's tenth season on a new night. The ladies have won the last three seasons, will the guys have what it takes to break the streak? We've been promised a doozy of a season so let's meet our artists and do this!

The Contestants
Johnny - He decided to make creatures because he wouldn't believe anyone that they weren't real.
Anna  - She took classes at Kosart Effects (strong move Anna!)
Katie - She was pre-med and so has a background in anatomy which will be helpful.
Njoroge - He's a gamer and the oldest of the group who has worked on some independent films though not full time.
Rob - He attended make-up school and is a Young Turk.
Jennifer - She's a SAHM and a member of the Star Wars 501's club. Plus, mad sewing skills.
Walter - Another young Turk but inspired by "Face Off" so follow your dreams kids.
Ant - He attended make up school and worked in a wig shop.
Melissa - She reminds me of Meryl Streep in a way.
Greg - He wears tank tops and has a LOT of eyebrow.
Kaleb - He opened a face painting business with his mom and is ready for the next level.
Yvonne - She's Canadian. Hopefully we'll find out more about her.
Robert - He's got a delightful German accent and a demented sense of humor, just what one wants in a disgruntled dental technician.
Mel - She started in local theater but as a classic Type A, the loss of control terrifies her.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Movie Magic - Part Two'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

When we left off after the camera test, Nora and Ben were feeling pretty good about their work while Evan despaired. As usual. Then, the twist! A script change requiring not only fixing the current characters per Patrick's direction but also a brand new third character! Excited is probably not the word I would use right now. Season Nine has come to a close so let's do this!

No worries guys, we won't hang you out to dry completely, we'll give you some more help!

Nora - Ricky

Ben - Jason

Evan  - Libby

Um, yay.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Movie Magic - Part One'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

This is it, Part One of the Season Nine finale. We've our final three: Ben, Nora, and Evan. Who will be crowned the champion? It's Lights! Camera! Makeup... so let's do this.

It's virtual family visit day! Evan is so thrilled to see his dad and girlfriend he cries. Ben is super excited to see his dog Quincy and Nora and her girlfriend Mary are so freaking adorable. For the record, I'm pretty sure my cat wouldn't care. At least until I returned and then she'd pee in my shoes. Anyway, thus fortified, off they head to the lab for the final challenge.

The lab is empty but for McKenzie and the crew which is unusual as the surroundings generally lend a clue as to the theme of the challenge. Well actually, the crew is the theme as for their final challenge, they will work with a director and production crew to create three stunning short films. The director is none other than Patrick Tatopoulos, helmer of "Batman vs Superman"...and McKenzie's husband. They will be creating two characters to star in a short film which has already been scripted and story-boarded. You all want to work in TV and movie make up? Here you go!

'Sleepy Hollow' Recap: 'Blood and Fear'

Photo courtesy screenrant.com

BY: DAWN FEAKES

Due to technical difficulties, lack of any short term memory and life in general, I can't remember much about last week so we'll just say that stuff happened and go from there. Abbie might have had a fling at Quantico and Crane might be a bit jealous and Jenny might be bringing Joe Corbin on board Team Witness. The second tribulation is underway so let's do this.

Pandora's being creepy, talking to herself again. Girlfriend needs to get out of the sewer for a bit; might cheer her up but no, she wants, nay, needs the fear of the Witnesses. And a sacrificial knife. As one does.

'Sleepy Hollow' Recap: 'I, Witness'

Photo courtesy jobsnhire.com

BY: DAWN FEAKES

It's been a long wait but we're finally back! Well, except for Katrina the Struggle-Witch, Henry/Jeremy of the Epic Daddy Issues and Captain Frank Irving for reasons we really don't know. Yet. The Horseman of War has been defeated but Death, Famine, and Pestilence still prowl the dimension. Get your Ichabbie shipping ready because it's time to do this.

Even with Katrina dead, Sleepy Hollow can get no relief from witches as a new power lady in town puts Death in a special box to generate her very own fear demon. Meanwhile, a dude runs through an ally before being rudely stopped by a trash can lid, wielded by none other than our favorite 'Leftenant' Abbie Mills. With a new haircut and a new partner. Wait, what? She's finally made it to FBI traning in Quantico, achieving all she's ever dreamed of. But where's Crane? Ah, in jail. Sigh. It was only a matter of time I suppose. She bails him out but not before being rather put out that she's had no contact with him for nine months as he was off doing a walkabout and then getting nailed by Customs trying to bring an artifact from Scotland back into the country. Oh, what we wouldn't have given to see Crane attempt to navigate the labyrinth of airports, security and airplane boarding. He's got street cred now, for what it's worth. It won't help two fellas who got into a fight while drinking however, as the demon is attracted to violence. Really dude? Drunk guys arguing over a woman is what draws your attention? Yawn.  Let me know when you make the jump to Triple-A ball.

'Face Off' Recap: 'Freak Show'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Evan's won two in a row and Kevon was eliminated, saving us from having to type his stupid name again. Let's do this.

Foundation Challenge! Using weapons as an inspiration, create an indigenous warrior character make-up to reflect that weapon. The guest judge for this challenge is Robin Matthews who won an Oscar for her minimalist makeups in Dallas Buyer's Club. Her advice? Apply the make-up to the entire upper body to sell it without chest pieces, highlighting scars and ritual paint. You've got two hours and winner gets immunity in the next Spotlight Challenge. Go!

It's an interesting challenge but borders on cultural insensitivity with the theme and with only two hours allotted, the risk of caricature is high.

Top Looks
Meg
Scott

Winner
Scott

Spotlight Challenge
The artists walk into an old-timey freak show. Nora says they're 'stoked' but I'm pretty sure that's not the word she was looking for. They will be taking a sideshow act and creating a fantastical character that would have actually 'wowed' the audiences back then but, you know, now seeing as how we're all reluctant to suspend our disbelief.

Nora - Lobster Larry struggling withe concept, Start over
Meg - Inside-Out Oscar
Jordan - Elephant Amy
Stevie - Icicle Irma
Ben - Human Peacock, The Presenter of the Show
Evan - Moon Girl
Scott - Twisted Tom

'Face Off' Recap: 'Judgement Day'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week, Jasmine found out what happens when you don't listen and follow directions. Who will fall victim to Introduction to Kindergarten this time? Will the rest take note and also not replicate previous looks? Let's do this.

I know that everyone is exhausted from the gauntlet challenge but I've seen dead houseplants with more energy than Evan. Suck it up dude, this is war! (And pestilence. And famine. And death.) Field trip to the end of the world...or where old movie props go to die. This week's Spotlight Challenge is the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Your mission: choose one of the Horseman and use the name to inspire your own horrific incarnation of it. This is an individual challenge but you'll work as a set so be sure to have a unifying theme. Glenn is the special guest mentor with the sage advice of find contrast in the characters. Ready? Go!

'The Strain' Recap: 'Dead End'

Photo courtesy: comicbook.com

BY DAWN FEAKES

Last week, Dutch ended up in a world of trouble, Coco was shot then saved by the Master's worm juice and Eph continues his reign of incompetence. Let's do this.

First and foremost, massive TRIGGER WARNING.

Dutch is locked up, chained in a padded room when Eichhorst appears, bringing a friend. After forcing some schnapps down the guy's throat, he drained him and broke his neck. Nothing like a human cocktail occasionally. It relaxes him. If you were trying to shake her up man, it worked. When asked what he's going to do to her, the response is an enigmatic 'everything.' Eichhie, Eichhie...that's so broad. I'm going to have to ask you to be a bit more specific. Also not having a good night? Setrakian who after being knocked out by the one-eared Fonescu, ended up being restrained himself. Shall we make it three for three?

Eichhorst for some reason feels like engaging in small talk with Dutch. You know, what's your name, where're you from, what is something about yourself that no one else knows.... Uh, what? After taking a good long sniff, he goes first - well 70 years ago I was a nobody and then came to fame in fortune in the Nazi party. You? Wait, you became a Nazi because you couldn't get laid? Ooooh girl, you struck a nerve right there.