Project Runway gods: please smite Ricky

I'm taking back all the compliments I lauded on "Project Runway" for being a reality show that rewards talent.

Talent cannot possibly be why Ricky is still on the show, right? Both Kevin and Kit were sent packing respectively in episodes 7 and 8 even though teary-eyed, whiny Ricky was in the bottom of both those challenges. Yes, he kept the lid on the weepiness, but Ricky produced nothing that was vaguely wearable or creative (a pale pink negligee-like dress for the prom challenge and an equally hideous take on "Little House in the Prairie" for the avant-garde challenge). Still the judges picked obviously more talented designers to take the fall. Maybe Michael Kors got a little spray-on tanner into his eyes, rendering him blind to Ricky's obvious flaw - that he sucks.

Here's the breakdown for Week 9, which will hopefully redeem itself.

The Losers (so far): Simone, Carmen, Steven, Marion, Jack, Elisa, Kevin, Kit

The Vincent Libretti division (Vincent from Season 3 was dreadful and contentious, but managed to stick around for far too long)
Ricky

Dark Horse
Chris: Although Christian got a lot of the credit for "Team Fierce" in episode 8 and their layered organza fest (see photo above), Chris was a big part of why they won.
Sweet P: True, she turned on the waterworks a la Ricky, but she managed to produce a cute dress, despite dealing with Rami's attitude all day.

The Contenders
Jillian: Her turtle-like pace will be a problem sooner or later. For now, she's gotten by thanks to some lucky timing, and of course, talent.
Victorya: Ego-check, lady. Saying "We had three looks, so we should win" is neither helpful nor endearing. It's obnoxious.
Christian: I can still only stand about two seconds of him at a time, but I can't deny that he's good.
Rami: The draping fetish needs to be nipped in the bud - which the judges finally called him on this last round - so let's hope he learns.

Predictions: If Ricky isn't gone by the end of this episode, I may have to swear off PR. The only way Ricky should stay on the show is if he can fashion an outfit from his own tears.

-- Malavika Jagannathan, mjaganna@greenbaypressgazette.com