Episode Report Card Jeff Long: A+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Accentuate the Positive
By Jeff Long | Season 8 | Episode 10 | Aired on 09.30.2010
April's mom is Miss America. Seriously, she must have been a teen mom. April interviews tearfully that she's so glad to have her mom there. The mannequins are thankful that they are made of absorbent fabric and won't need tissues. Other Michael bawls when he sees his mom AND his son. Very cute kid. Christopher interviews that he was expecting his mom, but, instead, it's his partner, JJ. Come ON! They embrace and kiss and Christopher tells us that they've been together ten years and he's the most important person in his life. And, he's gorgeous. I'm a FUCKING PUDDLE HERE, PEOPLE. So, that's the story behind the wedding band.
After they all meet each others' family, Tim enters and announces that he's suspending the work day. They all get to spend the day with their moms/JJs! We see everyone out and about. Most at restaurants. April and her mom get pedicures, which is so perfect and lovely. Over pizza, Valerie tells her mom that she will never forget her experience on the show. Andy tells his mom that he has had to remain himself throughout the challenges and she approves of the effort. April says that, because she is the youngest there, people have underestimated her. But, she thinks she has gained some respect. Mondo takes his mom to the Highline and tells her that the beginning of the competition was really hard for him and says that he had a breakdown and had wanted to go home.
Other Michael relays the story of the designers talking shit about him on the runway. His mother tells him to just make friends and show people that he cares about them. She also reminds him that it's a competition. She's a badass. Seriously, I might consider renting Other Mother. He interviews that he's been holding a lot of emotion inside of him because he has no one to talk to on the show. Other Mother tells him that he is always a winner to her. Love her. JJ tells Christopher that he's very proud of him. Christopher is energized by seeing him. Mondo's mother brings him a bracelet and he says he can't promise that he'll wear it, which makes both of them laugh. He interviews that he wanted to tell her about his status, but his Catholic upbringing prevented him. He doesn't want to bring her any pain. Wow, that's a tough situation.
The next day is Valerie's birthday, her 29th. They all discuss that being with their moms kind of got to their heads a little. Andy says that he just feels "done" now. Mondo's thinking about bad moments from his past. They go to the workroom to find their fabrics! Andy's not sure what to do for his design. He doesn't feel inspired and is trying to just finish. Tim comes in and advises April to step away from the emotion of her fabric and look at the design. She interviews that it was good advice. Other Michael is happy to get positive feedback from the Gunn.