We are down to the final three, where everyone is happy that Chris is gone. But not for long! Because on the eve of their Guess campaign shoot, the models learn that they'll each get "catwalk crews" donned in their signature colors (sunrise smize for Jourdan, booch blue for Marvin, and fierce fuchsia for Cory) to lurk around and be of absolutely no help. Each of the returning models gets to choose which catwalk crew they would like to be on, and while Chlea, Mike, Nina, Jiana and Kanani are all team Cory and Phil, Don, Jeremy and Renee are team Marvin, poor unlikeable Jourdan is left only with the support of Chris. And, she tells us, that is decidedly not better than being chosen by no one.
Cory's crew gets a little rowdy during his Guess shoot, while Marvin is overthinking and not bringing his A-game. Jourdan has a distinct advantage in that she gets to look like the prototypical Guess model/whore in her Daisy Dukes, but crazy photographer Yu Tsai thinks that she's empty and boring. Yu and Johnny have a whole argument about whether or not to get Jourdan something upon which to rest her foot, which is temporarily distracting. But Jourdan pulls it together, does a good job, and is typically thrilled with herself.
After brief video chats with their loved ones, the finalists go to shoot a campaign with Nylon magazine. It is all vaguely creepy, which I suppose is something that they'll have to get used to if they want to stay in the fashion industry. Jourdan talks about her self-esteem journey, because that's a topic that has been heretofore unexplored this season.
The finale runway show for some reason has a corresponding fashion film involving romance, with Jourdan being torn between two suitors. Cory has to play the abusive boyfriend (quelle coincidence! Jourdan is put in an abuse storyline!), while Marvin is the all-white-wearing good guy who just likes to snuggle and stuff. Both of the guys have to kiss Jourdan, which is way less thrilling for them than you might expect. But they power through, and Marvin tells us he was thinking of Renee's face all the while.
And then it's time to prepare for the final runway show, in which the models will wear clothes by two Indonesian designers. Johnny tells the catwalk crew members that they'll each win $1,000 if the contestant whose teams they're on win the competition, then asks if that fact will prompt any of them to switch teams. Most of the models stay loyal, but Mike wastes little time in switching from Cory to Jourdan. His punishment for this is having to hang out with Jourdan.
Tyra and the judges visit the models backstage before the runway show to let them know that one of them will fall victim to an instant elimination before the runway show can even start. They give a quick evaluation, but we'll have to wait until week to find out who was eliminated and who will be signficent enough to walk in the final runway show!
We are almost at the end of ANTM Cycle 20, which has become revolutionary for its "guys and girls approach." Last week, the much-hated Chris was sent home along with the less modely half of Marnee, and we're now down to the final three. The moment we've all been waiting for is here, says Tyra. Contrary to her beliefs, for me at least the moment that I am waiting for has absolutely no affiliation with "Booch Blue."
We then get a final three refresher. We have Marvin, of course, who came from humble beginnings in the Bronx but has proven himself as a consistent competitor with cheekbones that could cut a slice out of your heart and an expired condom in his pocket. Marvin tells us he's not going to let down his dad OR his seven brothers, all of whom are still in the Bronx, nor the rats they kept as pets in their apartment. Then there's Jourdan, whose classic beauty has morphed from "country girl" to high fashion siren. She has really been the one to beat from the outset, which is only part of the reason why she annoys the snot out of everyone. And then there's Cory, whose androgyny and chameleon-like talent has show that he can break down barriers in the business and fiercely deliver fierce with fierceness in every fierce shoot. Cory seems to have a strong sense of self, which is helpful since he's basically had to deal with judges and photographers calling him a woman week after week. Each of the three has a nonsensical signature color assigned to them, because still nobody is able to gently talk Tyra out of her bad ideas.
We begin with the contestants returning home to find Jourdan's bat-photo displayed as digital art. She tells us that she's won five best photos so far, and no matter what happens she's going to find a way to pursue her modeling passion. This includes working at a fast food restaurant if she has to. Or, more likely, Hooters. Instead of either of those options, I would suggest trying to get modeling jobs. Marvin and Cory high five to being the top two guys. Marvin tells us that if he wins, it will be a real rags to riches story, what with him being a janitor's son and all. I would put some serious quotes around "riches" too. Cory tells us that each of the finalists represents a very different side of the modeling industry. Jourdan is the classic beauty, Marvin is the youthful male (I think he actually means "dumb with muscles" here), and Cory is the androgynous male, for whom this show was made in the first place.
Marvin of course is sad that Renee is no longer with them, and tells us that they connected so well that she doesn't even really know how much he likes her. When Renee got eliminated she gave Marvin a hug, and he's sad that he didn't get a final kiss. Jourdan seems sympathetic, but is really doing a dance of joy on Renee's metaphorical grave. Renee was Jourdan's biggest (and only, at least for the last episode) female competition, and now Jourdan can have the advantage of being the only finalist who is able to wear Daisy Dukes in a photo shoot. Everyone then celebrates good times that Chris is finally out, and then they look around for some smudge sticks to try to get his evil essence out of the house.
And then there is Tyra Mail! "GUESS who has what it takes to be a Top Model? Fierce and love, Tyra." The models all quickly figure out that the Guess photo shoot is pending, and Jourdan says it's about time. The winner of the show, of course, will get to shoot a campaign for Guess, and it's a dream come true for both Jourdan and Marvin. For Cory I imagine it's somewhat less so, but he really has no choice in the matter. The finalists arrive at a new site for the shoot, where Johnny awaits. Each of our top three are dressed in their signature colors -- smize sunrise for Jourdan, booch blue for Marvin, and fierce fuchsia for Courtney. Maybe over the course of this recap I will finally learn how to spell "fuchsia" correctly on the first try.
Johnny introduces photographer Yu Tsai, who has shot a number of Guess campaigns. Marvin used to work at Guess, and knows Yu Tsai's work. He's a little starstruck, and also quite excited to be shot by a guy whose work he admires so much. Yu tells the finalists that to be a Guess model you have to be sexy, bold, and most importantly, confident. Guess models also have to speak to their potential customers, by shouting, "Buy! Buy! Buy!" subliminally through their smizes. Or something.
Before the models go to hair and makeup, it's time for them to be given some entourages, made up of the former contestants on the show. These are their "catwalk crews," who will serve no real purpose other than to show that STILL nobody likes Jourdan. And also act as decoys during the final fashion show, I presume. The former contestants come out one by one, wearing the signature color of the finalist they've chosen to support. Chlea comes bounding out first, wearing fierce fuchsia in support of Cory. Ice cream man Mike is , also supporting Cory. He says that he's adding a little masculinity to Cory's entourage, and is actually excited about the prospect of an androgynous winner taking the prize. Kanani comes out , also in fierce fuchsia. And Jiana too! Marvin is not shocked, saying that the girls are obviously going to pick Cory since he's basically one of the girls. I mean, wouldn't YOU pick Cory too? Marvin's not worried, though, since he knows his boys will show up for him. And indeed, Phil and Don emerge wearing booch blue in support of Marvin.
Jourdan is of course standing there awkward and alone through all of this, and Johnny asks if she thinks she has a chance of getting even one friend to stand by her. She says that maybe Nina will choose to don smize sunrise. But alas! Nina comes out wearing fierce fuchsia. Jourdan is pissed, but interviews in a spliced-together manner that Jeremy will probably pick…her. And of course Jeremy comes out wearing booch blue, as does Renee. Marnee is reunited! And they feel so good! You know who doesn't feel good? Jourdan, who is still standing there alone. She wonders if she did something wrong to make everyone not like her. Um, yes. Lots of things really. But Jourdan does get one supporter in the form of Chris, also known as the only person that everyone hates more than Jourdan. Yay? Jourdan says that she would have rather had no supporters than have to listen to Chris and his fake enthusiasm for her victory.
Hair and makeup happens, and Marvin tells his crew how he used to work for Guess and stare at these ads constantly. He thinks he can be a better Guess model than Jourdan, primarily because she doesn't exude sex. Or at least he wouldn't have sex with her, and he would have sex with ANYBODY. I'm sure Renee feels great about that. Cory, meanwhile, says it's been a while since he's done the man thing, and he's looking forward to hearing what Mike thinks about his poses. And really…do you want to ask Mike for modeling advice? If it's a matter of whether the cookies and cream or moose tracks scoop is better I think he'd be a veritable expert, but in this case his opinions might not be so helpful.
Cory is first on set, and says he's nervous as hell going into this shoot. While Jourdan and Marvin are somewhat natural Guess models, given that they project "pretty but stupid" in every vacant expression, it's more of a challenge for him. But Cory's catwalk crew does a cheer pose for him and Jiana says that he has an advantage in that he appeals to men AND women. Yu places Cory in position and tells him not to overthink the "I need to be masculine" thing. He then asks for an apple box on which to put a fan. And with that, the shoot begins. He gives Cory some pointers about not tilting his head to the side if he's trying to look like a dude, and Cory searches deep to find a genuine masculinity that feels true to him. His catwalk crew becomes a little bit of a nuisance as they shout direction at him. Yu tells them to shut up, adding that he knows why they're not here and Cory is -- because Cory is paying attention. He tells Cory not to get caught up in all sorts of other stuff, because the only thing that matters is how he translates his energy to the camera. Once Cory got the message that this wasn't about trying to butch it up, says Yu, the shoot became magical. The shoot ends to a big cheer from the fierce fuchsia catwalk crew, and Cory says it would be very interesting for him to win the Guys versus Girls cycle since he falls somewhere in between.
Marvin is up , and says he's feeling sexy and confident at the same time. The shoot begins, and Marvin wants to exude sex and angles and masculinity. However, he starts to give some catalog poses, then gets too intense in his face and looks like a scary killer. Apparently that is not very Guess. Marvin talks a bit about how he used to work at Guess, and Yu says that HE knows Guess, and he'll take Marvin there if he can listen to direction. Johnny tells us that the pressure of the competition is getting to Marvin, and he's overthinking every direction and move he makes. And this is not a good time to choke. Marvin leans against the wall, which Yu does not care for. But Yu also does not care for what Marvin is doing when he's NOT leaning against the wall, and starts getting really frustrated. Johnny gives a grimace to the camera. Yu likes it when Marvin smiles, but Marvin is having trouble smiling. So Yu points him to Renee, who is standing behind the camera. This is the exact same thing you do when you're trying to get a good photograph of a dog or a three year old. Eventually Marvin seems to get a good shot or two, and Yu tells him that he's got to listen and not overthink.
And then Jourdan emerges in that "dumb whore vaguely from the '60s" look that Guess is so known for. She's got that big blonde hair and very, very small shorts and a little plaid button down crop top that shows about seven inches of her stomach. Chris tells us that he felt bad that no one was supporting Jourdan, which is something that would have happened to him had he been a finalist. So he hopes that she wins. Cory thinks that Jourdan's modeling problem is similar to Marvin's -- she lacks versatility. She's the same blonde bombshell that we've all seen time after time, and we'll never progress if we as a nation -- nay, as a world! -- continue to look to Jourdan for our modeling and beauty standards. Yu tells Jourdan that her body looks great but there's nothing happening inside -- e.g., she looks blank and vapid. He actually goes, "Knock knock!" and Jourdan gives a blank stare in return. Johnny thinks that Jourdan is resting on her laurels (her laurels being her great bone structure, I guess) and is banking on the way she looks rather than having a flicker of life and interest inside of her.
So, Jourdan's pose entails having her leg lifted against a door -- sort of like she's humping it, if I am to be perfectly honest. Apparently it's hot temperature-wise, and she feels like her leg is going to give out. Yu tells her that she looks empty and boring and yawn-worthy, then yells, "Leg up!" Johnny asks if it would help if they got an apple box for Jourdan to rest her foot on. Yu, who is quite cranky at this point, yells that he's not there to make it easier for her. Johnny says that he's been on a million shoots where they put an apple box under a foot to make it easier, and Yu says that Jourdan hasn't been on a million shoots and needs to learn. To learn…what, exactly? In any case, Jourdan tells us that it's not unusual for conflict to break out behind the camera, but she's getting annoyed by the situation and hopes it isn't translating into her face. Yu finally says, quite sharply, that if Johnny wants to give an apple box to Jourdan he can, and if he wants to direct he should go right ahead. Johnny says something that has to be beeped, and then we go to commercials. Yeesh. On her last round of photos, though, she seems to do quite a bit better. Yu tells us that Jourdan has everything it takes to be the ultimate Guess girl, but it took some time to get her exactly where they needed her. After the shoot Jourdan says it was a dream come true, and she's about to cry because she's so happy. It's sort of hard for me to imagine a world in which Jourdan doesn't win, but you never know with this show.
Back at the house, the contestants get to video chat with their families. Apparently the budget in Cycle 20 doesn't allow for surprise family visits to exotic foreign locales. Cory talks to his mama, who is an incredible supporter. She knows that he had a larger vision when he set out to do this -- that is to show the beauty in androgyny -- and he's accomplishing it. Cory is happy to take on that responsibility, because he cares so much about people who struggle to be themselves. And then there's Jourdan, who talks to her boyfriend. He is her whole world, and has shown her at 19 that there are second chances in life. Jourdan reminds us that she was in an abusive relationship and was bullied as a kid, and overall has had a lot of heaviness in her life. But now she believes in herself, and wants to win the competition.
Marvin, meanwhile, talks to his pop, who sounds like he is being played by Cheech and/or Chong but is quite sweet. Marvin says that if he wins, everyone in his family will be taken care of. I think that Marvin has something of an unrealistic depiction of how far $100,000 will actually go. He says that his dad's cleaning days will be over, and he also won't have to worry about working at three jobs when he's also going to school. Marvin's family came to this country to get an opportunity, and he feels like he's done that. He cries as he tells us that it's amazing that he's here, and a finalist. He doesn't know what it means (nothing), or what higher power is at work (Ken Mok), but he's still thankful for it. If he wins Cycle 20…he'll be the first Hispanic guy to prevail. I do really think that Marvin is the sweetest, but he could take a few pointers from Cory on his messaging.
The models then move on to a shoot for Nylon magazine with editor-in-chief Marvin Scott Jarrett, who may not be the biggest creepazoid in the universe but sure presents as such. Fashion director J. Erricco is with him. A fashion spread in Nylon is part of the winner's prize package, and so Cory says it's very, very important to be impressive in this shoot. Jourdan tells us that she went through a lot of financial struggles to get to this point and is pretty sure her bank account is still negative. And who knows if the show even pays for their flights home if they don't win! So she'd better do good. Marvin looks like a huge goofball in his Nylon fashions, as does Cory who is forced to wear a neon green backwards hat. He is impressed with himself for persevering through this adversity.
Marvin Scott Jarrett then has a sit-down with the finalists, asking what they think of Bali so far. Cory is in love with it, and says that it feels like it has a high spiritual energy. He's surprised at how comfortable MSJ makes them feel. Jourdan goes on yet again about the low self-esteem she allegedly had coming into this competition. (Sorry, I'm still not buying it.) At some point along the way, she says, she realized that there must be something special about her or else she wouldn't be there. She interviews that at the beginning she had a wall that held her back from being truly comfortable. And then she lays it on really thick, saying that she never loved herself until she came to this show and realized she could model. In the very first or second episode she said that modeling was the only thing that she could do well! Way to latch on to the trend about young people feeling very bad about themselves, though.
Marvin Scott asks the finalists how they've changed since he saw them last at the turntable runway show. Marvin Model jokes that he now has a tan, then says in earnest that at the runway show he was very nervous to even speak to Marvin Scott, and not just because they're both named Marvin. But now he's a lot more sure of himself, and willing to wear yellow flip flops and an aqua fisherman's hat on the streets of Bali for his Nylon shoot part deux. He thinks that there's no way that Jourdan wants to win this competition as much as he does. Won't he be surprised when she clubs him in the knee before the final runway show!
Back at the house the models debrief about the day, and Cory asks Jourdan and Marvin if the clothes from the shoots today were really their style. See, Cory KNOWS this shit is tacky. Marvin and Jourdan of course do really like the clothes, and Cory says he has to try so much harder to embody the character that he's portraying. He has to put something on, whereas Jourdan and Marvin can just be themselves. He is a little frazzled as he interviews that he's had to play straight and masculine this whole week and is honestly just trying to keep it together. But he's willing to do it because he cares, he wants to win, and he's there to break boundaries in the fashion industry. And Cory's self esteem is FINE, because he's awesome.
The models and their respective catwalk crews then meet up with executive producers Ken Mok and Laura Feust at a park that will be the site of their final runway show. But at the moment they're not walking -- they're shooting a "fashion feature" that will be part of the final runway show. This is just a trick to see how Cory does when forced to make out with a lady. The finalists will be judged not only on their final runway walk, but their performance in the film as well. The story of the film involves a love triangle, in which Jourdan will have two suitors. The catwalk crew will serve as extras, and generally be on hand to give support to their chosen finalist or, in Chris's case, to, annoy Jourdan to no end. Chris asks Jourdan if she's ever done any acting, and she says she tried to when she was eleven but had stage fright. Chris tells her that it's too late for stage fright now. Great, thanks, wonderful advice. Cory's ladies of course love him, and when Don tells Marvin that he hopes he knows how to act, Marvin says, "I been acting this whole time. You thought we were friends?" Aw, Marvin.
Rob Evans and past season winner Laura will also be in the film. Rob will play a photographer (you can tell he's a photographer because of the black square glasses) who discovers Jourdan, and Laura is the model who's being replaced by the new girl. So meta! Furthermore, in her love triangle, Jourdan has to choose between the light and the dark. Cory is playing the bad boyfriend, and to help us understand exactly how bad he is, Jourdan will have a little bruise on her face. And I mean….that's a LITTLE on the nose, Ken Mok. The film starts rolling and we see Cory grab Jourdan by the neck. Jourdan says that she's experienced that type of violence and it's difficult to go back to that place. But…acting! She's got to persevere. Cory, who has to play the abusive prick, says that this is acting in the tenth degree for him. Jourdan and Marvin (who plays the sweet new suitor in all white) get to basically play themselves, while he has to jump through a fiery hoop. He's trying to act through all the horrible actions of his character, which he himself of course would never dream of doing.
Marvin, meanwhile, is clad all in white and told that his character cares not for riches or worldly things. He'd be happy if he could stand under a tree with the one he loves for the rest of his life. Well if that tree was in Bali, heck yeah. If it's in Minnesota, I'd bet that would be a different matter. Marvin admits that he's basically playing himself -- a happy lunk. Jourdan is impressed that Marvin is able to put aside his burgeoning relationship with Renee and be fully lovey-dovey with her in character. Marvin in turn tells her that if they kiss, he will have kissed every girl in Cycle 20. She says it's not going to happen, and then he points out that she's sweating like a pig. That is, in fact, kind of a great comeback. Marvin assures us that he is in no way and will never be in love with Jourdan, and is thinking of Renee's face the whole time. Renee is fine with the situation. Kind of. And then Cory has to make out with Jourdan too. It is a nightmare come true for him, and he tells us in fact that it's disgusting. Cory may be hating his life right now, but Jourdan tells us that she rather enjoyed it.
The finalists return home after the shoot and instantly collapse. Jourdan tells us that she left everything behind to be in the competition, because her happiness is worth more than being a telemarketer. Okay, then. Marvin can see the finish line and horizon ahead, and just wants to grab both of those un-grabbable things. He's also heartened by the fact that Cory is doubting himself in the competition, because it means that Marvin himself has an edge. I've never seen such a nice person be so happy at the emotional turmoil and anxieties of others. Cory tells us that to go home without the title would be devastating, but he believes in his position as a fierce androgynous male model. If he loses he'll feel like he let his community down, and he's nervous as hell. I don't know if it will make him feel better, but he sure didn't let me down. In fact, he's 90% of what made this season bearable!
The finalists meet with Johnny at the park which is the site of their final runway show, in which they'll be wearing the work of two Indonesian designers. The catwalk crew is there too, and Cory says they make him feel like the cool kid on the block. Marvin is happy to have his testosterone boys and his girl Renee, while Jourdan throws a few nice words in Chris's direction since he kept her from unbearable loneliness. The catwalk crews chose their respective finalists based on how they feel about them, but now there's a bit of a twist. Johnny asks if they believe that the finalist they chose will be the winner of the competition, then tells them they could win $1,000 each if they're on the winning catwalk crew. Marvin's booch blue crew all stand behind him and do not defect, and Jourdan suspects that they all secretly believe she's going to win but don't want to hurt his feelings. Chris also stays with Jourdan. Chlea, meanwhile, is debating which of the finalists is the most significent and thus will be declared the winner. Eventually she says that money isn't going to talk her out of this, and she's staying with Cory. She's surprised at her own loyalty, while I am unsurprised about her ability to suck all the air out of the room. Mike, however, is not worried about issues of integrity. He's got bills, and he's going to switch to Jourdan's team. Cory looks marginally offended, but eventually tells Mike that he's sorry he's going to miss out on $1,000. Jourdan's happy to have another faux friend. After all, kids, a faux friend is better than no friend!
It's then hair and makeup time, and Jourdan gets to talk about all the haters who are gonna hate when she does well. Renee interviews that, no offense, but she would DIE if Jourdan won. Marvin asks Jeremy why he didn't choose Jourdan, and Jeremy says it's because he believes in Marvin. Sweet little Marvin is happy to have legit support from folks who love him. Cory talks to his ladies about how he came into the competition knowing he would have to change people's minds. He believes he can win it, and that's all that matters. Mike comes over to talk to the fuchsia team, and they give him the collective diss, as is appropriate.
Tyra visits all the models backstage, where they are in their respective runway outfits. Apparently there is a wild west saloon theme? I mean, that's cool but it's no "ghost brides." Everyone is all atwitter, and then Tyra says she has a very important announcement to make. Needle scratch! Only two of the finalists will be competing in the fashion show. Kelly, Rob and Bryan come out as Tyra adds that one of the finalists is going to be eliminated right now. Everyone is obviously feeling pretty shitty about this twist. The judges and social media have reviewed the Guess photos, and that will determine who goes.
Kelly loves Marvin's cheekbones in his shot, but wonders if his cheekbones work harder than he does. She says he looks a bit like a soap opera star. Rob thinks that the photo is more appropriate for a Kohl's campaign than Guess, while Tyra says that Marvin is stunning but playing younger than he is. Too much sweetness! Social media, however, really loved the shot and thought Marvin looked sensual, soft and elegant. Jourdan's photo is , and Kelly says she looks like Daisy Duke, but too much on the "daisy" side. Rob thinks she really does look like a Guess girl. Tyra approves of the booty tooch, but wishes Jourdan had stretched her neck back a bit more. Bryan reports that the fans loved the tooch and thought Jourdan looked like a pin-up girl.
Then there's Cory. Chlea, who is not an official judge, says that she wouldn't think he was gay by looking at that picture. Tyra asks Chlea if she wants to do Cory, and it turns out that everybody does. Kelly agrees that Cory looks like a straight guy, but isn't sure that he looks like "the guy." Rob also thinks that Cory looks more masculine in the photo, but doesn't see it for a big campaign. Tyra interjects that it's not an ad, but a catalogue shot for Guess. Still, as a male, Rob doesn't look at Cory and want to buy the clothes. Tyra disagrees, saying that Cory is smizing into the distance and is modeling his ass off. We don't hear anything about Cory's social media opinion, which I worry is a bad thing.
So now, says Tyra, it's time to decide who's walking in the fashion show. The judges have scored the photographs, as has social media. The results are in! But we won't get to see them week - boo!
week: we learn who is eliminated, see the final runway show, and the winner is crowned!