Project Runway Rundown: Real Women Have Curves

I have to say, so far the producers behind "Project Runway" are working overtime to make this the most entertaining season yet — so far it's paying off.

Last night, we had a creative, inspiring challenge (particularly inspiring to Ricky, who cried for the 21st time this season), as well as an emotional exit and an unexpected return.

As they were introduced to their models this week the designers again displayed their comically skewed view of the real world as they examined the "regular-sized" silhouette as if it were from another planet. In walked a decidedly unmodel-y group of women and I, along with Young John Malkovich Steven (who, it occurred to me this week sounds just like the Comic Book Guy from "The Simpsons"), assumed the women were related to the designers. I still thought this when I didn't recognize anyone, but stopped believing this was the case when Steven didn't recognize anyone.

Turns out the women had all recently lost a massive amount of weight (969 lbs overall) and the challenge was to collaborate with them and design a new look using material from one of their favorite, but ill-fitting outfits. Brilliant.

With all the excess fabric around, I didn't think the obligatory visit to Mood would be as important until Steven (pictured, left, with his model for the week) decided to discard much of his model's wedding dress and use a black fabric instead (more on THAT disaster later).

First, there were serious issues to deal with as HIV positive Jack was forced to bow out of the competition after getting what he thought was a MRSA infection (a type of staph infection). He seemed like one of the stronger competitors, but obviously the most important thing is that this guy takes care of himself.

Oddly enough, although the designers were bummed that Jack had to leave, they were even happier when they saw that mean jolly Chris March was back in the house. I guess he'd stopped off to get a snack around the corner and hadn't gone far yet (One day, I'll stop making fat jokes at his expense — today is not that day) Besides, he took a shot at himself when he pointed out none of his diets had been as successful as his clients' this week.

And even though I like Chris (and, apparently, everyone else does), the move to bring him back smelled slightly like BS to me. I mean, he was OUT of the competition, and I still don't think he can really win, but I suppose somebody had to design his partner's outfit. Still, I'm glad he was around if only because he finally prompted what has been a sleepy and (gasp!) dull Tim Gunn to come to life, after Tim mentioned that he's made some bad decisions at 3 a.m. ("I really am an old fart. My brain didn't even go there.") Good times.

Then again, given the sailor-themed monstrosity he came up with, his partner may have been better off if Chris hadn't returned.

There were some good looks on the runway. The best were Kevin, who rightly pointed out that he made his model look like one of "Charlie's Angels" and was the most enthusiastic about the challenge in the beginning because he likes to design for "real" women. Presumably he also likes to sleep with "real" women. Because he's straight.

I thought Kevin deserved to win, but it was Christian who got the gold star from the judges (the leggings KILLED Kevin) after designing pretty much the same outfit for the fifth straight week. Still, I have to give him credit for adjusting to some limitations imposed by his partner this week, but I have to take away credit for continuing to overuse the word "fierce". Either way, there's no denying he's a strong contender and has a definite point of view.

Meanwhile, Jillian used very little of the original garment to create her look, but the judges praised her dress anyway, because it was well made and it looked good. On the other hand, Steven only used a bit of his partner's original garment as well — the only difference is that his outfit was NOT well made and it looked AWFUL. Other than that, I liked it.

Michael Kors likened it to a French maid (though I think my girl Erica's assessment of "pilgrim" was more insulting and spot-on), Nina Garcia said it looked like he'd gone from a wedding to a funeral, and Michael Kors made the natural leap that it was a French Maid (or a pilgrim) at a funeral. Meanwhile, I don't think Heidi saw too much through her oversized bangs, and the guest judge from the Gap didn't say anything interesting and just sat there looking like the kid from "Boondocks" (nice catch again Erica).

In the end, during the most predictable reality show elimination since the latest finale of "Top Model", Steven went home over Elisa, who made a dress with too many layers. Goodbye Steven. I'll miss your inherent creepiness, but no one will miss your mediocre Tim Gunn impersonation.

So what'd you think of this episode? Are you glad to see Chris back? Sad to see Jack go? What do you think the regular models do when they have a week off like this? Finally, who do you see as the frontrunner so far? (I've got stealth Rami going far)