Project Runway Rundown: Hair Dresser

Well last night's "Project Runway" semi-finale was more entertaining than I thought it was going to be.

The semi-finales are inherently drama free because all we basically see is Tim Gunn visiting the contestants at home and not too much, if any, catty interaction between the designers.

Unlike last year's ripoff of a semi-finale, (where the big cliffhanger was Laura accusing Jeffrey of possibility cheating — only he wasn't! Ohh, exciting!) this episode had real stakes as Rami and Chris were battling to get into the finals.

At least the editors REALLY wanted to look like it was a battle.

I can't be the only who had the not-so sneaking suspicion that the producers wanted the more respectable (he grew up in Jerusale, you know) and refined Rami to land in the top 3 and not the outlandish Chris. I felt that way ever since they created the fourth slot for Rami in the art challenge two weeks ago. Since Chris's outfit clearly wasn't worse than Rami's then, they had to manufacture a final spot for Rami.

Chris didn't really do himself any favors by creeping everybody out and using human hair on his signature piece. As usual, Tim Gunn was absolutely priceless, saying that his gag reflex had been activated, and likening Chris's work to a monkey house at the zoo, which starts smelling not so bad if you've been it in a while, but reeks if you've just walked in. The man is a poet.

Of course, his first visit in this loaded episode (thank god they skipped the pointless model elimination) was to Christian's "tiny" New York apartment. Sure, his work space/sleeping area was cramped, but I'd swap apartments with him (I spotted hardwood floors) in a heartbeat. Also, he's tiny, what does HE need all the room for? Tim Gunn fawned over a few of his pieces in his "romantic Gothic" line, but felt the feather pants were questionable (how dare he?!) To his credit, Christian seemed more humble as he absorbed the criticism and really seemed to consider it. Early-season Christian would've nodded while Tim was there, then say he was going to do whatever the hell he wanted to the camera.

Up next was a stop by Jillian, who aims to become the next great designer from Long Island. She had one awesome looking jacket, but the rest of the line seemed too monochromatic and not all that impressive. We didn't get to see too much of it, because she took Tim to meet her surprisingly sweet and genial family in Long Island (they must not be on the depressants Jillian takes 24/7). I loved her dad's "My Daughter is on Project Runway" trucker hat.

That was followed by a visit to Rami, who was hanging out with a dude I thought may have been his boyfriend (I kinda spaced out once he started reminiscing about his childhood yet again). Anyway, his line was the surprise of the evening by far, as there was nary a draped gown in sight. Like Jillian (weird), his inspiration was 15th Century Armor and, the best criticism Tim seemed to be able to come up with was that one jacket was really heavy (who cares?)

The final visit was the aforementioned stop by Tim to Chris' monkey house. What I don't understand is why, when finally given a real budget ($8,000), and time (five weeks) would he use human hair. That's not "beauty with a quirk", which was his theme. That's "beauty with an ew."

The designers reconvened in NYC (well, Rami flew back from L.A.) and they seemed chummier than any other final four I can remember. I especially enjoy the way Jillian and Christian tease each other.

Those two were put to work in preparation for Rami and Chris' semi-finale runway show, where they would display three looks. At first, I didn't realize it, but my girl Erica astutely pointed out that this is kind of unfair, since Jillian and Christian were essentially helping someone they'd be competing with. Also, the winner of the semi-finale will have already shown three of their 12 pieces to the judges, which you would think would put them at a disadvantage.

After a minor-meltdown over time, Rami recovered and (staying with the team of being different) selected three distinct looks for his show, while Chris chose to pick three similar looks (all black). Loved Christian's question as to whether he should brush Chris' dress.

Like the editors, the judges seemed to strain for negative comments to make about Rami's line and positive things to say about Chris's (they apparently liked the paper clips) to make the inevitable outcome more suspenseful. Either way, they seemed generally underwhelmed by both designers and accused them over designed and too dark. Michael Kors had the line of the night, describing a tight-fitting dress by Chris as a "velvet condom."

In the end, the judges couldn't help but reward Rami for stepping outside his comfort zone and delivering a good collection. He deserved to win.

Don't feel too bad for Chris either. He (along with Sweet P.) still got to show their collection at Bryant Park. Not bad for a guy who was eliminated about two months ago and apparently walks around in a gigantic Cruella DeVille costume.

So what'd you think of this episode? Did you ever doubt Rami would win? What Disney villain would you like to dress up as? Finally, I asked before, but I'll as again — is there any way Christian doesn't win this whole thing?