![Rayce photo rev 1](//images3.cliqueclack.com/tv/files/2012/03/Rayce-photo-rev-1.jpg)
See? That’s what I’m talking about. Rayce Bird wins this season’s exhausting Face Off competition.
Even in light of the fact his alien’s head was peeling off the neck of his model in the final challenge, Rayce still managed to pull out a convincing win over Ian and RJ. That’s testament to how good the guy really is.
Let’s review some of his work:
- Remember his Cowardly Lion creation during the Return To Oz premiere?
- How about his aquatic Water World production?
- His body painting has been pretty damned spot on despite the fact he (and most of the hopefuls, for that matter) rarely had time to apply paint properly or to their preferences.
- One of my favorites was his imagineering of the Burtonesque cello player:
![Rayce Burtonesque creation rev](//images1.cliqueclack.com/tv/files/2012/03/Rayce-Burtonesque-creation-rev.jpg)
- Add to that his interesting illusion of shadow across the three characters he created in finale and you have the cherry on top of this whole shebang.
The dude has been consistent throughout. Flubs and mis-applications turn into winning notations for the guy. When you can do that, when you can think on the fly in the heat of competition and the race is on the line, you deserve to win Face Off. Rayce did that every step of the way.
And that’s why I ultimately championed him last episode to win this thing. And he did. Deservedly so.
Congratulations, Rayce.
Notes:
- Ian’s smash-faced creature was a kick of a design.
- The surprise on the contestants’ faces when Michael Westmore (Face Off host McKenzie’s award-winning father) came in to evaluate and offer tips during the challenge was a delight to witness.
- What? No drama from the support group of previous hopefuls who came back to assist in the finale? WowZah. Not even a peep out of Beki which was a nice change of pace. That alone made me gain a tad of lost respect for her. She knew it wasn’t about her this time around and diligently worked as a team player. Bravo.
![](//ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416QxBqLQOL._SL160_.jpg)
Photo Credit: SyFy
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I think all 3 contestants deserved to be there. They all did great work throughout the season. And while Rayce did do wonderful work RJ did as well. Remember the Bellhop. Absolutly terrific! Remember the Triple threat where his model was allergic and he got a model about 1/2 the size of his original. He pulled that off no problem. That’s thinking on his feet and on the fly. RJ’s make up did not rip or start to come off during the finale as did Rayce’s. I thought that was part of the competition to see who’s make up stood up to the challenge of the dance. I do love Rayce’s Cello player and the Water Work he did. But there again I think RJ was right there tit for tat with Rayce. So I guess what I am trying to say is personally I think RJ was robbed. Sorry Rayce I love your work also and you to Ian. Good luck to all of you and I do mean all 14.
*POST AUTHOR*
. . . . .
Val:
By no means am I saying Ian and RJ didn’t deserve to be there right alongside Rayce. They did. They were the three I would choose to be in those top spots.
Throughout the show, I think Ian and RJ did bang up jobs as well. (As a matter of fact, I featured the bellhop from the Burtonesque episode on my review of that episode.)
Not trying to take away anything from the other two in any way, shape or form. I just liked Rayce’s consistency week in and week out moreso than that of Ian or RJ.
I’m always late tuning into the latest episode but I’ve been pulling for Rayce since maybe, the 5th episode. I’m happy he won! He always put so much sincerity into what he did and it really translated into his work. I loved Ian and RJ both- couldn’t be happier that all three guys made it to the finale- but honestly, Rayce’s work and attitude were more enjoyable to watch throughout the weeks.
Also, this is one of the only “reality” shows I know of that requires contestants to have actual skill, talent, and experience. It’s not like “Top Model” where you can be trained to give the judges what they want; it’s not like “Inkmasters” where the contestants are judged so subjectively it makes the show seem like a joke. These people are GOOD at what they do, no buts about it. Loved that there was barely any drama and the top 3 was such a likable group…*sigh* it warmed my heart to watch them cheer each other on. The show as a whole was a great watch.
Congrats to Rayce and can’t wait for next season!