All That Glitters: jewellery making the reality TV competition way

[Ellmau]

Anyone else watch this?

Presenter Katherine Ryan was UNBELIEVABLY irritating.

@Marchxx BlownAway was awful, i watched it to see the art pieces, but the concentration on egos rather than the skill and artistic merit was so annoying. There was never any information on the technical skills or history of glass blowing
The first seasons winner was based on politics and was zo rude, especiLly when they were invited back to judge an episode in the second season. Another competitor in 2nd season was kept in week after week never keeping to the brief because of a sob stories and over inflated ego.Blown Away could learn so much from Pottery Throwdown

I did enjoy Blown Away as I thought the pieces were amazing and I loved watching it all come together. But agree about the competitor in S2 who kept staying in when he shouldn't. It got to a point where he clearly knew he was safe whatever he did, and delighted in purposefully not sticking to the brief. He was incredibly talented, but that annoyed me.

Such a disappointment! We were so excited for this.
Like watching paint dry. Terrible choice of presenter , and awful choice of judges.
Expected Solange AP to be far more generous in her manner, she’s always seemed so creative and she came across as super cold and a bit snobby.
Total crap.

What was the paternity test comment? I had to turn off after 10 minutes because I couldn’t cope with KR

It’s clear that Solange is cringing at KRs crude Eight inches joke . How embarrassing 🙈

Solange reminds me Kelly Hoppen, same weird monotonous sound.

I think what it is missing is actually seeing the making of the jewellry, we had 1,000 shots of sawing and rubbing with wire wool, and not much else.
Give us more close in shots of people actually doing the making.

When you watch the good ones, Bake Off, Pottery, Sewing, etc the presenters talk to the contestants about what they are doing, ask naive questions, or technical questions.
That process helps us to understand what is being made and why some things are harder than others.

Even the dog programme, which was way to cutesy for me, they explained the process for the technical groom - this breed is difficult because you have to do x, y or z. (the daft second groom was why this program doesn't work, in my opinion)

So, after watching the programme, I have no idea how they made any of it, how did they get that finish, or why are they using that tool, or how did they attched that bit etc

True it was absolutely lacking in that educational quality.

What on earth was the point of having judges with such illustrious careers, when their sole role on the show was to stand looking uncomfortable? Solange’s designs over the years have been so innovative and exuberant, she must have unbelievable stories to tell.

I watched this last night and agree KR was shockingly bad as the host. It needs a twinkly, friendly type and she is just permanently abrasive. I also agree the paternity test comment should have landed on the cutting room floor - embarrassing for all concerned.

It's a good idea but the format doesn't work as it stands. They need more time to make the pieces, at the moment it's more about who can work quickly, we aren't really seeing what they can do. Certainly the 'bespoke' challenge should be something they get a few days to complete and refine.
I suppose that would make the filming process too long and expensive.

With the bespoke thing DH commented on why you would want something that's been rushed under stressful conditions.

@Stellaris22

With the bespoke thing DH commented on why you would want something that's been rushed under stressful conditions.

Because it's free?

@bruffin @Stellaris22 I think Blown Away, being an american show, is more ego-driven. I have watched another competition-based show on Netflix called Skin Wars, again based in the US and it is the same. Still good though.

@steppemum I know what you mean about the 'show' groom part of the programme. I really preferred the technical challenge because it taught me how difficult it is to groom a dog. I could never do it.

Having said all those critical things about US competition shows, I have just finished watching series 1 of the US Circle (Netflix) and really enjoyed it. I was so underwhelmed with our UK 3rd series that ended recently. Not sure whether it was because it was filmed in advance in September, just felt...overly manipulated and staged.

@Stellaris22

With the bespoke thing DH commented on why you would want something that's been rushed under stressful conditions.

The winning piece, by Dan, was awesome and a worthy winner. He went above and beyond in creating a really special and original piece. One to watch.

@user1484260927 Dan won the bespoke challenge and was also jeweller of the week and KR then thought it appropriate to say he was also the father of her child after a paternity test cringe !!

I think I will watch it next week as I am hopeful it will develop, but as others have said I think there are some major issues.
No problem with the contestants, they seem a good mix of people and supportive of each other. I would like to hear more about the processes, and see more of the jewellery itself. I loved Tamara’s design for the commission.
IMO Katherine Ryan is completely wrong for this. I assume they want it to be a nice inclusive cosy type show, and she’s more edgy and not really coming across as bonding with the contestants. The paternity test “joke” was just incredibly awkward and in poor taste. And the “straight white man” comment was a bit misjudged when a few of the contestants fall into that category. A bit of gentle banter with the contestants is one thing, but this was something else.
As to the judges, I don’t doubt Solange’s qualifications obviously, but she clearly has absolutely no sense of humour at all, which led to quite a bit of awkwardness. I’m reserving judgment on the male judge (Sean?) as I thought he had some good comments, but he didn’t make a big impression either. But it’s the first episode and he may warm up.
As an aside, it looked like this had been filmed pre-Covid, as Katherine shook hands with the man who wanted to commission a piece for his mum, who was then shown receiving her MBE from the Queen (so before the Queen was isolating). So it looks the series has been hanging around for a while, which can be a sign that there was not much confidence in it.

I thought the judges were awful and I felt KR was trying too hard to compensate for their lack of personality (especially Solange).

I liked Blown Away because the work they produced was incredible but the participants were not the nicest people 😳

Thanks @lollipoprainbow how cringey

[quote lollipoprainbow]@user1484260927 Dan won the bespoke challenge and was also jeweller of the week and KR then thought it appropriate to say he was also the father of her child after a paternity test cringe !! [/quote]
It was "cringe", wasn't it?! Poor lad was really embarrassed!

Even the dog programme, which was way to cutesy for me, they explained the process for the technical groom - this breed is difficult because you have to do x, y or z. (the daft second groom was why this program doesn't work, in my opinion)

Agree with this about the Pooch Perfect show.

Re "Glstens" - the judges just don't look remotely comfortable with their roles, do they? And that Solange woman is downright unpleasant! She might be okay with a few pints down her neck at a cocktail party (thought I doubt it) but on here she's grim.

There was so little explanation of the processes and skills it was really disappointing. I didn't seen anyone using flux when they talked about soldering, there was no quenching that I saw either. I admit I lost interest part way through so may have missed these things.

I think I’m the only one who enjoyed it. 😳

I enjoyed seeing the jewellers make their pieces but KR lacks any warmth and the judges lack any personality. This really didn’t hit the mark as an engaging show.

I’m looking forward to sewing bee tonight!

I love the concepts but yes, the judges AND the host aren't great. Several super awkward moments like the size joke and the loup comment! I'm still going to watch though, just for the jewellery.

I enjoyed it, and am interested in the creation of jewellery, but it could have been presented better .