Ep 3. Gettin' Goosed

In season 5, episode 3 of Face Off titled "Gettin' Goosed", the contestants are tasked with creating their own version of a legendary creature, the Canadian Goose. Each contestant has to come up with a unique design that incorporates the distinguishing features of the bird while also being able to convey emotion and expression through the makeup.

The episode starts with the artists exploring the natural habitat of the Canadian Goose to gain inspiration and insight into the bird's anatomy and behavior. They are able to see first-hand the features that make the goose stand out, such as the elongated neck, webbed feet, and distinctive beak. With this information, they return to the studio and start sketching out their ideas.

The judges are introduced, including series regulars Ve Neill, Glenn Hetrick, and Neville Page. Joining them as a guest judge for the episode is Rick Baker, a legendary makeup effects artist who has won seven Academy Awards for his work. Baker will provide his expertise and critique on the contestants' makeups.

As the contestants start working on their makeups, they encounter various technical difficulties. Several of the artists struggle with creating the webbed feet, while others have trouble with the proportion of the neck. The time limit adds extra pressure as the artists race to complete their designs within the allotted time.

Once the makeups are complete, the contestants present their creations to the judges for evaluation. Each of the makeups conveys a different emotion, ranging from fear to anger to curiosity. The judges critique each makeup, commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of the design and execution. Baker is particularly impressed by the creativity and artistry of the contestants, and provides valuable feedback that the artists can use in future challenges.

In addition to the main challenge, the artists also participate in a Spotlight Challenge, where they have to create makeups inspired by the movie "The 13th Warrior". The challenge requires the artists to create Viking warriors who have been transformed into monsters. Once again, the artists struggle with the time limit and technical aspects of the challenge, but in the end, they are able to create unique and imaginative makeups.

Overall, season 5, episode 3 of Face Off offers a compelling and exciting showcase of the contestants' creativity and skill. The challenge to create a Canadian Goose inspired makeup is unique and challenging, and the guest judge Rick Baker adds an extra level of expertise and critique to the evaluation process. The Spotlight Challenge adds an additional layer of complexity and creativity to the episode, creating an enjoyable and engaging viewing experience for fans of the show.