Ep 9. Mortal Sins

In the ninth episode of Face Off's fifth season, titled "Mortal Sins," the remaining contestants are tasked with creating their own interpretation of one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Each artist must also incorporate one of the elements of traditional Japanese tattooing, known as Irezumi, into their design.

The episode kicks off with the artists heading to a Japanese tattoo parlor to learn more about the art form and gather inspiration for their challenge. They are introduced to Horiyoshi III, a famous Japanese tattoo artist who guides them through the process. Horiyoshi III explains that traditional Irezumi tattoos use bold lines and bright colors to tell a story and that each element used has a significant meaning.

After their visit to the tattoo parlor, the artists head back to the lab to begin working on their designs. They spend the next several hours sketching, sculpting, and painting their creations. Each artist is faced with their own unique challenges, from making sure their design is historically accurate to trying to convey a complex emotion through their character's expression.

As the artists work, McKenzie Westmore and resident judges Ve Neill and Glenn Hetrick check in with them and provide feedback. They urge the artists to take risks and push the boundaries of their comfort zones. They also remind them to focus on the details and make sure their designs are cohesive and true to the theme.

Finally, it's time for the big reveal. The artists present their creations on the Face Off stage in front of the judges, guest judge Horiyoshi III, and a live audience. Each artist explains their design and how they incorporated both the Seven Deadly Sins and the elements of Irezumi into their work. The judges critique the designs, praising the artists for their creativity and attention to detail, but also pointing out areas that could be improved.

After deliberation, one artist is named the winner of the challenge, earning a spot in the finale. Another artist is unfortunately sent home, leaving just three contestants left in the competition. The episode ends with the remaining artists reflecting on their journey so far and preparing for the final stretch of the competition.

Overall, "Mortal Sins" is an exciting and engaging episode that showcases the artists' talents and creativity. It's fascinating to see how each artist interprets their assigned sin and how they incorporate the elements of Irezumi into their design. The addition of Horiyoshi III as a guest judge and mentor adds an extra layer of authenticity and expertise to the competition. Fans of Face Off will not want to miss this high-stakes episode.