Ep 3. Ancient Aliens

In season 7 episode 3 of Face Off, titled "Ancient Aliens," the contestants are tasked with creating unique alien creatures that could potentially have been worshipped by ancient civilizations. The challenge requires both creativity and technical skill, as the artists must design a complete look that incorporates characteristics of different cultures and myths.

Before beginning the challenge, the contestants receive a visit from Giorgio Tsoukalos, a renowned expert on ancient aliens and author of the book "Ancient Aliens: The Official Companion Book." He discusses the concept of ancient astronaut theory, which suggests that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in the past and had a significant influence on human culture and technology. This theory serves as the inspiration for the contestants' creature designs.

As the artists begin their creations, it becomes clear that this challenge is not just about crafting a visually impressive character, but about telling a story through the design. Many of the contestants draw upon specific cultural and agricultural references to give their creatures depth and meaning.

One contestant, for example, takes inspiration from the Norse god Thor and combines it with a Mayan aesthetic to create a god-like being with a hammer made of gold. Another artist blends ancient Egyptian iconography with a creature from Eastern mythology to create a regal, otherworldly creature that embodies the idea of a being that was worshipped across multiple cultures.

As the artists work on their designs, they also face a new challenge: incorporating a second, smaller creature that acts as an ancillary character to the primary creation. These smaller creatures must be carefully crafted to complement the larger design without overshadowing it.

Throughout the episode, the artists work under the watchful eye of guest judge Neville Page, a creature designer who has worked on blockbuster movies like "Avatar" and "Star Trek." Page provides expert feedback and critiques on each design, pushing the artists to refine their creations and delve deeper into the concept behind them.

As the clock ticks down, the artists scramble to put the finishing touches on their creatures before presenting them to the judges. Each artist brings something unique to the table, with designs that range from intricate and elaborate to simple and elegant.

In the end, the judges must choose a winner and a bottom contestant, with one artist ultimately being sent home. The episode showcases the incredible talent and creativity required to bring an otherworldly creature to life, and highlights the importance of storytelling and concept in the design process. "Ancient Aliens" is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode that will leave viewers eager to see what the artists will come up with next.