Ep 5. Settling The Score

Ink Master: Redemption is a show where artists from previous seasons of Ink Master are given a chance to redeem themselves by facing off against each other in a series of challenges. In season 1, episode 5, titled "Settling The Score," several past contestants return to the competition to prove they have what it takes to win.

The episode begins with Dave Navarro introducing the artists who will be competing in the challenge. Each artist is given the task of tattooing an animal with a black and grey design. The artists have six hours to complete their tattoos, and the winner will be determined by the judges.

The first artist up is Kito Talbert, who was eliminated in season 3 of Ink Master. Kito chooses to tattoo a wolf with a beautiful, detailed design. The judges compliment Kito on his use of shading and detail, and say that his tattoo is among the best they've seen on the show so far.

Next up is Julia Carlson, who was eliminated in season 5. Julia tattoos a realistic-looking leopard, which the judges say is impressive in its accuracy and attention to detail. However, they note that the design could have been a bit more dynamic.

Artist Nate Beavers is up next. Nate was eliminated in season 8 of Ink Master, but returns with a vengeance, tattooing a stunning eagle with intricate, detailed feathers. The judges are blown away by the level of detail in Nate's design and commend him for his skill and creativity.

Shane O'Neill, who was a finalist in season 1 of Ink Master, is the last artist up. He tattoos a striking tiger with a bold, highly detailed design. The judges note that Shane's tattoo is one of the best they've seen on the show, with excellent use of shading and a dynamic composition.

After the judges deliberate, they choose Nate Beavers as the winner of the challenge. Nate is thrilled to have the chance to redeem himself after his early elimination in season 8 of Ink Master.

In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to redemption tattoos. The artists are paired up and given the chance to tattoo over each other's mistakes from a previous challenge. This is a high-pressure situation, as the artists must not only correct their partner's mistake but also make the design their own.

Shane O'Neill and Kito Talbert are up first. Shane takes on the task of covering up a poorly executed portrait of a woman, while Kito corrects a misaligned geometric pattern. The judges are impressed with the improvement in both tattoos, but ultimately, Kito's design is chosen as the winner.

Next, Julia Carlson and Nate Beavers team up to create redemption tattoos. Julia covers up a poorly drawn crow, while Nate corrects a poorly executed landscape tattoo. Both artists do an excellent job, but the judges ultimately choose Nate's tattoo as the winner.

In the final round, Shane O'Neill and Julia Carlson compete against each other, with Shane taking on the task of correcting a dragon that was poorly executed in the previous challenge, and Julia taking on a badly placed biomechanical pattern. The judges are impressed with both tattoos, but ultimately, Shane's dragon tattoo is chosen as the winner.

Overall, "Settling The Score" is a thrilling episode of Ink Master: Redemption that showcases the artists' impressive skills and creativity. With each round of competition, the stakes get higher, and the artists must push themselves to new heights to prove that they have what it takes to win.