‘Ink Master’ season 6, episode 1 review: Craig Foster masters black and grey
It has been six long months since we had new episodes of “Ink Master”, but season 6 is finally here and with the theme this season being “Masters vs” Apprentices” we expect there to be some drama. That being said we are actually expecting less drama this year then in previous seasons, because judging from the introduction videos (which you can check out over here) there are a lot of duos coming into this competition ready to win, but also with great respect for each other. There’s even one pair who plans to team up and take everyone else out until they are the last two standing! Very interesting strategy.
Flash challenge: Each master and apprentice have the same subject matter, the same style and they must decide together what that will be. The twist? They will be judged blind… the judges won’t know who tattooed which tattoo. They are being tested on over all ability, time to see what everyone can do! We absolutely love the idea of the judges picking the winners and losers blind, it eliminates the opportunity for the judges to pick favorites (we are looking t you Scott Marshall). Craig Foster is back and he and his Master decided to to black and grey and we were really happy to see that since Craig got eliminated for his work in this area during season 3 and it’s a smart idea to show that he’s learned how to do it. So how did Craig do? They loved his tattoo and so did we as he beat out his master. The winners got immunity and the other 9 artists who lost had to compete to stay in the competition.
Elimination tattoo: They have to tattoo whatever their canvas wants and have all been tattooed on the show before. Kito, Marisa, Duffy, Brian, Miami, Earl, Chris, Matt, and Ryan all had to go back in and prove their worth. Kito’s canvas decided to change his mind last minute after seeing his design and left the competition, so he has the choice to tattoo himself or someone else in the room – Kito tattooed himself.
Judging: The human canvas jury has a lot of power this year since whoever has the worst is going to come into judging and reveal why they were chosen. Boom. There were some rough tattoos, but we loved Duffy’s squirrel… so pretty!! Brian, Chris, Ryan and Duffy were all called into elimination with Duffy getting voted worst tattoo by the human canvas jury which was completely shocking and the judges agreed that Duffy wouldn’t have been down there. Brian Stephens ended up being the first to go home, which is always difficult.
We were a little surprised that Craig Foster was back for a second kick at the can and that the show didn’t push his return as they have in the past with other returning contestants. We were big fans of Craig and we are excited to see if he’s brought his black and grey skills to the level they need to be to win. This was a very strong premiere for season 6 and we are very excited about this cast (even though there are not enough women for our liking). The artists this season are so talented and it’s one of the first times watching this show where it doesn’t feel like any one person is going to have a clean sweep. Episode grade: B
What did you think of the premiere of “Ink Master” season 6 and do you already have a favorite to win the whole thing? Let us know in the comment box below. If you are looking for more news about the show, then head over to the link here where we will have reviews, previews, podcasts and weekly interviews with the artists. Also, if you want more great TV news sent your way then be sure to sign up for our weekly CarterMatt newsletter. (Photo: Spike TV)
