1. This gives the early aufs a second chance - and who doesn't love a second chance? Also, it is less heartbreaking for the last eliminee. If the fans are disappointed because a "favorite" has been eliminated, they will probably tune in to see if their favorite becomes the wild card.
2. If the judges make a midseason blunder, all is not lost!
3. The designers should be creating collections ANYWAY. If they are serious professional designers, this is what they should be doing. This gives all of them the chance to present their collections (at least three of their pieces) to a huge television audience. Even for the designers who don't win the Wild Card position, this has to be a wonderful opportunity. There are "Fashion Weeks" all over the country now, and surely if the designs are good, the designers will have many opportunities to show their full collections.
4. The network has been sending ten designers home to create collections ANYWAY. Might as well make it interesting. I also don't think this would be any more expensive than showing ten collections (including the seven decoys as we have had the past two years.) My proposal would result in four finale collections - fewer models, hair and make-up people than we have had during the last two seasons. However, I would still like to see more than ten looks from each designer!
5. Less worry about spoilers. If a neighbor sees a designer receiving rolls of imported Italian silk, and reveals this to anyone, it won't matter. The designer can honestly say that he or she is "working on a collection." No need for secrecy.
6. The top three still have the advantage of a home visit from Tim Gunn and the benefit of additional time and experience on the show. I believe this would be completely fair to the top three.
The Wild Card adds a layer of interest and drama to the competition. It hasn't been done before and benefits everyone. Why not try it?
Sincerely,
Laura Kluvo
BPRs please feel free to add your own additional suggestions. What do you think?
