"This was your final cut" is a far better bon-voyage catch phrase than the one used on Top Design, no doubt, but after having seen the first two episodes of Shear Genius, I don't think the show itself is that much better. In fact, I think Top Design might be a superior show, over all, in the long run. I'm only making this comparison - and if you are a reader of my reviews here at the site, you will see I rarely do this - because this show was created to take the place of Top Design once their season was over last week.
It seems everything I had imagined would be cool about Shear Genius isn't, beginning with the choice of Jaclyn Smith as the host. She's beautiful, sure, but her voice is really annoying and her attitude towards her fellow "judges" and the contestants seems to be vaguely condescending. Then there's the show's concept, which, for all intensive purposes, is a good one: instead of making clothes, preparing food or designing rooms, the contestants do hair. Great idea. But the first 2 episodes weren't really fun, and in my opinion, both episodes ended with the wrong person being eliminated. There's an over all off-putting tone to the show, as well - everyone seems to be taking it just a tad too seriously or something; it's not very joyful or even creative, the atmosphere. I would say at this point they have a long way to go if they expect to be back for a second season.
4/25 ~Just watched the third episode, and it looks like everyone's lightened up a little bit, especially Jaclyn, who was smiling more and her tone wasn't as haughty throughout the show, which made a huge difference. I hope it continues this way.
5/10 ~ So it is continuing in a good way - up'd it to a 5, in fact.
5/31 ~ The finale was last night, and it was a really decent show. Vidal Sassoon was the guest judge, the best one the entire season. He came off wonderfully - very caring and supportive, and of course his suggestions and comments were spot on. I think the right person won, too - Anthony, who has the most experience and has always done a great job, took home the title of Shear Genius and the one hundred grand. And Smith, as the host, has gotten more and more relaxed each week, much better than when the show first began. I'm actually hoping it's renewed.
