(In case you're not familiar with this hot new reality series, try this primer from Episode 1: http://independentrage.blogspot.com/2010/06/episode-1-tonight-of-hot-new-vh1.html. And read more specifically about the participating Nine Ladies at this link: http://www.vh1.com/shows/youre_cut_off/cast.jhtml).Important Program Note: "You're Cut Off" is moving to Mondays, and so my coverage will too. The next new episode airs in VH1 prime time this Monday, July 5 at 8:00 p.m. (central).
Nutshell Synopsis of Episode 4: The ladies are forced to work jobs, with Bad Girl Chrissy not even showing up for work and Bad Girl Gia quitting the job halfway through. Bad Girl Erica, who has really taken the brunt of it verbally from Gia and Jessica throughout the series, gets a measure of revenge as she's named Manager on the Ladies' job, and thus gets to boss around Gia and Jessica, who do not respond well! Ultimately, Gia storms off the entire show (will she return?). Meantime, Good Girls Courtnee and Amber actually assert themselves a bit in this episode for the first time, which was awesome to see.
Segment 1: Episode 4 starts with the Beautiful Bad Girl Erica mowing the house yard again with an old-style non-mechanic lawn mower straight outta Leave It To Beaver. Erica likes mowing, because it's exercise. She tells last week's VIP (Very Improved Princess), Leanne, "thanks for letting me mow again. Like, I think a lot of guys will marry me now because I know how to mow the lawn." Inside the house, Bad Girls Jessica and Gia both say they are looking to improve their performances from last week, with Gia actually working for once (making beds, although in a pretty rotten fashion). Ultimate Bad Girl Chrissy (who has not done one redeeming thing in the history of the series, unlike all other 8 Ladies), however, is sleeping in as usual.
Then the group meets with moderator Laura Baron. Chrissy is the only lady late to the meeting, saying that "being the last one, it's all about me, and I come first, and I'm on my own time schedule." Laura informs the ladies that this week they will have to write a resume, go on an interview, and then work a job. Says Houston Miss Priss Erica: "Do we have to type the resume? Normally my daddy's secretary does mine."
Laura informs the ladies that their interview will be with Stephen Viscusi, CEO of The Viscusi Group, a headhunting firm. Gia says that she will refuse to do a resume or go on an interview: "I don't need a job, I'm rich." Anyway, the ladies have 45 minutes to do a resume. Several of the ladies have trouble operating their computers, and Erica helps a number of them with their resumes. Gia is still refusing to partake, stating: "I refuse to use my pretty fingernails and type up a resume for somebody I could care less about." Gia then scurries off to the patio to toke on her beloved hookah.
Segment 2: The ladies head off to interview with Viscusi. First up is Erica, who says that she's going to law school (can you still believe that?) because "I really want to a Judge Judy." Viscusi tells her that Judge Judy put in a lot of time in her career before she ever got on the air. "But I'm prettier than her," spouts Erica. In law school, Erica says that "my focus is all on myself, not in a narcissistic way -- You know what I mean?" Responds Viscusi, "No, I don't, based on what you said, I'm not sure I do."
Chrissy's interview is next. Her quotes say it all: "I'm fortunate to be beautiful and hot." "They say black don't crack, so hopefully I won't have to do plastic surgery [as she gets older]." "I have the best walk ever, and it'll make ya say damn!"
In Pam's interview, she (as in Episode 1) again claims to be an investment banker whereas it's obvious she's not. She struggles to describe what she does, precisely, in such capacity. Jessica's next, and Viscusi finds her to be "lazy." Meantime, Amber struggles to recall if she's had any prior jobs and Leanna admits she hasn't really ever thought about what kind of job she might like to work. Courtnee says that she's just looking for someone to hire her for a job. Jackie breaks into song during her interview, with Viscusi reacting to her shakey voice by saying, "not to sound like Simon, but that's very good, you can sit down now." Viscusi then calls for Gia, but she's back at the house smoking her hookah.
The next morning, Laura Baron wakes up the ladies at 7:30 a.m. The ladies hate waking this early! Gia, who refused to do a resume or interview, nevertheless gets out of bed and says she's willing to try to go work. In stark contrast, fellow (and Ultimate) Bad Girl Chrissy again sleeps in, stating: "I cannot be rushed, I will get up on my own terms and on my own time." Then it's time to leave for their jobs, but Chrissy says she's not ready and still needs 50 minutes to complete her makeup and to do her hair: "Never will I walk out the door if I'm not complete. That's just tacky as hell!" The ladies (somewhat) reluctantly leave Chrissy's ass behind and take off for their jobs by car.
Segment 3: Time to Work! The ladies find out they will be working at Matisse Footwear, which makes high-end women's shoes as well as a more affordable line called Coconuts. Michael Katz, the Matisse CEO, addresses the ladies and (after having consulted with Viscusi) starts doling out the job assignments. Leanne, Courtnee and Pam, thought to be "efficient and organized," are assigned office duty. Jessica and Jackie, allegedly having "good voices," are assigned to sales. Gia and Amber are assigned to warehouse inventory duty (Chrissy was too, but she's back at the house still doing her makeup). Erica is assigned to be Manager of all the ladies: "I'm the manager. I got the best job out of everyone. I knew I deserved it because I'm in law school. There's no real competition when it comes to intelligence."
Segment 3: Time to Work! The ladies find out they will be working at Matisse Footwear, which makes high-end women's shoes as well as a more affordable line called Coconuts. Michael Katz, the Matisse CEO, addresses the ladies and (after having consulted with Viscusi) starts doling out the job assignments. Leanne, Courtnee and Pam, thought to be "efficient and organized," are assigned office duty. Jessica and Jackie, allegedly having "good voices," are assigned to sales. Gia and Amber are assigned to warehouse inventory duty (Chrissy was too, but she's back at the house still doing her makeup). Erica is assigned to be Manager of all the ladies: "I'm the manager. I got the best job out of everyone. I knew I deserved it because I'm in law school. There's no real competition when it comes to intelligence."
In sales, Jessica and Jackie have to make cold calls, which they HATE! In the office, Courtnee, Pam and Leanne have to work on sorting papers and stuffing envelopes. The second best line of the episode comes here, as Pam spouts, "This task is so maindune!" (In a true Archie Bunker-type misspeak, Pam obviously confused the syllables of the word, "mundane"!).
OK, so Erica obviously sees her manager role as finally being her opportunity to turn the tables on Gia and Jessica, who so often have ganged up on Erica with their verbal abuse (with the arrogant, yet timid, Erica just sitting there and taking it). Erica struts in to observe the job performance of Jessica and Jackie in sales. Jackie has taken to the task, and is doing a good job. Jessica, however, isn't doing too well on the cold calls, and Erica tells her that "maybe you should be a little bit less abrasive." Erica then forces Jessica to listen to one of Jackie's calls, telling Jessica, "listen to how it's done." Jessica is fumin'!
Out in the warehouse, Gia hates her work, which involves going and finding orders in the warehouse inventory. Erica struts out to check up on Gia's performance. Gia goes off on her: "You're not my manager, go away, get out my f*ckin face!" Then this exchange: Erica: "Ok, well, I'm just going to have to report all of this. You have a terrible attitude." Gia: "Yeah, and you have a flat ass!" Erica walks off, but again starts talking about being named manager because she's in law school. Gia has an angry meltdown: "WHO CARES YOU'RE IN LAW SCHOOL, IDIOT! I WENT TO LAW SCHOOL, I WENT TO LAW SCHOOL, I WENT TO LAW SCHOOL!" Gia also confides that she's "going to have an anxiety attack over this woman."
Erica reports to CEO Michael that Gia's not doing her job and is being "very unprofessional and is using profanities" (Memo to Erica -- the World Hates a Rat). Michael tells her that as a manager, it's her job to find ways to deal with difficult people, and he encourages her to try a different, nicer approach with Gia. Meantime back out in the warehouse, Gia is still ranting about Erica, saying: "Managers are supposed to help out, right -- they don't just sit on their fat asses and make doctors appointments for Botox!" That line actually cracked up Amber, who never gets involved in any of these silly arguments between the Bad Girls of the group. Erica strolls out again and actually seems to take CEO Michael's advice by taking a much more conciliatory tone with Gia. But Gia's havin' nothin' of it! "Just go back to your office! -- I want to hit myself with a shoe," barks Gia.
Erica, obviously having fun, then sneaks up on Jessica and listens in on one of Jessica's calls without Jessica seeing her. When Jessica hangs up the call, she's startled to find Erica behind her: "Oh My God, were you standing behind me the whole time you DEMONSEED!" Then back out in the warehouse, it's Erica and Gia in each other's face with a full-on bickering match, with all the ladies gathering to watch and Jessica joining in on Gia's side. "You're vulturing everyone," screeches Jessica at Erica. Then the funniest line of the episode, and the only one that literally and truly made my Laugh Out Loud: Erica blasts, "I feel like Gia is a Wild Animal and Jessica is a Caveman, and I don't know how to communicate with those kinds of people."
CEO Michael gets in the middle of the 3-way bickering of Erica, Gia and Jessica. Gia says that Erica is not her manager, but CEO dude confirms that she is. With that, Gia quits the job and storms out of the joint.
Segment 4: CEO Michael says that from what he just witnessed from Gia's behavior: "I can't have that here. it's counter-productive." Gia is sitting outside the building, and Jessica heads out there to hang out with her. They share their disdain for Erica.
At the end of the work day, Laura shows up and she and CEO Michael meet with the ladies, informing them that they are about to get paid for their day's work. Each lady gets 70 bucks, except for Gia, who only gets 50 since she quit early. The ladies are not happy with them wages, as they feel they should have received several hundred dollars, at least, for their efforts. Erica comments that she feels she should have gotten more than the other ladies since she's in law school and was the manager.
Back at the house, the ladies get a note from Laura Baron saying that they are being rewarded for their work today by getting to partake in a mobile spa in the backyard, although they will have to pick which services they can afford based on today's paycheck. Jessica and Gia are ecstatic to find that the mobile spa includes a spray tan station; but alas, it costs 70 bucks and Gia can't afford it with her $50! When Gia asks why she can't afford the spray tan, the typically quiet Amber again asserts herself, spouting: "Because you're a broke b*tch!" NICE!
Then Ultimate Bad Girl Chrissy, who skipped today's work session, rolls out looking to participate in the mobile spa. Only problem: She's earned no money to be able to buy any of the spa's services. Here, very hot leggy Supermodel type and Nice But Quiet Lady Courtnee starts (much like fellow Nice Lady Amber) to assert herself, stating: "Chrissy, you didn't do the work, you don't deserve the reward, Period! Point Blank!" Damn right and Good For You, Courtnee!
Even Gia, previously in major cahoots with fellow Bad Girl Chrissy, starts going off on Chrissy for blowing off today's work. Chrissy then storms off: "You're Haters! And You're Jealous! I thought you could have made some type of exception for me!" Erica, Pam and Leanne all comment that they feel good for working a job and getting paid and getting a reward (it's small progress for them, but progress nonetheless). BTW, Erica spent her $70 on a pedicure.
Even Gia, previously in major cahoots with fellow Bad Girl Chrissy, starts going off on Chrissy for blowing off today's work. Chrissy then storms off: "You're Haters! And You're Jealous! I thought you could have made some type of exception for me!" Erica, Pam and Leanne all comment that they feel good for working a job and getting paid and getting a reward (it's small progress for them, but progress nonetheless). BTW, Erica spent her $70 on a pedicure.
That Night: Erica tries to lament to friend Leanne that she (Erica) just doesn't know how to deal with hotheaded Bad Girls Gia and Jessica (since Erica never gets mad -- it's just not her thing). Of course (this show never has any authority or referees hanging around the house), Gia and Jessica get wind of Erica talking about them and march in and another 3-way bickering match ensues. Gia and Jessica accuse Erica (1) of taking advantage of her management position (true, she very much did) and (2) bullying and torturing them (that's pretty choice, however, since it's mostly been Gia and Jessica trying to bully Erica throughout this series).
Gia and Jessica storm off, but Erica clearly has about reached her limit with their antics. Erica starts to become emotional in front of her friend Leanne, saying that it's very hard for her to deal with those two: "I don't know what to do." Psssst: Erica, you should have done what Jackie has so masterfully done since Episode 1: Avoid Their Asses! But since Erica cannot help herself from flashing her high-brow, arrogant attitude at everyone around her, it's basically impossible for her to take the Jackie approach! She's simply destined to butt heads with your Gia and Jessica-type hothead divas of the world. Simple as that.
The segment ends with Laura Baron pulling Jessica aside for a one-on-one session to try to get at the heart of why Jessica keeps letting her bad temper get the best of her (frankly, why was such a session not also conducted with the rather deranged Gia?). Anyway, Jessica opens up to a decent degree in the session, confiding that she was much more easygoing prior to the premature death of her old man, and that she's become much more combative and temper-prone since his death. Laura implores Jessica to stop putting up brick walls against the world and to work on not taking out her anger on the other ladies of the house.
Segment 5: Now it's time for the end-of-episode Group Session between Laura Baron and all the ladies to see who passed for the week and who failed. Surprisingly, Gia again goes off on her former Bad Girl running mate, Chrissy, about how Chrissy always sleeps in, does no work, and blows off all the ladies' duties. Chrissy's reaction: "I'm hot, I'm fabulous, and honestly they (the other ladies) are not. They need to wait on the star." [Aside Observation: Chrissy REALLY needs to find her way into the over-the-top world of Pro Wrestling, since she would SO MUCH FIT RIGHT IN!]
Laura is "very disappointed" in Chrissy's behavior this week. Meantime, Jessica and Leanne both express that they feel good about working this week and earning money. Erica again starts spouting about law school (BTW, and I know this from personal experience: The ability to get accepted to or even graduate from Law School DOES NOT MEAN $HIT -- it really doesn't!) -- Says Erica: "I feel the fact I'm in law school means I was chosen to be Manager, and some of the girls just don't like that."
So Who Passed and Who Failed??? Courtnee again asserts herself strongly in this episode, proclaiming: "I worked, I'm going to pass -- Gia and Chrissy need to fail for not embracing the program!" You Go, Courtnee! At any rate, Courtnee, Amber, Jackie, Leanne and Pam all pass (no surprises there). Chrissy of course fails for blowing off the whole week and its lesson.
Segment 6: Next up is Jessica, who says to Laura Baron, "Can I say something before you fail me?" Laura says, "NO. Know why? Because I'm passing you this week." Third best moment of the episode right here: With the news of Jessica passing, Amber lets out this huge-ass "HEEE-YOOOOO" like one the Duke Boys flying the General Lee over a river or something! Now, Amber is from Savannah, Georgia, a mere 30 miles away from Hazzard County & Roscoe P CoalTrain, and so I guess this comes as no real surprise. But it was very funny! So I digress. Jessica passed, but Laura warns her to reign in her temper and attitude in the future. Jessica admits, "I'm aware I have a bit of a temper." ("A Bit" -- NOOO!).
Erica: She's failed every single prior week, but this week she passes! Laura was impressed that she took her manager job seriously. Gia: Gia tries to plead her case for passing, saying that she didn't even want to go to work, but yet did go and did work until she quit (with a pitch like that, who needs criticisms, right!?). Laura Baron is unimpressed: "But you quit. So you fail."
Who's VIP, Very Improved Princess? Erica actually wins this! "I'm proud of myself, and I deserve to be VIP," crows Erica. Laura Baron's rationale for this reward: Erica took the lesson and work seriously, helped others with resumes, (allegedly) showed leadership and the abililty to change (she changed her tone with Gia at CEO Michael's behest), and showed great restraint when verbally attacked by Gia (I agree with that). BUT AGAIN, Nice Gals like Courtnee and Amber are completely excluded from this Prize since it involves "improvement," and they have both been very well-behaved and contributing since Day 1! It's a very Loaded Prize, aimed to go to ladies who acted badly the prior week(s), only to get their acts together the following week. For the ladies who have ALWAYS acted positively, like Sweeties Courtnee and Amber, they are left out in the cold. Most Unfair!
As the episode ends, Gia is VERY pissed off! "Erica needs to keep her distance from me, because I'm ready to punch her or punch a wall!" As Erica and the other ladies are then shown partying it up in Erica's VIP suite, Gia is shown crying in her bedroom. Then Gia storms out of the entire house and out towards the street. "GET AWAY FROM ME", she yells at everyone! End of Episode.
Upcoming Episodes: In the next episode on Monday, the ladies get to participate in a photo shoot, which they love, but then they find out they also have to do a photo shoot without any makeup on! A meltdown of monumental proportions ensues, since many of these ladies have a HUGE PHOBIA about ever being seen without their makeup! And Chrissy's antics threaten to have her kicked out of the house! (Big Surprise!). Stay tuned...
Final Thoughts: Bad production/editing: They held out Gia storming off at the end of tonight's episode as a cliffhanger, i.e. will she return or not? Then, in the previews of upcoming episodes, it's made clear that she returned! Sorry, but the producers had a very obvious choice here: (1) Use her storming off this episode, but not at the very end as a cliffhanger finish; or (2) Do not show her in your previews of upcoming episodes! Hello!
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