Guess who's back in town, guys? Portland designer/contestant Gretchen "Granola" Jones attended the screening of last night's episode at our mutual friends' house, in town for a couple weeks (including for a private party to "celebrate" the finale... hmm), and while she is very good about keeping mum on the show's secrets, she did reveal that last night's episode in real time was even more disturbing than the disturbing ass fucking meltdown we all witnessed televised. If you watched, you know what I'm talking about. Is this the emo-ist season ever or what? God, the heartbreak this time is just... so so sad. This week was the traditional "home visit" episode, where Tim Gunn crisscrosses the country to check up on the designers midway through their Fashion Week collections. At the time of the filming Gretchen's life was in turmoil: On top of designing, she had broken up with her boyfriend, was as she put it to me in our interview "completely broke," and had to move out of their apartment. Tim was a real friend about it:

If you think those are some hard knocks? Just wait...

So, ultimately Gretchen was looking good upon Tim's departure. He was the least concerned with her progress of any of them. And then we got to know Michael C. a little better, and find out about his parents' depressing refusal to accept him after having come out as a homosexual. And then we felt a little worse for kind of hating him. And then we felt really, really, really sad for him when he completely and utterly lost his shit as the final contestant to be ousted just before New York Fashion Week. Obviously that's going to smart no matter what, but it was shocking and surprisingly raw (what a hateful, hateful little program this show is) to see him sobbing like a baby in Tim Gunn's arms. That shit was fucked up. And, according to Gretchen, actually went on for like 45 traumatizing minutes as they all sat there in that little room with him pounding the walls and freaking out.

Yes, he is one of the less technically skilled designers, and yes his weirdly infantile haplessness in front of the judges has seemed at best contrived and at worst creepy, but his meltdown scene was truly crushing. But clearly sending Andy home instead wouldn't have been an option. Everyone wants to see what crazy tricks he pulls out. The other home visit of interest was Mondo. It was so good to see him supported by his family after his onscreen confession to being HIV positive. His collection so far, though, is kind of silly and very junior, all polka dots and "cupcake hats." Fine if you're eight, but borderline suspect on a grown woman. We've seen him do a sophisticated take on his wacky circus style before, and he'd better pull back around in that direction. Gretchen meanwhile was repeatedly lashed by Heidi for being "granola." Granola, granola, granola, and every time Heidi says "granola," take a shot. I did hear what they were saying about the need to elevate the clothing through styling (or something) to make it look more impactful and runway-worthy, rather than emphasize wearability. By the way, the dress Gretchen wore on this episode is my favorite thing that she's ever made:

Granola! And by the way, how rad are Heidi Klum's hippie impressions? I loved it when she whipped out the peace sign. And... that's it, folks! Next week is the real deal. There will be a winner, and either Gretchen will be celebrating because she won, or just because this nightmare will finally be over. Mostly. Except for the whole haunting your career forever thing.