Michael Finally Gets Some Love on "Project Runway"

Every now and then on a reality TV show, there's a contestant who is so fantastic, so amazing, that you can't help but root for them, even if the judges seem to be looking the other way. One of those is Project Runway's Michael, whose designs are consistently beautiful but never seems to get any acknowledgement from Heidi, Nina, and the other judges.

Until last night, that is, when the 28-year-old, German-born designer presented a fabulously modernized look for icon Pam Grier, complete with magenta hot pants. (I kid you not, they were outrageously beautiful. Even Diane von Furstenberg thought so and she "wore a lot of hot pants" back in the day.) I've had my eye on Michael Knight as a dark horse competitor since Day One, when his model sashayed down the runway in a provocative dress made entirely out of coffee filters. It was a sight to be seen and even these jaded eyes couldn't help but take notice of Michael's skill.

But still, while he was consistently placed among the majority of the "in" candidates, none of Michael's designs ever got selected to be in the top 3, which always baffled me. Don't get me wrong. I love Kayne and Allison and Uli as well, but Michael has a certain je ne sais quoi. His designs are always tasteful, always beautiful, and completely wearable (well, for some women, anyway). And he has consistently remained true to himself "as a person and as a designer," refusing to get dragged into the petty catfights between Jeffrey, Laura, and Angela (whose "Audrey Hepburn" was okay, if a little predictable), focusing instead on the competition on the catwalk.

Then there's Bradley. Or as I like to call him, Major Tom, the spaciest space cadet on reality television who seems one bobbin away from a pot-induced high at all times. Is he insane? Baked? Or just really, really fried from too much pot? Bradley is always frazzled, always moving at a glacial pace, and his designs are usually really, really sloppy. (I'm still stunned by his near-victory two weeks ago when he slapped some fabrics together and threw his model down the runway. Talk about luck.) Last night, he presented a look for "Cher" that was, um, disastrous from start to finish. A silver lame-like top seemed as spacey as Bradley, with a completely misguided fringed white pant that was sloppy and unfinished. (And what was up with the crotch?) It had zero to do with Cher and nothing to do with style. It was an embarrassment and far worse than poor Malan's tree stump dress that got him booted in Week Two.

As for the other bottom 2? Vincent is not long destined for this competition and I am constantly amazed at how he keeps squeaking past elimination. His "Twiggy" dress was a monstrosity and even returning judge Michael Kors (there he is!) couldn't help but be horrified by the messy pockets on the dowdy dress. Plus, you don't refer to a still-very-much-alive-and-on-America's Next Top Model, um, model in the past tense. Not cool. I've been really disappointed in Robert these last few weeks. He showed such promise at first but now he's consistently ranked at the bottom of the pack. What happened to that beautiful robin's egg blue fabric he purchased? Why on earth would he take Vincent's linen for an outfit inspired by Jackie O? Such questions remain mysteries as no one called him out on these shocking sartorial choices.

While I'm still pondering those imponderables, I am really overjoyed that Heidi, Michael, Nina, and Diane von F. bestowed notice on Michael. As long as he keeps his act together and stays focused on the prize, he could win this. But if Kayne stays out of Pageantville, USA, he could give him a run for this money. And don't discount Allison or Uli either. Both of them have had some amazing near-victorious and/or victorious designs these past few weeks.

The field is still wide open and I am loving every second of it.

"Project Runway" airs Wednesday nights at 10 pm on Bravo.

What's On Tonight

8 pm: Big Brother 7: All-Stars (CBS); My Name is Earl/The Office (NBC); Smallville (WB); Grey's Anatomy (ABC); The Simpsons/Malcolm in the Middle (FOX); Everybody Hates Chris/Love, Inc. (UPN)

9 pm: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS); America's Got Talent (NBC); Supernatural (WB); Grey's Anatomy (ABC); Malcolm in the Middle/The Simpsons (FOX); Eve/Cuts (UPN)

10 pm: Without a Trace (CBS); Windfall (NBC); Primetime (ABC)

What I'll Be Watching

8 pm: My Name is Earl.

On tonight's repeat episode ("The Professor"), Earl accidentally destroys a bus stop sign but gets distracted by a beautiful college professor (guest star Christine Taylor) and karma takes revenge on poor Earl. It's one of my favorite episodes and it's got Christine Taylor and bees. What more could you ask for?

8:30 pm: The Office.

On a repeat of The Office ("Dwight's Speech"), Dwight turns to Michael for advice when he is asked to give a speech at a big sales convention. Asking Michael for advice on public speaking? Isn't that a bit like asking Project Runway's Keith for lessons on ethics?

9 pm: Iron Chef America on Food Network.

If you missed this repeat episode of Iron Chef America, featuring Bobby Flay being challenged by last year's Hell's Kitchen runner-up Ralph, here's your opportunity to catch it. You know you want to.