Starving Artists Season 1 Episode 5

"Welcome back to Starving Artists!" The camera focused on the smiling host, Iosef, before panning over to two very nervous looking people. Before them sat three stern-faced judges and behind them stood five contestants relieved that they were already moving forward in the competition.

Iosef stepped into the frame again. "Before the commercial break we were down to two. One will be packing their bags and moving on while the other will continue on in Starving Artists. Will it be Vivian, who recreated a stunning piece of the Mona Lisa using water colors?" The camera shifted again to show the piece that had been spoken about. It then zoomed in on Vivian looking ready to cry.

"Or will it be Kassidy, who provided us with a twist on Virtuvian Man by using our Judge, Clyde, as a model?" The drawing earned some screen time before showing a stoic looking Kassidy.

"It was left up to our judges to make the decision!" Iosef announced brightly. "Have you made a choice?"

The middle judge, the aforementioned Clyde, gave a nod of his head, and spoke for the panel. "Vivian, we were impressed you were able to render the Mona Lisa in your chosen medium. However, we felt that you weren't able to manage your time and some of the details got lost in the painting."

Vivian offered no explanation for her work, but the tears that had been threatening to come began to trail down her face. The camera lingered on her a few moments longer. This was excellent TV.

Clyde went on to speak and the focus snapped back to him. "Kassidy, your Virtuvian Man certainly got a chuckle from us. I was also glad to see you added some clothing." The two other judges exchanged a knowing look and chortled softly once more. "Yet we felt some of your work looked sloppy and this seems to be a growing trend lately."

Kassidy bit down on her lower lip at the criticism. The audience watching the show at home eagerly awaited to hear the results.

"In the end we have decided..." The moment was drawn out as the two contestants reached out to hold each others hands. "That Vivian will be continuing on Starving Artists."

Vivian gave a gasp of relief, her tears coming more freely now. Kassidy looked to be in disbelief. In the background, Iosef wore a satisfied smile. One that he quickly tamed to be more camera friendly before stepping back in the spotlight. A hand was clapped on Kassidy's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Kassidy, but your time has come to an end on Starving Artists. We will miss you." There was perhaps a touch of sarcasm to the last line.

Kassidy walked stiffly away, where she would give her parting words after the credits had scrolled. Iosef turned to a still sobbing Vivian. "Congratulations! You will be moving on and I'm sure we're all excited to see what you do next."

The other contestants stepped forward to wrap Vivian in a hug, assuring her they were all happy she was still on the show.

Iosef smiled widely for the camera once more. "Thank you for joining us on Starving Artists! Join us next week when the artists will be tasked with posing as living statues at the Contemporary Art Museum. We'll see you there." He winked to the unseen audience.