Recap of True Beauty, Season 2, Episode 7 - Blackjack Challenge

After Michelle Mozek was sent home in Episode 6, it was down to the final four contestants with two men and two women left on Episode 7 of ABC's "True Beauty." The episode which aired on July 12 presented the contestants with the challenge of learning how to deal blackjack, the most widely played casino banking game in the world.

Taylor Bills Slightly Sloshed

The final four contestants, who had been enjoying leisure time at the pool, were instructed to leave the pool for some training sessions in the game of blackjack in order to be ready to deal a game at the Las Vegas Planet Hollywood that night. While Erika Othen, Amy Schmoldt and Craig Franczyk were getting ready, a slightly inebriated Taylor Bills, who had consumed several alcoholic beverages at the pool. was seen bleary-eyed, burping and laughing.

"True Beauty" - Hidden Challenge 1: Stop Smoking!

On their way to the training session, each candidate for "The Face of Vegas" had to ride in an elevator with a woman who appeared pregnant and who was holding a drink and smoking a cigarette. The contestants were judged on whether or not they said something to the woman about her drinking and smoking. While it is important for expectant mothers to refrain from smoking and drinking, it is disputable whether confronting a stranger in an elevator about her personal life is ever proper etiquette. Nevertheless, that was the challenge. Amy was oblivious and seemed unaware anyone else was in the elevator with her. Crag noticed but said nothing. Erika and Taylor both said something to the woman and passed.

"True Beauty" - Hidden Challenge 2: Abusive Pit Boss

The next hidden challenge took place during the training sessions when a hostile pit boss berated the trainer. The four "beauties" were judged on whether or not they stuck up for their trainer. To further complicate matters, the candidates knew one of the pit bosses would be judging them later. Craig was the only contestant who didn't defend his trainer, so he failed his second challenge of the day.

"True Beauty" - Blackjack Challenge

While Taylor Bills and Erika Othen both had a better grasp of blackjack than Amy or Craig, Taylor's earlier drinking began to take its toll. At first he felt relaxed and loose, but soon he began to fumble his cards, forcing him at one point to request a "do over." This gave Erika the edge, and the pit boss declared her the winner, with Amy and Craig the bottom two.

"True Beauty" - Face Off: Amy Schmoldt vs. Craig Franczyk

The judges seemed genuinely perplexed whether to send home Amy or Craig, although Amy garnered some harsh criticism for her "poopy face" and for looking like she "smelled old feet" all the time. Still, Vanessa Minello pointed out Amy and Craig had been running neck and neck not helping people throughout the season. Craig's darkest moment was brought up from the first challenge when he stole a vest. Episode 7 might have been the first episode where the "Final Straw" challenge possibly affected the outcome.

"True Beauty" - Final Straw Challenge: Woman with Luggage

As the bottom two went to meet the judges, Amy and Craig both had to pass Shannon, an actress posing as a mother with an infant trying to juggle her luggage. As the woman knocked over her luggage, Amy sailed right on by, but Craig offered to help and won the challenge. Even before they made their final pleas before the judges, this act of kindness pretty much cemented the judges choices. Amy, who had shown little compassion throughout the event, commented on her great love for the people of Vegas. Carson Kressley complimented Craig on his his drive and passion to be "The Face of Vegas," but gave a hint away when he told Craig the judges would like to see a "little more heart."

Amy Schmoldt Learns True Beauty Comes from Within

When the judges announced Craig was safe. Amy began to cry. Then Vanessa Minnillo appeared to announce she was the third judge, and Amy had the same look as the rest of the competitors before her: "Who the heck are YOU?" None of the contestants appear to have any idea who Minnillo is. As Amy watched the videos that showed how she she constantly walked away from people who needed help, she asked "Can I go?" but she had the grace to refrain from stalking out like Liz Parada and stayed long enough to learn true beauty comes from inside. Later Amy said that what she saw on the videos was not who she is inside.

Judges Need to Learn True Beauty Comes from Within

It is interesting to note that the judges who penalized Amy Schmoldt for trash talking Liz Parada are the same judges who talked about Amy's poopy face and old feet smell look as well as who called Liz the "Typhoid Mary" of the competition. I guess the contestants are not the only ones who need to learn true beauty comes from within.

Past Episodes of "True Beauty"

Recap of True Beauty, Season 2, Episode 4 - 'Finding the Ring'

Recap of True Beauty, Season 2, Episode 5 - "Tour Guides"

Recap of True Beauty, Season 2, Episode 6 - Wedding Challenge