Let me break the ice

Photo: The CW

Alright ANTM fans...our trash tv Wednesdays have been revived now that the tenth cycle of America's Next Top Model is officially underway. I always find the premiere episodes to be a bit of a blur. You don't know who any of the girls are yet and there are way too many of them to keep track of. Thirty girls are in the running at the beginning of the show-by the end of the first episode, the contestants are cut down to a carefully selected fourteen. Up and coming excitement for this cycle? The apartment will be in New York City. That's reason enough for me to want to watch right there. Plus, there certainly seems to be some personality in this group of hopeful chicas. There has been lots of drama and energy (and mild catfighting) right out of the gate with these babes. I often wonder how much of the dialogue is carefully scripted by diligent writers trying to up the controversy quotient, while being egged on by pushy producers and television execs. Either way, the show is entertaining for the most part, and what I enjoy about it is the inside look at the industry. I'm finding that I'm part of a minority group who still actually likes Tyra...and though I agree that she can be a little over the top at times (ok, waaaaay over the top), and that the show itself has its moments of serious cheese...something keeps me hooked. Whatever that something is, I tune in each and every cycle, like an old habit.
The judging panel seems to be a little bit more honest (mean?) this season. This should be interesting if it continues.
I realize that it's a little premature to make any wagers, but my preliminary favourites are Claire and Katarzyna. I also like Allison. I think Marvita has got to be one of the most annoying model wannabes in the show's history. Um, pretty sure there's a reason why she was not selected in the past. Her attitude (and her bad hair) have gotta go. Fatima seems like too much of a shit disturber to be among my favourites...which means that she will likely stick around for a while to keep things interesting.
What do you think fellow ANTM addicts? Thoughts about the premiere and first impressions of the fresh cycle of ladies?