Shear Genius: An Anglophile’s Dream

The United Kingdom of Great Britain (and Northern Ireland) was once the most powerful nation in the world. Starting in the age of discovery, the British Empire slowly but surely acquired a great deal of land and power in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. And although the UK no longer controls all of these territories, there’s no question these areas will forever be linked by a common thread—the English language and a shared cultural inheritance.

Shear Genius has inadvertently awakened a sleeping giant. Anglophiles all across America are probably glued to their televisions every Wednesday night. The question is: who shall be victorious?


Anthony represents the UK, and one would think he has the advantage. The UK is the birth place of Anglo-Saxon culture and the English language. However, the once great British Empire collapsed years ago. Anthony has done well thus far, but he hasn’t really impressed me all that much. We’ll see how this Brit performs next week.


Tabatha represents Australia. By now everyone should know that I want her to win. Yes, I’m a fan. She’s clearly the strongest competitor. She had some trouble with this recent elimination challenge, but it wasn’t a total disaster.


Danna represents South Africa. And she really surprised me today by winning both the quickfire and elimination challenges. She’s certainly one to watch. I also think she has the cutest accent.


Team America
For some strange reason, I’m starting to get a little patriotic. Don’t worry; I won’t start burning Dixie Chick CDs any time soon. I’ll just be cheering for Team America with a little more enthusiasm from now on. Our American brothers and sisters are a few years younger than their foreign competitors, which can be a disadvantage. And we all know that age usually correlates with experience. Last week the youngest stylists were sent home. I fear that Team America doesn’t stand a chance.


Tyson is the strongest American competitor. He’s been very consistent thus far and should make it to the final. The producers aren’t stupid—this whole Tyson vs. Tabatha thing is gold.


Daisy (aka the Hialeah Sound Machine) should be safe for the next few weeks. She’s done a good job and I can tell she’s talented. However, she needs to really step up to the plate if she wants to stay in the game. Also, she needs to stop talking and talking and talking. Tabatha can only take so much.


Ben is now one of the weakest contestants, which is a shame because I really like him. He pays close attention to what others have to say, and he’s a fast learner. He also has that rebellious edge, which, if used effectively, can impress the judges. Remember, the judges don’t want people to play it safe. And Ben strikes me as the type of guy who doesn’t conform. Also, Tabatha thinks he’s very cool, and I totally agree.


Dr. Boogie did well in this elimination challenge, and he sure knows how to sell his services. However, as the judges pointed out last week, he’s been playing it too safe for the past few weeks. I think he and Ben are the weakest contestants. We’ll see how far Boogie goes. He gets an A for good conduct in this episode.

So, the Americans, with the exception of Tyson, are in big trouble. Will they drop like flies? Who will be sent home next? Dr. Boogie? Ben? Or Daisy? Or maybe it’s too early to tell. As one of the judges said last week, nothing should be taken for granted.

I am, of course, supporting Tabatha all the way, but there are little voices in my head that are singing the American National Anthem. I hope the Americans can pull it together.