Manhunt Update: Wash Your Mouth Out
As Manhunt heads into the final stretch we're left with three hot contestants and, lest we not forget, embedded model Kevin Peake, who can already hardly keep his pants on about next week's big reveal when he gets to blurt the news every drama queen waits a lifetime to deliver: "I'm not who you think I am!"
But we're getting ahead of ourselves. This week the boys remained in Puerto Rico, where Jon Jonsson is "just stoked beyond belief" to be. In fact, "stoked" is just about the only emotion Jon Jonsson can ever muster, which is fine because it still puts him one step ahead of Maurice the mannequin, whose range of emotion is only revealed in fits of hysteria when compared to Vin Diesel.
The models' first task is to work together to create individual soap commercials. Thought of this activity seems to arouse embedded model Kevin Peake, who asks, "Are we gonna be lathering each other up or something?" And Rob, once again putting the proper message out there, answers, "If I have to bend over in the shower to pick something up it damn well better be Safeguard!"
Well, it's not exactly Safeguard, it's Manhunt soap, and each model is in charge of directing his own commercial with the help 
of the others. Friction arises when Kevin walks off to scout locations during the shooting of Rob's zookeeper-themed video, while Rob's creativity and single-mindedness in attaining perfection clearly puts the others on edge.
We're still not sure that we've ever seen any shirtless zookeepers covered in mud before, but the small heap of brown stuff on Rob's shoulder did remind us that once we saw a gorilla fling a pile of dung at a primatologist.
The videos really do reveal essential components of the models' personalities. Jon Jonsson's approach of putting ketchup on the other models faces and pretending he is a boxer who just punched 
them out displays a charmingly neanderthal approach to modern storytelling juxtaposed with a sophisticated script: "When I get done knockin' fools out I look like this!" It results in a video about which he is no doubt stoked.
Maurice's video is, well, very Maurice. His script, "When I get home from a long day as a personal trainer, I'm not so fresh," offers about as exciting a ride as a Dodge Neon. He does, however, ask a hotel guest to join in the commercial and sniff him at the end of it, putting the hint of a grin on our faces. The hint.
It's Kevin Peake's commercial, however, which provides the first insight all season into any behind-the-scenes vitriol. Pretending to be rejected model Hunter Daniel, Peake films a spot-on scathing rendition of Hunter's strip talent. "My name is Hunter Daniel. When I get home from a long night as a Chippendale's dancer I look like this," he says as he wets his hair and flings it back in a Nomi Malone spray flip, a display he seems just a bit too good at.
Perfectionist Rob wants some re-shoots which ruffle feathers but in the end lift his video above the others. It's clear he got some strategic creative ideas while the other guys were shooting. Moving that dung to the other shoulder was definitely the right idea.
The videos go over well with judges Bruce Hulse and Marissa Miller — for the most part. Hulse scolds Kevin Peake for making fun of Hunter, calling his commercial in poor taste and mean-spirited, comments that really carry no weight at all, as seconds before millions of viewers watched Hulse and Miller in knee-slapping hysterics over it.
Next comes another dinner with "clients". We're not really sure who the clients were to which they were referring because it just seemed to be the judges and Carmen Electra. But perhaps Carmen has an equal time clause in her contract or something. 
Then the models board a limo where Jon Jonsson directs a vow of devotion to his girlfriend straight into the camera as they head to Club Element Old San Juan where he feels a chick up on the dance floor (and Rob wants for a partner nearby).
The real test this week is a jungle photo shoot complete with rainforest creatures which include tree frog, giant millipede, white parrot, and tarantula. Arachnophobes need not apply. Maurice immediately starts freaking out about the spider. What would Vin do?
Rob seems the most comfortable working with all the animals, but that's the job of a zookeeper. Jon Jonsson, it's noted, appears to be stepping up his game, and as Kevin Peake (is it love or jealousy?) looks longingly from a distance, does perhaps the sexiest Greystoke with tree frog portrait we've ever seen.
It's all very Animal Planet as the models are posed with the bird, the worm, and the frog, but really everyone's waiting to see them with the tarantula on their faces. All perform admirably, yet it's Maurice's intense photo (read intensity=terror) that gets chosen for the final lineup.
Still, Maurice can't seem to overcome the deadpan issues. Even a counseling session with Kevin Peake—where he asks for some very important advice—doesn't stop the criticism (but does inspire perhaps the most entertaining subtitle of the season). Doug Ordway, the photographer complains, "the expressions are constantly blank. It's just the same. No personality."
Embedded model is introduced to the judges again, as if they've never met, and Peake does nothing to save Maurice's ass except slap him with a backhanded compliment that he "has that serious WWF look." So Diesel's out and we're looking at a New York showdown in next week's season finale between high fashion Rob and surfer brat Jon. May the best zookeeper win.
Past updates:
[Big Boys Don't Cry]
[Anyone Want Some Wood?]
[Attack of the Clones]
[A Rope to Hang Me With]
[Bitch Fest]
[Let's Play [With] Ball[s]]
[Calendar Girls]
Posted Nov. 24,2004 at 8:22 PM EST by Andy Towle in Fashion Men, Film and TV | Permalink
Andy ... your review of Manhunt is not only on par but it is absolutely hilarious.
Posted by: myke | Nov 24, 2004 8:43:58 PM
Since the begining I've always been rooting for Jon. He's not too full of himself and appears to be ok with not winning. Maybe it's the right attitude to have about this type of competition. The only one complaining about him is Kevin P. Many others who got booted off all said they want Jon Jonnson to win. I think that says it all about his personality and how he looks in all of his photos.
Ron's a good looking guy, but that runway disaster was painful to watch more than once.
Posted by: Sam T. | Nov 24, 2004 10:50:20 PM
While Rob is very attractive and very suitable for couture, he's not the kind of guy you'd do a double take for.... Jon is. Rob's body is too soft for me, I very much enjoy a)Jon's color and b)the scar and c) the fact that he is insanely hot. Bruce really has nothing bad to say, he struggles every week to say something bad about jon. This week he told he "you look too perfect".... because THAT's an insult? Kevin Peake is clearly jealous of Jon... one week he commented that "his teeth are jacked up." Nothing a little visit to the oral surgeon can't fix. Cease the Jon hate. He's stoked about life, he grips it and rips it. I have been pulling for him since day 1, though I sometimes feel that lots of people are rooting for Rob just because he's gay... and that Bravo may try to cater to it's core audience. I won't be very happy if that happens.
Posted by: Kia | Nov 25, 2004 12:18:35 AM
Gotta admit that my nerves were worn down by all the chicks on the Bravo message board getting wet panties abt Paulo when it is clear he's not coming back. But when I played the "Models Imitate Each Other" clip, it finally hit me that this search for a "gorgeous" male model has become a joke. IF...and that's a big IF...the final few had been Paulo, Hunter & Jon, we might be talking abt GORGEOUS. This is not dumping on Rob but he's not in that league....handsome, yes, but no way is he gorgeous. I've said this before but here goes again: Jon is winner by default. Reason: he is the LEAST controversial choice...easy-going dude who is gonna get along w/everybody in his own "I'm so stoked" kinda way.
Posted by: JOHN | Nov 25, 2004 12:26:33 AM
Andy: Bless you for so carefully chronicling the developments of this groundbreaking television event before it runs its course and is lost to the ages. You truly are doing the Lord's work.
But FUCK YOU for dissing my Dodge Neon. Your pathetic Neon envy is 1) a gross violation of the blogger mutual admiration agreement and 2) not pretty. Some of us LIKE having cars with mousy-blah exteriors and intermittent battery power. Didja ever think of THAT? Huh? Didja?
Posted by: Jake | Nov 25, 2004 1:10:51 AM
Hey Andy, (great site BTW)
I thought it was only me who notices the constant love hugs and googily eyed stares that Kevin P gives Jon. Kevin also knows that all he is suited for are Intl Male/Undergear gigs, while Jon can be on the cover of Vogue Hommes tomorrow. That's why last week he was like, "I just don't see his intensity" and the "teeth" remark. P.S. Rob looked super hot with hair on that singles site-but he's still runner up to Jon had they both been at, say,"The Gauntlet" or something.
Posted by: Michael | Nov 25, 2004 2:16:48 AM
Thanks Andy!
Rob and Jon are the finalists! I can now watch the final episode stress-free about who wins. =) I think it's Jon, because he's so stoked-ness.
I'm so over Kevin P, but I have to admit he's probably not causing all the trouble he's able to. Can you imagine (and I hate to compare these two shows) all the drama and backstabbing that would happen on Top Model if there was an embedded model? Meow!
Posted by: jase | Nov 25, 2004 1:27:34 PM
Andy:
Huge fan of your site! Thanks for the lead on the Brazilian Girls... let me just say I haven't stopped listening to the KCRW perfomance since you made the post. They are great! Thank God I'm in NYC and can catch 'em live before they get big. ~Joe
Posted by: Joseph | Nov 25, 2004 7:12:06 PM
Jon is way too fucking ethnic to win this competition. If people wanted to look at that they'd subscribe to National Geographic... he clearly has the Amazon-native look down.
My name is Kasper, I'm German, hate me.
Posted by: Kasper | Nov 26, 2004 12:28:18 AM
jon, who photographs beautifully, needs to get his teeth fixed! can't believe nobody has had the balls to tell him that yet. then, I'LL be stoked.
doc.theop
Posted by: dr. theopolis | Nov 26, 2004 2:31:03 PM
Between Jon and Rob: Yes, I think Jon is just a hotter guy, but also I think he's skating on those looks. He doesn't have to try or work very hard for it, and thusly he doesn't really "want" it.
Rob does very well and is the most mature about this whole situation. I just think Rob stayed level the most and played a better game. Therefore, I'm rooting for Rob -not just because he's gay, but because he's got the drive and has worked hard for this... and because of that I think he DESERVES to win... whether he will or not remains to be seen.
Posted by: M@ | Nov 26, 2004 2:45:58 PM
I think Kevin P. is hot hot hot. I wish he wasnt the embedded model so that he could win. I keep finding myself rooting for him, and then i remember that he isnt really in the contest. I am actually suprised that they are waiting for so long to reveal who he really is. For all of you making jokes about Kevin P. being jealous of Jon - you are crazy - he is way hotter!
Posted by: jenny | Nov 27, 2004 4:55:18 AM
Look for a plot twist where the embed is kicked off to heighten the drama, since they don't need him at this point if they ever did. Between "high maintenance" Rob and "jacked up" Jon, there is really is no contest, since Jon's physical gifts are not matchable and Rob is giving law school students a bad name. The only hope Rob has is if nature boy Jon refuses to get "nekkid" as Hunter would say, since photog Doug Ordway has already undressed Rob with his eyes many times. Hopefully that creepy Bruce doesn't get undressed with them.
Posted by: cd | Nov 29, 2004 1:46:20 PM
They both end up winning and split the $100K modeling contract. Each works in the hair care industry. Jon models for Nair for Men (drink) and Rob for Hair Club for Men.
Posted by: Dan | Nov 29, 2004 5:39:19 PM
Love your review, no one can hold a candle to John- I would like to suck his cock... yummy I wonder if he is circumsized?????
Posted by: Ellie | Jan 3, 2005 7:33:02 PM
Since the start of the competition, I already had a feeling of what role Kevin Peake is playing. Man, he is just the best of them all along, it is so obvious, you know. Kevin is really so hot, how I wish he was a contestant, if that is the case, he'll probably the winner.
Kevin is the ace in the competition!
Posted by: Jeremy | Jan 7, 2005 2:10:07 PM
Since the start of the competition, I already had a feeling of what role Kevin Peake is playing. Man, he is just the best of them all along, it is so obvious, you know. Kevin is really so hot, how I wish he was a contestant, if that is the case, he'll probably the winner.
Kevin is the ace in the competition!
Posted by: Jeremy | Jan 7, 2005 2:10:30 PM
There is now a Hunter Daniel calendar on sale at www.SethCo.us.
Posted by: Jarrod | Jan 19, 2005 1:52:17 PM
HiYo...jus wanna say...Jon u r gonna b the number 1...ehe ehe...
hez damn attractive...great body...awesome pictures...
ur just the man...
gotta b u...
waitin for the final episode...wont b surprised coz ya gonna get it for sure...
Jon is the hottest n the cutestest...
great fan o\/ urs....[/\/\oii]...
Posted by: /\/\oi | Feb 21, 2005 6:57:56 AM
i really like MAURICE!!!
he's so cool... a good looking man who looks like vin diesel, so...sexy!!!
Posted by: danty | Feb 27, 2005 3:04:42 AM
Jon Jonsson is really the " hottest" amongst all. For you to say he is the kind of ethnic guy..or got problem w/ his teeh...or Kevin is hotter, etc...you are all damn "dumb"! Don't you see how GOURGEOUS Jon is? His color skin is unbelievable, nobody in the competition got such color, it is natural light and so awesome! And his body is also very built muscle and not too skinny like Rob! And his eyes are just so stunning...and his personality...man, he is just stoked! Others are rally not special at all! I have so many guys like them around the world, even faces like Kevin, what's a big deal? They looks very common, EXCEPT Jon. Congratulation, sweety darling Jon.
Posted by: Patricia | Mar 5, 2005 8:00:33 AM
Yeah... Hunter is star bound ...(I literally had a dream about him the other night.) I am excited ... I just purchased hunterdaniel.com ... from what I hear and read... FORWARD and UP for this young man!
returnofinvestment@hotmail.com
Posted by: Star Bound | Mar 28, 2005 12:25:50 AM
haha its funny to read all of you people talk about jon... i went to high school with him and have partied with him a few times and know him. I played baseball with his brother too. Jon is a way cool guy.. super nice, funny, and jsut cool.. plus he's insanely smart, i mean he's studying to be an astrophysicist, and he could be anything he wanted. he definitely deserved to win the competition congrats buddy
Posted by: brent | Apr 14, 2005 10:09:20 PM
What ever happened to HUNTER DANIEL ? DO something with your ops BUDDY!!!
Posted by: Star Bound | Jun 10, 2005 12:57:06 AM
Your article are quite actual today because it cover problems that a actual for people like me. Thanks.
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