DOES IT LOOK GOOD? (#103)

EPISODE PREMIERE: September 29, 2005

With only five teams remaining, the inventors tackled the colossal task of packaging their product. With the help of expert graphic designers, the teams were asked to create a package that adhered to the three Ps of packaging: Promotion, Protection, and Persuasion. During the task, Quintana and Jessica faltered and Landon and Marvin were resistant, while Scott and Doug were the team that truly shone, going from having nothing at all to creating a well-designed, impressive package for their beloved Dirtworker.

The teams then moved on to their weekly challenge. This time, the task was to re-design the mascot of a local high school. A high school's mascot is the visual embodiment of their school, so what better way to put the teams' marketing creativity to the test? The excited teams cut, sewed, and hot-glued their way into shiny spandex and bright yellow fur before heading to Agoura High School to reveal their inventions at a pep rally. Celebrity stylist Robert Verdi was on hand for the event, but it was the student body who had the final say. In the end, Sammy and Chris were chosen as the winners, and in doing so, earned a limo ride and private consultation with Robert. Back at the high school, the losing teams were forced to chow down on a hearty cafeteria meal of fish sticks and macaroni and cheese - all the while still clad in their embarrassing costumes.

Judgment day arrived, with a general consensus that Quintana and Jessica's poor performance in the packaging task would probably earn them their walking papers. However, the teams were reminded that the strength of the overall product was still the most important factor. The judges then gave tempered praise to Scott and Doug on the Dirtworker's new packaging and lukewarm reviews to Landon and Marvin for their work on the Gorilla Gripper, saving their harshest criticism for Quintana and Jessica, who received an "F" on the task.

After intense deliberation, the judges surprised everyone by sparing Quintana and Jessica and eliminating Scott and Doug. Despite their poor performance in this task, the Interchangeable Shoe concept was ultimately strong enough to keep the women in the competition, whereas Scott and Doug were eliminated due to the weaker overall potential for the Dirtworker.