Hollywood Boot Camp is halfway through and both the contestants and I are learning a ton about filmmaking. Above all, it would seem that communication still takes paramount priority superceding all other areas of the Hollywood Campgrounds. Shereen, and her obvious exemplary leadership capabilities and know-how must have forgot this notion. If she had remembered this from leadership school, she most likely would have been around to see what happens next week. But that is not how the judges would have it in week 4. Team Rizal seemed like it only had one chance to defeat Jeepney and that rested on Shereen doing more than talking the talk!

Episode 4 was a bit strange in the sense that there was so much crammed into the experience, the viewers and contestants really how no idea what to expect come challenge time. Would they be building a set as they constructed a scene earlier in the program? Would they be decorating a set? Turns out their worst fear came true as the privates had to navigate their unsteady aptitude of XLR cables and the treacherous boom mic. It was sort of a haphazard dash to the finish and with so much going on, the pace of the show seemed rushed, even hectic.

I must admit that I did have fun watching the contestants first flirt with the boom. They were having fun and so was I. I’m thinking the editors might be responsible for more magic than we realize as the group seems more jovial and even-keeled in moments that could be more emotionally charged (perhaps the producers ended their salivating prematurely at the idea of Chitoy Vs. Arvin in a cage match pay-per-view event. Plus, I’d love to see that on QTV!!)

But I digress. Looking ahead, Denise and Minco seem untouchable. They roll with the punches better than any of the contestants and they are smart enough to steer clear of trouble. Meanwhile, I don’t like Apple’s chances unless she steps up to the plate and takes charge. She’s been a weakly sort of wimp so far and if she wants top honors at camp in the second half she’s going to really have to let her inner Lion (Lioness?) out. Randy is the mystery man. Will his quiet demeanor lead the way to big money with his stowaway approach? Keep watching. I think big shakeups and tumultuous waters are ahead.