Wickedly Perfect, Episode 7: Survivor - Domestic Domicile

Last week on Wickedly Perfect: the perfectionists remodeled rooms in a carriage house. Denise became frustrated. Mitch and Kimberly traded staples for batting, but Mitch feared that he was trading in his safety. The Beavers lost, and Denise and Kimberly wound up in the Garden Guillotine. Dawn held the sole vote, so Denise said goodbye. There are six perfectionists left.

It's Day 19 at the Domestic Domicile. Kimberly says that it was awful to be on the chopping block the night before, and she hopes she won't be there again after the next challenge. Everyone gathers with Joan Lunden, who reminds them that the teams are uneven again. The judges looked at the Crafty Beavers' individual projects from last week - the gift boxes - and chose Mitch's tuxedo box as the best. Therefore, he's the newest member of Team Artisan. In an interview, Mitch says that this isn't a prize.

Kimberly doesn't seem thrilled to have Mitch on her team. She says that Mitch is here for himself and is a player. Mitch says that Kimberly and Dawn are "copiers, not creators." Amy, however, is happy not to have to deal with Mitch anymore; she's excited to just have the "three girls."

This week's challenge is an estate sale. The perfectionists will shop at some antique stores and must buy two pieces of furniture (one from the 19th century), one wood item (which they'll decoupage), and one other item. They must register these four items, which will later be delivered to the Domestic Domicile to be refurbished. The team members must also pick a specific theme for their items. Each team gets $1,000, and any money left over from the four required items can be used for extra items to decorate. The teams will be judged on creativity, bargaining techniques, and their success at increasing the value of their items. The individual project is a craft project made from scratch. The teams have 30 hours for these tasks.

It's 10 a.m., and there are 28 hours left. (That was quick.) Mitch quietly tells the Beavers that he's going over to Artisan as a spy; he'll take Kimberly and Dawn out. Darlene says that she has to wonder about a person who's acting differently than he's feeling. Mitch tells Artisan that he'll help them win, all the while snickering to himself, I'm sure. If Mitch is going to be a spy, I'm going to have to give him a code name. (You get like this when you watch Alias.) He'll be Agent Pope, thanks to his quote from the first week: "If he's a finished carpenter, I'm the Pope."

The Beavers head out to buy their antiques. Darlene says that the challenge is perfect for her; Amy says it's perfect for all three of them. Darlene finds a 1930s wool coat, which they buy for $60. They also get a $32 toolbox, which they plan to decoupage with 1950s magazines. They find an 1880s dresser priced at $385. Darlene tries to bargain with the owner. He notes that the three women are smiling and asks them all to smile. They do, and he knocks the price down to $300. Amy gives him a hug and he lowers it to $295. Heather hugs him as well and he gives the final price as $290.

In the car, the Beavers discuss using 1930s photos in the decoupage. They decide not to, since they don't go with the 1950s theme they want. At another sale, the Beavers find a Rattan chaise lounge for $20; it's priced this low because it's a mess. Darlene immediately likes it and thinks that she can make a nice seat cover for it. I've learned in the past few weeks that when Darlene wants to do something, she makes it happen, so I'm guessing this won't be any different. Amy, however, thinks they're taking too big of a risk and that the chaise is a bad choice. Darlene assures her that she's up for it. All together, the Beavers have spent $402.

Artisan picks out a $30 wicker rocking chair, a $145 1950s cabinet, a $50 19th century chair (that has to be a steal), and a $30 wrought-iron table base. Kimberly likes a framed picture of some flowers, but Agent Pope has a different idea. Kimberly refuses to back down and Agent Pope finally gives in. In an interview, he says that he doesn't think Kimberly can win the whole game. Dawn announces that they're getting as many items as possible so that they can have options. Agent Pope winds up picking out a fifth piece, a black end table.

What the teams don't know is that after the items are registered, they'll be appraised by Brian Corcoran and Ron Clarke, who own C&C Auctions. They'll also reassess the items after they're refurbished. Brian and Ron say that the Beavers' chest and toolbox are about right, the chaise is okay, and the coat was too expensive. They say that Artisan's cabinet and chair are all right, but the rocker and table base are okay. Keep in mind that Artisan registered the table base and not the black end table.

It's 7:30 p.m. and the teams are getting to work at the Domestic Domicile. Agent Pope says that they should clean everything first. Dawn interviews that Agent Pope doesn't think much of her and Kimberly. We flash back to last week, when Agent Pope approached her about keeping Denise in the game and voting Kimberly off. After Dawn left, Agent Pope made a face, implying that he really didn't want to talk to her. Dawn allows that Agent Pope is an asset, but she doesn't trust him. Dawn cleans something and Agent Pope makes another face.